My hubby and I had the unexpected treat to spend two full days in Washington D.C. and I could not resist the opportunity to go back to Mount Vernon, the home of George and Martha
Mount Vernon
Washington! I lived in Northern Virginia several years ago and my favorite place to visit was, hands down, Mount Vernon. It is a historical writer’s dream! Rich for research.
We spent both days touring the estate, including guided tours of the third floor of the mansion and the grounds. Our second day, while we sought out lunch at the Mount Vernon Inn, imagine our surprise when we spotted Callista Gingrich signing her new children’s book, SWEET LAND OF LIBERTY!
Talk about excitement on my part! As an avid book collector, reader and fellow writer, I could not pass up the chance, so hubby and I stood in the long line with our books. Callista smiled warmly as I told her they were for our two youngest grandbabies.
She passed the books over to Newt and I expressed how great it was that he would sign them, too! He smiled and said, “Well, you know, I’m here with her so thought I would.” The two exchanged a sweet glance. I loved the support he showed her at that moment. I am blessed with a wonderfully supportive husband, so it’s something I notice.
I asked if my hubby could take my picture with them and they said yes (if you look, I seem to be lurking!). The sweet thing is that in the picture above, Newt was not looking at the camera. But I have a second pic with all of us looking toward hubby, because Callista noticed and immediately put her hand on her husband’s arm and urged him to look at the camera for one more take.
I’m not particularly political, but I do believe that as a Christian we should forgive the past, not judge the present and pray for the future.
The funny thing about all of this is I’d just finished reading Jane Kirkpatrick’s latest novel, BARCELONA CALLING, in which writer Annie Shaw is doing everything she can to have her book picked up by Oprah. As we lay in bed that night a thought struck me. I turned to hubby, “Why didn’t I tell Callista that I’ve written a novel? My big moment and I just said, ‘these are for my grandbabies’!”
Such is life! And I should have bought three more books when I could have them signed by Newt and Callista! Turns out the older grandbabies would have liked one, too! It’s a very sweet read-to-me book!
Check out Friday’s Favorites tomorrow when I review Jane Kirkpatrick’s BARCELONA CALLING!