To all US Civil War Reenactors: I have a question. Does it matter to you which side you fight on? Will you switch between North and South, between Federal and Confederate? Let me know. I’ll post the results. Here’s a picture to remind you during these hot summer days. Of course, Fort Morgan and Fort Gaines are open all year round. And, of course, there is Beauvoir in Biloxi. The photo below is a Louisiana artillery group taken by me.
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Unconditional Surrender hits Amazon on April 22, 2015
Yes, after all these months and extended deadlines, Unconditional Surrender is available for purchase at Amazon.com for $2.99. If you are a Kindle Prime member, it is free. I am so thrilled to be a published author, a lifelong dream. Please check it out. I wrote this book for many reasons, but one was to show the fun and love of reenacting. While the conflict between Kirsten and Creed is all from my imagination, many of the scenes, like the sneeze, actually happened. For those of you who can no longer reenact, or are readying for the summer heat break, I hope this novel will remind you of the fabulous times we had sleeping through thunderstorms in canvas tents, and temperatures in the 30’s at night. You will be surprised how many people can sleep in an A-frame tent when it is freezing.
Years ago I went to Fall Muster at Beauvoir in Biloxi as a tourist, and my life was changed because of it. I pray that you will love Unconditional Surrender as much as I loved living it and writing it. Thank you.
C.W. Reenacting dinner
Part of the fun of Civil War Reenacting is cooking a meal so good the company lick their plates. I enjoy serving a hearty breakfast and a rib-sticking stew for supper. Lunch is on their own. As all reenactors, I want to maintain my authenticity, but I also enjoy visiting with friends, shopping at the sutlers’ and of course watching the battle. I don’t want to spend my entire day stoking the fire and poking the carrots and potatoes to see if they are done. So I cook everything ahead of time. The entire stew is done, then frozen solid, and thawed over the weekend in my cooler, which is always carefully hidden from view. I bring the pot into my tent, tie my flaps and dump the stew into the pot, cover with a lid and put over the fire. Within 20-30 minutes depending on the heat of the fire, dinner is ready! Do you have any hints? Next week: Mexican breakfast. And one day cobbler.
Spring is here and so are the dogwoods
Like an elephant giving birth
How long does it take for an elephant to give birth? I don’t know. It can’t be as long as having a book published. Yes, I know. Unconditional Surrender should have been released on New Year’s Eve. That didn’t happen. Now the date is April 22, but don’t run to Amazon just yet. It is a very long process. And exhausting too, but it will be well worth it. I have dreamed of being published for 20 years. A few more months won’t make a difference. Just don’t forget about me!
My Favorite New Year’s Eve
I just found out that my Civil War Reenacting Novel Unconditional Surrender will be released on New Year’s Eve. WOW! That is so exciting. It made me think of the best New Year’s Eve I ever had. Of course, there were many filled with family and friends, but I supposed the best ever was the end of 2005. Hurricane Katrina had devastated the Gulf Coast, especially Mississippi and New Orleans, both places I called home. Although the emotional impact and even the watermarks of flood and waves would remain, 2006 signaled a ray of hope. People were coming back. Homes were being renovated or rebuilt. Mississippi and New Orleans would rise like a phoenix from the death, destruction and hopelessness.
To ring in a New Year away from the heartache, a good friend Ruth and I traveled to New York City. The fog was so thick we couldn’t see the fireworks from high atop Rockefeller Plaza in the Rainbow room, but our spirits soared. The Drifters sang “Up On the Roof” and we laughed until we cried: The Drifters? The Rainbow Room? Up On The Roof? It was like the whole night had been planned for us. It was so ironic. And once the other guests discovered we survived Katrina, the love we received was almost tangible. Yes, this girl from Mississippi does wear shoes (and I have all my life), but the cab driver thought I bought them at the New York airport. What a wonderful time we had in the City That Never Sleeps, for that night we sang, danced, laughed, watched the sun rise, and kissed 2005 goodbye. And we knew we were like that phoenix.
So what was your favorite New Year’s Eve? Write me and I will post the unique and heartfelt one.
2 months until Christmas
It is only two months until Christmas. What are you buying for your sweetheart reenactor? She crosses the country with you. She cooks your meals, not only for you but for your comrades. Over a wood fire, no less. And without burning it too badly. She mends your uniforms. And she loves you. You know it. With all the uniforms surrounding her, she only has eyes for you. Wouldn’t she love a romance set at the 150th anniversary of the Battle of the Wilderness? Unconditional Surrender is a romance set among the campfires of reenactors. It is authentic. I know. I was a reenactor for many, many years. And I loved every second of it. My novel isn’t an autobiography, but it could happen. Every second of it could happen. In my imagination. Unconditional Surrender will be available just in time for Christmas from Amazon or Soul Mate Publishing. Please let me know what she thinks. Also, diamonds would be nice. Diamonds and a romance novel–the perfect Christmas presents. Put down that pan. She’d rather have diamonds.
June 2014 — the 150th Anniversary CW Reenactments
- Here are just a few 150th Anniversary Reenactments for June:
- June 13 -15 for you in North Mississippi or Tennessee — Bruce’s Crossroad and The Battle of Tupelo/Harrisburg in Baldwyn Mississippi.
- June 21 – 22 I know a lot of reenactors are in Virginia. There is a re-enactment in Brackell Farm in Louise, Virginia for you.
- If you have never seen a reenactment of any kind, you need to experience at least one. Bring the children. It is such an education. For everyone in the family. And so much fun!
Unconditional Surrender
- takes place at The Wilderness in Virginia. The 150th of that battle has passed.
- Thank you to The Civil War Traveler for your dates, links and keeping us all updated on upcoming events.
Welcome to my world of Civil War reenacting
How do you exit a Port-a-let while wearing a hoop skirt?
If you answered “carefully”, you are partially right. The idea is to balance the bottom back of the hoop on your head. As you leave the “blue room”, let the hoop down while sweeping and turning as you go. Easy. Well, it takes practice. Better yet, if there is a nearby forest, I’d just go there!