Moving to a new location, especially to a different state, can be heart pumping, teeth grinding stressful. My son packed my six-room household into his racecar trailer till there wasn’t room left for even a toothpick. All set to go, he and I left at 3 am the Sunday morning before Thanksgiving. We dined and danced at the Bordentown City Veterans Patriotic Ball the night before, leaving at 10 pm to get a little shut-eye for the seven-hour journey. Early for us to leave a party, a great one at that. Alas, sometimes one must sacrifice.
Once I arrived and settled in, the stress was replaced with pure joy. It’s an adventure, finding my way around the Lake Gaston area of North Carolina. Last week I went to get my new driver’s license. The girl at the insurance office told me it was behind the hospital in Roanoke Rapids on Rte 125. I drove onto the hospital grounds and all around it looking for an adjacent property holding the License Bureau. No luck.
Finally I went to the Chamber of Commerce on US 58 for new directions. She sent me out to I-95 to the next exit where the building stood in plain view a mile away. When I left-with my new NC license, voter registration and a pleasant memory- I noticed the road sign said Rte 125. Yup. Just about three or four miles down the road stood the hospital. Different areas of our country express ourselves differently.
Monday, December 26, 2005
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Small Town Ghosts
'Tis the month for Ghost Walks and ghostly reading, especially true stories from small historical towns. It seems that more and more people are tuned in to folks who have tuned out. Passed on. Actually I hear more people saying 'passed on' rather than saying 'died' these days. Perhaps because more people are developing their extra-sensory perception, becoming aware of life after life.
Many old houses gain character by former owners refusing to leave the premises. They loved it there, why should they leave? Some were having such a good time, they don't wanna go. So they stay behind for awhile, entertaining and educating us with their presence, sometimes with a few antics.
To hear stories of true hauntings in Historical Bordentown City, NJ, the Downtown Bordentown Association holds an annual Bordentown City Ghost Walk the last Sunday in October. This year on the 30th starting at 7 pm, prior to the Ghost Walk a talk and book signing of "The Ghosts of Bordentown" will take place at 'Strangelove's, 150 Farnsworth Ave. Bordentown (of course). For information on the tour, call 609-298-3334.
Many old houses gain character by former owners refusing to leave the premises. They loved it there, why should they leave? Some were having such a good time, they don't wanna go. So they stay behind for awhile, entertaining and educating us with their presence, sometimes with a few antics.
To hear stories of true hauntings in Historical Bordentown City, NJ, the Downtown Bordentown Association holds an annual Bordentown City Ghost Walk the last Sunday in October. This year on the 30th starting at 7 pm, prior to the Ghost Walk a talk and book signing of "The Ghosts of Bordentown" will take place at 'Strangelove's, 150 Farnsworth Ave. Bordentown (of course). For information on the tour, call 609-298-3334.
Synchronicity
Synchronicity
Who believes in synchronicity? Last year while researching my recent book, "Bordentown Revisited" for Arcadia Publishing, I was sitting at the reader in the Bordentown library scanning old Register-News files. My eyes were intent on the screen, but my ears picked up the murmur of the room. Suddenly I perked up when I heard "Oh my gosh! You have to meet Arlene. She's right here researching your home!"
Naturally I turned around. The librarian introduced me to the gentleman on whose ancestral home background I was reading. He came to the library seeking information on the former Field estate. He already was in possession of the complete genealogical line dating back to 1069. I absolutely glowed with excitement. He generously shared the written content which was invaluable to the book. Synchronicity? I believe it.
Who believes in synchronicity? Last year while researching my recent book, "Bordentown Revisited" for Arcadia Publishing, I was sitting at the reader in the Bordentown library scanning old Register-News files. My eyes were intent on the screen, but my ears picked up the murmur of the room. Suddenly I perked up when I heard "Oh my gosh! You have to meet Arlene. She's right here researching your home!"
Naturally I turned around. The librarian introduced me to the gentleman on whose ancestral home background I was reading. He came to the library seeking information on the former Field estate. He already was in possession of the complete genealogical line dating back to 1069. I absolutely glowed with excitement. He generously shared the written content which was invaluable to the book. Synchronicity? I believe it.
Sunday, October 09, 2005
More on Used Books
More On Used Books
Recently an article was published in a writers’ magazine by an author complaining about people buying used books. “It doesn’t do the author any good,” he whines. “If people cannot afford new hard cover books, they should wait a year later for the paperback books to hit the stands.” I wonder what he suggests should be done to the exquisite libraries of the deceased. Trash them? After all, once they pass from the present owner, they become used books.
Even as a published writer, I disagree. I was first a reader. I’m outraged that this man looks upon the writing profession totally as a dollar sign. Yes, it’s wonderful that some people earn a good living by writing, books or otherwise. But used books fill a vacancy that allows lesser income readers and collectors to have a fine-looking library that one cannot always get from mass market paperbacks.
Furthermore, the challenge of finding a gem in the used bookshop is sometimes half the fun. It’s reminiscent of the Treasure Hunt once popular at parties. Enjoy.
Recently an article was published in a writers’ magazine by an author complaining about people buying used books. “It doesn’t do the author any good,” he whines. “If people cannot afford new hard cover books, they should wait a year later for the paperback books to hit the stands.” I wonder what he suggests should be done to the exquisite libraries of the deceased. Trash them? After all, once they pass from the present owner, they become used books.
Even as a published writer, I disagree. I was first a reader. I’m outraged that this man looks upon the writing profession totally as a dollar sign. Yes, it’s wonderful that some people earn a good living by writing, books or otherwise. But used books fill a vacancy that allows lesser income readers and collectors to have a fine-looking library that one cannot always get from mass market paperbacks.
Furthermore, the challenge of finding a gem in the used bookshop is sometimes half the fun. It’s reminiscent of the Treasure Hunt once popular at parties. Enjoy.
Monday, September 19, 2005
Boone on the North Carolina Trip
While on this search for a new location to live in North Carolina, I wound up in Boone. This is a delightful old town with a lot of new construction going on. My car just happened to find a parking place on the main street in front of a used book shop. My car is an extension of my personality and knows just where I like to go.
I found out, in talking to the gal while she rang up my sales, that there were seven other used book shops in town. They are no longer in business. How sad, the very shops that helped to make the town successful could not afford the rent after a better main street was attained.
This seems to happen too often these days. Especially in small towns that have restored their original main streets, drawing people of taste who shop at malls as little as possible. The absentee landlords and multi-party investors get greedy and hurt the very person who brought success to their investment. Enjoy.
I found out, in talking to the gal while she rang up my sales, that there were seven other used book shops in town. They are no longer in business. How sad, the very shops that helped to make the town successful could not afford the rent after a better main street was attained.
This seems to happen too often these days. Especially in small towns that have restored their original main streets, drawing people of taste who shop at malls as little as possible. The absentee landlords and multi-party investors get greedy and hurt the very person who brought success to their investment. Enjoy.
Saturday, September 17, 2005
Looking for a New Home in North Carolina
9-17-05
Looking for a New Home in North Carolina
I’ve been planning to re-locate out of New Jersey and into a state south of here. After exploring a few other states, I’ve decided on North Carolina. I invited a friend to join me this past week for the trek from east of I-295 to their incredibly blue mountain range.
Henderson, Oxford and Warrenton are towns that impressed me with their cleanliness. Their neatly-kept and well- landscaped homes indicate the character of the people living in the areas I drove through. An important item, since I’m a stranger without acquaintances in the neighborhoods. The rolling hills of countryside also captured my attention. These are definitely areas to further research.
As much as the mountains grab my very soul, the prices I’ve seen so far are way out of my economic range. But it’s worth the effort to look further.
The people we met are an added reason to settle in NC. Everyone we met were gracious with a cheerful “Hi y’all” for openers. They struck me as sincere, not artificial at all. Again, a reflection of their life here. Unhappy people are rarely gracious or welcoming. This is going to be a challenge to find the right town/county for me to live the next chapter of my life. Enjoy.
Looking for a New Home in North Carolina
I’ve been planning to re-locate out of New Jersey and into a state south of here. After exploring a few other states, I’ve decided on North Carolina. I invited a friend to join me this past week for the trek from east of I-295 to their incredibly blue mountain range.
Henderson, Oxford and Warrenton are towns that impressed me with their cleanliness. Their neatly-kept and well- landscaped homes indicate the character of the people living in the areas I drove through. An important item, since I’m a stranger without acquaintances in the neighborhoods. The rolling hills of countryside also captured my attention. These are definitely areas to further research.
As much as the mountains grab my very soul, the prices I’ve seen so far are way out of my economic range. But it’s worth the effort to look further.
The people we met are an added reason to settle in NC. Everyone we met were gracious with a cheerful “Hi y’all” for openers. They struck me as sincere, not artificial at all. Again, a reflection of their life here. Unhappy people are rarely gracious or welcoming. This is going to be a challenge to find the right town/county for me to live the next chapter of my life. Enjoy.
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Used Books
Used Books
I was late in discovering used bookshops, unfortunately for me. All those wasted years of buying new books, without the imprint of a former owner. It's like buying a new house, a naked house. You have to add window dressings, customize wallpaper, storm/screen windows, fences, landscaping, a garden house, etc. all this places the touch of your character to the house that someone else buys fifty years later. They get the benefit of your living in the house, leaving your character, your imprint of life. Your stories hang in the corners and are tucked under the front porch. All the little things that take a lifetime to leave your touch on.
With used books it's the same. Ever thumb through a book with tiny written notes in the margins? The reader responds intensely to the author. It's a bonus. Read the inscription on the free front endpaper, a script in ink written by someone with a personal thought to be kept forever by its' recipient. A treasure. Sometimes it's an inside peek at a loving relationship. Let your hand glide over the note, feel the emotion lift off the page. Someone cared.
Small, charming Bordentown City, NJ is a town of five used bookshops. I can just wander from one to another, floating on a book 'high.' Half the fun is in the searching. Sitting on the floor flipping through the pages of an old book, out-of-print for the last twenty years. Finding a book signed by the author is a treat even if it isn't a top name known by everyone. It indicates two people that care, the author and the buyer. It's personal. Now, in the used bookshop, a third person benefits from the original purchase. Try it. Enjoy.
I was late in discovering used bookshops, unfortunately for me. All those wasted years of buying new books, without the imprint of a former owner. It's like buying a new house, a naked house. You have to add window dressings, customize wallpaper, storm/screen windows, fences, landscaping, a garden house, etc. all this places the touch of your character to the house that someone else buys fifty years later. They get the benefit of your living in the house, leaving your character, your imprint of life. Your stories hang in the corners and are tucked under the front porch. All the little things that take a lifetime to leave your touch on.
With used books it's the same. Ever thumb through a book with tiny written notes in the margins? The reader responds intensely to the author. It's a bonus. Read the inscription on the free front endpaper, a script in ink written by someone with a personal thought to be kept forever by its' recipient. A treasure. Sometimes it's an inside peek at a loving relationship. Let your hand glide over the note, feel the emotion lift off the page. Someone cared.
Small, charming Bordentown City, NJ is a town of five used bookshops. I can just wander from one to another, floating on a book 'high.' Half the fun is in the searching. Sitting on the floor flipping through the pages of an old book, out-of-print for the last twenty years. Finding a book signed by the author is a treat even if it isn't a top name known by everyone. It indicates two people that care, the author and the buyer. It's personal. Now, in the used bookshop, a third person benefits from the original purchase. Try it. Enjoy.
First Day Back to High School
Arlene Bice's Blog
Subject: First Day Back to High School
6 September 2005
On my cool, early morning daily walk today, I noticed small groups of high school kids gathered on various bus stop corners throughout Bordentown City. Must be the first day back to school, I thought. It's been a long time since I went to high school. I walked the two miles every school day, stopping at the houses of friends along the way so they could join me. We were excited, anticipating the new kids we would meet, guessing what teachers we would have and what activities we could join. We talked about clothes, movies, music and of course our favorite topic, boys. The first day back to school was always full of adventure.
The kids I saw showed no such emotion. They stood apart from each other, some across the street, heads down. No one was looking at anyone else, including me, walking by. No one spoke. Silence permeated the air. As I approached the fourth bus stop with three boys glumly waiting on the corner, one withdrawn behind earphones, and five girls across the street, two who actually appeared to be speaking to each other, I boldly spoke up.
"Well, I see everyone is happy to be going back to school."
One girl, standing alone, chuckled to herself. The rest ignored me completely. Sad. Enjoy.
Subject: First Day Back to High School
6 September 2005
On my cool, early morning daily walk today, I noticed small groups of high school kids gathered on various bus stop corners throughout Bordentown City. Must be the first day back to school, I thought. It's been a long time since I went to high school. I walked the two miles every school day, stopping at the houses of friends along the way so they could join me. We were excited, anticipating the new kids we would meet, guessing what teachers we would have and what activities we could join. We talked about clothes, movies, music and of course our favorite topic, boys. The first day back to school was always full of adventure.
The kids I saw showed no such emotion. They stood apart from each other, some across the street, heads down. No one was looking at anyone else, including me, walking by. No one spoke. Silence permeated the air. As I approached the fourth bus stop with three boys glumly waiting on the corner, one withdrawn behind earphones, and five girls across the street, two who actually appeared to be speaking to each other, I boldly spoke up.
"Well, I see everyone is happy to be going back to school."
One girl, standing alone, chuckled to herself. The rest ignored me completely. Sad. Enjoy.
Thursday, August 25, 2005
How History Affects a Town
25 August 2005
How History Affects a Town
Living in a town as full of history as Bordentown City, NJ allows one to go in many different directions. One of the fun aspects is dressing up as an historic personality. I don't even have to wait for Halloween for this one.
When the largest Revolutionary War re-enactment on the east coast happened right here in 'river city' several years ago, it gave us a taste of slipping into period costumes and pretending to be someone else. The town was alive with reds, bold blues, whites, and all the other colors of the colonies. Native Americans strolled the now-bustling streets weaving in and out of the shops, bravely standing for photo shoots. Even having their picture taken with the enemy-the Brits. A few shops boldly displayed the rebel flag and the British Union Jack. It was all in fun, not like the first time the Brits and Hessians occupied the town. Cannons boomed then, too, but with murder in their minds.
A seed was planted that weekend. The result being the Colonial Social slated for September 9, from 7 - 9 pm this year in the garden of Mickey and Patti DeSantis at Lighthouse Point in Bordentown City. The Downtown Bordentown Association sponsors the event as a fundraiser.
I look forward to the evening like a kid looks for a Halloween Party. No bobbing for apples and no ghosts or goblins show up at the Social, though you never can tell. We certainly have enough ghosts in town.
I take on the personality and attire of Patience Lovell Wright, the USA's first sculptor and a spy for the patriotic cause. She was a Quaker born in Bordentown with artistic talents that she put to good use after her husband died young, leaving her with children to raise on her own. You may ask me questions or just chat with me at the Social. I will answer you as Patience may have, telling you of my adventures at King George's court in London.
Other Bordentown historic figures will be nibbling hors D'oerves and sipping wine, too. Look for Colonel Kirkbride, friend of Thomas Paine, the Hopkinsons and the Applegate woman. You'll probably see some shopkeepers, too. It's a fun time. Hope to see you there. I'll be all in white and easy to find. Enjoy.
How History Affects a Town
Living in a town as full of history as Bordentown City, NJ allows one to go in many different directions. One of the fun aspects is dressing up as an historic personality. I don't even have to wait for Halloween for this one.
When the largest Revolutionary War re-enactment on the east coast happened right here in 'river city' several years ago, it gave us a taste of slipping into period costumes and pretending to be someone else. The town was alive with reds, bold blues, whites, and all the other colors of the colonies. Native Americans strolled the now-bustling streets weaving in and out of the shops, bravely standing for photo shoots. Even having their picture taken with the enemy-the Brits. A few shops boldly displayed the rebel flag and the British Union Jack. It was all in fun, not like the first time the Brits and Hessians occupied the town. Cannons boomed then, too, but with murder in their minds.
A seed was planted that weekend. The result being the Colonial Social slated for September 9, from 7 - 9 pm this year in the garden of Mickey and Patti DeSantis at Lighthouse Point in Bordentown City. The Downtown Bordentown Association sponsors the event as a fundraiser.
I look forward to the evening like a kid looks for a Halloween Party. No bobbing for apples and no ghosts or goblins show up at the Social, though you never can tell. We certainly have enough ghosts in town.
I take on the personality and attire of Patience Lovell Wright, the USA's first sculptor and a spy for the patriotic cause. She was a Quaker born in Bordentown with artistic talents that she put to good use after her husband died young, leaving her with children to raise on her own. You may ask me questions or just chat with me at the Social. I will answer you as Patience may have, telling you of my adventures at King George's court in London.
Other Bordentown historic figures will be nibbling hors D'oerves and sipping wine, too. Look for Colonel Kirkbride, friend of Thomas Paine, the Hopkinsons and the Applegate woman. You'll probably see some shopkeepers, too. It's a fun time. Hope to see you there. I'll be all in white and easy to find. Enjoy.
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Small Town Living
Arlene S. Bice's Blog
Subject: Small Town Living 23 August 2005
Today is one of those perfect summer days. Low humidity, temperature in the low 80s. So instead of hiding out in my air-conditioned office all afternoon, I took a walk to the post office a block away. Just for exercise, an excuse to leave my precious PC. As I'm strolling down the tree-lined street, I heard my name being called by my friend Patti. The day is so perfect she decided to just ride around town on her bike. We headed for Katie's Café to sit out on the sidewalk, have a milk shake and say 'hello' to everyone else enjoying this beautiful day. Within 15 minutes Bobbie joined us, then another couple whose names I don't even know. But who needs a name to share a pleasant hour.
That's part of small-town living. Especially in the business district, which is often just a main street running through the center. Strangers walking in the town full of colorful Victorian and Colonial buildings for the first time get a 'hello' from someone they don't know. Often this stuns them. People today are not used to friendliness. Sometimes not even from their neighbors, let alone from total strangers. Bordentown City welcomes its' visitors with cordiality. It's a town that has always enchanted its' visitors. Many came for a holiday and returned to stay.
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Subject: Small Town Living 23 August 2005
Today is one of those perfect summer days. Low humidity, temperature in the low 80s. So instead of hiding out in my air-conditioned office all afternoon, I took a walk to the post office a block away. Just for exercise, an excuse to leave my precious PC. As I'm strolling down the tree-lined street, I heard my name being called by my friend Patti. The day is so perfect she decided to just ride around town on her bike. We headed for Katie's Café to sit out on the sidewalk, have a milk shake and say 'hello' to everyone else enjoying this beautiful day. Within 15 minutes Bobbie joined us, then another couple whose names I don't even know. But who needs a name to share a pleasant hour.
That's part of small-town living. Especially in the business district, which is often just a main street running through the center. Strangers walking in the town full of colorful Victorian and Colonial buildings for the first time get a 'hello' from someone they don't know. Often this stuns them. People today are not used to friendliness. Sometimes not even from their neighbors, let alone from total strangers. Bordentown City welcomes its' visitors with cordiality. It's a town that has always enchanted its' visitors. Many came for a holiday and returned to stay.
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