Smith Mountain Lake Mystery Writer

Contemplations from a quiet cove on Smith Mountain Lake.

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Location: United States

I'm a Southern gal who loves life, my husband and our family (which, to date, includes 13 grandchildren). I enjoy being with friends and family. But I also like being alone and thinking up plots for future books. I've published two novels, both mysteries, and I'm working on my third. For more about my books, visit me at www.sallyroseveare.com. If you ever hear me say, "I'm bored," please get me to the ER immediately! Paddling my kayak and snapping pictures of the critters I see relaxes me. Beach music has the opposite effect--when I hear those old "doo-wops" I want to dance.

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Downtown Spring Fling

On May 7th, Mike Davis and I shared a booth at the "Downtown Spring Fling" Arts & Crafts Show in Rocky Mount, Virginia. Mike arrived around 8:00 a.m. to begin setting up. I joined him at 8:15. Mike and I had shared a speaking event at the Franklin County Library in Rocky Mount once, so I knew we'd have fun. Plus, he's a nice guy.


Mike (above) is the author of 12 novels--romantic suspense
and science fiction.


Because of concern about being set up on pavement with a blazing sun overhead, friend Amy Thomas loaned me her tent/canopy. Then the weather forecast the night before said the high temperature at noon would be 60 degrees, so Mike and I decided not to take the canopy. Bad idea. We nearly fried. But we survived and had a great time.



That's me wearing hubby Ron's red North Carolina State
baseball cap.
At one point I had TWO caps on with one bill facing
forward,
one facing backwards. The sun was HOT!

Mary Wray, owner of "The Artisan Center along the Crooked Road" and organizer of the Spring Fling, took excellent care of the vendors (around 30, I think) who were selling their wares, provided a clean bathroom indoors for us, helped with anything we needed. Mike and I met some nice, interesting people and sold some books.

Several painters, photographers, pottery creators, woodworkers, jewelry makers, and other artisans had items on display and for sale. I bought two pairs of earrings from wood turner friend Hugh Key.

Usually when I speak to groups or do book signings, I bring my stuffed black Labrador retriever King. Don't worry, he was never a real, honest-to-goodness live dog. He's stuffed like a child's teddy bear. I bring King to events because both my novels have a real "King" in them. Children love King, enjoy patting his head, rubbing his back, climbing on him. Most other dogs like him, although they always give him the sniff test. Asa, a German Shepherd at this event, accepted King immediately.

King

If there's another "Downtown Spring Fling" next year, you should go. But if you can't, know that The Artisan Center has most of the vendors' works throughout the year. And there's lots of other stuff to do in Rocky Mount.

At 3:00, Mike and I loaded up our vehicles and left--hot, tired, and happy.




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Friday, February 18, 2011

The Artisan Center Along the Crooked Road

Yesterday I discovered what promises to become one of my favorite places to shop. "The Artisan Center Along the Crooked Road" is located in downtown Rocky Mount, and showcases the works of over 60 talented artisans and authors of Southwest Virginia. Here you can purchase original paintings, pottery, wood carvings and turnings, sculptures, photography, stained glass, mosaics, books and other media.

Many items appealed to me, especially the paintings of birds and other animals. When I return next week I'll buy one of the gorgeous cutting boards, and maybe something else, too.

The Artisan Center will host an open house/ribbon cutting on Thursday, February 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Stop by, meet owners James and Mary Wray and the artists and authors, and tour the shop. You'll be glad you did. Refreshments will be served, too, so how can you go wrong?

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