Prairie Bonnets

Do y'all remember a few months ago when I did a post about making bonnets? Well, they're now up and for sale on Dean Butler's eBay store! So, if you know of anyone on the lookout for a bonnet to complete their prairie costume, one of these might be an option!


They come in three different colors: pink, blue and green, size small or large.

http://stores.ebay.com/callmemanly/

OBX Post #3

This morning after breakfast we made a visit to Currituck, where we climbed the lighthouse, and toured The Whalehead Club--a home built in the 1920's. Take a look below! :)

Currituck Beach Light Station

As this is likely my favorite lighthouse, this time I climbed to the top along with Mother and Pop. And read this interesting fact inside:

"Elevated sources of light have been used to guide ships through perilous waters since the 7th century B.C. One of the most famous of the ancient lights was the Pharos, built in Alexsandria, Egypt, about 300 B.C. A huge bonfire was kept lit atop an ornamental tower of 450 feet to direct ships into the harbor."

 

A peaceful place to sit

Chel capturing the sight with pencils and paint 

As we headed up the hill to visit Whalehead, we saw lovely flowers and quite a large group of Canadian Geese with their goslings. We were blessed to be here at this time, because right now there is no cost to tour this mansion-like home.

Front of house

Back side

 

You can stand and stare at the trees forever: their strong, gnarly branches and full crowns spreading over the green lawn. They look as if they could be trees straight out of a fairy tale! And the photos really don't do them justice.



Historical bridge

These photos below were taken in front of the Whalehead boathouse.



Pop and Mother

Chelsea

Chel snapped some pictures of me too--she is good at the artistic angles. :)

We returned "home" for lunch, Josh and I played some pool, and then I sat to write to you! Hope your day is going well and filled with blessings. :)

OBX Post #2

Yesterday I did not have time enough to sit down and write a post, but I am here today! Below are some more pictures: at Bodie Lighthouse and around Roanoke Island. :)

Bodie Light



Mother and Pop getting ready to climb to the top

Josh, Chelsea and Einstein, as we wait at the bottom.
Chel wasted no time in pulling out her sketchbook :)

An attempt at a selfie with Einstein ;)

After setting out from the lighthouse, we headed a little down the road to Roanoke Island, one of my favorite places to visit in the Outer Banks (OBX). :)

 

Representation of 16th century ship Elizabeth II. 
 

You can go aboard that ship to explore, which is quite interesting! And costumed staff act in time period. :D   


Chel with her pirate friend :P

I have never actually been in this shop, but I always like to grab a photo,
because it makes me think of a good friend :)

Roanoke Marsh Lighthouse

Net-menders shack.
I liked how the evening sun shot rays from behind.

In front of a quaint inn

It is a quiet sort of town, with friendly people and a laid-back atmosphere. We had dinner on an outdoor patio, that even allowed Einstein to dine along with us! :D

Hello, from the Outer Banks

Hi everyone! We are currently on our yearly trip to the Outer Banks, North Carolina, and I thought I would share some pictures with you throughout the week!

Today we visited a beach in Corolla, where the Currituck Banks Estuarine Reserve is located. We set out to enjoy the ocean spray, sunshine, and...to look for the wild horses. :) We were blessed to see around half a dozen! We watched them traverse the shoreline and later saw them move up into the dunes. And we all laughed when a small, mischievous-looking group of them approached a fisherman's cart, checking out all his supplies. :D And the fisherman could only watch, because people are allowed to get no closer than 50 feet of the lovely creatures.

(You can see the fisherman in the background, though his cart is not visible in this shot.)



 

 



 Einstein is my back-seat companion and turned to let me get a shot of him between his spells of watching out the windows. :)

 

When we got out to walk we could get better pictures, plus cool off a bit in the water's edge. :)

Josh

Love this snapshot of Mother :)

Pop

 

And down here you are actually allowed to drive ON THE BEACH! It is true that the tire tracks take away from the natural appearance of the beach, but it is a completely different experience from driving on pavement--and you sure can't beat the view! (Plus it's really fun to bounce through the ruts left by the other vehicles ;)

Chelsea behind the wheel

And I got a turn too

Pelicans

 

So now you have seen what I have been up to today! And I know generally my blog posts generally focus on writing and projects, but God's creation is so beautiful, so perhaps you shall enjoy seeing photographic captures of it. :)

And to add in some book-stuff, I will tell you, this morning I worked on some outlining for the fifth Lauren book. Book four is already outlined. I just need to write it!

New Project!

Some of you already know about this. I have started a new venture--making pioneer bonnets and selling them wholesale to another company.

 

We are starting small, with the three color options shown here:  

Two size choices, Small (approx. girl's 8-12) and Large (approx. girl's 14-adult)*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

              

*Large shown

 

 

I will be posting more on this in the upcoming weeks, giving more details. I am very excited for this opportunity and looking forward to seeing where the Lord takes it. :)

 

 



Convention Follow-Up

It's been nearly a week since we returned home from a very blessed weekend in Indianapolis. Below are some pictures from the convention. I was so glad to meet many readers, as well as other young authors! Lord bless each of you!

We also had the pleasure of meeting Dean Butler, the actor who starred as Almanzo on the TV show, Little House on the Prairie! For a big Little House fan, it was neat to see that he is continuing in preserving and sharing the history of Laura Ingalls Wilder. :)

 

Setting up on Thursday

 

 

Signing books

 

 

Group shot with Mr. Butler!

 

 

 

Hope to see you all there next year, Lord willing!

 



IAHE Convention

Lauren Books is going to the homeschool convention in Indianapolis again, and it is in just over two weeks! I am excited to announce that this year, not only will the booth have the Lauren Series books, but also time-period costumes for girls and their dolls!

Hope to see you there!

Check out the IAHE website to learn more details about the convention and the exhibitors. http://www.iahe.net

And watch for more upcoming posts concerning preparation for this trip! :)

Sweet Journey

I am currently reading a devotional book by Teri Maxwell, called Sweet Journey. It's focus is what the title implies---a sweet journey with the Lord! Seeking Him through His Word and through prayer. And while this sounds simple and obvious on the surface, Mrs. Maxwell makes some great points and the book is truly encouraging.

And I am enjoying it so greatly, I felt I should share!


"Daily Bible reading is simply non-optional for the Christian who wants to grow spiritually." ~Teri
Maxwell

If you are looking for something to aid you in establishing (or re-establishing) daily time in the Word and in prayer, perhaps you might want to consider reading through this study! :)

Upcoming Deal!

Hi everyone! Just wanted to let you all know that A Thief in Pigeon Valley is going to be only $1.99 the first week of February! (The 1st - 7th)  Kindle edition only.

I always like finding books when they are discounted! ^_^