Blogging Statistics

I will post my 200th blog on Monday, and I've had nearly 2,000 page views, which means I'm averaging about 100 views per day. I'm hoping this will increase after Cleared for Planting hits the bookstores and my following increases.

My most popular blogs so far have been:
     Doctors in America                                                      243
     Somerset Place                                                              243
     Garbage In, Garbage Out                                           235
     How Can You Know You're Going to Heaven        192
     Bathing Years Ago                                                        179
     When God Doesn't Make Sense                                174
     Bread Recipes from History                                      168

You can look anything up that I've blogged about by typing it in the white search bar at the top left on the blog. It will even bring up things from the content and not just the titles.

I have been interested to see I have page visits from many other countries. The list in order from the most to the least is as follows:

       United States

       Brazil

       Canada

       France

       United Kingdom

       Ireland

       Poland

       South Africa

       India

       Germany

       Philippines

       Australia

       Panama

       Dominica

       Japan

       New Zealand

       Singapore

       Denmark

       Czech Republic

       South Korea

       Turkey

       Nigeria

Here are some more statistics for this blog:

     Browsers
          Chrome                    36%
          Foxfire                      23%
          Internet Explorer   15%  
          OS;FBSV                  10%
          Safari                          8%        
          Other                          8%
     Operating Systems
          Windows                  57%
          Macintosh                12%
          Android                    11%
          ipad                             7%
          iphone                         7%
          Other                           6%

I'm not usually impressed by a lot of statistics. From the class I had to take to get my Master's degree, I know they can be skewed. However, I have found these interesting, and I'm glad blogspot keeps them.

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The Legend of Tom Dooley

Another mystery of the mountain region comes from Wilkes County, North Carolina, right after the Civil War. Handsome Tom Dula (pronounced "Dooley" by the locals) came home from the war looking for beautiful Ann, the girl he'd left behind, but she had married James Melton in the meantime. Many believed she and Tom picked up their relationship anyway.

The ladies liked Tom, and he saw other women, including Laura Foster, a cousin of Ann's. When Laura was murdered, and Tom went missing, many assumed he had committed the crime. The sheriff found him in Tennessee and 

brought him back for trial, but there's always been a lot of doubt about what really happened. Some of the testimony at the trial sounds too much like gossip and hearsay. Although some sources listed Laura as Tom's fiancee at the time of her death, it was all based on a few comments she'd made about running away with Tom. However, some believe the man she was planning to leave with was someone else entirely, and she wanted to keep it a secret, because there was no reason for her to run away to marry Tom. At his hanging, Tom's last words about Laura Foster was to say, "I didn't harm a hair on that girl's head."

After he was sentenced, Tom did sign a confession, but many think it was to protect Ann, who had also been jailed. "The Ballad of Tom Dooley" by the Kingston Trio and the movie starring Michael Landon as Tom also made people wonder if Tom wasn't innocent. In 2001, Tom Dula was acquitted of all charges, but it held little weight at this point.

There were others who could have been guilty. Many believed that Ann had actually killed Laura from jealousy, or at least had directed someone other than Tom to do so. Author Sharon McCrumb took a different

view. According to her novel, The Ballad of Tom Dooley, Pauline Foster, another cousin of Ann and Laura, was a sociopath who manipulated everyone and had Ann so jealous she killed Laura. Then, Pauline arranged for Tom to take the blame. She had been staying with the Meltons as a helper at the time. I wasn't impressed with McCrumb's version, because every character was presented in such a degrading, stereotypical, poor mountain-trash way. There wasn't one really respectable character in the whole book. Even Tom's lawyer, later to be governor, Zebulon Vance, is portrayed as bungling and incompetent.

This is one of those intriguing stories that will likely never be clearly resolved. Whatever happened, Tom Dooley has never been forgotten.

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Mysterious Melungeons

A dark complected group living in the mountains of Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina have long been a subject of speculation. They've been living in the mountains so long, no one knows their origin, but they're noticeably different from their neighbors. They appear to be European or a mix and were living in the mountains when the first settlers got there from the East.

Rumors have abounded for years. Among speculation is that they were originally from the lost tribes of Israel, the Lost Colonists from England via North Carolina, Portuguese, Phoenicians, Egyptians, Gypsies, Black Dutch, Black Irish, Italian, Spanish, Cuban, Native American or African mix, etc. There have been all sorts of studies. One fairly modern genetic study says they

were originally couples of African males and white females and later mixed with some Cherokee. However, most of the studies are more speculative than conclusive, and they often contradict each other, at least to some extent.

Another interesting piece is some of the famous people mentioned as likely being Melungeon. Abraham Lincoln is one, supposedly mainly from his mother's side. His dark complexion, coarse black hair, and gray eyes certainly fit Melungeon characteristics. 

Elvis Presley is said to have branched off from a part of Lincoln's family, and he too has the characteristics

with olive skin, black hair, and blue eyes. His great, great, great grandmother was a Cherokee from Tennessee, which also fits into the Melungeon mix. Other famous people mentioned include Cher, Tom Hanks, Ava Gardner, Bill Monroe (of bluegrass fame), Heather Locklear, and Steve Martin.

We may never know the origins of the Melungeons for certain, but I find it an interesting subject. I wonder if there's a novel lurking in here somewhere. That's an intriguing possibility.

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Ahoskie

Ahoskie is a small town in Hertford County, North Carolina, whose name is somewhat a mystery. Although Ahoskie only has a population of a little over 5,000, it's presence is that of a larger town, because it pulls business from several surrounding communities.

Almost all historians agree that the name "Ahoskie" comes from an early Native American group, but then the information becomes contradictory. The Historical News writes that a Mr. Parker says the name came from Indians describing a ridge line that ran above surrounding swamps (vol. 35, no. 9-NC, p.14). This source also says that Mr. J. N. B. Hewitt of the Bureau of American Ethnology at the Smithsonian Institute accredits a corruption of the word "Hanahaski," although he adds that no Tuscarora lived in the area. Some old-timers remember hearing that

the word "Ahoshans" had been used for a group of mixed Indians from different tribes. The first written record of the word comes from a General Assembly meeting of 1722. It reads, "for the precinct of Bertie, now by this Assembly laid out at some convenient place at Ahotskey, where the justices shall appoint" (Ibid.). Wikipedia, however, tells that it comes from the Wyanoke Indians' word, "Ahotsky."

Regardless of where it originates, Ahoskie is the only town in the world with that name. This is where the town gets it's slogan, "The Only One."

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Early American Music

In Europe, educated people were expected to be musical. Nearly everyone in the upper classes either played an instrument or sang. Ladies, however, didn't usually play a wind instrument. They sang or played some type of keyboard, like a  clavier or harpsicord. Organs were pretty rare, even in churches. Women could also play a cittern, gittern, or an English guitar. These were easy to learn, because the strings were tuned to a major chord.

By 1700, violins had become common. Gambas were one of the earliest types. Taverns might even have one hanging around for a customer to use. Around this time, chamber music also became popular. Solos, trios, quartets, and quintets often performed. Other common instruments included recorders, fifes, dulcians, shawns, and some other brass instruments. Folk music became even more popular in many areas.

Drums were mainly used for parades and marching. People also brought musical instruments native to their homeland when they came to America. For example, a Scot might bring his bagpipe.

Francis Hopkinson became a well-known composer in Philadelphia. Thomas Jefferson hired an Italian master to teach him to play the violin. Charles Town organized a music society in 1732, and Annapolis did the same in 1745.  Besides entertainment,

musical gatherings gave people a chance to socialize and young people a chance to meet and court. Even among workers, who might or might not be able to play an instrument, singing helped make the chores a bit easier and the long days go by faster.

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Bath, the Town

The oldest town in North Carolina was established in 1705, but the area had settlers as early as the 1690's. Bath developed an early trade in pitch, tar, etc. for the shipping industry; furs; and tobacco. These sought-after items were shipped from their port at the mouth of the Pamlico River. By 1708, Bath had about 50 people. The people there didn't have it easy, however. They battled rampant disease, problems with the Tuscarora Indians, drought, piracy, and political rivalries.

The famous pirate, Blackbeard, made his home there for a while in 1718, and his ship, Queen Anne's Revenge, roamed the waters for years. Between 1747 and 1762, the well-known evangelist, George Whitefield, visited the town four times to preach some of his Great Awakening sermons.

Edna Ferber's novel, Showboat, which also became a movie, is set in Bath. Today, Bath remains more of a village. Located in Beaufort County, it has about 250 people. Yet, its historical presence and quaint charm make it well worth visiting.

Contact information:

Historic Bath, P.O. Box 148, 207 Carteret Street, Bath, NC 27808
252-923-3971
bath@ncdcr.gov
Open: Tuesday - Saturday 9am - 5pm
Admission $2 adults & $1 students for each of the Palmer Marsh and Bonner Houses

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Being Unpopular

Before we can truly follow God's plan for us, we need to determine who it is we want to please. It's human nature to want people to admire us and to be held in high esteem, but seeking the praise of others can be a huge pitfall. It can lead to sin.

"For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ" (Galatians 1:10).

The Bible shows us over and over again that following God isn't always popular. Moses wasn't well-liked in Egypt, and even the Israelites complained about him. Most of the prophets, like Jeremiah and Elijah, remained largely unpopular. In fact, that's one of the reasons Jonah ran in the other direction when God told him to go to Nineveh. He didn't want to be scorned in Israel for going to Nineveh or persecuted in Nineveh for delivering a message from God to these pagan Assyrians. Even Jesus was unpopular with the Jewish establishment, and the crowds that once loved Him, turned against Him in the end.

"Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake; for their's is the kingdom of heaven. Blesssed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you" (Matthew 5:10-12).

I can remember times in my own life, when I was following what I thought God wanted me to, and someone took it all wrong. This is often true, even in my blogging. Just last Sunday, a pastor I don't know anything about took the message personally and felt I was pointing a finger at him and his church. I'm guessing the Holy Spirit was convicting him of something, but it wasn't me. I just write what I feel led to do, and I've been humbled and awed over and over again by what happens. I'm a just a very ordinary, unremarkable person, but I serve an extraordinary God.

"The truth is we only truly love the people in this world when we simultaneously risk unpopularity" (Mark Steele, Christianish).

 I find one of the benefits of growing older is that I care less and less what people think of me and desire more and more to please God. As someone once said, "The problems of old age offer the final opportunity to rely on God." I'm finding this truer all the time. We all should live to please the Lord first and foremost. Serving Him is so much more important than anything else.

"Only fear the Lord, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you" (1Samuel 13:5).

Researching a New Series

To begin my new series of novels set in early New Mexico, I researched off and on for over a year. The story lines had been rolling through my mind for much longer, and I knew I needed to begin.

First of all, I lived and taught in Roswell, New Mexico, for almost two years, while Jim pastored Trinidad Community Baptist Church, so I have a sense of the area. I even taught a little New Mexico history.

When I began the research in earnest, I went to the internet, took notes, copied and pasted, and printed (especially maps). Then, I borrowed books from nearby libraries. I must have read and took notes on well over twenty books. 

As I began writing the first one, Second Choice Bride, set in 1822, I still had to continue to research specific facts and information as the need arose. I took the

characters from Virginia to St. Louis in a covered wagon. Many in my husband's family live in Missouri, so I have connections there, too. It wasn't too hard to find the information I needed on St. Louis, but it's strange how one small, missing piece can cause huge problems. In all my research, I never found anything that mentions a post office in St. Louis in 1822, although I have details of streets and businesses. Therefore, I wrote that letters were sent by someone carrying them by ship. However, I later found that post offices did exist in other parts of Missouri at the time, so I plan to find out for sure before I get to the final drafts.

My hero is going to New Mexico to run a ranch his uncle has there. The uncle is a trader taking loads of merchandise on the newly forming Santa Fe Trail. In 1823, the trail started in Franklin, Missouri, which no longer exists. I had a hard time finding specific details on it, but I sent out some emails, and a librarian of Missouri history sent me the information I needed. I was so grateful, for he went out of his way to help.

Writing the first part of the novel went quickly, which is normal for me. If I can find uninterrupted blocks of time, I can write 5,000 words a day on a rough draft. However, now that my characters have left Franklin, Missouri, and started the hard part of their journey, the writing is going much slower. I'm having to consult journals and primary sources as I write. I'm also having to stop for personal reasons, like yesterday, when Jim and I spent most of the day going to his doctor's appointment, but, it's good to take breaks, and we had fun shopping afterwards.

I'm also having fun with the writing, and I don't mind the research, either. If I did, I don't guess I'd be writing historical fiction. Second Choice Bride will be my thirteenth manuscript, and I envision four to six books in the series. Of the twelve manuscripts I've already written, six are historical, four modern, and two Christian non-fiction.

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Chowan University

Tucked into the quaint town of Murfreesboro, North Carolina, rests Chowan University, a little college with a long history. It began in 1848 as Chowan Baptist Female Institute, a four-year college for women, which can trace its roots even farther back to Hertford Academy. The McDowell Columns Building was built in 1851 and now houses the school's administrative offices, as well as an auditorium. 

The name changed to Chowan College in 1910, when the school began awarding baccalaureate degrees. It began admitting men in 1931 and became a university in 2006 but is still affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention.

During several years of my teaching career, I mentored North Carolina teaching scholars. In one of the summer programs, we came to Chowan University. When I sat out on the grass in the park encircled with college students or presented a session in Marks Hall, I would never have imagined one day I would be living in the area and taking classes there.

I was talking to a young student friend online last night and told him I missed going to Chowan this semester. After all, I had attended spring semester for the past two years, just because I love to learn. Afterwards, I realized just how true that was. I see Chowan University as one of my many blessings.

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Cahokia

Just to the east of St. Louis, across the Mississippi River in Illinois, is a fascinating, Pre-Columbian site. Today the park contains about 2,200 acres and 80 mounds that were part of the Mississippian culture. Cahokia is the largest, most complex Native American site north of Mexico. No one knows the name of the original site, but early settlers named it for the Cahokia tribe living in the area when the first French explorers arrived.

Archaeologists have discovered some interesting information here. For example, there's a copper workshop, where religious items were made with a technique similar to that used by a blacksmith working with iron. There's also evidence of posts erected in a circle to mark solsitices and equinoxes. The mounds served various functions, including ceremonial and burial, and over 250 skeletons have been recovered from one mound alone.

Today, the museum has nearly a million visitors each year and has received several awards. There's also ongoing research. For more information go to http://cahokiamounds.org or call 618-257-3441  to the Illinois South Tourist Bureau.

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Taxation in the Colonies

Because of the loud protests against taxes that helped lead to the American Revolution, some people have the idea that the only taxation in the colonies came from Great Britain, but that's not true. Each colony could levy their own taxes, so they differed from colony to colony. The gripe with England was not so much the taxes, as the fact that they were imposing more and more taxes without the colonists having any representation in parliament or any say.

In some places, colonial taxes were charged according to the number of rooms in a house. Closets did exist in colonial times, but they were usually taxed as another room, and, therefore, most houses were built without them. Similarly, gambrel roofs allowed more room without actually adding another floor. They also didn't require the extra construction cost of walls, sills, etc., and they didn't require the owner to pay more in taxes.

Some colonies had a head tax, which usually meant a tax on all white males and all slaves. Many of the Southern colonies preferred a tax on imports and sometimes exports.

Still, taxes in the colonies were pretty low, until Great Britain decided they should be made to pay for the debts incurred during the French and Indian War. From the

mother country's perspective, British troops had kept the settlers safe, so it was only right that they paid for it. The colonists, however, felt that it wasn't fair, unless they had a voice in what was done. After all, they had helped fight the French and Indians, too. In the end, Britain's taxation led to another war, which cost them even more.

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A Memorable February

Today was a memorable day for me back in 1968. I lived in an apartment over Wilcox Drug Company in Boone, attending Appalachian State at the time.

Three days before, a Boone blizzard had struck and the area reeled in a white out. With the wind gusting and whistling like a bullet train, wind chills dipped well below zero, and I began having labor pains.

Our 1960 Ford Galaxy wouldn't start in the frigid temperatures (we later learned to buy a battery warmer), and none of our neighbors had a car that would start either. Getting desperate, my husband walked up to King Street to see if he could find a taxi, but the town had pretty much shut down. He came back in a police car.

All the way to the hospital, the policeman talked about the babies he'd delivered in his police car when he'd worked in Florida. If he meant to reassure me, he didn't. All the way, I seethed thinking, "Mister, you're not going to deliver this baby in your car."

As it turned out, I was right. After 72-hours of labor, a 10-pound, 7 ounce, 23-inch boy came into the world. Because of the long labor, he had developed fluid on the respiratory part of his brain, and doctors gave me a 50-50 chance of him living. He completely filled up the incubator designed for smaller newborns, but he survived with no complications. I'm so proud of the man he's become. Happy birthday Jay!

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