As you can see, I'm still fixated on colonial folks and their dress. I would give anything to get trussed up in some stays and petticoats just to see how it felt:) I did have a hoop skirt and Civil War era gown years ago and let me tell you, those hoops required some serious management. They were like wearing hula hoops attached with netting and had a mind of their own, especially in a stiff wind. But women, by then, had graduated to bloomers or pantalets, unlike their colonial sisters. So if the wind blew you'd see a bunch of lace and linen. Not nearly as provocative a view:)This picture is from Mount Vernon, George and Martha's home in Virginia. Sadly, I've never been there though I lived mere hours away in Kentucky. I have been reading voraciously about Monticello recently, home of Thomas Jefferson, but have never been there either. This weekend I finished Ann Rinaldi's novel about Jefferson and his family - Wolf by the Ears and it simply stoked my longing to go. Rinaldi became interested in historical fiction doing historical reenactments, mostly colonial ones, with her son.
I don't know that I could work up the courage to get into colonial garb before a bunch of people, even in such lovely duds as these. I am a tad on the self-conscious side. One author I know wears 19th-century dresses to her books signings which I find quite clever. I do, however, have a terrible hankering to go traveling to some historic sites. And I don't mean in Washington State:) This place isn't historic, for heavens sake! It's only been a state for a hundred years or so!
Some of my favorite historic sites are Kentucky's Fort Boonesboro, Whitehall and Ashland (Cassius and Henry Clay's homes, respectively), the home where Daniel Boone died in Missouri, Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts, and the Mark Twain historic site in Missouri. I'll probably think of half a dozen more when I sign off here.
I'd love to know what historic sites you've visited and what you liked about them. Since I can't travel right now I can live vicariously through your comments. Thanks for that!
Have you been to Andrew Jackson's home, Laura?
ReplyDeleteRuth, YES! Thanks for jogging my memory! I spent some summers (parts of them) in Nashville years ago and did get there. I remember a huge white house with columns - very southern in appearance. Hope I'm recalling the right one and not Tara or Twin Oaks out of Gone With the Wind or something. I've seen so many antebellum type houses they tend to blur in my mind. I bet you've visited also as it's in your neck of the woods. Wish I lived closer and I'd take you to lunch and we'd swing by Andy's place:)
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to say Jackson's home is called the Hermitage. I've always had a biased view of Andrew Jackson but just went over to Wikipedia and read his history and discovered why he might have been a bit of a cudmudgeon. Tragic history!
ReplyDeleteLaura, that's so funny I was thinking the same thing! It's been several years since I've visited there and I think it would be great fun to take a tour together!
ReplyDeleteFun, indeed! I think I'll put that on my wish list, Ruth! My treat:)
ReplyDeleteHave you been to Danville? Constitution Square and the Ephraim McDowell House?
ReplyDeleteI really do need to go to Ashland and Whitehall. Also, Shaker Village. Maybe this summer if gas prices don't go up too much.
I've also been to the Hermitage, Andrew Jackson's home. I was a senior in high school then. I'll admit he's not my favorite president, but I really enjoyed touring the house.
Speaking of Jackson, have you read The President's Lady by Irving Stone?
Laura that would be awesome. :) If you're ever going to be in the area let me know!!
ReplyDeleteHi, Laura, I do hope that soon you can visit some of those places you long to explore. I can tell you love history and the people that made our history. You gave me a couple of good ideas about places to check out here in our new home of Missouri (though my favorite places will always be in Washington State!) Dave's been studying up on Civil War battles since we moved here and we have traveled to some of those sites as day trips or 2-day trips. I look forward to your blog posts--they're always lovely and inspiring!
ReplyDeleteLinda
Linda, Two of my favorite words are "lovely" and "inspiring"! So thank you for that! Missouri is such a beautiful state. Lots of history and those beautiful rivers.
ReplyDeleteI've heard that the Civil War battlefields are very moving. I've not been to any truly historic ones like Gettysburg, just small sites in Kentucky and thereabouts. I do love that era of history, too.
I don't think I give Washington State enough credit. Since I worked at Lake Crescent Lodge, I should mention how beautiful and historic that is. And I live just 2 miles or so from the lake on the road leading to Log Cabin Resort. I know you love both places. Then there's Sol Duc Falls and Kalaloch and all the rest. I've often thought it would be fun to set a series in the Olympics at the turn of the century (1900), specifically at Rosemary Inn, Lake Crescent Lodge, and Log Cabin Resort. Oh my, I may be giving ideas away:)
Laura, I grew up just across the Potomac from Mount Vernon, so have been there a couple of times. But those visits far predate my love affair with 18C history. So I'd love to go again.
ReplyDeleteResearching Kindred, I visited the House in the Horseshoe (also known as the Alston House), on the Deep River in North Carolina. It was the site of a Revolutionary War skirmish and there are still bullet holes in some of the walls. I used it in part as the model for my piedmont "big house" in Kindred. Maybe I'll do a post on it. You've made me want to get out all my photos from that trip!
By the way, Wolf by the Ears was the first Rinaldi book I ever read, back in 2004 when I first started researching Kindred.
The list of historic 18C places I want to visit is long. WHAT are we doing on the West Coast, Laura? You and I need to take a trip back east!
Hi Michelle, Yes, I've been to Danville but think I missed the places you mentioned. Darn! I will have to look those up:) This is the kind of mind travel I love when actual traveling is an impossibility. Bless you.
ReplyDeleteI am feeling my age (today is my birthday - won't say which one!) as I look back and see I've been blessed with some great memories of historic places. Since you said Shakertown, I would reccomend you go there if you can. It's so beautiful and pastoral and the food is great! Years ago we spent Thanksgiving there and stayed the night. I'll never forget it.
Have you read any of Ann Gabhart's Shaker novels? She's a Kentucky author and friend of mine. Her most recent book, released on the same day as TFD, is called The Believer and has one of the most charming covers I've ever seen. She really knows her history!
And I'm going over right now to look up The President's Lady. Sounds right down my alley. Bless you, Michelle!
It's a deal, Ruth:) I'll pray and plan on that for future!
ReplyDeleteMichelle, The book looks wonderful - I especially like the cover and read the first two pages on Amazon. Thanks so much for the tip! It is definitely my historical style:)
ReplyDeleteAwesome. :)
ReplyDeleteOh YES, a road trip to Virginia and other parts!! We could swing by and pick up Ruth:) LOL! Seriously, I know who to pick on when I need company and head west. Thelma and Louise, watch out! (A movie I've never seen, BTW).
ReplyDeleteYou are so blessed to have been to Mt. Vernon. The NC site sounds great! I hope you do a post on it - sounds fascinating, bullet holes and all:) I love that kind of thing.
You said something very interesting - that your time at MV predates your love of 18c history. That is really what happened to me. I didn't realized the impact the area had on my until I left. I think I visited so many places with my eyes half open, so to speak. Sadly. On the other hand, I think the tour guides would have to pry my hands off those places now.
Another amazing site that was the inspiration for The Colonel's Lady - Locust Grove in Louisville along the Ohio River, one of my most recent trips. That began my love affair with George Rogers Clark aka Colonel Cassius McLinn.
Whoops, I mean "head EAST - more specifically SOUTH." Too much birthday cake for me, I guess:)
ReplyDeleteWell first off-- Happy Birthday! Hope your guys treated you right and pampered you today :)
ReplyDeleteI looove historical sites. There is something so shivery sweet about standing on the ground where those historical people stood, seeing the same land....a few weeks ago a friend and I went to the site of the Little House on the Prairie in Kansas. It is such a peaceful place. In a couple of weeks I am going with another friend to Missouri to see the Mansfield house and attend a pioneer days/gardening festival.
I personally love to dress up...and love any excuse to do so. I think acting in a historical village or reinactment would be so dorky awesome. If I could go anywhere, its Williamsburg. I have always felt a pull to that city. its colonial, but southern, y'all ;)
My husband and I are just talking tonight about possibly taking a road trip from Oklahoma to Arizona this summer ;) his work pays for him to attend a conference in a swanky resort there...its a 17 hour drive...with a toddler...but I am a bit excited at the thought of all the roadside attractions, and strange desert adventures. Too bad he doesnt have one in Washington, we'd have to meet up and chat colonial days ;)
Ya'll come on now, ya hear? We'll head up to C'ville to visit Tommy's house which is fabulous this time of year. I have never been to George and Martha's place, but have driven through the area where he grew up, and it will be a lovely drive on our way up to northern Virginia. Of course good ole CW and Yorktown are right here in the back yard. No corset required anywhere, either!
ReplyDeletePS: (because my other post wasnt a novel already/???) you'd be surprised at the long history of states such as ours, who've only been states a mere century. A lot was going on before statehood! This might be fun to look into-- Lewis and Clark in Washington!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.parks.wa.gov/lewisandclark/
Heather, I was so hoping you would come over and talk about Laura Ingalls Wilder sites. Your pics on your blog to those places are GREAT! I have to admit that I was just a wee bit surprised when you said Colonial Williamsburg. I just rec'd a box of goodies from there and would love to go. It's first on my list, actually:)
ReplyDeleteI hope you get to dress up for Mansfield. And take lots of pics! As for the road trip to Arizona and thereabouts, I think it sounds like the trip of a lifetime and hope you go, toddler and all:) I've never been to the desert area but so many people are snowbirds here and spend winters down there and say how beautiful it is.
I'll chuckling about your phrasing "dorky awesome"! You are a true writer, my dear:)
I haven't traveled to any historical places. :( But I would LOVE to visit historic Virginia, especially in the Fall and then the Smithsonian. I LOVE walking in the footsteps of history.
ReplyDeleteBTW, Happy Birthday!! :D
Oh to be Bill Gates and hop on a jet any old time:) Carrie, you live in the best place for we writers of 18th-century stuff! I've been surfing the Monticello site till my eyes are glazed. I can't imagine what it's like in person. I think we should pray ACFW holds their next conference in Virginia!
ReplyDeleteCasey, YES, I bet historic Virginia in the fall is the best season of all! Something about all those colorful falling leaves and cooler weather, etc. And I'm with you about the Smithsonian. I would love to go and spend several days just soaking everything up. Praying we both get to visit the historic places of our hearts in future:) Bless you!
ReplyDeleteHeather, You are so right - Oklahoma is still a young state with a powerful history! It's kind of the wild west to me in a way:) I'd love to visit.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link! I did get down to the Lewis and Clark fort (Clatsop) in Oregon before it burned a few years ago. I was on my Sacajawea kick back then, too. Oh my, so many historical places, so little time (and dollars)!
Happy Birthday, Laura!! I hope it's been a great one!!
ReplyDeleteI have not read Ann Gabhart's books, although they are on my list. More than likely, I'll buy them for my mom and then read them once she's finished. She's been fascinated by the Shakers since high school.
The President's Lady is a wonderful book. I read it several times in high school. Any sympathy I have for Andrew Jackson is because of it.
While looking on amazon earlier, I also found that Irving Stone wrote a book about John and Abigail Adams entitled Those Who Love. I definitely have to read that one.
Lol, well, obviously, I am on my own sacajewea kick at the moment ;) I'm interested to get to the part where she was supposed to live with her Mowhawk husband in Oklahoma???
ReplyDeleteOklahoma does have a bit of a wild west vibe to it :)you'll have to come visit! Maybe do a book tour? Be sure to put Tulsa on your schedule ;)
I grew up in Massachusetts and have gone to Old Sturbridge Village several times and it is a fanstastic place. It's really like walking through an old town and is very interactive with living history filled with animals and historical reenactors busy at their occupations. The schoolhouse, church, homelife, mill, and so much more are great - it's hard to pick a favorite area because they are all so fascinating.
ReplyDeleteI also have visited Plymouth, Mass so many times I've lost count. It's full of sites to visit including the Mayflower, Plymouth Rock, Wax Museum, 1627 English Village and the Indian Village, and even cemeteries where both my husband and my ancestors are buried. In fact, my in-laws and nephew are even in a family plot there. When I was a kid both my husband and my families frequented "The Mayflower" restaurant which sits right on the shore with the Mayflower in view.
Visiting both places has been a wonderful way for many generations of my family to learn about our heritage and the lives of our ancestors.
I've been to loads of other historical sites including Heritage Museums & Gardens (Sandwich,Cape Cod, MA - not too far from Plymouth), Mystic Seaport (CT), Mississippi Living History Museum, Civil War battle fields/museums (Vicksburg, MS, Gettysburg, VA) and some old forts in Maine, the city of Boston with a zillion historic sites, and the Smithsonian Institution - the American History Museum was a favorite.
I realize that I've been to so many places, though never west of the Mississippi, and history was always on the top of the agenda for sightseeing. Many of these made great history lessons for homeschool which we used for unit studies.
I always wanted to work at a living history museum. I think I would have paid them just for the chance. I did dress up for a Jane Austen gala a few years ago, and fortunately didn't need those stays.
Oooo my favorite Ann Rinaldi book is Time Enough for Drums...have you read it? It's a really quick read if you have the chance to pick it up!
ReplyDeleteAs for clothing of the 19th century I love it too! I can't imagine wearing hoops though, I'm lcumsy enough as it is LOL!
XOXO~ Renee
I've never been to those places but my Dad has. He really enjoyed the Mark Twain site and Monticello and Mt. Vernon. I would love to take my Kyle to some of these sites. He is so into history and would be absolutely fascinated by it all.
ReplyDeleteI can't remember if I've ever asked you if you've been to Oysterville up there in WA? One summer we were there during their Oysterville Days and that was so much fun! What a neat little village to explore and spend the day in.
I have always wanted to wear those big dresses too. I have been to Andrew Jackson's in Tennessee when I was very little. I have been to Ernest Hemingway's in Key West which had a lot of cats. And I traveled to a bunch of historical sites in Philadelphia. My mom has been to Washington's and Jefferson's houses and she says they're incredible. I'm sure you'd love it.
ReplyDeleteRoad Trip!!! Wouldn't that be fun to gather up some of your *favorite* readers (girls only!) and go on a road trip to some historical sites? Let us know when you can get that organized ;-)
ReplyDeleteWell, as you know, we went to Kentucky two summers ago and visited several Abe Lincoln sites. But Kentucky is somewhat of a HUGE state and we were limited on both time and money, so we had to skip a lot of what I wanted to see!
We went to Colonial Williamburg and to Jamestown when Peter was a baby. Loved it, especially some of the places on the outskirts like Bacon's Castle and Smith's Plantation Fort. We would love go again since Peter has no memory of that trip.
Mount Vernon is high on our list of destinations but, alas, our vacationing will be very limited this year.
I hadn't thought of Washington as being a "young" state. I guess I'm lucky to live in one of the original thirteen colonies :-)
Laura, I'm late reading these comments---Happy, happy birthday! You are so dear and sweet. I hope your birthday wishes come true!
ReplyDeleteCarla, I'm with you - would love to work in a living history center. We could dress up and it would feel appropriate then. I think it's so neat that you live in the area your ancestors settled. That is, I know, a huge source of inspiration for your stories.
ReplyDeleteYou've named some places I've never heard of but would love to visit! Glad that you liked Old Sturbridge Village as much as I did. What a place! My first little historical was written after visiting there (I was about 12) and I still have it in a trunk.
Thanks for sharing such great sites. Some of my traveling angst is abating:)
Heather, You will have to tell me what happens to Sacajawea once she gets shed of that rascal husband of hers. I've forgotten. I think there's some controversy as to what happened to her. I do remember something about her little son, Pomp, being sent to live/be educated in Missouri after Lewis and Clark returned from their trek. I always thought it was a charming story and made me want to write one like it:)
ReplyDeleteLisa, I'm so glad Kyle is a history lover - I know you are! Your Dad must be, too, given the sites he's visited. Wouldn't it be fun to just get an RV and homeschool your kids on the road, visting one historic site after another? Of course our husbands have to work so that isn't really an option, just a dream. But I've dreamed it many times:) Bless you today. I keep thinking of your lake house - what fun you all will have in warmer weather!!
ReplyDeleteRenee, That's so interesting you mentioned Time Enough for Drums as I just ordered it on inter-library loan:) It looks so intriguing as is the only colonial one of hers I haven't read. Glad to hear you enjoyed it so much. She is really an amazing writer!
ReplyDeleteI have trouble seeing you in hoops for some reason as I think of you as something of a tomboy:) So glad they are a thing of the past! Levis are much more comfortable!
Oh Adge, Key West sounds so good right now amidst all this rain! I seem to remember something about Ernest loving cats? Now I want to go to Mount Vernon and Monticello more than ever - with a sidetrip to Key West:)
ReplyDeleteMary,
ReplyDeleteYou are SO blessed to live in one of the original 13 colonies, as you so aptly put it! And if you've been to Colonial Williamsburg you've lived one of my dreams:) YES, a reader (author/writer) road trip sounds awesome! I think I'll bill my pub:)
I remember your pics from Kentucky you've posted on your blog. It is a big state and chock full of historic sites. I forgot to mention one of the best, especially for Peter - Mammoth Cave. I spent the first 5-6 years of my life living on the grounds as my dad worked there. It is an amazing place and I'm really hoping I get to take my boys before they leave the nest.
Bless you today!
Thanks, Mary. It was a great birthday. Paul prayed for sun and it shone:) He knows the way to his mother's heart. I would, however, like to start counting backwards now:)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Michelle, for the birthday wishes and the book tip! I think old Andy just got bumped a bit for Those Who Love. That's a gift in itself as I am so intrigued by the Adams family. Am going there now and am curious about what else he's written.
ReplyDeleteIf your mom likes the Shakers, she'd probably love Ann's books. I just finished her upcoming one, The Seeker, for an endorsement. It's set in Civil War Kentucky and is very interesting with some great characters. Ann had a wonderful idea coming up with the Shaker concept. She's been on bestseller lists ever since!
I love visiting historic sites. But, like you said Laura, WA state isn't all that historic if you're going way back! I did have the pleasure of visiting Laura Ingalls Wilder's home in Missouri, and for a middle schooler in love with history, that was the best kind of treat.
ReplyDeleteKristen, I am amazed at all the Laura Ingalls Wilder fans out there! If she only knew... Visiting her homeplace must have left a mark on you and helped foster your love of history. I'd love to go there. One of my favorite things about her is that her first book was published when she was 67 or 68! When I felt discouraged about my writing years ago, I liked to remember that. It is a very hopeful number:)
ReplyDelete"And I'm with you about the Smithsonian. I would love to go and spend several days just soaking everything up."
ReplyDeleteLaura, did I ever tell you I spent the summer after high school working at the Smithsonian? It was part of a program for graduates from all over the country. You had to apply and write an essay to get a position, so it was something of a contest. I won the position I wanted, working in the graphic art department in the Natural History museum (which sounds WAY more glamorous than it was). If I had it to do over now at the ripe old age of 40-something, I'd want a position at the American History museum instead. Interests change with time, but it was writing that got me the position, way back then. :)
Where I most want to visit now is the Mohawk Valley, NY, particularly along West Canada Creek. But you knew that.
First of all, I hope you had a very Happy Birthday! Lots of presents, sweet treats and warm memories!
ReplyDeleteLaura, you must come to Virginia for an extended visit. We are "The Old Dominion" and "The Mother of Presidents". "Virginia is for lovers!" is our motto. Lovers of history, music, food, wine, mountains, seashores and much, much more. You can travel through Virginia from corner to corner, and you will meet history at every turn.
Everyone is invited : )
http://www.virginia.org/site/content.asp?MGrp=1&MCat=2
I hope you make it to Mount Vernon one day, Laura.
ReplyDeleteI live in the heart of California's historic Gold Country in Placerville and love our elegant Victorian houses and the rock and brick buildings downtown, which date back to 1856 (built after fire destroyed most of original wooden structures.) I realize this doesn't classify as old compared to the East Coast, but I was born and raised in the Golden State and think it's neat to live in a town that was one of the state's three largest back in 1849.
Two decades ago, I lived in another town that definitely classifies as historic: Nürnberg, Germany. It has a 1,000 year history. Our daughter was born two blocks from the city's castle-fortress. Since my husband was a high school teacher at the time, educating the children of U.S. Army personnel, we were able to travel during the summers and saw many historic sights in Europe during our four-and-a-half years there.
Lori, No, I didn't know your link with the Smithsonian. That is beyond neat! And I would choose the American History part, same as you, for obvious reasons. I've heard the part of NY you want to see is so beautiful. Better put that on your wish/prayer list! I always think visiting an area brings it to life more vividly in our writing, though our imaginations/research does quite well in a pinch:)
ReplyDeleteVirginia, You are a wonderful spokesperson for your beautiful, historic state! Thanks so much for the link. Next to Kentucky, I spend most of my research time in Virginia. My granny was from Marion, a tiny town there (have probably told you this). She was the only one of her many siblings who left Virginia, though her brother did move to Ohio later.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the birthday wishes. You helped make it even moer memorable, dear friend!
Well, I'm late to the party...again! LOL. I thought I'd figured out your posting pattern, but obviously not! LOL.
ReplyDeleteI actually made my daughter a hoop skirt for Halloween once, using a hula hoop! It was so funny to watch her trying to fit in with the other kids when they gathered at a door or even when she sat down to check out her loot afterwards -- the skirt reared up and thunked her in the head! LOL.
We have beautiful historic sites around where I live -- but nothing beats Ireland for feeling like you're seeped in history. The ruins of castles or a crofter's hut, the graveyards, the churches. I'm in awe that those structures were built without the aid of technology and are still standing (at least partly) after hundreds of years. Somehow I don't think the same will be said of our modern day buildings.
You know there are places online that you can buy 18th century clothing -- right down to the corset. It might be interesting to give it a try so you can relate to your heroine! Oh -- and try it on in 90 degree summer heat! LOL.
Keli, I sense some European novels in your future! That is so interesting about your background and the fact that your daughter was born in so remarkable and historic a place. I think the Placerville area must be a treasure trove (no pun intended). The combination of roughness (wild west) and refinement are so appealing. I imagine you don't want to be anywhere else. Your love and enthusiasm for your homeplace shine through. We can add it to our list here. Thanks so much for bringing some new history here. Love all this wonderful feedback!
ReplyDeleteKav, I haven't figured out my posting pattern either - LOL, indeed:) All I know is that you're my Friday gal!
ReplyDeleteI'm still chuckling at the hula hoops, literally! Guess my analogy wasn't too far off the mark. Wish I could sew as I'd whip out a costume in no time. But alas...
You speak from experience about Ireland, being Irish yourself. It really is awe-inspiring to think of how things were built pre-cranes and all the rest. All that labor! And yet such beauty. It's so interesting that we have all the tools at our disposal today yet can't create such things of beauty. Am not sure what that means. Architecture is unknown territory for me.
Speaking of Ireland, I was at the library yesterday and picked up BJ Hoff's Emerald Ballad series. Made me think of you. Have you ever read that? She's of Irish descent and has invested a huge amount of time and her writing life to Ireland.
I'm going to price stays and petticoats in my free time. I can tell you what they cost in colonial days but don't have a clue about now...
Bless you today!
Laura, your great-grands and my great-grands might have crossed paths. Both families from southern VA, although mine were a little further east than Marion, in South Boston.
ReplyDeleteI love reading everyone's posts about their states and the places they want to visit. Being a VA native, I agree it's a great state!
Lori, Wouldn't that be amazing if so?! Now that's the kind of history I love:) And that's only on my Granny's side. My grandfather's family came from Botetourt County, VA in the 18th-c. He lived in a stone house and was a magistrate. His son came into Ky after Boone.
ReplyDeleteAfter finding out your genealogical tie back there, anything is possible! Since Virginia wasn't nearly as populated then, it could have happened. It has been fun sharing places here - lots of great sites to see!
Oh my, just spotted a HUGE typo in this post. So much for spellcheck:)
Hahaha I am a tomboy when it comes to a lot of things but when it comes to pretty dresses I go crazy! Don't get me wrong I wouldn't want to wear a dress everday (definitely a jeans and t-shirt kinda girl)but I love a pretty dress...plus I'm addicted to the TLC show "Say Yes to the Dress!"
ReplyDeleteXOXO~ Renee
Now, now Washington is rife with history. You just have to go farther back then the 18th century. And maybe its time your boys and you visit the Makah Museum amongst other places. White history is only 200 years old, but native American history...its much older then Kentucky. LOL And more fascinating, cause its more primative.
ReplyDeleteYou are right, Tonia:) Some of the trees on our property predate Ky settlement, that's for sure. My mom loves the museum in Neah Bay but I must confess it's been years since I've succumbed to carsickness out that way. Great to hear from you! Hope you and your tribe are all doing very well:)
ReplyDeleteHi Laura -
ReplyDeleteI've been hankering to get to historic sites myself. The only one on your list I've seen is Old Sturbridge Village. I much prefer Colonial Williamsburg.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Susan, I have such a heart for Colonial Williamsburg myself and haven't even seen it! Wish a group of us writers lived closer and could go on "field trips" together to historic sites. Thanks for commenting. You always add a fresh perspective.
ReplyDeleteHi Laura! Just discovered you by way of Rel of Relz Reviews and can't wait to read your books!
ReplyDeleteI dressed up last May for the Vincennes Rendezvous (I'm from Vincennes but now living in Indianapolis and studied the George Rogers Clark history in IN, KY and IL for my third book Wind Dancer). My sister and I wore colonial costumes and it was really fun! We were told not to wear make-up but we wore a little :) I'm not that brave. It was a surprising experience in a freeing kind of way. Felt very feminine and natural. I highly recommend it.
Oh, visited the historic triangle in Virginia a couple of years ago when my sis was attending Regent University and I had somewhere to stay. It was great!! I'd love to go back someday!!!
Hi Jamie, Wow - great to meet you here! I'd read your first 3 books before getting sidelined by my own publishing journey, and have my eye on your last two, especially Angel's Den as it covers a time period in American history that I love. Glad Rel introduced us all the way from Australia:) She's a gem. I thought I might see you in Indy at the upcoming conference as I know that's your home. Maybe we can show up in costume - lol! I think it would be wonderful to dress for some event - I love the femininity of the period as we've lost so much of that. Dee Gist is the other intrepid author who wears period clothing to book venues but am sure there are more. I can't wait to hear what you're working on next. I think I heard a whisper about a Christmas novella set in Alaska? That sounds wonderful. I remember when Snow Angel came out - the title and cover just captivated me. I think I was the very first person to order it off Amazon!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by. I'd love to meet you in future - and hope we meet up in cyberspace again! Bless you bunches as you write for Him.
Awww! You've read my books? That's so cool! I did turn in a Christmas novella, The Snowflake, which will come out in November, and I'm currently at work on a piraty (is that a word? LOL)kind of story - rugged American sea captain meets English Earl's daughter. There is a lot of chemistry between them and has been fun (not as intense as my last two books which I needed!). I'm ordering your books today and will pray for your continued success And YES! Hopefully we can meet at ICRS this fall! Can't wait!
ReplyDeleteJamie, You are such a gifted writer. It means a great deal that you would order my books. Thanks so much for that! I will keep buying yours and now that we have a personal link, they will mean even more. Till we meet again...:)
ReplyDelete