Thursday, November 26, 2015
Happy Thanksgiving!
On this Thanksgiving day, I am so grateful for my family and friends. They stand with me and love me unconditionally. I have been blessed beyond measure and I am thankful to God for His provisions in my life. Not only does He meet my needs, but He is gracious with the desires of my heart. I don't deserve His love but am overwhelmed with His generosity. Thank you, my God, for your precious son, Jesus, who redeemed me and makes me righteous before you. May I be found faithful to You and may everything I think, do and say bring glory to you... for you alone, are worthy of all praise.
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
Blog Hits 10,000 views
WOW! My Days with Nell blog just hit 10,000 views! When I began this blog, I had no idea this would ever happen. It was more of a way for me to chronicle the journey of publishing my first children's book, My Days with Nell. Through this blog, I have met some wonderful people and have enjoyed discussing all types of literature. It has truly been a blessing to me. Thanks to all who took the time to read my posts and offer encouragement to me as I continue writing.
Thursday, May 7, 2015
Author Day at North Cove Elementary
Today, I had the honor of speaking to some of the students at North Cove Elementary School. At the invitation of Mrs. Penny Jackson, Media Coordinator, I spoke to the third grade students about The Biltmore Estate and "My Days with Nell."I presented the writing process to two different third grade classes and we discussed the Pre-Writing, Drafting, Revising, Editing and Publishing stages of writing. I believe their awesome teachers have previously worked with them on this process for they seemed to be familiar with the concept and responded positively to the questions I asked and topics we discussed. These youngsters had recently visited the estate and had some interesting questions from their field trip. It was obvious they had listened intently to their Biltmore guide and had time to digest what they had learned as they were ready to "dig a little deeper" for more information. We also had a brief question and answer time that basically revolved around the present restoration work on the North Tower Ridge cap on the Biltmore House roof. It is a huge undertaking and will be gorgeous when it is restored to it's original color and beauty.
I spoke to the North Cove fourth graders about the Historic Carson House. I shared a brief presentation on the history of the John Hazzard Carson family and shared the plot and book summary of "Treasures of My Heart." They are very excited about visiting the Historic Carson House next Thursday. I was only able to skim the surface of all the Carson House has to offer in intriguing stories. They are certainly in for a treat on this field trip.
I am so proud of the North Cove Elementary teachers for planning field trips to these two historical Western North Carolina places. They are opening up a new world to these students and encouraging and introducing history in an exciting way. Talking about these houses is informative but to see them in person takes learning to a whole new level. Field trips are not an easy day for educators... I know, I have been on many! But it enriches the learning experience for the students in a way that a simple lecture on the subject can not possibly accomplish. So, "Yay, Teachers!"
I loved visiting with these third and fourth graders. Both grade levels were well behaved and asked wonderful, pertinent and thought provoking questions. I appreciate the opportunity to visit North Cove Elementary and am appreciative to Mrs. Jackson for the invitation. I am always welcomed into their school as a friend and made to feel right at home! They also fed me a delicious lunch! Good things are happening at North Cove! So proud of all of our McDowell County Schools!
I spoke to the North Cove fourth graders about the Historic Carson House. I shared a brief presentation on the history of the John Hazzard Carson family and shared the plot and book summary of "Treasures of My Heart." They are very excited about visiting the Historic Carson House next Thursday. I was only able to skim the surface of all the Carson House has to offer in intriguing stories. They are certainly in for a treat on this field trip.
I am so proud of the North Cove Elementary teachers for planning field trips to these two historical Western North Carolina places. They are opening up a new world to these students and encouraging and introducing history in an exciting way. Talking about these houses is informative but to see them in person takes learning to a whole new level. Field trips are not an easy day for educators... I know, I have been on many! But it enriches the learning experience for the students in a way that a simple lecture on the subject can not possibly accomplish. So, "Yay, Teachers!"
I loved visiting with these third and fourth graders. Both grade levels were well behaved and asked wonderful, pertinent and thought provoking questions. I appreciate the opportunity to visit North Cove Elementary and am appreciative to Mrs. Jackson for the invitation. I am always welcomed into their school as a friend and made to feel right at home! They also fed me a delicious lunch! Good things are happening at North Cove! So proud of all of our McDowell County Schools!
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
McDowell Visitors Center
I met so many nice people last week when I spoke at the McDowell County Rotary meeting. One of them was Mr. Steve Bush, executive director of McDowell County Chamber of Commerce. He invited me to place "My Days with Nell" and "Treasures of my Heart" at the McDowell County Visitor Center. I am pleased to say that I took books by there today and was very impressed with the professional and welcoming atmosphere of the center. There were several folk milling about shopping and asking questions. Mr. Bush informed me that the center entertains about 15,000 to 20,000 visitors a year! Wow! I had no idea so many people stopped by our little town of Marion! Isn't that great?
Thursday, April 23, 2015
What a great week!
This has been a wonderful week! On Monday, April 20, 2015, I had the pleasure of speaking at McDowell County Public Library with ladies from the United Daughters of the Confederacy. These women were a delight! I was welcomed into their midst and was impressed with the UDC's efforts in benevolence, historical accuracy, and preservation of records. This group of "Daughters" are very involved in the community and with upcoming events celebrating our heritage. I presented a PowerPoint on McDowell County's Historic Carson House and the descendants of John Hazzard Carson. "Treasures of My Heart" was well received and I am grateful for the opportunity to visit with these dedicated and proud women of McDowell County's UDC chapter.
Today, I had the privilege of speaking at the Community Building with McDowell County's Rotary Club. This group of professional men and women were so warm, engaging, and hospitable. I saw a few people I had not seen in years...it was so nice to reconnect with them. I was treated to a delicious meal catered by Countryside Barbecue and enjoyed the presentation of McDowell High School's "Student of the Week" to a fine young woman whose ambition is to have a career as a nurse anesthetist . Good luck to her... I wish her the best.
Following a brief business update, I presented a 20 minute PowerPoint based on the historical research I did while writing, "My Days with Nell." I hope I was able to share some new information and enlighten the members on some of the Vanderbilt and Cecil family history. I enjoyed my time with some of McDowell County's finest business entrepreneurs and hope I persuaded some of them to visit America's largest privately owned home... soon!
I have been invited to speak at two upcoming book club meetings and will be at North Cove Elementary School the first week of May sharing "My Days with Nell" with their fourth graders and "Treasures of My Heart" with the third grade students. I can't wait!
Today, I had the privilege of speaking at the Community Building with McDowell County's Rotary Club. This group of professional men and women were so warm, engaging, and hospitable. I saw a few people I had not seen in years...it was so nice to reconnect with them. I was treated to a delicious meal catered by Countryside Barbecue and enjoyed the presentation of McDowell High School's "Student of the Week" to a fine young woman whose ambition is to have a career as a nurse anesthetist . Good luck to her... I wish her the best.
Following a brief business update, I presented a 20 minute PowerPoint based on the historical research I did while writing, "My Days with Nell." I hope I was able to share some new information and enlighten the members on some of the Vanderbilt and Cecil family history. I enjoyed my time with some of McDowell County's finest business entrepreneurs and hope I persuaded some of them to visit America's largest privately owned home... soon!
I have been invited to speak at two upcoming book club meetings and will be at North Cove Elementary School the first week of May sharing "My Days with Nell" with their fourth graders and "Treasures of My Heart" with the third grade students. I can't wait!
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
McDowell News Article of Treasures of My Heart
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
A new children’s book about McDowell County’s most important historic site is now available for young and old to read.
The Historic Carson House recently announced the publication of “Treasures of My Heart,” a children’s book based on the family and descendants of Col. John Hazzard Carson, who originally built the home more than 200 years ago.
The book is written by Victoria S. Blake. The first book she wrote is called "My Days With Nell,” which is about the Biltmore House.
“Having lived in McDowell County for most of her life, western North Carolina writer Victoria S. Blake heard fascinating tales about Col. Carson and his family,” reads a news release from Historic Carson House. “In writing ‘Treasures of My Heart,’ she shares a touching story about Mary Carson, wife of Jonathan Logan Carson, son of the Colonel, who must make a heartbreaking decision.”
“Due to Mrs. Carson’s 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, Moffitt 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.”
Blake and illustrator Carly Kauffman will be available to sign copies of “Treasures of My Heart” on Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Historic Carson House. This will be during the weekend of the Emma Rankin Story, an event in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the raid on the estate by Gen. George Stoneman’s forces during the final days of the Civil War.
“Treasures of My Heart” is currently available atAmazon.com, the Historic Carson House and through Victoria Blake’s blog atwww.victoriasblake.blogspot.com. It can also be found at the MACA gift store, according to Kauffman.
For more information about this event at the Historic Carson House, please call 724-4948 or visit the Historic Carson House's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/HistoricCarsonHouseMuseum.
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
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