Thanks to many of you, The Kokopelli Journals, "A Southwest (mis)Adventure of Discovery, Compassion, Empowerment... & MIschief" has enjoyed an extremely well-received introduction to the Central Virginia area, including inclusion in the highly acclaimed Virginia Festival of the Book, a fine shared talk show with Carol M. Highsmith in June of '06 at Pepper-Hamilton in DC, on Steve Mandell's "Tomorrow's Business " (subject? Self-published books, of course!) followed by two live Santa Fe NPR Interviews on KSFR's "The Journey Home," hosted by Diego Mulligan, in September '06, about the story behind the book. Charlee Channing, hostess for the Internet talk show, “Spirits Evolving”, interviewed Laura in May of 2008. And, in mid-June 2008, Laura, talking about The Kokopelli Journals, was also a featured guest with hosts Tanya Mock & Lew Rees on AZ-TV, in Prescott, Arizona.

To jumpstart 2009, Laura headed to New Mexico through March to spend time in Santa Fe & Taos for signings, to replenish books in Independent book stores in that area, and to sketch some of the old Spanish Santuarios in & around Santa Fe until early April, when signings in Virginia began again.

Laura thanks her many enthusiastic readers & supporters for this warm welcome of her first book. She has had many fine readings, signings, newspaper articles on her story, talks, TV & radio interviews & looks forward to many more, continually expanding her reading audience.

To contact Laura, please email her at wildwestwoman1@earthlink.net. She looks forward to hearing from you with your questions, comments, feedback & enthusiastic support! Please know she's busy, so you may not hear from her immediately, but if you have a legitimate question or comment, Laura will legitimately try her best to get back to you.


Spring/Summer into Fall of 2010

Okay, okay, so we've been remiss in updating this website, granted – please forgive! Laura has taken time off from “The Book” to be farm manager/snow shoveler/horse care provider over this past winter of blizzards & straight from there on to being the happy mother of a son returning from a 2-year stint in South Korea, where he taught English as a foreign language (TEFL). Pete & Laura also have a young daughter finishing her last year in college & an older daughter contemplating her return to college... So yes,they've been busy on the home front and have enjoyed immensely the weather warming so that she might don her big ole' straw hat to play with the horses & “plant the farm”...

But now it's time to plant again the seeds of creativity. We at Wild West Woman Publications are running low on our first edition of The Kokopelli Journals. We are looking into options for the second edition. So if you are interested in a signed original first printing, for yourself or as a beautiful gift for a special friend or family member – while we have them! - please do join us at one of the upcoming events listed below. Laura is scaling back the number of signings this year, as there are so few books, & is focusing her energy in expanded directions, like:

Back to painting!! Laura has been cleverly persuaded by clients of yesteryear to return to animal portraits again, & so has agreed to take a few select commissions of oil portraits for this summer/fall, which she is eager to paint... (Once this skill is relearned, for it has been awhile...)

And how exciting is this!! Laura is currently enjoying a screen writing course at Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) through June, with D. Bennett Nelson (he & his wife are freshly out of Hollywood) to begin the screenplay for the movie of her book! (which may well be called Kokopelli's Journey or possibly Kokopelli's Capers, which, incidentally, will be the name for Book Two...)

It is all a step-at-a-time & learn-as-one-goes procedure, but they're getting it done here. With lots of family & lots of friends – always a part of their nonstop lives – & a busy little farm that always needs attention & Pete's crazy-busy job that keeps him traveling, the two are in a lot of directions, but do, eventually, get it all done... Laura & Pete look forward to meeting & greeting all y'all at these summer signings - & later on, in the fall... So please do come see them!


Central Virginia Outlets for The Kokopelli Journals:

Those of us at Wild West Woman Publications are extremely pleased to announce these Central Virginia locations where you may purchase a signed first edition of The Kokopelli Journals: A Southwest (mis)Adventure of Discovery, Compassion, Empowerment… & Mischief:

Barboursville Vineyards, gift shop, Barboursville, VA
Arts Center of Orange, 129 E. Main Street, Orange, VA
Sammy Snacks, Barracks Rd., North Wing, Charlottesville, VA
Univ. of VA Bookshop, (beside Newcomb Hall), Emmett St., Charlottesville
Foods of All Nations, in Ivy Square, Charlottesville, VA
Greenwood Country Store & Giftshop
, Rt. 250 West, Greenwood, VA
The Quest Bookshop, 619 West Main Street, Charlottesville, VA
New Dominion Bookstore, Downtown Mall, Charlottesville, VA
Almost Home Pet Adoption Center, Rt. 29, Lovingston, VA
Wintergreen Wineries, Wintergreen, VA


Richmond Outlets:

Book People, 536 Granite Avenue, (Corner of Granite & Patterson Avenues)
804/282-7327

Fountain Bookstore, 1312 E. Cary Street (Shockhoe Bottom, downtown)
804/788-1594

New Mexico Locations for The Kokopelli Journals:

SANTA FE:

COLLECTED WORKS BOOKSTORE
208-B West San Francisco Street
(Across from the Lensic Theatre, on the Plaza)
Santa Fe, New Mexico
877-988-4228

PALACE of the GOVERNORS BOOK & PHOTO ARCHIVES SHOP
Corner of Palace Avenue & Washington Street
Santa Fe, New Mexico
505/988-3454
www.newmexicocreates.org

TRAVEL BUG
839 Paseo de Peralta
Santa Fe, New Mexico
505/992-0418
www.mapsofnewmexico.com

TIN-NEE-ANN TRADING COMPANY

(You must ask Jo specifically for TKJs here; it’s a secret code kind of thing…)
923 Cerrillos Road
Santa Fe, New Mexico
800-255-5491

ABIQUIU:

THE ABIQUIU INN GIFT SHOP
21120 Highway 84,
Abiquiu, New Mexico
800-447-5621

CHIMAYO:

SANTUARIO de CHIMAYO’
PO Box 235
Chimayó, New Mexico
505/351-4360
www.holychimayo.us
(this is the official website for the Santuario de Chimayó)

TAOS:

MOBY DICKENS BOOKSHOP
124 A Bent Street, #6 Dunn House
Taos, New Mexico
888-442-9980

 

Virginia Area Calendar and Events

May 2010:

Memorial Day Blues & Brews at Wintergreen Resort
Saturday & Sunday, May 29th & 30th, 10AM – 6PM
Atop Wintergreen Mountain
www.wintergreenresort.com

 

July 2010:

July 4th Jubilee at Wintergreen Resort
Saturday, July 3rd, 10AM – 8:30PM
Sunday, July 4th, 10AM until amazing Fireworks!!
Atop Wintergreen Mountain
www.wintergreenresort.com

Peaks of Otter Winery “Horse & Hounds” Festival & Wine Tasting
Saturday, July 10th, 11AM – 6PM
Bedford, VA – Peaks of Otter Winery
www.bedfordwine.com

Andre' Viette's Daylily & Wine Festival
Saturday, July 17th, 9AM – 6PM
Sunday, July 18th, Noon – 5PM
Fishersville, VA
www.inthegardenradio.com

 

September 2010:

Labor Day Festival at Wintergreen Resort
Saturday, September 4th, 10AM – 5PM
Sunday, September 5th, 10AM – 5PM
Atop Wintergreen Mountain
www.wintergreenresort.com

 

October 2010:

We'll likely be at the Graves Mountain Lodge Apple Harvest Festival
2nd weekend in October...
Times to be announced...

 

November 2010:

(Earlier signings to be announced, please check th 2009 Calendar to see likely possibilities...)

Barboursville Vineyards Holiday Open House
Friday, November 26th, 10AM – 6PM
Saturday, November 27th, 10AM – 6PM
www.barboursvillevineyards.com


2009

March 2009 :

Laura traveled to Santa Fe for the month of March, on a road trip, to replenish books in NM outlets, visit friends & writing buddies, have some impromptu signings, & hike in the canyons & mountains outside of the “City Different.” She spent quite a lot of time writing about & photographing these magnificent lands & renewing her creative spirit, to refresh body & soul for the upcoming year…
Promising Pete she’d be home by her birthday, reluctantly back to Virginia she came, kicking & screaming & even getting ‘stuck’ for 3 days in Amarillo, TX in a crazy ice & snow blizzard at the end of March. She was gratefully ‘adopted’ by Good Samaritans who gave her a loving ‘home’ while waiting out the storm. For this she sends her warm wishes & gratitude to June & Robert, two sweet Texans with big kind hearts…

And, in April, the signings begin again:


April 2009:

BARBOURSVILLE VINEYARDS SPRING BARREL TASTINGS
Saturday & Sunday, April 18th & 19th, 11AM – 5PM
www.barboursvillewine.com

 

May 2009:

MONTPELIER WINE FESTIVAL
(Home of James Madison, our 4th American President & “Father of the Constitution”)
Montpelier Station, VA
Saturday, May 2nd, 11AM – 6PM
Sunday, May 3rd, Noon – 5PM

MEMORIAL DAYS BLUES & BREWS at Wintergreen Resort
Saturday, May 23rd, 10AM – 6PM
Sunday, May 24th, 10AM – 5PM
www.WintergreenResort.com

 

June 2009:

AMHERST/NELSON SUMMER SOLSTICE WINE & FARM FESTIVAL
Amherst Vineyards Estates, 1351 North Amherst Highway
Amherst, VA
Saturday & Sunday, June 20th & 21st, 10AM -5PM
434/381-6088

 

July 2009:

JULY 4TH JUBILEE at WINTERGREEN RESORT
Saturday, July 4th, Noon until Dark (fireworks galore!)
Sunday, July 5th, 11AM – 5PM
www.WintergreenResort.com

5TH ANNUAL HORSE & HOUNDS WINE FESTIVAL
Peaks of Otter Winery
Johnson’s Farm, Bedford, VA
Saturday, July11th, 11AM-6PM
www.BedfordWine.com

ANDRE’ VIETTE’S 13TH ANNUAL DAYLILY & WINE FESTIVAL
André Viette Farm & Nursery, 994 Long Meadow Road
Fishersville, VA
Saturday, July 18th, 9AM – 6PM
Sunday, July 19th, Noon – 5PM
www.inthegardenradio.com

 

August & September 2009:

Family time now… our son, Jared, returns to visit us from South Korea!!
Also, there will be special time in the beloved Outer Banks
(There will be painting time this year, but no signings, as last year…)

 

October 2009:  (back to work…)

BARBOURSVILLE VINEYARDS AUTUMN BARREL TASTING
Saturday & Sunday, October 3rd & 4th, Noon – 5PM each day
www.barboursvillewine.com

REBEC VINEYARDS GARLIC & WINE FESTIVAL
Rebec Vineyards, Amherst, directly off of Rt. 29 South
Saturday & Sunday, October 10th & 11th, 10AM – 5PM
www.rebecwinery.com

SHENANDOAH VALLEY HOT AIR BALLOON & WINE FESTIVAL
Historic Long Branch Estate in Millwood, VA (close to Winchester)
Friday evening, October 16th:
Come join us in the “Hot Air Balloon & Pumpkin Glow” !!
Saturday & Sunday, October 17th & 18th, 9AM – 5PM
www.historiclongbranch.com

 

November 2009:

Wishing a very happy day of Thanksgiving of all that matters to you!

Ruritan Club Speaking Engagement
Thursday night, November 12th, 6PM – 9PM
Charlottesville, VA

Holiday Open House at Mariner's Landing
Saturday, November 14th, 11AM – 6PM
Smith Mountain Lake, outside of Bedford, VA

“Meet the Authors” gathering at Glenmore Country Club
Wednesday, November 18th, 10AM – 6PM
Charlottesville, VA

1st Annual Thomas Jefferson Wine Festival
Saturday, November 21st, Noon – 5PM
Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest Estate
Poplar Forest, VA

BARBOURSVILLE VINEYARDS HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
Barboursville, VA - Come enjoy the fine wines & find beautiful gifts for your loved ones
Friday & Saturday, November 27th & 28th, 11AM – 4PM
www.barboursvillewine.com

 

December 2009:
Signings pending…

Warm holiday wishes to you & yours from all of us here at Wild West Woman Publications!


2008

April 2008:

BARBOURSVILLE VINEYARDS SPRING BARREL TASTINGS
Saturday & Sunday, April 19th & 20th, Noon - 5PM

CESTARI WOOL FAIR & FESTIVAL
Cestari Sheep & Land Company
Churchville, VA
Saturday & Sunday, April 26th & 27th, 9AM – 5PM
www.cestariltd.com

 

May 2008:

MONTPELIER WINE FESTIVAL
(Home of James Madison, our 4th American President & "Father of the Constitution")
Montpelier Station, VA
Saturday, May 3rd, 11AM - 6PM
Sunday, May 4th, Noon - 5PM

ASHLAWN-HIGHLAND 13TH ANNUAL VIRGINIA WINE FESTIVAL
(Home of James Monroe, our 5th American President)
Saturday & Sunday, May 17th & 18th, 11AM - 5PM

“SPIRITS EVOLVING” Internet Talk Show with hostess Charlee Channing
Friday, May 23rd (In honor of Jean Gianniny's birthdate)
Laura will be interviewed about The Kokopelli Journals, & her life, by Lee Channing,
hostess of "SPIRITS EVOLVING" Internet Talk Show
Friday noon eastern, log in to www.7thWaveNetwork.com to listen
Past Episodes are available On Demand & Podcast Ready at www.7thWaveNetwork.com
Log on anytime to listen to show archives.
For more information, visit: www.SpiritsEvolving.com

SEDALIA SPRING FIBER FESTIVAL
The Sedalia Center of Big Island, Bedford, VA
Saturday, May 24th, 10AM – 4PM

MEMORIAL DAY BLUES & BREWS at Wintergreen Resort
Sunday, May 25th, 10AM – 6PM

 

June 2008:

Southwest here we come!! Laura & Pete travel to Arizona this spring, to Phoenix,
Flagstaff & the Grand Canyon for hiking, signings & exploration… The red rock
country of southern Utah may well find their dusty hiking boots leaving tracks, as
well… And Pete will likely hire another ‘sweeper’ to hide any strays that might
otherwise cross their path… (Hmmm, have we another story in the works?)

Okay, so it was a working vacation, too… Laura & Pete sold two dozen books along the way, had an impromptu & enthusiastic “mini-signing” of The Kokopelli Journals at the beautiful “Best Friends Animal Sanctuary” in Kanab, Utah (paving the way for a larger future fund-raiser for this dedicated & amazing group of animal lovers…
Best Friends is the largest no-kill shelter in the USA…) And:

June 12th, on Thursday morning at 10AM Mountain time:
Laura was interviewed about the background behind writing The Kokopelli Journals by the lovely & lively hosts, Tanya Mock & Lew Rees of AZ-TV, in Prescott, Arizona. After which, new friends, Carole & Barbara, gave them a personal tour of “Whisky Row,” downtown Prescott’s infamous Wild West plaza, before Laura & Pete headed on to the ‘northern territories’… What a warm welcome to the Southwest by all! Thank you!

16th ANNUAL NELSON COUNTY SUMMER FESTIVAL
Festivities, Food, Fun, Music & Wine & Frolic!
Oak Ridge Estate, Lovingston, VA
Saturday & Sunday, June 28th & 29th, 11AM - 6PM

 

July 2008:

4th ANNUAL HORSE & HOUNDS WINE FESTIVAL
Peaks of Otter Winery
Johnson's Farm, Bedford, Virginia
Saturday, July 12th, 11AM - 6PM
www.BedfordWine.com

ANDRE’ VIETTE’S 12TH ANNUAL DAYLILY & WINE FESTIVAL
Andre’ Viette Farm & Nursery, 994 Long Meadow Road
Fishersville, VA
Saturday & Sunday, July 19th & 20th, 9AM – 6PM
www.inthegardenradio.com



Signings resume:

September 2008:

Okay, okay, so Laura & Pete can’t hold still… It’s now time for some serious creativity at a little oceanfront cottage in Rodanthe… (Alright, so it’s not Nights in Rodanthe – or even Rodanthe – but close…) with time to paint with an artist friend: sky & sunset & sea studies in oil; intensive work on Book II… & two fine book signings at long-standing Outer Banks businesses, one south-island & one north-island:

HATTERAS REALTY in Avon, North Carolina:
Avon Village, on the Highway 12 beach road
Sunday, September 14th, from noon to 4PM
Signings of The Kokopelli Journals, in collaboration with Hatteras Realty to benefit
The Outer Banks SPCA

THE FLYING FISH CAFÉ, in Kill Devil Hills, NC:
Milepost 9-½ on the Croatan Highway
September 21st, Sunday Brunch, 10AM – 2PM
In collaboration with The Flying Fish Café, $10 from each book sale will also benefit
The Outer Banks SPCACome be welcomed by loving animals for adoption in front to
The Flying Fish Café before you enjoy your brunch!

 

October 2008:

BARBOURSVILLE VINEYARDS AUTUMN BARREL TASTING
Saturday & Sunday, October 4th & 5th, Noon – 5PM
www.barboursvillewine.com

REBEC VINEYARDS GARLIC & WINE FESTIVAL
Rebec Vineyards, Amherst, directly off of Rt. 29 South
Saturday & Sunday, October 11th & 12th, 10AM - 5PM
www.rebecwinery.com

SHENANDOAH VALLEY HOT AIR BALLOON & WINE FESTIVAL
Historic Long Branch Estate, in Millwood, Virginia (close to Winchester)
Friday evening, October 17th:
Come join us in the "Hot Air Balloon & Pumpkin Glow"!!
Saturday & Sunday, October 18th & 19th, 10AM - 5PM
www.historiclongbranch.com

2nd Annual PICK OF THE PIEDMONT WINE FESTIVAL
Booster Park, on Rt. 20 North, just outside the town of Orange, VA
(Please look for Laura & Pete in the Pavilion, not in our regular tent)
Saturday & Sunday, October 25th & 26th, 11AM – 6PM
www.orangevachamber.com


November 2008:

HORTON VINEYARDS FALL BARREL TASTING
Barboursville, Virginia (Rt. 33, just outside historic Gordonsville)
Saturday & Sunday, November 1st & 2nd, Noon – 5PM

BARBOURSVILLE VINEYARDS HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
Barboursville, Virginia (Rt. 33, just a bit further outside historic Gordonsville)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday, November 28th – 30th, Noon – 4PM
(***Please note that Laura & Pete will only be there on Friday & Saturday)
www.barboursvillewine.com


December 2008:

ACAC CHRISTMAS ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR
An array of beautiful, handmade gifts and The Kokopelli Journals
signed for your loved ones…
ACAC, Albemarle Square
Friday, December 5th, 9AM (ugh) - 6PM
Saturday, December 6th, 9AM (ugh, again...) - 2PM
www.acac.com

- Wishing all the beauty & magic & warmth of the season to you -


Please stay posted to this website/calendar as the actual dates & events are confirmed.

Laura's fund-raisers for spay/neuter programs have begun! Please keep an eye on this calendar page for updates.