Good Morning, Everyone. It’s a brisk autumn day at the Solomon, Chesapeake Bay. Matt and I are boating and exploring the bay with my sister and brother-in-law in their very comfy and exciting boat. We met up with aunts, uncles, and cousins, making the trip extra special. My to-do list continues to clutter my desk, but I am happy to be here at sea and the Weekend Coffee Share as it gives me a chance to slow down and reflect. Pour whatever gets you started. Let’s catch up.
If we were having coffee together, I would report that last weekend and into three days was spent out west visiting my daughter, Robyn, in Oregon. She and her boyfriend, Tommy, took me on a road trip to Mt. St. Helen and Mt. Rainier. My daughter knows that exploring the National Parks is high on my bucket list. Big bonus! I am now of age to qualify for the lifetime senior National Park card.
Mt. St. Henen was a fascinating sight. The display of power and rejuvenation of nature pulses. What a gift to witness the volcanic cycle, the outcome of the eruptions, and the rebirth of the earth in our lifetime.
Where Mt. St. Helen inspired awe, Mt.Rainier embraced majesty. We explored the sulfur and soda springs, blue waterfalls from glaciers, and lovely trails that meandered upwards (seldom down). The geography of the area is unique to me with its volcano landscape, high altitudes, and lush forest with trees over 100 feet high. I live near the ocean where the ancient glaciers carved out the shores and the highest point is under 400 feet. It was a great trip. The best part was spending the time and adventure with my Robyn and her boyfriend.
Mt Rainier peeking from under the clouds 
Waterfalls at Mt. Rainier 
Mt. St. Helen
If we were having coffee together, I would continue the hiking theme. I took my mom to the nearby Bayard Cutting Arboretum to view the incredible dahlias. Mom is an avid gardener. Although these past few years she has had to adapt her yard, she does enjoy the serenity and beauty of public gardens. Bayard Cutting Arboretum is one of her favorites. I piled her handy scooter into the car and off we went to see the incredible flowers. Great day.
If we were having coffee together, I would add that I have been busy promoting the Moonbeam Children’s Book Award for The Heart of Bakers and Artists (previously titled Daily Bread). I feel so honored and confident that my work is valued and stands out.
If we were having coffee together, I would announce that The Dreams of Singers and Sluggers is on schedule for an October 25th launch. You can preorder an eBook now for 99￠. It will pop into your eReader device on October 25th. What a deal!
While you are reading consider reviewing The Heart of Bakers and Artists and Becoming America’s Food Stories. Help your friends and fellow bibliophiles pick a brilliant book because you took the time to write a thoughtful review. Click here for The Heart of Bakers and Artists review link and here for Becoming America’s Food Stories. Once the Dreams of Singers and Sluggers is launched, you can “put in your two cents” as well.If you have a Goodreads account, you can copy and paste your impressions right into your book library. Thank You. Thank You.
Lastly, if we were having coffee together, I would say that it has been a year since my dad’s passing. Not a day goes by without him in my thoughts. It is good to be on the water on this anniversary since he was always up for a boat ride with people he loved.
That’s it, Everyone. Great BIG thanks go out to Natalie the Explorer who keeps the Weekend Coffee Share percolating.
Have a good week. Make it Funtastic!
Enjoy ❤️. Like 👍. Share 😊.
I will sign books, on November 13th, while celebrating the publication of the three Becoming America’s Stories books: The Heart of Bakers and Artists, The Dreams of Singers and Sluggers, and Becoming America’s Food Stories at the Cool Beans Coffee Shoppe next to the West Sayville Post Office from 1 to 3 pm. It is a wonderful venue. There will be book swag, simple not-too-messy crafts, and delish coffees, teas and pastries. Come on in, bring the kids, say “hi”, sip a favorite coffee or tea, and buy a book.
Have you taken that picture of you reading one of the books or both?! Email it to me (storiesserved@gmail.com) so I can put it in the Readers’ Celebration slide show for the book signing!
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If you had purchased a paperback or ebook The Heart of Bakers and Artists and/or Becoming America’s Food Stories—Thank you!
Take a picture of you with The Heart of Bakers and Artists and/or Becoming America’s Food Stories, and I’ll send you Reader’s Swag and add you to the Becoming America’s Stories Readers Celebration slideshow, coming soon! Kid pics are welcomed with parent or guardian permission. Don’t forget to leave a rating and quick comment on Amazon and/or Goodreads.
Stories Served 
Your recent outings are all wonderful, Antoinette. The sea, the mountains, and gardens are good for our souls. Spending time with your loved ones is priceless. Congratulations on your book award and all the best with your upcoming book launch. Thank you for linking up with #weekendcoffeeshare.
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Thank you, Natalie. Getting out with people we like is priceless.
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Your trip out west sounds wonderful. I love the Mt. St. Helen area.
Congratulations on your book publications remaining on schedule. Your organizational skills and hard work are VERY impressive!
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Thank you, Donna. I thought of you as I hikes through the parks.
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I haven’t been back to Mt. St. Helen in years. I think I was last there about five years after the disaster, and new growth was already apparent. That kind of thing always gives me hope. Your travels sound wonderful. I’m sorry for the loss of your father, but it was a nice way to remember him. Congrats on your new book.
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It was a great trip. When we got to St Helen’s the visitor center was closed. We were reading the facts posted around overlook. A nice young man came up and started telling us the explosion story. When I tried to interject he held his hand up and said he had finished his PhD disortation on the Mt and he knew more than the plaques. HE spew his knowledge for almost 40 minutes. It was an informative presentation. 😄
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Hi Antoinette, You poked at several memories above.
I was working a college tuition paying job in Seattle, atop someone’s roof re-glazing a window and listening to the radio when, after weeks of warning and hours of geologic radio reports all came to fruition and Mt. Saint Helen’s exploded and blew out the side of it’s giant cone. I stood up and watched and the giant cloud rose and, because there had been so many warnings about this, watched to discern which direction the ash cloud went and was thankful that it was not coming towards me or the greater Puget Sound region. Other stories soon unfolded and we heard all about many of them on the radio.
Then, this past week we took some steps to sell one small property from my Dad’s trust. I had to again pull out his death certificate and recycle all the memories of losing him.
Sobering — both of these. But welcome images to recall in many ways.
Thanks for the virtual trip back.
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It is amazing to witness natural events and live to tell about it. I often wonder if a volcano explodes on an uninhabited planet, does it make a sound? HUgs to memory you hold of your dad.
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so well sarcast-ed. . .
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Oh you were in my neck of the woods and probably drove over my town (I say over because I-5 splits the town in half…..Woodland, Wa), unless you went a different way. I live 30 miles north of Portland Oregon and about a 45 minute drive to Mt. St. Helens. I also grew up close to Mt. Ranier but haven’t been there yet. It’s on our list to go hike to. I love living in the pNW. Hope you enjoyed your visit.
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Thank you, Kirstin. It was a great out west trip. I wonder where my daughter will take me next time I vist. Thanks for reading.
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My husband remembers when Mt. St. Helens blew…he lived in the same town we live in now and was walking to church.
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Oh, and those flowers from the garden you visited are gorgeous.
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