The Crowning Glory
Written by Joanne Arbogast
The crowning glory for artists is to have their artwork acknowledged and recognized. Many excellent artists never get there - they can be stopped cold simply by the thought of putting their private creation out on public display. But when impartial strangers use their senses to form an opinion- by seeing, hearing, touching, smelling, tasting the artwork - that's when artists (such as painters, musicians, cloth makers, perfumers, chefs) begin to get a bigger and better sense of their creations' value.
For writers, this means publication. I am beyond thrilled and amazed by the large number of submissions for our "Write On" page. If you aren't familiar with it, see page 42. Each issue features a short story written by someone local. The story must have some reference to that issue's particular season and to Pennsylvania. Only one story is chosen. This time, the writer getting the crown is Dawn Humphrey, of Allenwood. Her story is titled "Road Kill." The vast majority of story submissions for this issue were of fond memories, along the lines of how wonderful it smells, looks and feels to be "home for the holidays in Central Pennsylvania." I enjoyed them all.
But "Road Kill" was a standout because it has a beginning and an end, it reminds us that winter in Pennsylvania can often be far from beautiful, and if you don't know the pleasure of deer jumping in front of your car, you haven't been here very long. My suggestion to all of you planning to submit stories for future issues: Let your imagination take flight. And surprise me with something unexpected. In this issue, Dawn Humphrey isn't the only one being crowned. A Danville couple that makes nostalgic clear toy candies, a group of Shamokin model train devotees and some Mount Carmel soupie-sausage makers are just a few "artists" we are applauding. Most royal of them all, perhaps, is the one actually wearing a crown. You know her as Miss Pennsylvania 2007 but her name is Rachel Brooks. Who is the woman beneath the tiara? Find out ... inside.
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