Going back to my "Home" school...

Thanks to a sweet invitation from Ms. Deeana Ray, third grade educator, I'm going back to visit my "Home" school. Hopefully during the first few days of December 2014, I will be visiting the third graders at West Marion Elementary School. I worked there for over 20 years as Office Coordinator and have so many friends that I look forward to seeing again.

Mrs. Ray's students will be visiting the Biltmore Estate on December 11, 2014 for a field trip.  The house will be beautifully decorated for Christmas for their adventure.  Wonder how many Christmas trees will be decorated at the estate  this year?  Last year, there were 56 in the four acre house alone!  I know the wonderful staff at the "House" will make them feel welcomed with warm hospitality.

I love to speak to students at the elementary level about the traditions and research I did while writing, "My Days with Nell."  Mrs. Ray invited me to go with her class to my favorite place in this world and I will have to check my calendar... but am honored at her invitation. But either way, Biltmore... they're coming!!!!

Heading back to Glenwood!

I am grateful to Mrs. Katie Carter,  McDowell County educator, who has invited me to come speak to the  third graders at Glenwood Elementary School on December 1, 2014.  This is my second visit to this wonderful place.  In January, 2014, I spent the day with students in grades 2-6 for an Author Day.  I shared the writing process with those students and how it related to writing, "My Days with Nell."

After speaking with Mrs. Carter, I have decided for this visit I will share information based on the research I did while writing the book.  Glenwood Elementary's  third graders will be visiting the Vanderbilt Home during the first week of December and hopefully my visit will get them excited about their trip... as if that were needed. :0)  The "House" will be decorated for Christmas  and I'm sure as in previous years, will be gorgeous.

I am excited about this opportunity and look forward to sharing historical information and wonderful Vanderbilt Christmas traditions with these students.   CAN'T WAIT!

Treasures of my Heart

Well... It looks like "Treasures of my Heart" will become a reality!    Treasures of My Heart is an emotional and touching story based on the Historic Carson House built in 1793 by Colonel John Carson.  Mary Carson, wife of Jonathan Logan Carson, son of the Colonel, must make a heartbreaking decision. Due to her advanced age and failing health, she can no longer live alone in her beloved home. As her furniture is being moved and her mementos boxed up, she makes her final walk through the home with her daughter, Margaret and her granddaughter, Moffet by her side. Amid vivid accounts of Stoneman's Raiders during the civil war, a brother-in-law's duel, or tales of the underground railroad, Mary teaches her granddaughter powerful life lessons. The struggle of change haunts Mary, but she is resolved in what she must do. The stories set in the latter part of the 1800's will spark the imagination of children and enlighten them on bygone days of plantation life. It will encourage them to cherish their family memories . . .  for it's their memories that will become the treasures of their heart.  
    I am very excited about this new book and look forward to our release. I  met with the illustrator, Ms. Carly Kauffman, and have seen several of her drawings.  They are wonderful and have perfectly captured what I see in my head when I am writing.  I have been blessed beyond measure to work with wonderful illustrators. Ms. Virginia Palmer, local Marion portrait artist, is an awesome artist that did the lovely pictures for "My Days with Nell". And now the talents of Ms. Kauffman are bringing the Carson House families to life!!! We are tentatively planning a September release date for "Treasures of my Heart". Let's just hope we can get it all together by then.... Keeping my fingers crossed!

Visits!

I love sharing with civic and school groups! In the last two or three months, I have probably visited ten schools and a precious senior citizen group. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with them.   At this juncture, I have two presentations available. The first one targets elementary students in grades 3-6 and shows how I used the five steps of the Writing Process: Pre-Writing, Drafting, Revising, Editing and Publishing in the publication of "My Days with Nell."    I also have a presentation based on the extensive background research I did while preparing to write, "My Days with Nell." It primarily  presents interesting information about the Biltmore Estate and the family of  George Vanderbilt.

If you are interested in hosting an "Author Day" at an elementary school or if you would like me to speak to your group, please contact me.

I can be reached at vblake1012@gmail.com.

Thank you, and I look forward to hearing from you and  sharing my love of all things Biltmore!

Meadowbrook Fourth Graders!

     WOW! What a fabulous day at Meadowbrook Elementary School in Canton, NC! From the moment I stepped in the front door, I was met with sweet smiles and friendly conversation.  My dear friend, Mrs. Vickie Gray, welcomed me with open arms and as usual with precious friends, we picked up where we left off the last time we saw each other.  True friendships know no boundaries... not time... nor distance.    After a few hugs, Mrs. Gray led me to Meadowbrook's beautiful media center;  it is such an  inviting place for students to learn. Within a few moments, I was set up and ready for the fourth graders.  THEY WERE AWESOME!  These perfectly behaved young ladies and gentlemen were so kind, respectful and attentive. They asked remarkable and well prepared questions concerning the Biltmore Estate.
      One unique aspect of this particular visit  was these students had already read, "My Days with Nell."  In previous presentations to other schools, I am introducing the book to my audience.  However, with these bright students, they were already familiar with the story.  This was so nice for me! I shared the writing process with them and then we got into the "good stuff" concerning all things Biltmore.
      Friday, these fourth graders will be visiting the Biltmore Estate on a field trip!  I am so jealous!  If I were going to be in North Carolina on Friday, I would sneak over to meet them.  I would love to see their faces when they see "the House" for the first time.  Ok, Meadowbrook students... don't forget to check out the "teddy bears",  the "GV" copper flashings on the roof and  the stable clock. And inside the house don't forget to look for the oak leaves, acorns and secret passageways!  The Biltmore House is a treasure nestled in the mountains of Western North Carolina.   I hope the students learned something new today and are excited for their Biltmore adventure.
     Today was a magical day for me at Meadowbrook.  I witnessed a school where students are valued and encouraged.  I met wonderful students. I was introduced to educators who I know are dedicated professionals. And I reconnected with my dear friend, Mrs. Gray. Yes, today was a magical day for me. . . thanks to the wonderful faculty, staff and students of Meadowbrook Elementary School. Thank you for welcoming me into your school and into your hearts.  I haven't stopped smiling since I left you!

PS... Look here students... not one "that" or "very"... YAY!

I'm Heading Out of Town! :)

I am so excited! A very special lady, Mrs. Vickie Gray, called me recently and invited me to Haywood County to present the writing process for "My Days with Nell". Mrs. Gray is a precious friend of mine.  We worked together at West Marion Elementary for years and shared many days of laughter and tears... mostly happy tears. She is a wonderful lady. She is a wonderful mother. She is a wonderful grandmother, I know.  And she is a sister in Christ to me.  I can't wait to see her and "catch up".

 I am planning to speak with the fourth grade students at Meadowbrook Elementary School on April 9, 2014.   It is my understanding these fourth graders will be going on a field trip to the Biltmore Estate on Friday, April 11, 2014.  That will be perfect! I love to speak to students right before a field trip...I will have a few special things to share with them. Hopefully my visit will peak their curiosity and interest and will enhance their visit.

I can't wait to see Mrs. Gray and the students at Meadowbrook! I will be there soon!

WHAT A BLESSING!

I treasure the days when I know God has just smiled down on me. Today was one of those days! I had the privilege of speaking at Greenlee Baptist Church with their "Young at Heart" group. My precious mother went with me and  from the moment we entered the door, we were met with open arms and warm smiles.  Such a loving and welcoming group of senior adults!  We had the most delicious meal of good ole country cookin'... food that one can not possibly purchase in any public restaurant! We had the sweetest time of fellowship, devotion and prayer. I especially appreciated the devotion on love...it touched my heart.

 Sometime in January, 2014, Ms. Ruth Coward, called  and asked if I would come and speak about, My Days with Nell, to these seasoned adults who were "Young at Heart".  Sadly, "Mama Ruth", as she was affectionately known by so many, passed away last week.  She was a wonderful woman who touched so many lives with her excellent nursing skills, compassion and encouragement.  Many folks shared their fond memories of her life and friendship and her presence was definitely missed by her friends at Greenlee and by me.

This was the first presentation I've done outside a school environment. These folks were awesome...I received so many wonderful comments and  I truly appreciate those kind words.   I basically shared information based on the research I did while writing my book.  I hope I was able to enlighten them with some facts about the Vanderbilts and their home. It is always my desire to present the Vanderbilts as generous, hospitable and loving people. . .  as I believe them to have been extraordinary people of hope and vision. Maybe that's why I love to go to the Estate so often.  I always sense hope when I am there.... hope that great things come out of small beginnings. I think George Vanderbilt was a visionary; he saw barren, overworked farm land and imagined wonderful... almost magical things that would arise from the soil. Biltmore is where his dream came true and his hopes of a self-sustaining estate came to fruition. So for me, hope lives there.

As I visit all different groups of people, either young children or young adults or even those that are "Young at Heart", God continues to show me hope and  how His grace is sufficient. . .  in all things. The folks at Greenlee showed me His love and were His hands, His feet, His warm embrace, and His love was shown through them as they accepted me at their table and in their midst.  I was blessed today by these people who through something as simple as a meal together, and a few words from the "good book", took the time to share the love of God with me and my precious mother. And where the love of God is - there is always hope.  The hope for this world is Jesus.  For I know wherein my hope lies... The hope for us all lies in Jesus Christ.   Thank you, Greenlee Baptist and "Young at Heart" for inviting me to visit with you.  It was a great day for me!