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Deeper Lessons Hidden in a Circle of Dirt
To the casual observer, a game of marbles might seem little more than a dusty schoolyard diversion—children crouched in the dirt, flicking glass spheres with oddly serious expressions. But to those who played…
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The Race Against Autumn Frost in Virginia
Every autumn in Virginia, winemakers keep one cautious eye on the weather forecast. By September and October, our grapes are heavy and sweet, hanging at the edge of perfection. But as the nights…
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A Deeper Dive into The Ghosts of Shaw Mines
The Ghosts of Shaw Mines is more than the story of one coal town. It’s a vivid journey through a slice of American history, told in three richly woven layers. The book’s visual…
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One Sister’s Journey
In this Shaw Mines au pair story, Verna leaves her coal camp home in the late 1940s to work for prominent families in Meyersdale and Pittsburgh. Her journey from small-town babysitter to big-city…
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Skunks 101 for Naturalists
And Others with Working Noses Let’s face it: few mammals have inspired more sudden changes of direction, tomato juice baths, or midnight dog disasters than the humble skunk. But behind that odorous reputation…
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Cabernet Franc 2017 – The Peppery Heart of the Vineyard
Cabernet Franc may be best known as the parent of Cabernet Sauvignon, but this ancient grape has a unique personality all its own—fresher, more aromatic, and often more food-friendly. Here in Northern Virginia,…
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The Shaw Mines Au Pairs
A Sequel Chapter to “The Ghosts of Shaw Mines” Long before the word au pair was fashionable, and long before families sought “nannies with culture” from overseas, the girls of Shaw Mines were…
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Why I Love Butter
There’s something about butter that satisfies in a way no substitute ever could. One teaspoon—just one—can tide me over for hours, softening hunger in a way that feels primal. Maybe it’s the fat…
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When Butter Tastes Like Onions
How a Cow’s Diet Affects Butter Flavor My uncles enjoyed working on their grandparents’ farm during the summers. Chiefly because nothing thrilled them more than dinnertime. One of them used to tell the…
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From German Settlement Roots to Award-Winning Wines at Hiddencroft Vineyards
Tucked away among the rolling farmland of Loudoun County lies a property steeped in history, nourished by tradition, and brimming with rustic charm. This land has been witness to over 150 years of…
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Buzzards on the Deck – A Fowl Situation
A flock of buzzards turned our peaceful vineyard into their own personal sunning spa and restroom. From barf to barn takeovers, here's the true story of how we accidentally became vulture landlords.
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The Writing Process Behind The Ghosts of Shaw Mines
From a spiral notebook of memories to a fully researched manuscript, this post reveals how The Ghosts of Shaw Mines came to life—through family stories, vintage photos, historical records, and a desire to…
Writing that's Rooted in Truth, Memory and Myth
