The Cavalier Hotel, Virginia Beach, VA This summer has flown by and it has been full. Full of love mostly. Early in June I flew to Chesapeake, Virginia to spend almost eight weeks with my beautiful daughter-in-law, Sierra and two extremely special granddaughters, Rosalyn and Bailey. Living so far from those girls makes me so very sad at times. On August 5th by Sailor son, Bill, came home to his young family. He had been away serving on the USS Carl Vinson for 7 months. He is on shore duty for the remaining four years of his service. When he retires in 2014 he and his family are moving to Durant. I'll have both sons and their families in the same town I live in. That, dear friends, is an answered prayer and a dream come true.
While I was in Virginia I finally got to visit the Cavalier Hotel in Virginia Beach. I wasn't able to stay as long as I wished. Maybe next time. The Cavalier is beautiful and historic. My desire to see it stemmed from the knowledge that Ernest Hemingway spent some time there. He wrote there. I think when I get the chance to return I'll take my laptop, my muse, and some money to sit in the bar and have a. drink with old Ernest. Can't you just imagine walking up those old steps and onto the marbled floors gleaming beneath crystal chandelier? Oriental rugs cushion tired feet. A large sunroom with white wicker furniture welcomes any person of any age. I must say my favorite area was probably an afterthought by the Cavalier designers. It is a very small library tucked into a corner. The shape is narrow and triangular. Dark mahogany shelves line the two walls. There is no room for a chair. The seclusion of the tiny space wraps visitors like a Pashmina shawl. Very nice.
When I returned home I took a day to attend a meeting of the Oklahoma RWA group in Oklahoma City. I had the honor and privilege of meeting several impressive writers. I felt welcomed and respected. An opportunity fell into my newbie lap within this group. Several members are writing a series of stories geared to The Wild Rose Press. I am writing a contemporary for the series. If my story is chosen /published I will jump and shout for days. At the very least I will learn a great deal. I'll keep you informed.
On a personal note I have to share the exciting news that my oldest son, Erick got married to a beautiful woman on September 3. So, I now have two sons, two daughters-in-law I call daughters, and two granddaughters.
Let the fall begin. Let my writing projects take off. Let my writing groups teach and nurture me. Let life continue with great happiness and opportunity.
I am adding several new links to the blog. Check them out when you have time. Until next time, writer friends, may the muse be with you.
Winona
