Is Anyone Out There?

I am not sure I have many readers for my blog and am seriously thinking of closing it down! BUT, in the meantime, here's one last howdy-do.

I've had a wonderful winter speaking to ladies groups, notably, to the two most recent. I addressed a fabulous gathering, "Clipped Wings," which included 150 charming retired Delta Airlines folks. Not only did they laugh at my stories and cheer me on, but they also bought lots and lots of books. And they treated me to a yummy lunch at a lovely Atlanta Italian spot. Special thanks to my friend, Bea, a former president, for arranging the event. I had a blast!

Secondly, just this Thursday, another darling friend, Beth, had me talk to an organization she adores, as do I, PEO. A women's service group and sisterhood, these remarkable ladies were extremely hospitable and welcoming. They, too, fed me in a member's fabulous home. Sounds like I work for food!

No, this is not entirely true. I work to encourage other artists to pursue their creative endeavors and to follow their dreams, whether it's to become a painter, a writer, or, perhaps even better, to become the most satisfied and complete person they can be. As for me, I just happen to have found my path by becoming an author.

My next major adventure is Monte Sano Writers Conference in Huntsville, Alabama on April 5. It's right up my alley, too, with the theme being "What Makes You Come Alive?"
This is an especially good topic for Spring 2014 given the dreadfully nasty winter we've experienced or may still experience. Yikes!
Their topic also gets my juices boiling to think of the eager participants who want to create. So I'd best get busy preparing my talks and lesson plans right now! For addition information, contact msumc@knology.net.

Stay warm and be creative! Milam

Holidays!!!

We're just back from a delightful day in Albertville, Alabama, where my husband and I lunched with special people; his sister Maryetta, our niece Mary Shea, and our friend Carolyn. Afterwards, we sent Jamey to the golf course while we girls shopped. Fortunately, I made some headway into my Christmas list.
Oh yes, and I spoke to the Thursday Book Club. Charming ladies were they, AND they served a delicious hummingbird cake. That treat, alone, was worth the drive! Praise be to Jamey, the Man of My Dreams, for driving me over and back.

We arrived home by 9 o'clock, just in time to greet our son Jay after his 39-hour-drive from San Jose, California. Yes, indeed, he drove straight through with only one stop to get some sleep! Jay also filmed scenery along his journey. Picture-taking runs in our artsy family!

So Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, and lovely holidays to all you readers out there. Don't forget, signed copies of any of my eight books are available for gift giving! Please contact me at: Milamwritesbooks@gmail.com. MMP

Great Evening at St. Pius

Jamey, Amanda, and I arrived just after 6 to set up for the St. Pius Literary Evening. Organized by the Alumni Department of St. Pius X High School, the event featured three writers, Judi Mason, Claire Miller, and yours truly.

We three participated in an interesting panel discussion. The younger panelists spoke about high tech issues and communication, while I focused on the funnier aspects of our shared craft. Our common ground, other than being graduates of St. Pius, was that we all love what we do---WRITE. Nothing else can feed our souls.

In a small world moment, Claire and I immediately recognized one another. I remembered her from someplace, while she agreed I looked familiar, too.
"Wait!" I squealed. "You interviewed me for a story in your newspaper."
"That's IT," Claire replied.
We also share a friendship with Georgia author Jackie White.

Judi, author of "The Chloe Chronicles," was especially nice, too. In fact, she's actually offered to help me move forward in the technical arena. Or not. I'd hate to run off such a generous person. Perhaps being colleagues would prove more pleasant for us both!

Tonight was a treat for me with friends, Cynthia and Bill Davis, Bea Hill, and Pius faculty members, including English teacher, Charleen Klister. AND, of course, the Class of 1963, forever loyal, made up much of the audience. What a wonderful group; they were attentive, supportive, and laughed at my stories. Doesn't get much better than that!

Many, many thanks to Vicky Dorsey and to her committee, Sebastian and Kevin, for one super special time. This is why I love my work, I love the audience! MMP

You CAN go home!

I'm pretty pumped up about next week. First of all, I've been invited to speak to a group of retired folks at Emory on Tuesday morning. Having been there four times now, I can tell you these people are far more interesting than is this author.

Then on Thursday, November 7, which is Ociee Nash Whitman's birthday, her 125th, I AM going home. Yes, St. Pius X Catholic High School has invited this alum to participate in a Literary Evening from 6:30 to 8 pm at our school.
I almost cannot wait. I have a couple of surprises for the audience. One is I'm planning to don my 1959 yellowed, nasty, moth-eaten blazer. *I'll burn it shortly thereafter!

Our Class of 1963 just celebrated our 50th anniversary. What a terrific weekend we had due in large party to the Alum folks at Pius, headed by Victoria Dorsey, and to our own amazing reunion planning committee.

Upon signing in at the football game that Friday night, I caught a glimpse of a large banner behind the table. First, I spotted a couple of Ociee book covers, then more, then my other books including the new one, "Writer, Writer."
My head immediately swelled. "Holy Cow!" I felt famous!

More good news, my fellow classmates are telling me they're actually coming to the Nov. 7 event.
I'd best get busy with a talk . . . wouldn't want to let down my Pius family. Milam

Ociee Film

I'd forgotten how truly beautifully filmed is "The Adventures of Ociee Nash." Last night, along with a nice contingent of friends of Nora King, we viewed the movie at the Murphy (NC) Library. We laughed and cried and cheered as Ociee was finally reunited with her beloved Papa and brothers, Ben and Fred.
Skyler Day is simply adorable! Her acting skills were already apparent under the excellent direction of Kristen McGary (director/writer/filmer).

I'm reminded of a Christmas chat Jamey and I enjoyed with Skyler last year when she traveled home from Los Angeles. Said the young actress, "Miss Milam, I was totally spoiled with my first film. Everyone was sooooo nice to me! What a wonderful introduction I had to the movie business."

I loved seeing Anthony Rodriguez as the gypsy and Tom Key as the dashing George Lynch. I'd also forgotten how funny Ociee's brother Ben was, and we all giggled along with Miss June, "nervous as a Junebug." Keith Carradine made us weep saying farewell to his Ociee Sweet Corn . . . and Aunt Mamie, Mare Winningham, was spot on in her role, too.
Several audience members commented that all actors were perfectly cast.

Nora went all out with refreshments, including Roselyn Carter's cheese ring. What a terrific night everyone had.
Earlier in the day, I did have a delightful time with a very receptive group, who listened to me discuss "Writer, Writer." Many stayed for the movie showing.

Thank you, Nora King and Friends of the Library for treating me like a rockstar!

Hitting the Road!

I'm leaving the Man of My Dreams at home while I travel to North Carolina on Thursday. Nora King has invited me to speak to a couple of writers groups at the Murphy Public Library at 4 p.m. (September 19).
Nora is a super enthused person and way fun to visit. She's also arranged for us to show "The Adventures of Ociee Nash" at 6 p.m.
"Yes," she says, "there will be popcorn!"
I've not watched the film recently, so I'm pretty excited about my special day with Nora, her friends, and the folks in Murphy.

I've also lined up several local talks here in Atlanta, including a visit to Emory in November. I always like to speak near my grandmother Ociee's birthday. This one is two days prior on November 5. I'll be in Albertville, Alabama the following week. More about that later.

Back to the present----my next trip will be to Arkansas and Tennessee on September 28 where I'll be focusing on "Writer, Writer." My beloved friend Betty Ann Colley called several months ago to apologize.
"For what?" I asked.
BA has never had reason to apologize to me since the day we met in 1959 at Tennessee's Camp Marymount.
She replied, "I've never given you a book party."
"So? You live in Arkansas."
"Okay, so will you come to Arkansas?"
"'Sure!"

Thanks to her, the Fort Smith Library has planned a reception for Monday, September 30 at 1 p.m. I can hardly wait. The library people have circulated a lovely poster around town publicizing my upcoming talk. BA has invited lots of her friends, while her mother-in-law, Cathy Colley, who turns 90 the week before, is bringing along several guests and her writer's group. Yes, her writer's group!

About the poster, were I clever enough, it would be displayed on this blog. Sadly, I'm NOT. Please know it's green and gorgeous, and features several book covers along with a picture of Jamey and me.
Alas, I will be leaving him behind once again. Someone has to keep the home fires burning---and walk Bella the dog.

Two days later, BA and I will travel to Bartlett, Tennessee, where her daughter, Emily Ford is hosting another party. My cousin Kay and two Memphis friends, Jane and Betty are also coming. I'm so pumped up, I've even bought something new to wear.

I do enjoy writing, always have, but traveling about and telling stories surely is FUN.
Must get packed up now.
Milam

The Northside Neighbor Newspaper and our Postman

Four men made my day today.

#1 Bobby Tedder wrote an absolutely beautiful story in The Northside Neighbor. He managed to write about me and my new book as if we were long time friends. This young man is on his way to becoming a super newspaper reporter.

#2 Photographer Nathan Self took the front page picture of me, and of all eight books, AND of the Man of My Dreams, Jamey Propst. My husband is mentioned rather frequently in "Writer, Writer"!

#3 Northside Neighbor editor Everett Catts started the whole publicity process after we chatted at a local lunch spot, Nancy G's. *Perhaps I should thank Nancy, too. Hmmmm

#4 Our mailman TC arrived at our door just as we were sitting down to dinner. In his hands were fifteen extra copies of the newspaper. Flashing his toothy grin, the gentle man said, "I thought you might need a few extras for your family and friends."
He was right. Jamey is off to mail them to our out of town folks.

Yes, indeed, July 3 has been a very special day at the Propst's house. Thank you, fellows. Milam