Ociee and I just spent a delightful morning at Belmont Hills Elementary School in Smyrna, Georgia. What a grand time we had!
Our audiences were made up of the 4th and 5th graders, all of whom were polite, responsive, enthusiastic, and asked truly interesting questions---one boy, in particular. This young man will know who he is because he said he was smart; AND his teacher agreed!
Another boy, a math whiz, gave me a big hug in the hallway later in the day. I thrive on hugs. Thank you.
And the last group all asked me for autographs. Grin. I felt like a celebrity, sure enough.
Had my late grandmother Ociee Nash, REALLY been there with me, she would have been very impressed with this school.
I don't know if any of the students will go right home and begin to write their own books, but many seemed to want to read mine. Reading is a great start to writing!
My congratulations to the faculty and staff of this very fine Cobb County school.
Happy summer to all of you, and thank you again, Linda Kelleher, for inviting me to Belmont Hills Career Day!
Milam
Monday, May 23, 2011
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Things are Hoppin'
Happy Easter, Happy Springtime, Happy Reading!
If you read my blogs, you'll know how much this author enjoys receiving fan mail, most especially, letters from young readers.
Well, my latest favorite emails are from a darling girl named Janey. She is reading the entire Ociee series (YES, SHE IS!!!). Janey has told me, even though she's living in 2011, not in 1898, when the stories are set, she finds she has something in common with both Ociee and Elizabeth Murphy. For example, Janey is adventuresome and rather curious.
I've also taken notice about how SMART this young lady is.
For my part, I'm having a delightful time sharing with Janey some of the secrets in my books, such as who the real Elizabeth was/IS, and the fact that the big fire in the movie and in "A Flower Blooms on Charlotte Street" actually took place some 100 years AFTER Ociee Nash lived in Asheville!
I'm also having lots of fun talking to audiences about my work. A couple of school visits, a book club appearance, and a trip to the Highlands to teach a class are on my schedule in the coming weeks.
But, prior to these events, I will have a booksigning at our neighborhood pharmacy here in Atlanta. Yes, indeed, all of my books are currently being shelved at Tuxedo Pharmacy on Wieuca Road, a charming shopping destination noted for its fine selection of gifts, childrens items, wonderful greeting cards, and books by local authors.
Wanting to do something special around Mother's Day, Robin, the gift buyer, invited me to visit the store for a couple of hours the first week of May. Kindly write to my e-mail address for details.
I'll close now with best wishes for each and everyone, especially for Janey, for Robin and the folks at Tuxedo Pharmacy, Milam
If you read my blogs, you'll know how much this author enjoys receiving fan mail, most especially, letters from young readers.
Well, my latest favorite emails are from a darling girl named Janey. She is reading the entire Ociee series (YES, SHE IS!!!). Janey has told me, even though she's living in 2011, not in 1898, when the stories are set, she finds she has something in common with both Ociee and Elizabeth Murphy. For example, Janey is adventuresome and rather curious.
I've also taken notice about how SMART this young lady is.
For my part, I'm having a delightful time sharing with Janey some of the secrets in my books, such as who the real Elizabeth was/IS, and the fact that the big fire in the movie and in "A Flower Blooms on Charlotte Street" actually took place some 100 years AFTER Ociee Nash lived in Asheville!
I'm also having lots of fun talking to audiences about my work. A couple of school visits, a book club appearance, and a trip to the Highlands to teach a class are on my schedule in the coming weeks.
But, prior to these events, I will have a booksigning at our neighborhood pharmacy here in Atlanta. Yes, indeed, all of my books are currently being shelved at Tuxedo Pharmacy on Wieuca Road, a charming shopping destination noted for its fine selection of gifts, childrens items, wonderful greeting cards, and books by local authors.
Wanting to do something special around Mother's Day, Robin, the gift buyer, invited me to visit the store for a couple of hours the first week of May. Kindly write to my e-mail address for details.
I'll close now with best wishes for each and everyone, especially for Janey, for Robin and the folks at Tuxedo Pharmacy, Milam
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Gretchen
Ociee Nash has two new fans, Gretchen and her mommy, Andreana, who live in Southern California.
Gretchen is a very busy little girl; home schooled, she loves "Little House on the Prairie" and is helping her parents with two younger siblings, Amanda and Toby.
Seems Mommy and Gretchen discovered "The Adventures of Ociee Nash" on Netflix, and much to my delight, wrote to me with a few questions about the real Ociee.
Gretchen also shared photos of her family with me . . . precious people, they made my day! Folks like these are the reason writers write!
Gretchen is a very busy little girl; home schooled, she loves "Little House on the Prairie" and is helping her parents with two younger siblings, Amanda and Toby.
Seems Mommy and Gretchen discovered "The Adventures of Ociee Nash" on Netflix, and much to my delight, wrote to me with a few questions about the real Ociee.
Gretchen also shared photos of her family with me . . . precious people, they made my day! Folks like these are the reason writers write!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Back from Memphis
The real Ociee Nash (Whitman) was honored this weekend as a new inductee into the Saint Agnes Academy "Hall of Fame." Her family, the Whitmans, could not have been more delighted or prouder. Surely Ociee herself was dancing on the clouds as her name was called and so kindly added to the list of other outstanding graduates of the school.
The organizers permitted me to accept the award and to speak on Ociee's behalf. For the occasion, I had planned to read my grandmother's own words of praise from a 1925 "75th" anniversary publication.
In her beautifully penned piece, Ociee writes about St. Agnes Academy, happily recalling her treasured years there, most especially, as she singles out several of the beloved Dominican nuns. I would follow her words with a personal memory of my own, regarding my grandmother's support and devotion to our school.
HOWEVER, just before the program began, I was told Ociee's tribute in the decades old publication so touched the committee, they would introduce me by quoting directly from her text! YIKES.
Although I'd not planned to read from one of my books, I had little choice. Right?! So I read from the chapter where George Nash takes his daughter Ociee into St. Agnes (the original building on Vance) for the very first time.
KNOWING MY GRANDMOTHER, I have to believe she orchestrated every moment of the Hall of Fame event, including the shameless "tooting of my own horn." After all, she was a business woman with a keen sense of promoting things about which she cared, including St. Agnes and, fortunately for me, including her granddaughter's work!
Friday night's celebration was one of the best evenings of my life. I will be forever grateful to the school, of course, and also to Jane Tonning, Ginger Jordan, Suzanne Gehringer, Marta Patrick, and to Barbara Daush, O.P.A., president of St. Agnes and St. Dominic School.
I truly hope Ociee Nash Whitman enjoyed her front row seat . . . I saved one right next to me.
Milam
The organizers permitted me to accept the award and to speak on Ociee's behalf. For the occasion, I had planned to read my grandmother's own words of praise from a 1925 "75th" anniversary publication.
In her beautifully penned piece, Ociee writes about St. Agnes Academy, happily recalling her treasured years there, most especially, as she singles out several of the beloved Dominican nuns. I would follow her words with a personal memory of my own, regarding my grandmother's support and devotion to our school.
HOWEVER, just before the program began, I was told Ociee's tribute in the decades old publication so touched the committee, they would introduce me by quoting directly from her text! YIKES.
Although I'd not planned to read from one of my books, I had little choice. Right?! So I read from the chapter where George Nash takes his daughter Ociee into St. Agnes (the original building on Vance) for the very first time.
KNOWING MY GRANDMOTHER, I have to believe she orchestrated every moment of the Hall of Fame event, including the shameless "tooting of my own horn." After all, she was a business woman with a keen sense of promoting things about which she cared, including St. Agnes and, fortunately for me, including her granddaughter's work!
Friday night's celebration was one of the best evenings of my life. I will be forever grateful to the school, of course, and also to Jane Tonning, Ginger Jordan, Suzanne Gehringer, Marta Patrick, and to Barbara Daush, O.P.A., president of St. Agnes and St. Dominic School.
I truly hope Ociee Nash Whitman enjoyed her front row seat . . . I saved one right next to me.
Milam
Friday, January 14, 2011
Ociee Nash to be Honored
My smart, beautiful, and talented grandmother, Ociee Nash Whitman, is going to be inducted into the St. Agnes Academy "Hall of Fame." A 1908 graduate of SAA, she spent many years supporting and saluting our school.
Along with my mother, Mary Catherine Whitman McGraw, and yours truly, Milam McGraw Propst, many Whitman cousins followed in Ociee's footsteps. Some attended the original school on Vance in Memphis, TN, while all of the recent graduates went to the "new" school which opened in 1951. I was in the first 1st grade. Yes, old as dirt am I.
I will write and tell the readers of the Ociee Nash series all about the festivities. For now, just know how happy this news makes Ociee's biographer and her biggest fan. Me.
*I will also be taking additional copies of the five Ociee Nash books to donate to the school library. Wouldn't want any of St. Agnes students having to wait to read about St. Agnes Academy, circa: 1900!
Along with my mother, Mary Catherine Whitman McGraw, and yours truly, Milam McGraw Propst, many Whitman cousins followed in Ociee's footsteps. Some attended the original school on Vance in Memphis, TN, while all of the recent graduates went to the "new" school which opened in 1951. I was in the first 1st grade. Yes, old as dirt am I.
I will write and tell the readers of the Ociee Nash series all about the festivities. For now, just know how happy this news makes Ociee's biographer and her biggest fan. Me.
*I will also be taking additional copies of the five Ociee Nash books to donate to the school library. Wouldn't want any of St. Agnes students having to wait to read about St. Agnes Academy, circa: 1900!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
New Photo of Skyler
Happy New Year to everyone. Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.
Over the holidays, we had an opportunity to visit with Skyler Day and her entire family when they returned from LA for a Christmas visit to Georgia. Naturally we jumped at the chance.
So on Facebook, readers and moviegoers can see how our little Ociee girl from "The Adventures of Ociee Nash" has gotten all grown up; AND HOW! Check out her photograph with me and with our grandson Loftin on my Facebook page.
When Loftin greeted Skyler, he said, "Last time I saw you, I was wearing a dress!"
Yes indeed, our grandson, who has just turned nine played the "baby" in the film. He and his parents (our William and his Abigail) are passengers on the train that carries Ociee to Asheville.
Check out Skyler Day's website, too. She is one busy young lady!
Best wishes for a fruitful and joy-filled 2011, Milam
Over the holidays, we had an opportunity to visit with Skyler Day and her entire family when they returned from LA for a Christmas visit to Georgia. Naturally we jumped at the chance.
So on Facebook, readers and moviegoers can see how our little Ociee girl from "The Adventures of Ociee Nash" has gotten all grown up; AND HOW! Check out her photograph with me and with our grandson Loftin on my Facebook page.
When Loftin greeted Skyler, he said, "Last time I saw you, I was wearing a dress!"
Yes indeed, our grandson, who has just turned nine played the "baby" in the film. He and his parents (our William and his Abigail) are passengers on the train that carries Ociee to Asheville.
Check out Skyler Day's website, too. She is one busy young lady!
Best wishes for a fruitful and joy-filled 2011, Milam
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
A Lady from Blackfoot Just Made My Day
Sorry, as of late, I've been rather remiss in writing on this blog. I was waiting for the "just right" item to come along, something as special as Jamey's letter of gratitude from the Vietnam soldier in my last message.
Yesterday an e-mail from a young mother in Idaho provided exactly what I needed. The following is one of the nicest fan letters Ociee Nash has ever received.
Here it is:
"Thank you for writing the wonderful stories of Ociee and her family. Your books have brought great delight into our life. I first stumbled upon Ociee through netflix and the great movie "The Adventures of Ociee Nash" which my kids and I have greatly enjoyed. From there I went on Amazon and ordered your first three books of Ociee. What a delight!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have read your books with my seven year old daughter mostly before bedtime, while her two little brothers were already in bed. Reading about the life and adventures of your grandmother strengthened the bond between my daughter and me. We thoroughly enjoy your writing and Ociee. The kind spirit of Ociee provides a beautiful role model for my daughter. She loves reading and your books provide a wholesome, family friendly, and clean reading material for my child.
Last night we finished "The Further Adventures of Ociee Nash" and my daughter and I looked at each other sadly, saying "This is it. This is the last book."
Luckily I went on your website this morning and found out that you have two more books about Ociee and her family. I was so excited, I just about called my daughter at school to tell her the great news. We would love to order the last two books on Ociee from you! Please let me know how much they are and where to send the money.
I can't repeat how grateful I am for your writing and what a wonderful special bond Ociee helped create between my daughter and me. Thank you for your time and talent.
Have a great day!
Manu Hatch from Blackfoot, Idaho"
As I told this lovely young lady, my head is permanently swollen from such generous praise. It is support like this that keeps us writers happily typing away on our computers!
In closing, I sincerely thank my new friend Manu and her charming daughter, Hannah, for this email, as well as for the delightful ones that followed, along with the precious photographs of Hannah, her horse, AND her two little brothers.
By the way, Hannah, age 7, is working on a story of her own. It's about one of her farm animals, but I'll say no more . . . wouldn't want to give away her idea!
Merry Christmas to the Hatch Family and to all dedicated readers of every age. I hope everybody will get a new book or two as a gift this year.
Happy, Healthy New Year, Yawl from Ociee and her Grandgirl
Yesterday an e-mail from a young mother in Idaho provided exactly what I needed. The following is one of the nicest fan letters Ociee Nash has ever received.
Here it is:
"Thank you for writing the wonderful stories of Ociee and her family. Your books have brought great delight into our life. I first stumbled upon Ociee through netflix and the great movie "The Adventures of Ociee Nash" which my kids and I have greatly enjoyed. From there I went on Amazon and ordered your first three books of Ociee. What a delight!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have read your books with my seven year old daughter mostly before bedtime, while her two little brothers were already in bed. Reading about the life and adventures of your grandmother strengthened the bond between my daughter and me. We thoroughly enjoy your writing and Ociee. The kind spirit of Ociee provides a beautiful role model for my daughter. She loves reading and your books provide a wholesome, family friendly, and clean reading material for my child.
Last night we finished "The Further Adventures of Ociee Nash" and my daughter and I looked at each other sadly, saying "This is it. This is the last book."
Luckily I went on your website this morning and found out that you have two more books about Ociee and her family. I was so excited, I just about called my daughter at school to tell her the great news. We would love to order the last two books on Ociee from you! Please let me know how much they are and where to send the money.
I can't repeat how grateful I am for your writing and what a wonderful special bond Ociee helped create between my daughter and me. Thank you for your time and talent.
Have a great day!
Manu Hatch from Blackfoot, Idaho"
As I told this lovely young lady, my head is permanently swollen from such generous praise. It is support like this that keeps us writers happily typing away on our computers!
In closing, I sincerely thank my new friend Manu and her charming daughter, Hannah, for this email, as well as for the delightful ones that followed, along with the precious photographs of Hannah, her horse, AND her two little brothers.
By the way, Hannah, age 7, is working on a story of her own. It's about one of her farm animals, but I'll say no more . . . wouldn't want to give away her idea!
Merry Christmas to the Hatch Family and to all dedicated readers of every age. I hope everybody will get a new book or two as a gift this year.
Happy, Healthy New Year, Yawl from Ociee and her Grandgirl
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