Wednesday, June 16, 2010

morrow's world

For the next few Wednesdays I thought I'd give you glimpses into Morrow's world, though these pictures, lovely as they are, fail to capture the real essence of the place. Since setting is so important to a story, I'll start with the Red River area of Kentucky. These photos give you a peek into the wild beauty of Morrow's world. Of course an author can only guess what it must have been like two hundred or so years ago. When I was a girl wandering the Kentucky hills and hollows, I used to pretend I lived back then. So it's not a wild leap for me to be there in my imagination. When I saw this picture, I immediately smelled the dry woods and felt the crunch of leaves beneath my feet. It's autumn in this picture and the woods are especially memorable then.

I have one scene in the novel where Morrow goes with a certain suitor into the mountains. For a young woman who rarely leaves the shadow of her own cabin, this is a memorable trip. It's one of my favorite chapters and contains almost no dialogue. Speaking would ruin the beauty of the moment. When you come across a beautiful sunset or feel something intensely words are unnecessary:) Imagine that!

This is a pencil-thin falls that becomes one big icicle in winter. The Red River isn't a large river but I made it large enough to pose a danger for Morrow both physically and emotionally. Another of my favorite scenes happens at the river early in the novel. But I'll not spoil it here:) There are many unusual red rock formations and natural bridges and arches in the landscape that make it especially unique. I had to cut a great deal of descriptive narrative though I enjoyed it immensely while I was writing. Praying the story is blessing you in some way or providing you with a blessed escape!

Have you ever been to Kentucky? Ever wanted to go? Some of you are Kentuckians. What do you like most about the Bluegrass state?

I'll announce our first giveaway winner this Friday. Can't wait!

Preach the gospel at all times. If necessary, use words. ~St. Francis

It is a good plan to have a book with you in all places and at all times. If you are presently without, hurry without delay to the nearest shop and buy one of mine. ~O. Wendell Holmes

53 comments:

  1. Oh -- I love seeing the pictures. I'd never thought about going to Kentucky until I made some friends there and then read TFD. Now with Morrow, I'm more committed than ever to get there someday.

    Guess what -- I just checked my local Christian bookstore and five more of your books have been sold...and it hasn't been out a week yet!!!!

    Oh and --

    Page 294 -- I knew the angst would come. I'm depressed and I have to work alllll day before I can read any more.

    :-(

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  2. Oh Kav,
    You are at a critical juncture:) Thank heavens for happy endings, huh? I can't tell you the books I've read that didn't deliver and I was down for days:(

    Yes, a KY trip is in order for both of us:) How about we swing on over to Michelle's and then grab Dana in Louisville and go down and see Regina and go out to Panera! My treat!! Oh, the fun we would have...

    I'm thrilled so many copies have been sold since they came in Saturday! Must be that killer cover:) Bless you for checking on Morrow's status! That tickles me to death, as those Kentuckians say:)

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  3. I've driven through Kentucky but never stopped to enjoy the state. Morrow has made me want to see the Red River area for sure. On my trip in September from Nashville up to Indy, actually on the way back, I plan to stop in Louisville to visit Locust Grove plantation. So that will be my first real visit to KY. Might get to see more of the state as I'll have a couple days before I wing my way back to the West Coast.

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  4. What a beautiful area! Thanks for sharing the photos. I can't wait to read Morrow just to visualize the scenery (something you describe very well, I'm certain.)

    I went to my local bookstores yesterday & no one had Morrow yet. :( I'll just have to be patient ...

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  5. Kav, you're driving me crazy!! I just finished Shannon's book, "White Roses" and am starting "Courting Morrow Little" today!!

    Ah, Laura, every Kentuckian loves to see pictures of their great state! There are two things about Kentucky that instantly come to mind when I think about what I love about it. First, there's the history. Predating Colonial days, it was only the FIFTEENTH state in the Union! Second is the topography. There are probably few states with so many different scenic wonders. You can go from the flat Mississippi River plains in the west, where I grew up, to the rolling hills of the central part of the state (closer to where I live now), to the mountains of Eastern Kentucky.

    I won't even mention basketball...

    :)

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  6. It's so gorgeous there, Laura! I cant wait to see it through Morrow's eyes. I've always had a fondness for the woods and mountains. I've never been to Kentucky, although I've learned through some family research that much of my family originated in rural Tennessee and Kentucky. I've always loved exploring in the Ozarks--was there this weekend in fact-- and I image that sort of landscape is as close as I'll get to Morrow's world any time soon.

    I look forward to more of Morrow's place and time!

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  7. Oh Lori,
    You will love Locust Grove. It was the basis for my Colonel McLinn in book 3, as I had to give that rascal Colonel Clark a happy ending. Am so glad you get that road trip you've been wanting! Sounds wonderful! Glad I get to see you on one end of it!

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  8. Brenda, It means so much that you'd keep checking and that you support your local bookstores! Ours went under a couple of years ago and it's left a huge hole in the downtown. The nearest Bible bookstore is an hour away. Glad you like the pictures. The Red River is such an amazing place! Wish I could be there right now, heat, mosquitos, and all:)

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  9. Regina,
    You make a wonderful spokesperson for our state!! Kentucky does have a rich history and so much versatility in the landscape. Oh and those Wildcats! I would love to see your area. I spent the first 5 years in my life at Mammoth Cave, then Bowling Green before moving to Lexington. Of course my family has been in Berea and Jackson Co. for the last 200 years or so. I'm so homesick, can you tell! Thanks for being my KY connection:)

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  10. Who would have thought, Kentucky is almost as beautiful as Australia ;-)

    Gorgeous pics, Laura. Morrow should be swimming her way across the Pacific by now!

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  11. While I'm a little prejudiced in favor of the beauty of the state just south of you, I have to say that when I drove to Calvert City to speak at the Marshall County writers' group a couple of weeks ago, I thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful drive along I-24 . . . especially once I got to the area around the Tennessee River/Land Between the Lakes. GORGEOUS!

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  12. I've never been to the south or south-east...but your photos are absolutely gorgeous. I looked for your book at Hastings the other day, but didn't see it - I'll find a copy eventually. It's been awhile since I've read a good historical inspirational. :-)

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  13. Beautiful. Timeless. Carved by God's hand and colored by His paintbrush.

    I have several dear friends who are native Kentuckians, and I'd love to visit!

    I am so looking forward to "visiting" with Miss Morrow Little : )

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  14. Oh, those pictures are beautiful, Laura! I especially love the waterfall, and find myself wondering if that is accessible by car.

    Regina's already mentioned the history and geography of Kentucky, which is what I would mention too. I've been able to travel most of the state, and I do love how varied our geography is. I do agree with Kaye, the Land Between the Lakes is gorgeous.

    I'm from eastern Kentucky originally, and my mom has often said, "You can take the girl from the mountains, but you can't take the mountains from the girl." I've found that to be very true.

    If any of you decide to visit Kentucky, and have the time, I would check out some of the state parks. We have a pretty good state park system. One of them, Natural Bridge, is in the Red River area. And if you want to go as far east as you can go, I would recommend the Breaks Interstate Park, which is between Kentucky and Virigina. It is so beautiful there. It's probably my favorite natural area in Kentucky.

    And I won't mention basketball, either. LOL.

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  15. How beautiful!!
    I've never been to Kentucky, but I've wanted to explore that region. Now you're just tempting me:)

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  16. There is nothing like My Old Ky Home. There is so much beauty to see in Ky from the horse farms to the mountains to the lakes and the caves.
    Your pics are beautiful. Can't wait to see more of Morrow's world.

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  17. I can't wait to read the "no dialogue scene." As a Smoky Mountains Writer, I can't help but want to put in long narratives describing the tangled beauty of the Smokies. Alas, my critters often say, "Disperse dialogue here. Add action." And they are right. But still, I love these mountains so much and just love sharing their aura with others.

    I've been to Kentucky, the Western End of the state. From Clarksville to Paducah several times. There wasn't much to see there. But like Tennessee, one end is so different than the other. Your work makes me want to visit the Eastern part of the state.

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  18. I have never been to Kentucky, though my Dad has and loved it. Such prety pictures! Did you take them yourself? I GOT MORROW YESTERDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now for a moment to settle down with her....

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  19. I'm in mourning. I reached the last page early this evening and I've been just sitting in a stupor thinking...now what? Well, of course I have to write my review...but I am afraid I'm somewhat dumbstruck...or should I say awestruck...at the moment. Maybe I'll be able to find words by tomorrow. Until then I think I'll wallow in a full sulk. I'm due. Long overdue actually.

    :-(

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  20. Oh Kav,
    Sweet (sorrowful!) words! Don't you hate THE END?! That's why I think heaven will be one unending book after another with none of that let down feeling:( Bless ya for sayin' that you liked it enough to miss it! Now onto that next book! That's the cure, I think, for the book blues - a frequent malady of mine. Currently I'm halfway through Love's Awakening and have Ransome's Crossing and She Walks in Beauty waiting. And that's just the top of the pile. Can't wait to hear your insights in your review. Glad I have your blog in my sidebar:) Bless you, bless you, bless you!

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  21. Rel, Australia sounds wonderful! My grandmother went there years ago and loved it and I think that's when I got bit by the Aussie bug:) Just had a fun thought - wouldn't it be wonderful if you came over here for the ACFW conference! You'd be a celebrity! I really like the fact that Morrow is on her way over. Looking so forward to our July date:)

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  22. Kaye, I've often said that TN is right behind KY in my book of best states to live in. But then I love NC and VA, too. We're heading to the Smoky Mts this December. Not the right time to see TN but I've spent so much time there I know how lovely it is in every season. Glad you made it up to Calvert City. There are so many good writing gigs going on back there!

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  23. Michelle, I knew you would be a good tour guide:) It's so interesting that each Kentuckian has a different slant on what is a must-see yet we love it all. I agree with your statement here whole-heartedly. My college roomie used to say that you can take the girl out of the south (I went to college in Ohio) but you can't take the south out of the girl. So I can relate:)
    I remember squeezing through Fat Man's Misery as a girl. Don't think I could make it now - lol! I wonder how far Creation Falls in the Red River is from the road for you. I didn't post a pic of that but it is something to see! Am not sure about that waterfall. And then there's that wonderful Gladie Cabin that makes me want to move in right now. Sigh. Homesick again!

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  24. Jamie,
    I sure appreciate you keeping an eye out for my book. Just saw that Amazon just stocked it yesterday. My local Christian bookstore won't have it till July 1, the original release date. Not sure about Walmart, etc. Hope your writing is going well and summer is off to a great start for you. Hopefully KY will be in the works for you one day. It's really worth a trip.

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  25. Virginia, I knew it was you before I even saw your name. You have poetry in your soul:) I consider us neighbors though I'm currently in exile here. My dream trip would be to go to Virginia and visit some historic places on my list - Mt. Vernon and Monticello to just name two. Bless you for stopping by!

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  26. Runner10 - OH thank you for mentioning My Old KY Home:) I think immediately of Bardstown and the Stephen Foster story which I've seen several times. The old inn there is also such a treat as it dates back to Revolutionary War times. Mercy, this is just stoking my homesickness so:) But in a good way. Bless you for chiming in - it's so fun hearing from each of you!

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  27. Kristen, I'm glad you want to go to KY but maybe you can just "be there" with my book like you were in TFD. I remember you were my first giveaway winner:) I remember coming to Washington state for the first time and it was a wonder - I was struck by the coolness of the woods and the BIGness of the trees! Am wondering what impressions you would take away from KY being a WA gal:)?

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  28. Well said, Britt! Love the "tangled beauty" and "aura" you mentioned. It really is so beautiful. I wonder if part of it is because it is so rich in history it's almost haunting? I'm glad I'm not the only southern writer who feels narrative is needed when describing things there. Please keep your narrative in as much as possible. There are those of us who appreciate that so very much:)

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  29. Casey, I wouldn't blame you a bit if you tucked Morrow away for winter reading:) You are one busy girl! Sometimes it seems so very hard to settle down with a book in summer as there are so many outside distractions. But so glad you got her! Thanks so much for letting me know! Praying you enjoy KY as much as your dad did, only vicariously!

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  30. Heather, You have Kentucky roots! I think that's so neat. Maybe our ancestors rubbed shoulders:) I've probably said that before but like to imagine it. Hope Morrow meets your expectations - exceeds them. Sac is a hard act to follow, esp. with all that wonderful detail! Can't wait till you get yours. Soon, I'm thinking. Then you'll have a quick trip to the Red River w/o the heat and insects:) Bless you bunches!

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  31. These are such beautiful pictures of Kentucky. When I first saw them they remind me of our great state of Ohio. We live in the Old Man's Cave/Hocking Hills area. Just last summer we walked around the rim of a group of rocks just like your second picture. Beautiful.

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  32. Oh Laura, that was one of my favorite chapters too!! I LOVE that scene between Morrow and “a certain suitor” ;) One of my favorite scenes actually! Like I said, I love how they communicated so much through their silence, their eyes. They were so aware of and in tune with each other that words weren’t needed. Their hearts beat as one even before they realized their love. *sigh* Sorry, got a little carried away :)

    And YES, I have been to the Bluegrass state, twice actually, LOL- once with Lael and recently with Morrow :) No, I have never “actually” been there but your books make me feel like I have! Your love for your roots is conveyed so eloquently through your writing. I would love to see Kentucky someday, it sounds and looks like such a beautiful place- especially through your eyes AND pen!

    LOVE those quotes too, BTW! People don’t need our grand thoughts or pretty words- “lip service” really. They NEED our actions, our testimony, our hands, and our feet. The Bible says that we’ll be known by our “fruit” not our words. Thank you Laura, for I often need the reminder :) And thanks for sharing those beautiful pictures and happy memories with us- looking forward to Wednesday’s ;)

    Blessings,
    Amanda Stanley

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  33. These pictures are so beautiful! :D Morrow's world is lovely, indeed!

    I have never been to Kentucky, but I would love to go there. I'd especially love to see the scenery in person and listen to bluegrass music while I'm sight-seeing. :) Bluegrass is one of my favorite genres of music!

    Hope you're having a great day!

    ~Amber

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  34. Hehehe, yes, Sac was a memorable book but I think after reading it, it was a bit emotionally exhausting. She found happiness for such a fleeting amount of time. Most of her life was spent in abuse, mourning, or unrequited love. I'm thinking Morrow will have her ups and downs but a decidedly more happy ending. And that's what I need!~

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  35. I've never been to Kentucky, I don't travel much but I want to go badylt now! Those pictures are incrdeible, especially the waterfall! Morrow's lucky that she lives there. :-P

    XOXO~ Renee

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  36. Trinity Rose,
    So good to see you here! I love learning where readers live - I went to college in Ohio so know how beautiful your state is. I'm so intrigued by the Old Man's Caves area! My research for Courting Morrow Little involved a lot of Ohio history which I loved as it is so rich and complex. But the area you mention is new to me. Ohio is as diverse as Kentucky as far as geography goes. I love the Amish influence, too. Enjoy that Ohio sun! I always check the forecast for Cinci and it looks like summer is in full swing for you:)

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  37. Amanda, I love hearing what worked for you in the novel:) I think of that mountaintop scene as Morrow's 'trial run of love' (he was seeing if she would trust him enough to go with him not only that day, but in future. If you only visit KY through my books I am a happy author, indeed!

    So glad you like the quotes. You have some wonderful ones yourself!

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  38. Amber, YES! The music of Kentucky - all that bluegrass and gospel makes KY truly unique. Love that you mentioned that. Since my Paul fiddles, we are always playing those type tunes. He MUCH prefers them to Mozart or Bach, bless them. Ah, homesick again:)

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  39. Renee,
    Yes, please put KY on your list:) Though your beach trip sounded heavenly to me! I think I must have a thing for waterfalls - remember the Captain Jack scene with Lael in TFD? And then there's another one in CML...
    So good to hear from you - that always puts a smile on my face:)

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  40. Heather,
    I think the thing that has always troubled me about Sac is all the mystery surrounding her death - those 2 tales in particular, one being that she died so young and another that has her living till 110 or something like that. I was always so intrigued that little Pomp went to live with William Clark for a time (he put him into boarding school in St. Louis, I think). Of course, my romantic mind wants to assume some sort of link there. She did have a tragic life but wow - what a woman she must have been! I really believe if not for her, the expedition would have been a failure.

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  41. I went to Red River Gorge back around 1990. The single's group I went with took a hiking trail for the better part of a day and all I can say was... it was AMAZING!

    It is as peaceful and quiet as what Laura has mentioned, and more than likely every bit as beautiful as she portrayed it in CML.

    Laura... on a side note, all three of my books are now available on Amazon.com now!!

    Have a great one!

    Dana

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  42. Dana, So thrilled for you!! I'm going over now to check them out:) This must be a happy day for you! Thanks so much for sharing it here - and also your insights about Red River Gorge. Awesome, indeed:)

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  43. This post is just in time...my copy of Courting Morrow Little arrived today! And I just finished reading The Raven Saint so I'm prime for another great story!

    I love the visuals. Sometimes when I'm reading I'll pause to Google some of the locations or items described, not because the narrative is lacking, but because it is so enticing I want to know more. Enjoying a great novel isn't just reading for me - its a very rich experience and I know that CML will be one for me. I can't wait to get started!

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  44. Carla, Isn't mail day amazing when a book arrives!? I just had one Saturday when I got a gift copy of The Seeker and 2 others from Amazon. I think I smiled all day:) Glad I could help you with the visuals for CML! My pleasure! And thanks so much for your enthusiasm and suppport. It means so very much!

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  45. Hahaha How could I forget the waterfall scene in TFD? It was my fave! I can't wait for CML's waterfall scene!

    XOXO~ Renee

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  46. Oh la la! I'm so glad you remember that particular waterfall. There are some recurrent themes in my books with fathers, daughters, suitors, and waterfalls. Not sure what that means?! Sadly, I had to cut the after-the-waterfall-scene out of CML and it just sizzled. But you readers will get the picture, I'm sure:)

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  47. I picked up TFD from the library tonight, in preparation for the discussion on Amber's blog tomorrow.
    It was definitely like picking up an old friend.;) I'm a speed reader, so when I re-read I always discover new things.

    I love that Amber mentioned the music. As I've grown older, I've started to appreciate some bluegrass music. I never liked it at all when I was young. I've heard my great-grandfather played the banjo very well, or as my mom put it. "He could make it talk."

    I've enjoyed the discussion surrounding Sacajawea. I was quite young when I read that book, somewhere between 9-11. I've re-read it several times since then. I loved the relationship between her and Clark, and the one between her and the Comanche warrior.

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  48. Michelle, What a friend you are for taking time to go to the library and pick up that book! Again!! I'm so glad you mentioned it here as now I'll remember to put a link up on my blog post tomorrow if others want to join in. I can't wait to revisit those characters. I lived with them for 10 years so they truly became my family!

    Glad to know we have another common historical interest in Sacajawea. I have the bestseller Undaunted Courage by Ambrose and it's well worth the read!

    Oh and I love what your mom said about the banjo - that your great-grand could make it talk. That is a high compliment! Paul wants to learn to play the banjo next which is fine by me:) I love it almost as much as fiddle.

    See you tomorrow at Amber's blog!

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  49. Yay! I'm so glad ya'll are excited for the book discussion tomorrow! I know I am. ;) I might actually post it tonight so it can be up longer and since I have some fun plans for tomorrow (including seeing Toy Story 3 in theaters, hopefully!!!).

    I'll e-mail the URL to you, Laura, when I post the discussion. :)

    And about bluegrass...have you heard the band Cherryholmes? I was so blessed to see them in concert this last fall, and they are so, so good! I highly recommend their music. Very talented, inspiring, and a great family band! :D

    ~Amber

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  50. Amber, So glad you're in for some Friday fun - nothing like a good movie in the summer:) Can't wait to see what's cooking at your blog with TFD. I feel overdue for a reunion with those characters!

    Cherryholmes is new to me but I'm going to check out, esp. if there is fiddle and banjo involved. Thanks for the tip!

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  51. Laura,

    The post is up! Let the discussion begin! ;)

    I hope you have a fun weekend, as well!

    And yes, there's banjo, bass, guitar, and fiddles involved. ;) In my opinion, they're a great band!

    ~Amber

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  52. Can't wait to come over, Amber! FUN!

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  53. It has been 25 years since I was in Kentucky, and then it was a quick drive through on our way to North Carolina. We stopped in Paducah, because that's where my dad had graduated from high school.

    I would love to go back and spend some time there.

    I loved these pictures. I loved having something in my head already as I read Morrow's story.

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