46th Shenandoah Antiques Expo

Sometimes I get really excited about something I'll be doing in the future. Well, okay, those who know me well know that I often get excited about, well, just about anything. I especially love antiques. I appreciate the expert craftsman who has lovingly created a piece of beauty. I love that extra glow, the patina in those old cherry, walnut, and mahogany pieces. Old paintings seem to bring me into them, and I imagine all kinds of stories. The picture below was painted in 1865 by the Scotsman A. Perigal. I first remember seeing it at my grandmother's house when I was a little girl, and when boredom set in, I'd sit and stare at the painting, lose myself in it. I think that was when I started writing, only I didn't know I was writing. And now writing is a big part of my life.


When I eventually inherited this painting, there were holes in it, and the painting was in terrible shape. I couldn't stand to lose it. I found a lady who restored the painting and the gold-leaf frame. She was expensive, but I have not regretted it one bit.

And guess what? On Saturday, May 1, 2010, I'll be surrounded by antiques! And I'll be selling my two novels, Secrets at Spawning Run and Secrets at Sweetwater Cove. And my darling daughter Christine will be with me. I'm so excited I can hardly stand it. Can you blame me?

Christine and I will be at the three-day 46TH SHENANDOAH ANTIQUES EXPO in Fishersville, Virginia, signing books and salivating over antiques. I just might bring home a found treasure or two. The show will be April 30, May 1 & 2. Christine and I will be there on May 1 from 9-12. For more info, check their website. The cost is $5.00 per day, except Friday when the charge of $10 will cover admission for all three days.

If you're an antique buff, you won't want to miss this show. And if you happen to come on Saturday, May 1, Christine and I will be in the Main Expo Hall to meet people and autograph copies of my novels. Hope to see you there.