Weekend Post 2: Storytelling at Warrenton Library

What a welcome! Becca of the library staff greeted me warmly, helped me set up, and then I learn that she is a fellow West Virginian. No wonder we hit it off so quickly.

It is funny how this program came about. I traveled to Warrenton every month in 2006 to care for my father until he passed away in October. During that time, I'd go to the library to check my email and got to know one of the librarians. I offered to do a program because my father had never seen me perform and I very much wanted to do that before he left us.

It didn't work out that way, but the library contacted me to do 3 programs for them this past summer. I did two of them, but missed the one at Warrenton due to car troubles, so this weekend was a make-up date. I also offered to do a free program at Bealeton since I'd be in the area. So that's how I came to be in Warrenton this weekend.

The turnout was small but respectable for early Saturday morning, when the outside temps were barely above freezing. We had a grand time. It was made even more wonderful for me because my oldest brother and his wife attended. Bill took photos for me and we were able to visit a little after the performance. The others there, children and adults, were great listeners and I found myself wanting to know each of them better. I will hope for an invite back sometime to share more stories with this lovely community.

Off to Virginia

I'm off to Virginia this weekend to tell stories at Warrenton and Bealeton libraries in Fauquier County. And to make fruitcake with my sisters. And visit with son Jon and family.


What stories will I tell? At Warrenton, I'll be doing my Appalachian sampler--a taste of the many kinds of stories told in the mountains: ghost stories, ballads, folktales, family stories, tall tales. At Bealeton, the set will be different since I did the sampler there this summer. I'll be focusing on Jack tales at Bealeton, probably telling Jack and Strong Man, Jack and Old Fire Dragaman, Jack's Hunting Trip, and maybe Jack and the Three Sillies, if there's time.

On the Road: Day 4 and 5 , Fauquier, Lost River and Rest

A young listener at a library in Fauquier County poses in the miner's hardhat. A good turnout of about 40 or 50 people of all ages attended and were very interested in the coal mining items in my display.



On the road to my sister Judy's home in Hardy County, WV. It will always be amazing to me that no matter where in the state I travel, the scenery is breathtaking. I have to stop and take pictures because I don't have words to describe what I see.

High-flying crow in Hardy County. I was on Big Ridge Road when I spotted this glider.

Judy runs the stables at Lost River, and has recently started her own blog.

The sulphur springs at Lost River State Park. Although no longer in use, the spring is a beautiful spot rich in history. West Virginia has many such springs that were popular vacation spots in the 1700's and 1800's for those seeking the supposed curing powers of the waters. Did they work? I don't know, but I can imagine that simply soaking in the water in this peaceful place would certainly be restorative to the spirit.

The Lighthorse Harry Lee log cabin at Lost River. Lighthorse Harry owned the park property after the Revolutionary War and it stayed in the lee family for many years. The cabin is maintained by the park system and tours are offered.

Telling tales in the activities center at Lost River. The buildings at the park were for the most part constructed by the CCC in the 1930's. Many of the cabins are log, with stone fireplaces, porches and old latch doors.



And finally, a day of rest on Sunday! I left Judy's to drive to Virginia for more storytelling and a quick visit with son Jon and his family.