A Summer Place

I can’t believe how fast the Fourth of July has crept up on us! Where did June go? I know many bloggers are on break this week. Enjoy the holiday! Many of us will be heading to spend the holiday at a favorite summer place. I'm on vacation this week, but will be staying home...my favorite summer place. We have BBQ's lined up, parades, the Heart concert with my BFF, and general lazy nights stargazing on the deck. Writing sessions will come in here and there. We'll be spending the upcoming weekend boating on Lake Michigan, watching the air show. Love those stealths!

Anyway, I wish you all a Happy Fourth of July! A lot of towns and cities are cancelling their fireworks shows because of the dry, drought conditions. We’ve had some big rains here, so I think our town’s show is still on. After those wildfires out west, I understand the precautions.

A few weeks ago, the lovely Gwendolyn Gage presented me with a new Blog award. Thank you, Gwen! Do stop by Gwen’s blog – Serving ThroughWords - She’s always got something good going on over there.

I received the Kreative Blogger Award.

As a part of the award, I'm to share 7 interesting things about myself, and then grant this award to 7 other blogs.

I don’t know how interesting these are, or if I have ever shared them before with a different award…but anyway, here goes.

1) I was a champion high jumper in my younger years.

2) I became an aunt at the age of 5. Yes it’s true. My oldest sib is 17 years older than me. My nephew and I shared more of a little brother/big sister relationship when we were kids. I love him dearly.

3) I love to fish. I cast for largemouth bass mostly.

4) I’m a living historian, and I do Civil War reenacting.

5) I’m a fan of old classic, black and white movies.

6) I’m having a colonoscopy tomorrow morning. Haha…thought I would see if you were paying attention. No really, I am. I’m prepping today. I’m at the age where mammograms and a colonoscopy is the norm for a preventive check up. Hey seriously though – if Katie Couric can have her colonoscopy done live on the Today Show, or Dr. Oz can constantly remind us of the importance - I can also remind everyone that preventive medicine has its place to save lives with early detection. Wish me luck! Or whatever you wish someone having this procedure. I would appreciate a few prayers for a clean bill of health.

7) I can’t believe I just told everyone that I was having a colonoscopy!

Well, I hope that was interesting enough….maybe too much information?

Now I’m supposed to pass this on to 7 other bloggers, but I’m flinging it into the air. No pressure. Grab the award if you want and share 7 interesting things about you on your blog.

I'm taking a break too. I'm disabling my comments this week.
Have a Happy and Safe Fourth of  July! During this holiday, don’t forget to take a moment to remember those who fought for our freedoms. See you next week!

Between you, me and the gatepost,

Loree

Writing Mentors

General Warren - Little Round Top - Gettysburg, PA
Photo by Loree Huebner

men·tor 

Wikipedia defines the modern use of mentor as - “a trusted friend, counselor or teacher, usually a more experienced person.”

Over the course of my life, I’ve had many mentors to help me along or keep me on the straight paths, heading in the right direction for the things that were important to me – school, work, marriage, raising kids, growing in my faith, exercise, Civil War re-enacting, computers, networking, and writing. I remember each mentor fondly, keeping the warmth of their inspiration and encouragement in my heart forever.

Now, if we really think back to all of our mentors—excluding the ones from our families—just a few really stick out. They are those strong forces that made a real difference in our life. You know the ones—those who were there during a life-changing-turning-the-corner moment—the people who are beyond the normal family realm, who helped us out along the way on our life journey.

For me, it’s a teacher, a preacher, and a writer.

Some mentors stay close in our lives, and some mentors come into our lives for only a season.

Just recently, Eric and I were saddened to hear of the loss of such a mentor. A few weeks back, Paul C. Cooksey, passed away at his home in Gettysburg. He was 73. Paul was a Licensed Battlefield Guide in Gettysburg for over 25 years. He loved telling the story of the Battle of Gettysburg. He was also a writer, and a Civil War re-enactor. Paul had many history articles published, and wrote for Gettysburg Magazine.

Eric and I met Paul online about 10 years ago, playing Civil War Trivia. We met in person a short time after that.

He became a friend who mentored us in our writing of non-fiction history articles. He took the time and talked at great lengths with us about writing history, particularly on one cold November night, over Chinese food and some refreshments at his home in Gettysburg. Without going into the depths of the conversation, that night Paul inspired us to step beyond our comfort zone. That inspiration also spilled over in to our historical fiction writing. That night would change us forever. This year, Eric and I finally had our first (Civil War) history article published.

Over the years we kept in touch and saw Paul on occasion when we would visit Gettysburg. Every so often, he would send over a newly written article for us to look over and comment on. The past few years our correspondences became sparse—you know, work, busy lives...etc. And I know he had a few health issues that he was dealing with.

One main point he left us with was, “Historical fiction or non-fiction...do your own research—walk the grounds where the events took place, check sources, and then check their sources.”

He was there for a season, and I will never forget him.

Have you had a mentor who influenced your writing, or just you personally? Is your mentor still around, or were they only there for a certain season? Are you a mentor? 

I would love to hear from you.

Between you, me and the gatepost,

Loree

This week I received 2 more blog awards—one from the lovely, Brandi Boddie, and the other from the beautiful, Stacy Henrie. I'll share more about the awards on next week’s post. Until then, head on over and check out what these awesome lady writers have got going on at their blogs this week.

What kind of "buff" are you?



Twilight on Little Round Top ~ Gettysburg, PA
Photo by Loree Huebner

buff

Noun: A person who is enthusiastically interested in and very knowledgeable about a particular subject. ~ Merriam-Webster

I always think of this scene from Seinfeld when I hear the word “buff” ~

GEORGE: Wow, Keith Hernandez. He's such a great player.

JERRY: Yeah, he's a real smart guy too. He's a Civil War buff.

GEORGE: I'd love to be a Civil War buff. ... What do you have to do to be a buff?

JERRY: So Biff wants to be a buff? ... Well sleeping less than 18 hours a day
would be a start.

My hubby and I are what you might call Civil War buffs.

We’ve always shared the passion for that era in our country’s history and studied it ardently. We’ve made Civil War re-enacting our hobby. We write articles about the war and build stories around it in our fiction writing. We love to hang with people who love the Civil War as much as we do.

We are Civil War buffs.

In our case, the kind of buffs we are has nothing to do with the careers we hold. It’s something we enjoy and are eager to study or participate...anything Civil War! 

When I think of my family or friends, each is a buff of something or another. For example, my mom was a rose buff. She knew all there was to know about growing the most beautiful roses. She loved to show and tell her garden. 

Our cousin is a motorcycle buff. Her and her guy, ride on the weekends with other motorcycle buffs.

My friend is a Vegas buff. Her and her hubby love to go to Vegas. She knows all there is to know about the city, and enjoys the atmosphere and excitement. I have never been to Vegas, and she has never been to Gettysburg…but we still are the best of friends. We just have our own things that we love to do.

Everyone is a "buff" ~ Now my question goes out to you ~ What kind of buff are you?

I would love to hear from you.

Just between you, me and the gatepost,

Loree

Doing novel research by living history...

Miss Loree - Christmas 1864 - Photo by Eric Huebner

Doing novel research by living history…this is one place that I get my inspiration to write about the Civil War.

Last week I went to the doctor for my allergies. As this new nurse checked my blood pressure and took my temp, she asked me what I was there for. I replied, “My allergies are acting up, and I have a reenactment coming up.

She looked at me and asked, “Reenactment?”

“Yes, I’m a Civil War re-enactor.”

“OH, YOU'RE ONE OF THOSE.”

I smiled and shook my head as she left the room. Just what exactly did she mean?!? “OH, YOU'RE ONE OF THOSE.”

~ Civil War Reenacting 101~

Most of you know that I’m a mainstream Civil War re-enactor. I do this to teach and promote the history, to honor those who fought during this difficult time in our nation’s history, and for my own research purposes for the novels and articles that I write.

The people (THOSE) among my reenacting units and friends come from all different walks of life and occupations. We have a lawyer, several teachers, two pharmacy techs, a scientist, a professor, an appraiser, a chef, a couple of college students, a lab tech, a social worker, a behavioral specialist, a mechanic, writers, a preacher, and a policeman. We have several retired military personnel. We all have that kindred spirit…that love of the era and the history that brings us together.

The word re-enactor means exactly what it says…ACTOR.

Now you will probably never see me grace the silver screen, but there were a few times that I could be in the running for an Oscar…let me explain.

Of course, it’s fun to get all dolled up in my hoops and skirts, go to a ball and dance with my handsome soldier hubby, or spy for the Union, (yes, I’ve done my share of fanning my face while passing written reports of troop locations and numbers from my skirt pockets) but there is another side of my acting abilities…



Corporal Eric and Miss Loree - Christmas 1864 - a tearful goodbye

I’m not the authentic campaigner (hardcore) type – one who stays in character (in the bubble) the entire event - barefoot, eating rotten apples and salt pork. And I’m not the fresh fish – a newbie wearing my jeans and hiking boots into battle instead of wool and brogans. I’m the kind who is right in the middle. I wear the proper uniform or clothing, but I fall in and out of character, have a stash of bottled drinking water and Cheetos in my tent, and eat Campbell’s soup (a present day luxury) cooked in a mucket over fire. I carry my cell phone (turned off, of course)

Now you may say that this sounds more like a soldier than a proper 19^th century lady…well, I do portray both.

Frequently, I portray a soldier because they need numbers on the field. Believe it or not, women did fight in the Civil War. Some fought for the same reasons women serve in the military today—because they felt the call to duty to defend their country. Many rural women could shoot as well as their brothers or fathers.

Some women found themselves in hard times if their spouse went off to war…so some of those ladies went to war with their husbands. If he left, there was nothing but starvation or being a burden on relatives—another mouth to feed during the difficult times. Some of these ladies worked as laundresses in camp, others became “a brother”…a real soldier in the army. I could go on and on here, but I will save that for another blog post.  



Private Lars in the Union trenches - Spring Hill, TN - Photo by Eric Huebner


Back then, it was easy to fool the government. There was only a rudimentary physical exam to join the army. They looked at your teeth much like they would examine a horse. You needed teeth to bite a cartridge. They also examined your hands. That was about it. No gender checks, stress test, blood pressure, heart rate…it you looked healthy, you were in. There were many women who cut their hair and joined up. (I tuck my precious locks up under my hat)

When I tote a musket, I portray Christian soldier, a boy soldier (that’s what they called them…no facial hair) who is really a woman, fighting for the Union with her husband. I know, I know, it sounds like a Victor/Victoria plot.

I did want to say that when reenacting, in your mind you know you are not really shooting people, and that you really won’t be shot or killed yourself, but it gives you a clear impression of what it felt like to live it and struggle with it. I’ve cried many times after leaving a battlefield, or reenactment. My emotions touch on the lives of those who gave so nobly. I always pray for them. 

The tale of Private Lars ~

My character’s story is that she left and chose to fight for the Union out of patriotism, and she couldn’t stand to be parted from her husband, so she joined up with him. My hubby, Eric, and I pretend to be a married couple, pretending to be brothers in the war, Lars and Sven. (I’m not even Swedish! I told you it was acting!) Yes, I share a tent with him…he is my husband after all. Are you keeping up?

In the war, women who were caught as soldiers were sent back to the state that they were mustered in at. Some large re-enactments I’ve attended have a policy of any women caught in ranks will be sent out of camp. I’ve never been caught yet…ah hem, although I was at a reenactment a few years back with about 500 re-enactors. I had been in drill, marched, and been in a battle in the morning, and was back in camp when I took off my hat. My braid fell down and the colonel came over to me. He looked mad. He said, “Soldier, have you been in the ranks all day??” I stood up and said, “Yes, sir!” The captain of our unit looked very nervous, of course, he knows I’m a woman. The colonel looked me up and down and said, “With your hat on, you give a fine impression.” He handed me my hat and said, “Well, I’ll be.” He walked away and didn’t kick me out. That was the most awesome, AND yet, devastating moment in my reenacting career. I passed all day as a boy soldier in the ranks…what does that tell me?!?!? Heh heh. I visited with that same colonel that night around that campfire. Most of my comrades nearly fell over as my hubby and I waltzed over from the ball. I was dressed in my lace and hoops, and the boys couldn’t believe that I was the same person that had been in the ranks with them during the battle. Lars and Miss Loree had become two different people. Anyway…



Private Lars - Battle of Spring Hill, TN - Photo by Eric Huebner

I want you to take a look at the posted pictures. Also, scroll down to the very bottom of the blog for another picture. I live the history and know it well. That picture above, (not my prettiest moment) I’m facing Nathan Bedford Forrest’s cavalry at a National reenactment in Tennessee…ask me if I was scared. Even though it was a reenactment, I was petrified! I can still taste that red earth and gun powder in my mouth.

What kind of research do you do for your writing? What kind of unusual research have you done for your writing? I would love to hear from you.

Between you, me and the gatepost,

 Loree

 ~ I leave you with a quick video of Private Lars below. Yep that’s me, arm in the air, Gunner # 4, pulling the lanyard, firing the cannon at a reenactment in Kentucky. I’ve got to work on my masculine, soldiers voice, "Gun number 2 ready"…haha. Thanks for allowing me to share this with you. Have a great week!

Video shot by Eric Huebner

Do you write in the bubble?



Loree in the bubble - somewhere in time
Photo by Loree Huebner - Inner photo by Eric Huebner



In Civil War re-enacting, there is a term used when a re-enactor completely submerges himself, or herself, in the period.  It’s a bit of time traveling.  This term is known as being in the bubble.  Let me give you an example - a re-enactor will, let’s say for an entire weekend re-enactment, completely allow his or her mind to stay fixed on living like they’re actually in the point of time in which they are portraying.  The re-enactor will go into a chosen character and remain that person from the 1860’s for the duration of the weekend event.  They will only talk the talk of that era, make and eat food from the time period, and live the life of a Civil War soldier or civilian.  The present world doesn’t exist.

In this bubble, there are no cell phones, texting, ESPN score updates, or Revlon Color Burst lip gloss…I think you get my point.  The re-enactor tries to be as authentic as possible to feel as if they are actually back in time.  Most mainstream re-enactors, which is the kind of re-enacting I do, fall in and out of character, and only really touch the 1860’s a few times during an event.  These precious moments usually happen in camp, at a ball, or during the battle.  We connect with brief glimpses of life during the War Between the States…for a few wonderful minutes or seconds…we are there.  Only a few “authentic campaigners” claim to be able to stay in the bubble the entire weekend—not me, I can’t eat the salt pork, and I always have to touch base with the kids several times a day when I’m away.   

A great example of being in the bubble is the 1980 movie, Somewhere in Time.  The late Christopher Reeve’s character, Richard Collier, seeks out his old professor on advice of how to time travel.  Richard wants to go back to 1912 to the beautiful, Elise McKenna, played by Jane Seymour.  He locks himself in his room, removing anything modern that might distract him from the past.  He dresses in old timey clothes, cuts his hair to the fashion at that time, and tries to imagine being there…until he actually is.

Mostly, I write at my computer desk or on my lap top while in bed, but every once in a while, I write in the bubble.  Although I don’t put on my hoops and petticoats, I do put out the lights, strike a match to the candles to set a mood, or sit by a crackling fire to give me that 1860’s feel.  In no time, the characters come alive.  The trick for me, like Richard Collier, is to cast out anything modern to distract.  I turn off the phone, and sometimes, I don’t even write on the computer.  I have an old journal, pencil and pen, and the dogs at my feet.  Suddenly in a blink—I am there.  There is no TV, Twitter, or networking; just ink to paper, much like the incredible 19th century authors before me.  I’ve done some of my best writing while pushing graphite to the page in my 1860’s bubble, and yes…I was there.

Do you write in a bubble?  If so, what kind of bubble do you create?  Where are you the most comfortable writing?  Let’s talk.  I would love to hear from you! 

Between you, me and the gatepost,

Loree