To all my Deer Lake friends: You’ll like this one! Laura and I at her home in Mifflintown.
York, Pennsylvania
Squinting with my old friend Marlea, the city of York in the background.And then it rained! And rained. I’m not sure that I’ve ever been so wet.
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
These two boys were hauling something–I couldn’t tell what–while both riding the same bicycle. Of course I had to take a picture.This group was packing rice at the Christian Aid Ministries’ warehouse. I thought it made an interesting scene.
Mercersburg, Pennsylvania
I met the famous author and my email buddy, Sheila Petre, for the first time ever. Practically her first words to me were: “You’re more grown up than I hoped you were.” Oh. Add that to the list of words I never expected to hear. I guess somewhere along the way, I have perfected an adult demeanor.Sheilah’s two daughters have nightgowns which match my dress (only one nightgown pictured). Imagine that.Zahraa is over from Bahrain for a month’s visit, during her vacation from university. She stayed with the Petre family through several high school years as a foreign exchange student. Sheila has written about Zahraa before. I felt honored to meet her. Read a snippet of Zahraa’s experience as an exchange student here: https://lucindajkinsinger.com/why-a-mennonite-housewife-cares-about-the-king-of-saudi-arabia/
Harrisonburg, Virginia
A picnic lunch with Ruth and Sue, who took me under their wing for an evening.The mountains of the Shenandoah Valley are breathtaking at sunset.I was privileged to spend time with Melody, one of my editors from Herald Press.
South Boston, Virginia
Helicopter rides are even more fun than airplane rides because you fly lower and can see out those big windows for miles and miles. Plus the helicopter bounces a little in the wind sometimes, which adds to your sense of motion and excitement.
Sadly, I forgot to take pictures about half the time, so I don’t have a record of everyone I have spent time with on this trip. But in all my stops, it has been ever so good to connect with old friends and new friends. My life is richer by the kindness and goodwill of people around me.
I remember leaning over the rail at Mall of America once, a young friend beside me, watching a performance of jump-roping kids. The mall, as always, was streaming with people of all shapes and sizes.
“People are just so NICE,” my young friend said. I don’t remember what prompted her to say it, but I agree.
Lucinda — I enjoyed reading this post and looking at the photographs. One of the places I may go is the Writers’ Institute at UW-Madison in April. If I get the opportunity, I hope to see you there.
So pleased that I was able to meet up with you on your tour. And I was home before I thought that I wished I had taken a photo of us. Not just anytime that I get to meet a published author.
Gina
Lucinda — I enjoyed reading this post and looking at the photographs. One of the places I may go is the Writers’ Institute at UW-Madison in April. If I get the opportunity, I hope to see you there.
Lovely. Will you be a speaker again? Do let me know if you go, because that will help me in making my own decision.
I won’t find out until the very end of August if I’ve been selected as a speaker again. I’ll let you know when I find out. 😊
Ah! You got to meet Sheila Petrie! Lucky you! That’s one of my personal goals:)
You look so happy, what a blessed whirlwind time :)
So pleased that I was able to meet up with you on your tour. And I was home before I thought that I wished I had taken a photo of us. Not just anytime that I get to meet a published author.
Gina
I wish we did have a photo! It was so good to see you, though, I won’t complain over lack of photo.