Veronica Randolph Batterson's Blog, page 4

O Mio Babbino Caro

For my latest blog post, I'm sharing a short story that I recently completed. The title is "O Mio Babbino Caro" and it is a story of lost love, aging and dying and the significance of a Puccini aria (which is also the title of the short story) to the couple in the story. As usual, I'm appreciative of all who read my blog. Thank you.

O Mio Babbino Caro

The old man blinked. His vision was cloudy and he knew someone was standing in front of him. He could barely make out a shape... To read this story, please visit my blog at http://veronicarbatterson.blogspot.com.

Estate Sales of the Future...Strip Before Entering

For many years, I've enjoyed attending estate sales. When I owned an antiques business, a great deal of my merchandise came from these sales and from auctions. Since I closed my business, I no longer spend weekends searching for treasures to resell, but I do occasionally attend a sale if I have time. Sometimes it's just the thrill of the hunt for me and I do find things that are personal and I keep them for myself. Mostly, I enjoy the history behind the items and sometimes the homes that I see.

It seems estate sales aren't what they used to be. Attending one recently...to read the rest please visit my blog at http://www.veronicarbatterson.blogspo....

As always, thanks for reading this stuff!

It Isn't Called Plymouth Boulder

Summer has arrived, even though the weather contradicts this for some of us, and holiday vacation plans are in full swing. In a month, those of us in the US will find ways to celebrate this nation's Independence Day. The week surrounding the July 4th holiday will see people traveling to beaches, the mountains or across town to be with family. Some will remain home to enjoy cookouts and fireworks with friends.

I've enjoyed and celebrated this time in many locations over the years. Looking back, I think one of the best places to spend July 4th is in the city of Boston. Where else to honor...

Please visit http://www.veronicarbatterson.blogspo... to read the rest of this blog post. As always, thanks for reading.

Daniel's Esperanza

I thought I'd give an update regarding the status of my latest novel, Daniel's Esperanza. It is complete but I'm researching new publishing options, which takes time. The manuscript is out and being reviewed by several sources and I hope to have some news soon. However, if I do go with a new publisher, it could still take awhile before the book is published. I'm impatient but there isn't much I can do at this point.

Since I've revealed the title in this post, I would like to say Daniel's Esperanza is written for the adult reader. I've strayed from my previous books...

To read more of this entry, please visit www.veronicarbatterson.blogspot.com. Thanks for taking the time to read my posts.

Charing Cross

As I've done in a couple of blog posts, I would like to share a short story I wrote a few years ago. If you're an Anglophile, or if you like history and/or the paranormal, perhaps you'll enjoy Charing Cross. Thanks for taking the time to read my work and, as always, copyright applies.

Charing Cross

The bookshop was isolated, its location hidden from the steady stream of traffic along Charing Cross Road. That gave it an appealing quality, and each time I visited, I felt I'd found something in London no one else had discovered...

To read the rest of the story, please visit my blog at http://www.veronicarbatterson.blogspo....

Fountaindale Public Library Author Fair

The Fountaindale Public Library will hold its annual Author Fair on Saturday, April 13, 2013 in Bolingbrook, Illinois. I'll be attending with a host of other authors, representing many genres, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Stop by if you're in the area and say hello. I will have copies of my books, Billy's First Dance and Funny Pages for sale and will be happy to sign them, as well. My latest novel has yet to be published, but I will have information to share about it...it's coming soon.

To read more of my blog, please visit http:www.veronicarbatterson.blogspot.com. As always, thanks for reading.

Where the Red Fern Grows

If I could recommend one children's book that all adults should read, it would be Wilson Rawls' Where the Red Fern Grows. Set in the Ozarks, the wonderful story was introduced to me in elementary school by a teacher, Miss Wilder (I never knew her first name), and the personalities of Old Dan and Little Ann still warm my heart.

Originally published in 1961, the tale is one of simpler times, but the life lessons are relevant today. Or they should be. Some people could learn a great deal from the fictional character, Billy Coleman.

To read the rest of this blog post, please visit my blog at http://www.veronicarbatterson.blogspo.... Thanks to all for taking the time to read my work.

Well, It's Getting in My Eyes

Nineteen years ago, we made a move that would change my life, or at least my perspective of it. A new job uprooted our family tree, transporting us from southeast Tennessee and planting us in the middle of Grosse Pointe, Michigan (just outside of Detroit).

It was January of 1994 and it was cold. I remember being cold all of the time, in fact. A foot or more of snow carpeted the ground and it didn't go anywhere. This southern belle's experience with snow was limited.

To read the rest of this blog post, please visit http://www.veronicarbatterson.blogspo.... I've never claimed to be a poet, but included in this post is a poem I wrote at the time for my then three-year-old daughter. (Don't be too harsh!) Thanks for reading.

A New Year and No More Reluctance

Yesterday marked my blog's first anniversary. This is quite an accomplishment considering I never had any intention of starting one in the first place. Blogs (one of the most unappealing words, I think) did not interest me and I didn't really feel I had anything of narrative substance to offer readers. I also didn't think I could keep up with the world's multitude who feel they do have a lot to say. But I took advice and reluctantly started one, never thinking I'd keep it up.

I began 2012 as "The Reluctant Blogger"...to read the rest of the blog, please visit http://www.veronicarbatterson.blogspo....

As usual, I always appreciate those who take the time to read what I have to say.

Just in Case Uncle Sam Should Take Me

One of the best things about finding an antique or vintage item is learning the history or story behind it. As a former owner of an antiques' business, I found many relics of the past but the ones closest to my heart came with names, notes, dates and photographs. Maybe my love of history compels me to feel this way, but it's pretty special when a unique piece brings historical events and people to life.

To read the rest of this post, please visit my blog at http://www.veronicarbatterson.blogspo....

As always, thanks for reading!