On Friday, I went down to West Alex (PA) to spend the day shopping with my daughter.  We were in three states within several hours:  spending money, creating a ‘wish’ list, munching on Peanut Butter M&M’s, lunching at Wendy’s, spending more money….  It was a great day, and we got a number of Christmas gifts either purchased or at least designated for purchase.  My little credit card was steaming by the time I made it back to Greensburg that night.

After our shopping trip, we zipped into Walmart and bought a double-layer, chocolate chip cookie-cake for Peyton’s birthday.  Ruth Ann (or ‘Ma’ to the lay people!) made a yummy dinner of BBQ chicken and homemade mac and cheese, and then we sang happy birthday to the now nine-year-old Peyton and shared the cookie.

It was great to share the day with Kelly, and then to spend the evening with Peyton, Logan and Chase – they were into reading their books and shared several with me, reading aloud three books about bats at the beach and bats playing baseball and bats at the library.  Very fun evening with my special little family. 

Happy Birthday, Peyton – many many more happy years.  Love you!

Last Sunday I had the privilege of speaking at West Overton Museum about my book, LETTERS TO MARY.  It was humbling to have so many people there to hear the story of Daniel’s letters, see some of the photos and dresses, and learn a little about the writing process.  There were very interesting questions asked, which again gave me opportunity to share the history, research, and my passion for the entire project!

Mary Ann, Ed and Lynn, and Bev and Jeremy were there from my writer’s group; Joanna was there from my workplace; Ron was front and center in the first row, and my sister Kathy and her husband Paul also attended.  The big surprise was that two of the Skunk Hollow Cousins (Susan – holding the mascot skunk Mr. Fresh, and Gail – beside me) traveled over 60 miles each way to attend and support me!

I also met several people who had great things to say about the book – thank you, Joy, and Joanne (who’s book was a gift from a long-time friend Ginny!), and several others.  I am excited to keep in touch with anyone who wishes to do that!

Having people that I didn’t know, who came solely for their interest in the book, was an amazing feeling, and I am so blessed to have everyone’s support and affirmation.  Thanks so much to everyone who attended, and to Jessica and Jimmy from West Overton Museum for making the event so special for everyone!

Last Friday evening, my friend Joni and I acted as ushers at the Ligonier Theatre for their production of HARVEY.  It was the opening production of the 50th anniversary season for the theatre, and they celebrated by having members of the original HARVEY cast (from 1992/3) in the audience. 

The actors did a great job – lots of laughs and fun.  My friend Barry Shirey (Bear) – pictured left – performed as ‘Wilson’ – the aid at the sanitarium.  I have been attending plays that Bear has performed in since his first production in 1992.  I’m proud of him, and how he’s grown as an actor, and of the tried and true friendship that we share. 

Here’s to continued success, friendship, and fun!  Love you, buddy!

Just taking a few minutes to remind everyone that I will be at the West Overton Museum and Village in Scottdale, PA, on Sunday November 9th at 2PM.  I will be talking about LETTERS TO MARY – the inception of the book, the research, the writing process, and everything that followed.  There is so much factual history in the book – so many wonderful truths and nuggets of authentic events – that it is very fun to explore all the details and talk about the process.  I will have Mary’s dress and locket, Lydia’s dress, photos from my research, even copies of some of the actual letters. 

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!!!    

WHAT:   Parlor Talk – by Marge Burke

WHERE: West Overton Museum             

                            Scottdale PA

WHEN: 2:00pm Sunday November 9^th

No admission charge

Hear the story behind the story!

Well, it’s almost Trick or Treat time again.  In my neighborhood, there are huge numbers of kids, all decked out in costumes, all toting plastic pumpkins, carrying sacks, or lugging around empty pillowcases.  The amount of candy collected and consumed at this holiday would make Willy Wonka nervous. 

A few years ago I went to the Halloween parade at the elementary school – Autmn is the second one back in the Genie (pink and blue) costume.  This year she will be Mike Wazowski from Monsters Inc.  Chris is someone from Monster High.  I have no clue about the boys! 

I’m actually not into this particular holiday, but will jump in to make it fun for the kids if I can.  Sunday night we had Trunk or Treat at our church and we did Charlotte’s Web.  The kids all had a great time, and I think everyone ate too much!  Mike and Dave always grill THE BEST hot dogs, and Mark does homemade donuts that melt in your mouth.  Yum.  My favorite little visitor was a tiny little fairy – just as cute as a button! 

 Whatever you choose to do on Friday, do it responsibly, reasonably, and make sure everyone is safe and sane.  That’s tough enough on a NORMAL day!   God bless!

It has been AGES since I have been on here. A series of crazy events has kept me occupied away from the social media sights for the most part, but I’m working towards being more devoted to the site!

Just wanted to mention here that on Sunday November 9th at 2pm I will be doing a Parlor Talk at West Overton Museum and Village in Scottdale PA.  The event is free to the public but a donation would be appreciated.  The photo posted is of the original house.  The Parlor Talk will be in the Distillery across the street.

Plan on being there to hear the story behind the story; how Letters to Mary came about and what it took to put it together.  I will have copies of some of the original letters, as well as Mary’s wedding gown and Lydia’s Sunday dress (see the photo section of the web site).  I’m SO looking forward to seeing everyone there! 

On top of spending the weekend with my parents, Sunday afternoon I took the drive up to Altoona to be part of a wedding celebration that truly was a joy to share.

My son-in-law’s older sister, Kim, married the man whom every girl dreams about:  Mr. Wright!  We couldn’t help but be thrilled for her, in so many ways!  Greg is a wonderful Christian man, and he and Kim are destined to have a wonderful life together.

As part of the traditional wedding party, my 2 grandsons (Peyton and Logan) stood with the groom.  They are 7 and 8!  Chase (age 5) along with his cousin Drew were the ring bearers, and Riley made an adorable flower girl in her Disney Princess dress.

Here’s to a long and blessed marriage to Kim and Greg Wright!

Over the past weekend my family took a trip up to Albion to visit my parents.  In addition to my sister Kathy, her daughter Sarah and my granddaughter Autmn traveled with us.  Autmn was the expert photo-taker, but I took this one of her in front o one of mom’s super-shrubs!

 Autmn has a great eye for the artistic, and this is just one of the photos she took for me.  She just walked around the yard, taking pictures of leaves and trees and shrubs and interesting bits of nature.

When we were done snapping photos and playing in the chestnuts, we all piled in and took a drive over to Boyce’s orchards.  Autmn helped the lady fill a gallon jug full of apple cider to bring home, then the owner offered her an apple for her ‘good work’.  She chose a sweet Gala apple and we all shared a taste.  Yummy!    After lunch, Sarah climbed out on the porch roofs and helped clean and position the storm windows, getting ready for the winter cold.  We cut dead branches, trimmed shrubs, dead-headed and ripped out summer flowers past their prime, and drug loads of branches to the huge pile in the forest.  All in all, we had a great weekend – big thanks to both my traveling companions for making it such a special day, and to my parents for hosting our little group.  Dinner was delicious, and the company even better! 

Last week at the middle school where Autmn attends they designated one of the days as ‘Nerd Day’.  Now, I’m not really totally sure exactly what this mean as a whole, but apparently Autmn and Jen (her morning care-giver) did. 

I guess if I were going to school these days, I would think that Autmn’s outfit was nerd-y.  However, secretly I really think it’s cute!  She looks happy and ready for the day, and by all accounts everything went very well and they enjoyed being nerds!

I have a feeling that at some point (maybe now!) I will act or look nerd-y, and I hope that I can have fun doing it, and that others will enjoy it, as well.  So whatever you are doing today, or tomorrow, or next week, if it involves nerdish-ness, go for it!  Have a great time, smile, and just be yourself! 🙂

When my daughter Kelly was four (she’s married now with 3 boys!), she and I took a long walk in the cabin woods that fall and plundered for nature’s goodies.  We found pine cones, walnuts, acorns, hickory nuts, grapevines, flower pods.  Along the way we added Indian corn, silk leaves, and dried gourds.

I have meticulously put them away every year in zip-lock bags and tucked them in an airtight container.  In early fall, I lug out the makings of the fall arrangements and fill little baskets, bowls, and leaf or bat shaped plates to set around the house.

This year Autmn was here to help, and I just handed her the box and all the dishes and said, ‘go to it’!  She did about a dozen little arrangements all by herself.  They looked amazing – better than I would have done myself! And she was so excited and pleased with herself for doing such a great job.  We ended the afternoon by putting the window stickees creatively on the doors and windows.  Now my house looks like fall, and Autmn is thrilled with her accomplishments.  I’m proud of the job she did – she’s growing up to be quite a young lady!