Discovery -- Josephine Sculpture Park

Sometimes there are points of interest practically right under our nose. Such was the case for me when I ventured about four miles from my home in Frankfort, Ky.,  to visit the Josephine Sculpture Park.

I live  in  a town rich in history, being the capital of Kentucky. But for some inexplicable reason, I never visited the sculpture park, even though I've lived here for nearly 16 years (it didn't become a public park until 2009).



So on one warm pre-spring morning, I decided to drive to park and see what it had to offer. It was bigger and better than I expected.

According to the park's website, JSP is named after Josephine VanHouten, who owned a farm from which the park is located, off Lawrenceburg Road. Her granddaughter, Melanie, is the artistic director.

Josephine Sculpture Park spreads over about 20 acres, south of town, divided into four sections—Queen Anne's Meadow, Native Hill, Eastern Ridge, and Walnut Grove.

As I walked on the quiet paths from one section to the other, I looked at the 40 or so sculptures and murals that adorn the public park. As for the art, some I liked, some not so much, but it was still a feast for the eyes to discover a park devoted to artistic expression.

Visitors Center

The park also has a primitive amphitheater for performing arts, visitors center, and during the year hosts workshops, field trips concerts, exhibits and more. It is also pet-friendly and smoke-free.

I'll be making return trips, with my dogs, to stroll about the park now that spring has finally arrived and the weather will be warmer.



I plan to discover more sites close to home in the coming months.

Until the next time. . . .

Info:
Josephine Sculpture Park
3355 Lawrenceburg Road
Frankfort, KY 40601
www.josephinesculpturepark.org
Phone: 502-352-7082

Blessings Count Both Ways

My wife and I were at the local Cracker Barrel last weekend, about finished with our dinner when a family came in and sat at a table next to us. 

The family included two children with special needs -- one sitting in a wheelchair who appeared to be blind and the other with some kind of developmental disability.

The children were probably from Stewart Home School, a "community dedicated to the education and enrichment of students with special needs." It is a home away from home for students of all ages. The facility is celebrating its 120th anniversary this year.

The school believes in inclusiveness and the residents participate in activities in and around Frankfort. They also go on trips to zoos, amusement parks, sporting events, and other interesting places.

I often see their students at stores, restaurants and other places in Frankfort, accompanied by Stewart Home staff, family, or friends. They fit beautifully into the community and help contribute to the rich diversity of the place I call home.

Yes, I was almost moved to tears by seeing that family when we left Cracker Barrel. I was thinking about how "normal" folks should count their blessings. 

But later, I thought about how blessed those children are to have loving and caring parents/guardians and to live in  a secure and nurturing environment that provides for their emotional and physical needs. 

This family reminded me that blessings can be found in many situations -- if we just look for them.

Watch this video and you'll know what I'm trying to put into words:

Until the next time...

Authors for Libraries

One of my favorite places in the world is a library because, for the most part, when I'm there I have the whole world at my fingertips. 

It's easy for me to get lost in a library. Once I step inside and start exploring, I lose track of time going from one thing to another. 

It's wise for me to have a "to-do" list so I can stay somewhat focused on my initial purpose for venturing down those hallowed shelves.

Of course, much of the excitement for me in going to the library is to have no purpose at all except to explore the books, music, magazines, newspapers, movies and anything else I stumble upon in my journey.

The other day I was in a hurry and returned books that were due that day. On my way out, I couldn't help but take a look at some of the books and media being offered at the used book store, operated by the Friends of the Library group. I ended up purchasing four books and three CDs.

I recently joined Authors for Libraries, which is part of United for Libraries, a division of the American Library Association.

Why did I join? Well, some of the reasons are mentioned above. I believe libraries are vital to communities by what they have to offer. And they're free (with support from tax dollars)for anyone to use.

And because I'm an author, I feel it's important to offer support for places that house my works as well as those of thousands of other writers. Furthermore, it's somewhat of paying back since I've done research for my books at libraries.

And the benefit will be mutual since it will connect me with libraries and vice versa for presentations, speaking engagements, and ways to promote writing and reading.

So my message to all those authors out there: Support your local library!

31st Kentucky Book Fair Memories

The 31st Kentucky Book Fair is history.

 

I had a wonderful time signing books, talking to KBF patrons, and chatting with other authors. My wife spent time purchasing books for Christmas gifts and attending most of the symposiums. She had a great time as well. 

Sales were down, according to the Frankfort State Journal, from $157,000 last year to $110,000. I'm not sure what accounted for the decline other than the beautiful weather (temps in the 70s) and other activities going on during the Frankfort's annual Candlight event.

The SJ listed the best-selling authors/artists as Mary McDonough, James Archambeault, Ryan Clark and Joe Cox, Stephan Pastis, Al Smith, Silas House, James Higdon, James B. Goode, Duffy Brown, and Wendell Berry. Nope, you don't see my name. Maybe next year.

I got to talk to McDonough for a few minutes. Her name doesn't ring a bell? She played Erin on widely popular TV show "The Waltons" back in the 1970s. Her book is "Lessons From the Mountain: What I Learned from Erin Walton."  Mary had a great time in Kentucky, selling tons of books from Augusta to Lexington to Frankfort. She's a a lovely and inspiring person and I recommend her book, especially to girls and young women.

Proceeds from the KBF go to school and public libraries as well as literacy programs across Kentucky. In the meantime, support your local library!

Until the next time…

A Colorful Time of the Year

This is a colorful time of the year – fall, football, fairs and festivals.

       

According to Book TV, there are eight major book fairs being held across the United States in October and November. It’s a time when readers get to meet some of their favorite authors. It’s also an opportunity for authors to connect with readers on a personal level.

Where I live in Frankfort, Ky., we’re preparing for the 31^st annual Kentucky Book Fair, which will be held Nov. 9-10 at the Frankfort Convention Center.  And now for the disclaimer: I serve as the marketing chair on the executive board, and in that capacity, try to spread the word about this wonderful event. 

I personally believe authors and writers should participate in events such as book fairs -- national, regional, statewide, or local. Anything to promote reading and writing is a win-win situation for writers, readers, and communities. And I must add that we have authors who go to bat for the KBF.

Over the next few weeks leading up to the fair, KBF board members and volunteers will be sending out news releases, making TV and radio appearances, working on the catalog, and  doing other things (be sure to “like” us on Facebook) to publicize the event. This year we plan to have author interviews posted on YouTube as well so stayed tuned for that.

Nearly 200 authors will participate in this year’s fair, signing books, giving readings, and talking to readers. Proceeds from the fair are used to provide grants to public schools and libraries, and literacy programs across the state.  

Until the next time…