Once Upon a Time.....

in 2009 our book club read a book- a really really good book! The book was highly recommended by a well respected member, maybe two...I struggle to recall the details of selection meetings but am very fond of them.  It was a book that everyone really really enjoyed reading.  The history, connection to a book club and the numerous literary mentions, the characters, the letter format and writing was all really lovely.  The ending was a bit of struggle for some of us I remember the discussion.  For some it felt as if a decision had to be made on how to wrap it all up and so they came up a with a tidy ending. But it didn't change the fact it was a wonderful read.

Some of the readers were quite intrigued with the involvement of two authors.  The story as I recall is that the original author became ill and required help with the finishing the book.  In my mind I blamed the 2nd author- the original author's niece- with the bumpy ending.  However I was pleased the book, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society was published and could be shared and part of our book club's reading history.

The story now jumps to 2013 and selection night for the 2013-14 year.  The dates- always the first Monday of the month are on the poster board waiting their assigned book for discussion.  A number of years ago we dabbled with Tuesdays to try to accommodate full schedules but the standard day, set location made it easier for all and less to remember.  One of the champions of "Guernsey Potato Peel Society Book" as I refer to it had news to share- Annie Barrows- the 2nd author, the niece, would be in Westerville for a Westerville Library Talk on the 1st Monday of October, the 1st Monday of book club....To me it was a no brainer-  we didn't schedule a meeting and we advocated for those that could attend to do so!  I made my reservation that evening.  What I hadn't known was Ms. Barrows is also the author of beloved children's books- the Ivy and Bean series which are wonderful and loved by Sally and her peers!

And now I sit at my writing desk, my great grandfather's desk, with a cup of tea and prepare to reflect and share with you the stories I heard at "An Evening with Annie Barrows", presented by the Westerville Public Library.

I'll share that I enjoyed my evening so very much and am grateful to Robin for encouraging us to attend.  A prior blog shared the advice I value- get tickets- as once you have tickets you are less likely to cancel. Tickets provide time the luxury of a date- even in this case when it was with just myself- a lovely glimpse into my post college years.  I enjoyed the radio talk shows during the car ride and observing my fellow bibliophiles making their way to their seats.  In fact at one point the facilitator approached the microphone early creating a process to assist book clubs in finding their members to sit together.

Ms. Barrows began with a story, a story of an attempt to find a way to connect with her Columbus, Ohio audience.  She became the character of her mother assisting with this challenge by reciting entertaining dialogue that made us all laugh.  It also showcased  this family's passion and love for stories part of the "why" and "how" of the "Guernsey" book.  I love these talks - I love to understand how a book and story come to be- today I now understand and appreciate my yearning a little more.

Ms. Barrows shared the belief that storie compose our communities, that the desire to narrate history is a humanizing impulse we have and it unites us.  Her family's personalities continued to delight us and gave us the birth of the "Guersney" book- a writers group.  A writers group that encouraged and supported and asked for more....Mary Ann Shaffer produced a few pages that started the story that turned into a book, that secured an agent that was sought after by 12 publishers.  A story that was first published in Denmark. A story that was almost was prevented because of an illness, but the author asked the next generation with the gift of writing to carry on and she did.  She did because she knew her aunt's voice and articulation and she took the time to learn the story that became the book. She used her talent and brought it to press.  The ending was theirs and I value this book and story so much more!

Ohhh how fun it was to sit in that auditorium tonight and learn about these women that write, that take an idea, a history, a story and craft it into pages that take us away.  For "Potato Peel (my mother's nickname for it) we went to Guernsey - an island in the English Channel.  I knew the name but didn't know where it was until I read the book.  Annie Barrows told us more about it tonight- her own visits allow her to state that it is very nice- it is warm, it really is more France than English- its Norman not given back- the food is wonderful and they speak English!  Mary Ann's trip was less experiential- upon her arrival by plane a fog descended and for 36 hours she remained in the airport with the company of many many books on WWI and the German occupation of Guernsey.  When Mary Ann returned to the United States the Guernsey setting seed had been planted.

There is so much more I could tell but this is where my story ends.  If you haven't read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows I encourage you to do so.  I will be reading it again as all the reasons I enjoyed the book were brought to the forefront of my mind- I totally had forgotten about the epistolary style of the book.  I loved the question someone asked: "did the mail really travel as fast as represented in the book?" The answer is "yes" there were two mail deliveries back in the day!

Life on Newark-Granville Road is always the better when I'm enjoying a good book, a book usually recommended via book club.  It is even better with nights like these when I learn the "why" and learn something new about my self and what I hold dear.  Thanks for sharing my story- I look forward to hearing yours related to this author and book!

P.S.  Ms. Barrows did talk a bit about writing children's literature and how she writes.  I admire her abilities and work ethic and find her very inspiring.

admiration, awe and yum!

I have a friend who loves real life drama - meaning truth, non-fiction- I figured this out when she recommended "Into the Wild" a fascinating read, then movie.  I realized I too like the real life stories- the behind the scenes how do things work, get made, how did some one's path lead them to their current situation.  Of course this is why "reality TV" is so popular- human nature is to relate to the real. I won't go into the psychology of why this is today-  have some theories and would enjoy reading the professionals take too.  Reality for me is I don't love reality TV- I like to escape or take a break from the real world when watching TV.   I do enjoy a good non-fiction, in particular biographies- when I listened to books on tape in the car when traveling for work I LOVED autobiographies....real life drama at its best!!

Anyway I digress....this weekend I experienced a chapter in a real life story I've so enjoyed paying attention to in central Ohio!  AJ Perry is a friend of a friend.  The friend that started sharing AJ's story with me worked with her and raved about her marketing/graphic talent and baking talent.  In fact for my 40th birthday we were fortunate to be treated to AJ's gorgeous cookies and pies.  At some point a number of us took in the incredible Worthington Farmer's market where AJ and her bakery "Sassafrass" delighted the masses.  The bacon apricot scones were a huge hit one summer morning after a camp-out at MBCC and I lived on the kitchen sink granola bars.  Thanks to Facebook AJ and Sassafrass adventure and journey have been easy to watch. I was thrilled when she shared the news she would open a store in Olde Worthington. How impressive her pies are a feature on the Worthington Inn's offerings as her location is right next door and they are indeed that good!

When I figured out that Clare's Cross Country meet was in Worthington Saturday morning I knew I had to visit Sassafrass myself.  The experience exceeded expectation and was a happy component of a wonderful weekend.  The yummies are as yummy and beautiful as ever and the store is charming.  The antique pie plates are the ideal decoration for this bakery!!  All weekend I was in awe and hold so much admiration for those included.  Girl Power for sure- AJ and her entrprenural spirit and talent and Clare and her cross country and field hockey teammates showcased success due to hard work all around.  Life on Newark-Granville road is a bit sweater and more yummy with the treats from the farmers market- go if you can- it is awesome! Raspberries, Califlour and blocks of incredible produce, product and treats...even a few of our own beloved Granville Farmers Market favorites- Lucky Cat Bakery!! Life on Newark-Granville is real life shared- thanks for reading and being with us.

beautiful tonight

Granville is dressed up and looking good tonight!  What a treat to see photos, hear the behind the scenes stories and even interact with some beautiful Granville Homecoming kids...young adults! It seems hard to believe the kids we met as youngsters are going on dates and in groups for this special rite of passage time....and we love them all the more seeing their growth and maturity and how beautiful it is on Newark-Granville Road.

making piles and files.....

Ohhhh the blog title sounds like a favorite quote......"face piles of trials with smiles....." Moody Blues....that is what I did today- I made piles.  I reduced piles. I crossed things off the list of things to do, I organized and ooooh it felt good.  I made the big list for next week, I sent emails to fill the schedule...and yes this helps deal with the trials of juggling a full full time job.  The Works is amazing and development work is never done and I don't have enough hours in the day but that is a good thing- that is the need for progress.

It was a desk day, but wrapped up with people.  I ended the work day thanking a donor and Works member one last time.  Jerry Reid http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/newarkadvocate/   The calling hours gave me a chance to visit with his family and friends and get to know him better. Funny isn't it- getting to know someone better at their funeral/calling hours but it is the time often reflection to paint a fuller picture.   I'm grateful Jerry knew the Works - after seeing his impressive background and passions, I'm not surprised at all that he supported The Works mission.

Time to chip away at a big pile and prepare for the full weekend in my Life on Newark-Granville Road!

lots of activities in Granville this weekend....

Newark-Granville Road is Broadway- our quintessential main street.  And it will be the perfect backdrop to celebrate where we live- home coming is this weekend for Denison and Granville!  Okay- not really homecoming for Denison anymore- Big Red Weekend- parents weekend, gatherings of special groups (infinity- teams and such), wonderful special events and people in from out of town that we'll be thrilled to see!  Yes Joe and I are both alums- Class of 1990.  And Granville High School had their parade last night, the week has been filled with spirit, a special game tomorrow evening and and a memory making evening out on Saturday.  GREAT people watching on Newark-Granville Road for sure- making life here so much fun.  And as you know always full...the ironic thing...I'll be in Columbus for most of the weekend.  So each evening when I return I'll be welcomed home.  I have no complaints about this- I love the opportunity to be with Clare and wonderful active teammates/friends for cross country and field hockey on both Saturday and Sunday in Worthington, Dublin and Worthington.  We'll camp out Saturday night at our own home away from home- MCC- to create our family's special memories.  If I were not being the responsible mother, I'd be at my other beloved home away from home- The Works. The Works takes flight again with an outstanding program- YAA- young aviation adventures.  How wonderful that almost 50 students will add STEM learning through flight to their education.....Amazing activities...including a fun antique sale at Robbins Hunger down the street....keeping Life on Newark-Granville Road filled with history and friendship that makes the now all the better!

walking in sunshine.....

another "walk" song is in my head...."It's a Sunshine Day" from a Brady Bunch episode..."I think I'll go for a walk outside now...the summer sun's callin my name (I hear ya now) I just can't stay inside all day, I gotta get out get me some of those, everbody's smiln, sunshine day, everybody's laughin, sunshine day, everybody seems so happy today, its a sunshine day"

"I think I'll go for a walk outside now, the summer sun knows me by name (he's callin me) I gotta get out, gotta get out, gotta get out, I gotta get away, get away, geta away, into the sunshine day.

can't you dig the sunshine
Now its all but the same
can't you hear him callin your name?

Oh, I think I'll take a walk everyday now
the summer sun has shown the way
I just can't stay inside all day
I gotta get out get me some of those
everybody's smilin
sunshine day
everybody's laughin
sunshine day
everybody seems so happy today
its a sunshine day

can't you dig the sunshine
Now its sounded the same
can't you hear him callin your name?

I think I'll go for a walk outside now....."

And that is what I did today..I went for a walk on this gorgeous day. I held Joe's hand and soaked in the sunshine. I went for a drive and was happy- so very very happy.  It was a fall day a beautiful fall day in beautiful Ohio. Life on Newark-Granville Road is always good when I go outside.....

more nights like these......

Joe said on night early in our marriage...I thought there would be more nights like these. And indeed they are the perfect nights. The nights were we enjoy a gourmet meal I have loved to cook, a night where no one fights, or is late or is shuffled somewhere....where we play cards, dog snores and we look at each other across the room sigh contentedly.    But geez would we appreciate the nights like tonight if there were more of those?

Life on Newark-Granville Road was lovely for soooo many reasons. We'll start with the weather.  We have embraced Fall and it is here.  The evenings are cool and the days warm (really this is Vermont summer and weather I love in summer)....We left the house for our outing in jeans, tshirts but sweaters and sweatshirts in tow.  We shared a warm fire, friends, kids play and birthday joy all wrapped in two and half hours that made for a special night.

Clare is so happy-our confident teen is learning, growing and grateful- can't ask for more than that. Being the first comes with responsibility and reward (I'm a first born) and she is setting a wonderful example and being herself. Fun to listen to her younger siblings digest and admire her accomplishments.  Each of our children- just like yours- our their own individuals and we're in awe. What the future holds no one knows.  What I do know is tonight was very special- nothing I planned a week ago and that is good too.....more nights like these keep us grateful this one was just what it was on Newark-Granville Road. Happy Birthday to all you October 1st Libras!