Sunday, December 14, 2008
A Visit to the Contemporary Museum of Art
Today we drove to Virginia Beach to see an exhibit featuring the work of Johnston Foster. Outside of the exhibit, there was a special kids program in progress. Kids were using junk, fabrics, and other materials to make art works of their own.
The Johnston Foster art was terrific and the kids did a great job too!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
A Delightful Luncheon
I enjoyed meeting with members of the group and learning about the valuable support they give to education.
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
My Visit to James Blair Middle School
Eighth graders at James Blair Middle School in Williamsburg are writing stories. I visited the school on Tuesday and talked to them about writing. I'll be returning next week to check their drafts and again to see the final products. I stressed that good writing is specific and writers should show rather than tell.
We discussed the necessity for stories to have action. I recommended that they put their characters in a dangerous situation and then get them out of it.
Students were polite and attentive. I look forward to seeing their stories and getting to know them better.
Monday, December 01, 2008
Do you know what this is a picture of?
Give up? This is a picture of shells on the beach. The wind has sculpted little shell mountains. Every year we spend Thanksgiving at the beach at Nags Head, North Carolina and there are always interesting things to see.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
How does a homeshooler spend the day?
One of my readers is homeschooled and I've asked her to describe how she might spend a day. I thought other kids might be interested in what it is like not to go to school.
A home Schoolers Typical Day
By: Emma Klein
©11/22/08
I am a homeschooler, and a typical for me begins with getting up. While I’m eating breakfast I can talk with my mom or dad about what subjects in school I want to do. Maybe it could be Science? Reading, History? Who knows? I just make sure I have enough work to last at least 4 hours because it’s the law. My mom knows what is required for my state.
A day could also begin with a class or activity. I always check with my local ice-skating rink and they usually have home school ice-skating classes. It’s a great way to meet new people and make friends.
My day is pretty fun!
I always enjoy my schoolwork and I never have to worry about fighting or the drama at a public/private school. I like to do crafts with my mom. Sometimes we use art for science. I enjoy making dioramas with leaves, sticks, paint, etc. to learn about layers of the earth. I can use art for practically anything!
Being home schooled is so much fun, even though I sometimes have to do work on Saturday! Another great thing about homeschooling is that I get to travel. This year I went to the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament in NYC. I also got to spend a week in Williamsburg with my mom and grandmother. And in January, I am going to Washington D.C.
When I first started I felt sort of friendless because I didn’t have any of my old school friends. I was really shy and I tried to grow out of it just because it was sort of hard for me to make new friends. I made new friends by going to acting class, dance class, choir, etc. It not only helped me to improve my skills but it helped me not feel so shy because I got so much confidence.
Now my day always has at least one activity with friends so I never feel lonely!
If you want to homeschool go to this link and get involved! http://www.homeschoolinginamerica.com/
Friday, November 14, 2008
A Writer on Writing at Crittenden
Today I visited Crittenden Middle School in Newport News. I hope students learned something from my presentation on writing skills. It was a big group, more than 120 kids. And it is hard to have an interact presentation with so many students. However, I found the students to be welcoming, interested, and responsive. Well done Crittenden students!
Students, when you write, I hope you remember to be specific, use strong topic sentences, and don't forget the 5 W's.
The presentation took place in the Crittenden Library. I couldn't get every one's picture, but I captured a few group photos.
Students, when you write, I hope you remember to be specific, use strong topic sentences, and don't forget the 5 W's.
The presentation took place in the Crittenden Library. I couldn't get every one's picture, but I captured a few group photos.
Thanks, Ms. Carnesi for inviting me to Crittendon. It is a great school to visit. Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Autumn on our Street
We are having a light rain here in Williamsburg this election day. Even in the rain our street is so colorful, I want to share autumn's splendor with those of you who do not have a fall display.
Celebrate fall!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Lunch at the Wildcat Cafe
Librarian Tom Michael invited me to travel to Windsor, Virginia to attend a lunchtime meeting of the Wildcat Cafe, a reading program in Windsor Middle School. A group of sixth graders had read Divided Loyalties and they would be discussing it at a special colonial lunch complete with Brunswick stew, ham biscuits and ginger cookies. Of course, I was delighted to attend. What could be nicer than meeting a group of readers who had read a book that I had written.
Librarian Tom Michael with readers.
Getting ready for lunch
Delicious!
It is great meeting readers! Thanks for inviting me to your school.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
National Novel Writing Month Is Coming!
Kids, do you think you could write a novel in the month of November? If the idea is intriguing, there is a program for you. Check it out.
http://ywp.nanowrimo.org/whatisnanowrimo
http://ywp.nanowrimo.org/whatisnanowrimo
Monday, October 13, 2008
Meeting Readers
This morning I met Yesenia, Jasmine, and Desiree, three California readers! I always enjoy getting to know young readers.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Still Learning
I wanted my readers to know that I am still learning. This picture of Professor Jack Willis I took during a class I am taking on Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. I've taken a number of excellent classes before with Professor Willis who combines his great learning with a wonderful sense of humor.In addition to my class with Professor Willis, I'm studying French conversation two hours each week. When I was in France, I so enjoyed being able to communicate a little with the people I met that I am determined to improve my French language skills.
Friday, August 22, 2008
The Scenic Adirondacks
I wanted to share one of the pictures I took on our recent visit to the Adirondack Mountains in New York Sate.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Just Couldn't Wait to Begin Reading
At a recent book signing, twins bought three of my books and one of the twins began to read one book while I was signing the other two. What a great inspiration for an author! Thanks Jeremy and Joseph for making my day!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
My New Book Dedication
I'm shown here with Agnes King to whom I dedicated my new book, Lili's Gift. Agnes is 91 years young, an avid reader, and true friend to many.
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Check this out!
I've been corresponding with Mary, one of my readers. She has published an article about the Star Barn, an historic site in Pennsylania. To see Mary and read her wonderful history, check out this link.
http://www.thestarbarn.com/FeaturedStories.aspx
http://www.thestarbarn.com/FeaturedStories.aspx
Thursday, July 31, 2008
A Reading Family
It is always great to meet a family that likes to read!
Lottie goes to Africa
One of the wonderful things about being an author is that you never know who is reading what you have written. I'm always thrilled when Lottie travels to far off locations. I've copied an e-mail I received today: 
Hi Phyllis,
You may recall having met me during spring break in Williamsburg where you were selling your book. I mentioned that I was traveling to Ghana and would be donating the book to the slave castles at Cape Coast in Ghana. As promised, here is a picture of the slave castles along with the library director, Mr. Yanons holding a copy of your book. Mr. Yankons runs an after school program for over 150 primary and middle school students from the area. Many of these children are the descendents of enslavers as indicated by their British, Dutch and Portuguese last names, as well as descendants of enslaved Africans from the interior and coastal parts of Ghana.
You may recall having met me during spring break in Williamsburg where you were selling your book. I mentioned that I was traveling to Ghana and would be donating the book to the slave castles at Cape Coast in Ghana. As promised, here is a picture of the slave castles along with the library director, Mr. Yanons holding a copy of your book. Mr. Yankons runs an after school program for over 150 primary and middle school students from the area. Many of these children are the descendents of enslavers as indicated by their British, Dutch and Portuguese last names, as well as descendants of enslaved Africans from the interior and coastal parts of Ghana.
What a thrill to know that kids in Africa have the chance to read something that I've written!
Monday, July 21, 2008
Angela and Nicholas Visit Williamsburg
Signing books is always special because I get to meet readers. Keep reading, Angela and Nicholas. Readers are leaders!
Monday, July 07, 2008
Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums Reunion
The Colonial Williamsburg Fife and Drum Corps is so special that I wrote a book about it. This past weekend the corps celebrated their fiftieth reunion with a gathering of more than 250 alumni, including my son Alex on the far right of the picture of the book above. He is leading the Junior Corps.
Below is a video of the my son's group of alumni marching at the reunion. Alex is in the yellow shirt.
Friday, July 04, 2008
Common Sense
Colorado teacher and writer, Mark Wilensky, has written The Elementary Common Sense of Thomas Paine. His book makes accessible one of the most important documents of the Revolutionary War period. Check out this interactive work at : www.newcommonsensebook.com
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Back from France
We have returned from our wonderful 30-day pilgrimage in France on the Chemin de Saint Jacques. And we are recovering from our more than 30 hour flight from Toulouse to Richmond.
Last year we trekked in Spain from Leon to Santiago de Compostela, the end of the 1200 mile pilgrim route. This year we began at Le Puy-en-Velay, France, one of the medieval starting points for the Chemin.
We enjoyed meeting pilgrims from all over, the delicious cheese and pastries, the bible stories in stone on the medieval cathedrals, tiny, quaint villages, Roman ruins, painted churches, fields of flowers, cute little cars, and much much more. A very special memory is the kindness shown to us on a number of occasions by the French people.
We took over 1000 photos. I have created a slide show with sixty of them for those of you that are interested. The pictures give a sample of the riches we experienced on the Chemin.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/27952030@N07/show/
Last year we trekked in Spain from Leon to Santiago de Compostela, the end of the 1200 mile pilgrim route. This year we began at Le Puy-en-Velay, France, one of the medieval starting points for the Chemin.
We enjoyed meeting pilgrims from all over, the delicious cheese and pastries, the bible stories in stone on the medieval cathedrals, tiny, quaint villages, Roman ruins, painted churches, fields of flowers, cute little cars, and much much more. A very special memory is the kindness shown to us on a number of occasions by the French people.
We took over 1000 photos. I have created a slide show with sixty of them for those of you that are interested. The pictures give a sample of the riches we experienced on the Chemin.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/27952030@N07/show/
Friday, June 06, 2008
Walking the Chemin de Saint Jacques
My husband and I are spending a month in France walking with backpacks along a 1200 year old pilgrim route.
Last year we did the end of the route in Spain, walking to Compostela. This year we have started at Le Puy, France, an historic starting place for pilgrims.
France is very beautiful, but we are having much rain which makes walking difficult.
Today we are visiting the historic city of Cahors.
Last year we did the end of the route in Spain, walking to Compostela. This year we have started at Le Puy, France, an historic starting place for pilgrims.
France is very beautiful, but we are having much rain which makes walking difficult.
Today we are visiting the historic city of Cahors.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
The New Book!!!!
I arrived home yesterday afternoon from my yoga class to find that UPS had delivered Lili's Gift. Needless to say, it is a thrill to hold a book you have written in your hands. The book looks great! The cover artist, Wes Lowe, did an excellent job capturing Lili.
The publication of Lili's Gift has taken almost three years . The average children's book takes two to four years to appear. So kids, don't be discouraged in this age of instant messaging and the Internet if you don't immediately see the results of your writing.
Saturday, May 03, 2008
Reading My Poetry at the Library
Today I was one of five poets reading their poetry at the James City Library. Every year I hopefully enter the Poetry Society of Virginia's Annual Poetry Contest and in the last couple of years I've gleaned a Second Honorable Mention, a Third Honorable Mention, and once a citation. (Whatever that means!) This year I won a third prize. There were over 1800 submissions in 30 categories.I was delighted to be able to read the winning poem today.
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Melridge Elementary and Kidpub
I received two e-mails today from Ms. Starr's Fabulous 5th Graders at Meldrige Elementary in Concord Township, Ohio. They are reading Divided Loyalties, and they sent me a few questions about the book. They have learned about "necessaries" and I have learned about a great site that publishes kids' writing. This link will take you to stories written by Ms. Starr's kids.
http://www.kidpub.com/node/57726
http://www.kidpub.com/node/57726
Friday, April 25, 2008
A Reader Visits Williamsburg
A choral competition brought a reader, Bailey, to Williamsburg. Her mom let me know they would be in town and so I attended a wonderful concert by Woodlawn Middle School from Mebane, NC. The choral group sang a moving Agnus Dei. I hope they win the competition!
Celebrating National Poetry Month with ARC
The ARC (Association of Intellectually Disabled Children) of Williamsburg is sponsoring a monthly program for adults in Arts and Literature. They asked me to join the group to discuss poetry during National Poetry Month.
What a lively, responsive group!
I hope the participants had as much fun as I did!
We discussed poems that explored the senses.
In this picture participants are studying pussy willows that I brought in. We talked about the sense of touch and we found words to describe how pussy willows feel. I followed up with a short poem where a poet emphasized the fuzzy, wuzzy feel of the pussy willow.
I think I have managed to get everyone present in one of the pictures, everyone that is, except Nick, who kindly took the pictures. Thanks Nick! 
And thanks ARC for visiting me to your program.
What a lively, responsive group!I hope the participants had as much fun as I did!
We discussed poems that explored the senses.
In this picture participants are studying pussy willows that I brought in. We talked about the sense of touch and we found words to describe how pussy willows feel. I followed up with a short poem where a poet emphasized the fuzzy, wuzzy feel of the pussy willow.I think I have managed to get everyone present in one of the pictures, everyone that is, except Nick, who kindly took the pictures. Thanks Nick! And thanks ARC for visiting me to your program.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
A Record Breaking EIGHT Times!
Today I was coming out of Farm Fresh, a local supermarket, pushing my grocery cart when I was thrilled to meet Anna. She is a first grader who had read Lottie's Courage EIGHT times. It is her favorite book. Anna's mom recognized me from years ago when I taught with her in the history department at the College of William and Mary.
Thank you Anna for making my day!
Until I met Anna, Aaron held the record. He read Lottie's Courage FIVE times.
I have been working very hard during the last months on my writing. It is time-consuming, lonely work. Sometimes I wonder if I am wasting my time. Today, thanks to Anna, I was reminded again how great it is to write something that kids enjoy.
Thank you Anna for making my day!
Until I met Anna, Aaron held the record. He read Lottie's Courage FIVE times.
I have been working very hard during the last months on my writing. It is time-consuming, lonely work. Sometimes I wonder if I am wasting my time. Today, thanks to Anna, I was reminded again how great it is to write something that kids enjoy.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
A Musical Based on Lottie's Courage
One of my readers in Western Virginia who is very involved in theater asked for permission to write a musical based on my first book, Lottie's Courage. Of course, I agreed. What a great idea!
The first scene is completed! I am looking forward to seeing it.
The first scene is completed! I am looking forward to seeing it.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Another Great Drawing from Michelle!
One of my readers who is a fifth-grade student in Northern Virginia writes to me and she always includes wonderful drawings like this one. It was so neat I wanted to share it with my other readers.Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Coming soon!
My newest book will be out soon. Hopefully in April!
Monday, March 24, 2008
First Prize!
I submitted the first two chapters of a new book I am working on to the Christopher Newport University annual writing contest. And to my surprise and delight won first prize! Writing is hard work, and it was great to learn the newest book is headed in the right direction.
My Tech Support
My son, Alex, was home for Easter and he was able to "fix" my website. I haven't been able to load pictures for more than a month.How great to have in-house tech support!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Congratulation Pam!
My niece Pam is halfway through with radiation for breast cancer today. Congratulations and best wishes.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Valentine's Day Visit
Valentine's Day I visited Langley Elementary School. What a nice way to spend a special day! Two of Mrs. Stohler's classes had just finished reading Lottie's Courage, and she invited me to talk about writing the book.
It was great meeting so many readers!
Thanks for inviting me to Langley!
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Visiting Spratley Middle School
Yesterday I visited Spratley Middle School in Hampton, Virginia. Students were respectful and attentive.
Spratley students have a dress code and they looked terrific wearing school colors.
I enjoyed my visit. I hope the students learned a little about how writers work. I also hope they became interested in contraband slaves in Hampton, the Emancipation Oak, and other treasures of our local history.
Thanks for being such a great audience!
Monday, January 28, 2008
Atmospheric Rain Cape
I posted this for your amusement. This funny-looking person is me in my atmospheric rain cape. We are planning another pilgrimage this year, and the cape goes over your backpack. Let it rain!
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Let it Snow!
Snow is so unusual in Williamsburg, that whenever we see a little, it is an event. Yesterday we got three inches!!!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Poetry Contest Reminder
The Poetry Society of Virginia again is offering kids cash prizes for winning poems. The deadline for the annual contest is January 19, 2008 (Edgar Allen Poe's birthday).
It costs nothing to enter a poem. Check out the categories and guidelines at:
http://www.poetrysocietyofvirginia.org/sys-tmpl/2008studentcontest/
It costs nothing to enter a poem. Check out the categories and guidelines at:
http://www.poetrysocietyofvirginia.org/sys-tmpl/2008studentcontest/
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Welcome 2008!
After completing the National November Novel Writing Challenge, the Christmas avalanche swept me away, and I am just now coming out from under it. We had a wonderful Christmas this year, but it entailed dropping everything else to make it happen. Our son brought his fiancee to visit and we babysat for Stefan, her cat, shown here investigating our son's new tiger slippers.
I have written to readers who remembered me at this holiday season. I am thankful to have you all in my life.
It looks like the cover of my newest book, Lili's Gift, is finally on schedule. Huzzah!
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Aaron Made My Day!
Aaron from Ohio, shown here with me at the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor's Center, made my day today. Several years ago when he was in sixth grade, he and his family visited Colonial Williamsburg, They purchased Lottie's Courage, my first book in the bookstore, but they didn't meet me.
Today I met Aaron and his family. Aaron's mom told me that Lottie's Courage was Aaron's favorite book and he had read it five times. Wow! How gratifying for an author to know that someone liked her book enough to read it more than once.
Thank you, Aaron! Readers like you make the arduous work of writing, rewriting, and revising all worthwhile.
A Delightful Group of Readers
Today while signing books at the Visitor's Center at Colonial Williamsburg, I met a delightful group of readers. Right to left, they are Janna (Germany), Brittany, Karen, Carol, Beatriz (Spain) and Hannah (Germany). It was great to meet foreign exchange students and their sponsors.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Novel Writing Challenge Completed!
I have managed to write 50,047 words in the last month. The challenge was to write 50,000 in the month of November. And I have finished two days before the deadline on Friday. I found the challenge exhausting, particularly toward the end when I seemed to run out of story.
Getting a first draft on paper is the merest beginning to producing a novel. I am always amazed when people assume that the first draft is the novel. Much, much more work will be needed before the draft becomes the novel. But the first draft is a start.
I am glad that I took part in the challenge. We can all do more than we think we can.
Getting a first draft on paper is the merest beginning to producing a novel. I am always amazed when people assume that the first draft is the novel. Much, much more work will be needed before the draft becomes the novel. But the first draft is a start.
I am glad that I took part in the challenge. We can all do more than we think we can.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
"To Read or Not to Read"
A recent study by the National Endowment for the Arts has concluded that most Americans are reading less.
The study mentions that "literary" readers are more likely to exercise, visit museums, keep up with current events, vote in presidential elections, and perform volunteer work.
Hurrah for readers! Readers are leaders!
The study mentions that "literary" readers are more likely to exercise, visit museums, keep up with current events, vote in presidential elections, and perform volunteer work.
Hurrah for readers! Readers are leaders!
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Our Back Yard
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Readers Visit Colonial Williamsburg
I recently met a whole family of readers visiting Colonial Williamsburg from New Jersey. Keep reading, kids! Readers are leaders.
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Sharing Creative Energy
Seven Williamsburg writers participating in the National Novel Writing Challenge met Saturday afternoon at Barnes and Nobles to cheer each other on and write.
Good Luck Everyone!
Saturday, November 03, 2007
A Challenge for Crittenden Students
My author's visit to Crittenden Middle School in Newport News on November 1 coincided with the beginning of National Novel Writing Month. I challenged the kids there to write 20,000 words in the month of November and promised a signed book for all those who completed the challenge.
We talked a little about writing and I was impressed with the imagination and enthusiasm of the Crittendon Students. I look forward to signing many books for Crittendon students and reporting their success on my website.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Another Great Contest for Kids
The Legacy Project's annual Listen to a Life Essay Contest is a team effort – a young person 8-18 years interviews a grandparent or grandfriend 50 years or older about their life and writes a 300-word essay. This is one of our most popular contests! Prizes include a Lenovo ThinkCentre computer and $25,000 of Orchard Software.
http://www.legacyproject.org/contests/index.html
http://www.legacyproject.org/contests/index.html
Thursday, October 25, 2007
An Exciting Opportunity for Kids
Have you ever written to a favorite author? Here is a chance to turn a letter into a cash award.
The Virginia Foundation Center for the Book has announced the 2007-08 "Letters About Literature" reading and writing competition. Students in grades 4 through 12 are invited to write a personal letter to the author of a favorite book. The Center will select the top letter writers in the state at each of the three competition levels: Level I for children in grades 4,5, and 6; Level II for grades 7 and 8, and Level III, grades 9, 10, 11, and12. The three state winners will receive $100 cash, a $50 Target giftcard, and will be invited to appear at the Opening Ceremony of the March 26, 2008 Virginia Festival of the Book in Charlottesville.
Six national winners will each receive a $500 Target giftcard for themselves and $10,000 grant for their school or community library for reading promotion for children and young adults. Additionally, 12 honorable mention winners will receive a $100 Target giftcard and will win for their community or school library a $1,000 grant. Guidelines and the required entry form are available at www.virginiafoundation.org/bookcenter. The entry deadline is December 14, 2007.
The Virginia Foundation Center for the Book has announced the 2007-08 "Letters About Literature" reading and writing competition. Students in grades 4 through 12 are invited to write a personal letter to the author of a favorite book. The Center will select the top letter writers in the state at each of the three competition levels: Level I for children in grades 4,5, and 6; Level II for grades 7 and 8, and Level III, grades 9, 10, 11, and12. The three state winners will receive $100 cash, a $50 Target giftcard, and will be invited to appear at the Opening Ceremony of the March 26, 2008 Virginia Festival of the Book in Charlottesville.
Six national winners will each receive a $500 Target giftcard for themselves and $10,000 grant for their school or community library for reading promotion for children and young adults. Additionally, 12 honorable mention winners will receive a $100 Target giftcard and will win for their community or school library a $1,000 grant. Guidelines and the required entry form are available at www.virginiafoundation.org/bookcenter. The entry deadline is December 14, 2007.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Hiking in West Virginia
On a recent hiking trip to West Virginia, we stopped at Seneca Rocks (above) to admire the unusual rock outcropping. In addition to hiking a desolate Civil War era turnpike, we saw part of a reenactment of the Civil War Battle of Bulltown. Two Confederate officers (below) confer on the battle's progress. 
We had a great weekend!
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Meeting Another Author
One of the fun things about signing books is meeting other authors. On Sunday, I met Mary Quattlebaum, the author of 15 children's books, and her delightful family. She is shown here with her husband and daughter Christy, dressed as the devil.
Mary was signing a new book, Sparks Fly High, a retelling of a traditional American folktale where Colonel Lightfoot enters a dance contest with the devil.
Check out the new book and Mary Quattlebaum at:
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Calling All Writers
Can you write a novel in the month of November?
The National November Novel Writing challenge will be getting underway November 1. Kids are invited to participate in the challenge in the Young Writers' Program.
http://ywp.nanowrimo.org/modules/cjaycontent/index.php?id=2
There is a special discussion forum for young novelists.
http://2005.nanowrimo.org/modules/newbb/viewforum.php?forum=204
Feel like taking on the challenge, check it out.
The National November Novel Writing challenge will be getting underway November 1. Kids are invited to participate in the challenge in the Young Writers' Program.
http://ywp.nanowrimo.org/modules/cjaycontent/index.php?id=2
There is a special discussion forum for young novelists.
http://2005.nanowrimo.org/modules/newbb/viewforum.php?forum=204
Feel like taking on the challenge, check it out.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Deer Chases Middle School Boy
The world is an amazing place. Recently, in Bend, Oregon, a boy befriended a deer only to have the deer follow him during a cross country race. Apparently, the deer was using the boy as a salt lick.
Check out the story and a slide show at his site:
http://www.ktvb.com/sharedcontent/breakingnews/slideshow/102006_kgwdeerrunner/1.html
Check out the story and a slide show at his site:
http://www.ktvb.com/sharedcontent/breakingnews/slideshow/102006_kgwdeerrunner/1.html
Saturday, September 08, 2007
A Reader Named Christian
I met Christian (shown here with his grandmother, Mamie) at the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center where I was signing books. Christian was so excited to meet an author that he wanted to buy all of my books. I recommended Lottie's Courage, since Christian didn't know about contraband slaves. Keep reading Christian. Readers are leaders!
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Rome Reborn
Ever wonder what ancient Rome looked like in the year 320? Now you can see a digital model on line that has taken an international team of scholars ten years to build. The technology even allows you to go inside of the Colosseum. http://www.romereborn.virginia.edu/
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Beautiful San Francisco
San Francisco is a beautiful city.
This is the modern art museum.
Taking notes at the Legion of Honor, the fine arts museum.
San Francisco captured me. I never guessed I would be so taken with the city. It seemed that everywhere I looked there was interesting architecture and dramatic vistas. However, I was upset to see homeless people on every block. How could there be so many beggars in the city named for Saint Francis, who loved the poor? The highlight of the trip, however, was not the city in all its splendour, but seeing my son and the people I met. Thank you all for your hospitality.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Travels North
I've just returned from a visit to Star Lake, NY and my high school reunion. Above is a picture of the lake with its characteristic party raft, anchored on the shore.
We stayed in Wanakena where we saw this tame deer. I hope he disappears by hunting season.From Star Lake we went on to Quebec City where we toured the Hotel Frontenac.
The hotel, begun at the end of the 19th century, is an impressive relic of the days of the great hotels.
Quebec City is the only walled city in North America.
I couldn't resist snuggling up to one of the big guns that once defended the city. Quebec City was filled with tourists, artists, and street musicians.
This fellow was playing French Canadian tunes. From Quebec City we travelled to Ste. Anne de Beaupre and visited the famous site for pilgrimages in North America.
This was the nave of the lovely church there. From Ste. Anne's we headed South with a visit to The Clark Art Institute in Massachusetts.
It was a great trip! Thursdays I'm off to California to see my son,
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Visiting Jamestown Archaearium
In preparation for the 400th anniversary of the settlement of Jamestown in 1607, long-term archaeological digs have been underway for the last decade or more. A new museum containing the results of the excavations opened in May.
http://www.historicjamestowne.org/news/archaearium_opening.php.
I finally battled the crowds to see the new museum on Sunday. It is well worth a visit to Jamestown.
http://www.historicjamestowne.org/index.php
http://www.historicjamestowne.org/news/archaearium_opening.php.
I finally battled the crowds to see the new museum on Sunday. It is well worth a visit to Jamestown.
http://www.historicjamestowne.org/index.php