| Tuesday, September 05, 2006 |
| Highlands |
Coley and I drove up to Highlands, NC on Saturday. Considering that Highlands sits at an altitude of slightly over 4100 feet, we literally drove up a winding, sometimes tedious, two-lane mountain road. But, because of its altitude, it happens to be one of the coolest places around! Our reason for going was a little bookshop called Cyrano's, squeezed between a cafe with specials of the day featuring quiche and bisque and an art gallery where they all commented on Cole's curls. I had read in the Asheville paper earlier in the week that Pat Conroy was going to be signing books between 1-3pm at Cyrano's, and I really couldn't pass up the chance to meet one of my favorite authors. Apparently he has been up in Highlands all summer working on his next book, and had consented to sign books at the store because his wife (Cassandra King) and the bookstore owner had become friends.
Since we arrived early, and miraculously secured a front-row parking spot, I figured we'd be able to get out of there fairly quickly, but alas, we were back in the children's section perusing books (there's a new Olivia book out now) when the line started to form. So, unfortunately, we had to wait longer than anticipated, but Cole took it all in a stride and was very good. I think it had something to do with the fact that our next stops were going to be the toy store and the ice cream shop! He shook Mr. Conroy's hand and watched as Pat signed a book for him as well as Beach Music for me.
What I love most about attending book signings is not the actual signatures but instead the little glimpses you see of the authors' personalities. For instance, I expected Pat Conroy to be a little gruff, as his stories always have a hard edge to them. But instead, he was warm, genuine, and funny, and asked most of the people in line where they lived and seemed to know a little something about every single town they named. He spent time with each person instead of signing and handing off books at random, and while it caused the line to move a little slower it was definitely time well spent. Plus, the lady in front of us in line (Kate) gave me a whole bunch of new book recommendations to read, which is great.
So anyway, after the book store, the toy store, and the ice cream shop, we headed a little further out of town to view another waterfall. Considering that Looking Glass Falls is quite beautiful, we were perhaps a little letdown by the smaller size and trickle of Bridal Veil Falls. Apparently you used to be able to drive behind the falls, but alas, a big boulder fell down on top of the road, preventing this. I think if we'd been able to view them from a higher point it would be prettier because we could have seen more of the actual falls.
Here's the view from behind the falls. (You can see a small portion of the boulder to Cole's right.)
So anyway, that was most of our Saturday. Then we returned home to Harper and Mark, who had spent a leisurely day napping and watching tv. When I put Cole to bed that night he said, "Mommy, next time can we buy the firetruck book?"
Yes, Cole, I suppose we could. ; )Labels: Asheville |
posted by Joanna Bolick @ 7:44 AM  |
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| 20 Comments: |
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sounds like a fabulous saturday, joanna!
i love book signings too.
this sounds like an amazing place!
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What a wonderful sounding day!!!! And the scenery looks beaaaautiful too!
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wow. this is incredible! and I have to tell you I am in LOVE with that banner! :)
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What a wonderful day for you and Cole. How that little guy loves his firetruck books.
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Sounds like a wonderful day!
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Don't you just love this one-on-one time? I look forward to days when I can focus all my attention on just one of the kiddos. I know it makes them feel special as Elizabeth has recently started telling us.
Sounds like you had a wonderful day together!
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Love the new banner. What a fun day you had. Never been to a book signing, but I guess if I would, it would be for Nicholas Sparks. Isn't he from NC?
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Sounds like a wonderful day Joanna! You are a fabulous mom! :)
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What an absolutely perfect day! I have to remember to take the time to do stuff like that with Em more often. I forget how easily she gets lost in the shuffle of a new baby in the house! GORGEOUS waterfall!
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FUN!
What is the elevation where you live? I'm pretty sure I'm sitting around 4100 here....always interesting to hear about! :)
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OMG - you are so lucky - you have no idea how much I love Pat Conroy! He's an amazing author!!
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what a perfect day joanna!!
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A firetruck book does seem to make every day brighter. :)
Sounds like a super good day though.
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Sounds like a lovely day! I love book signings too. One of my favorites was Ray Bradbury. He was quite spry for his 80 some odd years.
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I miss your neck of the woods! love asheville! we will be there in a few weeks for a beer festival... might you be there??? ;-) beautiful pics joanna!
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what a fun day! It is so funny to me (not haha funny) how many waterfalls there are by the name of Bridal Veil Falls...I know of the one I have been to in Yosemite (an awesome site) and one other at least. How cool :)
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Your banner is SO great! Makes me smile everytime!! I also love the photos you take - you're so good!!
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How FUN! I love the Highlands!!
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1. I love going to author signings, too--went to see Sandra Dallas a few years ago. That was fun. I really like Pat Conroy, too!
2. The new Olivia book is on our to-buy list : )
3. Gorgeous photos!
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sounds like a fabulous saturday, joanna!
i love book signings too.
this sounds like an amazing place!