Books In Progress Conference
A couple of weeks ago, I finally utilized a gem in Lexington, The Carnegie Center for Literacy & Learning. As someone who has a goal to write a book but no idea if I'm on the right path, I thought the Books-in-Progress Conference sounded perfect.
The conference featured sessions for writers of all types: fiction, non-fiction, poetry, YA, and more. Bestselling author and Kentucky-native Barbara Kingsolver led the keynote session where she answered a variety of questions from the group about her inspiration, research, writing, and editing process. Literary agents Sorche Fairbank and Janet Reid were on hand to have individual sessions with authors, and also to speak about the querying process.
The conference featured sessions for writers of all types: fiction, non-fiction, poetry, YA, and more. Bestselling author and Kentucky-native Barbara Kingsolver led the keynote session where she answered a variety of questions from the group about her inspiration, research, writing, and editing process. Literary agents Sorche Fairbank and Janet Reid were on hand to have individual sessions with authors, and also to speak about the querying process.
The sessions were fantastic and I left not only with inspiration to write, but also feeling that you don't have to be a literary whiz in order to call yourself a writer.
The Carnegie Center offers classes both online and off throughout the year, and also provides writing mentors for consultation. If you have any interest in writing, check them out as we continue to hold Kentucky as the literary arts capital of Mid-America. (Here's a great article from Business Lexington about local authors)
Learn more about the Carnegie Center on their website. To read about more of HerKentucky's favorite Kentucky-writers, check out this post.
A Kentuckian in California
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| I mean they have these in the BACKYARD! |
I went to California.
Now, first let me say, it is not Californians with which I have a problem. Everyone was super sweet and accommodating and generous. Got nothing but love for all the fabulous people I met in California. However...let me share a rundown of observations from the Sunshine State that left me longing for the the bluegrass of Kentucky after only a couple of days.
* The June gloom was a real bummer, even if it did burn off by the afternoon.
* Everything is SO. SO. SO. expensive.
* There is an excessive amount of door locking that had me pretty paranoid by the end of the trip.
* I do not ever in my life want to spend that much time and energy thinking about (much less sitting in) traffic.
* Seriously, $4.15 for a *&%# gallon of gas!
* I'm not sure I want kale to be that large of a part of my diet.
* I do not miss living in an one industry town.
* A plethora of options is at the same time exciting and exhausting.
* Turns out being around a bunch of skinny tan people is not so great for the old self-image.
* Lunch should never cost $30 for ONE person. (Noticing a theme here?)
In full disclosure, there were some nice things. They have SIDEWALKS - a novel concept I know but one Paducah hasn't quite got on to yet. Despite the annoying and pervasive presence of skinny people, it was nice to always have fresh, healthy food options close by. The Coffee Bean is in fact delicious and I got to go to an H&M (Hallelujah!).
But...
My first full day back home I had to go to baby shower. It was about five minutes away (in fairness, everything in Paducah is about five minutes away) and as I rounded a corner and turned onto a highway surrounded by green fields and topped by big, wide open blue sky I found myself taking a deep, slow exhale.
~ Sarah Stewart Holland
Gift Guide for Kentucky Dads
The other day, my brother and I were joking about how easy it is to phone it in with Father's Day presents. I figured that most Americans would opt for a new iPad loaded with the Weber Grill app -- done and done. This got me thinking about truly unique, Kentucky-themed presents. Here are a few ideas that I believe your father, husband, etc., will adore.
Of course, Kentucky has so many local treasures to offer your dad. My own daddy asked for a round at Lexington's Kearney Hills Golf Links. If Dad isn't a golfer, a trip to a local lake or state park would be fun. A trip to see the Legends or the Bats is appreciated by the baseball-loving dad.
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| via Keeneland Gift Shop |
If Dad loves racing, Keeneland-logo gear is always appreciated. This Smathers & Branson needlepoint belt is just gorgeous, a Keeneland Tervis Tumbler is always appreciated, and the Keeneland twill baseball cap is a classic favorite.
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| via Pennington and Bailes |
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| via BigTimeBats. |
The Kentucky fan on your Father's Day list would love these seersucker shorts from Pennington and Bailes or a UK tie from Vineyard Vines. And how awesome would this National Champs Louisville Slugger be for his office shelf?
Of course, Kentucky has so many local treasures to offer your dad. My own daddy asked for a round at Lexington's Kearney Hills Golf Links. If Dad isn't a golfer, a trip to a local lake or state park would be fun. A trip to see the Legends or the Bats is appreciated by the baseball-loving dad.
The foodie dad would appreciate a trip to one of Louisville's incredible restaurants. I'd suggest Proof on Main for great food, cool atmosphere and fantastic cocktails. Of course, you can never go wrong with a bottle of bourbon. Pair dad's favorite bottle with a set of whiskey stones, and you're good to go.
Are there any Kentucky gifts on your Father's Day shopping list?
Are there any Kentucky gifts on your Father's Day shopping list?
Garden Success in the Bluegrass!
Last month, I shared with you my source for all things vegetable plants: Michler’s in Lexington. Today, I’m here to show you a little bit of success.
I am proud to reveal my very first harvestable, I-can’t-believe-I-didn’t-kill-them vegetables. I give you…radishes:
These guys were, reportedly, juicy and carried a little bit of spicy bite to them. I’m not a fan of radishes, so I happily divided my harvest between my husband and my mom. Both of them bit right into them like they were apples. Success!
Almost ready to harvest is this banana pepper. I LOVE banana peppers and am trying to wait patiently until it’s fully ripe. Not much longer!
The cayenne peppers are coming along quite nicely, too. My husband says we need to wait just a bit longer for these to be ready. I have no idea what do with them once harvested, but he seems excited at the process. It took me by surprise that there was even fruit on this plant. It’s hard to spot!
For you seasoned green thumbs, these three successes might seem old hat or piddly. Not so, my friends! This is proof that I do not kill every living plant placed in my care. It’s a summertime miracle!
Kentucky Places: Zappos Fulfillment Center
I bet most of you all didn't know that Shephardsville, Ky (about 10 minutes outside of Louisville) is the home to several fulfillment centers- Zappos, Rue La La, and Gilt Groupe.
Back in 2003, one of my High School friends told me about a little known secret- the Zappos Outlet. Zappos is an online retailer of everything from high end shoes to clothes, accessories, and just about anything in between!
I always try to pop in to see if the Zappos Outlet has any good deals, and most of the time they definitely do! Basically anything that is on the Zappos website is fair game for the outlet. I have seen very expensive high-end shoes there for nearly 75% off of retail.
If you're ever driving up I-65 towards Louisville, you may want to stop and check it out. I promise you won't be disappointed.
In Photos: 5K on the Runway
Sunday morning I volunteered for the United Way of the Bluegrass 5K on the Runway. It was part of an entire day where a portion of the Lexington airport (LEX) was shut down for fitness activities down a couple of the runways - part of 2nd Sunday by Get Healthy Kentucky.
Getting to see the sun rise over the runway was such a fun experience. The weather was perfectly cool. 2 flat laps around the runway and the 5K was finished.