The Mares in Black Podcast

I'm holding a model horse show with my friend, Allison Pareis, in August. The Mares in Black, podcasters for the model horse hobby, invited us to be on their show and talk about it. We recorded June 11 and it just dropped! Come take a listen. And thanks, Heather and Jackie - it was fun chatting with you!

https://mares-in-black.simplecast.com/episodes/mares-in-black-bonus-episode-allison-pareis-and-lynn-isenbarger

Marguerite Henry - a New Biography

 About a year ago, Wall Street Journal columnist and author Lettie Teague contacted The Misty of Chincoteague Foundation and shared that she had an idea for a biography about Marguerite Henry. She asked to talk to the board about it.

We listened and liked what she had to say, and then provided some support for her as she traveled and researched. (To read about my involvement with the MCF, go here.)

Fast forward a year, and the project has moved forward and now has a publisher with a release scheduled for 2024.

Dr. Rebecca Giusti, who serves on the Board of Directors for The Misty of Chincoteague Foundation, responded to the news that the book was, indeed, going to be published. This is the full text of her response:

The Misty of Chincoteague Foundation Board is eagerly anticipating the new biography on the life of award- winning author and mentor, Marguerite Henry.

Marguerite Henry was a tenacious and thorough researcher, a great writer and a visionary. She was determined to carve out her own life and body of work and do it her way.

Part of her brilliance was reaching out to artist Wesley Dennis. With her words and his vivid illustrations, readers are transported across countries and oceans and in many cases, history is burst into colorful and vivid life. Her works are actually crossroads that appeal to a huge audience; potential and current artists, writers, travelers, explorers, historians and animal lovers. Distant places such as Meknes, Morocco, Siena, Italy, and Vienna, Austria become tangible and real to young readers.  With her book, Misty of Chincoteague, she put Chincoteague and Assateague Islands on the map and they now draw huge crowds and tourism during Pony Penning and year-round. Vermont and the Grand Canyon are now viewed within the context of the American-bred Morgan horse and an unforgettable donkey, Brighty who helped solve a murder.

Many of the characters in her books are young and are role models to all her read her works. They must often overcome challenges, demonstrate sound work ethic, and all have compassion to those around them, especially animals that are vulnerable to the whims of humans. 

After the Storm of 1962 that decimated the herd of wild Assateague ponies, Marguerite Henry toured with Misty and Stormy to raise money to help replenish the herd.

Her book, Dear Readers and Riders, was a brilliant stroke.  Through this work, her mentorship and guidance transcend her death and offers practical and no-nonsense advice to the younger generation while simultaneously igniting passion for imagination and the concept of no limits.

But who is this woman who accomplished so much in her lifetime? 

In the current times, we often discuss women of Ms. Henry's generation and their accomplishments against the backdrop of a male-dominated environment. One would not hear that from Ms. Henry. What seemed to matter to her was what you accomplished as a human being. You are not defined by the times. You define the times you are in. And she did, with strength, dedication and for the sheer joy of living and creating. 

While we can glean something of the author through her own works, we are so excited to hear about Marguerite's amazing life and drive in a book dedicated to her!

Here is the press release from Trafalgar Square Books:

For Immediate Release

Biography of Marguerite Henry, Beloved Author of Horse Books, to Come from Trafalgar Square Books

Trafalgar Square Books (www.HorseandRiderBooks.com) is thrilled to announce a deal with Wall Street Journal columnist Lettie Teague to write a biography of Marguerite Henry, beloved author of 59 books, including the famed Misty of Chincoteague; King of the Wind; and Justin Morgan Had a Horse. Teague is the winner of three James Beard Awards for her writing and the author of three books. She is also a horse lover—her first horseback ride took place around the same time as the first time she read a Marguerite Henry book, at the age of nine.  

“Lettie Teague’s skilled writing, extensive journalistic experience, and personal connection to both horses and the books Marguerite Henry wrote about them make her the ideal individual to take on this exciting and challenging project,” says TSB Managing Editor Rebecca Didier. “The preliminary research she has already done in the existing archives and the contacts she has made promise to yield a rich and wonderful telling of the life of a massively influential writer and truly remarkable woman.”

An accurate and entertaining chronicle of Marguerite Henry’s evolution as a writer (she published her first story at age eleven), extensive travels (she visited many of the places she wrote about in her books, including Siena, Italy; Vienna, Austria; Reno, Nevada; Lexington, Kentucky; and of course, the island of Chincoteague in Virginia), and grand friendship with illustrator Wesley Dennis, whose artwork graced the pages of 15 Henry books, will require cooperation from the important groups who continue to work today to preserve the Henry legacy. TSB is grateful to the University of Minnesota, which houses the Henry archives, for working with Teague. In addition, TSB and Teague are excited to have the blessing of The Misty of Chincoteague Foundation, a group of educators, professionals, business people, artists, and children of all ages, which works “to promote literacy, writing, and conservation of places that allow the imagination to soar unfettered.” 

“The Misty of Chincoteague Foundation Board is eagerly anticipating the new biography on the life of award-winning author and mentor, Marguerite Henry,” says Board Director Rebecca Giusti. “Henry was a tenacious and thorough researcher, a great writer, and a visionary. She was determined to carve out her own life and body of work and do it her way…. While we can glean something of the author through her own works, we are so excited to hear about Marguerite Henry's amazing life and drive in a book dedicated to her!”

The biography of Marguerite Henry is scheduled for release in 2024.

For more information about this book or author Lettie Teague, contact Martha Cook (mcook@trafalgarbooks.com). 

End of Press Release

I love Marguerite Henry and her books, and have been delighted to serve on the board of MCF, the foundation that Marguerite herself started. Being a small part of the production of a biography that honors her life and legacy is a real thrill.

45th Anniversary Celebration: Dinner & Cake!

 Iowa City is one of my favorite places to visit, and whenever we do, we go to dinner at the Iowa River Power Restaurant.

Situated on the banks of the Iowa River, it's an old power plant that has been repurposed into a restaurant with beautiful views of the Iowa River. (You can bet that this girl who grew up on the Wabash is happy when she is on a river again.)

Our kids threw us an anniversary dinner party there and the restaurant gave us a quiet corner with lovely views of the river. Family members mixed and mingled when seated. (Susie, Trinity, Craig, JC, Julie, Mila, and Kate.)

Lukie, Todd, Cole, Emily, Sarah, and Lisa.

Ian, Titan, Cambria, Jessica, Andrew, Vanessa, and Curt. (Our Florida family, isolating due to COVID and unable to join us, was missed terribly!)

We have eaten out most anniversaries, but I've never had this happen to my plate before!

Neither had Craig! (We think they used fry sauce for the writing.)

The wait staff brought out a lovely cake with a large candle/sparkler on top.

And afterward, Craig and I had to duck through the family tunnel. (Our family loves doing these tunnels.)

The wait staff was outstanding, and they even took  time to take our photograph afterward.

The cake came home with us for serving (Lisa made cupcakes for the littles) and Craig and I cut and served it wedding-style. 

Look at Craig's face when I hand him his piece of cake - it's very clear what he is thinking. And... it happened.

Such a lovely evening together! And a big thanks to our family for organizing it for us.

BreyerFest is Coming!

 (More on the 45th Anniversary celebration is coming soon.)

BreyerFest is quickly approaching and the hobby excitement is ratcheting up. The last time an in-person BreyerFest was held was 2019 and folks are anxious to gather together at Kentucky Horse Park once again.

Breyer just released their official program. There is so much packed into three days!

I am teaching a virtual seminar 

where I teach hobbyists how to make a pony pad. 

As an ambassador for this year's BreyerFest, I have received my Breyer Ambassador shirt and have been wearing it out and about in anticipation. 

I also stewarded the Prost! Adult Novice Show and am looking forward to receiving an ambassador model.

I have heard that I will receive the Ben Nevis ambassador model from BreyerFest 2020 for one of my ambassador jobs and then the 2022 model (which has not yet been announced) for the other.

Sadly, and as much as I would like to, I will not be attending BreyerFest in person this year. Physically, it is simply too much for me. Right now I can't stand for a long time nor can I walk for long distances. (More bone and joint issues.)

I even used a wheelchair during our family reunion - I was grumpy when my kids told me they'd brought one for me, but in the end, I was glad they had because I needed it.

And when I wasn't in it, it kept the grands happy.

Friends have offered to push me around at BreyerFest, and absolutely Craig would, too, but I do not feel good about asking them to do that. Liz is going to pick up my models for me and I am going to stay at home in air conditioned comfort, keep the live feed running, and do some of the virtual seminars and activities.

I can hardly wait!

45th Anniversary Celebration: the Horses!

 After a few days at Sarah's home in Iowa City, we went back across the Mississippi to Nauvoo, Illinois, an old pioneer town. Mormon pioneers settled there in the mid 1800s and many of the original homes and buildings still are standing and have been restored and are open for tours.

Naturally, a pioneer town had horses.

And naturally I had to go for a ride on one of them!

Cambria took a ride, too, only she did it wearing a dress.

We were told that there are 13 percheron and 11 Belgians that are used to pull trolleys around the town.

They all had their names on their halters.

The drafters are trained by an Amish man who also comes to town every six weeks to trim and shoe their hooves.

The biggest percheron was 20 hand tall - he was gigantic.

Pony Pal Mila is a girl after my own heart.

The horses were well cared for, watered every half hour, and switched out frequently due to the heat.

I had many opportunities to stop and chat with the horses - if a team was pulled up in the shade for a rest, the car was stopped and I got out.

Isn't that dapple grey stunning?

Another girl after my own heart.

I'd hoped to get a family photo with this team but you can barely see them because there are so many of us.

45th Anniversary Celebration: Iowa City Fun

We were all so excited to be together that everyone began posting pics of themselves as they left home on Sunday. (The exception was Jessica - she had a two day drive and had left a day before the rest of us did.)

Craig, Lisa, and me ready to see the rest of our clan.

Cole, Kate, Julie, Emily, and Susie drove from Nashville, Tennessee, a nine hour drive for them.

Curt, Vanessa, Ian, Mila, and Lukie drove from Lafayette. They left before we did and beat us by an hour or so.

A nine hour drive is a long one, so Cole and Emily broke their trip into a series of brief stops. 

And Cole sent me updates as they traveled - this one is a joke from when he was little; I'd told him that this was a sign that meant "I love you" and he still enjoys sending me the occasional picture of our symbol.

Sarah and Todd's home in Iowa City has plenty of room for us to spread out, including a wonderful three season room that we spent a lot of time enjoying.

Sarah's dogs, Blue and Rhett, were always up to play.

Random snaps as we wait for everyone to roll in.

Jessica, Lisa, and Sarah.

Our family always plays games when we gather together, and we played games every night of the celebration.

Craig and me in front of the anniversary banner that Trinity had hung for us.

Monday morning it was HOT - the midwest was under an excessive heat warning and Iowa City was right in the heart of it. We spent some time in the three season room while folks grabbed breakfast and got dressed for the day.

Three year old Susie just may grow up to be a scientist - this is her "collection of interesting things." Aunt Sarah finally gave her a large jelly roll pan to put everything in.

Her favorite "interesting thing" was this piece of quartz that she pulled out of Sarah and Todd's rock garden. She asked me to take a photo of it for her.

Can you guess which grand this is that has found the dress up clothes? (It's Lukie who wandered around trying to scare everyone for a while.)

The grands also enjoyed the porch swing by the front door - Cambria, Ian (who is pushing the swing), Lukie, Mila, and Titan.

Despite the heat, that afternoon we all piled into our cars and drove out to the Kalona Cheese Factory and the Stringtown Grocery, Amish markets that are only a few miles from Sarah's home.

As I said in the last blog entry, there is one in every family... 

Usually we see a lot of horses and buggies in Kalona but between the heat and the time of day, we only saw one.

Cambria and her Boompa relaxing on the front porch and chatting about the day.

Tomorrow I'll post videos from the anniversary dinner that was held at our favorite Iowa City restaurant, the Iowa River Power Restaurant. 

Stay 'tooned!