Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Lili's Gift
Hello, My name is Anna Lee and I am now in 7th grade. I just read one of your books: Lily's gift. It was excellent!This book was one of the best books I have ever read. You really combined fiction and history together and created an adventurous story. I am so glad I read your book. Thank you so much, Anna Lee
What a nice note!
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Fun at Rawls Byrd Elementary
Each student got a signed copy of Lili's Gift, my latest book.
It's always fun to go to Rawls Byrd!!!!
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Ah California!
Photographs inside the Mission thank the firefighters for their efforts during the recent fire.
Huntington Library is a terrific place to visit. I particularly was interested in seeing a famous manuscript of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. When I first went to the British Museum in London, I wanted to see Magna Carta. Can you guess I have spent many years in love with Medieval and renaissance history?
The Aquarium in Long Beach was filled with amazing things to see.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
A Big Wow!
The old West is very much in evidence in Williams, Arizona where we stayed on our way to the Grand Canyon.
Monday, May 25, 2009
I've Got a Gold Star!
AWESOME!!!
I love your book. It kept me pulled in almost 24/7. This email took a while because I lost the book while I was in the middle of reading it. But I love the book.
The book was so life-like. When Eddie put the leech on Luca after they tied him up, I was holding my breath in suspense. As well once Madre was showing Luca around the hospital, I almost felt as if Madre was showing me around with Luca.
Thanks for giving a really good book to read. Hope you can respond soon. Keep making books!!!
-- --James
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Worth a Thousand Words
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Spring Things
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Spectacular Reptiles
Saturday, May 09, 2009
Hunter/Ben
Thank you Hunter/Ben for keeping in touch. It was great to see you!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Gifts from the Heart
Needless to say I was thrilled! Tristen copied photos from my website to make me the photo album. How thoughtful of her. I'll treasure it always.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Amiyah visits Williamsburg
Friday, April 10, 2009
A Drummer Visits Williamsburg
Monday, April 06, 2009
A Visit to the National Cathedral
I've never seen the city look so beautiful. Flowers were everywhere.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Flat Stanley Visits Colonial Williamsburg
If you look very closely, you will see Flat Stanley just above the "a" in Williamsburg. Kids, if you are unfamiliar with Flat Stanley and the Flat Stanley project, check it out:
:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flat_Stanley
I loved seeing this. What a poignant reminder of how important children's books are to young readers. A reader's grandparents took Flat Stanley on a tour of Williamsburg.
Writers and Readers
Danny from Orlando got a book for himself and also for his teacher Will Ogle.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Tristen
Friday, March 13, 2009
I'm a Movie Star!!!
I made you the coolest movie using Marty's Movie Maker at http://www.beaconstreetgirls.com. You're really going to love it!
Your friend, Tristen Nguyen
Just copy and paste or type the following web address into your website browser line:http://www.beaconstreetgirls.com/games/martys-games/moviemaker-saved?id=d3a1ac97f6cde9f8e3404e514dd9d5dc
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Author's Tea at Langley Elementary
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
The Gift that Keeps Giving
Friday, March 06, 2009
Oh Deer!
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Black History Month
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Return to James Blair
Sunday, December 14, 2008
A Visit to the Contemporary Museum of Art
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
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.
Monday, December 01, 2008
Do you know what this is a picture of?
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
How does a homeshooler spend the day?
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
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.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Autumn on our Street
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Lunch at the Wildcat Cafe
Delicious!
Saturday, October 18, 2008
National Novel Writing Month Is Coming!
http://ywp.nanowrimo.org/whatisnanowrimo
Monday, October 13, 2008
Meeting Readers
Friday, September 19, 2008
Still Learning
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
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Just Couldn't Wait to Begin Reading
Thursday, August 14, 2008
My New Book Dedication

Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Check this out!
http://www.thestarbarn.com/FeaturedStories.aspx
Thursday, July 31, 2008
A Reading Family
Lottie goes to Africa

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.

Monday, July 21, 2008
Angela and Nicholas Visit Williamsburg
Monday, July 07, 2008
Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums Reunion

Friday, July 04, 2008
Common Sense
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Back from France
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
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
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Melridge Elementary and Kidpub
http://www.kidpub.com/node/57726
Friday, April 25, 2008
A Reader Visits Williamsburg

Celebrating National Poetry Month with ARC
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!
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
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!
Monday, March 24, 2008
First Prize!

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!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Valentine's Day Visit
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Visiting Spratley Middle School
Spratley students have a dress code and they looked terrific wearing school colors.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Atmospheric Rain Cape

Sunday, January 20, 2008
Let it Snow!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Poetry Contest Reminder
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!

Saturday, December 01, 2007
Aaron Made My Day!
A Delightful Group of Readers
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Novel Writing Challenge Completed!
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"
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
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Sharing Creative Energy
Saturday, November 03, 2007
A Challenge for Crittenden Students
Friday, October 26, 2007
Another Great Contest for Kids
http://www.legacyproject.org/contests/index.html
Thursday, October 25, 2007
An Exciting Opportunity for Kids
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
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Meeting Another Author
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Calling All Writers
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
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
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Rome Reborn
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Beautiful San Francisco



Taking notes at the Legion of Honor, the fine arts museum.


Sunday, August 19, 2007
Travels North
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 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
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
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Creative Kids
http://www.prufrock.com/client/client_pages/prufrock_jm_createkids.cfm
However, most children's sections in your local library will have copies of the magazine. Take a look at an issue and see if this might be a place to publish your writing.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
A Game from Sam
http://members.iinet.net.au/~pontipak/redsquare.html
Monday, July 02, 2007
Virginia's Standards of Learning Tests

Sunday, June 24, 2007
Our Medieval Pilgrimage
One of the nicer pilgrim hostels we stayed in.
The main street in one of the villages where we spent the night.
A Spanish woman gives us each a rose from her garden.
Pilgrims wear scallop shells, and shells or yellow arrows mark the pilgrim route.
Even some dogs carry backpacks on the pilgrimage.
Needless to say, our pilgrimage was wonderful. If you would like to see more pictures:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8326092@N03/
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Greetings from the Camino
Spain is lovely at this time of year with fields full of flowers and everything lush and green. We have seen lots of different birds and big, ugly black slugs. I think I even spotted a wolf in a deserted area.
I was surprised to see that kids here stay up late at night and don´t go to school until almost nine. Also, they seem to have more freedom than kids in the States do, running about without adult supervision. But it may be because this area is rural and safe.
The Internet I am using is coin operated. So this is all for now.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Drummer's Call Weekend


Sunday, May 13, 2007
Sharing Mother's Day

A Family of Readers

Friday, May 11, 2007
Gail Karwoski Wins BOFA

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.
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
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
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.Monday, April 30, 2007
Trekking around Charlottesville


We can't imagine that the Camino will be more challenging than the Rivanna Trail. It is up and down rocky trails, full of tree roots.
We hiked today for five hours, my husband and I each carried packs weighing 19 lbs. Sometimes it was tough going.
We passed the remains of a poorhouse built in 1806. It made me glad I didn't live in the early years of the nineteenth century.
Charlottesville is the home the University of Virginia. Above is the rotunda of the University, designed by Thomas Jefferson who founded the university.
We hiked alongside many babbling brooks.
We saw many wild flowers like the flocks above. The woods were full of the scent of mountain laurel and we were awed by the variety and delicacy of the flowers.

My husband, the trail blazer!
Friday, April 27, 2007
Rediscovering Williamsburg
Yesterday as part of our training for our pilgrimage in Spain, we walked to the historic area along the route we had so often driven. My husband spotted prehistoric scallop shells in a deep ravine. Traveling the route by car, we had never seen them.

The sea once covered Williamsburg, and the shells are about five million years old, give or take a few million years. We were especially delighted to collect a few shells since the scallop shell is the symbol of pilgrims who travel the Camino to Santiago de Compostela. Pilgrims today, as they have for 12 centuries, wear a scallop shell.

Every year we enjoy seeing the azaleas that festoon the homes in Williamsburg. This year we didn't zip by them as we usually do. Rather we were able to experience their lushness as we walked.
Monday, April 23, 2007
For Laurel
phyllis.haislip@gmail.com I have tried to answer your query, but it has returned to me.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
In Training for the Camino
Our son, Alex, visiting from California, joined his mom and dad on today's hike. Shown here is a natural arch that resulted from a tree damaged during an ice storm.
Alex photographed this butterfly so we could identify it. I have searched through our Audubon guide to butterflies and I haven't found it. Does anyone know what it is?

I snapped a picture of a wild iris. Can you find it in the picture above? It is near the center of the picture.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Turning Memories into Memoirs
My friend Ruth and I mugged for the camera. Note the scallop shell I am wearing. It is the symbol of a pilgrim on the Camino to Santiago de Compostela. I am also wearing scallop shell earring. After telling the group about my upcoming pilgrimage, an acquaintance, Diane, gave me her earrings. Now I have a matching set. What a lovely gesture. Thank you Diane!Saturday, April 07, 2007
The Value of Education


Snow on Easter Saturday in Williamsburg?
Friday, April 06, 2007
My Riches Amaze Me!

From time to time my riches truly amaze me. As you can see I am ready for Easter. I have just received this lovely bouquet of flowers from my cousin, Charlene.
I have never been a "collector." But I've never been able to resist colorful, decorated Easter eggs. For me, they symbolize the joy and hope of the Easter season.
My friend, Anja, sent me two special eggs a while ago. When I posted them on my site, it gave Ruth the idea to give me eggs too.Wednesday, April 04, 2007
My Easter Outfit
Here I am in my Easter outfit at Waller Mill Park in Williamsburg. This year instead of an Easter bonnet, I have a sun hat, instead of a new purse, I have a backpack, and instead of patent leather shoes, I have hiking shoes. My Easter finery includes special moisture wicking clothes. All this is in preparation for our upcoming trek in Spain.
Shown here is my super backpack. During our pilgrimage to Santiago, I'll be carrying about 15 pounds. Yesterday, I walked 4 miles carrying 14 pounds. We are hoping to walk about 12 miles a day. So I have a way to go yet in my training.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Congratulations Battle Winners!
Congratulations also to Poquoson Middle School, their Battle of the Books team won the regional championship for grades six through eight.
Congratulations to all the participants in the Battle of the Books program. You read 20 great books, learned a lot, and had fun. I'm proud of you all. Readers are leaders!
Monday, April 02, 2007
Colonial Period Comes Alive in Missouri
With a horse pawing the ground outside the front door, a rooster crowing nearby and "citizens" in long dresses or tri-cornered hats milling around, Pond Elementary School was transported March 14 from the 21st to the 18th century. Students in teacher Lois Mariam's fifth-grade class - with help from parents and staff at the school - presented a simulation of the era of the American Revolution during a "Colonial Period Comes Alive" event. For more of this story, click on or type the URL below:
http://westcountyjournal.stltoday.com/articles/2007/03/20/news/education/sj2tn20070320-0321prj_pioneer1.ii1.txt
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Sharing Springtime
Since I know that some of my readers do not live in Virginia and they live in places where spring comes more slowly, I wanted to share a little of our spring.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Eleven Miles Yesterday
Training at this time of year is special. The trees are in bud, daffodils are blooming, and every day spring seems to leap a little forward.
I have ordered a backpack and hiking boots called Waffle Stompers. What a wonderful name! Our plane tickets are on their way to our house. So our plans are moving forward with each step we take.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Jamestown 1607
This year is the 4ooth anniversary of the settlement at Jamestown. Kids, if you know about this, you can wow everyone.
The English established a colony in Jamestown and it survived to be the cornerstone of our American nation. If you have heard of Captain John Smith and Pocahontas, they are part of our founding story. There is a direct link between Jamestown and today.
Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain and President Bush will attend the celebration. Since we live just off Jamestown Road, it may be less fun for us as we try to navigate the crowded highways.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Follow the Yellow Arrow!

Thursday, March 08, 2007
A Great Resource: Old Postcards
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
How do kids get published?
Another good resource is your local library. Ask the children's librarian where you can get your writing published. Look over publications by kids to see which ones best fit your writing.
Don't overlook web sources. A good place to begin is: http://www.scils.rutgers.edu/~kvander/childpublishing.html
This site lists markets for kids' writing. Also check out: http://www.stonesoup.com/
Good luck, writers!
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
What was in the beautiful boxes?
Monday, February 26, 2007
An Ageless Activity
My friend, Eleanor West Hertz, recently signed copies of her new book at Barnes and Noble in Williamsburg. Virginia Indian Women in the Twentieth Century: Three Generations of a Chickahominey Family is Eleanor's second book. At age 89, Eleanor illustrates how writing is something you can do for your whole life. Writing is not one of those activities like mountain climbing that you need to give up at a certain age.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Unexpected Gifts

Thursday, February 15, 2007
A Great Day at Langley Elementary!


It is always fun to visit Langley Elementary and meet students who have read Lottie's Courage. Yesterday, I got wonderful questions about the book. I was able to take home their student projects, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading them.
It's always a pleasure to sign books.Monday, February 12, 2007
Happy Valentine's Day!

Monday, February 05, 2007
The Sadness of Losing a Pet

Friday, February 02, 2007
Playing with Balls

Friday, January 26, 2007
Snow flurries in Williamburg

Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Can you find the hummingbird?
My son sent me this marvelous photograph from California. Can you find the hummingbird? Note how he blends with the greenery in the background. We have hummingbirds in Virginia, but only in the spring and summer.Each spring, hummingbirds arrive in Williamsburg after flying all the way from Costa Rica. We start watching for them in the middle of April, and see them by the 18th, if not before.
We put our feeder out in April and enjoy the hummingbirds until early in September. Obviously, if we lived in California, we could enjoy them all year long.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
A Challenge for Harry Potter Fans
For those who are not studying Latin, perhaps you can figure out the titles of the books:
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Poetry Society Student Contest
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Montmorency: Thief, Liar, Gentleman
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Kids' Questions about Divided Loyalties
I am Brendan. I really enjoyed Divided Loyalties. I did not get the title until I read the book. That is a great title for a great book. Why didn't Teddy and Josh make up at the end? I think it would have made the story better.
I am Michael I realy liked Divided Loyalites. I really liked when Teddy tried to lock Grum in the necessary ,but he locked his dad in there. I want to know how you chose Grum to be a traitor and a mean teacher?
This is Hope, I loved your book Divided loyalties so much that I wanted to read it and read it because it was so exciting. Are the people in the book based on real people in life?
This is Garrett, The book was great it taught me a lot. Did someone in the story represent you?
This is Kaylee, This book was the best Revolutionary War book I have read because there was not always good events happening so it was more exciting and interesting. Why did you have the mother die close to the end of the story?
This is Madison, I loved your book, it was so realistic! But I have a question why did you make it so that Teddy's mom and his first two brothers died? It was so sad it made me cry!
This is Brandon,I really liked the book because I learned a lot and I liked when Teddy locked his father in the necessary. Did you write this book from personial experience?
This is Kayla, I think you are the best author, because I have never read a book by someone who made me feel I was in the story. I think the book would be better if it ended Josh and Teddy being friends.
This is Andrew, I loved the book Divided Loyalties and how you based it off the Revolutionary War. Why did you make the ending so that Teddy and Josh were not seeing each other?
This is Paul, I really liked yhe lesson: be responsible for your actions. I was also wondering if Teddy Josh ever met up again?
This is Pete, I thought the book was very interesting the way it was written. Why did you choose the name of Teddy Parker?
This is James, I thought the book was very exciting and how did you come up with all of the characters and using Williamsburg?
This is Taylor , You described Teddy very well at the battlescenes. What would have happened if Teddy would have let Josh into see him when he was sick?
This is Tyler, Your book was so great and took lots of time to read it. What gave you the idea of writing this book?
This is Robert, It sounds like a good book although I did not read it. Are you going to write more books?
This is Kristen, It is the best revolutionary war resource and honestly the best book I ever read.
This is Hannah H. The book was very descriptive and interesting. How did you come up with the ideas in this book?
This is Andria. This book is one of my new favorite books. How did you come up with Teddy trapping his father in the necessary room?
This is Hannah J. I liked how the book was sad and happy and how did you come up with the names of characters?
This is Kayla, I think you are the best author, because I have never read a book by someone who made me feel I was in the story. I think the book would be better if it ended Josh and Teddy being friends.
This is Hannah H. The book was very descriptive and interesting. How did you come up with the ideas in this book?
This is Andria. This book is one of my new favorite books. How did you come up with Teddy trapping his father in the necessary room?
This is Hannah J. I liked how the book was sad and happy and how did you come up with the names of characters?
I am Caitie, I really enjoyed reading Divided Loyalties the book. I have a couple of questions for you. Are you going to make another book and if you do , mention if Teddy became a cabinet maker?
This is Hope: I read the book once and wanted to reread it again because it was so exciting.
This is Morgan. I loved this book and think it is the best ever. Thank you for writing it.
More questions from the entire class of Mrs. Mariam fifth graders:
Dear Brendon,
Great to hear from you! I'm glad you "got" the title. We don't often think of the Revolutionary War as a civil war, but it must have been difficult for people who lived in that time to cast off their loyalty to Britain and form new loyalties.
I tried to show that Josh and Teddy went back to being friends at the end. I suggest in the Epilogue that they had gone back to their old relationship. Perhaps I should have made it stronger.
Do you have a best friend? Everyone wants a good friend, but it isn't always easy to find one and then keep one.
Hi Michael,
I'm glad you enjoyed the "necessary" incident. I enjoyed it too. Practical jokes like Teddy's seldom work the way they are intended. I hope Teddy learned to stay away from that kind of thing.
Why did I make Grum a traitor and a mean teacher? I made him a mean teacher because unlike today when most teachers are nice, in days gone by, teachers had no formal training and were often ill suited to the job.
I made Grum a traitor because I wanted to give validity to Teddy's bad feelings about the man. From the very first, Teddy can't stand Grum. Sometimes that happens to both children and adults and I think we should always trust our feelings. When a person or place doesn't feel right to us, we should avoid them. The problem Teddy faced was that he saw Grum every day.
What do you think Teddy should have done instead of trying to lock Grum in the necessary?
Good afternoon, Caitie,
I have written another book about the same period, but it is not published yet. I haven't included Teddy because the new book occurs at the same time as Divided Loyalties. If he does make an appearance, he'll have to be the same age.
How would you react if your dad wanted you to be a lawyer and you didn't want to be one? Could you talk to him?
Hi Garrett,
I'm glad you learned a lot from Divided Loyalties. Since I used to be a history teacher, I love it when people learn about history. You ask if someone in the story represents me. I tell readers that I am none of the characters and all the characters (yes, even Grum!). I relate most to Mother, however, because I am a mom.
Hi Kaylee,
You ask about mother. I based her character on the mother of President Andrew Jackson. She went to rescue her son when he was captured by the British and she was so upset by the conditions of the other prisoners, she returned to nurse them. And she got cholera and died. So that is very accurate. However, there is more to the story. I wrote the first draft of Divided Loyalties and then I became very ill myself. So I rewrote it so that Mother lived. Then when I got better, I rewrote it again, believing that it was more accurate for her to die. In the days before modern medicine people died from even minor problems such as an infected tooth.
Hi Madison,
Please see what I wrote to Kaylee about Mother dying. Once when I was in Charleston, SC in an historic cemetery I saw one grave that contain not two, but three children who all died at about the same time. I don't remember the cause, but in the eighteenth century, many children died from childhood diseases and other infections such as smallpox, cholera, and typhoid fever.
Is it always bad to feel sad? I don't think so. Often in movies and on TV people die like flies and yet there is seemingly little grief and sadness.
Hello Brandon,
I have never locked anyone in a necessary! But personal experience does figure mightily in the book. My son, Alex, was in the fife and drum corps. His best friend was an African-American fifer. I went to many marches and learned about the special bond that develops when people play music together over a long period of time. Living as I do in Williamsburg, I have visited the places in the book many times.
Greetings Kayla,
I'm glad you felt like you are in the story. Often when I am writing, I am not here in my study in Williamsburg, but back in the past. My body is here, but my mind and heart are with my characters. I'm sorry if you found it disappointing that Josh and Teddy didn't become friends again. I tried to suggest that they did by including Josh with Teddy in the Epilogue.
Good Afternoon, Andrew,
I'm glad you loved the book. You and many others have been disappointed that Teddy and Josh didn't become friends again. I tried to suggest they did in the Epilogue, but I obviously flunked. In my imagination they went back to being ALMOST like they were before. The difference is that they have both grown from coming to terms with their circumstances.
Hi Paul,
It is tough to be responsible for your actions, but we are known by what we do. If you didn't have any friends like Teddy and then found one in Josh, how would you respond to the very good possibility that he wasn't your friend after all? Teddy's reactions to Josh are partly explained by his grief over losing his mom. Today we would say he was depressed. In that situation, it didn't seem very real to me that he could come to terms easily with Josh's supposed deception.
Dear Pete,
Names are very interesting. I chose the name Teddy because if I had a second son which I don't, I would have called him Teddy. I like the name. It is an old-fashioned name now but it suggests Teddy Bears and Teddy Roosevelt and a boy of long ago. I chose Parker because it is an Anglo-Saxon name and in Virginia in the eighteenth century, that name would have fit.
Greetings James,
I'm glad you found the book exciting. All the main characters are imaginary, but bits and pieces of people I have known get worked into the characters and a lot of myself. I chose Williamsburg because I live here. I got the idea for the book when my son was a boy fifer in the Colonial Williamsburg fife and drum corps. I wrote a non-fiction book about the fife and drum corps and while researching it, I learned about the terrible trek to the battle of Camden by a group from Williamsburg.
Hi Taylor,
The battle scenes in the book are based on historical documents. The problem I had was that not all the historical sources agree. The battle looked different to participants depending on where they were and what happened to them. I chose the details that would be most likely for State Garrison Regiment. Teddy should have let Josh visit when he was sick. It is always better to face things that are bothering you. But we don't always do that, do we?
Dear Tyler,
Lots of things came together for this book. I wanted to write a book about the fifers and drummers since my son was a fifer for seven years and it was very special. I had already written Marching in Time, a nonfiction book about the fife and drum corps at Colonial Williamsburg. In that, I learned about the march to South Carolina. I live in Williamsburg, Virginia about three miles from the downtown historic area. So, colonial history is a part of my life.
I have a distant relative in Canada who sent me papers several years ago that qualified me to be a Loyalist, since some distant ancestor of mine fought in the Revolutionary War on the British side. Being an official Loyalist in Canada is a bit like being a member of the Sons or Daughters of the American Revolution in the US. I think other ancestors fought with the Patriots, but I don't have official papers.
Hi Robert,
I am working editing kids' book #4 which should appear this spring. I have written #5, #6, and #7 but so far haven't found publishers for them. I am writing books faster than they are being published. It is great fun. Especially when I hear from kids!
Dear Kristen,
I am wowed to hear my book is the best book you have ever read. I will be curious to hear what you think of Lottie's Courage. Keep reading. Readers are leaders.
Hi Hannah,
I have more ideas for books than I have time and energy. I get most of my ideas from history. If you look at the word history, you will see the word story inside it. History is full of stories. And they are special because they reflect what our ancestors went through to give us the world we have today.
Greetings Andria,
Where did I get the idea of Teddy trapping his dad in the necessary? I'm not sure. When I write, stuff just percolates up from my subconscious mind. I like to jog and I often get ideas when I am out pounding the pavement. I never recall reading anything similar. However, in olden times when people had outhouses, it was a favorite Halloween trick for older boys to push over the outhouses. So there are stories around about those incidents.
I felt bad because in many ways, Divided Loyalties is a sad book. But I wanted to accurately portray the price the Patriots paid for our freedom, and the price was heavy at Camden, on the ships, Valley Forge, and many other places. In some ways, the necessary incident is a bit of fun in a sad book.
Hi Hannah,
I am glad that you found the book to be both happy and sad. I was worried when I wrote it that the book was too sad. I spoke with the librarian, Viky Pedigo, at my son's elementary school, and she assured me that kids can handle the sad things if they are for a good purpose. And of course, at the end, all of Teddy's suffering and sacrifice allow him to choose his own career and result in American freedom.
My favorite name in the book is "Grum." It implies "grumble, grovel, and grub." When I see a good name in the newspaper or hear one, I write it in my writer's notebook. Then when I need a name for a certain type of character, I can look in my notebook. Sometimes names come easily out of no where and seem to fit and at other times, I'm not happy with the names. Then I change them. That is easily done on the computer.
Hello to Vanessa,
I am glad you learned about Williamsburg. I hope you will be able to visit here some day. If you want to make an author happy, tell her you loved her book!
Hi to Hope,
Nice to hear you found Divided Loyalties exciting! I am flattered that you want to reread the book. In this busy world, if you can find the time to read a book more than once, that is a really something.
Greetings Morgan,
Thank you for reading my book. A writer is nothing without READERS. I will be interested to see if you like Lottie as well as Teddy.
Answers to more questions:
Dear Fifth Graders who ask wonderful questions,
My son was ten when he joined the fife and drum corps. It isn't connected to school. The program is run by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. The corps is run like a military unit and the older kids teach the younger ones. They have to stand at attention and follow orders like Teddy did. Since you are interested after Christmas, I will send you a gift copy of my book Marching in Time about the Colonial Williamsburg Fife and Drum Corps.
I included dogs, because I like dogs. In fact, I have a book that is unpublished called The Dogs of DOG Street. DOG Street is the name locals call Duke of Gloucester Street, the main street in Colonial Williamsburg. In that book, I interviewed dogs on DOG Street and took their pictures. It was a "howl," but I haven't found a publisher.
During the Revolutionary War traitors were commonly hung. So when the British found out that McAllister was a turncoat, the sentence was hanging.
Porterfield had to pay for food with his own money because the Continental Congress was unable to provide the necessary food. Not only was the Congress a new government inexperienced in such things, it also didn't have the power to tax, one way governments have money for wars.
Vain probably wouldn't have shot Teddy, but when he went to the door, she didn't know if he were friend or foe. These were dangerous times with armies roaming around and loyalties often unclear.
I probably could write a sequel to Divided Loyalties, but it would be for Young Adults if I did since Teddy would be older. I have no plans now to write a sequel. One of the problems I have as a writer for kids your age is that you grow up. Once I have written a book and it is accepted for publication, it takes on average about two years for a book to come out. So, if I started a sequel today, you would probably be in high school before it was available.
Josh and Vain didn't meet again because the army was on the move. Even Teddy who was quite taken with Vain didn't have the chance to see her again. Keep in mind the limited modes of travel in the eighteenth century. Today we could drive from Virginia to South Carolina in a day, but it took the army weeks to march that far.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Unhappy Snow People
I have put out all my snow people for Christmas. They continue to smile even though we've not seen a single flake of snow here is Virginia. They can't be very happy since temperatures have been in the 70s. Not good temperatures for snow people!!!
Do you recognize the artist who painted the picture in the background? He is very famous. The originial of this portrait is in the National Gallery in Washington, DC. There has recently been a popular book and a movie with the artist's name in the title.
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Two Book Recommendations
A girl and her mom teamed up under the name of Zizou Corder to write The Lion Boy. It is a fun book, especially if you like cats: big cats, house cats, and alley cats. The only negative thing about this book was that I was unaware that it was planned to be a trilogy. As a result, when I got to the end of the book, I was disappointed that the plot wasn't resolved.
Sing Down the Moon by Scott O'Dell is the story of a Navajo girl named Bright Morning. Slave traders capture her when she is tending her sheep and she must find a way to escape harsh treatment as a slave. Later, she takes part in the Trail of Tears in 1862-1863 when soldiers drove her people from Arizona to New Mexico.
Monday, December 04, 2006
National Novel Writing Month Participants
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Reflections on the Novel Writing Challenge
The days of our lives speed by. We are caught up in things we must do and things we want to do. We never seem to have the time to make something new. The novel challenge spurs us to reorder our lives for one month to exercise our creativity.
Completing the challenge was not easy, it meant going to the computer and writing every day whether I felt like it or not. I tried to do 2000 words a day. And many days, I didn't make my goal. I found it exhausting, like running the half marathon, and at times I doubted the value of what I was writing.
Yet, the process was worthwhile. I have written a book in one month. You can do it too! Considering taking part in the challenge next November.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Spring in November?

It has been so warm here in Virginia that this tree has obviously gotten confused and it is blooming, a rare sight of spring amid the last lingering fall foliage.
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Life is an Adventure


Going to the beach at Nags Head, North Carolina after a nor'easter proved to be very interesting. The surf was wild and the tides high. Our ocean view room was unavailable because head-on, 70+MPH winds had entered every crack and crevice of the rooms on the oceanfront. The rugs were wet. The rug on our side room was even wet around the door.
The storm had also removed shingles and destroyed steps to the beach. A piece of the wreck of the ship Irma washed up at Kitty Hawk, several miles from the site of the wreck in the 1920s.

Here I am standing on part of the wreckage from the Irma.
The storm washed away many of the stairs leading down to the ocean.
As you can see this stairs end nowhere.
And these stairs begin no where. The bank is totally washed away. 

Sea Foam littered the beach. It was sometimes two feet or more deep.
All this didn't prevent sandcastle building.

We usually got to the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge to see winter waterfowl, but this year getting there was difficult due to high water and sand on the road.

We needed water wings!

Plows created giant dunes by plowing sand off the road.

Instead of seeing the waterfowl we went to see the First Colony Historic Site and then to the Elizabethan garden. The garden was a treat since many things were still in bloom.


Posing with a bird bath.

We even got to see the queen!
Monday, November 20, 2006
Poquoson Elementary Battle of the Books Team

On a recent visit to Poquoson Elementary School, I met the Battle of the Books team. You will be reading twenty great books. Good Luck, kids!
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Children's Book Week
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
My Tree

At least ten years ago, perhaps longer, I planted this maple tree from the Arbor Day Foundation. This fall, it has been gorgeous. I have a very special affinity to it since we have nurtured it along through droughts, hurricanes, and ice storms.
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Follow my Progress
If any kids have undertaken the challenge, please let me know, so I can cheer you on.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Happy Halloween!
Saturday, October 28, 2006
National Novel Writing Month

November is National Novel Writing Month. I have signed up for the challenge. For adults it is to write a 50,000 word novel in one month. There is a special program for young writers :http://ywp.nanowrimo.org/
A Great Website for Kids
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Review of Divided Loyalties
Hi! My name is Jack. Perhaps you remember me from Williamsburg, where I bought Divided Loyalties, or maybe you don't. I bet you meet a lot of people, being an author and all. I just wanted to say, I LOVED Divided Loyalties. In fact, I loved it so much that I reviewed it!
Here is my reveiw: *Divided Loyalties **By Phyllis Hall Haislip**
Review by Jack D. Wooldridge
**** When Teddy tries to play a trick on his private tutor, Grum, and accidentally locks his father in the shed, his father is so angry that he fires Grum and sends Teddy off to fight against the British in the Revolutionary War. With his mother a loyalist and his father a revolutionist, Teddy must decide: whose side is he on? And with the threat of the British troops moving ever closer, he must decide... fast!
**** I found this book so exciting that I couldn't put it down, and I was very sad when it ended. I totally recommend it!*
Mom and Dad have put it on the website along with a link to your website!http://home.comcast.net/~freeunionhomeschoolers/
Thank you, Jack! It is great to hear from readers.
Virginia's Monacan Indians

A Monacan Indian explains native tools and tool making.
Have you ever heard of the Monacan Indians? I hadn't. On a recent trip to Virginia's Natural Bridge, I learned that they are the most numerous Native Americans in the state.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
The Great Turkey Walk
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
October Harvest

Red peppers, tiny tomatoes, squash, green beans, and flowers. My garden is still producing. Our first frost date in Williamsburg is usually November 15. So we should be enjoying the garden for another month.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
How do I balance research and writing?
While writing, I do a bit of a dance between writing and research. I write until I need to know a detail, then I return to the sources. I find out what I need to know and then go back to the writing. So it is back and forth between the research and the writing.
In my forthcoming book, Lili's War, I had to find out when the residents of Philadelphia read about the battle of the Wilderness in the newspapers and if a train went from Philadelphia to York, Pennsylvania. In both cases the writing could not continue until I found out these details.
After I am done, I check to make sure I have all the details correct. For example, in colonial times men wore "cocked hats." Today we call them "tricorn hats." If I find that the word "tricorn" has slipped in anywhere, I have to replace with "cocked."
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Wonderful Things

Sometimes in the morning there is a brief period when the moonflowers that bloom only at night and the morning glories that bloom only in the mornings are both blooming at the same time.
It made me think of a common bit of doggerel:
Monday, September 25, 2006
A Letter from Ashanti

Although Lottie's Courage was published in 2003, I still hear from readers. Most recently, I got a letter from Ashanti Sutherlin. She commented on the "intense moments" in the book and liked how "Lottie had a good friend" who helped her when she needed it. She "especially loved" the ending.
Thanks for your feedback, Ashanti! I always enjoy hearing from readers.
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Life is Good
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Ann Rinaldi in Williamsburg
It was nice to be able to chat with another author who likes history. I bought three of her books including her newest, The Color of Fire and had them autographed.
When you have outgrown my books, look into Rinaldi's. You won't be disappointed.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Nineteenth-century Superstars
Edwin Booth was arguably the most famous actor of his day. His brother, John Wilkes Booth, who assassinated President Abraham Lincoln was also a superstar. At a time when a Civil War Union soldier's wages were $13 per month, John Wilkes Booth earned $150 for a single reading. For four performances in Cleveland, he earned $1000.
I had also not realized that much of John Wilkes Booth's money went to support the Confederacy.
Kids who like the Civil War, theater, and stories about families will enjoy this book.
Friday, September 08, 2006
Where do I get the ideas for my books?
I get my ideas mainly from history. History has the word "story" in it, and I see the past as a great respository of stories, stories about people, our stories. They are our stories since we would not be alive today if our ancestors hadn't survived and thrived during times past.
History is so rich, I have more ideas than time. I do not see history as facts and dates and more facts. Instead I see history as people, not so unlike you and I, facing problems and overcoming difficulties.
Next time you have a history assignment at school ask yourself: Where were my ancestors at the time I'm studying? Did they take part in the events, and if not, why not?
Think about what you are learning in history in terms of stories. Imagine yourself taking part in the conflicts and events of the past. For example, would you have stayed with George Washington to brave the cold and despair at Valley Forge? Or would you have headed home to a warm fireplace, homecooking, and the company of family?
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Moonflowers

Moonflowers only bloom at night and have a heavy, sweet smell as if the moonflowers were a field of blossoms instead of only one or two. If the smell is intoxicating to humans, what must it be like for bees?
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Great Stuff for Kids
http://www.ipl.org/kidspace/browse/rzn0000
Help in Idenifying Birds
http://whatbird.wildbird.com/mwg/_/0/attrs.aspx
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Morning Glories in the Rain

Last year I tried to photograph my morning glories and each time I did, they didn't come out blue. So today, I ran out in the rain to try and capture their wonderful color.
Monday, August 28, 2006
Hurrah for Sam!
Thank you, Sam for inspiring me to take the book to the next level. I'm looking forward to getting input from a kid.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Great Resources for History on the Internet
Kids also should check out Colonial Williamsburg for podcasts and information on all kinds of things relating to eighteenth-century America: www.history.org
Sunday, August 20, 2006
What is going on here?




Thursday, August 17, 2006
Please Eat the Flowers

Nasturtiums come in red, yellow, and orange and both the flowers and the leaves are edible. Here they adorn a coucous, summer salad.
Friday, August 11, 2006
Reviews of Media for Kids
Check it out when you wonder whether you really want to see a movie, read a book, watch a tv program, or buy a video game.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Our Crepe Myrtle

I wish I could send readers the wonderful smell of the crepe myrtle in front of our house. A picture is the next best thing.
Monday, August 07, 2006
Hunter/Ben
Hunter likes to sing, dance, and act. He has a dog named Cocoa and I was especially interested to hear about two of his grandparents. Hunter is thirteen and loves to READ.
Since Hunter is a popular name today, I asked him to choose a more historic name. He chose Ben. Hunter/Ben especially likes Civil War and Revolutionary War history. He wanted to be a character in one of my books set during those times. However, shortly after Hunter/Ben sent me his profile, I began a new book, set in the twentieth century (kids' book six). Since I knew all about Hunter/Ben, a character named Ben, based on Hunter, emerged and plays an important role in my newest book.
Where would I be without my readers?
Saturday, August 05, 2006
Anything can be!
Listen to the mustn'ts, child. Listen to the don'ts.
Listen to the shouldn'ts, the impossibles, the won'ts.
Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me...
Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.
- Shel Silverstein,American poet, cartoonist, and composer best known in children's literature for his poetry, 1930-1999
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Secrets of a Civil War Submarine
The H. L. Hunley was the first submarine to sink an enemy ship and it has been buried beneath the ocean's floor for more than one hundred years. The book tells how the submarine ended up in Charleston Harbor and how archaeologists painstakingly recovered it.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
New Features
Thanks to my son for the technical support. He assures me that this new feature is hot out of Silicon Valley, released today.
Here's a news article about it from SiliconBeat, a popular weblog written by one of my son's friends.
Monday, July 31, 2006
How Could I Fail?
How could I fail as a writer when I have readers like Agnes King? Agnes has supported me throughout the writing process and she has done her best to publicize my books. Thanks Agnes!Saturday, July 29, 2006
Writing Update
Kids' book four, Lili's Gift, is at the publisher. I haven't received the galleys yet on it. Each of my books has taken about 18 months to appear after they have been accepted for publication. Usually, each book goes through two galleys before it is ready to be published. During this cooperative process between copy editors and the author, any and all errors in the text are eliminated. At the same time selected readers will be asked for endorsements and I'll work with the illustrator on the cover.
Kids' book five, Between the Lines, is in the umpteenth draft. It still hasn't reached its final form, but it is getting close.
Kids' book six, untitled, is in its first draft.
Finding time for writing is never easy. I enjoy meeting the public at books signings and corresponding with readers and other writers.
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Wonders of Nature

This spring I planted impatiens in front of our house and they looked great until deer found them and had a feast. The above photograph is a volunteer impatiens that somehow managed to take root in the crack between the sidewalk and the foundation of our house.
Nature in the form of deer destroyed my plants. The abundance of nature was not to be denied, however, and a tiny seed from last year's impatiens found an unlikely home and flourished to cheer me for the loss of the others.
Monday, July 17, 2006
Ten Year Old Triumphs!
There are lots of opportunities for kids to publish their writings. Ask your local children's librarian for help in finding appropriate places to send your poems and stories.
Highlights, that venerable magazine for kids, has two pages each issue devoted to drawings and poems by kids. Art must be on unlined paper and poems are to be 100 words or less. Send your work to Highlights, Your Own Pages, 803 Church St., Honesdale, PA 18431
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Free Entertainment
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Visiting Atlanta
Ready for the news?On our recent trip to Atlanta, we visited CNN. My son, Alex, took the opportunity to broadcast the news as a demonstration during our tour.


Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Great Summer Reading
Fascinated, I tried to get a Howard Pease book from the Williamsburg Regional Library. However, I had to order one through inter-library loan since Pease's books were published mostly in the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s. Many were availalbe through inter-library loan. I picked The Ship without a Crew for no special reason other than I liked the title.
If you are looking for tales of adventures on the high seas, check out Howard Pease. A little effort on your part could pay big dividends in enjoyment.
For more information:
http://www.aandc.org/research/biblio_pease_h.htm
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
The British are coming!
Soldiers
drilling near camp as women sew.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
St. Francis of the Zinnias

I planted petunias and marigolds around St. Francis and I didn't plant zinnias. The ones you see in the picture (the bright green plants) were all "volunteers." The volunteers are just about crowding out the other flowers. Yet, I couldn't pull them up.
Monday, June 12, 2006
West Virginia Poetry Society Contest
Submit two copies of your poem: one with your name, address, age, grade in school, and name of school on the upper right hand corner, the other without your name, address, etc. to:
Linda Poe
WVPE Contest Chair
Rt.1, Box 25
Gay, WV 25244
Show category number and either Elementary Student Award or Student Award on the upper left hand side of your poem.
Deadline: The submissions must be postmarked by July 10, 2006.
Good luck, Poets!!!!
Monday, June 05, 2006
Me and My Snowpeas
Friday, June 02, 2006
Making History Come Alive
Lottie's Courage takes place in Hampton, Virginia and Ms. Holman arranged for us to meet at the site where Lottie, Weza, and other contraband slaves during the Civil War had gone to watch the Battle of the Ironclads. What a great way to make history come to life.
This was the first time I had met with a parent/child book group. What a special group of parents and kids! It is something the kids will always remember. Thank you Ms. Holman for making the book group possible and for inviting me to meet with you.
Erica and Alexia, Friends Forever!
Just imagine the battle taking place behind us!
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
The Cay
Monday, May 22, 2006
Hats, Hats, Hats, Wonderful Hats



Colonial Williamsburg honored Armed Forces Day with a three day celebration of fifing and drumming. Hosted by the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums, corps visited from the U.S. and Canada for three days of marching and performing.
At the Colonial Williamsburg Booksellers I met Julia, aged nine, from the Middlesex County 4-H Fifes and Drums from Boston. In addition to fifing, Julia is also learning to play the base drum.
Fifers and drummers preserve the stirring music of the era of the American Revolution and they get to wear wonderful hats!
Monday, May 15, 2006
A Neat Mother's Day Gift
Thursday, May 11, 2006
R.L. Stine's Writing Program
I think you'll find his writing instructions very helpful.
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Ert! Ert! Ert!


Mama and Daddy birds don't like it when we go in and out of our house. We are very careful not to disturb them, but they still complain whenever we appear.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Lyddie
Sunday, April 30, 2006
Gardening Time Again

Here I am, girl gardener, in front of one of our two garden plots. As you can see the garden is fenced because of deer. This year we are trying something new. Note the white buckets behind me. They are pails that I bought at the Dollar Store. Every year our tomatoes have viruses. Apparently, the viruses live in the soil. Since our garden area is so small, we can't rotate our crops. So I had the idea to plant tomatoes this year in buckets, each filled with manure and enriched soil. We'll see what happens. Wish us luck!
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Latin Anyone?
Saturday, April 15, 2006
HAPPY EASTER!!!

Happy Easter from me and my rabbit family.
The little girl rabbit has dropped her doll, but don't worry, I was there to make sure she was safely returned to her owner.

Happy Easter also from No Name Ladybug.
Viky Pedigo at Rawls Byrd Elementary gave me this ladybug for my Easter basket. She is very special because she is a book and at the same time can walk or rather skitter if you pull a ribbon on her back. What shall I name her????
Visiting Nelson Elementary School in Newport News
My long-time friend Bobbi Schilling arranged for me to visit Nelson Elementary where she is a first grade teacher.
On Tuesday evening I gave a talk to the Nelson PTA titled, "Finding the Story in History."
After the PTA meeting, I signed books in the library. The following day I visited classes. I found the students well behaved and attentive. What a nice school! What responsive kids! It was most enjoyable for me and I hope the kids had a good time too.
Meeting Readers


It is always fun to meet readers. The pictures were taken at a recent book signing at Colonial Williamsburg. Kids, if you don't find your pictures here, they didn't come out. Sorry. Next time you visit Williamsburg, stop by and we'll try again.

This girl's folks brought three copies of my books for her teacher. Lurking in the background is my buddy, Ed Cline, author of the excellent Sparrowhawk series, who was signing books at the next table.
Friday, April 07, 2006
A Very Special Place

It's always a pleasure to visit Rawls Byrd Media Center. What a very special place! Librarian Viky Pedigo invited me to sign books as part of the annual bookfair.

My book, Divided Loyalties is about a fifer and here I'm shown with a member of Colonial Williamsburg's Fife and Drum Corps. I was pleased to learn he read and liked the book.

A book for each member of the Selje Family. How nice to meet them!

Mrs. Pedigo's assistant, Mrs. Norma Spokowski, helps make the Media Center a happy place to visit.
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Near the Governor's Palace, Colonial Williamsburg
Who Says History is Dead?
Saint Matthew Passion Groupies
We were wowed with the North Carolina Symphoney, the 150-person chorus, and the wonderful soloists. The moving choral work recreates the passion of Christ.
We have tickets to see it performed in Washington, D.C. at the Kennedy Center on Good Friday afternoon. Helmut Rilling is conducting and we are looking forward to another outstanding performance.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Visiting Pocahontas Middle School
What great-looking kids!
Students were polite.
I got good questions.
It is always fun to meet readers.
WHAT A SPECIAL DAY!
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Spring has Arrrived!
Two days after the arrival of spring, Williamsburg got more snow last night than we've had all winter. One of my favorite lines from a poem by A. E. Houseman goes like this:

Wednesday, March 15, 2006
A Garden in your Pocket
A Chinese Proverb says: Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Write Your Own
These books by Tish Farrell are "how to" books for young writers. There are six titles on how to write a fantasy story, historical fiction story, mystery story, adventure story, realistic fiction story, and science fiction story.
Writers, ask your school or public librarians about these books. They looked great!
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
A Twenty-hug Day
Can you find me in this picture?
Today I visited Langley Elementary School in Hampton and I had a great time meeting Kari Stohler's fifth graders. They all read Lottie's Courage and had many questions for me.
Best if all, I got lots of hugs.

I had wonderful attention and great response from the students. Thank you, Readers. I'm so glad you liked Lottie's Courage.
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Beacon of Freedom Award
A bagpiper begins this year's ceremony.

As last year's receipient of the Beacon of Freedom Award for Lottie's Courage, I was asked to say a few words at this year's award ceremony.
It was great seeing old friends and making new friends.

Congratulations to Doreen Rappaport and Joan Verniero and Illustrator Greg Call for this year's winner, Victory or Death! Stories from the American Revolution.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Young Readers are Special
"While some might claim that the wild success of the Harry Potter series has raised the stakes of -- and the interest in -- writing for the younger reader, I like to suggest that something else might also be at work, something about the very hospitability of the young readers' mind. For aren't young reader's typically blessed with capacious hearts and souls? Don't they tend to welcome the slightly askew into their midst? Don't they walk straight into topsey-turvy worlds, hail the wraith, admire the ghost, listen with care to the talking tree? Young readers, by and large, care more for stories than for labels. They censor less. They want the writer to get it right, or so it seems to me.
Writers work with the imagination; they see a warm reception for their dreams."
Beth Kephart wrote what I have long known: young readers are special.
Monday, February 20, 2006
On-line Resources for Kids' Writings
http://www.kidsonlinemagazine.com/
http://www.liswa.wa.gov.au/funhouse/kidswrit.htm
http://kidsown.ie/index.php
http://www.kidpub.org/kidpub/
Monday, February 13, 2006
Teen Writing Mentors
FundsforWriters has teamed with Absynthe Muse to provide mentoring for young writers trying to figure this stuff out. Available for ages 13-22. Visit www.mentoring.absynthemuse.com to join up.
Monday, February 06, 2006
Nude Tree Walk
One of my life goals is to learn more about trees. Since I grew up in the Adirondack Mountains of New York State, one might think that I would be an expert on trees. Not so, and I'm not quite sure why.
I keep an eye out for classes on trees, but they are few and far between. As a result, I was delighted to spend two hours on Saturday learning about trees.
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
David/Peter

One of my readers, David, wrote and asked if he could be in one of my books. I wrote back telling him that I would be willing to include him in one of my books, but I needed more information. I sent him a lot of questions so I could get to know him better. David replied to all my questions. I asked if he wanted to be "David" or he wanted some other name. He chose "Peter."
I told David/Peter that in the new book I was working on (kids' book number 5) the protagonist was a girl, but I would try to find an important role for his character. Thus Peter befriends the heroine and . . . You'll have to read the book to find out what happens!
This book is still in its first draft. So it will be several years before it is published.
Kids often ask where I get my ideas. I always tell them that I have more ideas than I have time. I also tell them that I "study" kids and adults I meet for character traits and inspiration. As an example, when I was in Venice, Italy, I met a young man named Luca. He gave us a tour of the Correr Museum. He was in his twenties, but I made him a kid for Anybody's Hero. I made him part Italian and part American and called him Luca. So when you meet me at book signings or school visits, you should realize that I am very interested in each of you.
Monday, January 23, 2006
Al Capone Does my Shirts
Read the book to see how Moose deals with living on Alcatraz and how he manages to help his sister.
The book has won a several awards. My only criticism is several mentions of pizza, not a common food in 1935.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Update on Chelsea
Student Poetry Contest
Every year I submit poems to the adult contest. Remember, if you don't submit an entry, there is no way you can win. As an added bonus, the contest forces me to try to bring poems to a final form. Or at least a semi-final form. I am reminded of Williams Butler Yeats, famous Irish poet. He changed poems even after they were published.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Learning about Word
Saturday, December 31, 2005
New Year's Greetings
I am very busy today. My fourth kids' book is due at the publisher January 1. That is tomorrow. So you can imagine there are lots of last minute things to do. For example, I will need to print out the whole manuscript. I've been working on a list of illustrations and captions. In addition, I have filled out the publisher's acquisition questionnaire, written acknowledgments and a dedication. Of course, yesterday was a last minute read through of the text. It is always hard to let the "child" go off by herself.
Sunday, December 25, 2005
New Post
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Christmas at Our House


I have my eyes shut, my husband is out cold with Christmas prepartions, and Alex, our son, with his big feet is wired and ready for Santa

Christmas snowpeople and Ragedity Ann and Andy
One of My Readers
Sending our very best to Chelsea for a speedy recovery!
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Two Seasonal Poems
I like dayswith a snow-white collar,
and nights when the moonis a silver dollar,
and hills are filledwith eiderdown stuffing
and your breath makes smokelike an engine puffing.
I like dayswhen feathers are snowing,
and all the eaveshave petticoats showing,
and the air is cold,
and the wires are humming,
but you feel all warm ...with Christmas coming.
~ Aileen Fisher ~
The Bells
Hear the sledges with the bells--- Silver Bells!
What a world of merriment their melody foretells!
How they tinkle,tinkle,tinkle,
In the icy air of night!
While the stars that oversprinkle
All the heavens seem to twinkle
With a crystalline delight;
Keeping time, time, time,
In a sort of Runic rhyme,
To the tintinnabulation that so musically wells
From the bells, bells, bells, bells,Bells, bells, bells,
--- From the jingling and tinkling of the bells.
- Edgar Allan Poe -
Monday, December 12, 2005
Signing Books at Colonial Williamsburg
Friday, December 09, 2005
Cast Two Shadows
Generally, Ms. Rinaldi's books reflect careful research and this book was no exception. However, there were errors. For example, she calls the hats worn in the Revolution tricorn hats. They were called cocked hats during the times. I only learned this when I was researching my book. Our modern designation is tricorn. I struggle hard to get all the details correct, and I know it isn't easy.
Kids, you always need to do your research CAREFULLY since there is always someone out there who knows lots and lots about whatever subject you are writing about.
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Free Poetry Contest for Kids
Kids in grades 1-12 can enter the Poetry Society of Virginia's annual poetry contest for free.
Catagories are grades 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12. With three cash awards in each catagory, this is a great chance for kids to compete for prizes and recognition.
The deadline for entries is January 19, Edgar Allen Poe's birthday. For rules and more information, visit www.poetrysocietyofvirginia.org
Monday, December 05, 2005
Teen Poetry Contest
I always say if you don't enter, you can't win.
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
National Novel Writing Month: My Results
It has been a busy month and I am pleased I was able to get the first draft written. I learned also more about how I write. Since I write historical novels, I research as I go along. Sometimes I came to an impasse in the story when I was unsure of the historical facts. That meant, I had to stop writing until I figured out the context or found the necessary date, event, or detail. I must have been doing this all along, but only when I was under the pressure of a deadline did I realize that my writing is a dance between the historical research and the writing.
Monday, November 28, 2005
Thanksgiving at the Beach
This year Thanksgiving Day was sunny and warm. We especially enjoyed seeing families having fun flying kites. This family from Raleigh agreed to let me photograph them.



We visited the Bodie Island Lighthouse. We never tire of seeing it. If you like lighthouses be sure to check out books by my friend Mary "Penny" Clifford. I especially enjoyed Women Who Kept the Lights. Penny's website is listed on my blog.
We opted to celebrate Turkey Day with seafood. How could we resist a restaurant that promised "Killer Food?"


A Mako is a kind of shark. We didn't have shark, but we had an excellent meal and photogenic company.

The temperature dropped following Thanksgiving Day. But the scenery was still spectacular. Nags Head, North Carolina is a great place to spend a holiday.

Life is good!
Monday, November 21, 2005
A Feast of Children's Poetry
Poet Stu Nottingham reads a poem he wrote during the workshop.
Kids, next time you are in the library give yourself a treat and indulge in reading a poetry book. I find it hard to imagine a kid that wouldn't like Ronald Dahl's Revolting Rhymes.

Poet Carolyn Kreiter-Foronda reads her poem. Shirley Sellers stands in the background.
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down
The River Between Us by Richard Peck is the story of two mysterious girls on their way to St. Louis who arrive in the small river town of Grand Tower. Although the story is set in 1861, it begins and ends in 1916. The book won a number of awards and it is well worth reading. The book could have been improved with the addition of a map.
Adaline Falling Star by Mary Pope Osborne is supposedly the story of Kit Carson's Native-American daughter. The author provides no historical note. So the reader doesn't know if Kit Carson actually had a daughter and if this tale represents her story. I disliked this book because most of the people in the book are bad. Adaline, the heroine, lies, steals, and tries to commit suicide. At one point in the story, she steals and then wears boys clothes. One might argue that she had to do this and other morally reprehensible things in order to find her father. However, I am tired of girls dressing like boys in novels. What does this tendency say about being a girl?
Friday, November 11, 2005
Hogging the Limelight

I also got a chance to snuggle with a pig!

Daisy is part of a program run by Farmer Minor called "Pig Out on Reading." Daisy and Farmer Minor visit schools "to encourage youngsters to develop a love for reading."
Daisy is famous. She visited the U.S. Capitol by invitation and got her own letter from Laura Bush. She has been in newspapers around the world and has been snuggled and kissed by kids of all ages. She even has her own website: www.daisyminor.com

Farmer Minor with Daisy
Autumn in Williamsburg
Sunday, November 06, 2005
Treated Like Royality

My visit to Mebane, North Carolina was very special. Everyone was so nice, I felt like royality. I was taken out for a delicious dinner the night before my day at Woodlawn Middle School by the family of a loyal reader, Bailey Pennington. Bailey likes designing clothes and I was delighted to see her many creative costumes.
The next morning I was amazed to see my name out in front of the school and on a big poster at the library. My visit was even mentioned in the morning announcements.

Librarian Kim Scarlett, her able assistant Barbara Hestetune, and parent Marie Pennington did everything possible to make my visit a success. Not only was I treated to a tasty lunch, but I also had plenty of water and snacks to see me through the day.
I spoke two sixth grade groups, a seventh grade group, and an eighth grade group. I told them how I became a writer, talked about my books, and discussed tips for students to improve their writing. The students provided great input. I especially liked their innovative ideas for getting their characters out of a dangerous situations. I hope they enjoyed meeting me as much as I enjoyed visiting Woodlawn Middle School.
Special thanks to Pennington Plumbing for supporting my visit to the school.
Littles Princess
Beauty and Brawn
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Halloween and Off to North Carolina
I am off to North Carolina tomorrow. On Friday, I am spending the day at Woodlawn Middle School in Mebane. I'll talk to four groups of students. I am looking forward to it.
Monday, October 31, 2005
National Novel Writing Month

Could you write a novel in a month? Every November for the last several years, writers around the world have taken up the challenge, registering on line, and reporting their daily progress.
Since this is a very busy month for me with mulitiple programs and presentations that I am responsible for, I really doubted that I could take up the challenge. However, that is just the point of the challenge. There is never enough time.
I began my latest novel for kids many months ago, and it has been sadly neglected. So I have decided to take the plunge, sign up for the challenge, and see how I do.
Friday, October 28, 2005
A Monarch and a Question

I recently had a monarch butterfly visit my flowers. He or she must have been very hungry since I could come very close without the monarch flying away. Monarchs pass through Williamsburg every fall on their seasonal migration.
What happens to monarchs in a hurricane? Do they get carried along by the wind like a run-away kite? Or are they able to hide somewhere to weather the storm? I had visions of this poor hungry butterfly flying all the way to Virginia and then being blown back to Pennsylvania.
Thursday, October 27, 2005
New Exhibit at the Chrysler Museum
The new exhibit focuses on treasures that the museum has owned for years and that have not been displayed or have been forgotten. It was well worth the drive to Norfolk.
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Do you know this poem?
The Duel (The Gingham Dog and the Calico Cat) by Eugene Field
The gingham dog and the calico cat
Side by side on the table sat;
'Twas half-past twelve, and (what do you think!)
Nor one nor t'other had slept a wink!
The old Dutch clock and the Chinese plate
Appeared to know as sure as fate
There was going to be a terrible spat.
(I wasn't there; I simply state
What was told to me by the Chinese plate!)
The gingham dog went " Bow-wow-wow!"
And the calico cat replied "Me-ow!"
The air was littered,an hour or so,
With bits of gingham and calico,
While the old Dutch clock in the chimney place
Up with it hands before its face,
For it always dreaded a family row!
(Now mind: I'm only telling you
What the old Dutch clock declares is true!)
The Chinese plate looked very blue,
And wailed,"Oh dear! What shall we do!"
But the gingham dog and the calico cat
Wallowed this way and tumbled that,
Employing every tooth and claw
In the awfullest way you ever saw-
And oh! how the gingham and calico flew!
(Don't fancy I exaggerate! I got my news from the Chinese plate!)
Next morning where the two had sat
They found no trace of dog or cat;
And some folks think unto this day
That burglars stole the pair away!
But the truth about the cat and pup
Is this: they ate each other up!
Now what do you really think of that!
(The old Dutch clock, it told me so,
And that is how I came to know.)
Monday, October 17, 2005
Thinking about Ethics
Since I write for middle grade readers, I've been reading books for kids eight to twelve with ethics in mind. What I have found is a lot of lying, cheating, and stealings in kids' literature. Sometimes such moral failings are justified. Let's say, for example, that it is okay to lie if the Nazis are looking for your mom. But what I am finding is that in a number of books, there is no real necsessity for kids to lie, cheat, or steal. But they do so without consequence. That is very upsetting because my gray hairs have taught me that actions have CONSEQUENCES.
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Obtaining Historical Illustrations
How do I find material? I research photographs and prints on the Internet and in libraries. It is frustrating to find a great illustration and yet not be able to get permission to use it. Sometimes I just can't find a picture I'm looking for. For example, I've looked and looked for a photograph or lithograph of the Baltimore and Ohio train depot in Washington during the Civil War. Although I've seen a couple of pictures of the depot, I haven't been able to find a good one I can use.
Why do I bother? Some people say the past is unknowable, a foreign country. I believe, and my readers agree, that period pictures help to bring the past alive.
Friday, October 07, 2005
A History of American Childhood
Monday, September 26, 2005
Book Recommendations
The second book I am recommending is The River Between Us by Richard Peck. I had a little trouble following the story when the narrative went from 1916 back to 1861 and the Civil War. But that may have been since I was listening to the book on tape in my car. The story turns around several generations of the Pruitt family and the author gives good insights into the Civil War period and tells a good tale at the same time.
Sunday, September 25, 2005
More Girls on Divided Loyalties
"I think it is excellent, so full of adventure! Your story is a great asset to Colonial Williamsburg because it makes me feel like I've gone back in time to when American wasn't yet a free country. I like the way you explain the characters; it makes me feel like I really get to know them. . . .I think you are a great writer and someday I hope to be as good as you."
A reader in North Carolina writes:
"I loved it! But I had to wait to read it. One: I had to finish reading the latest Charlie Bone book. And two: Dad had to read it first. He loves your books too!"
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Another Novel Accepted for Publication
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Home Again
Ah, California. Sunshine and crystal clear air, flowers everywhere, Napa Valley wines, and the pleasure of seeing family and friends made leaving Calfiornia difficult.The Miata did great. It was exhilerating to drive at 80 MPH with the top down, playing tag with mammoth trucks. And everywhere we enjoyed the big sky over places like t
he rich, sunflower-filled fields of Kansas and rolling green hills of Oklahoma.Trip highlights include sampling different varieties of olives with our son Alex, touring my friend Carol's house and garden, lunch in Santa Rosa with Anja, a former student and friend, and getting an oil change in the Miata.
An oil change? Let me explain. Because the Miata is brand new we needed to have an oil change in California. My husband asked Shaun Del Grande, owner of Oak Tree Madza to work us in to the busy schedule for the oil change. Mr. Del Grande turned us over to Robert White


and the skillful care of Tim Trompeter.
When the car was ready, not only did we get a discount on the oil change, but the little car had been cleaned inside and out without charge. So the sparkling little car that we left Williamsburg with was returned to its pristine condition thanks to the kindness of strangers.
The most interesting restaurant we visited was one in West Virginia with a mural containing a BMW with working headlights.

The second most interesting restaurant was one with elk, antelope, and steer heads on the the wall in Wyoming.

We saw herds of antelope in the fields of Wyomng, but no buffalo, except the outline of one on a mountain.

We saw herds of windtowers crowning hill tops in several states.

With skyrocketing gasoline prices, it was encouraging to see the use of wind power with these powerful windmills.

A highlight of the journey home was our visit to the Petrified Forest and Painted Desert in Arizona.





I was especially taken with the prehistoric petrogyphs. As a writer I felt great affinity for these ancient artists whose drawings proclaim: "I was here and this is how I see my world."



Most of our accommodations were predictable. However, one in Nevada offered on-site slot machines.

Another sported a bed of roses.

On our last night, we got a souvenir of the trip.

Colby, Kansas calls itself an oasis on the prarie. This oasis has a grove of plastic palm trees.

IT'S A WONDERFUL WORLD!
Monday, August 29, 2005
Windblown in California




We arrived yesterday in Mountain View, California to see our son. Our little car did famously in the rain and on all the curves and mountains. We had the top down much of the way and enjoyed the open road and all the wonderful and curious sights.
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Girls' Reviews of Divided Loyalties
Girls' Summer Book Group
Thursday, August 11, 2005
For Freedom
Set in Cherbourg, France during World War II, fifteen-year-old Suzanne became a spy for the French Resistence. This exciting historical novel is based on the experiences of Suzanne David Hall. My only criticism of the book is that I would have liked an author's note highlighting the accurate parts of the story. Also a glossary would help readers unfamiliar with World War II.
Sunday, August 07, 2005
Trouble Don't Last
I was initially not very enthused about the book when I found the subject was the Underground Railroad. The topic has been written about so much that I feared I would be bored. However, I was pleasantly surprised with Ms. Pearsall's book. It is a compelling story, carefully research with a wonderful command of significant historical details.







Note the rain on the water and on the bridge.
Fossils at Fossil Beach.
A tree with curious bumps. 




























