Thanks Jackson County Netwest and City Lights for a Great Open House

We had such a great time in Sylva at City Lights Books. Kathryn Byer and Ellen Schofield organized a terrific event with good food and drink and time to chat. Sylva, NC is not too far from Hayesville, where I live, and the drive is beautiful over Standing Indian. Staci Bell and author, Nadine Justice, rode with me. I was happy that Nadine had the opportunity to show off her memoir, I'm a Coal Miner's Daughter But I Cain't Sang. It is now available for sale at City Lights.

One of the featured readers for the day was Pamela Duncan, delightful novelist, who might be interested in teaching at Writers Circle next year. Her short story was met with long and loud applause. 

It was good to see poet, Michael Beadle, who is one of the busiest people I know, teaching, writing and working in schools in North Carolina. To get to know him better, visit this link and hear an interview with him. 

Newt Smith, Jackson County Representative and treasurer for Netwest, was born to be an M.C. He is clever and witty and we all enjoyed him today. 

My long time friend, JC Walkup was present today. Her first book will soon be out and I look forward to reading it. Susan Snowden, author of Southern Fried Lies, edited JC's manuscript.  

I picked up a few copies of Fresh, the literary magazine JC brought over. 

Once again I was struck by the caring and encouragement of the successful writers for those who are still struggling, hoping for their first publication. That is what I found in NCWN West seventeen years ago when I first joined.

Today a young woman, maybe college age, read three poems. She said she was not yet published, but I am sure her work will be out there soon. By joining NCWN she will find a large group of writers and poets who can meet her needs. 

I have been wearing a boot, not a pretty boot, for the past three weeks on my left foot. I awoke one morning to find my foot swollen and painful. I couldn't imagine what was wrong. I soaked it and the swelling subsided a little. But I went to a podiatrist and after an ex-ray he saw a fracture in a metatarsol bone. To keep my foot stable the doctor had me wear something that looks like part of a space suit. For the first few days, I tripped on the boot itself, and almost fell several times. Now which is worse, I asked myself, a fractured foot or a broken hip? After three days I could clump around the house without losing my balance. But I have come close to hitting the floor more than once. Tomorrow I see the foot doc again. I hope he will set me free so I can walk without pulling my back out with each step. We have a big, big weekend here in Hayesville. The Festival on the Square, sponsored by the Clay County Historical and Arts Association, will begin Friday night with a street dance. (Can't dance with a space boot on my foot) On Saturday and Sunday our Netwest writing group will have a booth where writers will be signing books and meeting people, promoting our group and I hope to tell some folks about Writers Circle. If you are in the area or can come for a weekend of fun, drop by and say hello. Hopefully I won't be wearing a boot.

MEMORIES ON MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

Thank you, my friends, my readers, for taking the time to check out this blog and for leaving your thoughts and opinions as well. I am especially grateful to those who subscribe and have my latest posts arrive in your email inbox.

I am planning to have a restful and relaxing Memorial Day weekend. I remember it was Memorial Day, 1995, when Barry and I moved here, to this house. It was a major turning point in our lives and the beginning of a completely new life for me. So much has happened to me since that time. So many happy times, and so many losses in my life since leaving my childhood home and moving to the mountains. At times I can't believe how different my life is today - how different I am now. The manner in which we accept or handle changes creates the person we become. I hope most of the changes in me have made me a better person, a better sister, a better friend and a better teacher.

I notice that I do get on the nerves of my sisters sometimes. (smile) For that I'm sorry. I wonder if they prefer me as the person I was seventeen years ago or the person I am today.

That's a good prompt to write on this weekend. Do I prefer the person I was to the person I am?

With summer upon us, we all have many things going on in our lives. I look forward to another writing class I'll teach at TCC beginning June 5, 2- 4 p.m. 
I also anticipate lots of fun when The Festival on the Square , July 13,14 is held in Hayesville. Netwest will have a booth this year. We will meet tons of folks and I hope, if you can attend, one of them will be you.

Gwendie Camp, chairman of Candy Fund and Cheryl Dietrich, visit Netwest members

Mary Ricketson, Mary Jo Dyre, Glenda Beall from Netwest on left.
On Right, Gwendie Camp and Cheryl Dietrich, from the Candy Fund.

The Candy Maier Scholarship fund is a non-profit organization that gives scholarships to western North Carolina Women to attend writing conferences, and programs to further their writing goals. It is the only program of its kind in this area. The scholarships are given because these writing experiences provide spiritual and emotional support as well as professional development. The fund was named in honor of Candy Maier who lived only a short time in Asheville before she passed away from cancer. It is in her spirit that this fund was developed.

To make a donation, contact thecandyfund@yahoo.com or mail your check to Candy Maier Fund for Women Writers, 4B Long Shoals Road #164, Arden, North Carolina, 28704-7781.

All gifts are tax-deductible.