On Sunday, September 26th, 2010 my husband Jim and I visited the Wunsapana Farm, located on 557 Hurst Road in Altamont, New York. Only about a twenty minute drive from my own home, Wunsapana Farm's primary inhabitants are llamas, but chickens, donkeys, dogs, a duck, an Alpaca, a pony and other critters are in residence there as well.
The keeper is a lovely person by the name of Teri Conroy. She's a sweet-faced, tiny and cheerful lady who reminds me somewhat of Lisa Kudrow on FRIENDS.
Teri, her friendly husband, and beautiful daughter own and care for the place....and I must say they do a superb job as the farm is very clean and the animals are all extremely happy.
To access more info on Teri, her family and all those who dwell at Wunsapana Farm, log on to: http://www.wunsapanafarm.com.
Teri also has a blog, where she has posted some pictures of my visit, since it was the first time her animal family had a person using a wheelchair come to the farm.
I'm pleased to say they took me in stride and all went well. You can view Teri's blog by logging on to:
http://blog.timesunion.com/farmlife/5063/wheelchairs-and-silver-spoons-photos/
We had a perfectly beautiful day to explore the grounds, as the weather cooperated with sun and moderately warm temperatures. I was able to roam freely about, since the trails, meadow, and barn are all handicapped accessible.
There is no cost involved to attend an "open house" visit, and the volunteer staff . . . of which my sister, Helena DeCaprio is one, go out of their way to make you feel right at home.
They also educate you on "llama lore". For example, I learned there are two types of llamas, Suri and Classic. Suri means the wool locks are long and dread-like.
Classic llamas's wool is shorter. Teri calls llama poop, "llama beans" because the stools are small and round, much like rabbit turds.
I found it odd that the poop is so small, as llamas themselves are not. Even those llamas considered miniatures aren't all that tiny in size.
In this picture I have just arrived at Wunsapana Farm and I'm being greeted happily by some of the girls. I'd like to believe they were interested in me, but since I have a handful of hay to give them, I'd say the latter is more the truth.
Here I am talking to and getting acquainted with Lisel, a cream-colored female, Suri llama in her teens. Lisel is very friendly and curious.
My husband, Jim making friends with Jewel, a female champagne-colored Classic llama. Jewel is Lisel's mother. I think my husband looks exceptionally handsome wearing his cowboy hat… he kind of reminds me of the Marlboro Man.
Again with Lisel, we've become buddies now and I am rewarded with a kiss. Lisel's wool is so soft you want to cuddle down into it and zone out. Now I know why sweaters and blankets made of llama wool are so comfortable.
During my visit one of the volunteers was kind enough to give me a llama wool-thread weaving demonstration… simply fascinating.
My sister, Helena DeCaprio, a dedicated volunteer and llama woman, is giving Lisel some loving. Since Helena's retirement she's made Wunsapana Farm her second home. She adores all the critters in residence there, as well as Teri and her family. I believe the feeling is mutual.
This is Cassie, a little white pony who is simply adorable. If she had a horn sticking out her forehead she'd make a pretty little unicorn.
I felt a special bond with Stella, since both of us struggle with a physical challenge. We're two survivors, making lemonade out of the lemons we've been given to live with.
Stella is a Miniature Classic llama with one blue eye and one brown.
Teri rescued Stella from an abusive farm. Her leg, which was once broken and not cared for properly by her former owner, remains deformed. Because of this, Stella suffers with joint pain.
Teri's rescued llama, Stella does her best to keep up with the pack. She stands proud upon the hill, taking her physical challenges in stride, much like I do.
My sister, Helena DeCaprio (credited with taking all the pictures), snapped this one of me and my husband Jim walking the trail. We were coming from the meadow, back to the main barn at day's end. A fitting pose for such a lovely adventure. I'll definitely return!
On August 11th, 2010 my sister and I visited THE MOUNT and took a tour of the house and gardens. It was a day I won't forget.
THE MOUNT, located in Lenox, MA., was the summer home of writer Edith Wharton and definitely is an autobiographical house. Every aspect of the estate –including its gardens, architecture, and interior design – evokes the spirit of its creator. Edith bought the 113-acre Lenox property in 1902 and began to create an environment that would meet her needs as designer, gardener, hostess, and above all, writer.
Edith expressed herself through her writing, her plots and characters many times mirroring the sorrows of her own life. Rarely did her stories have happy endings.
Unhappily wed for 25 years to Teddy Wharton, a man who suffered from a Bi-Polar disorder and was unfaithful throughout their marriage. Writing was how she survived the hurt and hard times of such an unloving marriage. She also indulged herself in her dogs, dear friends, in being a proper hostess, and in making THE MOUNT a place to remember.
As I went through the mansion, much of the third floor was still undergoing renovations, I tried to channel Edith's creativity. Though she had pictures taken, for publicity reasons at her desk in the library, Edith didn't write her novels there. She preferred instead to sit up in bed, with a writing tray upon her knees, one of her dogs at her side, and write from 8am till noon each day.
While in her bedroom I glanced out one of the large windows and took in the view of the gardens with their flowers and fountains. This was the scene Edith enjoyed daily as she wrote such works as THE OLD MAID, HOUSE OF MIRTH, THE AGE OF INNOCENCE, ETHAN FROME, GHOSTS, SUMMER, and TWILIGHT SLEEP, just to name a few of the 40 books she created. Hollywood has turned many into motion pictures, with such actors and actresses as Betty Davis, Diane Lane, Daniel Day Lewis, Winona Ryder, Liam Neeson and Michelle Phieffer to name a few portraying her characters.
The dining room was my favorite place in the mansion, done in pastel pinks and creams and a fireplace of Italian marble. Edith didn't like square tables, she thought placing someone at the head made them sit superior to the rest of her guests, where a round table made everyone equal.
There are definitely paranormal activities going on at THE MOUNT. While touring the dining room my sister felt a dog rub against her leg. Looking down, expecting to see the canine, she was shocked to discover nothing was there. Edith loved dogs and had 12 running around the place at all times. In fact, there is a pet cemetery not far from the house where all her beloved pets rest in peace, headstone markers inscribed with the names and dates of each furry love. Since Edith and Teddy had no children, the dogs were their family.
Edith lived summers at THE MOUNT from 1902 till 1911, returning to homes in either NY City or Newport, Rhode Island for the winter. But in 1911 scandal hit the Whartons. Edith discovered Teddy was keeping a mistress well cared for, using her money. She then moved to France where she was able to get a divorce without society wagging their tongues. By 1913 Edith was a free woman. She lived in France until her death in 1937. Teddy remained in MA and lived there until his own death. His grave, the headstone cracked by a fallen tree, still stands in the Lenox town cemetery.
THE MOUNT fell into disrepair, but was purchased two times prior to it becoming an historical site. At one time it was a girl's school, thus explaining the vision I experienced during my visit there. As my sister and I sat eating lunch on the terrace at the quaint cafe, I saw from the corner of my eye a child run through one of the sets of double glass doors. When I turned to get a better look, realizing I hadn't seen a child all day, the youngster had vanished. Other paranormal sightings have been seen, in fact on Friday nights there is a "ghost walk" tour through the pet cemetery and surrounding woods.
I am happy to say THE MOUNT is completely handicapped accessible, as well as having special parking and useable bathrooms. I was able to navigate through the entire mansion with my wheelchair and most of the gardens and grounds. To get a better glimpse of this beautiful estate and learn more about the many tours and activities held there, log on to: www.edithwharton.org.
I turned 60 years old on August 1st, 2010. My children, their spouses, and my granddaughters threw me a big birthday bash at 2:00P.M. on July 31st, 2010 at the Eunice O. Esposito Park not far from my home. About 50 attended in all and many family members came from out of state to share this milestone birthday with me.
My cake was fantastic....vanilla with coconut cream filling and an almond frosting. Villa Italia Bakery out did themselves with the decorating....which was the bindings of all my published books, titles and all, displayed on a bookshelf.
I wore a leopard tank-top and gold metallic pants. I wanted to make an impression....be remembered. The outfit was a hit and I enjoyed my guest's comments that I received throughout the day. My silly retort was: "I've always had aspirations of being a Vegas showgirl, so here I am!"
There were several picture boards set up for all to view consisting of shots of me throughout the years, as a baby, child, teen, a young adult, wife, mother, friend, sister, daughter, cousin, niece, and writer. Going down memory lane was a fun trip back in time.
I received many interesting and unique presents and gift cards, which is simply wonderful because I love to shop and as a starving artist I've had to curb my passion so I could pay the bills. But now I can splurge on myself without guilt. So, thanks everyone for your generous and thoughtful presents..
The day was simply beautiful weather-wise. I contribute that to my father. He passed away June 28th, 2009, so he wasn't present in body form. However, I felt his spirit envelope me, and I know he put a word in with God, for it was a perfect day, sunny, temperatures in the high 70's, no humidity and just a gentle breeze. Thanks Dad!
As I celebrate my 60th year on this planet, I am excited to announce my 6th book, ONE PERFECT FLOWER (the second installment of my historical series BETWEEN THE RIFLE AND THE SPEAR), was released on July 6th, 2010. I'm almost finished with my 7th book, A ROSE IN AMBER (the third installment in my historical series), plus a second edition of my 5th book, FAMILY SECRETS, is coming out in October and released by a new publisher. I will be working on a sequel to FAMILY SECRETS, entitled ANCESTORS, as well as working on the 4th installment of my historical series, entitled EAGLEHEART. Since 60 is the new 40, I am happy to have many, many more years to create stories for my readers!
On June 26th, 2010 I attended The Second Annual, New York Faeire Festival
(A Midsummer's Dream) in Oauquaga, New York
(near Harpersville and Binghamton - www.nyfaeriefest.com).
It was held on acres and acres of a farmer's land, and the grounds were definitely enchanted. Beautiful glades of trees and vines made the place look like a fairytale land. There was a beautiful creek and waterfall, and kierens of rocks and boulders placed about, not to mention a castle. The weather was perfect, not too hot and not too cold, just enough sun and shade . . . and no annoying bugs except for beautiful butterflys that skittered here and there. The food was reasonable priced as well as the entrance fee and handicapped porto-potties (which are rest rooms I can navigate in) were conveniently placed throughout the area.
I enjoyed magical and interactive performances . . . jugglers, tumblers and stilt-walkers. Fabulous creatures such as fairies, witches, goblins, trolls, dragons, and wizards walked the grounds and stayed in chatacter throughout the day. At one time a group of faeries danced around me, touching my hair, shoulders, and blessing me with their smiles.
There was a bridge one had to cross to go on the nature walk to see the Giving Tree, that is if you could get by the many men dressed as trolls who demanded a shiny rock to those who wanted to pass. Then they threw lollipops at the kids, who also could attend the storytelling, face painting, treasure hunt and fairy gardens, including a tea party. I must admit, the grown-ups enjoyed these attractions too, myself as well.
There was a fashion show and a jousting tournament at the Court of the Faerie Queen, who rode a white unicorn, along with three stages of music and entertainment of all kinds (Celtic, Tribal, and Folk), and tons of venders selling unique and handmade crafts and fine arts from the world of the Faerie.
I met a lady who had trained a two year old, African Crow named Ferka (which means "Free" in some foreign language I didn't catch when told). Anyhoot, Ferka's owner gave me permission to put the picture I had taken with the magical bird up on my web site . . . so here we are having a wonderful time.
All in all the day was one I won't forget.
Here I am with one of Saratoga's finest, Julian the horse and his policeman rider...picture taken at the Saratoga Arts & Blues Festival in Saratoga Springs, June of 2008.
On Saturday, August 30th, 2008 I attended the Scotish Games held at the Altamont Fairgrounds in Altamont, New York.
I enjoyed watching burly Highlanders dressed in kilts throw a large wooden pole in the Caper Toss competition, but was disappointed there wasn't a breeze to be had.
I always wondered if beneath the kilt the men wear underwear or not, like some of the photos wandering the web...
I also saw a Scotish Dog show, which had Border Collies, Shelties and Scotty dogs as contestants. Some were very well behaved and trained.
I love the bagpipes and took a few shots of players.
I'm also very appreciative the Scotish Soldiers took time out to have their picture taken with me.
I didn't get their rank or military status, but I was quite impressed with their uniforms.
All in all, the day was a wonderful one and I had a good time, walking away with a nice memento...a sterling silver Claddagh ring.
I would like to share my Hollywood experience with all those logging on to this site.
From 1989 to 1991 I was a member of a group called Viewers For Quality Television. Each year the national convention took place in Los Angeles, California. I was privileged to be able to take part in these wonderful conferences and meet all the celebrities of prime time television during those years. I sat next to many at dinner parties throughout the four day festivities and had the opportunity to have personal conversations with the talented stars, as well as sitting on the sets of "Designing Women" and "Evening Shade."
VQT did some wonderful activist work, keeping such shows on TV like "Beauty and the Beast," "China Beach," "The Trials of Rosie O'Neill" and "Designing Women" when the network station wanted to cancel them out. Members of this group wrote letters to network heads, signed petitions, and forced the hand of executives to keep the shows going, even if it was only for a year more than scheduled.
I was among these concerned viewers and at the conventions each year had a chance to meet and befriend some really beautiful, handsome and intelligent actors and actresses. I will always remember their kindness and genuine enthusiasm to pose for pictures and talk with me.
