Toni's Manuscript Musings

Book Store at Eastern States Exposition: The Big E!

2011-09-17T09:27:00.000-04:00

Turmoil does not mix with creativity! I've found that out this past four months as I relocated back to Connecticut to be with my family. However, things are smoothing out and I'm getting involved with the writing and art communities again.

First book event of the year for me will be the Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association book fair at the Big E in Springfield. Over 80 authors will be attending this event through the run of the fair, September 16 through October 2. The "bookstore" is set up in the Connecticut Building and I hope you'll come by if you're in the area.

I will be signing books on Friday, September 23 from 10 am to 1 pm, and Sunday, September 25 from 1 pm to 4 pm. I'd love to see you there!

I've included the full press release here for further information.

Connecticut Authors sign their work at The Big E

At the 2011 Big E in West Springfield, Massachusetts, the Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association (CAPA) will be operating a bookstore for the fifth year in a row. The bookstore will contain the works of Connecticut authors. Genres offered include: general fiction and non-fiction, historical fiction and non-fiction, science fiction, young adult fiction and fantasy, children’s books, mystery, true crime, memoirs, biography, crafts, adventure, romance, travel, technology, sports, how-to-do, humor, religious, spiritual, inspirational, self-help, and poetry. 80 authors will be featured and 190 titles will be on display.

Individual authors presented will be: Shelia Murphy Adams, Dawn Aldrich, M. J. Allaire, Jason Alster, Morgan Amarone Miss CT 2011, Lucas R. Baker, Richard O. Benton, Raymond Berchand, Cynthia Bercowetz, William M. Boylin, Patti Brooks, James Buchanan, M.J. Claire, Christina Cody, DeEarlon, Michael C. Dooling, Bill Dougal, Wayne English, David Ferry, John B. Franklin, Rev. Timothy Furrer, Peggy Gaffney, Chris Gay, Catherine Gibson, Leeann Graham, Kimble Greene, Noreen Grice, Leslie Karen Hammond, Rosemary Harris, Dorothy H. Hayes, Dan Holdridge, Ann Jamieson, Ron Janson, Susan Jones, Janus Kane, Carol Keeney, Joseph Keeney - Publisher, Deborah T. Kilday, Michael L. Kilday, Jerry Labriola MD, Janet Lawler, Karin Lefranc, K.C. Lauer, Toni Leland, Neil Liebowitz, Peter J. Malia, Tracey Marlor, Lois Mathieu, Stacy Lytwyn Maxwell, Shannon K. Mazurick, Nicolas G. McDonald, Dorothy A. Martin-Neville, PhD, Dodie Milardo, J. Monkeys, William P. Muttart, Teresa M. Norris, Paul Pellerin, Richard A. Radune, Steven M. Reilly Esq, Nancy K. Ruppert, Jean Marie Rusin, Tommy Russo, Thomas A. Santos, Martin Shapiro, Diana E. Sheets, Carole Shmurak, Larry Jungle Shortell, Susan Winters Smith, Kerry Bernier Spindler, Eleanor Sullo, Jane Svejk, Ames K. Swartsfager, Fay L. Taylor, Carroll Thomas, Robert Trexler - Publisher, Dan Uitti, Dr. Julie Wakely, Constant Waterman, Christopher L. Webber, A.H. Wellewood, Denise A. Whelan, Mollie Wilson, Martha J. Zimmer.

This year’s event will run from September 16 to October 2, 10 am to 9 pm in the Connecticut Building on the Avenue of States. The motto of this year’s event is “Love to Read Connecticut Authors”. Look for our banner. On Connecticut Day, September 21st, this year a special feature will be a visit from Connecticut’s most famous author of all time, Mark Twain. We invite the public to stop by and browse our bookstore. Select authors each day will be on hand to autograph their books. We promise there will be a book to buy that meets everyone’s taste in literature.

Indie Authors Donate to Help in Japan!

2011-03-20T10:11:00.000-04:00

We are all horrified and heartsick at the tragedies that have befallen our friends in Japan.

Indie authors have risen to the call and you can help with quake and tsunami relief by purchasing one of the 62 (and counting) book and services donations. All proceeds go to the American Red Cross for Japan Relief.

What is an independent author? Mavricks we've been called, but adventurous is a better label. Whether self-published through a small press or digitally through one of the many available media (Smashwords, Kindle, PubIt, etc.), independent authors are just that–taking control of their work and making their dreams come true.

If you're looking for a new author and a new experience, jump in. Here's your chance to get your "fix" and do some good at the same time!

Thank you for caring.

Young Writers Unite!

2011-02-22T11:00:00.002-05:00

I am totally psyched! After my wonderful experience with the teen critique group last year, I leaped at the chance to lead a new library program for young writers.

Beginning in March, aspiring young writers ages 12 to 20 will meet twice a month to learn about and discuss writing. We’re tailoring the program to the group’s preferences by asking each participant to choose the types of writing in which they are interested. With approximately 28 genres and five writing types to entice them, these young writers should be able to pursue their chosen craft. We’ll also talk about Voice, POV, Plot, Format, and Length in addition to any other subjects the group chooses. To keep the program interesting and not too much like school, we plan to host guest writers and individuals from the industry, have some round table story-writing, and play with writing exercises.

Young published authors are becoming more common, following in the footsteps of such familiar names as Louisa May Alcott (age 17, Flower Fables, 1854), Mary Shelley (age 19, Frankenstein, 1818), Anne Frank (age 13-17, Diary of a Young Girl, 1947), and S.E. Hinton (age 16, The Outsiders, 1967). In the twenty-first century, we’ve seen Christopher Paolini rise to fame at age 18 with his best-seller, Eragon; Valerie Gribben was 16 when she wrote Fairytale; an original vampire novel, In the Forests of the Night (Den of Shadows) was written by 13-year-old Amelia Atwater-Rhodes.

Publishing success is possible for anyone willing to work for it, and I’m thrilled to be holding the door open for our community’s aspiring young writers!

Join this exciting program on March 12 and 26 at 2 p.m. at the John McIntire Library in Zanesville, Ohio. If you have questions, just contact either me [writerone (at) newconcordpress (dot) com] or the library reference department.

Will YOU be the next hot new debut author?

Is Self Publishing the Easy Way Out?

2011-02-07T08:19:00.000-05:00

Never let anyone tell you that publishing your own book is an easy way to do it, or a "last resort". Self-publishing is anything but easy and, in today's publishing economy, "last resort" could be "only resort."

In a post last month, I asked if writers knew if their book was ready to see print, whether traditional or not. Following my own advice, I just finished reading through my "finished" YA manuscript for the SIXTH time. Yes, I wanted to skip this last read--I'm really tired of the story. But knowing that any time an author touches a manuscript, even to adjust a word, or change a line, that action provides the opportunity to mess it up!

Yes, I found seven typos.

Writers have access to a ton of good, expert advice, so why not take advantage of it? The hard work that writing and getting published entails is certainly made easier by solid, dependable information.

I subscribe to the Author Marketing Experts newsletter, a marvelous goodie basket of advice and tips for anyone trying to sell books--self-published or not. Penny Sansivieri wrote a great article last week about self-publishing and protecting oneself from getting scammed. She offers 13 tips for protecting yourself.

For example: " #4--Promises, promises: don't believe the hype. Yes, we are all selling services, but there is only so much that a publisher can promise you. They can promise you a finished book. Beyond that, it's a lot of hard work and a little luck."

Well said! Read the whole article HERE. Better yet, check out the website and FaceBook. Sign up for the newsletter.

You won't be sorry.

Author Marketing Experts

AME on Facebook

Planning to Self Publish? Is Your Book Ready?

2011-01-26T14:54:00.000-05:00

Writers have wonderful opportunities available these days. The age of print-on-demand (POD) and e-books has made it possible for anyone to see their work published. Not only possible, but easy. Almost too easy.

I recently went to a major online bookseller and checked on a title I’d heard about. On the first page, first paragraph, third line was the biggest typo you could imagine. I skimmed the sample and discovered that the writing was filled with more errors. I felt really bad for the author who, I’m sure, was thrilled to see the work in print. But over and over, I see new work that has been rushed to market. This is the biggest drawback to publishing your own book. There’s no guardian to keep you on track, no benchmark to which you can compare. There’s just that intoxicating knowledge that you can put your book out there for the world to see. But, is it really ready?

The following two steps can help you make the work the best it can be.

PROOF-READ! Yes, I know this is a pain, and you think you’ve read it enough times to know if it’s right. The problem is this: our brain “knows” what we wrote and our eyes “see” it correctly. You can look at a typo without seeing, or fail to notice a word that was dropped; it happens to all of us.

Solution? Don’t proof on the screen. Print the manuscript and, taking your time, read it out loud. You’ll be amazed at how many things you’ll find that are either wrong or you simply want to change. Once you’ve read the entire thing out loud, make the corrections or changes, then find something else to do for a couple of weeks. Again–don’t be in a hurry.

At the end of that time–especially if you think the piece is exactly as you want it–change the font to something different, then read the story again. Changing the typeface makes your brain pay closer attention. This time, you might see a few things to change, or edits that didn’t happen quite right, but you should get a good feel for whether the story is ready for publication.

Use this most recent proof-reading to check for things like possible copyright infringements, Fair Use issues (such as music lyrics or quotes), adding trademark symbols where needed, and checking citations for anything you’ve “borrowed.”

BETA READERS. The biggest favor you can do yourself is to cultivate a group of advance readers to help you fine-tune the work. Not only will beta readers be able to tell you if the story has plot or character discrepancies or pacing problems, they’ll see typos and other errors that you might miss in your own proofing. It’s so much better to hear these comments before the book is printed than to discover them embedded in an online customer review!

Publishing a book is hard work and whether you do it yourself or seek professional representation and a traditional publishing house, the work you do ahead of time will be the reason you succeed.

For more details about the ins and outs of publishing your own book, read Self-Publishing: It’s All About Control and Self-Publishing: Why Not?

A Spectacular Private Garden in Knox County, Ohio: Schnormeier Gardens

2011-01-19T06:00:00.000-05:00

In early spring, I had the pleasure of visiting Ted and Ann Schnormeier in Gambier to photograph their magnificent estate and gardens. If you have a penchant for unusual and beautiful gardens, plan to visit this jewel on the one day they open to the public.

Expect the Unexpected: Schnormeier Gardens
Article and Photographs by Toni Leland

The rolling terrain of Knox County, Ohio leads the eye on a gentle journey through wooded hills and neatly tended farms, but just south of Gambier, the eyes widen in wonder as one views the magnificent Schnormeier Gardens. Have we stumbled upon a secret hideaway?

On one June weekend of every year, Ted and Ann Schnormeier graciously open their private estate to the public, a visual and sensory experience you won’t want to miss. Nine individual garden spaces cover 75 acres, presenting nature at its very best and showcasing art and design to fit the predominantly Oriental theme of the property.

Perched at the edge of a five-acre lake, the main house commands immediate attention. The ideas of Frank Lloyd Wright and the concept of “Fallingwater” are integrated into this magnificent long, low structure of 4,600 square feet. An elegant Japanese Garden surrounds the back of the home, wrapping it in a cocoon of serenity and seclusion. The Schnormeier home is not open to the public, however, photographs of the beautiful design and interior are viewable on the website.

A serene pond the base of the Stream Garden

Ted wryly mentions that the driving force behind the gardens was the need to have something stimulating to look at when one lives in a glass house. And what a view it is! The gardens were begun on paper in 1996 with the plans for the Meadow Garden, the Waterfalls Garden, and the Chinese Cup Garden & Pavilion. The physical work started with the delivery of 814 tons of rocks weighing ten to thirty tons each! When the projects were completed, more than double that amount of rock was in place. Trees, shrubs, perennials, ground covers, and lawns were chosen and planted by mid-November. The gardens were a work-in-progress for the next few years and, in 2000, the Japanese Teahouse was built, construction began on the Serenity Garden water features, and the Conifer Forest was planted. From 2001 through 2004, additional features and gardens were implemented: the Japanese Garden House, the Stream Garden, and the Woodlands Garden’s half-mile walking trail. Both Ann and Ted work in the gardens, although they do have staff to help with such a mammoth job.

A contemporary version of the Copenhagen
Mermaid sits at the edge of the lake.

Above the Stream Garden, the Chinese
pavilion stands over the miniature conifers.

Art imitates Nature and, in 2002, the Schnormeiers began integrating commissioned fine art into the natural beauty of their gardens. All of the gardens contain the work of artists from around the country, and each piece represents a specific thought or feeling for its particular location. See if you can find all fifty pieces (hint: the buildings and structures are all works of art, too).

Things to Seek Out

In the Cup Garden Pavilion, note the dragon gargoyles on the roof peaks, and the 100-year-old crystal chandelier from London. In the South Cup Garden, a fierce dragon sculpture guards the spot.

Over 2,000 varieties of hosta cover an acre of land in the Hosta Garden.

Visit the Meadow Garden with four ponds; colorful Japanese Koi live there year around with a pair of Australian Black swans. Several sculptures by Ohio artists grace the Meadow Garden, including a huge water lily.

The Stream Garden is a roaring mountain stream 400 feet long, rushing 600 gallons per minute through densely planted beds before surging into the central lake. Art features include four bronze sculptures entitled “Beginnings I, II, III, and IV.”

In the Serenity Garden, notice the ancient design of the post-caps (giboshi) on the Japanese arch bridge. Continue on to the Japanese Garden House where you’ll see an antique altar table and a custom designed fabric artwork by a renowned textile artist. A huge Buddha head is another art feature of the garden.

Four sculptures grace the Waterfalls Garden, including a contemporary version of the famous Copenhagen Mermaid sitting under the bridge. The Waterfalls Garden is 100 feet long with a twenty-five foot drop for the 1,000 gallons per minute that course through the area. A large hand-carved granite Japanese lantern, the Red Arch bridge, and a Japanese teahouse are other features of this space.

For the avid walker, the Woodland Garden offers a trail through the trees and meadow, and the opportunity to view the many wildlife silhouette sculptures located throughout the natural setting. Be sure to notice the sculpted wall of the Japanese resting house.

Schnormeier Gardens is a place of wonder and beauty, peace and serenity, but more than that—a magnificent legacy for Knox County.

If You Go–Important to Know

The annual open house is in June, usually from 10:00 a.m. until 4 p.m. Exact date and times are posted on the website, http://www.schnormeiergardens.org. The gardens are located at 8701 Laymon Road, Gambier, Ohio (east of Mount Vernon). Be sure to bring your camera!

A view of the upper falls of the Serenity
Garden. The Japanese Garden House is in
the background.

The gardens are privately owned and the following points should be considered before visiting.

The property covers 75 acres of rolling terrain with some significant hills;

There are no hard-surface walks or paths, and access to the gardens is mostly grass covered ground;

No transportation or staff are available for guided/transported tours;

No ride-on wheeled vehicles are permitted;

The area is not handicapped accessible;

The lakes are deep and the banks are steep; wet rocks are very slippery;

No smoking, swimming, wading, flower picking, fishing, rock throwing, or picnicking;

Shoes and shirts required;

The restrooms are readily accessible.

_________

©2011 Toni Leland. All rights reserved. This article originally appeared in Country Living, May ’10. No portion of this work may be reproduced without written permission of the author. Links to this article are welcomed, with proper full credit.

Oldest Family-Owned Candy Companies in Ohio

2011-01-18T16:00:00.003-05:00

Ever stop to think about where our sweets come from? Ohio has a goodly number of old-time confectioners. This article covers only the oldest ones who responded to my interviews.

Satisfying Ohio's Sweet Tooth: Family-Owned Candy Companies

Article and Photographs by Toni Leland

Family businesses come and go, but like the rich sensation of chocolate on the tongue, a few Ohio family-run candy companies have endured and prospered.

1840

Wittich’s Fine Candies & Ice Cream Soda Fountain

117 West High Street, Circleville, Ohio; 740-474-3313

Almonized peanuts, Buckeyes, and cream peanut clusters

Gottlieb Fredrick Wittich and his family settled in Circleville in 1836 as bookbinders, but Gottlieb went to Cincinnati to apprentice in the candy-making industry. He returned in 1839 and, with his brother Ferdinand Fredrick, set up Circleville’s first candy shop: FF & GF Wittich Confectionery. The business grew through sales of pure sugar stick candy, lemon drops, and cinnamon balls, as well as hand-churned ice cream.

In 1905, Gottlieb turned the business over to his son Edward, who ran the store with his wife until 1930, when he passed the torch to his own son, Fredrick Edward. During those hard times, Wittich candies were sold exclusively wholesale until 1935 when Fredrick and his wife opened a retail store on Main Street.

Like so many other candy companies, Wittich’s struggled during World War II, but instead of cutting back, they traded their unwanted or unused ration tickets for sugar. After Frederick’s death in 1947, Mrs. Wittich and her sisters ran the business until 1980, when she passed it on to her son, Fredrick Edward, Jr.

In 1999, Fred retired from the Circleville Fire Department, built an addition on the store, and added a classic 1946 Bastian-Blessing soda fountain. Today, Wittich’s is known for Cream Peanut clusters, Buckeyes, and Almonized Peanuts. All products are made from original “scratch” recipes, and Fred still supervises all the candy-making.

Late 1800’s

Winans Chocolate & Coffees

122 West High St., Piqua, OH 45356; 937-773-1981

http://www.winanscandies.com

Courtesy Winans

Bryan, Ohio native Charles Walton opened his bakery in the late 1800’s and included fudge in his assortment of sweets. One of his employees, Wayne Winans, eventually married Walton’s daughter, Edla, and they opened their own bakery in Piqua. During the Great Depression, the townspeople would bring their sugar rations to Wayne and he would make cookies for them. Wayne Winans’ son Max became interested in fudge-making and started making the confection while still in high school in 1946. He and his brother Dick eventually opened a bakery in Bellefontaine, Ohio, then opened a candy store in Piqua known as the Carriage House.

By 1961, Max and Dick began making hand-dipped chocolates and expanded their candy line, marking the opening of Winans Chocolate & Coffees in Piqua. Dick and Max Winans retired in the 1990’s, and Max’s daughter Lauri Reiser and her husband Joe took over. They recently moved the company into a newly-renovated historic hotel, now called the Fort Piqua Plaza and, interestingly enough, Winans is right next door to the original Wayne Winans bakery location.

Winans is well-known for their caramels and nut brittles: peanut, coconut, almond, and cashew.

1906

Spangler Candy Company

400 N. Portland Street, Bryan, Ohio

http://www.spanglercandy.com

Famous Spangler Dum Dums lollipops

In 1908, Arthur and Ernest Spangler made the decision to switch from manufacturing baking products to making candy. Within two years, they moved the business to larger quarters and, again, three years later. A third brother, Omar, joined the company and the product line expanded as hard candies became more popular.

By 1915, over sixty products were sold under the Spangler Candy name, and the second generation had joined the firm: Ted, Harlan (Bun), Norman, Frank, Charles, and Albert.

The company grew quickly and ultimately purchased Dum Dum Pops (1953) and A-Z Christmas Candy Canes (1954). Spangler is the world’s largest manufacturer of candy canes, and the Dum Dum lollipop is known throughout the country.

From the late 70’s onward, third generation Spanglers (C. Gregory and Dean) manned the helm of this highly successful company; in 2008, fourth generation member Kirkland B. Vashaw became the president.

One of Spangler’s innovative candies is the Saf-T-Pop, a toddler-sized lollipop with a twisted-fiber loop handle.

1908

Aglamesis Brothers

Oakley Square, Cincinnati, Ohio

http://www.aglamesis.com

Opera creams, a Cincinnati favorite

The lure of America brought young Thomas Aglamesis from Sparta, Greece to the city of Cincinnati. His brother Nicholas arrived a year later and the brothers began working in the ice cream trade, learning the tricks, and saving their money. They opened their first venture in Norwood in 1908, but several years later built an elegant establishment in Oakley, complete with Portuguese marble, tile floors, and Tiffany lamps. They worked hard to keep the business open through the Depression and the war years, even with sugar rationing.

When Nicholas passed away in the fifties, Thomas’s health failed and his son James took over. With the help of his son and daughter, James Aglamesis successfully maintains the same products and quality so prized by his grandfather. A Cincinnati tradition, the Opera Cream is one of Aglamesis Brothers’ signature products. The company has been nationally recognized by such illustrious publications as Bon Appetit, Chocolatier, and The New York Times, and is a favorite place to satisfy Cincinnati’s sweet tooth.

1923

Ben Heggy’s Candy Company

743 Cleveland Ave., N.W., Canton, Ohio

http://www.heggys.com

Creamy caramels from Heggy's

Like so many young men in the early 1920s, Ben Heggy learned candy-making as an apprentice, but when that business closed, he decided to try his hand at making his own chocolates. He purchased a house to incorporate a candy shop, and small restaurant which became a favorite hang-out for high school kids until 1950, when fire destroyed the entire structure.

Not one to be daunted, Ben rebuilt the shop, but not the restaurant. His candy store was at the front, with the factory located at the back. During his long career, he had help from four sons-in-law, all of whom were, or are still, involved in the management of the business. Heggy’s Candy Company prides itself on keeping prices down while maintaining high quality, and they still use all the old recipes that have pleased customers for 86 years. Among Heggy’s most popular candies are chocolate-coated peanut clusters, creamy caramels, and fresh roasted salted nuts.

1932

Anthony-Thomas Chocolates

1777 Arlingate Ln., Columbus, OH 43228; 877-CANDY-21

http://www.anthony-thomas.com

Ohio State University Buckeye candies

In 1907, Greek immigrant Anthony Zanetos came to Columbus to seek a new life. He was a quick study in learning how to make candy at a local shop and, by 1916, he was experimenting in the family kitchen. He realized he wanted to go into business for himself and, in 1932, he opened the Coop Dairy in Franklinton. When his son Tom returned from World War II, the business became a father-son operation: Anthony-Thomas Chocolates.

Tom Zanetos received a veterans’ allotment for sugar, which he bartered for some of the other ingredients needed in candy-making. He sold the candies wholesale, going door to door. In 1947, the Zanetos’ opened a restaurant called the Crystal Fountain, and candy sales increased. About that time, a large building down the street came on the market and the two men built their first candy factory. They expanded several times, eventually building the current factory on the west side of Columbus (1995).

Three of the founder’s four grandsons joined the company: Joe (the current president), Greg, and Tim (both vice presidents). Other family members have also continued the traditions of the company; Steve Scully is the factory manager, and Joe’s daughter, Candi Zanetos Trifelos, is the director of retail sales and marketing.

Anthony-Thomas Chocolates holds the official license for the Ohio State University Buckeye Candy.
________
©2011 Toni Leland. All rights reserved. This article first appeared in Over the Back Fence Magazine, Jan/Feb '10. No portion of this work may be reproduced without written permission of the author. Links to this article are welcomed, with proper full credit.

Pumpkins: One of America's Heritage Vegetables

2011-01-18T06:29:00.000-05:00

Though this isn't the main season for using pumpkins, this article could give you a little nudge for some advance planning.

Fall Harvest: A Treasured Heritage

Article and Photographs by Toni Leland

Cold crisp air nibbles at our ears and cheeks, and the sweet scent of wood smoke drifts on frisky breezes – a sure sign that it’s time to harvest the autumn garden. Halloween, Thanksgiving, and all those cozy winter days depend on the hardy pumpkins and winter squash varieties that mature when cold weather arrives. Fabulous pies and savory soups, stews and casseroles sustain us through the winter, but our bounty has many other uses too.

Beyond Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkins originated in Central America and are one of North America’s native vegetables. In 2007, pumpkin production was valued at $117.5 million, according to the United States Department of Agriculture; Ohio is one of the five top-producing states.

Everyone's favorite fall dessert!

Not only are pumpkins easy and fun to grow, they are versatile veggies outside the kitchen. Miniature pumpkins are a favorite for decorating. Use them for nametag holders, candle holders, tiny vases for dried flowers, or pile them into a basket filled with apples, nuts, and colorful fall leaves. Larger pumpkins look great when arranged with other fall materials such as corn stalks, sheaves of dried grass, pots of chrysanthemums, bales of straw, or autumn leaves.

Carved jack-o-lanterns are recognized in North America as a symbol of Hallowe'en, but the original use was as a celebration of the harvest. First mention of “jack-o-lanterns” was in 1837, and the connection to Hallowe'en was documented in 1866.

Choose a firm field pumpkin of a bright orange color. Cut off the top and remove the pulp. (Be sure to save the seeds for other uses.) After carving the design, dry the exposed flesh with paper towels, then spread a thin layer of petroleum jelly on all cut surfaces. This will keep bacteria from entering the flesh, and your artistic creation will last longer.

Wikimedia CC Toby Ord

Don’t plan to use a jack-o-lantern for cooking; though it might not look spoiled, don’t take a chance–discard it in the compost pile or trash.

An alternative to carving is painting a pumpkin, which provides greater latitude for creativity. Faces, flowers, frogs, goblins or ghosts – the only limit is the imagination. Additionally, as long as you use non-toxic paint, the pumpkin can be used for cooking, provided it has remained in cool temperatures.

What Else Can You Do With a Pumpkin?

Make a Serving Bowl

Select a medium-size round pie pumpkin with a flat bottom. Cut the top off, then remove the pulp and seeds. Wipe the inside with paper towels and let dry for 20-30 minutes. The pumpkin bowl is perfect for soup or stew. Line it with lettuce for serving cold foods.

Pumpkin Leather

Fully dehydrated pumpkin flesh keeps for a long time. Native Americans sometimes wove these strips together to make mats.

Use the Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are great for craft projects. Paint the seeds different colors, then when they are completely dry, create a mosaic by gluing them into a design. A fun project for kids.

Roasted pumpkin seeds provide a delicious and healthy snack. Mix a little olive oil and salt in a re-closable plastic bag; add the seeds and shake to coat them thoroughly. If you want spicier seeds, add some chili or garlic powder to the mix. Spread seeds on a cookie sheet and bake at 275°F for about 15 minutes. Cool completely, then store in an airtight container.

Male pumpkin flower grows on long stem; female is close
to ground (lower left).

A Gardener’s Delight

If crafts aren’t your style, try growing one of the hundreds of pumpkin varieties. Like other members of the cucurbita family, pumpkins love plenty of sun and water. Most aren’t fussy about soil, but adding compost or well rotted manure to the planting site will ensure vigorous growth.

For garden variety pumpkins, an area about 5 feet square will handle 2-3 plants. You might need to corral some roaming vines, but the plant doesn’t mind. Plant the seeds in a sunny spot from Memorial Day through the end of June. The vines will grow quickly, then begin blooming – male flowers first, then female flowers. Soon, tiny green pumpkins will form at the base of the female flower. The fruits will remain green until they reach full size, then turn orange. They are then ready to pick.

If you grow beautiful, unblemished pumpkins, consider entering them in an agricultural fair. It’s fun, and you might win a ribbon or even some money.

Monster pumpkins over 1100 pounds!

If you really want a challenge, try growing one of the monster varieties, such as Mammoth Gold or Atlantic Giant (which holds the world record at 1,689 pounds). What does one do with a pumpkin that size? Enter it in one of the many pumpkin festivals around the state:

Barnesville Pumpkin Festival
Circleville Pumpkin Show
Giant Pumpkin Festival (Yankee Lake)
Providence Farm Pumpkin Festival (Mt. Vernon)
Ramseyer Farms Pumpkin Festival (Wooster)

Giant pumpkins need lots of growing room as well as other special needs. A good source for more information is Ohio State University’s Fact Sheet HY6-1646-94: “Growing Giant Pumpkins in the Home Garden.”

Storage

Pumpkin tower at the Barnesville
Pumpkin Festival, Ohio

Aside from the jack-o-lantern and use in decorating, pumpkins provide an important source of nutrients: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Beta Carotene, and Potassium. So how do you store your harvest for winter use? A root cellar is ideal, but lacking that, pumpkins can be stored in a well ventilated space maintaining a temperature of 50°-65°F. Be sure to harvest the pumpkin before the first hard frost. Choose only those without skin damage, and leave the stem on. Pumpkins must be “cured” for about 2 weeks at 75°-85°F before storing. This hardens the shell. Cure immediately after harvest.

Cooked pumpkin puree freezes well, and can be stored for up to one year. Pumpkin may be cubed for canning. The USDA Canning Guide recommends NOT canning pumpkin or squash puree, even with a pressure canner; the density of the puree prevents even heat penetration, making it an unsafe preserving method.

The Rest of the Bounty

Winter squash is easy to grow and stores well; however, its uses are basically culinary. Hard-shelled squash species are one of our earliest known vegetables, so popular that they were taken back to Europe by the conquerors from that region. Among the most familiar varieties are Blue Hubbard, Acorn, Butternut, Spaghetti, and Turban.

Squashes of all kinds compete at the county fair.

All winter squash require 6 to 8 hours of sun and plenty of water. The vines spread widely, so plan your growing area accordingly. With the exception of Acorn squash, winter varieties must be cured at 70°-80°F and humidity of 80-85% before storage. A cool (50°F), dry, well-ventilated location will keep the vegetables at optimum quality. Do not store squash near any ripening fruit such as apples or pears. Fruit gives off ethylene gas which causes other vegetables to decompose. Cured and stored properly, Butternut, Turban, and Spaghetti squash will keep for 2-3 months; Hubbard for 5-6 months; Acorn for 5-8 weeks. Winter squash should be preserved by canning the cubed flesh, or by freezing cubes or puree; Spaghetti squash cubes should be frozen, as the cubes disintegrate with canning.

Regardless of how you use your fall harvest, be aware that you are a benefactor of our rich native heritage.

______

©2011 Toni Leland. All rights reserved. This article first appeared in Country Living, Oct ’09. No portion of this work may be reproduced without written permission of the author. Links to this article are welcomed, with proper full credit.

Pottery Collectors' Heaven: Southeastern Ohio

2011-01-17T11:00:00.000-05:00

Every year, pottery is highlighted and celebrated in southeastern Ohio in what is called Pottery Lover's Week. For full details land schedules, be sure to check websites, as venues and dates change each year.

The Heart of the Industry: Southeast Ohio Pottery Festivals

Article and Photographs by Toni Leland

This elegant 1917 Weller Hudson
vase features hand-painted
iris.

In the heart of clay country, Muskingum and Perry Counties have a rich pottery history. For nearly 200 years, the high-quality clay that is unique to Southeast Ohio has provided some of the best pottery available.

The J.W. McCoy Pottery Company in Roseville, Ohio
circa 1899. (original image from National Ceramic Museum)

In the very early 1800’s, the rich clay in Muskingum County was prized for producing utilitarian pottery for the pioneers. These early potteries were known as “bluebird potteries” because they opened every year when the bluebirds returned to the area. By 1900, Zanesville was a world center for this pottery and was known as “Clay City.” The Industrial Revolution expanded this country craft into “art pottery,” bringing such illustrious names as Limoges, Wedgewood, and Royal Doulton onto the scene. The turning point for the American entry into this movement was the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition in 1876, an event which drew huge crowds who immediately fell in love with the European art pieces.

This Owens Jardiniére and pedestal of the
Majolica glaze line (1895-1905) stands almost
3 feet tall.

In 1882, Maria Longworth Nichols Storer founded the Rookwood Pottery in Cincinnati and, seven years later, won the Gold Medal at the Paris Exposition. During the same year that Storer founded Rookwood, East Fultonham potter Samuel Weller moved his pottery to Zanesville, determined to equal or better the Cincinnati pottery. Competition was fierce between the early potteries; artisans were wooed away, foreign artists were brought in to teach special techniques, and industrial sabotage was not uncommon. Roseville potter J.B. Owens opened his Zanesville pottery in 1891, “stole” Weller’s artists, and from 1891-1895, produced work that equaled Rookwood. Roseville Pottery moved to Zanesville in 1900 and, in 1904, won the Gold Medal at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition. Between the years of 1902 and 1907, Weller and Jacques Sicard developed a shimmering glaze that changes colors much like an opal. The process they used remains unknown.

A unique Weller Dickensware II
Circus Vase produced in 1902
using the sgraffito technique.

The 1907 Banker’s Panic and the Great Depression took their toll on the height of the Art Pottery Movement after only twenty years, then advances in production methods and technology brought about the end of the movement before 1950. Two Muskingum County companies became important in the tile-making industry: American Encaustic Tile Company (1875-1936) and Mosaic Tile Company (1894-1967). However, the unique pottery of Southeast Ohio continued to thrive, with the focus on items with consumer appeal. Hand-painted decorative and practical wares became the signature of the pottery and stoneware of the area, and are still available today.

Well-known potteries that were located in Southeast Ohio include American Encaustic Tiling Company, Clark Stoneware Company, Hull Pottery, Mosaic Tile Company, McCoy Pottery, Owens Floor & Wall Tile Company, Peters & Reed Pottery, Roseville Pottery, Shawnee Pottery, Watt Pottery, Weller Pottery, Zanesville Majolica, and Zanesville Pottery.

Pottery Week in Southeast Ohio

Zanesville's distinctive hand-decorated
8-foot Aurelian Vases are painted by local
artists. The design is a reproduction of one
that J.B. Owens created for the Louisiana
Purchase Exposition in St. Louis in 1904.

Every year in July, Zanesville is the site of many activities known locally as Pottery Week, a non-stop ten days of sales, auctions, exhibits, and displays geared toward collectors of such famous pottery names as Weller, McCoy, Hull, Owens, and Roseville to name a few.

The original concept of “opening the potteries” began with the earliest bluebird potteries. Through the years, the idea grew as enthusiasm for collecting spread across the nation. Forty-five years ago, the first Crooksville-Roseville Pottery Festival was held; the event grew and was joined fifteen years later by the Pottery Lovers Reunion, followed by the first McCoy Pottery Convention held in 1988. The events grew in popularity and soon the Hull Pottery Convention joined up and, in 2000, Zanesville Pottery started a large outdoor pottery exposition, known as the Zanesville Pottery Festival.

The “week” usually starts at the end of the second week and runs for about 10 days.

· The National Road–Zane Grey Museum displays a large body of work from the collection of Richard “Dick” Downey, including pieces of Weller, Roseville, and Owens, many of which have never been on public display.

· The Zanesville Museum of Art’s exhibit of ceramics defines Art Deco in Ohio, including Roseville, Weller, Cowan, Meric, Hall China, and Homer Laughlin.

· The National Ceramic Museum & Heritage Center is the destination for pottery history, and hosts an Antique and Collectible Pottery Show in conjunction with the festivals. The annual kick-off includes the traditional plate-breaking ceremony.

· Crooksville-Roseville Pottery Festival is held in Roseville with pottery demonstrations, live entertainment, games, and activities.

· The Pottery Lovers Reunion takes place at several local hotels: Ramada, Best Western, and Best Value Inn. Collectors can buy, sell, trade, and talk about pottery at these various venues.

· McCoy Pottery Collectors Annual Convention includes a mixer and auction, and a banquet with show & tell.

· Hull Pottery Convention Show & Sale is held at Crooksville High School.

· Zanesville Pottery Festival is an outdoor venue of pottery-oriented items. Exhibitors set up shop and many do demonstrations. Food, music, and games are part of this event.

· Belhorn Auction presents a Pottery Lovers Auction at the Muskingum County Conference & Welcome Center.

Downtown restaurants and shops open for Taste of Zanesville on the Wednesday during that week. Visitors can sample fresh goods from the Farmer’s Market and browse through artisans’ crafts and artwork. Take a look at the popular Earth to Art Show & Raffle on the library lawn, sponsored by the Muskingum County Master Gardeners and showcasing beautiful floral arrangements and container plantings, which are professionally judged. Hundreds of items are donated for the raffle, and the proceeds go to school scholarships in the community. For a change of pace, take a ride on the Lorena Sternwheeler, or enjoy one of the dinner cruises on Fridays and Saturdays.

A circle of Zanesville vases at the west end of the historic
Y-Bridge.

Southeast Ohio is an exciting place to visit during this annual salute to a magnificent pottery heritage.

________

©2011 Toni Leland. All rights reserved. This article originally appeared in Country Living, Jul ’10. No portion of this work may be reproduced without written permission of the author. Links to this article are welcomed, with proper full credit.

Gourds: Historic and Modern Crafts

2011-01-17T06:00:00.000-05:00

Nothing seems to be more versatile than the lowly gourd. Though basically inedible, this fall wonder shows its true potential at the hands of artists and craftsmen.

This whimsical birdhouse is cute
enough to keep in the house! (photo
courtesy Pat Elder)

Nature's Pottery – The Incredible Gourd

Article and Photographs by Toni Leland

When Fall makes her appearance with crisp temperatures and a breathtaking display of color, the lowly gourd is ready for harvest. What unique utensil or enchanting work of art will these strange fruits become? One's imagination is the only limitation.

A good example of a dipper crafted
from a long-necked gourd variety.

When looking at a display of colorful, shiny gourds in every conceivable shape, it is difficult to comprehend that these plants were among the first to be domesticated and grown in the Americas. Based on radiocarbon dating, it has been proven that the familiar bottle gourd was in use here as a utensil or container for at least 9,000 years! The original theory was that the bottle gourd was indigenous to Africa, and that it arrived in the New World via Atlantic Ocean currents. Archaeobiologists later proved that the early gourds were genetically closer to those found in Asia today. That research changed everyone's thinking; perhaps the gourds were brought by boat from Asia, or hand-carried or, indeed, floated on ocean currents, but via the Bering Strait.

Unique Turkish lamp from
Calabash gourd. (Wikimedia
Commons Image)

Simple gourds make lovely
watertight vases.

Other than utilitarian uses for dipping and storage, gourds have historically been crafted into musical instruments, lamps, masks, planters, birdhouses, and even used for skull repair in Neolithic times. The most common use of many types of gourds is for birdhouses, and no other bird has benefitted more than the Purple Martin. In fact, east of the Rockies, these charming members of the swallow family depend entirely on man-made housing, and the Giant Bottle Gourd is the nest of choice. According to the Purple Martin Conservation Association, early North American Indians began the tradition of cutting holes in gourds to attract the birds and, later, the settlers picked up the idea. From then on, the birds became accustomed to the gourd nests and abandoned their former nesting habits.

Purple martin colonies return year after year to their nesting
places, often picking the same gourd nest.

Dan Mohler of White Cottage, Ohio has been caring for a flock of Purple Martins for over 40 years and, in August of this year, he watched almost 600 of his birds take off for their migration to Brazil. "It's a real sad time for me," he said. But then he brightened up. "Now the work begins." Once the nests are empty, the gourds must be cleaned and repainted every year. Dan creates his Purple Martin colonies mostly from the Chinese Bottle and Giant Kettle gourds he grows in his own garden. The two varieties are sturdy and have extremely thick skins; some of the gourds in his colony are twenty-five years old. The gourds have vent holes at the top to keep fresh air moving through, and drain holes in the bottom. When asked why he didn't use more of the wooden martin houses, Dan explained, "Gourds are natural housing for Martins, and much safer against their natural enemies, the starlings and sparrows."

This fledgling house wren
likes her cozy, safe nest.

Give the gourd a chance to shine, and it does a superb job. Artisans around the world have found the gourd to be most agreeable to almost any form of art imaginable. From simply polishing and painting to carving and sculpting, the many varieties of gourd lend themselves to gorgeous one-of-a-kind creations. Or is that, "gourdgeous"?

Jan Row applies her artistry to many of the
gourd pots and vases at Glan Bran farm.

Chuck and Jan Row of Glan Bran Designs in Granville, Ohio have been growing gourds and designing masterpieces for many years. Chuck does the growing, drying, and carving; Jan does the painting and etching. Dozens of creations sit on every surface and hang from every available hook. Chuck talked about some of the hazards of working with gourds, as well as the length of time required from picking, to the final piece. "No way to hurry it up," he quipped. "Plan on about three months."

Bottle gourds begin drying
in late summer.

When the gourds are ready for harvest, Chuck places them in a dry area to begin curing. The first thing that happens is the gourds become moldy. Once the mold dries, Chuck scrubs it off with hot, soapy water. The gourd is allowed to continue drying and, when the seeds rattle around inside, the gourd is ready to be transformed.

The colorful birdhouses
look like fat mushrooms!

Gourd and mold dust are toxic and care must be taken when working with either dried or moldy gourds. It is recommended that one wear gloves, a mask or respirator, and clothing to cover bare skin when sanding, cutting, and cleaning both skin and inside surfaces. Working outdoors is advisable, or in an enclosed area with good ventilation.

Pat Elder's gourd birdhouses feature cave art
and a Southwest flavor. (photo Pat Elder)

Patricia Elder in Oklahoma City designs unusual works of art using epoxy-putty. Building on each gourd's unique form, Pat adds whimsical touches to bring out the theme of whatever she's creating, whether it's a birdhouse, pot, bowl, or decorative piece. Living in the Southwest, she often uses a Native American theme or earthy colors and tones in her creations.

The versatile gourd isn't just a pretty face–many American Indian tribes found myriad uses for the bottle gourd. The Cherokee soaked the seeds and made a poultice for the treatment of boils; Louisiana Indians applied a poultice of crushed leaves for headaches; the Seminole tribes burned the seeds to "smoke" the body to cure insanity; Acoma, Laguna, Cherokee, Havasupai, and Hopi Indians crafted dippers, bowls, and containers; and, many tribes used the gourds for ceremonial rattles.

A beautiful pot, etched with cave-type drawings and
finished with antler handle and feathers. Artist: Jan Row.

This heritage plant and its fruit can provide anyone with an interesting hobby, be it growing gourds from seed or crafting unique items from dried gourds. All it takes is a little time and patience.

Want to Learn More?

A good place to start:

American Gourd Society: http://www.americangourdsociety.org

Ohio Gourd Shows:

Mt. Gilead, October: http://users.owt.comjdixon/ohio.htm AND Greenville, September: http://www.ofea.org/view.php?fest_id=51

Fabulous Gourd Gallery:

International Gourd Festival, Fallbrook, CA: http://www.gourdfestival.com

Growing Gourds:

Ohio State University: http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/1000/1630.html

Enthusiasts:

The Gourd Reserve: http://www.thegourdreserve.com

________

©2011 Toni Leland. All rights reserved. This article first appeared in Country Living, Oct '10. No portion of this work may be reproduced without written permission of the author. Links to this article are welcomed, with proper full credit.

Harness Racing: Little Brown Jug and the Pacing Triple Crown

2011-01-16T18:00:00.002-05:00

If you like horses and the excitement of equestrian sports, then you'll love harness racing! Plan ahead for this event–it draws huge crowds!

Little Brown Jug: the Crown Jewel of Harness Racing

Article and Photographs by Toni Leland

Harness racing is one of America’s most historic sports, dating back to about 1825 when farmers brought their best horses to the agricultural fairs to see who had the fastest racer. By the mid-1800’s, harness racing tracks began to appear and, by the late nineteenth century, harness racing had become America’s most popular sport. Today it is a multi-billion dollar international sport.

One of the most important pacing events in the country is the Little Brown Jug, a $500,000 race that is considered the most prestigious event of the year—the second leg of the Pacing Triple Crown. The Delaware County Fair has been home to the Jug since 1946, and the race is held at the Delaware County Fairgrounds on the third Thursday after Labor Day. Crowds of 50,000-plus come for a day of sunshine, friendship, food, and the excitement of watching some of the top Standardbred horses strut their stuff. The Little Brown Jug has the distinction of being one of the few races that require horses to finish first in two heats to be declared the winner.

Jug Background

Joseph A. Neville, a Delaware native, joined the Delaware County Agricultural Society in the mid-thirties and began a push to move the county fair from Powell, where it had been held since before the first world war. In 1938, Neville and several businessmen convinced the fair board that the move would be an economic boon. In 1939, Neville and his friend Henry C. “Hank” Thomson embarked on the construction of a half-mile racetrack at the new location for the fair.

Harness Racing Hall of Fame Greats

Many world records were made on the wide, steeply-banked Delaware track, quickly spotlighting it as the country’s fastest half-mile track. In 1940, the popular track was awarded Grand Circuit dates and Delaware, Ohio was on the racing map. During those war years, there were no rich stakes offered for three-year-old pacers, so Neville and Thomson put their heads together and decided to plan a Grand Circuit meet that would outshine any event ever held at Delaware. They wanted a new event with a purse comparable to that of the famous Hambletonian, and began making plans for the first event to be held in 1946.

But what would they call this race? A contest was posted with a prize of $100 for the winning name; entries would be judged by representatives of the United States Trotting Association and several racing magazine publishers. The contest generated 4,000 name suggestions, but the choice was unanimous. “Little Brown Jug” had been a champion pacer in the post Civil War years, and the song of the same name was well-known.

The inaugural Little Brown Jug was viewed by an estimated 27,000 racing fans. The weather was perfect and a field of top pacers put on a spectacular show through four punishing heats. “Ensign Hanover” became the first Little Brown Jug champion, and history moved forward.

What to Expect

The Jug Barn

Plan to arrive early to snag a good spot on the rail—that’s where you’ll see the best action. We arrived around 9:30 a.m. and trackside seating was already at a premium. The crowds were having a good time watching the preliminary heats, and the pungent aroma of barbecue and burgers drifted on the mild September air. The barns buzzed with activity as horses were groomed, exercised, harnessed, and taken to the track to warm up.

During the morning, the Jug Barn is open to the public until the official start of the races. This barn stables the colts and geldings who will compete.

The Jugette Barn

It’s a great place to see the horses up close, and talk to owners and drivers. The Jugette Barn is next door and holds the racing fillies. A charming octagonal visitor’s center in this structure houses the Hall of Fame, with photographs and portraits of many famous drivers. The Grand Stand and Pavilion are on the opposite side of the track, and there you’ll find dozens of betting windows. Behind the stands, the midway is ablaze with lights and the happy laughter of children. On Jug Day, many Delaware schools and businesses close to support this traditional event.

What to Know

This trotter shows an easy cadence

Harness racing features the athletic Standardbred, an easy-tempered horse with stamina to spare. Every Standardbred has lineage back to Hambletonian 10 (1849-1876), an American trotter that profoundly influenced the sport. Bay and brown are the most common colors, and the animal can weigh between 800 and 1,200 pounds. Their bodies are built for speed and today’s racers routinely clock a mile at 1:50 or better. Watching these horses fairly fly over the track is an exciting spectacle.

Racing sulkies

Harness racers are of two types: pacers and trotters. It is quite easy to see the difference when the horse is in motion. A trotter moves with a diagonal gait; in other words, the right front and left rear legs move in unison, then the left front and right rear legs do the same. A pacer’s legs move in tandem laterally; i.e., the right front and hind leg move forward at the same time, then the left front and hind leg move forward together.

Some of the terms used in harness racing include “dead-heat”—when the judges cannot make a determination from a photograph as to which horse won the race; “garden spot”—second place directly behind the leader, which blocks wind resistance; “handicap”—post positions are assigned, giving the best horses the outside position; “qualifier”—a race in which the horse must go a mile in an established time to prove capable of competing in pari-mutuel races; “sulky”—the cart; and, “colors”—the driver’s racing uniform.

Try it, you’ll like it

Regardless of your knowledge about harness racing, the Little Brown Jug is an exciting and fun-filled event, providing an insight into the sport that is an important part of America’s heritage. Enjoy the day, the people, the horses, the races. This is an event that continues to make history.

_________

©2011 Toni Leland. All rights reserved. This article first appeared in Over the Back Fence Magazine, Sept/Oct ’10. No portion of this work may be reproduced without written permission of the author. Links to this article are welcomed, with proper full credit.

Container Gardening on a Budget

2011-01-16T09:00:00.001-05:00

It's never too early to start thinking about what we'll do in our gardens, come the spring. Ignore those snowdrifts and cold winds, settle into your coziest chair, and start planning your patio and deck containers.

Brilliant burgundy coleus glows amid
the lush textures of common sword fern
and chartreuse sweet potato vine (ipomoea).

Article and Photographs by Toni Leland

Brilliant begonias nestled among schefflera and vining philodendron; purple fountain grass cascading over gazania or gerbera daisies; red and green-leaved caladium paired with sparkling white impatiens. Beauty and movement expand the corners of a porch or deck. Filling your living space with gorgeous planters and eye-catching arrangements doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With a little ingenuity, you can have a garden space that will only look expensive.

Container Options

Simplicity is the word for this chimney
pipe planted with ornamental pepper
and black sweet potato vine.

From new to used to refurbished, the choices for planting containers are myriad, but the goal here is to bring beauty into your garden, patio, or deck for only a modest financial outlay. Before purchasing patio pots or planters, take stock of what you might already have on hand. Are there any that could use a face-lift to make them presentable again? Today’s paints and textured stains are wonderful for turning faded, worn containers into beautiful decorative pieces. Once you’ve chosen some from your own collection, expand your search to yard sales, thrift shops, and “dollar stores.”

If you like unusual containers, consider using items that weren’t meant to be planters. An old copper cook-pot makes a nice outer container for golden yellow chrysanthemums. A child’s toy wheelbarrow is adorable filled with petunias. Try bright red geraniums in a pair of discarded work-boots. A cracked birdbath is the perfect planter for “hens & chicks” or other rock-garden varieties that need little water. Even an old ceramic chimney pipe planted with trailing sweet potato vines can be a conversation starter. For the more adventurous gardener with plenty of space, fill an old-fashioned bathtub with tall annuals such as snapdragons, cosmos, and zinnias. Virtually anything that will hold soil can be used as a planter–be creative and you’ll stretch your gardening dollar.

From Old and Faded to New and Beautiful

For spectacular eye appeal: purple bleeding

heart and deep throated petunias showcase

the base of a banana plant.

Strong sunlight plays havoc with plastic and resin items that spend the season outdoors, but a trip to a paint department will remedy the problem. Krylon® produces an entire line of paints made specifically for outdoor plastics and resins. The range of colors is enticing, with many designer colors not usually available in outdoor spray paint, plus four colors with a textured look. One can of paint will refinish 4 to 5 small pots, or 2 medium to large pots, or 1 extra large pot for between $5 and $7. The colors will stand up to the elements for about two seasons.

For plaster or concrete containers, most spray enamels will work quite well as long as the piece is well prepared before painting. Metal containers should be painted with Rustoleum® or similar products for outdoor use.

Portulaca thrives in dry heat and
loves this strawberry pot.

Regardless of what your container is made of, the key to a successful refinishing job is preparation. The most important step is cleaning the item thoroughly. Use dish detergent and a nylon scrubber to get the surface of plastic squeaky clean. For textured surfaces, follow the first scrub with a stiff bristled brush to get at the crevices. Any residue of mildew or dirt will cause the paint to pop off in that area. Clean the inside of the pot from the rim down about 4 inches. The rest of the area will be below the soil line. Now, rinse thoroughly, wipe the surfaces with rubbing alcohol, and set aside to dry.

When you are ready to paint, spread newspaper or a drop cloth in your work area, then set a cinder block or something similar in the center of the protected area. Now, spray the inside top four inches of the pot first. Pick the pot up and turn it upside down over the cinder block and let it “hang” there for the rest of the process. Using an even sweeping motion, apply a thin first coat to the outside of the pot. Allow it to dry according to the manufacturer’s directions, then apply the second coat and allow to dry completely. It’s a good idea not to touch or move the pot for about twelve hours while the paint cures.

Tip: when stacking these pots at the end of the season, put newspaper between them to protect the paint.

Favorite New Guinea impatiens require
partial shade, but sparkle amidst yellow-
green creeping jenny and variegated
chameleon plant.

Planning the Masterpiece

The cost of planters isn’t the only factor in the economics of container gardening. A visit to a nursery or garden center can quickly escalate into a very large outlay of money. The next step in your budget project is to assess where your planters and patio pots will be located. Why? Because what you plant in them will depend on the conditions the plants require. A huge variety of annuals and perennials are available that provide color, texture, height, and depth to a garden. Most of these varieties require one of the following conditions in order to flourish: full sun, partial sun, full shade, partial shade, warm temperatures, cool temperatures, high moisture, little to no moisture, rich organic soil, or average soil.

A planter for hot spots: two varieties
of marigolds, an asparagus fern, and
vinca vine.

Your choices for each container will have to be complementary to successfully grow together. Plants that require shade and lots of water, such as impatiens, cannot be included with plants that need full sun and dry soil, such sedum—neither will flourish as you’d like. Consult a good gardening book or your extension office if you’re unsure what to use. A wealth of information is available on the Web—do a search for the conditions you’ll need; i.e., “shade-loving plants” or “plants for full-sun.”

The Final Touch–Plants!

Shade-loving wandering Jew emphasizes the smooth leaves
of purple heart and the stripes of upright Dracena.

Four varieties of coleus pair beautifully with chartreuse
and black sweet potato vine.

Let your imagination soar when choosing colors and textures for your containers. Consider unusual color combinations such as purple and orange–not something you’d necessarily wear, but absolutely gorgeous together in nature. Some foliage plants such as coleus or caladium accentuate their blooming partners. Textures also play an important role in the success of a container planting. Mix feathery foliage and broad leaves and, where possible, add some vining varieties. Try pairing some hosta slips with snapdragons, or a beautiful daylily with multicolored coleus. At the end of the season, plant the perennial in the garden, and discard the spent annuals. Cut your plant costs in half by utilizing your house plants in a few containers. Most house varieties like low light, so these are perfect for a shady porch or secluded corner that never gets direct sunlight. Dracena or philodendron make a nice addition to a pot of scarlet New Guinea impatiens or non-stop begonias. Your house plants will love their vacation outside, and be healthy and vigorous by the time summer is over.

Now, put away your bankroll and create something beautiful!

___________________

©2011 Toni Leland. All rights reserved. This article first appeared in Country Living, May ’10. No portion of this work may be reproduced without written permission of the author. Links to this article are welcomed, with proper full credit.

A History of Collective and Social Cookbooks

2011-01-15T21:00:00.000-05:00

Winter months are a great time to think about cooking and food. Take a sentimental journey through these interesting collections.

Gathering Recipes: Social Cookbooks
Article and Photographs by Toni Leland

Gather a group of women together and, eventually, they’ll publish a cookbook. “Social cookbooks” are a cultural phenomenon going back generations, though more polished than our ancestors’ boxes of “receipts” or hand-written journals.

The first American cookbook was published in 1796 by Amelia Simmons, about whom very little is known, other than the supposition by researchers and food historians that she was unmarried, uneducated, and possibly illiterate. Nonetheless, American Cookery was revised and reprinted for thirty-five years–a testament to the author’s knowledge and skill in preparing food.

Because early colonists brought family recipes with them, most dishes did not include common early foods such as pumpkin, cornmeal, or molasses. Simmons’s cookbook incorporated these readily available ingredients, as well as introducing the use of pearl ash as a leavening agent. Additionally, the recipes were formulated for cooking in the fireplace, which was the primary cooking source at the time.

Eventually, other cookbooks followed. During the 1820s, Virginia Housewife was published and, by the 1850s, recipes were adjusted for use with cook-stoves. The first all-electric kitchen was introduced at the World Fair in Chicago in 1893, and cookbooks evolved again. Throughout the development of cooking resources, recipes expanded from simple lists of ingredients to detailed instructions including measurements, temperatures, and other critical details.

Social Cookbooks

Church groups, literary and art groups, social clubs, grange women, and ladies auxiliaries have produced collections of favorite recipes, usually for fund-raising and gift-giving, but mostly to preserve the traditions of family fare for future generations. Most of these charming cookbooks aren’t available in bookstores or Internet sites, but a search through thrift stores, used book stores, and yard sales can unearth these treasure troves of delicious recipes and delightful insight into the women who compiled them.

My own collection spans 30 years and includes several well-thumbed and annotated books from my mother’s and mother-in-law’s kitchen shelves. Some of the titles alone are delightful: We Can Cook, Too!, a collection of favorites of the Oak Grove Garden Club (Oregon) in a small black ring-bound notebook with mimeographed pages of hand-typed recipes; Cooking for Applause, a well-produced spiral-bound fund-raiser for the St. Louis Repertory Theatre; Thank Heaven for Home Made Cooks, compiled by The Christian Women’s Fellowship in Corpus Christi; and an elegant, professionally produced book, Women of Good Taste, compiled by Beta Sigma Phi and commercially printed.

A fascinating combination of ingredients reflects the era of each cookbook and, likewise, methods and appliances change the theme of these cookbooks over time. Early twentieth-century recipes incorporate readily available and inexpensive ingredients, with emphasis on frugality. A drawback to some of these recipes is the lack of instruction. “Combine and bake until done.” Okay, in what, how hot, and how long? Homemakers simply “knew” what to do, and writing it down wasn’t necessary. Once these recipes were handed down and incorporated into family collections, the missing data became important. Another glitch in hand-me-down recipes is the margin of error. Grandma’s handwriting wasn’t too good and, along the way, one teaspoon became one tablespoon, or she forgot to include an ingredient. But that said, with a little thought, one can figure out how to successfully make it.

As the economy improved, more convenience foods appeared in the entries, and the housewife’s role as chief cook and bottle-washer was made easier. Recipes such as “Tomato Soup Cake” and “Mock Escalloped Chicken” used ingredients that cut preparation time by as much as half. Many “overnight” dishes appeared, such as “Refrigerator Salad” and “Ribbon Sandwiches.”

Another delightful aspect of these recipe collections is the insight into the women who shared them. Leafing through the pages, one can almost hear the comments and discussions as the cookbook committee planned their book. “Grandma Elsie’s Cornbread,” “Good Ole Soup,” and “My Man Cookies” intimate a special place in the heart of the person offering the recipe. Many of the recipes included in these books are, indeed, company-published favorites such as the famous “Green Bean Casserole” that appears on every Thanksgiving table, or the decadent “Chocolate Wafer Cake” printed on boxes of Nabisco® chocolate wafers. This too enhances family tradition. Everyone wants to cook it the way Mom did.

Sprinkled throughout these cookbooks are bits of wisdom and humor that give each book its own personality through the individuals who contributed. “Sad fact of life: square meals make round people,” “Don’t put off until tomorrow the things you should have done yesterday,” and my own personal favorite: “Many a cook does wonderful things with leftovers–she throws them out.”

A Recipe Sampler

The following menu is compiled from several of the books I mentioned earlier. I tested 18 delicious-sounding dishes and settled on the following six, which span from 1960 to 2004.

Appetizer: This creamy spread is delightfully different and goes especially well with water crackers and a fruity white wine.

BLEU CHEESE CHUTNEY SPREAD

Cooking for Applause, by Backers of the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis. 1981

2 3oz. pkgs. cream cheese, softened

3 oz. bleu cheese, crumbled

1/4 c. butter, softened

1/4 c. finely chopped onion

1-2 Tbs. milk

1/2 tsp. curry powder

1/4 tsp. salt

3 Tbs. chutney

Combine cream cheese, bleu cheese, butter, onion, milk, curry powder, and salt. Blend until creamy. Add chutney and stir in well. Refrigerate 24 hours. Remove from refrigerator 1 hour before serving. Makes 1-1/2 cups.

Soup: One of the best potato soups I’ve tasted, and very easy to make. Keeps well if there is any left over!

GRAMMA LEGER’S HOMEMADE POTATO SOUP

Women of Good Taste, by Beta Sigma Phi. 1998

(No water is drained from the cooked vegetables, which allows the rich vitamins to remain.)

3 lg. potatoes, peeled, diced

1 med. carrot, peeled, chopped

1 med. rib celery, chopped

1 slice onion

1/4 c. butter/margerine

5 oz. can evaporated milk

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

dash pepper

Place potatoes, carrot, celery and onion in a 2-quart heavy pan and add water to cover. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low. Cook until vegetables begin to soften, stirring occasionally. The starch in the potatoes will thicken the soup. Stir in remaining ingredients and simmer for 10-15 minutes. 4 servings.

Salad: This slaw-type salad is now a family favorite. Goes well with almost any main dish.

SNOW SALAD

We Can Cook, Too! by the Oak Grove Garden Club, Oak Grove, Oregon. 1960

2 c. shredded cabbage

1 c. white grapes

1 c. shredded coconut

1/2 c. chopped almonds

Mix 1/3 c. mayonnaise with 2 Tbs. cream and toss with salad ingredients.

Entrée: An old favorite with a spicy twist. Leftovers make terrific sandwiches.

MEATLOAF WITH ZESTY TOPPING

Trinity Treats, Trinity United Presbyterian Church, Zanesville, Ohio. 2004

2 eggs

3/4 c. milk

1 c. dry breadcrumbs

1/8 tsp. pepper

2 tsp. salt

1/2 c. grated carrots

1/4 c. minced onion

2 lbs. ground beef

TOPPING

1/4 c. catsup

2 Tbs. prepared mustard

3 Tbs. brown sugar

Preheat oven to 300˚F. Beat eggs in mixing bowl, then stir in remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly. Shape into loaf and place in 2-quart casserole with cover. Combine topping ingredients and spread over meatloaf. Cover and bake for 2 to 2-1/2 hours. Serves 8

Side Dish: Ohio farm cooking at its best. Delicious with pork or chicken main dish.

CORN PUDDING

Ohio State Grange Cookbook, Ohio State Grange, Columbus, Ohio. 1970

2 c. cut or grated corn

1 c. sweet milk

4 eggs

1 tsp. salt

1 Tbs. butter, melted

2 tsp. baking powder

2 Tbs. sugar

2 Tbs. flour

Mix well and bake 1 hour in moderate oven.

Dessert: I was dubious about this one, but it’s fabulous–similar to Pennsylvania Dutch “Montgomery Pie” (or Shoo-fly Pie).

OATMEAL PIE

Thank Heaven for Home Made Cooks, Christian Women’s Fellowship, Central Christian Church, Corpus Christi, Texas. 1968

2/3 c. sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

1 c. old-fashioned oats

1/2 c. oleo (margarine), softened

2/3 c. white Karo syrup

1 tsp. white vinegar

1 9-in pie shell

Mix together sugar, butter, eggs, syrup, vanilla, and vinegar. Add oats and pour into pie shell. Bake at 350˚F. until filling is set, 45-60 minutes. Serve hot or cold; may top with whipped cream.

This charming piece appeared in more than one of the cookbooks. Excerpted from a World War 1 era Davis Baking Powder Booklet

First Cake

She measured out the butter with a very solemn air,

the milk and sugar also, and she took the greatest care

To count the eggs correctly and to add a little bit

Of baking powder, which you know, beginners oft omit.

Then she stirred it all together and she baked it full an hour,

But she never quite forgave herself for leaving out the flour.

________

©2011 Toni Leland. All rights reserved. This article first appeared in GRIT magazine, Mar/Apr ’09. No portion of this work may be reproduced without written permission of the author. Links to this article are welcomed, with proper full credit.

Managing Our Gardens After Winter Weather

2011-01-15T08:25:00.000-05:00

A few nights ago, NBC Nightly News showed a stunning map of the United States with an even more amazing fact: 49 states had snow on the ground, including Hawaii!

So far, this has been another tough winter, and we're only into mid-January. While many of us think about lost work days, kids home from school, and how we'll get out of the driveway, there are other considerations at play for those of us who love our gardens.

Winter weather can wreak havoc with our shrubs, trees, and landscaping. What to do? Here are some informative articles to help you decide.

Winter's Wrath: Snow and Ice Damage

Stressed or Damaged Trees and Shrubs

Frost Heave

Don't forget your feathered friends!

Winter Survival for Northern Birds

Cheer yourself up with this article advice!

Beat the Winter Blahs

Horses in Miniature

2011-01-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

It's no secret to those who know me that I love horses. Over the years, I've worked with the miniature horse industry and had the pleasure of writing this article for GRIT magazine. Time to share about these great little horses.

Little Horses, Big Rewards
Article and photographs by Toni Leland

When one is bound to a wheelchair or bedridden, the soft touch of a warm nose can make the day brighter. Those velvety noses belong to miniature horses, making headlines world-wide as goodwill ambassadors.

For anyone with small acreage and a passion for horses, these diminutive equines have the capacity to make dreams come true. From horse-lovers just starting out to senior citizens who’ve retired from keeping full size horses, miniature horses are the perfect solution. “Minis”, as they are called, are a height breed. The tallest measure just 38 inches, about the size of a Labrador Retriever! The tiniest horses reach maturity at a mere 28 inches, and most foals range from 15 to 18 inches at birth.

The breed has origins going back to the Renaissance period. Over the centuries and from many countries, the modern miniature horse has evolved from a blend of several breeds, and has been refined into the beautiful tiny animal we see today. The first documented import of a small horse into the United States was in 1888 when a tiny Shetland Pony was discovered in a herd of 140. The pony was 31 inches tall at the withers and was named Yum Yum. With their diminutive size and sweet nature, today’s miniature equines have taken horse lovers by storm. “Can’t Have Just One” describes the infatuation with miniature horses. As of 2008, over 200,000 Minis are registered worldwide with the two largest registries: the American Miniature Horse Registry (founded in 1971 as a division of the American Shetland Pony Club, which was founded in 1888), and the American Miniature Horse Association (founded in 1978). Most of these animals are double-registered with both organizations.

Though most of the bloodlines have come from selected Shetland breeding, miniature horses have unique proportion, character, and size that makes them true “horses,” not ponies. The most popular Minis in the show ring today are those that resemble tiny Arabian Horses: fine-boned and delicate, with large eyes and nostrils, and lots of attitude. Breeders have imported bloodlines from England, Holland, Belgium, and West Germany, and many breeders have specialized in producing purebred Falabellas–the true Miniature Horse of Argentina.

Les and Getitia Matheny of Buckeye Walnut Creek Farm in Circleville, Ohio have been breeding miniature horses since before they became popular. Getitia’s love for these animals is reflected in her comments. “As I look back over my forty-plus years of ownership of many different horse breeds, the American Miniature horse stands out as the one breed that completely captures not only my heart, but the hearts of our entire family--from ages 6 to 60+.” The horses at the Matheny farm are carefully bred to retain all the best characteristics of the breed, and the BWC prefix consistently shows up in the winner’s circle at shows across the country.

Unlike most horse breeds, Minis come in every color and coat pattern imaginable. Magnificent loud pinto patterns are highly favored by many breeders, and several Appaloosa patterns have emerged, including a stunning Leopard Appaloosa gene.

Sheri Hill photo

Another significant difference between miniature horses and full-size breeds is the cost of care and the amount of space needed to keep one. A full grown Mini requires only one-quarter of the grain and hay consumed by a mature Morgan or Quarter Horse. Miniatures require less pasture or turnout compared to the recommended ratio of 3 to 5 acres of pasture per full-size horse; one acre of grass pasture is quite adequate for two or three miniatures. Shelter is another area where smaller is better. In temperate regions of the U.S., Minis can remain outdoors year round, needing only a small run-in shed to protect them from hot sun, cold rain, or snow. Most times, however, they’ll still stand out in the middle of the pasture, happily grazing and oblivious to the elements. For horses kept in at night or during the winter, a 10’ x 10’ stall is a good size, but even 6’ x 8’ will suffice. Horses kept indoors produce lots of garden compost, but these smaller equine at least produce less to shovel!

Minis are great for costume classes

(Ashley Harris photo)

Sheri Hill photo

The next inevitable question is: what can such a small horse DO? Many Miniature enthusiasts simply enjoy having their horses for companionship. Minis are loving and gentle, which makes them perfect for older adults, small children, or disabled individuals. While they cannot be ridden, except by children under 40 pounds, they are wonderful driving horses. Their jaunty trot, shiny harness, and scaled down carriage adds a special touch to hometown parades. For those who hanker after the show ring, the driving classes are the most popular. Miniature Horse shows always include fun classes such as Costume. Youngsters especially enjoy these classes where they can pick a theme and dress up both themselves and their horses to compete for prizes. Getitia Matheny believes that the miniature horse’s “versatility in disposition, athleticism, height, type and color, absolutely make them the ideal breed of horse for any family.”

Before rushing out to purchase one of these adorable horses, be aware that zoning laws have been challenged all across the country. These tiny horses are so easy to keep in a backyard that many a zoning committee has found itself trying to determine what the law says; is the Miniature a pet? Or is it considered livestock, and therefore not legal inside city limits? Unfortunately, in most towns, there is no benchmark of decisions that allows a prospective owner to know if the zoning laws will fall in his or her favor.

Where Miniatures shine brightly is in their service to others. Across the country, these tiny equine are bringing joy to invalids, shut-ins, the elderly, and terminally ill children, confirming the uniqueness of their breed. They visit nursing homes and hospitals in almost every state. They charm spectators at parades and charity events, and several professional trainers have toured the country with their performing miniatures, participating in prestigious events such as the Equine Affaire held each year in California, Ohio, and Massachusetts. To learn more about these tiny equine, visit the one of the registry websites listed here. You’ll find farms and ranches near you, as well as how to get involved with the breed.

A word of warning, however–once you’ve tasted the delight of owning a miniature horse, you can’t have just one!
__________________
©2011 Toni Leland. All rights reserved. This article originally appeared in GRIT magazine, Jul/Aug '09. No portion of this work may be reproduced without written permission of the author. Links to this article are welcomed, with proper full credit.

Love to Cook? Check These Ohio Cooking Schools & Classes

2011-01-14T06:55:00.000-05:00

What better way to fill up the blah months of winter than learning something new? Find a school or class near you and pick up some new culinary skills!

Let’s Get Cooking!

A Sampler of Ohio Cooking Schools and Special Classes

Article and Photographs by Toni Leland

If you love to eat great food, and you also like to cook, then you’re sure to find the perfect venue among the following cooking schools that offer recreational cooking classes. These are not culinary schools where you could earn a chef’s certificate, but you could certainly win the admiration of friends and family by fine-tuning your skills in the kitchen. And what could be a greater gift than a series of fun classes for that special someone? The choices that follow range across the state, and each one is as unique as the individuals who passionately follow their craft: creative cooking.

BUTLER COUNTY

The Cooking School at Jungle Jim’s International Market

5440 Dixie Highway, Fairfield, Ohio 45014

513-674-6059 • e-mail: cookingschool@junglejims.com

http://www.junglejims.com

Sensational summer salad of roasted carrots and feta cheese.

“Love what you’re cooking, have some passion...” says Carol Tabone, the cooking school director at Jungle Jim’s International Market. Tabone directed the Lazarus cooking school in Cincinnati for years, but when that company closed in 1995, Jungle Jim immediately brought Carol on board and they built the school on the second floor of the marketplace.
Classes are held year around, on an average of 3 to 4 per week. Up to 40 students per class participate in mostly hands-on instruction, but many demonstrations are also available throughout the year. One of the benefits of taking classes at Jungle Jim’s is the immediate access to all the products the International Market has to offer. Students can plan a meal, buy what they need, then make something great.

Carole works with a staff of eight or nine chefs to manage such an impressive school schedule. Occasionally, the school promotes a celebrity chef to sold-out events. Locally known “kings of the kitchen” have included Paul Dagenbach and David Cook.

The cooking school also holds private classes and team-building for corporations and companies. A recent bridal shower included a demonstration using new products from the Gourmet Galeria, after which attendees were able to purchase products at a discount.

Special events during the year include wine and beer tastings, themed classes such as Gifts from the Kitchen (November), Cookies (mid-December), and picnic ideas for spring. “Boot Camp for the Really Beginner Cook” is a series of 3 classes designed to help individuals learn the basics, increase their skills in the kitchen, and gain confidence. Other past events have included a Christmas brunch, a Fifties Party, Oscar Night, and a Mad Hatter Tea Party, as well as tours to Spain, Greece, and Egypt.

“Nothing feels better than feeding people,” says Tabone. “It is an immediate reward!”

FRANKLIN COUNTY

The North Market

Columbus Dispatch food editor Robin Davis

59 Spruce Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215

614-463-9664 • e-mail: info@northmarket.com

http://www.northmarket.com

Columbus landmark The North Market has been in the same location since 1876. Now housed in the third building of its long history (formerly called the Advanced Thresher Warehouse), the market began offering cooking classes two years ago. The second floor was formerly a restaurant, then a diner, but became the perfect spot for a cooking school. Events director Mary Martineau relates that WBNS 10-TV and The Columbus Dispatch offered to move the commercial kitchen from their studio and set it up at the North Market in the former restaurant space. That area is now a fully-equipped kitchen for classes and demonstrations, complete with cameras and monitors to show all the details, viewed from above the work space.

BLT Dip prepared on camera for the Robin Davis show

Dispatch food editor Robin Davis tapes her weekly cooking show from the North Market kitchen and, when I visited, she had just completed a light summer dip using the same ingredients as a BLT. Lucky cameramen and I were able to taste test! Robin’s plans for a series of classes called Sunday Sessions with Robin are slated for late summer and early fall, and several other types of classes are planned for the coming winter months, including ethnic, entertaining, and cooking skills.

Robin is serious about her cooking. “People just want to know how! A whole generation missed out on learning these skills and, now, cooking is a big thing, whether gourmet or simply for home.”

General classes are held twice a month from fall through spring; these are mostly demonstrations, rather than hands-on. The Chef Series features a local chef from a well-known restaurant who prepares a 3-course meal for a class of up to 24. Guests in the past have included Rocco Valentino, Matt Prokopchak (Trattoria Roma), and Richard Blondin (The Refectory). Seasonal special classes abound: Thanksgiving Boot Camp (early November), Kids’ Halloween Party (October), Holiday Cookies, and a Holiday Open House, both in December. Class events are kept up to date on the website, complete with registration and course fee information.

Sur La Table

Classroom at Sur La Table is next to the store

Easton Town Center, 3990 Bond Street, Columbus, OH 43219

800-243-0852 or 614-473-1211

http://www.surlatable.com

Chef Brad Kovach grins. “Recipes are great, but just because it’s written down, doesn’t mean it’s the right way.” Brad is the culinary coordinator for Columbus’s branch of the famous national chain started in 1972 at Seattle’s Pike Place. Easton Market welcomed Sur La Table in 2003, and Brad has been working to offer quality cooking classes to local residents.

The open classroom atmosphere is just off the main store, where customers can browse or purchase quality kitchenware and products for entertaining. Video cameras transmit each step of a cooking class to a large monitor above the work area. Private and team-building events are available, as well as one-on-one classes of the student’s choice. Sur La Table holds 5 to 7 classes or demonstrations per week throughout the year. Class size is about 16 students.

Kids Camp is held in July for 16 youngsters, providing kitchen skills, then moving on to actual cooking. Classes are 3 hours a day. Seasonal events include Thanksgiving side dishes, building a gingerbread house, and making holiday desserts and cookies. Some classes are taught by guest chefs from the area. The school has partnered with Experience Columbus, and is available to bus tour companies as a destination.

When asked why he loves to teach cooking, Brad stopped slicing a cucumber. “Simple. I want people to learn how to cook at home and how to enjoy food.”

GEAUGA COUNTY

The Loretta Paganini School of Cooking

8613 Mayfield Road, Chesterland, Ohio

440-729-1110 • lpscinc@msn.com

http://www.lpscinc.com

The Italian sun sparkles through Loretta Paganini’s voice as she talks about her greatest love. “You know, I’m Italian. In Italy we have a great love of food. The first thing we think about in the morning is, what will we eat today?”

A "composed" salad using all fresh and local ingredients

Paganini’s mother was a famous chef in Italy and had her own television show. Loretta naturally grew up in the cooking environment and it became her love too. When she moved to the United States, she was asked to conduct classes, which she did in her home in New York. When she moved to Ohio, she conducted her classes in a church kitchen in Little Italy. In the beginning, classes about using microwave ovens and food processors were the most popular. As she grew her audience, she focused on making people aware of different foods, and the use of fresh, local produce.

At The Loretta Paganini School of Cooking, students get to eat the food they prepare, and they critique the food prepared by other students. Paganini conducts about two hundred classes per semester, running Monday to Saturday, days and evenings. The children’s classes and partner cooking classes are very popular, as well as themed and specialty offerings such as making mozzarella cheese, learning about different oils and vinegars, and a special Mother’s Day Tea. A staff dietitian helps Loretta with plans for gluten-free cooking, heart healthy, and allergy-related food classes. Several times a year, Paganini accompanies students on gastronomic tours both locally and abroad.

After twenty years in business, Loretta has proven that her passion hasn’t dimmed. “Cooking classes are a sensorial experience!”

HOCKING COUNTY

The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls

21190 State Route 374, Logan, Ohio 43138

800-653-2557 • info@innatcedarfalls.com

http://www.innatcedarfalls.com

The elegant Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls is nestled in a lovely setting in the Hocking Hills, the perfect spot to spend time relaxing and learning something new about cuisine. According to Ellen Grinsfelder, one of the owners, the cooking program began in 1988 with a class on baking cookies. Originally, the classes were offered by visiting guest chefs, but eventually, as the menu for the inn expanded, an executive chef was hired and the classes expanded.

Chef Anthony Schulz has been at the Inn since 2007; he states that he likes to be proactive with healthier food and less fat. “...lighter menus, and making things from scratch” are the main focus of his seasonal classes. Students have the opportunity on Friday night to sit down with Anthony for dessert and a glass of wine while they go over the menus and dishes they will be preparing the following day. The students then prepare the food for Inn guests–a totally hands-on experience.

Classes are held once a month almost every month, and special events through the year include wine and beer tastings, Thanksgiving-themed classes, and, of course, cookies for the holidays.

LICKING COUNTY

Faire la Cuisine

1976 Granville Road, Suite C., Newark, Ohio 43055

740-587-2174

http://www.flcuisine.com

Susan Kaiser makes a sweeping gesture over the rainbow array of freshly cut fruit, vegetables, and herbs on the counter. “Food is my art form–not just feeding people!”

Hidden in the rolling hills of Licking County, the Faire la Cuisine catering company is a delightful find, and Kaiser’s dedication to the art of food has paid off for her. After working with a Columbus caterer for two years, then spending two months in Paris to study at Ritz-Escoffier Ecole de Gastronomie Francaise, Susan opened her catering business in 1990. With her love of educating people, she started offering cooking classes in her home in 1995, but soon moved into the catering building.

Well-appointed kitchen and classroom

Faire la Cuisine’s focus is on freshness, and Susan is a great believer that cooking should be based on the finest, freshest, sustainable, local materials available. Classes embrace that philosophy with wonderful offerings such as seasonal salads made with ingredients from right outside the kitchen door, home-made pizza with all natural and fresh toppings, and learning the basics of grains, sauces, and cooking techniques.

Classes are held one to two times per week, with a series of specialty classes through June, July, and August. Kaiser has also launched an innovative student program at local schools, hoping to teach kids about cooking. Faire la Cuisine hosts specialty chefs from around the region to conduct interesting and informative classes; past guests include Pam Anderson (USA Weekend & Better Homes and Gardens), June McCarthy (former Executive Chef for Governor Bob Taft), Jim Budros (Le Belle Pomme), and Rich Terapak (Zagat Ohio Restaurant Survey).

Susan adds a sprig of dark green cilantro to a golden-toned sweet potato salad. “Presentation is everything. Food must look good and smell good, make people excited to taste it.”

Other Cooking Venues in Ohio

Recreational Cooking Classes

Columbus Whole Foods Market (Sat demos) http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/columbus

Centerville Culinary Company http://www.culinarycompanyonline.com/calendar.html

Lyndhurst Viking Cooking School
http://www.vikingcookingschool.com

Vermillion Laurel Run
http://laurelruncookingschool.com

Culinary Degree Schools

Cincinnati Midwest Culinary Institute (Cincinnati State) http://culinary.cincinnatistate.edu

Hudson Western Reserve School of Cooking
http://wrsoc.com

©2011 Toni Leland. All rights reserved. This article first appeared in Over the Back Fence Magazine, Nov/Dec '09. No portion of this work may be reproduced without written permission of the author. Links to this article are welcomed, with proper full credit.

Teen Critiques of YA Books

2011-01-13T07:49:00.000-05:00

In early December, I had one of the most energizing experiences of my writing career. Thanks to a great teen librarian at our Muskingum County Library, I had the opportunity to share my work-in-progress YA novel with a group of young advance readers.

The plan was to give copies of the manuscript to a group of volunteer students from local schools. They would have a month to read the story, guided by a page of questions and thoughts to consider while reading. They were not told who wrote the book. At the end of the month, the group made plans to meet with the author for a discussion at the library.

The librarian moderator warned me that this particular group of students had no problem speaking what was on their minds! Needless to say, I was prepared to bear the brunt of their criticisms and use those comments to better the work, this being my first foray into YA writing.

On the appointed Saturday afternoon, I arrived at the meeting room and many smiling faces greeted me. The girls ranged from 8th grade through 12th, and came from a wide range of backgrounds. One student is a writer herself, and another has her own YA book review blog! (A really good one!) Though, understandably, the discussion started out a little tentative, within a few minutes, the dialogue flowed freely and I was stunned by the depth of thought that went into each comment. These students had all read the story through at least twice!

At the end of the hour, I had positive, constructive input from the exact age-group that would read the book when it's published. Several suggestions and ideas were good enough to set my brain on fire and my revision cycle in gear. It appeared that the group enjoyed the process and learned a little something, as well.

I share this experience because I believe it could be a valuable tool for almost any writer of any genre. Your libraries are staffed by helpful people, and populated with avid readers. Why not involve them in your writing process?

Oh, and if you’re looking for a great YA review site, check out Library Lurker !

Prehistoric Mysteries in Our Backyard: The Earthworks of Licking County, Ohio

2011-01-12T12:03:00.001-05:00

Article and photographs by Toni Leland

photo by Timothy E. Black, courtesy of the Greater Licking County Convention & Visitors Bureau

Mention the awe-inspiring architecture of the ancient Maya and Inca, and exotic images come to mind. But did you know that right here in our own Ohio backyard, cultures dating back almost 2,000 years were engineering and building structures that are just as fascinating?

Licking County contains some of the finest examples of ancient architectural wonders, known as Mounds and built by people dubbed by early historians as the Mound Builders. Hundreds of sites along the tributaries of the Ohio River incorporated structures used for social gathering places, religious shrines, pilgrimages, and mortuary rituals. Several of these sites have been identified as observatories for viewing celestial events. Some are known as effigy mounds, usually symbolic of animals.

Who Were the Mound Builders?

The Adena culture inhabited southern Ohio during the Early Woodland Period (800 B.C. to A.D. 1), and the large mounds they built to bury their dead typified the significant features of the culture. By 100 B.C., splinter groups emerged and are named the Hopewell culture after Captain Mordecai Hopewell, who owned the land on which an extensive earthwork site was located. The Hopewell constructed huge and elaborate mounds, as well as crafting magnificent objects from materials not native to Ohio, such as mica from the Carolinas, shells from the Gulf of Mexico, and obsidian from the Rocky Mountains. Archaeologists have determined that the people were fishermen, farmers, and hunters. By 400 A.D., they had vanished, leaving behind a legacy of mystery.

Nineteenth century historians mapped the earthworks in Licking County beginning in 1820, detailing a construction area of over four square miles. Sadly, progress destroyed many of these magnificent structures before the population realized their historic value. By 1848, the Ohio Canal had sliced through two sets of parallel walls, breaking through a square enclosure and embankment surrounding burial mounds, and destroying one of the mounds while digging the canal lock. Cremated human remains were unearthed in this excavation. On another map of 1860, the Central Ohio Railroad steamed through a group of burial mounds, and the soil from these mounds was used to build the rail bed. A large portion of the original earthworks are lost forever, except for the foresight of early historians to map and document what can only be described as amazing.

Entrance to the Great Circle

The Mounds Today

Ohio’s official prehistoric monument, the Newark Earthworks, is the largest Hopewell-built group of geometric earthworks, and is recognized as a National Historic Landmark. The site has been selected for possible inclusion on the 2010 list of World Heritage sites in the United States of America.

The Great Circle is approximately the width of four football fields, enclosing about 30 acres, with immense trees growing within the enclosure and on the five- to 14-foot embankments. A dry ditch measuring 8 to 13 feet deep runs around the inside perimeter of the circle; what purpose the ditch served is unknown. The center of the Great Circle holds a smaller series of mounds that, when viewed from above, resemble a bird in flight or bird’s foot, or possibly an arrow pointing toward the entrance to the circle. This structure is called the Eagle Mound, and excavation in 1928 revealed remains of a wooden structure about 100 x 25 feet, in which a clay basin was discovered--a finding similar to crematory basins in other Hopewell mounds.

Eagle Mound

The Great Circle has a colorful history. Originally privately owned in the early nineteenth century, the well-preserved site was purchased by the Licking County Agricultural Society in 1853. In order to help preserve and protect the property, the society decided to build a county fairground, complete with racetrack, grandstand for viewing, and livestock buildings. In 1854, the Ohio State Fair took place inside the Great Circle.

The Civil War loomed and, in 1861, the circle, formerly known as the Old Fort, served as a training camp for the 76th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Change came again to the Great Circle in 1898 when Idlewilde Amusement Park opened, featuring a Ferris wheel, roller coaster, casino, bowling alleys, shooting galleries, dancing pavilion, billiard hall, hotel, and restaurant. In 1933, the Ohio Historical Society accepted ownership of the Great Circle, removed all remnants of the fairground, and began to restore the area to its original condition, as described by the earliest historians.

Octagon Earthworks at golf course

About a mile and a half northwest of the Great Circle and contained within the Moundbuilders Country Club, the Octagon Earthworks is another portion of the large Newark site. While merging with a golf course seems a strange way to preserve an historic site, that decision was the only way to keep the area from falling under the developmental sword. Having been farmed from at least 1848, parts of the octagonal enclosure were permanently damaged. Gifted to Newark in 1892, the land was somewhat protected by the occupation of the Ohio State Militia until 1908, when they moved to a new location and returned the property to the city. Funding became an issue and the grounds were leased to the country club in 1911. The Ohio Historical Society has owned the site since 1933.

Aerial view of Octagon Earthworks, Timothy E. Black

The earthworks consist of a nearly perfect circular enclosure of 1,054 feet in diameter encompassing 20 acres. A short set of parallel walls connects the circle to an octagon enclosing nearly 50 acres. One of the most fascinating aspects of the Octagon Earthworks is the supposition by several historians that the structures were used as a lunar observatory. The cyclical rising and setting of the moon could be viewed with precision at the Observatory Mound, located opposite the opening to the octagonal earthwork.

Site of Wright Earthworks

The remaining structures that comprise the Newark Earthworks have fallen to time and development. Little is left to see, but the structures were an integral part of the whole. What remains of the Wright Earthworks is only a 200-foot fragment of the original Newark Square, a near-perfect geometric enclosure covering about 20 acres. Parallel embankments led to the Great Circle and to another oval enclosure containing burial mounds.

Portion of Great Hopewell Road

The Great Hopewell Road also suffered under the agricultural plow. The parallel 3-foot embankments originally extended from an opening at the Octagonal Earthwork to about ten miles to the southwest. Archaeologists believe that the walls might have been a ceremonial road linking the Newark Earthworks to those in Chillicothe.

Granville's Alligator Effigy Mound

Licking County is home to other mound sites that are perhaps less well-known. The Alligator Effigy Mound, located in Granville, was first identified in 1848. Historians have noted that the mound was named by early settlers, though it probably does not represent an alligator, a species not found in Ohio. More likely, the shape represents a salamander or opossum. Early excavation determined that it was not a burial site, but possibly a ritual or ceremonial place. The site has suffered greatly over the decades due to overgrazing, cultivation, construction, and mowing. Surrounded by a ring of asphalt and a half-dozen homes, one cannot get a sense for what the mound really looks like; however, it is listed in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

Infirmary Mound

Infirmary Mound is another earthwork site that affords little to see or recognize. Despite the name, the mound has no bearing on illness or health, but rather was so-named by the Licking County Parks Department because of its situation on the site of the old Licking County Infirmary.

1825 church and Indian Mound at Amsterdam, Ohio

An obscure Indian mound in the southern part of the county has been attributed to the Adena by some archaeologists, but no proof has been documented. The Fairmount Mound is owned by the Fairmount Presbyterian Church in Licking Township, and has been part of that organization’s property for 175 years. Standing 15 feet high and measuring 80 feet in diameter, the mound is surrounded by headstones, but information about ancient burials within the mound was unavailable.

After visiting each of these sites, this author is stunned by the immensity of the Hopewell culture concept--how could these people have accomplished such amazing feats in such a short span of time, then disappear? Apparently, this is a common question. In the late 1800’s, historian Samuel Parks wrote, “there are a hundred or more mounds on the surrounding hills that overlooked this great mound city in this valley...from the top of one on my old farm (now the Licking County Infirmary farm),... I was astonished at the change that had taken place since I last visited that elevation, some twenty years ago.” [1]

Though the Mound Builders left no written record of their existence or culture, their physical legacy is an archaeological treasure in Licking County.

[1] Hill, N.N., Jr. “History of Licking County, O. Its Past and Present” (A.A. Graham & Co., Publishers, Newark, Ohio) 1881.

©2011 Toni Leland. All rights reserved. This article first appeared in Over the Back Fence Magazine, Mar/Apr '09. No portion of this work may be reproduced without written permission of the author. Links to this article are welcomed, with proper full credit.

Freelance Writing in 2011

2011-01-11T14:00:00.003-05:00

Jeff Geerling photo

As we toiled through the economic morass that defined the past year, I'm sure most of us wondered if things would really be better, come the new year. I did, for sure, and in those last days of December, I sat down and forged a plan. Optimism is one of my greatest strengths (or failings, as the case may be) and the simple act of setting out some goals and reasonable expectations brought me into this year with great enthusiasm.

Not only would I continue to work hard for the publications that have supported me in the past, I would spend some time each week acquainting myself with new possibilities. Sitting down and researching publications and their needs, wants, policies, and compensations is by no means a quick or simple task. But it is a very necessary one for any writer who wishes to build a foundation for their work.

The key to finding your assignments is clarifying to yourself where your strongest writing lies, then pursuing those publications that cater to your subject. Tempting as it might be to try something new, you'd be best served to stick with what you know and can manage easily. Organize the publications according to the type of submission they require; i.e., do they insist on snail mail? Will they take phone pitches? Do they have an upload feature for submitting? Categorizing them in this way will allow you to use your time and energy efficiently. Choose a day for putting together only the mail submissions, then choose another day to query or submit via e-mail. (I find that switching from physical to electronic and back to physical can get confusing.)

Whether you write short content for blogs and online sites, columns or essays, or longer feature articles, it's important to have a structure to your work plan. Today's technology can provide you with anything you need, many times for very little cost.

One of my latest "finds" is a wonderful tool called Writer's Scribe. I tried out the Mac version demo, loved it, and it now is comfortably settled on my computer, helping me stay organized and ahead of the game. With over 125 feature-length articles in my portfolio, I can no longer keep track of them using file folders.

From time to time, I'll be sharing some of my past articles, and I hope to feature some guest writers here on the Musings page. If you've discovered a wonderful writing tool that will help make 2011 more productive, please share it with us. We all need to succeed!

Read a Book, HELP A HORSE!

2010-12-31T08:31:00.000-05:00

   To celebrate a brand new year and my optimism that it will be a good one, I want to reach out to the many dedicated horse lovers and equine rescue programs who’ve sacrificed time and money during these past tough years.

   Your energy and love for abandoned, abused, neglected, and aging horses is heart-warming.

   Beginning January 1, I will donate 15% of every sale of RESCUE ME that comes through my website, ToniLeland.com.

   Readers may indicate the not-for-profit equine rescue program they wish to support by adding the organization name in the “comments” section of the shopping cart. (Please note, this program is only valid on sales via my website.) Books will be signed and personalized, if requested.

   At the end of each quarter, I’ll send the organizations a check and a list of the people who supported this effort.

   Many deserving programs are on Facebook; if you're looking for a good cause, check these out (they are in no particular order):

Second Chance Equine Rescue & Sanctuary
First Light Farm Equine Shelter
Beech Brook Farm Equine Shelter
SCARE South Carolina Awareness and Rescue for Equines Inc
Pony Up Rescue for Equines
Equine Outreach Horse Rescue
Illinois Equine Humane Center
Lucky Horse Equine Rescue
Traveller's Rest Equine Elders Sanctuary
US Equine Rescue League, Central Piedmont Region
American Wild Horse Preservation Campaign
STOP Horse Slaughter
Int'l Fund for Horses
Safe Haven Horse Rescue & Sanctuary
Pipsqueak Paddocks Miniature Horse Haven Society
Playmor Farm Miniature Horse Rescue Inc
Chance's Miniature Horse Rescue
Triple H Miniature Horse Rescue Fan Club
Madeleine Pickens Wild Horse Sanctuary
The Gingersnap Girls Foundation
Frog Pond Farm Draft Horse Rescue
The Gentle Barn
Days End Farm Horse Rescue

and many, many more!

Please join me in helping these unfortunate animals, and have a wonderful and happy new year!

Half-Price Digital Books

2010-12-26T08:17:00.001-05:00

Another chaotic holiday season draws to a close with the "day-after" exhaustion, elations or disappointments, the down that always accompanies the up, and usually a huge mess to clean up!

Authors around the world have anxiously followed sales and those of us fortunate enough to have our books available also in digital format have had, for the most part, a very successful season. As you may remember from a previous post, I entered the e-book arena somewhat skeptically, but of course, those preconceived notions of readers "needing to physically hold a book and turn pages" soon disappeared! Silly me!

Very interesting post today from blog kindle unofficial. Blogger Matthew puts to rest any ideas that the digital editions of our books are a passing fad.

"It’s been an interesting year for eReaders in general. The Kindle's chief competition, the Nook, went color (perhaps prematurely, perhaps not, depending on your point of view), the iPad has successfully carved a huge place for itself in the portable computing marketplace and paved the way for an entire Tablet PC industry in the process, and eBooks have become so commonplace..." Read more: http://blogkindle.com/2010/12/kindle-exceeds-expectations-this-year/#ixzz19DufnowK

Interesting year, indeed! With Amazon's Kindle projected to reach the 8 million mark, I am now a solid believer!

To celebrate, I'm joining hundreds of authors and offering a 50% discount on two of my top-selling titles at Smashwords. All formats are available. (HTML, JavaScript, .mobi for Kindle, Epub, PDF, RTF, LRF for Sony, Palm Doc PDB, Plain Text download and view)

To get the discount on romantic suspense Rescue Me, use coupon code HE23X at checkout.

To get the discount on paranormal romance A Garden of Secrets, use coupon code TF97W at checkout.

But hurry! These discounts expire at midnight on January 9th!

Happy Winter Reading...

Tour the Blogs

2010-11-29T06:37:00.005-05:00

"Better late than never." "When the dust settles." "A day late and a dollar short."
   All the clichés in the world can't describe the chaos that takes over when life steps in to short-circuit the best of plans.
   Last week I signed up to participate in a Blog Jog Day, but "Murphy" got involved. In short, I "missed the boat" and all the fun as hundreds of visitors toured a huge list of interesting and innovative blogs around the Cyberworld.
   A large number of the blog sites are writing or reading related, but other subjects include living abroad (Clogs and Tulips), inspiration and spirituality (We Are One in Spirit, God Mission Possible), parenting (Academy for Coaching Parents International), cooking and recipes (Effortless Eating, Food & Flowers Junkie), and many author blogs.
   To enjoy this wide array of creative ideas, visit Blog Jog Day and be sure to bookmark the page. You'll be able to browse the blog list as you have time (it's long!) and make new friends in Cyberspace. Show your support for your favorites by recommending them to friends, posting the links on FaceBook, or tweeting about your new discovery.
   Now, if I can just "get my ducks back in a row."

Digital Publishing for Everyone

2010-11-22T07:02:00.001-05:00

This just in from Mark Coker, Founder of Smashwords digital publishing: "Smashwords now publishes over 24,000 ebooks from over 10,000 authors around the world."
   In the space of just two years, this dynamic company has made the dream of expanding readership a reality for thousands of authors who've jumped into the ever-widening pool of digital content providers.
   My own print books have been steady sellers, but since publishing these titles in digital format, I have seen a huge increase in sales. Now, anyone with an iPad, Kobo, Kindle, Nook, Stanza, Sony Reader, Palm device, or plain old computer screen can read my books! And many libraries are launching downloadable titles to "check out".
How much better can it get?
   If you are looking for new readers, I highly recommend checking into Smashwords. The information and instructions are straightforward and easy to understand, and the help staff are amazing! (Sometimes you even hear back from Mark himself!)
   Here's a little advance info on Smashwords.com

Introduction to Smashwords - Ebook Publishing and Distribution Made Easy

View more presentations from Smashwords, Inc..

Why Horse Fiction?

2010-11-18T12:16:00.004-05:00

My name is Toni Leland and I’m a horse addict.

Seriously...I could have been the poster child for the classic horse-crazy girl.

I discovered horses when I was about 7 years old. Unfortunately, about the same time, I discovered that my father was terrified of them and that there wouldn’t be a horse in my future any time soon.

So to fuel my passion, I hooked up with another horse-crazy girl. We spent hours talking about horses, dreaming about horses, pretending we were horses. . .the boys on the playground were terrified of us!

I took it one step further and wrote stories about horses. Girl rescues horse. Horse rescues girl. Horse and girl have an adventure. . . I wish I had some of those stories now!

Amish draft horses take a break

Anyway, when my BFF got her very own horse, I was both thrilled and devastated. She no longer had much time for me and our imaginary steeds, and I began the press to convince my father that a horse would be a good thing for me to have.

He relented the year I turned 12 and, from then on, my life revolved around horses—sometimes more, sometimes less.

But one thing remained constant. To this day, even though I no longer have horses of my own, I still get that quickening in the pit of my stomach any time I’m near one.

Write what you know and love. The writing experts have it nailed.

When I set off on this journey of writing fiction, I naturally settled into the comfort zone of my addiction.

My first book was a romantic mystery, built around the Arabian horses I raised in the 80s. Though they were long gone, I held them near to me as we worked our way through the story and revisited characters from those years in the “horse business.” The process was sometimes painful and poignant, but it was also energizing. I’d found my niche.

As Winning Ways was being printed, I was already well into my next novel. Being fairly adventurous, I’d decided to see if I could write a straight romance—follow the formula, but write one with a horsey setting.

I was a little skeptical about the endeavor. After all, when does a busy horse owner have time to date, let alone nurture a strong, loving relationship? And into what niche would an equestrian romance fit?

When Hearts Over Fences hit the streets, I quickly learned that I had no clue as to “what works.” The book exploded in popularity and, today—7 years later—it is my top-selling title in both print and ebook.

So you’d think I’d jump on this gravy train, right? Nooooo. I was already off on another tangent. I wanted to write a thriller about the possibility of terrorism in one’s own backyard, er. . . barn. After Gambling With the Enemy was published in 2006, I veered back toward romantic suspense.

Deadly Heritage embraced that age-old theme of love lost and found. But my characters were constantly challenged by danger and family treachery.

As the nation’s economy nose-dived in 2009, so did business. Horse farms and breeders were deeply affected as the cost of keeping animals skyrocketed. If you can’t feed ’em, what do you do with them?

Horse rescue operations were overwhelmed and the horror stories began to hit the news.

Addressing two similar subjects, I began work on Rescue Me, the story of a horsewoman trapped in a brutally abusive marriage. The research alone on this book made me ever thankful that I didn’t have answers from first-hand experience.

My lifelong love affair with horses has served me well...given me joy and inspiration, and a ton of memories. Now if I can just get them all down on paper....

Dictionary Day

2010-10-16T07:33:00.000-04:00

Writers love words and I, especially, have always adored leafing through the thin pages of the dictionary, straining my eyes to read the tiny print that will tell me absolutely everything I need to know about the word I'm seeking.

Dictionary Day celebrates the birth date of Noah Webster, father of the dictionary. Webster started working on his dictionary project at the age of 13 and took 27 years to complete it. And we complain about working on a manuscript for months!

In keeping with the celebrations today, here's an interesting word to consider: paraprosdokian.

Interestingly, this word is not found in the dictionary! Encyclopedia Britannica defines the word as "a surprise or unexpected ending of a phrase or series." A paraprosdokian is a figure of speech or rhetorical term often used by satirists, in humorous writing, or by standup comedians.

Without further discourse, here are some clever examples:

"I've had a perfectly wonderful evening, but this wasn't it." – Groucho Marx

"If I'm reading this graph correctly, I'd be surprised." – Stephen Colbert

We never really grow up, we only learn how to act in public. – unknown

"War doesn't determine who is right – only who is left." – Bertrand Russell

"A bank is a place that will lend you money, if you can prove that you don't need it." – Bob Hope

How is it that one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes a whole box to start a campfire?

"There but for the grace of God, goes God." – Winston Churchill

So celebrate Dictionary Day today! Look up a word. Visit Merriam-Webster Online or dust off that historical tome and leaf through the pages. Language is magic and words are the key.