Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Ahhhh!  Snow at the Lake!  From my writer's loft the panorama of winter in all her glory is dazzling.  The Lake glows grey-green against the snowy shoreline.  White-trimmed tree branches frame the picture-perfect scene.  A magnificent lead-up to Christmas.  May you all enjoy a peaceful, blessed holiday as we march into the New Year.  Happy Holidays!

Visions of sugarplums...

Smith Mountain Lake is one festive place to celebrate the holidays--everything from a boats-decorated-for- Christmas parade to programs and pageants and concerts everywhere you look.  So far, we've attended three stellar performances.  First, the Bedford Symphony.  Unbelievable talent and dedication from the musicians and director and an awesome, unique hoiday presentation.  Then, our church cantata with 29 voices blending and soaring to double or triple the expected sound.  Last night it was Lessons and Carols at Ferrum College--student performances that dazzled and inspired.  We hope to attend the musical presentation at the Old Meeting House in Bedford again this year.  In past years we've been mesmerized by the acapella renderings of 17th and 18th century carols by a small, but talented ensemble.  In the candle-lit 1830's meeting house, I am immediately transported to Christmas past. Happy holidays to all!

Happy Thanksgiving!

     We'll be celebrating a "Homeless Thanksgiving," for our neighbors and friends who, for whatever reason, cannot be with family.  So far, we've gathered nine guests and have a communal feast planned at our Lake cottage.  Enjoying mild autumn days, I kayak with friends whenever I get a chance.  The Lake is very quiet and beautiful this time of year.  We've spotted deer swimming across the cove, a loon, and a huge blue heron who flies away at the oh-so-slight sound of our kayak paddles hitting the water.
     On another note, have you noticed every time you pick up a paper or magazine, you find something about bullying, especially in schools?  Since bullying just happens to be the topic of my YA novel EAGLEBAIT, I am working to have it reprinted.  I'd love to see it as a paperback or as an e-book.  I'm learning a lot about e-publishing!
     If Thanksgiving is upon us, Christmas will surely follow at the speed of light.  Happy holidays, everyone!

Fall at the Lake

What a gorgeous fall we are having here at Smith Mt. Lake!  Only one frost warning so far and lovely, crisp autumn days great for golf, kayaking, and leaf-peeping.  Kayaked with friends for 2 hours today.  Saw a loon, a few other kayackers and one, just one boat.  This is our lake at its best.  Golf tomorrow--and who cares about the score? 

The joys of blogging

Today I received a Face Book posting from a fellow who was in an elementary school audience many years ago when I spoke about EAGLEBAIT.  He remembered my talking about the title and thinking the cover was "creepy" with the lighted-up face of the protagonist.  And now he wants to find and read the book!  I directed him to Amazon where I know others have found my book.  What fun!!  Thanks, Paul, for making my day!

Summer is escaping!

Lots of family visits this summer and only one left at the end of August.  We will have hosted all the kids and grands except for the Hawaiians.  All our groupshere at the Lake are gearing up for the new season with parties, lunches, dinners, and other get-togethers.  I'm working to get my YA novel A RED, RED ROSE published and published well.

4th of July at Smith Mt. Lake rocks

What a sensory experience we had last night viewing the fireworks by boat.  A gang of 7, toting wine and snacks, ventured out on the lake to enjoy the Saunders Marina display in duplicate--make that triplicate:  sky, reflection in lake, echo off the mountain.  Awesome!