It is a sunny Sunday eve in Frankfort, Kentucky and I'm posting from a very old residence on Ann Street. It's called The Meeting House and was built in the 1830's. For you history buffs and literary types, it was once known for its many social events, and the Lycerian Society (a group of literary-minded elite, including artists, and writers such as Robert Burns Wilson) met in the library in this house which contained one of the finest collections of Kentucky histories in the state. That's enough to make any bibliophile's heart palpitate! Mine included.
My room is on the second floor next to the library so I just went in and took a peek. On the original poplar floors someone has stenciled these sayings:
A man who has no imagination has no wings.
A classic is a book people praise and don't read.
Do more than read - absorb ...
Go where there is no path and leave a trail.
When I met the owners this afternoon they told me that during the civil war the lady of the house hid her prized race horse in the dining room (the same one we'll have breakfast in tomorrow morning) so that neither side could take it. Sadly, the 19th-century owner, Mr. Major, and his wife had several children who died before reaching the age of four. Legend has it that at night one can hear the crying of children coming from the nursery.
I think the neatest thing about this place is the grey dove outside my old window. It has been cooing for me all evening. Maybe it is calling for its mate. We don't have doves in the woods out west and it has been many years since I heard one. The delightful thing is that I have such a dove in the 2nd book I'm working on. So I think this dove is heaven-sent. Actually, this whole trip is heaven-sent. God is so good to give us green pastures and still waters when we need them.
I will sing to the Lord, because He has dealt bountifully with me. Psalm 13:6
Gee, I need to visit that place, Laura. Here I am twenty minutes from Frankfort and you have to fly all the way across the country to tell me about the house. Isn't it funny how we never go see the things that are close to hand? Sort of the way I am sometimes with books. If I own them, I sometimes lay them aside thinking I will read them someday, but there's no hurry since the book is mine. I will be in a hurry to read yours when it comes out.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you're having a wonderful trip. I know your mama is enjoying having you where the two of you can do some face to face talking. And thanks for calling me family since you said only family reads your blog. :)
Dear Ann,
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear from you! I feel like such a tourist this trip. The more I study KY history the more I realize how little I know. This house is amazing - put it on your list! I just found out I slept in the nursery last night but thankfully heard no babies crying, only doves cooing. Speaking of babies, I've been praying for your Leah and the twins. Am keeping up with your blog even on this trip! And yes, you are counted as family!