Jul 5, 2010
On the heels of yesterday’s Fourth of July festivities it seemed fitting to celebrate our first amendment right to free speech by reading a banned book. The book I picked up at my local library was To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. It’s a book I’ve read before but still find something new to enjoy each time I read it. Published in 1960, the book is full of humor, wisdom, great characters and challenging issues.
Banned Book Week, sponsored by the American Library Association, is scheduled this year for September 25 to October 2, 2010. This week long event celebrates our intellectual freedoms and our open access to every book. As a writer and reader, I maintain that we need to protect our rights to all information, no matter how challenging the subject matter.
Last year I organized a Banned Book Reading at my local library. We had a good turnout, a little media coverage and a great time. However, this year I want to take it a step further and not just reach out to my local library patrons, but to everyone. Choose a banned or challenged book and read it this summer!
I’ve chosen a dozen books at random and plan to spend my summer reading as much as I can.
For a list of Banned Books visit the American Library Association’s site: www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/bannedbooksweek/index.cfm.
TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD was adapted into an Oscar-winning movie in 1962.
Jun 21, 2010
Yesterday I headed down to Brown’s Island to watch the Xterra off road triathlon. I don’t run triathlons any more but I still love to watch the races.
Swimmer's swam in the James River from Brown's Island to Belle Island and back.
Seconds before the start of the swim portion Championship race.
This racer had a flat tire and suffered a broken chain during his 30K ride but was able to make repairs on the rugged course and finish the race.
Championship racers covered an 10K course of tough trails.
Jun 7, 2010
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of their literary program, Hollins University held an alumnae author reading and signing. I’m a graduate of the university and wanted to return to show my support. I had a great time meeting former teachers, fellow classmates and alumnae.
The Hollins Bookstore had a nice display of my latest novels.
I took a quick tour of campus, stopping here at my old dorm.
May 16, 2010
I had the chance yesterday to visit the Herb Faire held at Lavender Fields (www.lavenderfieldsfarm.com) in Glen Allen, Virginia. This farm is one of my favorite places to buy herbs and plants. While at the farm I not only stocked up on herbs, local honey, farm fresh eggs and lavender but also took the time to have afternoon tea. Great fun!
Lots of great herbs and plants to choose from here.
A view of the retail shop from the gardens.
Fresh Lavender
Locally produced honey
Basil Pesto and Herb Cream Cheese on baguettes.
Scones, whipped cream and strawberries
May 4, 2010
Friends just sent me a few more pictures from last weekend’s Romantic Times conference so I thought I’d post. Again, it was one great conference.
A reader stopped by to say hi at the book signing.
MB at RT.
