Weekend with My KC Sisters

I stepped into a KC illustrators’ and book writers’ exhibit Saturday afternoon in time to hear my dear KC sister Ann, read her children’s book named Fairy Floss. Did you know cotton candy was introduced at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair? It had been available before that, but the big deal was the premier showing of an electric sugar-making machine, and believe it or not, one of the inventors was a dentist! One of the names for cotton candy in 1904 was Fairy Floss, the title of her book. Participants at the Fair were fascinated to watch a cup of sugar poured into the rotating tub magically turn into fairy floss! The tag “cotton candy” came later. Interesting what we writers learn while checking on the accuracy of details, even when we’re writing fiction. For example, also noted in her presentation was the length of women’s skirts—to the floor, of course in 1904, and then her sharing that ten years later (1914), the skirt length had risen a good ten inches. Why? World War I: Fabric was dedicated to war uniforms and supplies, not women’s skirts. Again, amazing what writers learn from research to write a book. Then, I spent yesterday with my KC Sister Dale, who has written a book about a dachshund who toured Kansas’ oddities with his owner and boy friend. She (Dale) uncovered multiple interesting accounts of “wind turbines towering above the prairie and sunlight glowing green through the ivy over the window of the stone house at the Garden of Eden. “ So, I’m up and at it this morning, knowing the day will unwrap its own special gifts, such as the yummy steaming cup of tea latte sitting in front of me on my desk or a search for “forest-bathing” I heard about yesterday. Yes, it is available in Kansas City. Sounds peaceful and calming, another notch in the search for simplicity. Have a great week!