History Lessons!

Once upon a time, I undertook the project of writing the History of Sawgrass.

That project, when complete, was turned over to the Sawgrass Association to compile with their other work on this area.

I have yet to see anything come of it and am truly disappointed!

With that said, I was so pleased to see 'real follow-through' from Maurice Robinson, when I attended Guest Speaker Day at the PV Senior Center.

Maurice shared highlights of his recent book, The History of Ponte Vedra.

The book covers a timeframe from 1514 to current.

With his slide presentation, he tweaked just enough of our curiosity to encourage a more indepth look of our history here in PV.

Barbara Marshall purchased Maurice's book for her husband who loves historical literature and lives in Ponte Vedra. They may just uncover a mystery in the property where they live. :)

When Maurice said, 'How could a place so beautiful, not have been written about?', I, too, was perplexed!

So, he undertook the exciting task of uncovering a very interesting history. He unveils an interesting history of our beautiful community and a plethora of influential names we still hear today throughout our community. We now better understand how the people and the land interface to make The History of Ponte Vedra.

Here are a few highlights Maurice shared from The History of Ponte Vedra:

• From 1514 when Ponce de Leon landed 3 vessels;

• The Guana Watershed;


• The Palm Valley Bridge History;


• Peyton's influence;


• Where the name Diego Plains came from during 1600-1906;


• How and why our subdivision on 210 was named Sawmill Lakes;


• Moonshine Days and Mineral City

Most amazing to me was the large area of land Florida covered in those days. It spread up through the Louisiana tip over to Chesapeake Bay. Very shocking! No wonder people say we are South Georgia.

Of course, Jean McCormick's name was inevitable along with the Beaman's, Fletcher's, and not to leave our our first church in Ponte Vedra Beach - Christ Episcopal.

Maurice also said the lakes around this area are often due to the chemical digs when cleaning up after the Mineral City Days.

He reminded us when a round of golf at the Ponte Vedra Club was a mere $1.50 per day and a stay at the inn was $8.00. Where have those days gone?

All in all, the audience completely enjoyed their history lesson. The books are available throughout our community bookstores.

NOT FOR ADULTS ONLY!

Yesterday, I learned something new about Authors and Book Signings. They aren't for adults only!

We were invited by our grandkids to join them at a book signing at the Town's Center Barnes & Noble by their favorite author -- Mary Pope Osbourne!


With their books in hand and smiles of excitement on their faces, they were herded around the aisles, around the service desk, out the doors, down the street, around the corner, and finally to the end of the line to wait their turn with their number safely around their wrist. After 2 1/2 hours of anticipation, they were finally next in line!

As they approached Mary for their photo and signing, she glanced down at them and exclaimed, 'Oh my goodness, it's little Jack and Annie!" Jack and Annie are the characters from her book who are a brother and sister and a year and half apart, just like our grandchildren, Alex and Savannah! Together, they go on adventures in a magic treehouse. How interesting!


With Magic Treehouse in hand, and everyone happy, they knew the wait had been worth it. What a momentous occasion for these 500+ young readers. Now, they await the upcoming musical and curl up to read their new books.


To see all of Mary Pope Osbourne's books and upcoming events, visit her website at http://www.marypopeosborne.com/.


Keep Reading Little Ones!

DID YOU SAY FRENCH KISS?

Where else can you discuss sleeping with movie stars, blondes, French kissing, and Italian for beginners than at the Ponte Vedra Book Talk Cafe.

On Monday, April 19, Vic DiGenti, the regional director of the Florida Writers Association and president of the Friends of the Library–Ponte Vedra Beach, introduced us to - Author Kristin Harmel.

Kristin, barely visible above the podium at a petite height of 5', delighted us with her enthusiastic presentation. Kristin's genuine love of writing was obvious as well as her desire to share her world, her stories, her joys, and her challenges as she has grown and matured in her writing and in her style.

By the time Kristin graduated suma cum laude from our very own University of Florida, she had written her first book, and knew she was living her passion. With a love of travel, a vibrant personality, and an upbeat outlook on life, her readers are in for many delightful stories now and in the coming years.

Kristin's books appeal to the 20, 30, and 40 year old female and, therefore, are considered 'Chick-Lit.' However, I think they're the perfect 'beach read' and I'm over 40! Ladies, since when is 'Chick-Lit' a negative thing anyway, right?

As you read Kristin's novels, you'll enjoy international travel with her lead characters sharing with you -- 'How to Sleep With a Movie Star,' 'The Blond Theory,' 'The Art of French Kissing,' and coming soon, 'Italian for Beginners.' (all carrying disclaimers as the intriguing titles can be misleading!)

Kristin doesn't leave out the young adult readers either. Check out her website for all of her books and scheduled events at www.kristinharmel.com.

Now, if only my daughter will share the two books I purchased for her!!!!! Hmmmm?

Gotta go!

Sites: Vic DiGenti @ http://www.windrusher.com/
Ponte Vedra Friends of the Library: http://www.friendspvlibrary.org/