Saturday, May 19, 2007
Drummer's Call Weekend
This weekend Colonial Williamsburg hosted a special gathering for fife and drums groups. Fifty fifers and drummers came all the way from California.
I snapped a couple of quick photos as the groups got ready to perform outside of the Visitor's Center. The young musicians played the stirring music of the American Revolution to appreciative visitors to Colonial Williamsburg. Inside I signed copies of my two books relating to fifing and drumming and enjoyed the wonderful music.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Sharing Mother's Day
I wanted to share with readers my special Mother's Day. You open the above card and up pops a mother bluebird and her hungry babies. I adore bluebirds and only once have we had a family in a birdhouse. Now I've got my own to enjoy.
The symbol of the pilgimage to Santiago de Compostela in Spain is a scallop shell. For centuries pilgrims walking the Camino have worn a shell as a symbol of their pilgrim status. My son sent me lovely scallop shell earrings and pendant along with the bluebird card. As I set out on my journey, I'll do so with bluebirds and silver scallop shells. What a thoughtful son and what a wonderful Mother's Day!
A Family of Readers
Last Thursday at the Beacon of Freedom Award Ceremony, Lottie's Courage was displayed along with the other award winners from past years. This family wanted a copy of my book. I was happy to sign it for them. It is always great to meet a family of readers.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Gail Karwoski Wins BOFA
Gail Karwoski's book Miracle: The True Story of the Wreck of the Sea Venture won this year's Beacon of Freedom Award. She visited Colonial Williamsburg where she received the award. Local children read six historical books (selected for excellence by the BOFA committee) and chose their favorite.
Rawls Byrd Elementary School student, Barrett Terrell presented the award. He is shown here with the author and Rawls Byrd Media Specialist Viky Pedigo.
The author received a warm welcome from local readers. These kids from Walsingham Academy even made a sign.
Gail Karwoski signed books and talked to readers.
Congralutations Gail!
To learn more about the winning book: http://www.darbycreekpublishing.com/cat_pages/miracle.htm
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
The Dangerous Book for Boys
A recent book published in Britain, The Dangerous Book for Boys by Con and Hal Igguiden became available in the United States on May 1. This book gives instructions for building such things as water bombs, simple batteries, go-carts, tree forts, rafts, and pinhole projectors. The authors attempt to revive lost childhood delights such as writing with invisible ink and skipping stones.
This how-to book is designed for boys. Yet I recall fondly the go-cart I once drove in a go-cart derby, the raft we built one summer on the Oswegatchie River, and the many tree fort hideaways in the woods. I played marbles, skipped stones, and attempted to write in invisible ink. I think this would be a great book for any kid.
This how-to book is designed for boys. Yet I recall fondly the go-cart I once drove in a go-cart derby, the raft we built one summer on the Oswegatchie River, and the many tree fort hideaways in the woods. I played marbles, skipped stones, and attempted to write in invisible ink. I think this would be a great book for any kid.
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Training in the Rain
Today we went to York State Park to hike. It wasn't supposed to rain until late afternoon. But the forecast was wrong.
Note the rain on the water and on the bridge.
The rain slacked off for this picture.
Fossils at Fossil Beach.
A tree with curious bumps. 
The woods were blooming, even in the rain!
Friday, May 04, 2007
Not Seeing the Queen
I stood about five deep in a 10 to 12 deep mass of people for an hour and a half and didn't even get a glimpse of Her Highness. I saw her limousine, but when she got out, everyone stood on tiptoes and I couldn't see a thing.
I wasn't the only disappointed person. This school group from Western Virginia missed seeing Queen Elizabeth too.
Later this afternoon, the Queen will be at the College of William and Mary. Shown here are the royal guards at the College president's house.
My outing was not a waste of time. I enjoyed seeing these beautiful azaleas.
