tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post6761485002947782365..comments2023-11-18T04:41:02.841-08:00Comments on LauraFrantz.net: a colonial christmasLaura Frantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07067252948999879024noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-33619732884602621042010-12-22T07:40:41.461-08:002010-12-22T07:40:41.461-08:00Vicki, I just read your other comment here... Firs...Vicki, I just read your other comment here... First, bless you for reading TFD!! I love my Kentucky readers and you have strong roots:) My grandmother was also involved in DAR but she's since passed away. History sounds like your mom's cup of tea! Interestingly, the family series I am working on now is set in Lancaster, PA. The area is so rich - like mining a historical treasure trove without end! KY and PA are similar in so many ways but Lancaster and PA are dear to me because it played such a part in western expansion and the birth of the American longrifle, etc. <br /><br />I wonder if your brother likes Seattle. I am definitely a fish out of water here and my dream is to return home to KY. Very wet though beautiful if you like lots of water and the mountains. Anyway, I wish you a very merry Christmas! Please stay in touch! I'll resume blogging the first of January...Laura Frantzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07067252948999879024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-26340351407107192842010-12-22T07:33:48.567-08:002010-12-22T07:33:48.567-08:00Vicki, That is so fascinating about your family hi...Vicki, That is so fascinating about your family history! The very stuff I research so passionately:) The Shawnee captivity stories are so interesting. I recently was contacted by a direct descendent of Stephen Ruddell who'd read my books. That was a special moment for me. Anyway, to answer your thoughtful question... I'm not sure where I pulled the name Lael from originally but I've always liked it. My version is from the Hebrew and means "belonging to God" which dovetails with her spiritual journey in the novel. I didn't realize this till the book went to print. Usually I research character names ahead of time. So interesting about the German version of the name - very pretty however it's spelled! I took Lael's middle and last names (Catherine Click) from my own family, my paternal grandmother in particular. As an author it's fun to borrow from personal family history. I wish I'd had a family member of two captured by Shawnee like you do as that family history is so rich (and traumatic, as I'm sure they'd tell us if they lived today). Am glad your relatives survived captivity. I'd love to hear the rest of their stories!Laura Frantzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07067252948999879024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-26746423237268705592010-12-21T18:08:28.503-08:002010-12-21T18:08:28.503-08:00I just had to ask, why did you name the heroine of...I just had to ask, why did you name the heroine of the Frontiersman's Daughter "Lael"? I wondered when I saw it, because some of my Kentucky ancestors were Lails - Lail being the anglicized form of the German name Lagel. My German ancestor was a Karsner (i.e. Kirschner) and his wife was a Lail. They were both captured by Shawnees at Ruddle's Station. I think she was in captivity longer than he was.Vicki Hhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12109759692684066829noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-15002627998351916182010-12-21T17:49:38.048-08:002010-12-21T17:49:38.048-08:00Merry Christmas! I just began reading "The Fr...Merry Christmas! I just began reading "The Frontiersman's Daughter." I live in Lexington KY and my ancestors came here from Lancaster County PA in the 1700s also. They were of German descent. Some were captured by Shawnee indians at the battle of Ruddle's Station (aka Hinkston's Station or Ruddle's Mills). Allan Eckert mentions it in his book "The Frontiersmen." My mother is in the Owen County DAR and does lots of genealogical research. Loads of interesting historical events, wars, battles, family feuds, et al. I hope you travel safely this week. One of my brothers lives in Seattle also, with his family, and they are coming to Kentucky for Christmas too. <br /><br />Have a safe and merry Kentucky Christmas.<br /><br />VickiVicki Hhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12109759692684066829noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-45723519929457739992010-12-02T07:47:35.959-08:002010-12-02T07:47:35.959-08:00Amber, Likewise, I'm so thankful that we'v...Amber, Likewise, I'm so thankful that we've become reading friends/blogging buddies! Seeing younger writers like you with such a heart for Christ inspires and blesses me in so many ways! And than you again for taking time for my books and writing such wonderful reviews. You are a blessing to so many in many ways!! Praying your holiday season is full of all that delights His heart and yours. See you in 2011!Laura Frantzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07067252948999879024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-90771134238065830142010-12-01T20:05:33.248-08:002010-12-01T20:05:33.248-08:00Dear Laura,
I hope you have a wonderful time at t...Dear Laura,<br /><br />I hope you have a wonderful time at the family reunion, and that you are able to find rest and relaxation. :) Sounds like so much fun!<br /><br />I'm sorry I didn't comment sooner. :( I'll miss your posts and your comments during this month, but I'm blessed by your example in putting family and the Lord above blogging. God has used you in such amazing ways in my life, and I'm so thankful for your friendship and encouragement! :D (I'm sure I've said that before, but just to make sure...) ;) <br /><br />Have a fabulous December and a merry Christmas, and see you in 2011! :D<br /><br />~AmberAmber Holcombhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15100265646497152198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-62990601102960078012010-12-01T06:58:03.370-08:002010-12-01T06:58:03.370-08:00Amanda, Thanks so much for the f/u and your gracio...Amanda, Thanks so much for the f/u and your gracious words. I've been thinking about your testimony ever since and thanking God for pastors like yours. We have one who is a true shepherd, too, and it's such a blessing. Can't wait to get back in January and share more of what the Lord wowed us with in December. Praying your dad has a great trip and you are reunited soon!Laura Frantzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07067252948999879024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-54842302590965659212010-11-30T17:10:27.451-08:002010-11-30T17:10:27.451-08:00Laura & Adrienne, to God be all the glory!! I&...Laura & Adrienne, to God be all the glory!! I'm so happy this testimony could bless you ladies :) <br /><br />Laura, like you said, it is a memory that will warm me for a very long time. I like that :) Whenever you're in a trial or storm or things seem impossible, it's remembered testimonies and the Lord's answers to past prayers that you can stand on, along with His promises. <br /><br />And, I'm very blessed to have a pastor who will do things like that, which is the norm for him, truly. Even for people he has never met, if he knows a soul is in need he is ready to run and be the hands and feet of Christ. He and his wife are such beautiful examples of the love of Jesus in so many ways and we thank the Lord for such a shepherd :)<br /><br />May this season be filled with testimonies of the Lord's goodness and faithfulness for all of us!!<br /><br />Prayers & Blessings,<br />Amanda StanleyAmanda Stanleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16372107574684016349noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-49319352028403690342010-11-30T14:11:44.202-08:002010-11-30T14:11:44.202-08:00YES, Renee, MUD! Most of it is on my living room r...YES, Renee, MUD! Most of it is on my living room rug, thanks to my boys here and melting snow:) I bet you're ready for a real PA snowstorm. Last year you just about froze your toes off, if I remember correctly! But wait, you said you're a summer girl like me:) And a nook sounds wonderful...<br /><br />Isn't it fun to get together and talk books! Bless Renee Ann for mentioning Mrs. Mike! Now that you've recalled such good things about it, I will have to read for sure. Praying you have an awesome holiday. xoxoxo back at ya:)Laura Frantzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07067252948999879024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-36335222077061414262010-11-30T13:47:32.584-08:002010-11-30T13:47:32.584-08:00Oh my goodness! I read Mrs. Mike ages ago and comp...Oh my goodness! I read Mrs. Mike ages ago and completely forgot about it until now! It was really good and it was probably one of the first romances that I ever checked outof the library LOL! I hope you get a chance to read it.<br /><br />Thank you for the kind message on my blog today! Love ya.<br /><br />ReneeRenee (BlacknGoldGirlsBookSpot)https://www.blogger.com/profile/02701232799625814028noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-45803664098450576262010-11-30T11:11:36.191-08:002010-11-30T11:11:36.191-08:00Ewww it's cold and rainy here with mud EVERYWH...Ewww it's cold and rainy here with mud EVERYWHERE! I posted on Facebook the other day that all I want for Christmas is summer but more realistically I think I want a Nook. :-) I hope you enjoy your time off and have a wonderful Christmas with your family. <br /><br />XOXO~ ReneeRenee (BlacknGoldGirlsBookSpot)https://www.blogger.com/profile/02701232799625814028noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-78958769420814701292010-11-30T08:19:20.778-08:002010-11-30T08:19:20.778-08:00Adrienne,
Oh my, the joys of blog comments. When I...Adrienne,<br />Oh my, the joys of blog comments. When I read back over them they sometimes don't sound right! My priorities are my books - nope, didn't mean that. They come in third after God and family. Thank heavens:)Laura Frantzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07067252948999879024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-72825678375692079392010-11-30T08:17:01.015-08:002010-11-30T08:17:01.015-08:00Renee Ann,
I went to Amazon and read about Moonrak...Renee Ann,<br />I went to Amazon and read about Moonraker's Bride. Given our similar reading tastes, I think I'd love it and plan on reading. Since I was weaned on Victoria Holt novels (and all her psuedonyms), this looks like a winner. I gasped that one version is $400:) But the ppbk is only about $5! I have a very old copy of Song of Years and it is such a treasure. I think you'd love the story. Very beautiful language and deeply emotional. That's so interesting about the 3 generations loving that particular book. I did the same with my boys reading Laura Ingalls Wilder though Wyatt's favorite is Farmer Boy:) He says he likes the descriptions of the food!<br /><br />I have heard of Mrs. Mike and need to check that out as well. Oh, you are a wonderful resource, Renee Ann! I can just imagine how much fun it would be to talk to you over lunch!!Laura Frantzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07067252948999879024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-41501818620023595142010-11-30T08:12:00.944-08:002010-11-30T08:12:00.944-08:00Adrienne,
I'm so glad you shared that about bo...Adrienne,<br />I'm so glad you shared that about boot camp and electronic withdrawal. I don't think we're far off either. Sadly, people aren't into people anymore but devices. I really fear for this up and coming generation. Though I don't know you except as a blogging friend, you've always struck me as someone who is so sensible. I'm finding, now that I've reduced social networking to my blog and one FB page, that my mind is so free and uncluttered. It does help to remember our priorities like you said. Mine are my books.<br /><br />Thanks so much for your comments. They always bless. And I'm so glad Amanda shared her testimony with us. I've been thinking about it ever since!Laura Frantzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07067252948999879024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-64685775825497972182010-11-30T07:58:11.617-08:002010-11-30T07:58:11.617-08:00I really enjoyed reading Amanda's Thanksgiving...I really enjoyed reading Amanda's Thanksgiving story this morning. <br />Laura, I sometimes feel the need to just stay away from the computer for an entire day to regroup and remember my priorities. I read an article once about how there is a bootcamp in China for computer withdrawal. I have a feeling Americans aren't too far off. I also read once that a teenager had to have surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome because they text messaged so much.adgehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12203810495930165894noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-3094255350010743712010-11-30T07:41:04.524-08:002010-11-30T07:41:04.524-08:00Michelle,
SO happy I get to meet you!! I've be...Michelle,<br />SO happy I get to meet you!! I've been so anxious to tell you and post about it. Would you believe this book launch for The Colonel's Lady will be at The Colonel's Lady Tea Room in Winchester:)! I'll be meeting the owner when I'm home next week. We've finalized plans by phone and it's going to be wonderful. I'll be in 18th-century dress (as will others helping) and there will be lots of "high tea" type foods. Lots of books to sign and give away, too, plus a gift basket, etc. Anyway, can you tell I'm excited? Meeting you will be such a highlight so thanks for saving the date! I'll post an official invitation here when I return in January and then again closer to August. <br /><br />Oh, the fact that your mom made your bows is so lovely! They are really keepsakes, then. Enjoy every minute of that tree - it sounds magical. Maybe I'll request my next heroine be in a lavender gown:)Laura Frantzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07067252948999879024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-9316650437020064222010-11-30T07:31:04.695-08:002010-11-30T07:31:04.695-08:00Britt, I love hearing where you blog buddies are:)...Britt, I love hearing where you blog buddies are:) I wish I could gather you, Ruth, Kaye, and Barbara up and have a TN lunch!! Hope I'm not fogetting anyone...<br /><br />Never been to Pigeon Forge before, just Gatlinburg. Used to spend a lot of time in Nashville as I had relatives there. I would move to TN in a heartbeat! Enjoy every minute of your holiday. I sure enjoyed your blog pics and commentary about your time in the mountains.Laura Frantzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07067252948999879024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-26721164817752700632010-11-30T07:28:16.662-08:002010-11-30T07:28:16.662-08:00Rel, I have my copy of North&South sitting rig...Rel, I have my copy of North&South sitting right here beside my writing chair:) I think one of my favorite blog posts of all time was the one where you and I went back and forth about the movie. Bless you for that! And I do need another viewing SOON. <br /><br />I'm hoping you and your family have the best Christmas ever - with every day leading up to it full of delightful surprises and blessings! See you in January...Laura Frantzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07067252948999879024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-8415355115703668452010-11-30T07:09:10.626-08:002010-11-30T07:09:10.626-08:00Laura, if lavender is your favorite shade of purpl...Laura, if lavender is your favorite shade of purple, you would love the bows on my tree. My mom made them for me several years ago, and they are lavender with white. <br /><br />Yay, a book signing in Winchester on August 6! I will definitely put that on my calendar. So glad it's a Saturday. I will certainly be looking forward to it!Michellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05847510545827506148noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-1259717027433002952010-11-30T06:01:54.946-08:002010-11-30T06:01:54.946-08:00I live pretty close to Pigeon Forge. My home is So...I live pretty close to Pigeon Forge. My home is South of Knowxville, about 20 minutes away from Pigeon Forge. We go there almost every weekend because my in-laws live in Sevierville. I used to work in Pigeon Forge at a dinner show (it's no longer there.)Besshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08397116071436885635noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-42898355504610839012010-11-30T05:06:48.149-08:002010-11-30T05:06:48.149-08:00Laura ~ I'm another fan of Josh Groban. Saw h...Laura ~ I'm another fan of Josh Groban. Saw him in concert a couple of years ago. What an amazing voice he has. Illuminations is on my Christmas wishlist :)<br /><br />Have a wonderful break, a blessed Christmas with your family and maybe another viewing of North & South!<br /><br />Hugs xo xoRelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14857426893482706263noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-13129724377275492132010-11-30T01:45:37.515-08:002010-11-30T01:45:37.515-08:00I'm most familiar with A Lantern In Her Hand b...I'm most familiar with A Lantern In Her Hand but had to go look for Song of Years after reading your comment, Laura. Right now you can pick it up at Amazon for $32 or even $75 for a brand new paperback. I guess it's a collector's item!(I ordered it from Half.com.) One of the reviewers on Amazon said that SOY is the favorite book of three generations of women in her family. I love reading that kind of story . . . BTW, have you ever read Mrs. Mike? For some reason, I think of that book in a similar Bess Streeter Aldrich category . . . And when I think of Victoria Holt (I know you've read her) I'm always reminded of Madeleine Brent. Have you ever read Moonraker's Bride? . . . Just wondering . . .Renee Annhttp://reneeannsmith.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-58804969295753888412010-11-29T19:53:53.104-08:002010-11-29T19:53:53.104-08:00I so appreciate your prayers, Lori (and everyone)....I so appreciate your prayers, Lori (and everyone). Randy agrees with you and would much rather drive (I would, too) but we are flying. The boys think it's all a grand adventure but they haven't flown for several years now:) I hate to disppoint them! They will probably think the pat down is fun! Lots in the papers about those searches right now...<br /><br />Josh is growing on me. It doesn't take but a song or two and you're hooked! Hoping you have the best Christmas ever. I can just imagine you down there listening to Josh sing, your fingers flying on your WIP!Laura Frantzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07067252948999879024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-18627298966461791382010-11-29T19:48:41.764-08:002010-11-29T19:48:41.764-08:00Debra, Love your wording:) Edit-free sounds postiv...Debra, Love your wording:) Edit-free sounds postively decadent to me. Praying yours is the same. Looking forward to seeing you in the new year!!Laura Frantzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07067252948999879024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-54109262260376344052010-11-29T19:11:39.265-08:002010-11-29T19:11:39.265-08:00Kav, Your holiday gift giving sounds perfect to me...Kav, Your holiday gift giving sounds perfect to me. Very creative and heartfelt! And if it keeps you out of the frenzy, I'm all for that. After an hour at Walmart today I am worn out!<br /><br />I will try and take some good pics of our TN reunion. We might be in shorts as it's so warm there right now:) Hoping we stay healthy and safe. Prayers are sure appreciated. Sending them your way as well and hoping this is your best holiday yet.Laura Frantzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07067252948999879024noreply@blogger.com