Powder River Examiner -

Last month, Lanette wrote of her latest happenings, which included a visit from Ada--one of the Pack Horse Librarians--receiving a letter from Maisie about her Christmas, the Colton children learning to read, her visits to Mrs. Dukater, her project to compile the lyrics of Mr. Fordwick’s mountain songs into a book, and helping out the schoolteacher on the occasional Saturday. What else has Lanette been up to?

Chapter Twelve

February 11, 1935

Dear Maisie,

Most of the snow has disappeared since Christmas, but a cold wind has not gone away. The thermometer has stayed around fifteen degrees the last week and a half. As a result, I have stayed with the Lancings and disregarded my rounds. They didn’t want me to go out into that almost freezing weather for hours on end. So, many people are probably wondering why I haven’t stopped by. I miss seeing them these last few days.

That doesn’t mean that I haven’t enjoyed spending more time with the Lancings. Besides, helping her with the cooking and cleaning, Mrs. Lancing has been showing me how to quilt. So we’ve been working on a few squares together. At the moment she is embroidering a dove into the center of one square while I am embroidering a snowdrop on a background of light blue. Every year there is a quilt raffle during the 4th of July and Mrs. Lancing wanted to get a head start on the project. Embroidering is not coming naturally to me, but I am determined to finish one or two pieces for her. To help her out, but also to accomplish a skill I have never tried before.

Sometimes I have sat outside in the mail room with Mr. Lancing. We’ve seen a few people straggle in to get their mail, but most are probably waiting until the weather warms up, or until they have time free from their responsibilities. The schoolteacher has been in and a member of the Miracle family. They both talked of children and how two siblings aren’t getting along because one is dominating in recess games while the other isn’t. Thinking back on all the things we argued over with kids our own age about the most insignificant things. But at that time, they did mean everything. What is most on your mind as of late?

For me, I’ve been most occupied with Mr. Fordwick’s song lyrics. As you know, I’ve been recording the words on pieces of paper. This cold snap has afforded me the time to properly write them in coherent handwriting on paper with no lines. I would like the manuscripts to look nice before I send them off to New York. A typewriter would be really handy in this situation, but I don’t know of anyone in the area who owns one. I do fear that none of the publishing companies will print this project because the words are not typed, but I figure I will do my best with my own handwriting. If I am not successful with editors in New York, then I will try to find other publishing companies. But I’m sure you are aware that New York City is the best place to send manuscripts. You probably think this is a waste of my time, and maybe I shouldn’t so readily spend well-earned money on stamps, but for some reason I find this important. And I’m not ready to back down. I reckon you are wondering if I have asked Mr. Fordwick for permission on this project. Not yet, but I do intend to. I wish for it to be a surprise after all.

Last night I stayed up rather late reading Persuasion by Jane Austen and was at the desk window in my attic room when I heard an owl hoot in the tree outside. I spotted his gleaming golden eyes staring back at me in the moonlight. He must have noticed me in the candle light and decided to say hello. Is it funny for me to think like that? I don’t see too much harm in it, considering that humans have bonds with dogs and horses. So why should it be weird for us to contemplate the communication of other animals? You’re probably thinking that the owl was just looking around for prey and that I wasn’t its sole focus. That may be true, but I like to think we saw each other for a few seconds. Then he flew off over the Cumberland River.

I am so excited for spring and to see life reborn in the lower valleys of these mountains. To feel the warm sun on my face, to hear the birdsong again, to squish my bare toes in earthy mud. My favorite time of year after all. Are you ready for spring or are you missing your fall weather? I wonder if Mrs. Lancing will let me help her with the planting of the garden?

Twilight has now fallen since I last put down the pen. An invitation arrived inviting me to a wedding in Wallins Creek and you’ll never believe who for. Ada! I am thoroughly shocked. She didn’t mention anything about marrying anyone the last and only time she visited on New Years. I’m also surprised she invited me, considering I’ve only talked with her two times. Remember how I said I didn’t think she would thrive here in the mountains for much longer. Well now it sounds like she’s going to stay around here forever! Either I read her character completely wrong, or her desires have greatly changed. Her wedding is to be in April. Feels so very sudden. Do you think I should go? Even though I don’t know her well, I wouldn’t mind being there for her. And I truly am honored that she would invite me. A wedding would be a nice change to the daily routine. I wonder if my job would allow me to take the extra time to go over to Wallins Creek? At least it isn’t as far as a trip to Lexington. Perhaps I could embroider her and her fiance a pillow case now that I am learning from Mrs. Lancing. I think I will go if I can.

I will be hearing from you!

Affectionately,

Lanette