Words from a Reader

The “Writing Life Stories” e-mails I receive are such treasures. As soon as I see there is one in my inbox, I read it immediately. I look forward to them and never know how they will touch me. They can be interesting, informative, humorous, and/or touching.
Showing posts with label Murphy NC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Murphy NC. Show all posts

Monday, December 14, 2009

Saturday at Curiosity Shop Books

Many thanks to Linda Ray and staff at Curiosity Shop Books
46 Valley RIver Ave, Murphy, NC 28906, for hosting my book signing on Saturday, November 28. I was quickly convinced that Shoppes of Murphy is THE place to be in Murphy on Saturday mornings.

A number of friends dropped by including Mary Ricketson, author of The River Knows My Name, and her artist husband, Bill Killian. Vicki, a student from my Tri-County Community College classes, brought me a poinsettia to grace my table. Two more kind and supportive people in my life helped to make my day. I enjoyed chatting with Dr. Ellen, my diabetes educator and dear friend, and Karen H. the massage therapist with magic hands and a nurturing spirit.

In the photo you see Jon Beall, our nephew,  and his delightful son. They came up for the weekend and helped me with some chores. I was happy to have them drive me to the book signing and take this picture with me.

My table was positioned near the front door, and I was amazed at the number of people coming in and out for the two hours I was there. Some headed to the Daily Grind and Wine which serves all kinds of fine coffee and tea as well as wraps and salads and more.

With all the  folks buying gifts from the book store, I'm even more convinced that paper, bound books are here to stay.( That is not to say I'd not like to have a Kindle.)

Curiosity Books is a fine example of the independent book stores in western North Carolina. I hope all of my readers shop the independent book stores in their town anytime they need gifts. 

Linda has a few of my poetry books in the shop, and she also carries books by other local authors.  Curiosity Books sold a large number of the Netwest anthology, Lights in the Mountains. Now Linda looks forward to the release of Echoes Across the Blue Ridge, after the first of the year.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Dinner with Paul, Lunch with The Candy Foundation

Below: Paul Donovan. Right: Mary Jo Dyre



This is a busy week. Tonight I join Paul Donovan in Murphy, NC for dinner with the winners of the Cherokee County Poetry and Essay contest for high school students. I was delighted to judge the essays this year. Selecting only three winners was most difficult. I do not yet know the names of the winning students, but I look forward to meeting them tonight at Shoebooties restaurant. Paul does a great job each year coordinating this contest. Local businesses donate money for the savings bonds Paul hands out to winners. Netwest is always a sponsor for one of those prizes.
Tomorrow, Wednesday, at 11:00 AM, the Candy Maier Scholarship Foundation Board and a number of interested writers and people from the community will have lunch in Murphy. Mary Jo Dyre, who was on the Board but now acts in a liaison position, I believe, has invited our Netwest members to join them at Shoebooties. I look forward to meeting the group of women who make funds available to western NC women who want to attend seminars, conferences, and workshops to improve their writing.
The Candy Fund was instrumental in my starting the Netwest Writers blog and connecting our members from all over the wide area of south western North Carolina. I appreciate the Foundation and the good work they do.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Let me show you Fall from the balcony of Whispering Pines Cabin at Fish Pond Cabins in Cherokee County, NC. Today while visiting with Ann Donovan, owner of Fish Pond rental cabins, I photographed a number of scenes that caught my eye.