What does Labor Day mean to you? The end of summer? One last trip to the lake or a backyard barbeque with the family? Anticipation of autumn and the start of a new academic year?
Last Saturday our Lot Owners’ Association at the lake hosted its annual fundraiser, the Ox Roast and Silent Auction. In its 61st year, the event features food, silent auction, and vendor booths. Contrary to its name, there is no ox involved, a good choice in my opinion. I recently met my new neighbor, Dawn Knight, and discovered she was also an author. We immediately read each other’s books and decided to share a vendor booth at the Ox Roast to promote our work. Dawn has written Race and Football in America, the life of Indiana University football player George Taliaferro, the first Black drafted by the NFL in 1949. It’s a compelling story that needs a wider telling. I want to thank our neighbors who stopped by our booth and supported us. I never tire of sharing family stories like those of Marcello and Luisa Corsi.
For many Americans this Labor Day will not be spent on leisure activities but in putting life back together. Donating to victims of Hurricane Ida or the California wildfires may be one way to help. In addition those still desperate to leave Afghanistan could use our prayers or a phone call to your representative to urge action on their behalf.
Update on “Finding Your Nook”: I’m reminded how technology has forever changed our world. After last month’s blog about finding your special place to read and contemplate, I heard from a dear childhood friend Mary Ellen who has co authored multiple textbooks for reading teachers. Her favorite nook for reading? Wherever her car or legs take her! She is a huge fan of Audible books and has one in her car or in her ears when cooking, gardening, or walking her dog Bailey. She has “read” 40 audible books over the past year. Gotta love it!
Update on Yours Truly: Last winter while it was twenty below zero in Kansas, I worked on a story and submitted it to a competition sponsored by Women Writing the West. Lila is a young girl coming of age who works as a cook at a stagecoach stop on the busy Santa Fe Trail in the late 1860’s. In July I was notified “Lila’s Song” is a finalist for the Laura Award for Short Fiction 2021. The award is named for Laura Ingalls Wilder and will be announced at the WWW virtual conference October 7-9. You can read the story online at womenwritingthewest.org in the LAURA journal at the completion of the conference. I am over-the-moon excited and honored with this nomination.
Until next time . . . find the joy in each day.
Jane. Congrats on being a finalist for your short story. I will look forward to reading it. We are truly blessed to have you as a member of our book club.
Carol
Thank you for your kind words Carol! We have a special group of ladies in book club. I enjoy them very much. It’s nice to have you back— see you soon 🙂
Jane
Your time at the vendor show sounds like a great time! Congratulations on your new short story! Can’t wait for the outcome, as I’m sure you will win! I’m anxious to read it.
As for Labor Day…what does it mean? I’ve wondered if it’s to honor those who work, and get an extra day off? What about those who have to work that day? I’m just glad I have an extra day, to get caught up in so many ways! Especially extra time to read another book!
See you soon! Vicki
Hi there! I think the short answer is, Labor Day is supposed to honor the common worker and was begun in the late 1800’s I think. Everybody loves a three day weekend! Being nominated for the Laura award makes me feel like I’m already a winner 🙂
See you soon!
Jane
Congratulations, Jane, on being a finalist for the Laura Award! Cant wait to read your story, so please remind me. I love your blog and following your creative life. Loved the fb post of yummy grilled shrimp a d veggies, too. Must try that! Hugs, Karen
Thank you Karen! I already feel myself a winner being a finalist for Laura award. The shrimp and veggies is easy. Marinate in teriyaki and grill on medium low all together in a basket about 20 minutes. Thanks for staying in touch 🙂
Jane
Thanks for sharing part of your time at the lake. So nice to travel and meet people through words.
Got a chuckle and good memories when I saw the picture of Mary Ellen with Bailey.
I guess she named her dog after the Southern author Bailey White since her dog is white. Does he say “yes ma’am”? Years ago it was fun to hear her stories on NPR. She spoke at the Frank Lloyd Wright church near the Plaza.
Spent part of Labor Day at the Nelson-Atkins Art Museum. Good new exhibits. Need to make a reservation to limit numbers visiting.
So nice to hear from you. Will have to check out Bailey White and the art museum when I return home. I always learn something from you! Thanks so much for your continued interest.