Burra Burra Mine and Ducktown Basin Museum - Ducktown, Tennessee

Researching Burra Burra Mines State Historic Site and the Ducktown Basin Museum for my upcoming book, Taproots of Tennessee: Historic Sites and Timeless Recipes with University of Tennessee Press, Bruce and I "slipped behind the wheel" and and traveled the "trail" from Sylva, North Carolina, to Ducktown, Tennessee, in the southern Appalachian Mountains.

Historic Sites showcases Tennessee's copper mining industry beginning in 1843 along the banks of Potato Creek. Bruce and I took over 79 photographs of this amazing site. Attached are a few "gems," so to speak, showcased on my FB page. The unique photography of Jeffrey Stoner, included in my book, reveals a more beautifully in-depth perspective. 

Timeless Recipes offers recipes for foods the miner's wives prepared for the annual church picnic (from available agriculture and company supplies) introduced by brilliant German mining captain, Julius Eckardt Raht. The Burra Burra Mine State Historic Site and Ducktown Basin Museum is absolutely a "must-see" along tTennessee!   

www.trailsoftn.com

After a delightful lunch at Maggiano's in Nashville, Bruce and I are celebrating handing in the final chapters of my upcoming book (April 2019) with University of Tennessee Press titled Trails of Tennessee: Taproots and Timeless Recipes. 

Trails of Tennessee: Taproots and Timeless Recipes honors Tennessee's founding families through our seventeen state-owned historic sites (Taproots) with recipes from what they grew-- in a modern-day vernacular (Timeless Recipes.) The book includes what is now one of my favorite desserts:

                                                            Rose Geranium Cake.

The leaves from the Scented Rose Geranium (pelargonium graveolens) plant provided flavoring for baked goods such as the Rose Geranium Cake. These scented leaves (as seen in the above photo) were one of the answers to the shortage of flavorings in the South during the Civil War.

Rose Geranium Cake offers a bite of the delicate fragrance of roses in bloom.  And the recipe is included in my forthcoming book Trails of Tennessee: Taproots and Timeless Recipes published by The University of Tennessee Press, April 2019.

I hope to see you along the trails of Tennessee by keeping you posted as to book signings!

I am pleased to announce my manuscript, titled Trails of Tennessee: Taproots and Timeless Recipes, has been approved for publication by the editorial board of University of  Tennessee Press. The book is due to be released April, 2019. Based on our seventeen state-owned historic sites and what they ate from their agricultural yield, my book idea began with a song I wrote (and love), Trails of Tennessee.  Click on www.trailsoftn.com 

The Sam Davis State Historic Site

The drive south on I-65 from Nashville to The Giles County Historical Society in Pulaski, Tennessee has a charm all it's own--even in January; its rich, undulating barren acreage-keeping secret its fruitful future.

Bruce, my husband, and fellow adventurer, and I drove the leisurely hour and a half stretch of highway to see the Sam Davis State Historic Site Monument and learn more about the life of young patriot and Confederate hero, Sam Davis.

We were given a friendly, thorough tour of the historic city and spent the afternoon enjoying three memorials erected in honor of twenty-one-year-old Sam Davis, his life and times. We understand, now, why he chose to be hanged rather than reveal the name of his commanding officer to the "Federals."

In the words of Sam Davis:

If I had a thousand lives, I would give them all here before I would betray a friend or the confidence of my informer?

The town of Pulaski is a gem. The historic district is, indeed, a study in 19th century architecture.

Women Who Make A Difference Luncheon Kingsport, Tennessee

I so enjoyed speaking at the July 5th Greater Kingsport Tennessee Republican Women "Women Who Make A Difference" luncheon. Peggy Snapp. President of GKRW, presented me with a lovely certificate as we celebrated July 4th with my DAR award-winning song "Wives of the Signers" (of the Declaration of Independence) and toasted the steady hands and hearts of the women who helped birth our country. A typical July 4, 1776 luncheon was served along with Abigail and John Adams' favorite dessert, " Apple Pan Dowdy." Our friend, brilliant photographer, Jeffrey Stoner brought some of his unique images, and dear friend, Carol Heimbach was on hand for the celebration. Several candidates for the Tennessee senate attended. I'm casting my vote for Tony Shipley and his lovely, talented wife, Susan.

"The Story of Abigail Adams"

My first non-fiction children's story "The Story of Abigail Adams" will be published in February's edition of Focus on the Family's 'Clubhouse Magazine.' !!! Clubhouse Magazine is geared toward kids 8 -12 years old. "The Story of Abigail Adams" is based on my National Society Daughters of the American Revolution First Place Award-Winning Song, "Be Like Abigail (Ode To Abigail Smith Adams.)" Clubhouse Magazine, and Clubhouse Jr. Magazine are excellent publications for young minds. I'm honored to be able to contribute. Thank you, Eva Marie Everson! To God be the glory! www.clubhousemagazine.com

Clubhouse Magazines