Good Morning Glenda,
I will be regularly adding information to my blogspots, they are:
www.reikimountaincenter.blogspot.com Information on Reiki utilizing other modalities.
www.rambling222.blogspot.com Rambling Writer - Poems, Essay's, Whatever.
Paul
Friday, November 21, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Where Were You on the Night Obama was Elected
With the writer’s permission I am posting this letter he wrote to his mother right after the 2008 election. Dan Moring is a young college graduate from Chicago. He lives in Washington, DC now, and was there on Nov. 4, 2008. His writing is impressive, I think.
The following is in response to his mother’s question, where were you when Obama was announced the winner of the election?
Heya Ma,
The actual moment of the election call was not terribly memorable, since I was actually mid-hop between watering holes on U St when we just heard an enormous scream of elation and people starting streaming out onto the streets. We went to the nearest bar to watch the concession/acceptance speeches. Then when we left that bar, the street was like a mob scene, with people making ad-hoc percussion instruments, chanting "O-Bam-A" and "Yes We Can."
So, with apologies to Gill Scott Heron, "The Evolution Will not be Televised."
I didn't have a camera, but there's a video on the Post website here if you want to catch a little flavor:http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/video/2008/11/05/VI2008110500629.html?sid=ST2008110301127
After boogeying in classic style at 14th and U St (the epicenter of the race riots that ravaged the city 40 years ago) for about 45 minutes, I walked my companion home and, returning back up New Hampshire Ave, hit a crowd of probably hundreds streaming down 16th Street en route to the White House.
I joined them, bouncing jauntily to the triple staccato of horn beeps (short-short-long: yes-we-can) and deeper, more complex rhythms improvised with pots and spoons; claps and stomps; cheers and chants. Along the way, total strangers hugged, slowed to give Hi-Fives to passing cars and cops, or just nod with broad grins.
As we neared Lafayette Square, the fine mist subsided and, crossing the park onto Pennsylvania Ave, with the White House darkened and the shadows of snipers crawling the roof line, I heard the chants of "Move Bush, get out the Way" and"Na-na-na-na...hey-hey-hey...good-bye" subsumed into a rousing (if totally off-key) rendition of the national anthem.
Looking around, I saw the patchwork quilt of "my America"--the "real America" that I grew up in, that I know and love. I caught a glimpse, in reflection, of the America that many of us there assembled perhaps forgot at times over the past years dominated by cynicism, profligacy, betrayal, and distrust--between the government and the people, and among the people themselves.
But beyond that penumbra, so perfectly symbolized by a darkened White House, I saw reflected in the assembled group the mathematical fact that any third grader understands--Addition is simpler than Division; the Greatest Common Factor is easier to find than the Lowest Common Denominator.
People of many ages (though primarily young--it was 2 am), all colors, ethnicities, and styles--festooned with Obama gear, American flags, and above all, broad smiles and sparkling (albeit, again, sometimes glassy) eyes. People excited by that basic concept--the heart of free will--Yes We Can.
The crowds I'm sure are parodied by certain sectors of the voting and non-voting populace, in the United States and elsewhere. But we are not motivated simply by a personality ("celebrity," as the zero-sum line went), nor by hatred and rage, nor by dewy-eyed naivete. We've seen things change drastically since we cast our first votes as citizens, we know some reasons why (there's blame to share), and we think we can do better. One thing is certain--We're sure as hell going to try.
My brother is often fond of saying, "just because you can doesn't mean you should." As my thoughts on the exercise of individual freedom have developed over the years, I always viewed this "Can/Should" distinction somewhat negatively--as the dividing line between liberty and license. The freedom to swing my fist ends at the tip of your nose. But sometimes if you can, you absolutely should.
As we come down from the elation and catharsis of that moment a few nights ago, "Yes We Can" morphs into “Yes we Should,” and ultimately "Yes We Must."
Now, as never before, we have a view of our past and we see what's brought us to this point, good and bad, and we see where we're heading. It looks rough.
In looking at the enormity of the problems facing us--all of us--we no longer have the luxury to retreat to our respective corners and curse the darkness descending on our future. We must stoke the flames that brought us to this point, and light the way to our better tomorrow. With those ballots cast, we began to write the next chapter in our history. It will have lots of twists and turns, but I think, if we get all the characters involved, it can still be a great tale.
So yeah, I think I'll remember it like that.
Much Love
Dan
The following is in response to his mother’s question, where were you when Obama was announced the winner of the election?
Heya Ma,
The actual moment of the election call was not terribly memorable, since I was actually mid-hop between watering holes on U St when we just heard an enormous scream of elation and people starting streaming out onto the streets. We went to the nearest bar to watch the concession/acceptance speeches. Then when we left that bar, the street was like a mob scene, with people making ad-hoc percussion instruments, chanting "O-Bam-A" and "Yes We Can."
So, with apologies to Gill Scott Heron, "The Evolution Will not be Televised."
I didn't have a camera, but there's a video on the Post website here if you want to catch a little flavor:http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/video/2008/11/05/VI2008110500629.html?sid=ST2008110301127
After boogeying in classic style at 14th and U St (the epicenter of the race riots that ravaged the city 40 years ago) for about 45 minutes, I walked my companion home and, returning back up New Hampshire Ave, hit a crowd of probably hundreds streaming down 16th Street en route to the White House.
I joined them, bouncing jauntily to the triple staccato of horn beeps (short-short-long: yes-we-can) and deeper, more complex rhythms improvised with pots and spoons; claps and stomps; cheers and chants. Along the way, total strangers hugged, slowed to give Hi-Fives to passing cars and cops, or just nod with broad grins.
As we neared Lafayette Square, the fine mist subsided and, crossing the park onto Pennsylvania Ave, with the White House darkened and the shadows of snipers crawling the roof line, I heard the chants of "Move Bush, get out the Way" and"Na-na-na-na...hey-hey-hey...good-bye" subsumed into a rousing (if totally off-key) rendition of the national anthem.
Looking around, I saw the patchwork quilt of "my America"--the "real America" that I grew up in, that I know and love. I caught a glimpse, in reflection, of the America that many of us there assembled perhaps forgot at times over the past years dominated by cynicism, profligacy, betrayal, and distrust--between the government and the people, and among the people themselves.
But beyond that penumbra, so perfectly symbolized by a darkened White House, I saw reflected in the assembled group the mathematical fact that any third grader understands--Addition is simpler than Division; the Greatest Common Factor is easier to find than the Lowest Common Denominator.
People of many ages (though primarily young--it was 2 am), all colors, ethnicities, and styles--festooned with Obama gear, American flags, and above all, broad smiles and sparkling (albeit, again, sometimes glassy) eyes. People excited by that basic concept--the heart of free will--Yes We Can.
The crowds I'm sure are parodied by certain sectors of the voting and non-voting populace, in the United States and elsewhere. But we are not motivated simply by a personality ("celebrity," as the zero-sum line went), nor by hatred and rage, nor by dewy-eyed naivete. We've seen things change drastically since we cast our first votes as citizens, we know some reasons why (there's blame to share), and we think we can do better. One thing is certain--We're sure as hell going to try.
My brother is often fond of saying, "just because you can doesn't mean you should." As my thoughts on the exercise of individual freedom have developed over the years, I always viewed this "Can/Should" distinction somewhat negatively--as the dividing line between liberty and license. The freedom to swing my fist ends at the tip of your nose. But sometimes if you can, you absolutely should.
As we come down from the elation and catharsis of that moment a few nights ago, "Yes We Can" morphs into “Yes we Should,” and ultimately "Yes We Must."
Now, as never before, we have a view of our past and we see what's brought us to this point, good and bad, and we see where we're heading. It looks rough.
In looking at the enormity of the problems facing us--all of us--we no longer have the luxury to retreat to our respective corners and curse the darkness descending on our future. We must stoke the flames that brought us to this point, and light the way to our better tomorrow. With those ballots cast, we began to write the next chapter in our history. It will have lots of twists and turns, but I think, if we get all the characters involved, it can still be a great tale.
So yeah, I think I'll remember it like that.
Much Love
Dan
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
The Way of Men
..............Two men conversed on a bridge,
..............one from town, the other from
..............a place hid in the mountains.
“We in the city know our
self depends on others, for
society is made from friends.”
........................“Self-such I am, like a tree.
........................Harmony makes me whole, yet
........................I stay an individual.”
“All is all and all is one.
To think your way engages
none creates a delusion.”
........................“I stand alone and always
........................have thus stood, autonomous,
........................a part of all yet all apart.”
...............The two men left each other,
...............each in his own mind the better,
...............sure of the other’s error.
..............Two men conversed on a bridge,
..............one from town, the other from
..............a place hid in the mountains.
“We in the city know our
self depends on others, for
society is made from friends.”
........................“Self-such I am, like a tree.
........................Harmony makes me whole, yet
........................I stay an individual.”
“All is all and all is one.
To think your way engages
none creates a delusion.”
........................“I stand alone and always
........................have thus stood, autonomous,
........................a part of all yet all apart.”
...............The two men left each other,
...............each in his own mind the better,
...............sure of the other’s error.
NANCY SIMPSON AMONG THE TOP TEN
Congratulations to Netwest Consultant and past Program Coordinator, Nancy Simpson. Her new weblog, LivingAbove the Frost Line is listed on Blog.com as one of the top ten blogs representing Appalachian culture.
And even more kudos to Nancy. Her poetry, and that of Netwest Consultant and NC Poet Laureate, Kathryn Stripling Byer, Fred Chappel and other outstanding mountain poets, is included in a new book edited by Merita Garin.
SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN POETRY has been published by McFarland Press as No. 20 in its Southern Appalachian Studies Series.
Read more about this book on Nancy's blog.
Nancy Simpson lives above the frost line on a mountain in Hayesville, NC where she writes free verse poetry and is working on an historical novel. Her poetry collections include Night Student and Across Water published by State Street Press.
And even more kudos to Nancy. Her poetry, and that of Netwest Consultant and NC Poet Laureate, Kathryn Stripling Byer, Fred Chappel and other outstanding mountain poets, is included in a new book edited by Merita Garin.
SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN POETRY has been published by McFarland Press as No. 20 in its Southern Appalachian Studies Series.
Read more about this book on Nancy's blog.
Nancy Simpson lives above the frost line on a mountain in Hayesville, NC where she writes free verse poetry and is working on an historical novel. Her poetry collections include Night Student and Across Water published by State Street Press.
Monday, November 17, 2008
THE CHILDREN OF SHERLOCK HOLMES by Dr. Ben F. Eller
Publisher: PearlStone Publishing
Pub. Date: May 2008
ISBN-13: 9780981688305
264pp
Cullowhee, NC resident, Dr. Ben Eller, has written a novel set against the backdrop of 1890's England. This period is one of the most intriguing and contradictory eras of human history.
While that nation's scholars produced and impressed all humankind with their literature, art and music twenty thousand abandoned homeless children roamed their nation's capitol. Ten thousand more toiled fourteen-hour days in wretched factories. Seven hundred of one thousand poor children died before the age of five.
Holmes confronts the exploitation, enslavement and murder of children in an underworld of perverse corruption that extends from unimaginable working conditions in factories to flesh merchants of the Middle East to the highest levels of English government.
Holmes is driven to the edge of madness as he examines the desperate lives of factory children attempting to survive a web of corrupt politicians, factory owners and an indifferent society.
Ben Eller's professional career has been primarily in academia as an Associate Professor of Psychology at East Tennessee State University and Professor/Program Chair (Professor Emeritus), Educational Technology at the University of Alabama. He earned a Bachelor's in Mathematics from Milligan College and MS and doctorate in Educational Psychology from the University of Tennessee. He worked with the Atomic Energy Commission in Oak Ridge, Tennessee while attending graduate school.
Ben, a member of NCWN, therefore, Netwest, has published in the areas of child abuse, autism, disruptive children and adolescents, and ecucational technology. He published a textbook with Wadsworth Publishing and has written two novels, The Children of Sherlock Holmes, (historical ficiton) and The Cleansing (science fiction) and two movie scripts.
He has two children, a daughter Elizabeth and a son Todd. His hobbies include running, tennis, biking, frequent trips to Vegas and of course his love of writing.
The Children of Sherlock Holmes is available on http://www.amazon.com/ and from http://www.barnesandnoble.com/
Dr. Ben Eller is available for book signings and readings. Contact him at:
beneller@verizon.com
Poets and Writers Reading Poems and Stories
Two Netwest Members featured at the monthly reading at John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, NC
Jayne Jaudon Ferrer, of Greenville, SC turned a passion for poetry and a desire to stay home with her children into a successful career as an author. Her books include, A New Mother's Thoughts , A Mother of Sons, Dancing with My Daughter and She of the Rib: Women Unwrapped.
Jayne’s ability to connect with her readers was rewarded in 2004 with an invitation from ClubMom.com to become a "MomExpert." Nearly a dozen articles by Jayne, all focused on various aspects of parenting and family life, are now featured on the ClubMom site.
Jayne is the South Carolina Representative for Netwest and this will be her first time to read at the historic Folk School.
Natalie Grant of Nantahala, NC writes poetry that reaches out and pulls you along with its flow. She has the ability to reach into the heart of her subject and bring the trueness of it to the surface.
She says she was influenced by the stories and storytellers in her family and community. Natalie has a poetry book and a novel in the working stage. A high school English teacher, she also teaches part time at Tri-County Community College in Graham County.
The readings will be held in the Keith House at John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, NC at 7:00 pm Thursday, November 20. The community is invited to come and enjoy this evening along with the folk school students from all over the United States.
Jayne Jaudon Ferrer, of Greenville, SC turned a passion for poetry and a desire to stay home with her children into a successful career as an author. Her books include, A New Mother's Thoughts , A Mother of Sons, Dancing with My Daughter and She of the Rib: Women Unwrapped.
Jayne’s ability to connect with her readers was rewarded in 2004 with an invitation from ClubMom.com to become a "MomExpert." Nearly a dozen articles by Jayne, all focused on various aspects of parenting and family life, are now featured on the ClubMom site.
Jayne is the South Carolina Representative for Netwest and this will be her first time to read at the historic Folk School.
Natalie Grant of Nantahala, NC writes poetry that reaches out and pulls you along with its flow. She has the ability to reach into the heart of her subject and bring the trueness of it to the surface.
She says she was influenced by the stories and storytellers in her family and community. Natalie has a poetry book and a novel in the working stage. A high school English teacher, she also teaches part time at Tri-County Community College in Graham County.
The readings will be held in the Keith House at John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, NC at 7:00 pm Thursday, November 20. The community is invited to come and enjoy this evening along with the folk school students from all over the United States.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Chaos
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
PURTY COWS
I had never thought I had an affinity for cows. I grew up on a farm and cows were part of the landscape -- in green pastures in summer, in brown pastures in fall and sometimes in icy, even snowy pastures in winter. Cows standing belly-deep in cool ponds on hot days and cows with icicles hanging off their noses in winter.Cows come in many colors. Long ago my father had a beige Jersey cow. Babe had large brown eyes. I liked to press my face against her warm hide and breathe in her scent.
On our farm were black cows, red and white cows and some black and white cows. The typical black and white cow we see on television urging us to 'Eat More Chickin' is a Holstein. During my teenage years, black and white Holstein dairy cattle spotted our pastures. I never thought they were pretty as the Jersey, Guernsey, Black Angus, and Herefords.
A couple of years ago, while riding through a particularly picturesque area, my husband said, "You really like cows, don't you?"
"I never thought about it. I don't think I really like cows. Why do you say that?"
"Because, every time we pass a herd of cows, you say 'purty cows'." He laughed. "I think you really like cows."
That got me to thinking, and I realize that I do, indeed, like cows. Recently on a fantastic fall afternoon driving east on Hwy 64 from Murphy, NC to Hayesville, as the sun slid toward the mountain tops in the west, it cast a glow over everything in front of me. I wanted to stop right there, in the middle of the road, and capture the scene of the hills, the cows and the blue mountains in the background. Of course, I couldn't do that. Highway 64 is one busy road, so I did the next best thing. I turned off, found a spot, and made a few photos. That was when I remembered Janice Moore's poem about cows. She grew up in the city, and I enjoy this poem in which she is first introduced to cows living near.
Learning to Live with the Cows
by Janice Townley Moore
I did not want them to come here,
afraid of their large square heads
some with horns,
their soft eyes no recompense.
So I keep my distance,
glimpse them from the kitchen window
as they saunter to the watering tub.
I watch them at the fence
and for the first time see
what the grass is greener really means.
I learn that all those painted cows
in distant fields
were moving their mouths.
I learn that trees are for
scratching up against.
And on dull winter afternoons
I imagine that the cows rise
from what is left of the grass,
dance to a music I do not hear,
something basso and sprightly
seeping from their udders,
sailing out of their horns.
Learning to Live with the Cows is in Janice's chapbook, Teaching the Robins, published by Finishing Line Press, 2005.
Monday, November 10, 2008
New Anthology Showcases Fourteen Women Writers of Henderson County
New Book Showcases Talent of
Fourteen Henderson County Women
A new Christmas anthology from Catawba Publishing features stories, poems and artwork from 14 Henderson County residents.
Titled Christmas Presence: from 45 western North Carolina women writers, the book includes holiday reflections, short fiction and poems. Edited by Celia Miles and Nancy Dillingham, both of Asheville, the material in the collection is set in a range of locations—from Appalachia to wartime Britain.
Cover art for the book (front and back) is from original watercolors by long-time Hendersonville resident Nancy Elliott Irving. Henderson County authors and poets whose work appears in the book are Sherry Austin, Joan Blessing, Dare Ford, Marian Gowan, Lana Hendershott, Exie Henson, Jessica Heriot, Karen Jackson, Polly Kent, Martha O’Quinn, Susan Snowden, Tonya Staufer and Cecily Wells.
Women writers from Buncombe, Haywood and Transylvania counties also contributed to the anthology.
Christmas Presence may be purchased at area book stores or by ordering from Catawba Publishing in Charlotte (http://www.catawbapublishing.com/; 704-717-8452). 221 pages; $18; ISBN 978-1-59712-259-7. For more information contact the editors at celiamiles@fastmail.fm or nandilly@earthlink.net.
submitted by: Susan Snowden ssnowden1@juno.com
Fourteen Henderson County Women
A new Christmas anthology from Catawba Publishing features stories, poems and artwork from 14 Henderson County residents.
Titled Christmas Presence: from 45 western North Carolina women writers, the book includes holiday reflections, short fiction and poems. Edited by Celia Miles and Nancy Dillingham, both of Asheville, the material in the collection is set in a range of locations—from Appalachia to wartime Britain.
Cover art for the book (front and back) is from original watercolors by long-time Hendersonville resident Nancy Elliott Irving. Henderson County authors and poets whose work appears in the book are Sherry Austin, Joan Blessing, Dare Ford, Marian Gowan, Lana Hendershott, Exie Henson, Jessica Heriot, Karen Jackson, Polly Kent, Martha O’Quinn, Susan Snowden, Tonya Staufer and Cecily Wells.
Women writers from Buncombe, Haywood and Transylvania counties also contributed to the anthology.
Christmas Presence may be purchased at area book stores or by ordering from Catawba Publishing in Charlotte (http://www.catawbapublishing.com/; 704-717-8452). 221 pages; $18; ISBN 978-1-59712-259-7. For more information contact the editors at celiamiles@fastmail.fm or nandilly@earthlink.net.
submitted by: Susan Snowden ssnowden1@juno.com
Coffee With the Poets in Hayesville
The monthly gathering of poets and those who enjoy poetry and socializing will not be held in November, December or January. We will have our first CWP on the Second Wednesday of February, 2009.
Watch for a surprise guest to be announced later.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
contests for fiction writers
TENNESSEE WILLIAMS/NEW ORLEANS LITERARY FESTIVAL FICTION CONTESThttp://www.tennesseewilliams.net/contest ---$20 ENTRY FEE Grand Prize $1,500
VIP Festival Pass ($500 value), March 25-29, 2009
Publication in the New Orleans Review
Domestic Airfare and Accommodations to attend
Public Reading
Second Prize: $200, a Public Reading, and Festival Pass.Third Prize: $100, a Public Reading, and Festival Pass.
Short stories, written in English, up to 7,000 words.Deadline: November 15, 2008 (postmark). Only open to writers who have not yet published a book of fiction. Stories must be previously unpublished.
=====
HACKNEY SHORT STORY AND POETRY AWARDShttp://www.bsc.edu/events/writing-today/hackney.htm---$10 ENTRY FEE
The winners will be announced at the conference on March 13-14, 2009. Length not to exceed 5,000 words per story.
Poetry not to exceed 50 lines per entry. Deadline December 31, 2008. Awards $5,000 in annual prizes for poetry and short fiction, ($2,500 national and $2,500 state level; 1st place, $600; 2nd place, $400; and 3rd place, $250).
VIP Festival Pass ($500 value), March 25-29, 2009
Publication in the New Orleans Review
Domestic Airfare and Accommodations to attend
Public Reading
Second Prize: $200, a Public Reading, and Festival Pass.Third Prize: $100, a Public Reading, and Festival Pass.
Short stories, written in English, up to 7,000 words.Deadline: November 15, 2008 (postmark). Only open to writers who have not yet published a book of fiction. Stories must be previously unpublished.
=====
HACKNEY SHORT STORY AND POETRY AWARDShttp://www.bsc.edu/events/writing-today/hackney.htm---$10 ENTRY FEE
The winners will be announced at the conference on March 13-14, 2009. Length not to exceed 5,000 words per story.
Poetry not to exceed 50 lines per entry. Deadline December 31, 2008. Awards $5,000 in annual prizes for poetry and short fiction, ($2,500 national and $2,500 state level; 1st place, $600; 2nd place, $400; and 3rd place, $250).
Saturday, November 8, 2008
WNC Women Writers featured in "Christmas Presence" an anthology of stories that come from places as varied as Great Britain to the Appalachains.
10-12:00, Nov. 8, Curiosity Shop, 48 Valley River Ave., Murphy (835-7433)---with Nancy Sales Cash; Carole, Barbara, Brenda, others in the area, please come and join us; also 1:00-3:00 in Andrews, Curiosity Shop.
This book will make a wonderful Christmas Gift.
10-12:00, Nov. 8, Curiosity Shop, 48 Valley River Ave., Murphy (835-7433)---with Nancy Sales Cash; Carole, Barbara, Brenda, others in the area, please come and join us; also 1:00-3:00 in Andrews, Curiosity Shop.
This book will make a wonderful Christmas Gift.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Christmas Anthology of WNC Women writers
Thanks to editors Celia Miles and Nancy Dillingham, forty-five western North Carolina women writers have had their Christmas stories, poetry, essays, or memoirs, published in an anthology titled "Christmas Presence." It is a beautifully bound book "filled with the unique voices of women writers who have roots in and connections to western North Carolina. These works add seasoning to the cultural landscape of a region already rich in custom and lore. Most of the writers are members of the NCWN and include Glenda Barrett, Celia Miles, Nancy Dillingham, Dee Dee Parker, Nancy Purcell, Susan Snowden, Barbara Ledford Wright, Lana Hendershott, to name a few. The book, "Christmas Presence," can be ordered from Catawba Publishing Company at (704) 717-8452 or http://www.catawbapublishing.com/. It will be available in local book stores and if not, they can get it for you. ISBN #: 978-1-59712-259-7. The stories will bring back fond holiday memories and the book would make a fine gift for a reading friend.
The signings are listed below--jus ignore the first two. We're hoping for an Osondu signing in Waynesville and one in Marshall.
AUTHOR EVENTS
10-12:00, Oct. 25, Highland Books, 277 N. Broad St., Brevard, NC ( 884-2424)---in conjunction with the college's homecoming, Celia with Nancy Purcell (and Lana Hendershott read) and former dean/author E. Roberts (sold 12 books and the store kept 8, plus sold 10 of my two novels)
10-3:00, Nov. 1, Sanctuary of Stuff, Farm N Art, Woodfin, NC---a first time, long-day event; come and see us
11-1:00, Nov. 7, AB Tech, Holly Library (254-1921)--refreshments
10-12:00, Nov. 8, Curiosity Shop, 48 Valley River Ave., Murphy (835-7433)---with Nancy Sales Cash; Carole, Barbara, Brenda, others in the area, please come and join us; also 1:00-3:00 in Andrews, Curiosity Shop.
6:00, Nov. 19, Accent on Books, 854 Merrimon Ave., Asheville, (252-6255)--Byron Ballard arranged this; all who wish to read, please let us know
1-5:00, Nov. 29, Mountain Made, Grove Arcade, downtown Asheville (350-0307)--come by and visit; we'll be outside the store--and at Mountain Lore in Hendersonville 10:00-11:30)
2-4:00, Dec. 2, Hendersonville Library--Sherry Austin will be moderating this event; refreshments offered; all you H'ville writers, let us know if you wish to read; a two-hour slot but an hour or so of readings should be sufficient. Susan Snowden is doing publicity in Henderson County.
12-3:00, Dec. 6, Book Fair, McDowell Public Library, Old Fort--this event was formerly held in the historic Carson House; Julia N. Duncan will read; others welcome
10:45, Dec. 10, Givens Estates, 2360 Sweeten Creek Road (274-4800)--Mary Lou Welther arranged this event; we're hoping those authors/storytellers nearby will participate
Authors' bios reveal they have more than 45 published books among them.
This article by Nancy Purcell, Netwest Rep from Transylvania County, Brevard, NC
The signings are listed below--jus ignore the first two. We're hoping for an Osondu signing in Waynesville and one in Marshall.
AUTHOR EVENTS
10-12:00, Oct. 25, Highland Books, 277 N. Broad St., Brevard, NC ( 884-2424)---in conjunction with the college's homecoming, Celia with Nancy Purcell (and Lana Hendershott read) and former dean/author E. Roberts (sold 12 books and the store kept 8, plus sold 10 of my two novels)
10-3:00, Nov. 1, Sanctuary of Stuff, Farm N Art, Woodfin, NC---a first time, long-day event; come and see us
11-1:00, Nov. 7, AB Tech, Holly Library (254-1921)--refreshments
10-12:00, Nov. 8, Curiosity Shop, 48 Valley River Ave., Murphy (835-7433)---with Nancy Sales Cash; Carole, Barbara, Brenda, others in the area, please come and join us; also 1:00-3:00 in Andrews, Curiosity Shop.
6:00, Nov. 19, Accent on Books, 854 Merrimon Ave., Asheville, (252-6255)--Byron Ballard arranged this; all who wish to read, please let us know
1-5:00, Nov. 29, Mountain Made, Grove Arcade, downtown Asheville (350-0307)--come by and visit; we'll be outside the store--and at Mountain Lore in Hendersonville 10:00-11:30)
2-4:00, Dec. 2, Hendersonville Library--Sherry Austin will be moderating this event; refreshments offered; all you H'ville writers, let us know if you wish to read; a two-hour slot but an hour or so of readings should be sufficient. Susan Snowden is doing publicity in Henderson County.
12-3:00, Dec. 6, Book Fair, McDowell Public Library, Old Fort--this event was formerly held in the historic Carson House; Julia N. Duncan will read; others welcome
10:45, Dec. 10, Givens Estates, 2360 Sweeten Creek Road (274-4800)--Mary Lou Welther arranged this event; we're hoping those authors/storytellers nearby will participate
Authors' bios reveal they have more than 45 published books among them.
This article by Nancy Purcell, Netwest Rep from Transylvania County, Brevard, NC
Red Hills of Georgia
Today on a trip south toward Atlanta, I marveled at the fresh crisp color on the foot hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Our color in southwestern North Carolina has peaked in most places. The mountains north of my home are colored like a can of ten penny nails left out a week in the rain. But as I drove on this exquisite fall day through Young Harris, Blairsville, Blue Ridge and Elijay, my vistas of rolling hills and peaks reminded me of bright cranberries spilled on a blue plate of sky. Very little yellow or gold, but rounded humps of red bordered the highway curling and twinning through small towns, and quiet pastures.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
New member of Netwest
Emilee Hines, Author
Though she is a native Virginian, Emilee Hines finds she is always learning new and interesting things about the history of her home state. She is a graduate of Lynchburg College and has a master's degree from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She has taught in Virginia and Kenya. She enjoys writing, traveling, and exploring western North Carolina in her Mustang.
Her books are available via Amazon.com and
PublishAmerica
Contact author at emilee@emileehines.com
http://www.emileehines.com/
Member of North carolina Writers Network
Though she is a native Virginian, Emilee Hines finds she is always learning new and interesting things about the history of her home state. She is a graduate of Lynchburg College and has a master's degree from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She has taught in Virginia and Kenya. She enjoys writing, traveling, and exploring western North Carolina in her Mustang.
Her books are available via Amazon.com and
PublishAmerica
Contact author at emilee@emileehines.com
http://www.emileehines.com/
Member of North carolina Writers Network
Monday, November 3, 2008
Common Cup features Brenda Kay Ledford
Poet, Brenda Kay Ledford of Hayesville, NC, is being featured on Channel 4, cable TV from Windstream in north Georgia. On this program, she is interviewed by Jim Geer, host of the program, Common Cup, a show that highlights community events and local people of interest.
Brenda discusses her mountain heritage and how Nancy Simpson started her on the road to writing her award winning poetry. The cover design of Brenda Kay's collection, Sacred Fire, published by Finishing Line Press, comes from her own photograph of the historical courthouse on the square located in Hayesville.
This show on Common Cup will be shown several times each day for a week. Readers in north Georgia mountains and in Clay County can see it if they subscribe to Windstream Cable TV.
Sacred Fire on sale at Phillips and Lloyd books in Hayesville, NC and the John C. Campbell Folk School gift shop. Order online from Finishing Line Press.
Brenda discusses her mountain heritage and how Nancy Simpson started her on the road to writing her award winning poetry. The cover design of Brenda Kay's collection, Sacred Fire, published by Finishing Line Press, comes from her own photograph of the historical courthouse on the square located in Hayesville.
This show on Common Cup will be shown several times each day for a week. Readers in north Georgia mountains and in Clay County can see it if they subscribe to Windstream Cable TV.
Sacred Fire on sale at Phillips and Lloyd books in Hayesville, NC and the John C. Campbell Folk School gift shop. Order online from Finishing Line Press.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Where I'm From
I am from patchwork quilts,
from Lava soap and lavender.
I am from the red plank house,
clay dirt baking in the sun.
I am from the jonquils,
the queen pippin,
fried apple pies.
I'm from storytelling,
from Granddaddy Bob and Uncle Bill.
I'm from farmers
plowing cornfields with mules,
hard-working, Appalachian folks.
I'm from a chapel in the woods,
shape-note music,
a circut-riding Methodist preacher,
the King James Bible.
I'm from Hyatt Mill Creek,
cornbread and buttermilk.
From Great-Granddaddy Dallas Matheson
planting a peach orchard
on Shewbird Mountain.
In my closet is a shoebox
spilling old pictures,
Scots-Irish ancestors,
my Cherokee Indian grandmother.
I am from the Blue Ridge Mountains
of western North Carolina,
scraps of history pieced
into a Lone Star quilt.
--Brenda Kay Ledford
from Lava soap and lavender.
I am from the red plank house,
clay dirt baking in the sun.
I am from the jonquils,
the queen pippin,
fried apple pies.
I'm from storytelling,
from Granddaddy Bob and Uncle Bill.
I'm from farmers
plowing cornfields with mules,
hard-working, Appalachian folks.
I'm from a chapel in the woods,
shape-note music,
a circut-riding Methodist preacher,
the King James Bible.
I'm from Hyatt Mill Creek,
cornbread and buttermilk.
From Great-Granddaddy Dallas Matheson
planting a peach orchard
on Shewbird Mountain.
In my closet is a shoebox
spilling old pictures,
Scots-Irish ancestors,
my Cherokee Indian grandmother.
I am from the Blue Ridge Mountains
of western North Carolina,
scraps of history pieced
into a Lone Star quilt.
--Brenda Kay Ledford
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Blog Class
Kay Lake (center standing) teaches computer classes to Netwest members in Hayesville, NC
Netwest hosted a free class on building a blog and eleven attendees are bloggers tonight. The group met with instructor Kay Lake at the Moss Library in Hayesville, NC today. They varied in range of experience from some who had never seen a blog to one who helps friends with websites. Within in a short time energy filled the room, and once the initial fear of the process passed, the new bloggers took to the keyboards like chickens pecking corn. Brenda Kay Ledford was the first to post to the Netwest blog. I'm sure we will see more from her in the near future.
As the internet grows in importance in the life of writers, and all people around the world, we must keep up with technology, no matter our age. Younger generations have set the pace and it is a fast one.
I heard more than one "damn" and "I can't, I just can't" today, but the frustration soon gave way to feelings of accomplishment and pride. As Kay Lake told us today, learning new things builds dendrites which connect cells in our brains. Stroke victims are often prescribed computer lessons to heal and rehab the brain
What better way than to build a blog and write every day? More senior adults use computers on a regular basis than younger folk. Of course the younger ones have gone on to more sophisticated technology than email and google research.
Today I was told I should subscribe to Skype. Guess that is the next project I'll try in order to increase my dendrites.
Silas House, a lover of language
If you don't know of Silas House, click on his blog, A Country Boy Can Surmise, and read his most recent post. Go to Wikipedia to learn more about House and his award winning novels.
I not only plan to order his book, Clay's Quilt, as soon as possible, but I have to read Gilead, Home and Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson because House writes so beautifully about each one.
I not only plan to order his book, Clay's Quilt, as soon as possible, but I have to read Gilead, Home and Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson because House writes so beautifully about each one.
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