I grew up in Minneapolis, MN and graduated from Theodore
Roosevelt High School in 1970. My dad
had also graduated from Roosevelt. My
grade school was Julia Ward Howe, and she wrote, “The Battle Hymn of the
Republic”. She also was an abolitionist
and a suffragist. My junior high school,
was Maria Sanford. She was an
educator. I’m not sure if these
historical icons played a part in my interest in American history, but I sure
grew to love it.
First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy was so elegant and soft
spoken. Her voice was like a whisper and
she’d always outshine her husband even though, I liked him. Every First Lady since Mrs. Kennedy, I’ve
been interested in.
I could never imagine what it’d be like to live in the White
House. I loved it when Barbara Bush went
sliding with her grandchildren, which me hope that my grandkids would love me
just as much. Laura Bush was so serene
and a librarian, to boot! I already loved
books. I grew up on Nancy Drew and Maude
Hart Lovelace.
My love and interest in the First Ladies just kept
growing. Mrs. Obama was a great
ambassador for good nutrition. As an
educator, I see firsthand how the lunch programs have become healthier because
of her efforts.
Suddenly, I decided that I wanted a signed picture of each of
the living First Ladies. Unfortunately,
I missed Betty Ford, and I loved her.
She danced upon the presidential desk.
Can you beat that! I contacted
each of the libraries and foundations until my request was answered. That includes a signed picture from, Mrs.
Carter, Reagan, both Bush’s, Clinton, and Mrs. Obama. From Mrs. Obama, I also received a letter
which was printed on White House stationary.
Barbara Bush signed her name in the calligraphy script and attached a
note. Every First Lady deserves our
respect for what they’ve contributed to our country and culture.
In my spare time when I’m not writing, I read a great deal,
walk outside a mile every day, quilt and knit or crochet. We live in the woods on the Mississippi River
in northern Minnesota, so I can watch all the large and small animals of the
forest plus observe the many birds.
You can find Barb's newest First Lady Mystery, If Words Could Kill, at https://amzn.com/1945467037
2 comments:
Welcome to Killer Hobbies, Barb. I really admire your knowledge of the First Ladies and your contact with some of them!
It was so nice meeting you at Bouchercon in New Orleans. I look forward to reading your blogs on Killer Hobbies.
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