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Ending or Beginning?

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The magical call of a brightly painted, cheerful carousel is irresistible. In my travels, I always try to find a merry-go-round to ride during my trip. One of my favorites is not too far from home, in New York City. A scenic train journey along the Connecticut shoreline will leave me off at Penn Station just a few blocks from the New York Public Library, Bryant Park and Le Carrousel. This enchanting merry-go-round that whirls around accompanied by tinkling French cabaret music has inspired my newest photo essay below.

Turning off her MacBook, Margaux glanced at the Waterford crystal desk clock Liam bought for her on their tenth anniversary trip to Ireland. One o’clock. Where had the morning gone? For a moment, she sat still listening to the soothing ticktock of the clock. She let her eyes wander around her cozy office from the crowded bookshelves, to the pair of cherry wood alumni chairs from Simmons, to the framed cross-stitch sampler of her favorite book covers hanging across from her desk.

Over the past 30 years, she had accumulated so many memories in this room and throughout the New York Public Library. At three o’clock, after a final meeting with the library director, she would pack up her belongings and close the office door behind her for the last time.

With a sigh, Margaux pushed herself up from her desk, tucked a copy of The Lincoln Highway into her bag, grabbed her lunch box from the mini fridge in the corner and headed outside. She planned to spend her lunch hour reading and people watching in Bryant Park. On a sunny, warm day the 42nd Street park was the perfect lunch spot.

Margaux found a seat on a shaded bench in front of Le Carrousel. The menagerie of elegantly painted horses, cats, rabbits and even a frog spun around in merry circles. Nearby, an elderly man she often saw in the library was engaged in an intense chess match against a young woman with pink hair and a skateboard propped up against the game table. On a grassy patch not too far from the chess players, golfers practiced their putting skills alongside a group of enthusiastic lawn bowlers. Margaux settled back against the warm wood of the park bench, opened her book and took a bite of her tuna fish sandwich. There truly was something for everyone in Bryant Park.

As she read, she hummed along to the French cabaret tunes generated by the elegant merry-go-round. At the sound of someone calling her name, Margaux glanced up to wave and smile at two young librarians who worked in the Children’s Room. They stood in line waiting to buy tickets for the carousel.

Giving in to nostalgia, Margaux wondered how she could ever leave her job, her friendly colleagues and this special corner in the city she loved. It seemed unbelievable that she wouldn’t walk up the library steps past the famous lions, Patience and Fortitude, on Monday morning or spend lunchtime here in this lovely park. Instead, she would be miles away in Oak Bluffs on the tiny Massachusetts island, Martha’s Vineyard.

She and Liam had decided to retire to their New England holiday home. They were trading life on one small island for a new existence on another. Liam insisted that they had so much to look forward to as they began their retirement, and he was right. A more relaxed pace of living, the beach and farm stands in the summer, plenty of shops and restaurants . . .

Perhaps she would be able to volunteer at the Oak Bluffs public library. And hey, there was even a carousel in town, the oldest platform carousel in the country. Once they were settled in, she would definitely visit the Flying Horses.

Packing up her lunch things and stowing her book in her shoulder bag, Margaux walked over to join the ticket line for the merry-go-round. For now, she would indulge in one more lunchtime ride on Le Carrousel.

En Famille

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In 2008, my husband and I visited Paris for one sunny week in April. One of the highlights of our trip was spending an afternoon in Luxembourg Garden where we saw children sailing toy boats on the man-made pond and Ed sat down to play chess with an accommodating French gentleman. These memories have inspired the following photo essay.

“How is our friend Maude?” Edmund asked, stretching out his denim-clad legs and crossing them at the ankle. “Still driving Duncan crazy?”

Elizabeth Ann looked at her twin brother with a bemused smile. They sat together on a bench in the Jardin du Luxembourg. The clouds drifted across a watercolor blue sky, but the warm sun shone down dappling the pool of shallow water in front of them with spangles of light.

Edmund’s wife, Joy, stood at the edge of the expansive granite basin with their daughters, Angela and Victoria. At the far end of the man-made pond, the Palais du Luxembourg rose like a fairy tale vision.

“Maude is great and so are Duncan and the twins,” Elizabeth Ann replied, as she watched her nieces.

The girls each clutched a wooden pole. They leaned carefully over the rippling water, using the poles to steer two toy sailboats.

“Marjorie and Dylan are four now,” Elizabeth Ann went on. “They are so curious and observant about everything. Maude says they come up with some pretty hilarious questions sometimes.”

Edmund chuckled. “Too bad they all couldn’t make the trip with you.” He had met Maude and Duncan on several occasions over the years. All three worked as academic historians and Edmund often joked that he had more in common with his sister’s best friend than she did.

Early that morning, Elizabeth Ann had flown to Paris from Edinburgh, where she had been visiting her old school friend. She had met Maude while studying abroad in London.

“I know,” Elizabeth Ann agreed. “But they had scheduled a trip to visit Duncan’s parents this weekend.”

As he nodded in understanding, Edmund lifted a hand in greeting to a stocky, dark-haired man who returned the wave with a grin as he strode past.

“Who was that?” Elizabeth Ann wondered.

“Before you got here, I challenged him to a game of chess,” Edmund said. He gestured with his chin at a gathering of tables shaded by a grove of lime trees. At each game table, competitors stared intently at the black and white pieces arranged around the tabletop.

“You did?” Elizabeth Ann raised her eyebrows. “Does that guy speak English?”

“Nope.”

Elizabeth Ann laughed. Only her brother would have the confidence to challenge a stranger in a foreign country to a chess match.

“Who won?”

“Oh, he did. But I gave him a run for his money.”

“Très bien,” Elizabeth Ann praised and then stood up to welcome Angela and Victoria as they made their way back to join their dad at the park bench. Joy followed, smiling fondly at Elizabeth Ann.

“Auntie!” the little girls cried, laughing and skipping in their rush to give Elizabeth Ann exuberant hugs.

“Did you watch us sailing the boats?” six-year-old Victoria asked.

“Sure did,” Elizabeth Ann said.

“It was so fun!” Victoria slipped her hand into her aunt’s.

Elizabeth Ann squeezed her niece’s small, warm hand and bent down to kiss the top of her head.

“Hey, Dad,” Angela said. “You promised us ice cream. Can we get some now? I’m starving.”

“I did, didn’t I?” said Edmund. “Let’s see . . .” His voice trailed off as he pulled a guidebook from his back pocket. “I think there is an ice cream shop not too far from here.”

“Do you want ice cream?” Angela asked Elizabeth Ann.

“Always. I hope they have cinnamon ice cream,” she said.

“I never heard of cinnamon ice cream.” Victoria wrinkled her nose.

“It’s really good,” Elizabeth Ann insisted.

“My favorite is peanut butter cup. I hope they have that,” Victoria informed everyone at the same time that Edmund said, “Here we go. There’s a café on Rue Soufflot where we can have some Berthillon ice cream.”

He turned to Joy. “That’s the brand the travel agent recommended, right?”

“Definitely. He said it’s out of this world.”

“Sailboats, chess, and ice cream . . . could this day get any better?” Edmund joked. “Life is good.”

As the family set off, Victoria walked between her parents. But Angela followed behind with Elizabeth Ann. “I think I’ll get cinnamon ice cream like you,” she confided.

Elizabeth Ann put her arm around her older niece’s shoulder, her heart warmed by Angela’s earnest tone.

Edmund and Joy were so fortunate to have two sweet little daughters. Maude and Duncan were blessed with their children too. Walking along the leafy Parisian street with Edmund, Joy and the girls, Elizabeth Ann considered her brother’s words with bittersweet emotion.

Life was good, but she wondered when she would have a family of her own and hoped she would not have to wait too long.

Words and Photos: Floating

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When my husband and I vacationed in Costa Rica, we stayed at a lovely resort on Playa Conchal in Guanacaste.  The lagoon-style swimming pool was astonishing.  We were told it was the largest hotel pool in Central America.  We spent many serene hours relaxing on the lounge chairs and swimming in the infinite stretch of cool, inviting water.

Photo by L. Walkins, 2011

Photo by L. Walkins, 2011

“You’ll be back by Sunday, won’t you?”

Josie’s  desperate request floated through her mind as  Coral walked slowly along the edge of  the sun-dappled patio. The pool area was deserted at this early hour.  The only sounds breaking the stillness of the morning were the soft tread of her flip-flops against the warm stone and the lapping of the water against the sides of the pool. The scent of freshly baked croissants mingled with the fragrance of jasmine wafted through the clear, bright air.  A light breeze ruffled loose tendrils of hair that had escaped from her long braid and the tropical sun warmed her bare shoulders.

She dropped her canvas tote on one of the cushioned lounge chairs arranged in discreet groups beneath billowing white umbrellas.  Turning to look at the palm-lined pool, which seemed to go on forever, Coral wished she had left her cell phone at home or at least in the little safe in her hotel room.  She had hoped this weekend away would be a sort of retreat, a respite from her everyday life.  Apparently, her assistant hadn’t gotten the memo.  Before Coral even finished her breakfast of warm croissants, fresh mango and yogurt in the open-air dining room, Josie had called and texted twice.  In a long-winded voice message, Josie rambled on about Coral’s upcoming book tour, outlined all of the publisher’s expectations and wondered when she would be home.

Contemplating the glittering water in the serpentine swimming pool, Coral sighed as all her worries washed over her in waves of anxiety and indecision.  Where would she find the courage and yes even the ability to spend the next three months facing crowds at book-signings and even worse chatting with picture-perfect hosts on morning talk shows?

A year ago, when she sat down at her computer and wrote the first chapter of her novel, she had not imagined those lovingly crafted words would lead to this startling overnight success.  She had simply set out to tell a story. A coming-of-age story set in Scotland.  As she wrote, Coral got to know her fearless character, Iona Cay, and shepherded her through a life-altering adventure.  When her book made the New York Times best-seller list, no one was more surprised than Coral, and she was gobsmacked when she began to receive  stacks of letters from other women, telling her how much Iona’s story meant to them.  “Everything will be fine,” she murmured, recalling the  amazing gratitude she had felt on reading her first fan letter.

Coral kicked off her sandals and loosened the knot at the nape of her neck to remove the flowered sarong that covered her blue, polka-dot tankini.  “Everything will be fine,” she said again, drifting over to the side of the pool.  Slowly, she lowered herself into the water.  Pushing off with her feet, she began to swim.  She stretched her arms and kicked her legs, the cool water rushing over her body.

As images of her petite, bespectacled heroine filled her mind, Coral paused, treading water and contemplating the wide lagoon of sparkling water in front of her.  What would Iona do?  The intrepid girl hadn’t chickened out when she had to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe festival.  She had marched onto the stage and sang her heart out.  If Iona, who was a bit like an alter-ego, could overcome her fears, Coral should do the same.

Coral dove under water and twisted around as she surfaced.  Floating on her back, she gazed up at the cerulean sky.  Slowly, she began to relax.  Next month  when she set out on her tour, she would simply have to deal with her nerves.   For now, she would live in this timeless, buoyant moment and enjoy her weekend.  She would sit in the sun, catch up on her reading and walk on the beach.  And when she went back to her room, she would lock her cell phone away in the safe.

Art and Literature

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Photo by L. Walkins, 2010

A portrait in the Scottish National Gallery in Edinburgh inspired one of the scenes in my novel, Forget-Me-Not.  Darcy Seton visits the museum and spends some time studying a painting of her ancestors, George, 5th Lord Seton and His Family by Frans Pourbus the Elder.  Art and literature share an intrinsic connection.  Many authors have ventured into the artist’s world, writing compelling stories that bring to life the important figures in art history and their masterpieces.  Two of my favorite art-inspired novels are Luncheon of the Boating Party by Susan Vreeland and The Lady and the Unicorn by Tracy Chevalier.

Susan Vreeland vividly portrays the lives of Impressionist artist, Auguste Renoir, and his friends who posed for his celebrated painting, Luncheon of the Boating Party. She recreates 19th century Paris and brings Renoir’s amazing work of art to life. I especially enjoyed reading the scenes set on the terrace of the riverside restaurant. As Renoir labored over certain areas of the group portrait, I continually flipped the book closed to compare Vreeland’s descriptions to the cover illustration. I would love to go back to France some day and visit Chatou, the town where Renoir worked on his masterpiece.

Although I haven’t been to Chatou (yet), I have seen Renoir’s beautiful painting.  Luncheon of the Boating Party  is part of the Phillips Collection in Washington D.C.   On our last visit to our nation’s capital, my husband and I visited the museum and eagerly made our way to the second floor where the painting hangs.  We hurried down a hallway, rounded a corner into the gallery and stopped in amazement in front of Renoir’s brilliant portrait.  I felt like  I could step through the frame and join the Parisians lounging on the terrace of the restaurant, Maison Fournaise, on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Reading Vreeland’s novel encouraged me to go see Renoir’s work in D.C., but in opposite circumstances, I was inspired to read The Lady and the Unicorn by Tracy Chevalier after viewing the renowned unicorn tapestries at the Musée National du Moyen Age in Paris.  In her compelling historical novel, Chevalier skillfully weaves together the fascinating story of  the French family who commissioned the tapestries and the Belgian weavers who created them. I enjoyed reading her descriptions of the medieval setting and getting to know Chevalier’s well-drawn characters.  As an avid cross-stitcher, I was also fascinated by the details of how the iconic tapestries were created.  The six beautiful wool and silk tapestries created in Flanders nearly 700 years ago, are now housed behind glass in a dimly lit gallery on the lower floor of the Paris museum.

In William Makepeace Thackeray’s Vanity Fair, the Major tells Emmy that “every beauty of art or nature made him thankful as well as happy, and that the pleasure to be had in listening to fine music, as in looking at the stars in the sky, or at a beautiful landscape or picture, was a benefit for which we might thank Heaven as sincerely as for any other worldly blessing.”  Both Vreeland and Chevalier have generously shared “the beauty of art” with their countless thankful readers.  I am certainly glad to have had the opportunity to see these marvelous works of art and read the novels inspired by them. 

 

Literary Friendships Last Forever

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hsminireunions copy

Make new friends, but keep the old . . .

This summer, I reconnected with many childhood friends.  I had brunch with a high school classmate and her daughter.  We hadn’t seen each other in years and had a wonderful time filling each other in about our lives.  I went to dinner in Boston with friends from California who were dropping their daughter off at college.  They were nervous and excited for her as she begins this new chapter in her life.    I also traveled to my hometown in Connecticut for a mini-reunion with three of my best friends.  The four of us meet at least once a year to catch up, reminisce and share lots of laughter.  It is wonderful to be able to pick up where we left off so many years ago as if no time has passed at all.

Sandra CahillIn my book, Sandra Cahill’s Best Friend, Emma and Sam reconnect several years after high school, unsure if they can reestablish the bond they shared in tenth grade.  While I was working on this (my first) novel, I felt like I had a whole new set of friends.  Each day, I couldn’t wait to get home to jump back into Emma and Sam’s world.

I also enjoy reading about friendships.  Throughout literary history, authors have created memorable characters who confide in and rely completely upon each other only as best friends do.  A few of my favorite books feature some of literature’s most iconic characters and their steadfast companions.

Anne Shirley and Diana Barry  — When red-haired orphan, Anne Shirley comes to live with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert in Anne of Green Gables, she discovers that “kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think. It’s splendid to find out there are so many of them in the world.”  One of the most important kindred spirits in Anne’s new life is Diana Barry, her neighbor and best friend.  Anne and Diana share their hopes and dreams as they grow up on Prince Edward Island and remain bosom friends throughout the entire series.

Scarlett O’Hara and Melanie Hamilton — Scarlett and Melanie start out as romantic adversaries competing for the heart of Ashley Wilkes.  But then shots are fired on Fort Sumter and the war between the States begins.  United as sisters-in-law, Scarlett and her nemesis face Union soldiers, the burning of Atlanta, devastating hunger and Reconstruction.  Through all of these trials, Melanie becomes more important to Scarlett than she cares to admit.  In the end, Scarlett realizes just what a great friend she had in her former rival.

Jo and Meg March —  Sisters, Jo and Meg March, also confront difficulties brought on by the Civil War.  They wait anxiously at their Massachusetts home for news of their father, who has gone south to help the Union soldiers.  Although the March family does not have much money, Mr. and Mrs. March’s four little women are rich in other ways.  Jo and Meg support each other through their daily trials and tribulations, setting an admirable example for their younger sisters.   When Meg marries Mr. Brook, poor Jo fears she will lose her dearest friend, but the sister’s devotion to each other remains strong as they enter the world of marriage, children and running their own homes.

Nancy, Bess and George — Intrepid girl detective, Nancy Drew, depends on her best friends Bess Marvin and George Fayne, to help her solve many of her cases.  Although they are cousins, Bess and George have little in common.  Bess is pretty, blonde and feminine.  She is often frightened by the dangers she encounters while following Nancy in her adventures.  George, on the other hand, is an athletic brunette, who relishes coming to Nancy’s rescue when she gets herself in a tight spot.  Although Bess and George are little more than stock characters, their loyalty to Nancy is genuine.  The titian-haired sleuth is lucky to have such faithful friends.

Harry, Ron and Hermione —  Like Nancy Drew, Harry Potter, has two trusty friends at his side to help him solve mysteries at Hogwart’s School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.  Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley befriend the orphaned boy with the lightning bolt scar on their first day of school.  Together, this awesome threesome, stand up to the snobbery of pureblood Draco Malfoy, rail against the unfair attitudes of Professor Snape and battle the evil influences of Harry’s arch enemy, Voldemort.  They also share adolescent angst, academic challenges and romantic dilemmas as they come of age during their seven years at Hogwart’s.

Fortunately, these literary friendships will live on forever in the pages of their respective novels.  I too am fortunate to have made many lifelong friends.  Following the sage advice of the Girl Scouts, I have always been inspired to make new friends but keep the old; one is silver and the other gold.

Scotland: Top Ten

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The other day, my friend, Becca, mentioned that she and her husband are planning a trip to Scotland.  She asked my advice since she knows Scotland is my favorite travel destination.  Our conversation got me thinking about why I am so enchanted by this country.  Here are my top ten favorite memories of visiting Scotland . . .

  1. Photo by L. Walkins, 2010

    Photo by L. Walkins, 2010

    Edinburgh — The Scottish capital with its golden sandstone buildings, hidden closes and genteel New Town is a fairytale city guarded and protected by the immense castle on the cliff overlooking Princes Street Gardens.  Edinburgh Castle dates back to the twelfth century and today is an iconic tourist attraction according to the official website.  In my eyes, the castle certainly is iconic.  On one of my first trips to Scotland, I took the train from Glasgow to Scotland.  As we pulled into Waverly Station, I was greeted by a stunning view of the castle looming above the city.  Paris has the Eiffel Tower and Edinburgh has its castle.

    On our last trip to the Scottish capital, my husband, Ed, my cousin, Kelly, and I stayed at a wonderful boutique hotel, the Scotsman on North Bridge.  The hotel is housed in the former Scotsman Newspaper building.  The location is ideal, our room was comfortable and the hotel name on the outside of the building is shaped like a welcoming smile, which made me laugh every time we came in from our day of sightseeing.

  2. Photo by L. Walkins, 2010

    Photo by L. Walkins, 2010

    Military Tattoo — Every summer, in August, Edinburgh hosts a world-renowned arts festival.  One of the highlights of the festival is the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.  Every evening, massed pipes and drums and massed military bands take over the Castle Esplanade giving rousing performances to appreciative crowds.  Ed and I have been fortunate enough to enjoy the amazing spectacle that is the Tattoo two times.  The theme for the 2013 Military Tattoo is Year of Natural Scotland.

  3. Photo by L. Walkins, 1995

    Photo by L. Walkins, 1995

    Oban — A Victorian seaport on the west coast of Scotland, Oban is the seafood capital of Scotland.  Rather appropriately, Ed and I ate the most delicious fish and chips one afternoon in Oban.  We purchased our impromptu lunch at a corner take-away shop and ate the delectable fish and potatoes sitting by the harbor.  What a mouthwatering memory!
    Oban is also home to McCaig’s Tower, a definitive landmark.  Perched at the top of the town and the site of spectacular views, McCaig’s Tower was built in 1897 by a local banker, who wanted to provide work for the area stonemasons.

    Just off the coast, the islands of the Inner Hebrides dot the horizon.  In 1995, my friend, Susan, and I took an excursion from Oban to the Isle of Mull where we toured Duart Castle, the ancestral home of the Clan Maclean.  We explored the dungeons, state rooms and lovely gardens, enjoying a truly memorable afternoon.

  4. Photo by L. Walkins, 1995

    Photo by L. Walkins, 1995

    Millionaire’s Shortbread and Wall’s Ice Cream Bars — While participating in a week-long creative writing class at the University of Edinburgh’s International Summer School, I discovered this delectable treat in the dining hall.  Light and buttery shortbread topped with sweet caramel and smooth chocolate.  To my delight, I have found an easy and delicious recipe for the shortbread, so I can now indulge in a little taste of Scotland at home.

    Another delectable treat discovered during a Scottish vacation is the Wall’s Magnum ice cream bar.  Rich vanilla ice cream coated in luxurious Belgian chocolate, the Magnum bar comes in a variety of flavors.  My favorite is the Magnum White.  These creamy and refreshing ice cream treats are now available in my local grocery store.  Hooray!

  5. Photo by L. Walkins, 2006

    Photo by L. Walkins, 2006

    Royal Yacht Britannia — In 2006, Ed and I discovered that the Royal Family’s yacht is docked in Leith and open to the public.  Launched in 1953, the Royal Yacht Britannia traveled more than one million miles around the world.  Many of the royals honeymooned on the yacht.  Due to the state of the economy and the expense of maintaining the Britannia, the ship was decommissioned in 1994 destined to become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Scotland.  Ed and I toured the ship amazed by the elegance and comfort of the royal apartments.  We appreciated the audio narration provided as we explored one splendid room after another.

  6. Photo by L. Walkins, 1995

    Photo by L. Walkins, 1995

    St. Andrews — A quick train ride from Edinburgh, St. Andrews is revered as the Home of Golf.  To play a round on the Old Course must be a dream come true for enthusiasts of the ancient game.  During one visit, I went to the British Golf Museum in St. Andrews and spent the afternoon learning a lot about history of the sport.  However, there is much more to this lovely coastal resort.  It is home to a respected university and the site of many historical ruins, including St. Andrews Castle, a medieval fortress and St. Andrews Cathedral, once the largest cathedral in Scotland.

  7. Photo by L. Walkins, 2010

    Photo by L. Walkins, 2010

    Holyrood Palace — Mary Queen of Scots lived out many dramatic moments of her tumultuous reign in Holyrood Palace.  Most notably, her favored Italian secretary, David Rizzio, was killed in the Queen’s private rooms in the palace.  This gruesome event sent her on a fateful path that led to her eventual execution in England.  Today, Holyrood Palace is the home of Queen Elizabeth II and her family when they are in Edinburgh.  I have toured Holyrood several times, lunched in its pleasant café, wandered through the palace grounds and bought souvenirs in its charming gift shop.

  8. Photo by L. Walkins, 2006

    Photo by L. Walkins, 2006

    Inveraray Castle — On the same day Ed and I visited Oban, we also toured Inveraray Castle in Argyll.  We were on a bus tour of the West Highlands.  Ancestral home of the Clan Campbell, the castle is the residence of the Duke of Argyll.  Ed and I had a grand time wandering through the castle’s armoury hall, state dining room, tapestry drawing room, kitchens and picture turret where family memorabilia is displayed.  We were intrigued by the fact that the present duke is married to Eleanor Cadbury of the Cadbury Chocolate family.  We were also surprised last winter when we recognized Inveraray Castle as one of the settings in the popular BBC series, Downton Abbey.

  9. Photo by L. Walkins, 2010

    Photo by L. Walkins, 2010

    Sheep Heid Inn — In 2010, I had just finished writing my novel, Forget-Me-Not.  When I went to Edinburgh in August, I made an effort to visit some of the settings from my book, including Duddingston Loch, where both Darcy and Mary fretted about the nature of true love.  Ed and I admired the scenic lake and then went for lunch at the oldest pub in Scotland, the Sheep Heid Inn, established in 1360.  Historically, this cozy pub has been frequented by famous monarchs and poets like Mary Queen of Scots and her son, James VI, as well as Robert Louis Stevenson and Robert Burns.  Ed and I loved the atmosphere as well as the hearty food.  I enjoyed a tasty chicken and chorizo salad, while Ed devoured a filling Angus beef burger.

  10. Photo by L. Walkins, 1995

    Photo by L. Walkins, 1995

    Loch Ness — In our travels around Scotland, my friend Susan and I took a day cruise on Loch Ness.  It was a beautiful, sunny day.  A pleasant scientist named John piloted the boat and told us some interesting facts about the loch and its notorious monster.  He also regaled us with the history of Urquhart Castle, which graces the shore of the famous loch.  As we approached the castle, we could hear a lone bagpipe player making music from its ramparts.   We got chills!

How I wish I were planning a trip to Scotland like Becca.  Whenever I become nostalgic for my favorite travel destination, I like to lose myself in the pages of one of the Isabel Dalhousie or 44 Scotland Street novels by Alexander McCall Smith and take a vicarious literary journey to walk the streets of Edinburgh with his quirky characters.  Scotland is a place of dramatic history, unique traditions and breathtaking landscapes — a place of wonder!!

Carousel Rides: Galloping Back to the Simple Pleasures of Childhood

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Photo by L. Walkins

Photo by L. Walkins

Who can resist the glittering lights, flashing mirrors and beckoning music of a merry-go-round?  For me, climbing into the saddle of a lavishly painted carousel horse always transports me on a nostalgic journey back to the simple pleasures of childhood.  For the past several years, while on vacation, I have tracked down a carousel to ride (and photograph) whenever possible.  I have ridden them in New York, Chicago and even Paris, France.  I have found merry-go-rounds populated by animals on the endangered species list or animated sea creatures.  The most unusual carousel I have come across in the my travels was a double-decker carousel at Wildwood in New Jersey.  One of my favorite carousels is located in Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh, Scotland (the same one my character Darcy Seton rides in Forget-Me-Not).

Photo by L. Walkins

Photo by L. Walkins

It is interesting to note that the cheerful carousel that enchants Darcy Seton can trace its origins back to the jousting tournaments most likely attended by her ancestor, Mary, maid of honor to Mary, Queen of Scots.  The word carousel comes from the Italian carosello which means “little war.”  In medieval times, knights competed in a game requiring them to catch a ring suspended from a tree branch with their spear.  As part of their training, the knights used a rotating practice machine equipped with model horses and chariots suspended by chains from a center pole.  Through the centuries, this practical machine evolved into the popular amusement park or fairground attraction of today.

Photo by L. Walkins

Photo by L. Walkins

From 1880 to 1930, the carousel enjoyed a golden age in America.  During that time, master carvers created magnificent hand-carved and decoratively painted wooden animals.  Today, they are considered treasured works of art, an important part of Americana.  Fewer than 150 of these classic carousels remain in operation.  The two oldest American carousels date back to 1876.  Located in Westerly, Rhode Island and in Oak Bluffs, MA on the island Martha’s Vineyard, they are both flying horse carousels.  The horses are not attached to the floor of the carousel housing.  Instead, they are suspended by chains and fly out as the ride revolves.

Photo by L. Walkins

Photo by L. Walkins

My state, Massachusetts, is home to seven additional antique carousels.  I think I’ll have to plan a road trip this summer to continue my quest.  In addition to riding some of these local carousels, I may also  drive down to Bristol, Connecticut to visit the New England Carousel Museum.   Undoubtedly, a merry time will be had by all!

A Place of Inspiration, Information and Excitement!

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Claire met me in front of the bookstore.  I stood under the green and white striped awning, with my hands in the pockets of my denim jacket and my back to the wind.  A sharp breeze from the beach swooped down Main Street every few minutes.  The sky was blanketed with thick, white clouds.  Across the street, somebody was changing the titles on the movie theater marquee.  So far, the sign read Kramer v. Kra, and the man on the scaffolding held a giant ‘M’ in his gloved hands.  Dustin Hoffman was one of my favorite actors.  I hoped Scott would be willing to sit through another girly movie with me.     

Claire appeared from around the corner.  She shivered in Mark’s track team jacket, which was a couple of sizes too large for her, and swept her wind-blown hair from her eyes. 

“Sam, Rachel and Sarah are inside.  We’re going to browse in the book store and then head over to the boutique,” I said.

Claire stood up on tiptoe to peer into the store window.    “Sam’s here?  Does that mean . . .”

I shook my head.  “She’s still not talking to me . . .

In Sandra Cahill’s Best Friend, my character, Emma Butler, and her friends love to hang out in their local bookstore.  Both Emma and Sam are enthusiastic readers.  In the late 1970s, small bookshops graced the main streets of towns across America.  When I was a teen, I used to ride my bike to a wonderful used bookstore called the Book Swap.  I spent many an afternoon happily browsing through their stacks of paperbacks.  Today, I am glad that despite the proliferation of e-books and online booksellers, some independent bookstores still offer a warm and inviting haven where readers may continue to admire the covers of newly printed novels or flip through the pages of glossy coffee table books while they shop.

Photo by L. Walkins, August 2009

The town where I grew up, Madison, CT, is home to an award-winning independent bookstore.  R.J. Julia Booksellers opened its doors in 1990 and soon became the place where shoreline residents flocked to find their next good read.  Although, I now live several hundred miles away, whenever I drive through Connecticut with my husband, we always make a point of stopping in Madison to visit our favorite bookstore.  Not only do the knowledgeable booksellers offer a fabulous selection of titles including a shelf of staff suggestions, the store also hosts a full calendar of author events, provides self-publishing opportunities with the Espresso Book Machine and runs a busy café.  The next time you are traveling down I-95, take exit 61, make a left onto Route 79, drive into downtown Madison to do a little book shopping or simply enjoy a cup of coffee and a sweet treat in the RJ Café.  According to their website, the booksellers at R.J. Julia’s pride themselves on providing “a place of inspiration, information and excitement.”  I guarantee once you step through the door, you will be inspired to return to R.J. Julia’s again and again.

The Call of the Muse

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Last Saturday was Recital Day for my niece, Sarah. A devoted and talented dancer, she looks forward to this capstone day of her dance season all year long. This year, she performed in six dances throughout the four shows, tap, ballet, jazz and lyrical. Sarah also confidently donned her gold jacket for the finale of each performance. As I sat in the audience, I marveled over how amazing all of the kids are. From the cutest three-year old ballerina to the accomplished seventeen-year old tap dancer, they are all clearly inspired by the Muse, Terpsichore.

In Greek mythology, Terpsichore and her eight sisters, are the daughters of Mnemosyne and Zeus, who devote their lives to the arts. Terpsichore is the Muse of Dance. She is the patron of education and the harp, as well as dance. In art, she is often shown wearing a crown of laurels and carrying a harp. Children who are able to follow the call of the muse and explore their talents and creativity through the arts are fortunate, indeed.

In my novels, Terpsichore’s sister, Euterpe (Muse of Music), plays an important role in the lives of Darcy and Mary Seton (Forget-Me-Not) and Emma Butler (Sandra Cahill’s Best Friend). Darcy, a music teacher at a private school in Boston, plays the violin in a community orchestra. Centuries earlier, her ancestor, Mary Seton, spends much of her time pursuing her own interest in the arts, playing the lute for Queen Mary’s courtiers or sharing a quiet afternoon embroidering with the Queen. High school sophomore, Emma Butler, loves to listen to classical music and is an enthusiastic member of her school band. Her favorite piece is Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture.”

imageThe brass section proceeded somberly through the opening bars, while the woodwinds counted. The tempo increased slightly and the flutes joined in, echoing musical phrases with the trumpets and trombones in a thrilling crescendo until the percussion brought the rising emotion to a thunderous conclusion in a resounding downbeat.

Scott was playing the timpani and he made his important entrance with admirable precision. I couldn’t keep myself from looking at Sam at that exact moment. Her eyes twinkled at me in shared delight . . .

Like Emma, I am a flute player, so I too feel connected to the muse, Euterpe and as a writer I am partial to Clio, the muse of history and writing.  Music, dance, writing and visual arts bring beauty and enjoyment into the lives of all who are compelled to follow the call of the muse.

Millionaire’s Shortbread

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In 1995, I traveled to Scotland to take a week-long writing course at the International Summer School at University of Edinburgh.  In addition to honing my creative writing skills, I did a lot of memorable sightseeing and discovered a delicious Scottish snack in the dining hall at the university.  Millionaire’s Shortbread!

Darcy and Ian indulge in a few squares of this satisfyingly sweet shortbread in my novel, Forget-Me-Not.

Darcy tucked her paperback into her bag as he returned to the table carrying a tray laden with two white crockery mugs and plates of chocolate-covered shortbread.

“I got you Earl Grey,” he said.

“Wonderful.”  She looked at him, her gaze drawn once again to his slate gray eyes.   The color reminded her of the ocean on a stormy day.

He took his seat and added copious spoonfuls of sugar to his coffee.  “The cookies are called millionaire’s shortbread.  Have you ever had it before?”

“I don’t think so.”  Darcy took a bite, closing her eyes as she savored the buttery sweetness.  “Is there caramel in it?”

“Uh huh.”  He took a generous mouthful, his eyes twinkling at her as he chewed and swallowed.  “It was my favorite thing in this tea room. Until today.” 

Like Darcy, I was delighted by the chocolate and caramel flavors mixed with the crunch of the buttery cookie.  Shortbread lovers can find a long list of recipes online for this popular U.K. treat.   I tried a recipe from Claire Robinson of the Food Network after she baked a tray of Millionaire’s Shortbread on her show 5-Ingredient Fix.  The cookies were easy to make and delicious – a little taste of Scotland at home.