"Traveling Books" My Book Signing at Joint Base Henderson Hall

For several days, beginning Friday, November 30, I shared my books at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, at The Marine Corps Exchange.  This joint base of the United States military is located around Arlington, Virginia.  Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall is commanded by the United States Army, yet has resident commands of Army, Navy, and Marines.  The Marine Corps Exchange at Henderson Hall is a beautiful shopping experience and folks from far and wide visit the Exchange.

Book Club At The Armed Forces retirement Home. A Classroom At Its Best

Being surrounded by "America's Finest" every Wednesday afternoon, and all along reading and discussing extraordinary books, I realize how fortunate I am to be in such an extraordinary classroom setting.  For several hours beginning at 1:30pm, myself, Christine Baldwin, Librarian of AFRH, and eleven retirees enjoy "book talking" and insightful conversations that surround the times that are showcased in our selected books.

Book Signing At Camp Lejeune....HOOAH!

When I was once again extended the invitation to share my books with the families and friends of U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, I accepted with a sense of pride and excitement.

Patrick Henry Elementary-"A Promoter of Learning On All Counts"

Over the past five years, I have come to know the community of learners at Patrick Henry Elementary School, Alexandria City Schools.  As a Board Member of Reading Is Fundamental of Northern Virginia, I have had numerous visits to Patrick Henry and observed RIF book distributions that have engaged students in the art of learning and the love of reading.  My most recent visit on October 27th to the library of Patrick Henry was no different.  Librarian, Kelsey Frey and her Media Assistant, Dana Sterling, set the stage for a variety of literacy activities for all students.  And, the community of learners at Patrick henry were eager to select their RIF book from a wide array of titles and genres!

Meet My Book Club

Beginning in September of this year, myself, Christine Baldwin, Librarian of The Armed Forces Home, and "America's Finest," the residents of AFRH have been meeting on Wednesday afternoons for lively book discussions.  It is the best!  Christine Baldwin and I began to put the word out early on in September about our literacy idea, and we both were delighted when the residents began signing up.  We now have eleven in our group, and we continue to welcome residents that wish to join in on the Wednesday afternoon sessions of conversations and camaraderie.  All members decide on a specific book title, and dedicate to read and be prepared to share knowledge and opinions about our selected read.  Thus far, we have engaged in a well known mystery, a biography, and our present book surrounds itself with our country's 16th President and his illustrious Cabinet. 

Book Signing at Fort George G. Meade U.S. Army Base.... Children, Families, and Storytelling

My book signings at Fort George G. Meade are always fun, super busy, and exciting in that I have the privilege of meeting lots of pretty wonderful people.  Just recently, on October 19-21, I spent many hours sharing my books with America's finest and their families.   

A Fall Bazaar at U.S. Marine Base Quantico

When families have the opportunity to come together and enjoy tasty treats, dance a little to some rock & roll, and visit with vendors sharing their wares, the stage is set for enjoyable times.  U.S. Marine Base Quantico, at Quantico, Virginia sponsored a Fall Bazaar during October 5 -7.  I was invited to share and host a book signing, along with fellow merchants.  

Tyson, He Found Us

During the cold and snowy winter days of February, in 2010, we rescued and brought into our home, a beloved dog named Tyson.  At the time, our family truly couldn't know how much comfort, respect, understanding, and unconditional love this rescue would bring to our lives.

Book Signing At One Of My Favorite Places

Several weeks ago, while spending time with family and friends at my "home away from home," Hayesville, North Carolina, I was invited to book sign and spend time with the patrons at "Chinquapin's" located in the heart of historic downtown Hayesville, North Carolina.  It was such a pleasure to be surrounded by the families, friends, and the visitors to this unique place of business.

Summertime-Family and Fun

When it is possible to set aside some time to celebrate being together during the summer months, our family truly relishes those memorable times.  Whether we are worshiping the sun and energetic ocean at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, flying kites at the dunes, or enjoying all that the beautiful coastal area shares with its visitors, we are grateful to be learning and having fun together!

My Fifth Visit To The Beloved Community Of Newtown, Connecticut

A week of meetings, a week of fun surprises, and a week of heartfelt reminders were my experiences during my July 17-21 visit to the beloved community of Newtown, Connecticut.

Summer Learning/Reading A Book!

What better way is there to continue to emphasize the importance of reading and learning throughout the summer, than to give a child a book to read!  Children of all ages will realize academic success and pure enjoyment when they take a captured time each and every day to read a book.

Meeting With An Author at The Armed Forces Retirement Home, Washington, D.C.

When I have the opportunity meet with a devoted and passionate writer, I almost never hesitate.  Recently, I met Thomas J. Ryan, author of Spies, Scouts, and Secrets in the Gettysburg Campaign, and Essays on Delaware During the Civil War-A Political, Military and Social Perspective.  Mr. Ryan has published numerous articles and book reviews on Civil War subjects, many dealing with intelligence operations. He writes a bi-weekly column called Civil War Profiles for Coastal Point, a Delaware newspaper.  Thomas J. Ryan served three years in the United States Army and more than three decades with the U.S. Department of Defense.  

Being With Two of My Favorite Friends

Being with two of my favorite friends and my dear ten year old dog Tyson, is a very special and captured time for me.  It was a wonderful evening  sharing a meal together at our home in Hayesville, North Carolina, and as always engaging in interesting conversation.  Sister Terry Martin, CND and Sister Margarita Castaneda, CND reside in Hayesville, North Carolina and both are devoted to their Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church Community.  Sister Terry and Sister Margarita have strengthened and lifted up the lives of so many families throughout their entire lives.  I have known Sister Terry for more than sixteen years, and Sister Margarita for three years.  They both hold a special place in the hearts' of my family.

Book Signing at Quantico

Sharing my books with children and their families at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Crossroads of the Marine Corps, is always a joyous and uplifting time. From Thursday, April 20 thru Sunday, April 23, families, soldiers, and retirees shared their kind words and interesting stories with me. I have been book signing at Marine Corps Base Quantico, since 2008 and am looking forward future visits with America's finest!

In Honor of Dr. Seuss and Read Across America...We Celebrate the Love of Reading

In honor of Dr. Seuss' birthday and Read Across America Day on March 2, the students, teachers, and staff of Patrick Henry Elementary School, Alexandria City Schools, dedicated February 27-March 3, 2017 as Dr. Seuss Week.  As the Area Co-Chair of Alexandria City Schools, for Reading Is Fundamental of Northern Virginia, I spent time at Patrick Henry during their celebration for the one and only Dr. Seuss!

Guest Speaker at International Society For Key Women Educators, Delta Kappa Gamma Chapter

Sunday afternoon, March 12, 2017,  was a very kind and special time for me.  Delta Kappa Gamma, International Society For Key Women  Educators invited me to share my books and to speak about my passion for Intergenerational Programs... uniting children of all ages with those individuals who have lived a lifetime.  

Across The Generations...All You Need is Love

Our son Ryan is moving to Jacksonville, Florida.  Ryan is both happy and excited...as is his best girl who is already in Jacksonville.  Great jobs, a beautiful place to live, and a personal life all their own.  Our family is happy and proud for them and we share their excitement!  We as a family vacationed last winter in Jacksonville...so it will be easy and fun for us to find our way back there for celebrations and family visits.