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!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
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
Thursday, September 9, 2010
An unexpected thank you note . . .
Yesterday I received the most surprising email. Seems a young man was looking for his father's hero who turned out to be-----are you ready? My husband Jamey!!!!
He found the man of my dreams through a search which connected him to Jamey's character in "The Adventures of Ociee Nash". The determined guy then wrote to me through my website asking, "Is your husband the Jamey Propst who went to the University of Alabama?"
Long story shortened, the fellow wanted to locate Jamey for his father Tom, who had long hoped to thank Jamey for saving his life. Yes, indeed! While my dear husband was serving in Vietnam, one job he had was assisting new arrivals with their assignments. Upon hearing Tom's warm Southern drawl, Jamey immediately recognized him from their ROTC days at the university. Apparently, Jamey had acquired some "Brownie Points" and was able to redirect his buddy's orders to a much safer spot down in South Vietnam.
Here 40+ years later, Tom plans to correspond with Jamey to extend a word of thanks. Can't wait for the two of them to chat.
Yet another benefit of writing books and my blog is reconnecting with folks from our past. THIS, however, was a very special such connection. Lt. Jamey Propst was reminded of something he'd been able to do for someone, oh so long ago. As his wife, it was especially nice to discover his ROTC buddy has been speaking kindly of my guy for more than four decades and counting!
I am mighty proud of my husband; retired banker, fabulous grandpa, great golfer, and now, "life-saver", at least, in the heart of one man's family. MMP
He found the man of my dreams through a search which connected him to Jamey's character in "The Adventures of Ociee Nash". The determined guy then wrote to me through my website asking, "Is your husband the Jamey Propst who went to the University of Alabama?"
Long story shortened, the fellow wanted to locate Jamey for his father Tom, who had long hoped to thank Jamey for saving his life. Yes, indeed! While my dear husband was serving in Vietnam, one job he had was assisting new arrivals with their assignments. Upon hearing Tom's warm Southern drawl, Jamey immediately recognized him from their ROTC days at the university. Apparently, Jamey had acquired some "Brownie Points" and was able to redirect his buddy's orders to a much safer spot down in South Vietnam.
Here 40+ years later, Tom plans to correspond with Jamey to extend a word of thanks. Can't wait for the two of them to chat.
Yet another benefit of writing books and my blog is reconnecting with folks from our past. THIS, however, was a very special such connection. Lt. Jamey Propst was reminded of something he'd been able to do for someone, oh so long ago. As his wife, it was especially nice to discover his ROTC buddy has been speaking kindly of my guy for more than four decades and counting!
I am mighty proud of my husband; retired banker, fabulous grandpa, great golfer, and now, "life-saver", at least, in the heart of one man's family. MMP
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Yes, it was a GREAT time!
The Suwanee Festival of Books was one fantastic event! Some 100 authors spent this weekend sharing stories, teaching classes, sitting on panels, selling books, and simply chitchatting with gracious knows how many festival goers.
Yes, friends, I did fine with my talk and panel discussion, and managed to sell some books, too. But mostly I had a ball hobnobbing with the likes of Terry Kay, Jackie Cooper, Haywood Smith, Dale Kramer, Ed Putnam, John Wilsterman and Patti Callahan Henry, along with soon-to-be published, Renea Winchester.
I also got to meet Melinda Long, who wrote the fantastic picture book about the little boy who becomes a pirate (until bedtime). It's been a favorite with our grandsons. Melinda autographed her new one for Loftin and Emmett and they are thrilled.
I saw Spider Man, enjoyed lots of talented dancers and musicians, and met a gentleman who wore a fish on his head as he played the piano. Needless to say, there was something for every taste and shopping need: book-wise, food and product-wise!
The festival planners didn't overlook a single detail from welcoming and taking care of authors to providing two days of fun for everybody who attended this, Suwanee's inaugural "celebration of the book."
Surely hope to be back next year! MMP
Yes, friends, I did fine with my talk and panel discussion, and managed to sell some books, too. But mostly I had a ball hobnobbing with the likes of Terry Kay, Jackie Cooper, Haywood Smith, Dale Kramer, Ed Putnam, John Wilsterman and Patti Callahan Henry, along with soon-to-be published, Renea Winchester.
I also got to meet Melinda Long, who wrote the fantastic picture book about the little boy who becomes a pirate (until bedtime). It's been a favorite with our grandsons. Melinda autographed her new one for Loftin and Emmett and they are thrilled.
I saw Spider Man, enjoyed lots of talented dancers and musicians, and met a gentleman who wore a fish on his head as he played the piano. Needless to say, there was something for every taste and shopping need: book-wise, food and product-wise!
The festival planners didn't overlook a single detail from welcoming and taking care of authors to providing two days of fun for everybody who attended this, Suwanee's inaugural "celebration of the book."
Surely hope to be back next year! MMP
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