Robin Looks Back Nearly Ten Years
I've just posted another chapter from my early years of country living on the Writings From Windridge Farm site. I wrote this story in the spring of 1997 for my Writings From Windridge newsletter, and I figured this was the perfect time to share it since deer season is nearly upon us. I've put up the entire story at once, so those of you who have been wishing for a longer read will be able to curl up with your favorite beverage and a little plate of cookies and settle in for a lengthier visit to the first farm I lived on (back when I really had no idea what I was doing).
Click here to go directly to the new story. Click here to begin at the beginning. And click here if you have no idea what this Windridge stuff is all about but wish you did. Enjoy.
And for the many of you who so kindly keep asking if I have ever thought of putting all this stuff into some sort of book, the answer is a resounding yes! Getting from here to there is, of course, a whole other story, but it is definitely something I really hope to do. (So any suggestions, tips, publishing contacts, or book deals are welcome.) What kind of a book would you be interested in buying?
I can imagine your frustration at the time, but as hindsight it makes a wonderful story! (With plenty of Melvillean allegory, should one choose to read it that way...)
ReplyDeleteRobin has such a happy face.
What a great story! I couldn't even wait for the tea and cookies!
ReplyDeleteI just love all your stories and all your pics!!! I come home from work and go right to your site to see whats new!!
ReplyDeleteI'm saving it for tomorrow when I'll be more alert and can really enjoy it. Now I have something to look forward to!
ReplyDeleteDon't give up on the writing. Just "do it!"
Blessings,
SAndy in Beautiful (perfect for a day) Texas
I recently read somewhere that many new writers are using online publishing tools and sites to publish their own work...might be worth looking into.
ReplyDeleteMe again...just finished reading your chronicles from Windridge Farm and I feel so much better now...the deer ate my garden to nubs this past spring and summer. Nothing was sacred. The geraniums, the sweet peas, the rose bushes, the hostas, raspberry canes, all turned into deer fodder and that's not even counting the veggies...the pepper plants, tomatoes and more that disappeared overnight. My neighbour has a huge white beard and he made little bundles of hair wrapped in cheesecloth and hung them on his nibbled-to-bits honeysuckle and the deer immediately lost interest(although after several rains, they look like some huge alien caterpillars might emerge). I'm going to give bars of soap a try in the spring. It's either the deer or me and I'm not giving up yet. Thanks so much for the fantastic read...publish soon!
ReplyDeleteAh, a nice long story, I look forward to it, just me and my laptop enjoying some couch time later on. I just recently came about your blog(s) and have much catching up to do. I must get some cookies first :)
ReplyDeleteOh I love the story!!!
ReplyDeleteGirrrlll ::in my best Southern drawl:: you've got to write a book :)
Denise in TN
Deer are decidely troublesome creatures. I have yet to put up a 10 ft fence to keep them out of my future garden plot.
ReplyDeleteI would get a dog.. but eh.. We really don't have the room for one.
I would love to see this in a nice large softcover book, with recipies included. Now I love your photography very much, but I think the story would be suited to drawings. Your barn scene on the front with all your animal family on the back. Large print for boomers. Pages decorated with your heart rocks strung along the top would be a nice touch. Check out lulu.com for self publishing. I have had good results there. They have a 'tour' you can go through and check it out.
ReplyDeleteDo it!
Paint
I think you have the makings of the next "Under The Tuscan Sun". The book was nothing like the movie. (I did like the movie, though) Frances Mayes wrote a stunning, sensory-overload book: with a narrative-recipe-remodling-meeting-challenges-melange. Give it a look if you have a bit of time that is unmanaged. =}
ReplyDeleteCan I please add the link for my blog here for people to check out?
ReplyDeletehttp://babybull40.blogspot.com/
Re. book, go for it girl and whatever happens, no matter how many rejection letters, never give up. You have the talent.
ReplyDeletei think you should publish cary's stories and definitely do children's books (for adults). ;) parents read books to their kids at an early age, so having a mutual experience reading cary's stories together where they can discuss and feel the emotions together will truly make your book a winner! (i think whoopi goldberg just published a kids' book (for parents) about manners)
ReplyDeleteI read yours and live vicariously through your eyes. I love the concept, but I know darn well I would be capable of the work it takes to make a small farm run. I'm a big fan of James herriots' books; if you pick your favorite stories, they'll become my favorites, too.
ReplyDeleteI went here, there and everywhere to read it all. I loved every bit of the story. The kind of book I would like, since you asked, is one like what I have just read. Starts at the beginning and goes on, with photos and recipes here and there, maybe garden tips. (I don't know if you ever read Under the Tuscan Sun, but when I read it and loved it, I can remember at one point reading a recipe she through in there, jumping up, putting down the book and making a polenta cake with cream custard then and there.
ReplyDeleteIt would be great to have your writings and recipes and photos in book form.
Ummm, I meant "threw in there", of course. : )
ReplyDeleteAnd I noticed someone else was reminded of "Under the Tuscan Sun".