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Friday, March 6, 2015

Colonial Quills 4th Anniversary Party!



 Welcome to Colonial Quills 4th Anniversary Party!

The Colonial Quillers (contributers) would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to our fearless leader, Mistress Carrie, for all she does to encourage us and help promote our work! She is looking particularly lovely today, don't you agree?

(CFP: Someone will please escort Carla to the stocks for making this picture!!! After her lashing I will thank her for her kind comments ;) !!!) 




CFP: Ahem! And we thank Mistress Gade who designed the Colonial Quills website--can I get a hearty huzzah? (And you will note I did NOT put her face in a hole, lol, therefore I shall not be placed in stocks!)  Someone go let Mistress Gade out of the stocks so we can 
PAR-TAY Colonial Style!!!!



We are at Colonial Williamsburg today (virtually, of course!) So take a seat in one of the shield-backed chairs.



Please enjoy some tea and a slice of Martha Washington's famous Great Cake as we share with you about our writing during this year past. And of course some delicious colonial punch!

Several other colonial dessert options to choose from! Help yourself!



Enjoy the party!!



 
What our Contributors have been up to in the past year:

Circle of Spies by Roseanna M. White

Culper Ring Series, Book 3

Drawn into her family's spy ring by secrets in her late husband's family, Marietta must help an undercover Pinkerton agent infiltrate a Confederate secret society...before they can kill the President.

Spiritual Arc - struggling with the guilt of her past, Marietta needs to embrace the gift God has given her and embrace the true meaning of redemption--knowing that it doesn't do away with consequences but does give her freedom of the soul.

Circle of Spies is a finalist in the RT Book Awards, Reviewer's Choice for Best Book of 2014 in the Inspirational Mystery/Suspense category.

A Soft Breath of Wind
by Roseanna M. White


Sequel to A Stray Drop of Blood

An amazing spiritual gift has left Zipporah scarred...but will it be enough to save the church of Rome from an enemy that attacks from within the safety of its walls?

Spiritual Arc - Zipporah can see beyond the veil, into the spiritual world of angels and demons. But what she can't see is her own worth. Her faith in God never wavers, but she needs to learn to trust the rest of His people and learn her place among them.

Roseanna blogs here on the CQ the 4th Wednesday of every month. You can also find her on her websiteher blog, her Facebook personal profile, her Facebook author page, her Facebook page dedicated to her design business (she designed the cover of A Soft Breath of Wind), and on Twitter.



Laurel by Susan F. Craft 

Searching for their toddler and her Cherokee aunt kidnapped by slavers, Lilyan and Nicholas trek from their North Carolina vineyard, through the South Carolina backcountry to Charleston, a tinderbox of post-Revolutionary War passions. There Lilyan, a former Patriot spy, faces a grand jury for murdering a British officer during the war. They follow Laurel’s trail by sea and are shipwrecked on an Outer Banks island. Will they be reunited or is Laurel lost to them forever?

Spiritual arc for Laurel: Separated from her husband, Lilyan Xanthakos digs deep inside to re-ignite the courage and faith that helped her survive the Revolutionary War.  Determined to free his wife at any cost, Nicholas finds himself forced back into a life of violence he thought he’d left behind. Will their love for each other and their faith sustain them as they await word of their missing child? 



Laurel is the sequel to The Chamomile, Susan's Revolutionary War romantic suspense that won the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance Okra Pick Award.


Susan can be found at the following: on her   Personal website,  on her personal blog, on Facebook, on Pinterest, and on Twitter



THE PROMISE KEEPER 
by Lisa Norato 

A reclusive lighthouse keeper sworn to secrecy….
A sea captain’s daughter in search of answers….

When tragedy brings Keeper Jonathan Mayne out of seclusion to Iris Moon’s doorstep, will he be able to protect her from danger while keeping her father’s secret about the mad Englishman bent on revenge against her family? The Promise Keeper is a seafaring romance of suspense, intrigue and tested faith. For those who enjoyed Prize of My Heart, a new Federal-era novel set in Duxbury, Massachusetts 1825.

Spiritual Arc:  Iris’s and Johnny’s story is one of conquering fear, of trusting God through the storms of life. Fear robs our peace and steals hope, but as Johnny and Iris will learn, God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Like a lighthouse stands tall against the elements to guide ships to safety, Jesus Christ is our light in the darkness, directing our paths.

Lisa Norato can be found here on the Colonial Quills blog on each 5th Wednesday of the year. For more information about Lisa and her books, please visit her personal website or check her out on Goodreads or Facebook
Author Rita Gerlach
Rita Gerlach has made an amazing recovery from breast cancer and is back in the writer's seat, praise God! She has a writer's conference event scheduled this summer in Maryland and has also recently completed work on a manuscript with the acclaimed author, Gilbert Morris! What a honor that had to have been!!!
 
The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn by CACW member Lori Benton
Lori Benton has the distinction of having SWEPT the Christy Awards last year!!! Best book for her debut novel, Burning Sky, best historical, and best overall!!! How thrilling for Lori who worked so very hard for these honors!


Northkill, Book 1 of the Northkill Amish Series
by J. M. Hochstetler and Bob Hostetler
Nominated for 2015 Christian Small Publishers Association Historical Fiction Book of the Year

In 1738 Jakob Hochstetler and his family arrive in America, seeking sanctuary from religious persecution in Europe and the freedom to live and worship according to their Anabaptist beliefs, including the doctrine of nonresistance. They settle in the Northkill Amish Mennonite community on the Pennsylvania frontier along Northkill Creek, for which their community is named. Eighteen years later, early on the morning of September 20, 1757, as the French and Indian War rages, the Hochstetlers’ way of life is brutally shattered when their home is attacked by a party of Delaware and Shawnee warriors. Facing certain death with his wife and children, Jakob makes a wrenching choice that will tear apart his family and change all their lives forever.


Northkill is closely based on an inspiring true story well-known among the Amish and Mennonites. It has been documented in many publications and in contemporary accounts preserved in the Pennsylvania State Archives and in private collections. 

Spiritual Arc: When his home is attacked by Indians, Jakob Hochstetler must make a wrenching decision: Will he take up arms to protect his wife and children—or will he remain true to his nonresistant beliefs and allow all of them to face almost certain death?

An Amish Christmas Quilt includes a
novella by CQ member, Kelly Marie Long

Member Cynthia Howerter has just returned from the Florida Christian Writers' Conference and WON in the Historical/Biblical Category for her as-yet-unpublished colonial Pennsylvania manuscript.




The Marshall's Pursuit by Gina Welborn

Janet Grunst continues as Tidewater Christian Writers - North, co-hostess with Carrie.
She is represented by Linda Glaz (a nominee for Best Agent of 2014 by ACFW) of Hardline Literary Agency in Pittsburgh. Linda is currently shopping one of Janet's colonial era manuscripts with publishers. Janet has another manuscript she will be sending to Linda this spring. 



"Proving Up" by Carla Olson Gade in The Homestead Brides Collection, Nine Pioneering Couples Risk All for Love and Land

A young Swedish widow applies her scientific theories to growing trees on the barren Great Plains intruding on a handsome homesteader’s hard work and experience. (1885)

Spiritual Arc: Nils Svensson learns that his work isn't a solitary effort, but a partnership with the God who enables him to reach his goals. Elsa Lindquist learns to trust God for His provision and care. Each of them also relinquish their fears and grief to a God who provides comfort and hope.

Also by Carla, "The Memory Shop" in A Cup of Christmas CheerThe proprietor of a Main Street memorabilia shop finds his own cherished memories rekindled and relationships renewed at Christmastime.

Spiritual Arc: In this short story, the theme is forgiveness and reconciliation between an estranged father and adult son.

Connect with Carla on Facebook, her blog, and newsletter





We've been so blessed to have the incomparable MaryLu Tyndall with us on the CQ blog for the last several years! Her pirate blogs are amazing! We're sorry she's leaving us but we wish her the best! MaryLu has several new releases out in the past year plus she re-released one of her colonial novels, which was a nominee for Family Fiction's Book of the Year!  





Author Tammy Kraft

Tamera Lynn Kraft has kept busy this past year with her blogs such as Word Sharpeners, contributing to CQ, researching her upcoming stories, and promoting her current publications.
Elaine Marie Cooper's Young Adult novel, Fields of the Fatherless, won several awards in 2014: Selah Award, Next Generation Indie Book Award and Moonbeam Children's Book Award. This book was also a finalist in the USA Best Book Awards.

Spiritual Arc: Betsy Russell has seemingly lost everything on the first day of the American Revolution, including her ability to forgive her enemy. But an unexpected journey of compassion reveals that God's ways are not our ways. This novel is based on a true story.


Elaine also released her first nonfiction book, Bethany's Calendar, a memoir of her daughter's battle with brain cancer. It is a story of fear and faith, commitment and compassion, told with gut wrenching honesty.

You can connect with Elaine on Facebook or Her Website/ Blog


Vicki McCollum




Vicki McCollum continues as a freelance editor for Barbour Books and others. She has multiple manuscripts set in colonial to late 19th century settings and is represented by Jim Hart, of Hartline Literary Agency in Pittsburgh. Vicki won a contest in the past year, too!


Carrie Fancett Pagels' Christmas novella release as part of the Christmas Traditions Series. The Fruitcake Challenge was a long list nominee for FamilyFiction.com's Book of the Year for 2014!

Can a cocky lumberjack win the heart of a spunky camp cook, when he proposes a challenge she can't resist?

Spiritual arc: Josephine Christy is hanging onto HOPE by the slimmest thread, but she persists. My inspiration song reflects her emotions: Danny Gokey's Hope in Front of Me

Carrie also blogs at www.OvercomingwithGod.com  If you'd like to be added to her newsletter, which includes special giveaway opportunities to her readers, email Carrie at carriepromo@aol.com!

Giveaway: A copy of The Fruitcake Challenge novella (ebook on sale right now for only 99 cents through St. Patrick's Day and the cover reveal of my upcoming novella, The Lumberjacks' Ball) and the gifts below:

Scarf from Colonial Williamsburg  (Square, $20 value) and Quill Pen & Ink

DRUM ROLL PLEASE!!!



Introducing our new Colonial Quills members: Christy Distler, Pegg Thomas, Gabrielle Meyer, and Denise Weimer!!!  WELCOME ladies to the blog!!!
Christy Distler, Contributor at Colonial Quills

Christy Distler – Writes historical fiction set in southeastern Pennsylvania’s 18th-century Quaker community, as well as contemporary fiction. She owns Aspire Editing Services and also works for a small publishing house. Her short fiction, nonfiction, and poetry have been published in denominational periodicals, literary magazines, and anthologies. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and children, and is represented by Ruth Samsel of William K. Jensen Literary Agency. Christy has previously been a guest on CQ. 

Pegg Thomas, Contributor for Colonial Quills

Pegg Thomas is a life-long history geek, so it’s no surprise that historical fiction is her genre. Colonial America and the Civil War era are favorite time periods to both read and write. Her favorite type of book centers on a great fiction story surrounded by factual historical events. 

Her current WIP (work-in-progress) is the second novel in a trilogy set around the turn of the 19th century in America. The first novel is the hands of her agent, Linda Glaz with Heartline Literary Agency. Pegg has been a finalist in the 2013 ACFW First Impressions Contest and the 2014 Clash of the Titles Olympia. 

When not working on her latest novel, Pegg can be found in her garden, in her kitchen, or on her trusty old horse, Trooper. Pegg is in the process of moving from her hobby farm on the eastern side of Michigan to the western side with her husband of (mumble) years.
Gabrielle Meyers, Contributor at Colonial Quills

Gabrielle Meyer lives in central Minnesota on the banks of the Mississippi River with her husband and four young children. As an employee of the Minnesota Historical Society, she fell in love with the rich history of her state and enjoys writing fictional stories inspired by real people and events. Gabrielle can be found at www.gabriellemeyer.com where she writes about her passion for history, Minnesota, and her faith.

Author Denise Weimer, Contributor on Colonial Quills
Denise Weimer is the author of The Georgia Gold Series of four historical fiction novels set during the mid-1800s. She holds a journalism degree from Asbury University with a minor in history. Her magazine articles have been featured in numerous regional publications. She is currently researching for a colonial through 1920s/modern crossover trilogy set in the Georgia Piedmont.


Colonial Stairs
What will our guests do upstairs at the tavern? 
Shall we clear the floor so all can dance? 
Shall some stay overnight with us and awake to take their carriages home in the morning? 
Or shall an evening feast await the latecomers above stairs?
Aha! Look who favors us with a visit?
Our hero, George, a handsome Virginia gentleman if ever there was one! And he's a very good dancer, ladies!
Young Officer George Washington


The kitchens of Colonial Williamsburg (click on the picture to be taken to the post.)
Giveaways:   Lisa - two autographed copies of The Promise Keeper; Roseanna - a set of 3 biblical fiction ebooks (winner's choice of format); Susan Craft, two copies of Laurel; Joan - 2 copies of Northkill, Book 1 of the Northkill Amish Series, choice of print or ebook edition; Carla - 1 autographed copy of The Homestead Brides Collection; Elaine Marie Cooper - 1 signed copy Fields of the Fatherless, 1 signed copy Bethany's Calendar, Carrie's--see above.


Hear Ye!!! Hear Ye!!! ANNOUNCING our new Facebook page. Please follow us on FB (and you'll receive an extra entry in the giveaways!) https://www.facebook.com/colonialquills
Extra entries ALSO to those who post a gown and/or a comment on the Facebook party page, where we encourage our readers to post pictures related to this Tea Party!  Click here to go to the Facebook party page!

212 comments:

  1. Good Morning, Ladies!!!

    Happy Anniversary on 4 fanTAStic Years of blogging at CQ!!!!

    I'm off to visit Biltmore House and gaze upon those lovely costumes in the Dressing Downton display, so I might not see y'all today.

    Have fun and God Bless You All many more years sharing history and fiction with us :)

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    1. Enjoy your wonderful trip to Biltmore House! How much fun!!

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    2. I wish I was with you, Anne! Thanks so much for coming by! Hugs!

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    3. Anne, your dress is lovely. The green on the ivory is so elegant.

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    4. Oooh, the Biltmore! Enjoy!! With our northern winter dragging on so long, I miss the milder Carolina weather, but the plains are beautiful as well.

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    5. I haven't been to Biltmore in years. Really want to return --especially to see the Downton costumes. Have a grand time, Anne.

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    6. I didn't know the Biltmore had the Downton costumes - another reason to revisit, for sure!!

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  2. Happy 4th Anniversary Ladies of CQ! HUZZAH! I am looking forward to celebrating with ALL of you AMAZING and TALENTED ladies. Everyone looks fetching in their party frocks. Mistress Carrie has out done herself again in putting on this fabulous tea. I'm going to enjoy my tea by the fire...

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    1. So nice to see you in that lovely gown, Caryl. you must tell me who your mantua-maker is! I will join you by the fire and enjoy watching all the others mill about.

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    2. You look stunning in your blue gown, Carla. You will be quite a hit at the library.

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    3. Caryl, thank you for the lovely flowers you sent us.

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  3. Good morning lovely ladies! You all look amazing in your gorgeous gowns. Welcome, welcome to our fourth year celebration! My the times passes quickly and how rich we are for having met you all! We appreciate you supporting our blog and our writing! In addition to our lovely leader, I also want to express my gratitude with my fellow Quillers for so faithfully contributing to CQ. And a hearty welcome to our new members! Here's to many more colonial books!!!

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    1. Now I'm off to the library for a spell to introduce a very small and handsome gentleman to Rhymetime! Ta, ta, see you a bit later.

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    2. Good morning, Mistress Gade! Thank you for all your hard work and for your kind words! We are so blessed with such talented contributors on the CQ blog! Have a great time with your sweetie grand!

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    3. HUZZAH Mistress Gade on the web design. Enjoy library time with your little man. Precious memories being made this morning. :)

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    4. Carla, I do so appreciate all you do for CQ. Technology is a challenge for me, and it's comforting to know you are there and always so helpful -- and patient :-)

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    5. We, the readers, are appreciative of the contributions by everyone involved and blessed to have such wonderfully inspiring writing to enjoy!! Thank you!!

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    6. Thank you, ladies. Now will someone please let me outbid these stocks!

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  4. Good morning everyone from cold and snow covered Fort Loudon, PA.
    Happy 4th Anniversary to Colonial Quills Blog.I have so enjoyed getting to know all the lovely and talented ladies who run the blog. Our amazing Lady Carrie has so generously invited all of us for tea again. Why yes, I will have a cuppa and a slice of cake. Thank you for offering, it's absolutely deliious. The fire is so warm and inviting , I am really enjoying it since my carriage driver and I traveled over snow covered roads to get here. Carrie you look absolutely stunning in your new gown today. Pink really is your color !

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    1. Thanks for coming by Deanne. Doesn't Carrie look lovely? No surprise she is in her signature color. Enjoy the tea and cake and stay safe in the snow.

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    2. Good morning Mistress Deanne! Thank you so much. It is SO icy out there today and it makes me all the more grateful you got here safely! Come sit by me an let me refill your tea cup!

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    3. I'm late today, but am happy to be here and share this time with you, Deanne, and the other lovely ladies.

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    4. Mistresses Carrie, Susan and Janet, thank you for such a warm welcome today. The fire is cozy and warm. Oh thank you Carrie for another cup of tea. The hospitality here today is second to none. Following on fb now as well.

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    5. I must say, I think you look quite fetching in your pink gown and hat, Mistress Carrie!!

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  5. Happy 4th Anniversary, Ladies! I can't believe it has been that long.
    Carrie, you look BEAUTIFUL!!
    Rita, PTL for your recovery!!
    Blessings to all. :)
    I'm now following y'all on Facebook.

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    1. Welcome, Amy! Mistress Carrie does indeed look lovely, and we are so happy for Rita! Thank you so much for your follow. :)

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    2. The green dress is so becoming on you Mistress Shannon.

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    3. Feeling blessed to see you, Mistress Rita, and thrilled by your recovery!! I have recovered from a battle with breast cancer this past year also - God is good!!

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  6. Good morning to all, and happy 4th anniversary! I'm so excited for this party, and for the opportunity to join Colonial Quills. I'll be sitting out the dances, though; no dancing for this proper Quaker. :)

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    1. I'll be keeping you company, Christy, given my recent knee injury! (Long skirts are good for covering up an ugly leg brace, LOL!) Welcome to our party--would you like tea? punch? A ham biscuit? :)

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    2. Tea and a ham biscuit would be splendid, thank you!

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    3. Mistress Distler, WELCOME to the Colonial Quills blog!!! Since you are a new member, you might want to help those of us who are infirm, such as Mistress McNear and myself. Do you mind bringing me a cup of tea? Thanks so much!

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    4. Kristy, welcome to CQ. I look forward to your posts and to reading your books.

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    5. But of course, Carrie. I'd be honored to serve thee and Shannon tea.

      Thank thee, Susan. I'm quite thrilled to be joining CQ!

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    6. So nice to have you join us, Christy.

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    7. So sorry to hear of your knee injury, Mistress Shannon!! How long must you endure the brace??

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  7. Good morning, ladies! How elegant you all look in your lovely gowns! Thank you, Carrie, both for the wonderful 4 years we've had at CQ and for another delightful tea party! I believe I'll have a slice of that amazing cake along with my tea.

    Please let me join you ladies in front of that warm fire. It feels soooo good on a day like today!

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    1. The fire does feel good, doesn't it? And everyone looks so beautiful! What a lovely sacque back you are wearing, Mistress Joan. :)

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    2. Your dress looks like it was made just for you, Joan. The lovely color compliments your hair.

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    3. Thank you, Shannon and Janet! I do agree the color sets off my hair nicely. :-) Of course, silk is a bit thin for this time of year, but we ladies do anything for fashion, don't we? lol! Just let me move over a bit closer to the fire, and Carrie, I'd love one of those ham biscuits!

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  8. I love all the gowns and have enjoyed many of your books! Happy Anniversary!!!

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    1. Welcome, and thank you for coming by! Such a beautiful day for a party!

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    2. Thanks so much Chris! Sit down and have a ham biscuit and tea!

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    3. Hi, Chris, and thank you for your good wishes.

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  9. Good morning and happy anniversary day! I love that picture of Carrie in pink colonial dress (great job, Carla!). Ha! So pleased to be here today in this nice warm tavern and out of bitter cold, snowy Rhode Island.

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    1. Are you in cahoots with Mistress Gade? Off to the stocks and join her! I'll take kindness upon you if you bring me another of your seafaring stories, though, Lisa!

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    2. Happy anniversary indeed! Isn't Carrie just resplendent? :D So good to see you and everyone today!

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    3. Yes, I do agree, Shannon. I don't understand your complaint, Mistress Carrie, when you look so beautiful! I can easily envision a seafaring hero following your skirts around this tavern, so be wary. :)

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    4. Oh, no!! Mistress Lisa in the stocks, also?? I fear you will be relegating me to the stocks, also, Mistress Carrie, as I adore your pick gown and cap!!

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  10. Happy anniversary, ladies! What a lovely celebration! I love seeing all of the beautiful gowns and sampling the scrumptious desserts. I'm off to enjoy some cake and punch.

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    1. Thanks so much, Britney! Have some ham biscuits, too, and tea!

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    2. Thank you for stopping in to see us, Britney dear! Isn't it a lovely cake?

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    3. Hello, Britney. So happy to see you here.

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  11. Good morning ladies and congratulations on your 4th anniversary! So very grateful to be safely here. You ladies look radiant in all your lovely spring colors. Tea with a slice of Martha Washington's Great Cake sounds like the perfect treat about now.

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    1. Good morning, Betti! That cake does look delicious, doesn't it? Come sit down with me!

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    2. Good morning Mistress Carrie. You look lovely this morning. I trust you are feeling quite well. Those ham biscuits you have been making have a wonderful aroma - I may need to try one ❤️

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    3. Oh dear, I missed the ham biscuits -- one of my favorites. A cup of tea would be nice.

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  12. (Sneaking in) Good morning, ladies! Happy fourth anniversary! Congratulations to all you lovely ladies! Welcome to the new contributors on Colonial Quills! I believe this year will be a great year for CQ!

    I am going to go mingle with some of the ladies, everyone looks spectacular! And I am going to grab some of that mouth watering cake!

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    1. Welcome, Regina! It's hard to get by the sharp eye of our dear hostess, Mistress Carrie, LOL! and you are more than welcome. Thank you for visiting, and isn't the cake divine?

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    2. Welcome and settle by the fire and help yourself to the delicious cake! We enjoy visiting with you, Mistress Fujitani!

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    3. Welcome, Regina. So good to see you here. (I sneaked in also ;-) )

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    4. That cake is divine, Regina, and there is plenty to go around. Thank you for coming to the party.

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    5. That fire feels divine on this cold snowy day, Mistress Carrie!!

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  13. Happy anniversary! I'm following on FB too! That cake looks delish!

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  14. The food looks delicious and I'm famished. Congratulations on the 4th anniversary!

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    1. Hi, Becky. Thank you for joining us and for the well wishes.

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    2. Mistress GAde assures me we shall have a stellar 5th anniversary next year (but first I must get agreement that she shall not put up a face in hole picture!!!)

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  15. So excited to be here today!! Thank you all for the warm welcome. This is a lovely party and I will help myself to the decadent treats. Happy 4th Anniversary Colonial Quills! Looking forward to all that God has planned for this blog and my humble contributions.

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    1. Welcome to the Colonial Quills blog, Gabrielle!!! We are so happy to have you as a member! We are looking forward to reading your posts!

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    2. Hi, Gabrielle. I look forward to your posts and getting to know you.

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    3. Decadent is an apt description for these treats, Mistress Gabrielle!! The punch and cake was delicious, earlier - I've enjoyed my visit so much that I'm finding myself here for the tea and ham and biscuits, also. Welcome to Colonial Quills!!

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  16. (rushing in) Whew, I wasn't sure I would make it with all the snow at home, but thankfully I have a very good driver. Thank you Mistress Carrie for the invite to help celebrate Colonial Quills 4th anniversary. Congratulations!

    Those ham biscuits smell heavenly, I must try them when they are ready. A cup of hot tea would be lovely. Speaking of lovely, everyone's gowns are beautiful and so many colors, reminds me spring is coming!

    I can't stay long as I need to finish cleaning for a birthday dinner for my sweet daughter-in-law tomorrow,. So will need to leave fairly early to arrive home before dark.

    ~~
    Wow, this is a great group of authors and each book sounds so wonderful. I look forward to reading them. Congratulations ladies on Colonial Quills 4th year! It keeps getting better and better.

    Blessings,Tina

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    1. Mistress Rice, truly, I cannot believe you braved the snow and ice from Mary Land all the way to Virginia! And these colonial roads are terrible, are they not? Settle in and get warm. Come chat with our lovely authors! Welcome!!!

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    2. Thank you, Tina. Best wishes for a wonderful and fun-filled party for your daughter-in-law.

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    3. Thank you. Yes, those roads are terrible. But my driver did a splendid job and got me here safe.

      Dina knows about the birthday dinner, but she doesn't know there will be a surprise. A chef is coming in to cook the meal. This chef had cooked for her and my son last year, so we are surprising her tomorrow. Will be interesting to see what he comes up with. I am madly scrubbing, cleaning floors, bathrooms, etc...want everything sparkling.

      Blessings,Tina

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    4. I have had a marvelous time, but I must leave and head home. Please do be careful going home ladies.
      Blessings, Tina

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  17. Oh, the cake is most delicious! Won't you sit and have a slice? Tea or punch with that, dear?

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  18. OH wow, what a party! I will take some tea and cake and sit in the corner and watch all the lovely ladies in their pretty dresses. Congrats on the anniversary and congrats to the new authors joining CQ!! Thank you all for all you do!

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    1. Dear Susan, we delight to see you here in Colonial Williamsburg. You look lovely! We are most grateful that you have come by and that you enjoy our blog!

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    2. Welcome, Susan. When you were growing up, were there lots of Susans in your classes? There were always two or three in mine. One summer, I went on a beach trip with 8 girls and four of us were Susans. My boyfriend (now my husband of 45 years) knocked at our door and asked for Susan. The girl asked, "Which Susan?" He said, "The one with red hair." She asked again, "Which one? Three of them have red hair!"

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    3. Love your story re: all of the Susan's - Mistress Susan, and 3 with red hair, amazing!! I'm sure you're glad your husband found the correct Susan, LOL!!

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  19. (Chappy enters in her lovely blue dress, looking a bit tired but just HAD to stop by)
    Good morning, ladies! My, but don't all of you look lovely...I wanted to stop by and offer my congratulations to you wonderful CQ ladies. I'm never disappointed whenever I drop by your blog. Alas, I cannot stay long....my dear hubby is in the hospital again and I must attend to him. No worries, he should be fine, he has an infection. The doctors and nurses are taking good care of him. I wish to say welcome to the new ladies of CQ, you will be working alongside some wonderful ladies. Well, I do believe that I will have a spot of tea and some biscuits before I hurry off to see my DH. Hopefully, I will be able to pop in now and then. Hugs and God bless to you all!

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    1. Love the outfit and matching mob cap, Chaplaindebbie.

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    2. Why, thank you. You look lovely as well.

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    3. Dear Debbie, so good to see you here. Hope your husband's health keeps improving. Mine dear husband is having some difficulties too. Rather serious, but we're trusting in our Lord for peace and healing. Hugs back to you!

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    4. I will be praying for your hubby Susan. My hubby is hanging in there. He has to stay in the hospital for at least another night.

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    5. Prayers for each of your husband's Mistresses Debbie and Susan!!

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    6. Sorry, there should be a comma after husband's!!

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  20. Can it possibly be four years since the birth of Colonial American Christian Writers? What an amazing time it has been! So excited to have our new members and to see where the next four years will take us! Huzzah!

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    1. Elaine, we met through CQ and it was one of the best things to happen to me. So amazing how we connected, but have never met in person. You are a dear sister in Christ and I'm so very proud of your accomplishments.

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    2. Ditto, everything Susan said, Elaine. And I would say the same to you, Susan.

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    3. Hard to believe! So glad to have all of you fine ladies in the group, Elaine, Susan and Janet!!

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    4. I treasure all of you lovely ladies. ((HUGS))!!

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  21. Good morning, ladies! I just finished a few hours of schooling my children (unlike Mrs. Bennett from Pride and Prejudice, I am indeed a slave to their education) and thought I would drop in for a quick hello. I shall just help myself to a slice of that delicious Great Cake and a cup of coffee. I do hope everyone is keeping warm! My day began at a rather chilly -1.

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    1. Hi, Roseanna. It's been so long since I've had to deal with school work -- my "children" are 39 and 34. I admire you for your hard work and interest in your children's education.

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    2. You have my admiration as well, Mistress Roseanna (as do all the other homeschooling parents) - my children are now 43 and 49 years of age. We recently dealt with those extremely chilly temps in Ky., also.

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    3. Welcome, Roseanna, and thank you for your generous giveaways to our visitors! My son did his own homeschooling efforts today as I'm still coping with my foot procedure from two days past. Is your pink princess in attendance with you?

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  22. Good morn, ladies. I'd love a piece of Martha Washington's cake and a cup of tea. I know coffee is more patriotic, but I do love my tea. I'm so happy to be in Williamsburg for our fourth anniversary, that I had a new red dress made for the occasion. I'm grateful to be a part of this wonderful group and can't wait for the next four years.

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    1. Hi, Tamera. I always learn so much from your posts and appreciate your research and hard work.

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    2. Thank you, Susan. That's very nice of you to say.

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    3. Ah well, we are pre-American Revolutionary war today, Mistress Kraft so fret you not over the tea! We love having you as part of our group! Welcome to the party!

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    4. I'm a tea lover, also, Mistress Tamera - your new red dress is beautiful!!

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  23. Hello everyone! I am feeling so Blessed to be here among all these talented individuals! Many of whose works I have read and hope to read! There is such a kaleidoscope of beautiful colors, all the gowns look magnificent and the food smells wonderful. Thank you so much for the invite, Carrie! I do think I will have a cup of tea!

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    1. Welcome, Gracie, so happy you could join us.

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    2. Thank you so much, Regina!

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    3. Mistress Yost, always love to see you and I agree--what a pleasing array of colors and gowns! The food is delightful and I have a mix of green and peppermint teas ready.

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  24. Happy anniversary! Thanks for the giveaway!

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    1. Hello, Kim. Happy you could join us. We do have some grand giveaways, don't we?

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    2. Thank you, Mistress Hampton! Our contributors are very kind to donate so many lovely things!

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  25. HI! I am sorry that I am late! I sopped by the mercantile to pick up some fresh mint for our tea! Everyone looks simply divine! Congrats all on the 4 year anniversary! Carrie,by any chance might a lumberjack appear?

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    1. Hi, Deborah. Thanks for the mint! When I was growing up, we had mint growing all across the back of our house, which was continuously watered by a dripping spigot that never got repaired. We put the mint in our iced tea. Good memories.

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    2. Your welcome,Susan! May I say that your dress is quite lovely!

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    3. We have the green peppermint tea at the ready, Mistress Crum! I fear you must time travel to late 19th century to meet such a brawny specimen such as Tom Jeffries, but if you would accompany me to the secret armoire I may be able to arrange...

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    4. Love the vision of mint growing across the back of your house and our picking it for your tea, Mistress Susan!!

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  26. Happy Anniversary! I have read several of the highlighted books and look forward to reading the others! Lori Benton and Roseanna White are two of my favorites among historical fiction authors!

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    1. Rebecca, you are most kind to stop by! And both Lori and Roseanna are both lovely, talented writers, are they not?

      Did you make sure to visit the refreshment table on your way through? :)

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    2. Rebecca, thank you for coming by! I hope Ro and Lori might see your comment! Many blessings!

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  27. Hello, all. What a beautiful group of ladies. So happy to be among such talent and grace. I can't believe I've been with CQ over two years. Love these ladies and always enjoy the history and knowledge they share.

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    1. Hello, Mistress Susan, and fellow South Carolinian! (If I may claim that lovely state by virtue of a couple of decades of residing there ... I'd never presume to claim I'm Southern by birth, only by heart!) I agree, such an honor to be in this group ... just over a year now for me, as I recall. :)

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    2. Yes, such an amazing group of writer/authors!! My thanks to each of you for your contributions!!

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  28. I think this is the first time I've actually made it to your blog. It was exciting to find out that Rita Gerlach has finished a manuscript with Gilbert Morris. I am going to have to keep an eye out for that.

    I was disappointed to find out that MaryLu Tyndall is leaving the group. I love her books.

    The new members of your group sound wonderful and I'm looking forward to getting to know their writing.

    Happy Anniversary to all of you!

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    1. Welcome, Debbie. Rita is a treasure for this group and I want to read her book with Gilbert Morris too. I enjoy MaryLu's books too. Thank you for your well wishes.

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  29. Happy Anniversary! I've been on the run all morning. I'm admiring all the beautiful gowns. What a wonderful group gathered today..

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  30. Happy Anniversary! I have some of these books! But I could always use one more! lol Thanks for the opportunity!

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    1. Hi, Brenda. We do have some great giveaways, don't we? I love to read too, especially historical fiction.

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    2. Never too many books, eh - Mistress Brenda, LOL!!

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  31. Welcome, Mistress Kate! Thank you for your kind words! Come help yourself to the viands and the desserts!

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  32. Just came from Colonial Quills I was your #44th friend :) Off for some tea!

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    1. That is delightful, Deanna! Thank you! Green and peppermint tea?

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  33. Afternoon Ladies! Seems the party is in full swing. I stopped in for some delicious tea and scrumptious cake. Mmmmmm, who's that handsome fellow with Mistress Carrie? Must take Mistress Carla and investigate.

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  34. I think I need to make some buttermilk scones for all of you. That cake won't last forever.

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  35. (Chappy pops her head in)
    How is everyone? The party looks to be in full swing. Just dropping by to say hello!
    (Chappy leaves to go be with her hubby)

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    1. I have reclined with my foot up Mistress Debbie!

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    2. I've been praying for you, Mistress Carrie. Hugs!

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    3. I've been praying for you, Mistress Carrie. Hugs!

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    4. Thanks so much Mistress Debbie! I appreciate all your prayers!

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    5. Beautiful party, Mistress Carrie - please don't overtire yourself!!

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    6. Congratulations on being a winner Mistress Debbie! I pray you will enjoy your scarf and pens and inks!

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  36. So many books to add to my must read list! The party is fun -- love all the facts and tidbits!

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    1. Not so sure about Susan's mouse fur information on the FB party, Susan! Welcome!!!

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    2. Laughing at the mouse comment!! Something for the books, literally, LOL!!

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  37. Hello ladies! My name is Debra Dawn. All the books sound lovely. I think I will grab a slice of cake and drink some punch. *walks over to the cake and punch table*

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    1. Hello daughter, glad you could make it to the party.

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    2. Welcome, Debra, we are so very glad to have you with us. Am I correct in that you have journeyed all the way from Texas?

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    3. Woo Hoo! Texans at the PAR-TAY! :)

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    4. Hi ladies and mom. Carrie, I live in California. I still like to party though. :)

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    5. California? I believe that and Texas are under Spanish control as is Florida, of course. Perhaps one day the colonies will stretch coast to coast though!

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  38. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  39. I have finally made it all the way from SC! It's a wonder my coach wasn't overturned as windy as it is! Blew the feathers right off my brand new lavender hat I bought to match my gown. :( What a lovely party and such an occasion to celebrate -- 4 yrs! Congratulations! As I was looking down your scroll I am amazed at all of the talent there is in this very room. Carrie, dear, you always look lovely in pink and I do love your hat. As for mine, well, I guess there is no sense crying over spilled milk. (sigh)

    Janet, deah, I would love one of your wonderful looking scones, and some hot tea would be most welcome. I got chilled to the bones from the wind...

    A most hearty welcome to all the new contributors!

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    1. You look lovely in lilac, Mistress Diana! Yes, I stand in awe at the talented company I keep. Four years have flown by! I met you in SC the very week this blog launched!!!

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    2. Greeting Mistress Diana. Lovely to see you. Your dress is gorgeous. I have some hot tea for you. Enjoy.

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    3. Please do warm yourself by the fire, Mistress Diana. We are delighted that you came all this way.

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    4. Thank y'all most kindly! So wonderful to see you, Carla, and the tea hit the spot, dear Caryl! Carrie, I'm so glad you made it through that deluge to my humble abode. Our meeting also didn't take place, but thanks to the good Lord your carriage was able to make it through.

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    5. So sorry about your lovely hat, Mistress Diana!! Aren't all the gowns beautiful!! Couldn't agree with you more - such a wonderful group of talented ladies gathered here!!

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    6. Thank you, Lady Bonnie. Perhaps, the hat can be repaired upon my return to the Carolinas. It's just so disappointing as I wanted it especially for today's celebration. The gowns are all quite lovely and yours is absolutely stunning, my lady!

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    7. I meant our meeting ALMOST didn't take place, Carrie. My Kindle, er, my quill that is, has a mind of its own sometimes.

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    8. God put us together dear lady. Now, if only you were present in the flesh rather than virtually! One day we shall sally you forth to old Virginia!

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  40. Finally made over to the blog. I am so tired today, I forgot. Love all the gowns.

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    1. Praying! I feared to drive the carriage team across the bridge yesterday to Gloucester because of the ice. Thank you for your warnings of the early cancellation of co-op!

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  41. Praying no one is cold from all this snow and ice that we have had recently.

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    1. Plenty of hot tea and a roaring fire to dispel the chill.

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    2. Yes, Mistress Baranski! You, Mistress Grunst, and I inhabit this area and thus we are well aware of the chill and ice! And as Mistress Kane points out we have a lovely fire to warm us!

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  42. How wonderful to see so many friends, old and new! What a pleasure it is to have you all with us today!

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    1. Mistress Gade it is wonderful celebrating with you and ALL the AWESOME ladies of CQ. :)

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  43. Happy anniversary! Four years is definitely something to be proud of!

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    1. Agreed, Mistress Robbins! WE are pleased at our continuance and may God bless us with four more years! Thank you for coming by and for your congratulations!

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  44. Congrats to Colonial Quills and all it's beautiful, accomplished contributors!!

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  45. The party is in full swing! I am certainly enjoying the celebration!!

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    1. We have enjoyed having you visit! Might you come back and review a colonial book for our readers, Mistress Adams?

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  46. I think you look great in pink & I love the hat! I'm enjoying reading all the comments. The books mentioned are all going on my TBR list....

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    1. My TBR list is growing by "leaps and bounds", also, Mistress Deanna, LOL!!!!

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  47. Happy anniversary. Books look great.

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    1. Thank you kindly, Virginia, for your words. How came you by your name?

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  48. Greetings from snowy Northern Michigan. My apologies for the lateness of my arrival. My dear husband and I have been traveling most of the day. 'Tis good to be done with that and settle in for a visit.

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    1. Do sit down, Pegg, and I'll bring you some tea and scones.

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    2. That sounds lovely. Sorry I don't have a party gown. There was no time to change from my traveling suit.

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    3. My dear Mistress Thomas, how I prayed that you would have no difficult in that wilderness of the north. I fear the forts up there do much worse under the British. But, I best keep my opinion to myself, since we Virginians are (yet!) subject to the king.

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  49. Good evening Ladies! I've finally made it! Oh my, the gowns are beautiful! Congratulations to the CQ Ladies on their 4th Anniversary! I love this site. It's a learning experience. Thank you for all of the research you ladies do for this blog. I'm hoping there's a little of Martha Washington's cake left over. It looked scrumptious! And of course, a cup of tea! :)

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    1. Angi, Welcome! Would you care for some mint for your tea?

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    2. Gracie, you are so sweet to help, and Angi, always a pleasure to see you here. I always learn something from the posts, too, including the ones I research myself! Did you see all that food just set out?

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    3. Thank you, Gracie! Don't mind if I do.

      Carrie, I didn't. I'll have to go back and look.

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  50. Time for me to say farewell, everyone. I've had a grand time and loved meeting new people and making new friends. The two winners of the print copies of my novel, Laurel, are Susan Shipley Stitch and Debora Wilder. Huzzah Susan and Debora!!! Please email me your address and I'll mail them right away. My email is sfc58@sc.rr.com

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    1. God bless you for holding down the fort today, Mistress Craft! I look forward to meeting with you in the real Colonial Williamsburg soon, now that you are finally retired! Congrats to Susan and Debora!

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  51. Authors Wonderful party Congrats on 4 years of CQ Please have a wonderful, terrific, God-blessed week
    Chris

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    1. Thanks so much, Mistress Granville! Your bible studies are lovely! So glad you could come by!

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  52. I've been to Colonial Williamsburg many times and watched them prepare food the way they did in colonial times. What fun - and good smells. I'm amazed at how much food they had to prepare with such crude cooking equipment. They worked so hard!
    susanlulu@yahoo.com

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  53. I had such a great time at the facebook party. You are giving away so many great books. congrats on your 4 years I hope you have many more to come. Love you ladies. God bless.

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  54. Hi Ladies! Nice to meet all of you! Happy Anniversary to Carrie! Congrats to all of you on the new books.......They sound wonderful! I am going to get some cake and punch and go talk to everybody! So excited to be here! Everything looks gorgeous!

    dowelljanet@hotmail.com

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    1. Denise, what part of GA are you from? I live in Canon GA -- about 12 miles from Hartwell Lake!

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  55. Congratulations ladies! This is always an exciting event. May God continue to bless you all in you do!
    Rebecca Hartman

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  56. Hello ladies. My, what lovely gowns, for the lovely ladies. Hope there is a little of that beautiful cake left, and tea. Long ride. Sorry l 'm so late but been thinking of my sweet brother that just passed on Wed. and still making contacts with some. This is a very pretty party. Happy 4th Anniversary for your blog. Love this blog and all of those who visit here. Congratulations to all of these ladies with new books out.
    Hope you've not been on your feet too much today Mistress carrie. I love tea parties, especially with all of you ladies. MS. Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot0com >

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    1. So sorry to hear of your brother's passing, Mistress Maxie. Praying for you and your family!! Hugs!!

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