Marty Rhodes Figley: Herself

EMILY DICKINSON DOES GLUTEN-FREE

2012-01-29T19:01:00.000-08:00

A gluten-free diet is one that, surprise, excludes the protein gluten. That means you won't be eating grains like wheat, barley, rye, etc. It's recommended for people who suffer from celiac disease, wheat allergies, or certain skin ailments. But, lots of people, right or wrong, are embracing this diet and swearing it makes them feel better. Gluten-free is becoming stylish.

One of our best American poets, Emily Dickinson (1830-1886), was the chief bread and dessert-maker at her family home in Amherst, Massachusetts. She was quite accomplished. In fact, at age twenty, Emily won a prize for her Rye and Indian Bread at the town fair.

The Dickinson Homestead

When her literary mentor and friend, Thomas Wentworth Higginson, finally met the elusive poet face-to-face in April, 1870, among other things he remembered, "She told me of her household occupations, that she made all their bread, because her father liked only hers; then saying shyly, 'And people must have puddings,' this very timidly and suggestively, as if they were meteors or comets."
A wonderful, highly recommended little cookbook Emily Dickinson Profile of the Poet as Cook is offered for sale through the Emily Dickinson Museum. It contains many recipes that the poet used.

Here is Emily's recipe for Rice Cake. It uses rice flour, which is gluten-free. According to the cookbook, "Rice cakes were usually saved to serve a guest who dropped in for tea."
Give this old-fashioned recipe a try, whether you are doing gluten-free or not. They are quite tasty. Thank you, Emily!

Emily as a teenager

Rice Cakes (adapted from Emily Dickinson Profile of the Poet as Cook)
1 cup rice flour (I used Bob's Red Mill Stone Ground Rice Flour)
1 cup powdered sugar
2 eggs
1 tablespoon milk blended with 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup butter
freshly ground nutmeg

Cream butter. Beat eggs in separate bowl. Add sugar to eggs. Gently blend in butter. Add remaining ingredients. Bake in 9x9 pan until golden on top (around 15-20 minutes).

GOING BACK TO SCHOOL WITH THE HARVARD CLASSICS

2011-12-27T02:35:00.000-08:00

I used to marvel over them as a child. The richly colored tomes filled a five-foot bookcase in our living room. Each volume featured mysterious titles etched in gold. On the second shelf (at my eye-level) was a book titled Two Years Before the Mast Dana. I remember wondering what the heck did that mean? I'd run my fingers over my dad's bumpy treasures, thinking that someday I would read them all. I never did.

In 1909, P. F. Collier & Son first published the Harvard Classics, a 51-volume anthology of works by some of Western civilization’s greatest dead white guys. Editor Charles W. Eliot (president of Harvard for forty years) was convinced that fifteen minutes of daily reading from this rich source could afford a good substitute for a liberal education. He believed that “directed reading leading progressively through a subject from its simpler to its more complicated aspects was the best possible training.” Included was a year’s worth of daily reading suggestions that “will carry you on wings of romance and adventure to other lands, to the scenes of other days and will break the monotony of your days, will change the course of your thinking, will give you the privilege of contact with the great minds whose writings have stimulated and inspired mankind over the centuries.”

Two years ago, several months after my mom’s death, my dad heroically boxed up the whole set and mailed them to me as a birthday present. Now they stand proudly in a LL Bean bookcase in my writing room—still unread.

Marty’s New Year’s Resolutions:

1. To go on a diet.

2. To embark on Charles Eliot’s reading journey. I think Resolution 2 will be more successful (and fun) than Resolution 1. (I may periodically update you on my reading—not diet—progress.)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

My treasured Harvard Classics.

FIRST WEEK—Why, President Eliot was rather whimsical. This looks like fun!

1 Franklin's Advice for the New Year

"Resolution: Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve"-was one of the rules for success framed by America's first "self-made" man.

Read from Franklin's Autobiography Vol. 1, pp. 79-85.

2 School-Day Poems of John Milton

At the age of sixteen, Milton first appeared before the public eye as a promising young poet. These early verses, written while he was a boy in school, indicate his brilliant future.

(First edition of Milton's collected poems published Jan. 2, 1645.)

Read: Milton's Poems Vol. 4, pp. 7-18

3 Cicero on Friendship

"Fire and water are not of more universal use than friendship" - such is the high value put upon this great human relationship by the most famous orator of Rome.

(Cicero born Jan. 3, 106 B. C.)

Read from Cicero on Friendship Vol. 9, pp. 16-26

4 A Flounder Fish Story

A fisherman, so the story goes, once caught a flounder that spoke, begging to be released. This was granted, whereupon the fisherman's wife demanded that it grant her one miracle after another, until even the flounder was disgusted.

(Jacob Grimm, elder of the famous Grimm brothers, born Jan. 4, 1785.)

Read from Grimm's Fairy Tales Vol. 17, pp. 83-90

5 The Soaring Eagle and Contented Stork

Mazzini labored for the freedom of Italy, but was exiled. Byron and Goethe also battled for liberty. Mazzini wrote an essay in which he compared Byron to a soaring eagle and Goethe to a contented stork.

(Byron arrived in Greece to fight for Greek freedom, Jan. 5, 1824.)

Read: Mazzini's Byron and Goethe Vol 32 pp. 377-396.

6 Warned by Hector's Ghost

In the dead of night Hector's ghost appeared to warn Æneas of the impending doom to come upon the walled city of Troy. Æneas lifted his aged father on his back and, taking his son by the hand, sought safety in flight. Off to Latium!

(H. Schliemann, discoverer of ancient Troy, born Jan. 6, 1822.)

Read from Virgil's Aeneid Vol. 13, pp. 109-127

7 If He Yawned, She Lost Her Head!

The Sultan had a habit of beheading each dawn his beautiful bride of the night before, until he encountered Scheherazade. Cleverly she saved her life a thousand and one mornings.

Read from The Thousand and One Nights Vol. 16, pp. 5-13.

DECKED

2011-12-13T10:48:00.000-08:00

I love living in Annandale, Virginia. My community has a history that dates back to pre-Revolutionary times. But my neck of the woods has lost much of its architectural past. For example, Ossian Hall, which once rivaled Mount Vernon in beauty, was burned down by the Annandale Fire Department as a training exercise in 1959.

Ossian Hall

Sometimes it’s nice to drive twenty minutes down Little River Turnpike (originally an 18th century toll road) to Old Town Alexandria. Today that’s just what my husband and I did. We explored the city's historic streets for a few hours and enjoyed the 50 degree day. It might sound odd, but we admired quite a number of doors and windows. Here are a few that are decked for the holidays. Enjoy!

And, last, but not least . . .

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

IT ALL BEGAN WITH THIS DOG

2011-11-03T15:14:00.000-07:00

I remember it well. I was twenty, in love, and wanting to make a good impression on my boyfriend's special aunt and uncle. We drove to Delaware to have lunch with them. I wore my best white dress.

This picture was taken the day I met my first Newfoundland

When we arrived, I was greeted at the door by their dog, Londerry, a 150-pound Newfoundland.

Londerry

The Newfoundland is a large working dog, named for the Island of Newfoundland where the breed first became known to British settlers. "Newfs" were used extensively on sailing vessels as rescue dogs. They are massive of muscle and strong swimmers, with dense coats that offer protection from the icy waters of the sea. These dense coats shed . . . a lot.

The Newfoundland is intelligent, loyal, brave, gentle, and friendly. The breeding standard strives for a tight lower lip. But, excessive salivation can be a problem for these wet-mouthed dogs. In other words, many Newfs drool . . . a lot.

After five seconds with Londerry my white dress was covered with long black hair and ropes of slimy saliva. He was so happy to see me!

The visit was a success. I made life-long friends of the aunt and uncle. I ended up marrying the boyfriend. And, I never forgot Londerry.

Years later, I took a course on Emily Dickinson at Mount Holyoke College. On the very first day of class my professor mentioned that the poet owned a Newf for sixteen years. The dog was her constant companion. I was dumbstruck. My image of this pristine poet dressed in white changed forever. Anyone who owns a Newf is not pristine. They are in a constant state of dishevelment! As a children's book writer, I knew I had to share the story of Emily and her dog with children.

Finally, I will. Thanks, Londerry!

My book about Emily Dickinson and her dog will be out and about February, 2012.

EMILY MITCHELL REVEALS WHAT'S ON HER FRIDGE!

2011-09-29T02:55:00.000-07:00

I consider fall to be better than January 1st for resolutions and fresh starts because I love the hustle and bustle that begins with back-to-school time and ends with winter holidays.

I'm kicking off my blog's new season in a BIG way! Emily Mitchell is one of the most elegant, insightful editors with whom I've been privileged to work. I'll be eternally grateful that she saw the possibilities in my manuscript about Emily Dickinson and her beloved dog. (Emily and Carlo gorgeously illustrated by the amazing Catherine Stock, will be published by Charlesbridge in February.) Emily M. is also sassy and fun. Today, she answers the burning question, "WHAT'S ON YOUR FRIDGE?"

Emily Mitchell is senior editor and director of corporate strategy at Charlesbridge Publishing, where she has worked for the past ten years. She acquires and edits picture books through middle grade, fiction and nonfiction. She also coordinates Charlesbridge's Digital Task Force and handles all author and illustrator contracts.

Emily shares with us:
"What I enjoy most about editing is the collaboration: working with wicked smart and creative people who can collectively come up with fabulous ideas that I could never imagine on my own."

Drum roll! Are you ready?
Here's what's on Emily's refrigerator! She affectionately describes her appliance as "a GE Piece of Crap That Came With the House, circa 1990 something."

Here's a close-up of what Emily likes most on her fridge and why.

Emily: "My favorite thing on my fridge is my 'I found Jesus' magnet, which never fails to crack me up. See – churchy people can be funny too."

So true, Emily! Please share with us your philosophy of life as demonstrated by WHAT'S ON YOUR FRIDGE?

Emily: "Life is messy. I try to bring order to the chaos, but sometimes it's better to ignore the outside messiness and worry instead about what's inside — since that $hit can kill you if you let it fester too long."

Many thanks to you and your refrigerator, Emily Mitchell!

BACK FROM MY TRIP TO "EMILY DICKINSON LAND."

2011-07-31T18:37:00.000-07:00

I recently returned from "Emily Dickinson Land" where I attended the annual Emily Dickinson International Society conference in Amherst, Massachusetts (thanks to a lovely birthday present from husband Paul).

After unpacking my bag and admiring the wallpaper in my room at the Allen House, I decided walk down Main Street to Emily Dickinson's house. I hadn't visited in several years. Eight years ago I took an amazing seminar there as a Mount Holyoke College student.

My excitement grew when I first spotted the house.

I imagined Emily and her huge, shaggy dog, Carlo, traversing this same route on hot summer August afternoons—just like me.

Finally, there it stood. Just as I remembered it.

I dwell in Possibility -

A fairer House than Prose -

More numerous of Windows -

Superior - for Doors -

Of Chambers as the Cedars -

Impregnable of Eye -

And for an Everlasting Roof

The Gambrels of the Sky -

Of Visitors - the fairest -

For Occupation - This -

The spreading wide my narrow Hands

To gather Paradise -

I strolled around the grounds and admired some of the flowers in "Emily's garden."

Perhaps you'd like to buy a flower,

But I could never sell -

If you would like to borrow,

Until the Daffodil!

Unties her yellow bonnet

Beneath the village door,

Until the Bees, from Clover rows

Their Hock, and sherry, draw,

Why, I will lend until just then,

But not an hour more!

I wandered down the path "just wide enough for two who love," that led next door to the Evergreens—the house where Emily's brother, Austin, and his family lived.

Ah, the stories the Evergreens can tell (subject of another blog)

The next day the conference began in the Alumni House at Amherst College. Scholars and Emily Dickinson enthusiasts from all over the world engaged in debates on topics ranging from "What do Dickinson's Dashes Signify?" to "Why Didn't Dickinson Publish?" It was all quite civilized, though the "Emily passion" was palpable throughout the room.

I made some new friends and was reunited with old ones.

I met the delightful Heather Cole who is Assistant Curator of Modern Books and Manuscripts at Harvard's Houghton Library. She told me that she had explored antique shops for old books when she was a child, so her course in life was set early. I confessed to Heather that the one time I tried to read Edward Dickinson's letters at her library I couldn't make sense of his scrawly handwriting. She assured me that learning to transcribe those old letters can be similar to learning a foreign language.

Laurel Langdon, an operating room nurse who lives in Connecticut, wowed us with her knowledge of nineteenth century American literary figures. From the Peabody sisters to Louisa May Alcott, Laurel, who reads extensively, always had something insightful to say. Plus, she was loads of fun!

I met two wonderful authors. Burleigh Muten is a kindergarten teacher and the author of books for both children and adults. It was exciting to hear about her intriguing new Emily Dickson book (a middle grade novel written in verse) that will be published by Candlewick Press in 2013. Burleigh is a thoughtful, elegant woman. I really enjoyed meeting her.

Barbara Dana is an award-winning writer and actor. In fact, she is currently playing Emily in The Belle of Amherst, (with Julie Harris's blessing). Her newest book A Voice of Her Own: Becoming Emily Dickinson is the result of eleven years of research and received numerous accolades including a starred review in Kirkus Review. I found Barbara to be friendly and accessible. Although her many accomplishments could be described as glamorous, she is modest. Now, that's an irresistible combination.

Burleigh, Barbara, and me

It was wonderful to see Jane Wald and Cindy Dickinson. When I spent a semester archiving material at the Evergreens I discovered petrified mice in an old box. I screeched and Jane (who is the Executive Director of the Emily Dickinson Museum) pulled on gloves and calmly removed the offensive rodents. Wow!

Cindy Dickinson, who is Director of Interpretation and Programming at the Museum, and no relation to Emily (although the poet would have loved to have this fabulous woman in her family) baked me my first Emily Dickinson gingerbread.

Jane, the fearless, and me

Cindy and me on the Evergreen steps

Last, but not least, I was reunited with my friend Martha Ackmann. Martha, as president of the EDIS, was in charge of this year's conference along with Jane Wald. She is a talented writer, journalist, speaker, and professor. In fact, my life was changed after attending her Emily Dickinson Seminar at the Homestead when I was a student at Mount Holyoke. If it wasn't for Martha, my picture book Emily and Carlo (Charlesbridge) might have never been written. I can't wait to give her a copy when it's published next January!

Thank you, Martha!

P.S. Had to add—there was a marvelous banquet Friday night (dessert was Emily Dickinson's delicious coconut cake). I got to meet Holland Cotter, winner of the 2009 Pulitzer Prize for criticism and art for the New York Times. He presented an eloquent, inspiring keynote speech on "Taking Emily Seriously." I urge you to read this evocative 2010 tribute from Mr. Cotter, "My Hero, the Outlaw of Amherst."

Part 2: Finally Meeting Shelly Haas—The Artist Who Painted My Words So Beautifully

2011-07-04T06:15:00.000-07:00

I recently met Shelly O. Haas, the talented artist who illustrated our book The Schoolchildren's Blizzard. (Part 1 of this blog)

Here's a great post from Shelly, talking about her process and inspiration:

Illustrating a book is like taking a journey to another place or time. Each journey is different. I love that in illustration. When I received the manuscript for The Schoolchildren’s Blizzard I lived in a rural part of Eastern Washington and was finishing illustrations for a separate manuscript.

It was a thrill that Marty’s book took place in Nebraska because I was already familiar with the dry climate and open sky with vistas in each direction.

The I Love You Barn was a local place to observe and learn about horse, donkey, goat, chicken, llamas, New Guinea hen, and even prairie dogs at one point. I like to draw and paint animals from life whenever possible. During this project I drew goats and Turk-en (cross between Turkey and Chicken). Chickens in the 19^th century had a different shape than those we see today. In my research I discovered that Turk-ens are a closer match to what a chicken was in 1888.

My sketch had no chickens in the opener and on page 10. I added them, working from one Turk-en in a closed shed on the final illustrations. She had the responsibility of a nest at the time. I bought my pencils and watercolor into the shed and she became several models on the final painting. She actually landed on my painting once, but left no mark on my wet painting

The local school was quite helpful to me as well. The then 4^th and 5^th grade class (Class of 2011) studied prairie life as part of their curriculum—usually later in the school year. With the school’s permission, I did a presentation for them on prairie life and asked for volunteers to model for me so I could be efficient in my sketches. Everyone who was present for the presentation returned the next day with permission slips (from their parents) to model. I directed them through some parts of the story. I had some elements of costume to help them get into the spirit. The process was very celebratory.

Each project takes me somewhere new and provides me with the opportunity to work with a variety of characters, subject matter, and place. By the time the project is done, I feel well traveled and content.

I still illustrate stories at times for books, and other times for wall, or furniture.

Table top of one of Shelly's illustrated furniture masterpieces

I live in Connecticut now and recently traveled to Virginia to take a workshop in neuro-developmental learning. As an artist and teacher, it is important to find art mediums and practice that best support each student’s learning style and natural ability.

I know most authors by letter or email, and before last weekend Marty and I had met only on paper. I knew she lived in Virginia, and contacted her to let her know I had business nearby. She very graciously invited me to visit and it was lovely to share our processes with each other.

Part 1: FINALLY MEETING THE ARTIST WHO PAINTED MY WORDS SO BEAUTIFULLY

2011-07-03T02:05:00.000-07:00

I love pictures in books. I consider myself extremely fortunate that all my published books feature paintings by wonderful artists. Producing that kind of book is truly a team effort. But the two main players on the team (writer and illustrator) rarely meet.

The Schoolchildren's Blizzard was published after a long, agonizing lull in my career. I had decided to take a break from my writing and try something new. At age fifty-three I returned to college as an enthusiastic full-time student—enchanted by the all the art, literature, and history I encountered as an American Studies major at Mount Holyoke College.

My first day back at school

The publishing gods do have a weird sense of timing. It's hard to believe, but I sold The Schoolchildren's Blizzard right after I registered for my first semester.
I remember when my editor emailed me at school. "Wait until you see Shelly's paintings for the book," she wrote. "They're beautiful!"

My editor was so right! Shelly did an amazing job. I was blown away by her artistry. But she lived in another state, so I was never able to personally thank her.

Shelly O. Haas is an award-winning children’s book illustrator, dedicated teacher, and passionate activist. Her work has received recognition from the Society of Illustrators, The National Association of Jewish Libraries, and the Jewish Book Council. Shelly’s illustrations from her book The Magic of Kol Nidre, a Yom Kippur Story by Bruce H. Siegel (Kar Ben, 1998), were chosen for the PBS documentary 18 Voices Sing Kol Nidre that aired in September of 2010. Throughout the years, Shelly has taught applied arts to children and adults, both privately and in school settings. She co-created The Artist Project, a nonprofit organization in Detroit and opened an after-school teaching studio for art and dance in Washington State.

Last week, Shelly, who now lives in Connecticut, was in town. Of course, we couldn't pass up this opportunity to get together. It was magical. Finally, I could hug her and say, "Thank you, Shelly!"

(Part 2 of this blog)

ME? STYLISH?

2011-06-26T03:25:00.000-07:00

A belated thanks to Candice Ransom who recently passed the Stylish Blogger Award torch to me. I'm a fairly new blogger, but I do enjoy working with pictures and words. I'm thrilled to receive such an unexpected compliment!

Stylish Blogger etiquette requires that I reveal 7 random things about myself, and then pass the torch to five more stylish bloggers.

Hmmm . . .

1. When it comes to clothes, stylish I'm not! My daughter has threatened on many occasions to beg Stacey, from What Not to Wear, to do a clothes intervention (especially when I'm wearing my favorite shirt given to me by my daughter, who in turn received it from her friend—IN SEVENTH GRADE). I must clarify–my daughter is now 30. Here is the shirt of shame!

Now, what's wrong with it? All comfy and blue!

2. I'm a REALLY early riser. So are my dad and my brother. Must be the genes handed down by Grandma and Grandpa Rhodes. Here's a picture of them taking a break from a hard day's work on their New London, Missouri dairy farm. Like them, up at 4:30 a.m., a hearty breakfast by 6 a.m., and incoherent by 8 p.m. Many evenings my husband is a very lonely man!

3. I'm deathly afraid of mice. Last week I was happily sitting at my computer and I felt this gentle tug on my bare foot. I looked down and there was a rodent trying to make friends with my big toe. I ran upstairs to my husband, wailing like a banshee. Not a pretty sight.

I purposely chose an picture that doesn't include his WHOLE tail. eeek!

4. I haven't eaten a Krispy Kreme Donut in years.

But, I really want to.

5. I love dogs almost as much as I love people. (Who am I kidding? Actually, more than some people.) Here's my Airedale terrier, Scarlett. Oh, yes, I love Elvis too.

6. I love reading mysteries.

7. I don't like to wear high heels.

ouch!

Now, I'm honored to pass the torch to these stylish bloggers.

Thanks again, Candice!

A PRECIOUS MOMENT IN TIME

2011-06-16T13:16:00.000-07:00

I noticed that my daughter has this photo in her Facebook collection. I couldn't resist downloading it. The image reveals a pure, distilled moment of truth that is sometimes offered up as a precious gift in the form of a candid photo. My mother has been absent from this earth for over a year. My daughter is now a vibrant young professional and dedicated mother, living in Brooklyn, New York.

This photo heartened me. The circle of life goes on. My mother shared a few joyous moments with her granddaughter by reading her a book. Although Mom is gone, I can admire this picture and use it as an inspiration—and a reminder of the value of grandparents, grandchildren, and books.

HOMEMADE BANANA BLACK WALNUT ICE CREAM—IT DIDN'T COME EASY!

2011-05-30T02:41:00.000-07:00

Walnuts remind me of my childhood in Springfield, Missouri (nicknamed the Queen City of the Ozarks). Not those anemic English ones, but the earthy, oily, pungent black walnuts. There were lots of black walnut trees where I grew up. One of my favorite desserts was (and still is) homemade banana black walnut ice cream.

That ice cream didn’t come easy. Black walnuts grow with a thick husk surrounding the nut. These are super-difficult to remove. Thankfully, my dad took care of that, or we bought our walnuts already husked and cured.

There was still hard work to do. Mom sent me to the front porch with a basket of husked black walnuts and a hammer. My mission: To bust open those tough shells and then tackle the delicate task of picking the nutmeats out of their small, intricate chambers.

I remember helping Dad crank the ice cream machine, impatiently waiting for that first spoonful of "summer delight." Yum. All that preliminary work was definitely worth it.

Here’s a recipe for ice cream like my mom used to make. No hammer or crank involved this time. I made it in a 2-quart electric ice cream maker and purchased my shelled black walnuts on Amazon. For food safety I used pasteurized-in-the-shell eggs.

2 eggs — beat until foamy
1 cup sugar — add to eggs slowly and beat until thick and smooth
Then add:
2 mashed ripe bananas
1 can evaporated milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla (not imitation)
1/2 cup chopped black walnuts
Add 2 1/2 to 3 cups half-and-half cream (to the fill line on your ice cream can)
Mix again, then follow manufacturer's directions on your machine.

After slurping down a bowl of this ice cream, as they say in the Ozarks, "you'll be happy as a hog in a wallow!"

ROCKIN' AT ROCK OF AGES

2011-05-16T10:14:00.000-07:00

On Sunday I had a blast with my beautiful Brooklynite daughter, Meg.

Love the view from Brooklyn Bridge!

The cause of the revelry: The Broadway musical Rock of Ages.

The scene: The Helen Hayes Theatre. This intimate little theatre, built in 1912, is no stranger to rock 'n rollers. From 1958-61 it was the venue for the Dick Clark Show featuring the mostly lip-synched performances of such greats as Jerry Lee Lewis, The Big Bopper, Chuck Berry, and Johnny Cash.

The result: Two happy gals with the oldies-but-goodies of Journey, Poison, Bon Jovi, Pat Benetar, and lots of others still rockin' in their heads.

MEMORIES OF MOM'S ICE CREAM CAKE

2011-05-05T06:17:00.000-07:00

My mom was a party girl. When I was a kid our house was always filled with family and friends celebrating something. Mom frequently made this ice cream cake for spring and summer shindigs. It's a pretty dessert and tastes quite refreshing. Here's her easy, delicious recipe. I know she'd be happy I shared. Happy Mother's Day!

I'm making our cake this weekend (in honor of Mom). But, this is what it looks like.

Angel Food Ice Cream Cake

1 16 ounce package angel food cake mix
1 1/4 cups water
1 pint lime sherbet
1 pint raspberry sherbet
1 pint orange sherbet
2 cups whipping cream
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

Prepare cake mix, using water. Pour into ungreased 10 inch tube pan. Bake according to package directions. Invert cake and cool, then remove from pan.
With serrated knife split cake into 4 layers. Spread the different softened sherbets between the three bottom layers. Top with remaining cake layer. Put the cake in the freezer to harden a bit. Whip cream, vanilla, and sugar until soft peaks form. Frost cake. Freeze for one hour or more. Makes 10-12 servings.

Mom, we miss you!

EMILY DICKINSON—OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES

2011-04-28T15:16:00.000-07:00

Here we are almost at the end of National Poetry Month. I had to hustle to post this blog in its honor before April slips away—and in honor of Emily.

My sister, who is a kindergarten teacher at James Lewis Elementary School in Blue Springs, Missouri, recently introduced her class to Emily Dickinson. She told them that Emily wrote poetry, therefore she was . . . a student chimed in, “A POET!”

She told the students that Emily lived a long time ago, therefore her clothes were different from the ones they wore. The poet had long hair because women didn’t cut their hair often. (For some reason this especially fascinated the boys in the class.) She told the children that Emily owned a dog that she loved very much.

She explained to the class that poets write with strong feelings. As she read Emily's poems, she asked the kindergartners to close their eyes and make mental pictures with the poet's words. The children were instructed to use their metacognitive thinking—those kindergartners certainly know bigger words than I did at their age.

My sister read each poem three times. Then she showed the children Emily’s picture and asked them to draw a portrait of her. Here are some of the rather lovely results. I think Emily would be charmed.

The bee is not afraid of me.

I know the butterfly -

The pretty people in the Woods

Receive me cordially -

The Brooks laugh louder

When I come -

The Breezes madder play;

Wherefore mine eye thy silver mists,

Wherefore, Oh Summer’s Day?

Comments:

The beautiful people are like Tinkerbell.

The bees smell the perfume you are wearing and think you are a flower. They are not mad.

Butterflies look like fairies with fancy dresses

I’m Nobody! Who are you?

Are you - Nobody - too?

Then there’s a pair of us!

Don’t tell! they’d advertise – you know!

How dreary - to be - Somebody!

How public - like a Frog -

To tell one’s name - the livelong June

To an admiring Bog!

Comment:

It would be hard to go to Walmart if you are real famous. I can go to Walmart because I’m not famous!

The morns are meeker than they were -

The nuts are getting brown -

The berry’s cheek is plumper -

The Rose is out of town.

The maple wears a grayer scarf -

The field a scarlet gown -

Lest I sh’d be old-fashioned

I’ll put a trinket on.

Comments:

I would like to see scarves on trees.
The trees get dressed up in different colors in autumn.

I think Emily likes autumn best.

CANDICE RANSOM REVEALS WHAT'S ON HER FRIDGE!

2011-04-24T05:18:00.000-07:00

Candice Ransom is a prolific and talented author. She's also my cherished friend of over 20 years. We were in the same writing group for a decade–Candice actually took me on my first “author trip” to New York City! Today she answers the burning question, “WHAT’S ON YOUR FRIDGE?"

Candice says, “Outside my house, I’m a successful writer, with 115 children’s books published, and two degrees earned after the age of 50: an MFA in writing for children from Vermont College and an MA in children’s literature from Hollins University. I also teach at Hollins University’s Graduate Program in Children’s Writing and Literature. Inside my house, I’m an ordinary writer plugging away on and struggling with my current project.”

Drum roll! Are you ready? Here's what's on Candice's 14-year-old almond-colored Sears Kenmore fridge. (Candice describes her fridge as nothing fancy—it was new when they built their house fourteen years go. At the moment, the ice-maker isn't working, so she's using old-fashioned ice trays.)

Candice says, "The best part of being a writer is that I get to stay home and be near my refrigerator which I raid whenever I’m stuck! No photographs decorate my refrigerator, no homilies or grocery lists. Instead there are vintage die-cut food cards, probably from a home economics class in the late 50s. The cards reflect my love of all things vintage. I’ve filled our home with shabby junk and family memorabilia, turning our modern farmhouse into a sanctuary that allows me to slip back to 1950 or 1923 or 1934. I’m better able to work being surrounded by the past, away from the glare and racket of the present. "

Here’s what Candice likes most on her fridge and why.

"As for my favorite thing on my refrigerator, it would have to be this spatted, tuxedoed gentleman. He loves the refrigerator even more than I do. "

Candice, please share your philosophy of life as demonstrated by WHAT’S ON YOUR FRIDGE.

“Although the cards on the refrigerator look back to another time, my work is firmly fixed on the project at hand. You won’t find copies of my books on any shelf in my house—they’re all stashed away. I don’t want to be reminded of what I did, only concentrate on what I’m doing."

Many thanks to you and your refrigerator, Candice Ransom.

COMICALLY PLEASING: MY FIRST GRAPHIC NOVEL CAME EASY

2011-04-17T02:09:00.000-07:00

A few years ago, my easy reader children’s book Prisoner For Liberty was published by Millbrook Press. It is superbly illustrated by Craig Orback's paintings.

It tells the story of James Forten, an African American Revolutionary War hero, whose patriotism and courage during and after the war truly inspired me.

This year my book was reborn as a graphic novel— The Prison–Ship Adventure of James Forten, Revolutionary War Captive (published by Graphic Universe). Amanda Doering Tourville expertly adapted it. The wonderful sequential art was created by Ted Hammond and Richard Pimentel Carbajal. Thanks to these talented professionals, I just had to twiddle my thumbs and wait for my copies to arrive in the mail!

My publisher calls this new book a graphic novel—not a comic book. Different authorities disagree somewhat on these terms. I lean towards Stephen Weiner's (author of 101 Best Graphic Novels) definition. Basically, a graphic novel is a story with a beginning, middle and end told in the comic book style. It's bound like a book and sold in a bookstore, not a newsstand. A good book to read to get a grasp on the whole medium is Scott McCloud's Understanding Comics.

In Prisoner for Liberty the main story is told in 40 pages; The Prison-Ship Adventures of James Forten tells it in 25. Let's take a look at the first page of Prisoner for Liberty.

Now take a look at the graphic version.

Both books are quite appealing and as different as apples and oranges. But are they? They each present a compelling narrative about James Forten in an engaging, accessible, kid-friendly way. I feel fortunate that young readers will be able choose how they want to read my story about this admirable man.

SO SWEET

2011-04-11T10:00:00.000-07:00

Our lovely, almost 6-month-old granddaughter was baptized in our church on Sunday. She is named after my mom, Doris, who died almost a year ago. We call her Dottie. No baptismal white for this girl. She wore a stylish red polka dotted frock.

"That it will never come again/Is what makes life so sweet" — Emily Dickinson

Emily, you are so right—and, hopefully, so wrong.

THE PERSONAL TOUCH

2011-04-03T03:29:00.000-07:00

I love the convenience and versatility of my Kindle. Yes, you can add notes to any content on this clever machine—but that action is somewhat sterile.

Take a look at this tidbit of the conversation John Adams had with English feminist, Mary Wollstonecraft, over 200 years ago.

No, they weren’t in the same room. Not even on the same continent. But Adams manages to succinctly convey his not always high opinion of Woolstonecraft’s book Historical and Moral View of the French Revolution. Our feisty Founding Father read and then according to the John Adams Library site wrote his “passionate commentary and lively dialogues with the authors in the margins.” The act is sloppy, intimate, and certainly changes the look of the book.

My wonderful father-in-law, Willard Figley, left this earth almost a decade ago. One of his treasures has a permanent home on my desk. It was the most important book in his life . . . his Bible.

He wrote his thoughts on many of the wrinkled and worn pages. His Bible looks used, touched, treasured, and loved.

My Kindle looks the pretty much the same as the day it arrived in the mail three yeas ago.

CAROL HINZ REVEALS WHAT'S ON HER FRIDGE!

2011-03-28T03:22:00.000-07:00

Today, Carol Hinz, who not only is a fabulous editor I've been privileged to work with for many years, but also a great biscuit baker (check out this blog) answers the burning question, "WHAT'S ON YOUR FRIDGE?"

Carol is editorial director of Millbrook Press, a division of Lerner Publishing Group. She oversees the Millbrook imprint and edits titles in a range of subject areas for grades K-5. She blogs about Millbrook nearly every Monday and recently joined Twitter.

Carol shares with us:

“The thing I most enjoy about my job as an editor is the variety. I edit middle-grade nonfiction as well as picture books in rhyming verse; I work with authors, illustrators, and photographers; and there's always a new and exciting project on the horizon.”

Drum roll! Are you ready?

Here’s what’s on Carol’s 7-year-old GE Profile refrigerator.

Carol says: “The items on my fridge all have either sentimental value (e.g. photos, Keep Libraries Open pin) or practical value (e.g. city hall phone #, poison control).”

We go one step further! Here’s what Carol likes most on her fridge and why.

“The close-up photo shows my Eat/Die magnets. They're from the Walker Art Center, and they're based on the work "The Green Diamond Eat The Red Diamond Die" by Robert Indiana (1962). Here's a link. I've had the magnets for many years. As I remember, the idea behind this work of art is that Indiana wanted to portray life in the most fundamental way possible, and he reduced it to eating and death. It might seem a little morbid, but I thought the idea of turning the work of art into a set of refrigerator magnets was hilarious.”

Wonderful, Carol! Please share with us your philosophy of life as demonstrated by WHAT’S ON YOUR FRIDGE.

“Hmmm . . . as demonstrated by my fridge, my philosophy of life is to balance the sentimental with the practical. You need both elements to be happy!”

Many thanks to you and your refrigerator, Carol Hinz!

IT ALL BEGAN WITH SOME JESUS BREAD, A HUG, AND ELVIS IN THE X-RAY DEPARTMENT

2011-03-23T04:48:00.000-07:00

Every writer has a genesis of sorts. Some have always known that they want to create with the written word. These gifted artists apparently had pen-in-hand while potty training. Others, like me, came to it later in life.

My first "horse story" featured a boy as the protagonist and terrible spelling.

Yes, I produced scads of stories as a child, usually involving a beautiful horse that I rode into the sunset. I enjoyed working on the newspaper in high school. But, life took a turn and I abandoned my writing for many years.

When I was in my 20's and 30's I dabbled in painting, textiles, and photography.

"Stuffed nurses" made by me during my creative journey

I ended up working as a Radiologic technologist for many years (that’s a whole ‘nuther story!). I liked helping people and enjoyed the artistry (yes, artistry) of producing a good-looking X-ray. In some ways it’s akin to taking a great photo. I eventually branched out into Nuclear Medicine and Bone Densitometry before leaving the field over a decade ago.

The writing came back gradually, aided by couple of "how-to" courses. In the early 90’s I worked a night job in Radiology for a local HMO and was able to take my 15-pound portable Mac to work and write between patients. I was also working with 3-year-olds as a Sunday school teacher at that time. The creative forces swirled. I was thrilled to sell some articles to a national Radiology newspaper.

Then I sold my first nonfiction piece to a small religious magazine. They paid me in puzzles! It felt like a million dollars.

My first published work of fiction was sold to the same Radiology newspaper. It was a story about Elvis’s ghostly visit to the X-ray department on Halloween night. Oh my, where was my Pushcart Prize?

Around that same time I won a big photography contest. Over 200, 000 entered and 100 won. I made the front page of Parade Magazine with my photo.

I think the national recognition I garnered for capturing that special moment between my brother-in-law and nephew after his graduation from Randolph-Macon Academy was the impetus I needed. I felt like a winner. I felt like I could do anything. And that thing I wanted to do was to continue writing—especially for children, since I'll always be a kid at heart. I joined a fantastic writing group and pursued my craft in earnest. The rest is history.

A WONDERFUL "COUSIN"—EVERYTHING'S UP-TO-DATE IN KANSAS CITY

2011-03-14T12:32:00.000-07:00

One of the many benefits of marriage is acquiring “new cousins.” Especially if they are as fabulous as Theresa Van Goethem. For the first time in many years, she and her delightful husband Danny visited us last weekend.

Marty and Theresa

Theresa is an educator extraordinaire. Although she looks too young for this statistic, she has spent 37 years of her life working for the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools. She is the Elementary Special Education Coordinator for the Wyandotte Comprehensive Special Education Cooperative, and works with educators in over 30 buildings who provide services to children with special needs.

Wyandotte County is home to 157,000 people and includes Kansas City, Kansas, Bonner Springs and Edwardsville, Kansas. There is a fascinating website on its history of the Wyandotte Public Schools which spans 167 years. In 1844, the county’s first free public school opened in what was then "Indian Territory." It served both American Indian and white children.

Several years ago, every school building in this historic district was renovated. Wyandotte High School (built in 1937 under Franklin D. Roosevelt’s WPA plan after the original building burned down) is an architectural beauty with dual fireplaces in the main lobby. Its renovation presented special challenges since it was on the Historical Registry. The drafty windows (985 of them) were replaced in a “painstaking manner” (pun intended). Theresa said that the job was so well done that a few people called in asking why the old windows were still there.

Theresa (known as "van" in her school district) is most proud of working with parents and educators to provide the best services possible for the students. She firmly believes the urban youth of her district deserve the highest quality educators available. Their goal is to be one of the top ten districts in the United States.

A few words of wisdom from Theresa:

“When parents and educators work together – making decisions based on the needs of the child (not the adult) then the child will be successful.”

Check this out: A video featuring students selected from the music departments of four schools in Theresa's district. (A "thank you" from the Black Eye Peas Tour when they used the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus.)

QUAKERS ON BOXES AND A DELICIOUS OATMEAL COOKIE RECIPE

2011-03-06T17:40:00.000-08:00

Last fall, in preparation for a children’s book I’m writing, I spent a lot of time researching America’s most famous Quaker, William Penn. I also mentioned the same W. Penn in a piece I wrote for my friend, novelist Leslie Pietrzyk’s blog. I described the founder of Pennsylvania as the “chubby, paternal looking Quaker on the oatmeal box.”

This week I decided to bake oatmeal cookies for some favorite cousins, even though I’m currently trying to lose weight (that’s another story). When I reached for that familiar cylindrical container, this question wormed its way into my cookie-obsessed brain. “Is that really supposed to be a picture of William Penn on the box?”

I checked the Quaker Oats website. A “most commonly asked question” was: "Who is the man on the Quaker Oats box? Is it William Penn?" Answer: "The Quaker man is not an actual person. His image is that of a man dressed in the Quaker garb, chosen because the Quaker faith projected the values of honesty, integrity, purity, and strength."

Well! Guess I’ve got oats on my face—although the assumption is obviously made quite often. But, why do many of us think it is William Penn on the box rather than George Fox, generally considered the founder of the Society of Friends (a.k.a Quakers)? You can’t tell me that in 1877, when Quaker Oats former owners (Henry Seymour and William Heston) registered their trademark with the U.S. Patent office they weren’t thinking of a famous Quaker.

William Penn as a dashing teenager dressed in armor—yes, armor. Nice, but doesn’t make me want to eat hot cereal.

Here we may have Penn as an older, more substantial patriarch.

George Fox as a young man, looking quite overtaken by religious fervor. Doesn’t make me want to eat cereal either.

Here we may have a portrait of Fox—done quite a few years later.
(Note: Historians question the authenticity of the later portraits of both men. But they would have been out there when the Quaker Oats people were deciding on their trademark.)

The mature portraits of both men look more like the guy on the oatmeal box. Of course, don’t many of us gain girth and wisdom as we age? You can almost hear a sagacious voice emanating from the older men’s images saying, “Eat your oatmeal. It’s good for you.”

The bottom line: Oats are a delicious whole grain. William Penn and George Fox were important Quakers. The grandfatherly, apparently anonymous Quaker man on the box looks cheerful, comforting, and familiar. Now, here’s my favorite recipe for oatmeal cookies.

Aunt Helen’s Oatmeal Cookies
1 cup shortening
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 ¾ cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon soda
3 cups oatmeal (I use Quakers Old Fashioned)
1 cup raisins
Cream the shortening and sugars. Add eggs and beat well. Blend spices, soda, and salt with flour. Add flour mixture to shortening mixture, then add oats and raisins. Mix well. Drop generous tablepoons of dough on greased cookie sheet. I flatten each cookie slightly. Bake at 350 degrees for at least 12 minutes or until lightly brown. Let rest on cookie sheet 2 minutes before removing.

A HANDSOME ROGUE LIVES IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD

2011-02-27T18:05:00.000-08:00

His name is Rocky.

He has intelligent brown eyes and a luxurious, silky moustache.

Rocky’s profile is superb. He knows it and shows it off quite regularly.

This giant schnauzer is a brawny boy. Every one of his 130 pounds looks quite impressive.

My Airedale terrier, Scarlett, thinks he’s a hunk! They have a great time together.

The two dogs have known each other since they were pups. Here they are the day they first met. Even then, Scarlett stared at him adoringly.

Alas, Rocky isn’t monogamous. He has quite a few ladies on the side. Fortunately, Scarlett doesn’t know that last year, when her love was boarded at a "doggie hotel," he cunningly unlatched the cages of two of them. Rogue Rocky and his liberated “girlfriends” were discovered frolicking on the dog run!

He’s also opened our back door several times and made a mad dash through our house to see Scarlett.

Rocky likes me. I'll be slaving away at my computer in my downstairs office and be startled to see him gazing lovingly at me
through the window.

Although he can look intimidating, Rocky is a cream puff with people he knows, other dogs and . . . yes, rabbits. Here he is with Ms. Hopper, yet another woman. But he lives with this one. She's kind of like . . . kind of like his sister.

Should Ms. Hopper be nervous around this big guy? Nah, this rogue really likes women. Hmmm . . .

LAWYERS WHO CAN COOK

2011-02-21T02:30:00.000-08:00

Happy President’s Day! George Washington had a sweet tooth and certainly enjoyed his breakfast of honey and hoecakes. I think he would have liked our party this weekend!

My husband teaches Legal Writing and Torts to students at American University Washington College of Law. We had a great group of them over last night. Although I’ve been known to yawn whenever an attorney at my dinner table begins to spout legalese, our young guests were charming conversationalist.

The dinner was potluck and delicious. (I was so busy eating I forgot to take pictures!) I thankfully remembered my camera before the desserts were devoured and offer you a view of several of their scrumptious treats.

Caramel Croissant Pudding (the recipe was shared) and an apple tart.
These lawyers can cook!

JACQUELINE JULES REVEALS WHAT'S ON HER FRIDGE!

2011-02-15T04:42:00.000-08:00

Today marks the debut of an exciting new feature on my blog. Once a month I'll ask someone from the world of publishing the burning question, "WHAT'S ON YOUR FRIDGE?"

This month the multitalented Jacqueline Jules reveals WHAT'S ON HER FRIDGE!

Jacqueline makes her home in Northern Virginia. She writes picture books, early chapter books, and middle grade novels. On March 1st, her 21st and 22nd book will be released: Picnic at Camp Shalom (Kar-Ben Publishing) and Zapato Power #3: Freddie Ramos Zooms to the Rescue (Albert Whitman). Jacqueline is also a poet whose work has appeared in over seventy publications and is the recipient of the 2007 Moving Words Award and the 2009 SCBWI Magazine Merit Poetry Award. Her books have been named on state and summer reading lists. Jacqueline's chapter book Zapato Power: Freddy Ramos Takes Off just won the Cybils Literary Award for short fiction. Jacqueline got a B.A. in Writing in college, but she dreamed of becoming an author in elementary school.

Jacqueline tells us what she enjoys most about writing:
"I love re-writing and playing with words. Writing for me is like putting together a jigsaw puzzle. I turn the words around and around until they fit into the image I want to create. Every word in a poem or a story counts, just like in a jigsaw puzzle. Some people like to play games. I like to play with words."

Drum roll! Are you ready?

Here is what's on Jacqueline's 2006 GE French-door model fridge.

We go one step further! Here's what Jacqueline likes most on her fridge and why.

"My favorite thing on my fridge is my collection of magnets. In the last few years, I have picked up magnets on trips and favorite outings around D.C. For instance, I have a magnet of Tai Shan from the National Zoo and a magnet commemorating the 2007 National Cherry Blossom Festival. I also have a magnet from Seattle's world famous Pike Place Market. All three of these colorful magnets remind me of a wonderful, day, savoring the pleasures of life. And that thought brings me to a square black magnet with an anonymous quote I picked up in a small shop with a friend on a rainy day. In white italicized letters it says, 'Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the number of moments that take our breath away.' I tend to be a workaholic and I need to be reminded that life is about more than accomplishing things, it's about experiencing things."

Lovely, Jacqueline! Please share with us your philosophy of life as demonstrated by WHAT'S ON YOUR FRIDGE—

"My collection of magnets also includes a quote by Henri Matisse, picked up at the National Gallery of Art: 'Creativity takes courage.' This thought inspires me when I become discouraged. Most people who know me might sum up my personality in one word: persistent. Writing is not easy. Every time I begin a new project or a revision, I am afraid. But after a deep breath, I summon my courage and put my fingers on the keyboard. You can't win the lottery, if you don't buy a ticket."

Many thanks to you and your refrigerator, Jacqueline Jules!

AN UPDATE ON THE SEARCH FOR THE PERFECT BISCUIT

2011-02-11T08:48:00.000-08:00

If you read my last post, you know that I was biscuit baking. I was in search for the perfect biscuit. The biscuit I ended up with was delicious, but included hard-to-find ingredients (White Lily Flour) and "cutting the shortening/butter into the flour, which can be dicey (pun intended).
My niece, Carol Brown, who lives in Richmond, Virginia, and is currently training to be a pastry chef (my dream job), challenged me with a biscuit recipe of her own. I think I will feature this recipe as an alternative to my other "esoteric biscuit." It is easier, and the end result is delicious! I might add a teaspoon of sugar, but, I'll leave that decision up to you! Happy biscuit baking!

Buttermilk Biscuits (made with food processor)

2 cups all purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter

2/3 cup cold buttermilk

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a sheet pan with parchment. (I didn't, and it was o.k.)

Briefly process dry ingredients in food processor fitted with a steel blade to combine.

Cut butter into thin slices and distribute on top of dry mixture. Using several long pulses, process until mixture resembles a coarse meal.

With food processor running, pour buttermilk through the feed tube. As soon as mixture holds together, turn it off. (I added a smidge more buttermilk).

Pat into an 8 inch circle, 3/4 inches thick. Cut out your biscuits!

Bake for12-15 minutes (it was 15 for me), until golden brown on bottom and light gold on top.

THE SEARCH FOR THE PERFECT BISCUIT

2011-02-06T12:35:00.000-08:00

Biscuits have been on my mind lately. My newest children's book is about baking biscuits on the Oregon Trail. Last year, when I researched the book, I felt for those pioneer gals who had to pick the insects out of their flour, collect buffalo chips for their fuel, and cook on an open fire instead of inside a GE oven.

A few cups of flour ago I decided that if those hardy ladies could make a decent biscuit under those circumstances, why couldn't I?Since then, I've made about a dozen batches of biscuits. A lot of them are now resting on my hips. It's been an interesting culinary journey, but I think I've had enough, literally.

Lard is out of the question for me—hard to find, very saturated. Shortening makes almost as flaky a biscuit. Butter makes them more cake-like, but flavorful. Soft winter wheat flour makes them tender. I ended up using a famous southern staple—White Lily Self-Rising flour (you can find this at Harris Teeter and Wegmans grocery stores), and half butter, half shortening. I altered an old family recipe and this is what I ended up with. I think they are rather nice biscuits—especially with butter and honey.

I recklessly agreed to bake biscuits for a signing I'm doing next Saturday with three wonderful authors, Jackie Jules, Wendy Shang, and Fred Bowen at One More Page, a nifty new book store in Arlington, VA. Come by and sample a few. (These will be mini-biscuits—much more dietetic—ha!) Oh, and if you don't like biscuits, I hear they are serving cookies!

Crusty Hot Biscuits (revisionist recipe)
2 1/4 cups White Lily Self-Rising flour (or other self-rising flour)
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
2 tablespoons sugar
1/3 cup composed of half butter, half shortening
2/3 cup milk
1 egg
Combine dry ingredients, whisk until blended. Cut butter/shortening mixture into flour with knife or pastry blender to make coarse crumbs. Add milk and egg mixture. Mix with fork until dough follows fork around the bowl. Knead gently several times on floured board or pastry cloth (I use floured pastry cloth).
Roll or pat dough to 1/2 inch thickness. Cut out to desired size. I used a one inch biscuit cutter for my mini-biscuits. Bake in a 450-degree oven for 10-12 minutes.

A COOL, KOSHER KIND OF MORNING

2011-01-30T11:28:00.000-08:00

This morning my husband and I had brunch with some old friends from New York who happen to be Orthodox Jews. We have cherished their friendship for many years, but don't see them as often as we would like.

When our kids were small, we invited them over to our house for a cookout. It was a challenge because of their dietary requirements. According to Jewish law, only certain foods are fit for consumption. (The word kosher means fit or proper.)

Because dairy products cannot be eaten with meat or fowl, completely separate cooking pans and utensils should be used for each. A utensil or pan that has previously been used to prepare non-kosher food is not allowed. So, I bought a new paring knife.

With the help of paper plates, plastic cutlery, and disposable cooking pans, the cookout was a delight. We had juicy kosher hotdogs cooked on a little grill they brought. Our paper plates were piled high with potato chips, vegetarian baked beans, and fruit salad.

This time it was just as festive, but simpler. We met at Eli's, one of the few kosher restaurants in the Washington, D. C. area.

It was wonderful to catch up on our lives, share what our kids were doing, and brag about our assorted grandchildren.

I must admit, the Challah French toast and eggs were terrific.

Sitting down with old friends, no matter what the cuisine, is always an experience to be treasured.

Shalom uvracha!

THE DAY I TURNED DOWN A WHOOPIE PIE

2011-01-24T03:03:00.000-08:00

Long ago, when I was young and nubile, I lived in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. A regular portion of the little bit of money I had was frequently spent at one of the town's wonderful farmers' markets.

My favorite Pennsylvania Dutch treat found at these markets was whoopie pies. These "pies" consist of a decadent, creamy filling sandwiched between two fat, soft cookies. According to legend, the name comes from a typically joyous response expressed by one who discovers this delicious Amish treat in their lunch box—"WHOOPIE!"

Last Saturday, although now less young and nubile, I once again found myself visiting Lancaster's Central Market. It holds the title of the "oldest continuously operating farmer's market in the country."

Farm-fresh dairy products, meats, and fruits are offered in abundance here.

Could that be the "Goats' Hall of Fame?"

And, of course, there are the whoopie pies. Well, did I buy one, two, or three?

None.

I need to get into my skinny jeans by summer when I embark on my daring (for me) trip down the Oregon Trail. Whoopie pies aren't an option right now. (More on the Oregon Trail story in a much later blog.) Anyway, I did a little investigating on Central Market's website to see what healthy, yet exotic offerings were to be had at this palace of the whoopie pie.

This is what I ended up with.

I know it's hard to believe that I got excited about celery and horseradish. But I did. The CocoPops were impulsively purchased as I made my virtuous way out of the market.

Why I bought SweetHearts Celery of Lancaster County—
They "use a special Pennsylvania Dutch blanching technique to ripen celery to maximum flavor."
It's quite simply the best celery I've ever eaten.

Many thanks to "Phil, the celery man."

Why I bought Long's Horseradish—

The horseradish plant with its 3,000-year-old history intrigues me. It certainly clears your sinuses, and adds a major kick to any food, healthy or otherwise. When I read that Long's has been in business since 1901 and that their Central Market horseradish is guaranteed to have been grated within 48 hours of purchase, I had to buy some.

I was disappointed to find Long's booth empty (on Saturdays). But was gratified that I could purchase some of the hot stuff at S. Clyde Weaver, located down the aisle from Long's.

And, finally . . . why, oh why, the CocoPops?
First, there was the sign.

Then, there was the drama.

the CocoPop machine

The pressure rises and POP! A newborn, fragrant crisp arrives. Don't ask me how.
They taste good. And, who can resist their healthy stats?

Well, there you have it. Later, back at my Lancaster hotel room, did I regret passing up those whoopie pies?

One can always compensate . . .

THE INVASION

2011-01-14T06:17:00.001-08:00

Our house has been overtaken . . .

Scarlett's upstairs toy basket

Scarlett's downstairs toy basket

These are my Airedale terrier Scarlett's upstairs and downstairs toys. I counted them. My dog has FORTY-SEVEN toys. I'm not guilty. Many of them were given to her by our neighbors and friends. The toys don't stay in their baskets. We trip over them. My two-year-old grandson can't understand why they aren't his. He plays with them anyway, even though they are covered in dried dog slobber. Scarlett is a delightful dog, but . . .

I think there needs to be a moratorium on her toys. At least, for a little while. It's a new dawn for Scarlett and the rest of us who live in HER house.

A VISIT TO THE NATIONAL CRYPTOLOGIC MUSEUM

2011-01-08T04:06:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I visited the National Cryptologic Museum. Wow, what an interesting place! The museum is adjacent to and affiliated with the National Security Agency Headquarters in Ft. Mead, Maryland.

Here's Rene Stein, the museum's librarian. She was most helpful to me during my research on my Lincoln/telegraph book. Rene, who has worked at the museum for four years and is extremely knowledgeable on all things cryptologic, graciously took my husband and me on an amazing tour of the museum.

Rene gave me an easy to understand definition of Cryptology—it is the technology of MAKING and BREAKING codes.

The museum houses thousands of artifacts dating from the eighteenth century to the present. Exhibits that explain Cryptology's history and "how they did it" are featured in this building that, if you can believe it, was once a motel!

Many of Cryptology's American pioneers and heroes are honored here. I've always been fascinated by the contributions of the Native American Code Talkers. These courageous men served in both World War I and II. They transmitted secret tactical messages (many times under fire) using codes based on their native languages.

Here's the official uniform of the Navajo Code Talker during World War II. It was sacred to them.

Red cap denotes the U. S. Marine Corps.

Jewelry represents the Navajo People.

Gold shirt represents corn pollen.

Patch represents which of the six U. S. Marine divisions each code talker was assigned.

A thrill for me was being able to operate a working Enigma Machine—the German cipher machine that they thought was invincible. But, of course, it wasn't. The Polish Intelligence Agency analysts initially broke Enigma's code during the 1930s. The Allies continued to do so with varying degrees of success throughout World War II. Rene said that this is the only museum that offers a "hands-on" Enigma experience.

Various cipher machines were displayed. One was quite heart-rending. This is the KG-46 Space Encryptor recovered from the wreckage of the Space Shuttle, Challenger. On January 8, 1986, the United States Space program suffered a major tragedy when a booster engine failed, causing the Challenger to break apart 73 seconds after launch. Seven crew members perished.

This next exhibit aptly illustrates an inappropriate use of schoolchildren. Something was not right in Moscow in 1946!

Here's a replica of the Great Seal of the United States.

Open it up, and a hidden microphone is revealed.

Gotcha!

There were so many interesting things to see and ponder in the National Cryptologic Museum. The museum charges nothing for this wonderful tour, which takes about 1 ½ hours, if you schedule ahead.

Not to mention the great free handouts that were provided for adults and aspiring young cryptologists. Here are a few that I brought home.

PAINTING A COVER STEP-BY-STEP—"CLARA MORGAN AND THE OREGON TRAIL JOURNEY"

2010-12-30T15:16:00.000-08:00

I know you will enjoy reading this entry by my guest blogger, award-winning illustrator, Craig Orback. It has been my great fortune to have collaborated on four books with Craig. Read about how the cover for our latest book was created by this talented artist.

Pull up a chair, grab a drink, and be prepared for a long blog entry but also an interesting one I think. This past week I mailed off all of the art for my 18th book and I wanted to share my process of illustrating the cover. It was a bit unusual for me.

Over the summer (when not preparing for our wedding and month long honeymoon!) I was finishing the interior art for my book Clara Morgan and the Oregon Trail Journey. Usually cover ideas are finalized when the interior paintings are close to being done so even though we had decided on a cover concept, the actual painting of it had to wait till I got back from our trip.

Luckily for me our honeymoon was taking us on a road trip from Chicago back to Washington State so a stop in Nebraska where the book is set was on the agenda. Thanks Jess for your flexibility! Usually I don't get the opportunity to visit the places where my books are set before starting work so this was a real thrill. It would add some authenticity to the cover at least and stir my imagination!

I am now going to walk you through how I illustrated the cover step by step. I hope you enjoy this peek behind the curtain . . .

This is my early rough sketch of the cover that was approved before we left on the trip. It is part of a series of books called "Picture Books Plus Reader's Theater" covering different topics, hence the red curtain. At the back of each book kids get a script and are able to act out a scene from the book. Lots of fun!

This is a view of Scott's Bluff Nebraska where Clara's wagon train would have passed through in 1864 (as depicted on the book cover). Clara and her family are fictional, but their journey is based on the stories of real pioneers.

They had a great museum and some wagons on display. This is basically just like my original cover concept come to life! Only needed to add the family, oxen, dog and Clara.

A close up of the wagon.

Another view of the bluff from the cover. We even happened to be there late in the day just like I wanted for my painting. Perfect lighting!

Here is the view looking west. I told you we really went there!

I took some photos of my model once I was back from the trip. The only problem was I didn't have the dress we used from the first series of photos I took for the interior paintings. I made do with my existing photos.

This is the dress from the photos I took before leaving on the trip.

Here is my final drawing based on my reference photos. I projected this drawing onto my illustration board. The notes were done while I was painting the cover.

The board has two layers of gesso then I do a wash of transparent acrylic paint so that I am working on a colored surface. I hate painting on a white board and this helps to unify the whole painting as bits of this color will show through on the final. I dont paint the sky brown as that tends to pollute the vivid pure blue sky I am going for.

Now I begin working in oils. The sky is covered and the landscape begun. I prefer to paint all of the negative space around the main character first. Plopping them into a completed setting and solving issues of lighting and color first in the landscape always works best.

Here is my messy desk next to my easel in mid painting. I have my reference and some supplies there, as well as some of the completed interior paintings so I can match the cover correctly.

Most of the background is complete. I don't layer paint much. I prefer the immediacy of painting thick and completing an area and then moving on.

Pretty much done with this area. I will tweak it later once the whole painting is covered.

Only Clara is left!

Me sweating the details.

Her figure is now blocked in. Saved the hardest part for the end- the face!

I am tempted to leave it like this but I don't think the publisher would be happy! My original drawing tends to be pretty simple (as you can see). The realism happens as I am painting. I prefer the flexibility and challenge of working this way.

Almost done! Now just need to detail her dress and polish her face and the rest of the painting.

Still needs more work!

Now this is starting to look right!

And here is the completed painting!

This is just a rough version of what the final design will look like. They may end up going with white type and slightly darker grass to match other covers in the series. I should have copies of the completed book by the end of the year and it's officially released this spring! Keep an eye on this blog for details!

THEY ARE GONE

2010-12-28T05:39:00.000-08:00

The Christmas festivities are over. My wonderful daughter, son-in-law and their new baby are gone.

No more swingin' times for a while.

This morning they drove back to Brooklyn and its 24 inches of snow. I should be happy that the Washington, D.C. area dodged that particular blizzard. If we had been slammed by the storm, I would have grabbed my snow shovel in a New York minute and cleared every driveway in my cul-de-sac . . . for just a few more days with them.

WHAT'S WITH THE BOBBLEHEADS?

2010-12-25T15:27:00.000-08:00

Two bobblehead dolls stand on the windowsill above my computer.

There they are—Abe and George.

I bought the bobbleheads a few weeks ago on Amazon. At first I wasn’t sure exactly why. Of course, they are “historical” in a crazy way and I’m certainly a history lover. Most of the books I’ve written the past few years are historical fiction for children. I enjoy the whole creative process, from conducting the research to achieving that final draft. I often end up filled with admiration for the people I write about. These two guys top the list:

Abraham Lincoln. It’s hard not to admire Lincoln’s courage, intelligence, and political savvy. After I researched President Lincoln, Willie Kettles, and the Telegraph Machine I added kindness and sense of humor to the qualities that I appreciate in this man.
During the Civil War, President Lincoln spent countless hours in the War Department’s telegraph office, virtually following the battles in real time thanks to this new technology. Many of the telegraphers were teenaged hot-shot “techies.” Lincoln was kind to them, often telling jokes to smooth things over in a busy, tension-filled workplace. Feathers (including Lincoln’s) were continually ruffled since the cantankerous Secretary of War, William Stanton, ran the office. We can imagine that those young telegraph operators were grateful for President Abraham Lincoln’s tactics. A person in a position of power who shows kindness to those who aren’t is a class act. Lincoln certainly was that.

George Washington. It’s hard not to admire a man who was so revered by the American people that he could have been king, but chose not to. After I researched John Greenwood’s Journey to Bunker Hill I added Washington’s fierce determination to my list of his admirable attributes. He never gave up the fight for our independence despite facing overwhelming odds.
General George Washington kept the ragtag Continental Army together and was victorious against the greatest military force in the world. He knew we needed a standing army to win at a time when because of our history with the British occupation most Americans hated the idea. Washington was truly the indispensable man. It's hard to imagine that we could have won the Revolutionary War without him.

Are bobbleheads—those wobbly dolls usually reserved for sports figures—disrespectful representations of two of our country’s most important patriarchs? They do make me smile when I look at them. They also remind me that although Lincoln and Washington are icons, they were also human beings. The bobbleheads gracing my windowsill inspire me to strive for excellence. After all, Abe and George did.