Book Inspired Trip

   My siblings and I recently came across a hand written partial memoir of our grandfather's.  It describes part of his life growing up in a small coal mining town, his time in the war, teaching coal mining for the college, and his meeting and raising my dad and his siblings.  Besides the whole story being interesting, one part caught a couple of our eyes.  He was sent to this small town in WV about an hour and half from where I am called Thurmond, WV.  He was sent there when he was 12 years old to live with his older sister.  He started working in the mines and befriended an African American couple and their father.  He lived in Thurmond on and off till he was about 15.  He eventually return to bury the couple somewhere in the woods over looking the valley.  Apparently he placed some grave stones engraving buried by him.  My two cousins and I decided to take a long weekend trip to Thurmond in order to hike through the forest in search of places that he described in his book. 

   Once we arrived we quickly learned that the town is no longer what it used to be.  Only 5 people still live in Thurmond and the neighboring town that he actually stayed in no longer exists.  In fact there is no evidenced of any town every being there.  We met with the local forestry office and discovered that when the coal mines owned most of the towns, when they closed the mines, they picked up everything they owned and moved.  This included that town, the buildings, houses, etc.  We still had a great time wondering and hiking the woods in our Pops old tracks.  Funny how even a short story can inspire a trip of a life time.  Miss you Grandpa.

Paul and The Porch Gnome

It's a normal hot summer day in your typical small town.  All the children are playing outside with their toys and friends, all except five year old Paul who feels all alone.

Paul's Uncle Johnny decides to introduce Paul to a little gnome that happens to live under the front porch. Paul attempts to become friends with this gnome by leaving him special treats.

Paul's summer turns into an exciting, adventurous, and magical journey of friendship and memories that he will take with him throughout life.

First time published author here.  I wrote a little children's book about a boy and a secret gnome that lives under the porch.  I actually wrote this book years ago.  It is shortly based on true events.  I am the youngest of three boys.  Much younger than my two older brothers, in fact 9-12 years younger.  My uncle and aunt lived next door to us.  I used to walk over to my uncles and help him out in the yard.  As he knew I had no one to play with one summer he decided to let me in on a little secret about a gnome that lived under his front porch. I would leave the gnome every evening little treats and in turn would find a treat left specifically for me.  I never forgot how much that summer made me feel and thought it a great idea to carry on that tradition.  I only wish I still had all the items I had collected.  I have read the book to members of my family under the age of ten, and have found that they love the imagination and story line.  Hope everyone enjoys it. 

The book is available on online retail stores and at the publishers website.  Follow the link below if you would like to purchase!!!!! Thanks

http://www.authorhouse.com/Bookstore/BookSearchResults.aspx?Search=Paul%20and%20the%20Porch%20Gnome

P.S. future stories are being worked on.  Currently working on a cookbook.  Will post as they come.