This little girl in the birdbath is like me in spirit. How can it be time to give up this view of summer and accept that most of my plans never happened.
“Summer’s lease hath all too short a date.”
Sonnet 18, William Shakespeare
I’m short a few weeks of finishing my 3rd novel, A Garden of Sweet Disorder, the reason I took August off from writing the Main Street Rocky Mount blog. Even still, I have posts ready to publish starting September 3rd. I had a wonderful week in Florida with generous friends who took me on adventures to see various stages of mixed-use developments. I came home with new insights concerning Main Street and our surrounding downtown core. For the first time, we will have a guest blogger, Rodd Myers, posting on three upcoming dates. I have great respect for Rodd’s background in urban planning, and his heart for preservation. Rodd is a past resident of Rocky Mount and a keen observer of what works in revitalizing communities such as ours. These posts will add new insights when discussing Rocky Mount’s future.
I don’t actually write on an old typewriter, but it suits my imagination to pretend that I do. They say you should write what you know. One of my unlived lives is a career in Historic Preservation. The research I love in preparing for the blog has helped me write the new book. Sarah Collins, the main character, shares my love of architecture. She works for The National Trust. Her essays and photographs about architecture are important to the story. The aftermath of Katrina also plays a part in the story. (As I write this I am watching the new hurricane, Dorian, approaching Florida.) A secret is revealed that takes Sarah to Burford in the Cotswolds, the setting for the second half of the book. Those who have read my first novel – Greening of a Heart will recognize Burford, a world and set of characters that have become a big part of my life.
On Tuesday, I will slip out of the birdbath, and begin anew taking up the theme of the Main Street blog: building a future and honoring the past. Please join me!
Main Street Rocky Mount 
Welcome back, Stepheney – your post is a Friday treat!
Glad you had time to recharge your spirit and revisit your imaginary typewriter. Perhaps we should all play sounds of old typewriters as we type? I do miss that rhythm! 😄
I’ll be looking forward to posts from you snd from Rodd, and also the future date when your new book is released. Your description of your book has me curious!
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Stepheny,
John, Don and I are filled to the brim with wisdom, laughs and love from knowing you. All those years ago, due to a chance December meeting, who knew you would enrich our lives as you have– and that you would become family. We three have been planning more adventures for your next visit!
As for me–I am so grateful for our fantastic and fruitful discussions about preservation, architecture, politics and what is vital to saving our vanishing neighborhoods. The fabric of a city, town or small village is so dependent on history and architecture for their futures. Blogs like this forward the message,
Hugs and kisses!
Rodd, John and Don
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