I’ve been asked by my friend, Brenda Sturgis, to join a blog hop with other incredibly talented writers. I was asked by several other folks… but she was quicker on the draw! Brenda has been a great friend for many years (and crit partner). One day, we’re going to meet somewhere between NC and Maine. […]
I have had several conversations lately about the state of homeschooling in our lovely state of NC. And as a homeschooling mom, I am more than glad to discuss this issue with anyone who asks. Here are a few things to help answer any questions in case more folks want to know: 1. I homeschool […]
Do YOU need some alone time to write? Would you like to get away to a rustic lodge with just you, your computer, and a handful of fellow writers for some focused writing time? How about a chance to have your meals prepared for you, your dishes washed by someone else and no chores to …
By: Beth Kephart ,
on 12/13/2012
HI folks! I have some news concerning Being Frank! 1. Want a free copy of BEING FRANK? Head over to Carol Baldwin’s blog, read the interview and follow her instructions to be entered in the giveaway! http://carolbaldwinblog.blogspot.com/2012/09/being-frank-and-giveaway-1.html 2. My first booksigning is THIS Saturday, September 22 at Park Road Books in Charlotte (starting at 11:30am). We’ll [...]
By: Mark Miller,
on 3/28/2012
Not really.
At least, not yet.
With mega-book chains closing their doors (Borders) and online booksellers battling for eBook domination, authors are faced with the daunting task of connecting with their readers. How do we get our print books out there? How do we connect with our digital readers?
By: Brian Minter,
on 9/21/2011
I received the Hooked on Phonics yesterday. I was so excited and I just wanted to thank First Book. These kits will be well-used by the children in my hometown. Most of them could not afford such a kit, and I know it will make a significant difference in their lives. There is no library here, or any other such place.
Dover Summer Read’s office will be a place where the kids will be able to read books, use a computer, and work on these exercises.
Thank you again from the children of Dover, NC and Dover Summer Read.
Cynthia Baker
Founder and President
Dover Summer Read
My blogging schedule is all mixed up this week, but hey…that’s the way the cookie crumbles. And speaking of cookies, my good friend and fellow blogger, Kristi M, is giving away Chocolate Dipped Ginger Spice Moravian Cookies as part of her … Continue reading 
Posted on 8/8/2009
We left Raleigh via Asheville on our way to Nashville. A day of 'villes. We were about to start our musical portion of the road trip. Music is so important when we travel. Whether it's taking turns being DJ to keep the drive interesting, or actually touring the iconic places I'd only dreamed of, music was what it was all about for the next three or four destinations.
Beautiful wildflowers of North Carolina on our drive to Asheville.
Mx and I stopped at The Biltmore Estate. Wonderful. For me, the most amazing part of the estate was the library. Ooodles and ooodles of leather bound books and Napoleonic memorabilia, including a desk that was rumored to have been used to display Napoleon's cremation urn. There was a lovely chess set too, made with a red marble. George Vanderbilt was a bachelor when he built The Biltmore, a fact that blew me away. Most bachelors I know are stuck in what I call the brown phase, usually involving lots of brown plaid furniture with brown-on-brown accents. George dodged disaster in 1912, when he booked passage on the S.S. Titanic, then canceled at the last minute. Dude, George rocks! Mx and I shared a wonderful lunch and basked in the beautiful sunshine.
I love Asheville.
We headed to Nashville after stopping at the winery on the estate [most of the grapes are imported from California's Russian River Valley] and set our sights on Nashville.
We stayed at the Best Western and loved it. Took a walk to Robert's Western World and danced to Phil Hummer & The White Falcons. They were awesome. A young guy asked Mx and I to dance and we had a lot of fun trying to keep up with Jim, who happened to be a dance instructor. He made us look good...Jim learned how to dance from his grandfather. His grandfather said that it was the only way to keep women happy. The other tip Jim had for keeping the conversations lively was reading "Uncle John's Bathroom Reader." Learn something new everyday.
I love Nashville.
Nashville at Night
The Robert's Western World, by the light of day.
Donna,
I always enjoy reading your posts. Your voice shines through. It’s as hard to resist as one of your mama’s chocolate layored cakes–the best I ever tasted!
OOps…layered cakes!
yes, to all of the above!
I love the chalkboard theme of your blog!
It was fun reading your snazzy answers in the interview. I’ll be sure to hop on over and check out the other blogs. Have a fun day, Donna.