Book Launch! George H. Wood "The King of Clemens: A Novel"

 

George H. Wood’s forthcoming novel, The King of Clemens, from Monday Creek Publishing, is a vivid, deeply human portrait of a small Appalachian town wrestling with memory, change, and the quiet forces that shape community life. Wood’s storytelling moves with the natural rhythm of recollection—slipping between decades, revealing generational tensions, family wounds, and the stubborn hope that keeps people rooted in place. With his trademark clarity and compassion, Wood invites readers into Clemens, North Carolina, where every boot stitched, every river fished, and every kitchen‑table conversation becomes part of a larger search for belonging. This is a novel about home—how we find it, how we lose it, and how it remakes us.

Cover Art & Design by Keith Wilde

www.georgehwood.com

Inquiries: mondaycreekpublishing@gmail.com

www.mondaycreekpublishing.com

George H. Wood, Author & Keith Wilde, Illustrator @ Monday Creek Publishing

Milliron Monday: Childhood Stories from Jody's Bookshelf - "MUSTANG" by Thomas C. Hinkle

 

 Abbott "Pete" Smith D.V.M.:  

June 16, 1938 - February 22, 2010

Virginia Joyann "Jody" Haley Smith: 

April 2, 1938 - May 9, 2021

Welcome to Milliron Monday where every Monday we celebrate 

the legacy of Milliron Farm and Clinic, 

Dr. Pete and Jody Smith.

Thomas C. Hinkle’s Mustang is a Western horse novel that still carries the dust and sunlight of its era. Published in 1942 by Grosset & Dunlap, the book arrived when American readers were hungry for frontier adventure, moral clarity, and stories where the bond between humans and animals was paramount. Hinkle, already well known for his horse‑centered fiction, wrote Mustang with the same earnest energy that defined his career: a blend of action, sentiment, and respect for the untamed.

The story follows a powerful bay stallion whose life is shaped by both the wild range and the unpredictable hands of men. Mustang is stolen, traded, chased, and reclaimed, but never truly broken. Hinkle’s writing makes him more than a horse in a plot, the stallion becomes a symbol of the West itself, stubbornly free and fiercely intelligent. Readers who grew up on Walter Farley or C.W. Anderson will recognize the familiar rhythm: danger, loyalty, escape, and the constant pull of open country.

As a novel, Mustang moves quickly. Hinkle keeps the action tight and the emotional stakes clear. The strongest sections are those where Mustang survives alone on the range, navigating predators, storms, hunger, and the instinctive longing for freedom. These chapters capture the survival of a creature who refuses to surrender his spirit. The book’s simplicity is part of its charm, it's straightforward prose, honest adventure, and a deep affection for horses.

“Swift as the wind, the big bay won the only race he entered—and kept on running, back to the open range. He wanted no more of men.”

That single sentence contains the whole arc: speed, defiance, and the unbreakable pull of the wild.

For Exclusive Photos Follow on Facebook @ Milliron Clinic

Connect with Gina:

Amazon Author Page

Milliron: The Biography

www.gmcknight.com

www.mondaycreekpublishing.com 

Hocking Hills Book Fair   

Hocking Hills Book Fair Author Podcast

Through captivating, powerful, and emotional anecdotes, we celebrate the life of Dr. Abbott P. Smith. His biography takes the reader from smiles to laughter to empathy and tears. Dr. Smith gave us compelling lessons learned from animals; the role animals play in the human condition, the joy of loving an animal, and the awe of their spirituality. A tender and profound look into the life of a skilled veterinarian. 

This Week @ Monday Creek: Flower Power

 

At the office. Flowers for my birthday. <3

There’s something about flowers that can shift the whole tone of a day. More specifically, receiving flowers on my birthday feels like a small, unexpected burst of joy. I don’t mean in a grand, dramatic way, more like the quiet lift you feel when you notice a bloom where you didn’t expect one. A vase on the table, a handful of wildflowers picked on a walk, even a single stem leaning toward the sun in a windowsill. They remind you that beauty shows up without asking permission.

I’ve always believed flowers carry their own kind of encouragement. They don’t rush, they don’t demand, they don’t pretend to be anything other than what they are. They simply open. And somehow, that’s enough to make you pause, breathe, and soften a little. On days when everything feels heavy or hurried, flowers seem to say, slow down—there’s still something lovely here.

Poets have tried for centuries to capture that feeling. William Wordsworth came close in “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud,” when he wrote:

“And then my heart with pleasure fills, And dances with the daffodils.”

It’s only two lines, but they hold the whole truth of it: flowers don’t fix anything, but they remind us that joy can return, even unexpectedly. Sometimes it’s the color. Sometimes it’s the scent. Sometimes it’s just the reminder that life keeps blooming, even when we’re tired.

I think that’s why people give flowers during both celebrations and hard times. They’re a way of saying, I see you. I’m with you. Here’s something beautiful to hold onto. And even after the petals fall, the gesture stays.

If you receive a bouquet from someone you love, take a picture, press a flower, or save the seeds. Keep a reminder of their gift so that the joy lasts. A flower invites us to look for beauty, even on ordinary days.

“Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin.” — Matthew 6:28.

Milliron Monday: Childhood Stories from Jody's Bookshelf - "A Horse of Her Own" by Ruby Ferguson

 Abbott "Pete" Smith D.V.M.:  

June 16, 1938 - February 22, 2010

Virginia Joyann "Jody" Haley Smith: 

April 2, 1938 - May 9, 2021

Welcome to Milliron Monday where every Monday we celebrate 

the legacy of Milliron Farm and Clinic, 

Dr. Pete and Jody Smith.

Copyright Dodd, Mead, & Company New York

Ruby Ferguson’s A Horse of Her Own remains one of the most charming standalone pony novels of the mid‑twentieth century, a book that continues to resonate with readers who grew up dreaming of a horse to call their own. The novel captures Ferguson’s signature blend of humor, heart, and the everyday realities of equestrian life. Though best known for her Jill’s Ponies series, Ferguson wrote more than thirty books across genres, including children’s literature, adult fiction, and mysteries. Born Ruby Constance Annie Ferguson in 1899 in Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire, she studied at St. Hilda’s College, Oxford, and later published under both her own name and the pen name R.C. Ashby. Her work helped define the golden era of British pony books, giving young riders stories that honored their passion and imagination.

A Horse of Her Own follows a young heroine whose longing for a horse becomes a journey toward responsibility, independence, and the deep emotional bond that forms between a girl and her mount. Ferguson’s writing shines in her ability to portray horses not merely as animals but as characters with presence and personality. Her stories feel lived‑in, shaped by the rhythms of stable life and the quiet triumphs of growing up. Even decades later, the book’s themes remain timeless for equestrians and nostalgic readers alike.

Because the novel is copyrighted, only a short fair‑use excerpt can be shared here. Early in the story, Ferguson captures the heart of her heroine’s longing in a simple, resonant line:

“She had always dreamed of a horse of her own, but dreaming and having were two very different things.”

That sentence alone reflects the emotional core of the novel—the difference between wishing for something and stepping into the responsibility of truly having it. For many readers, that distinction mirrors their own childhood dreams, making the book feel both personal and universal.

Today, A Horse of Her Own remains a beloved classic among pony‑book collectors and equestrian literature enthusiasts. Its gentle storytelling, vivid characters, and authentic horse‑world details continue to inspire new generations of readers who understand what it means to want a horse with their whole heart.

For Exclusive Photos Follow on Facebook @ Milliron Clinic

Connect with Gina:

Amazon Author Page

Milliron: The Biography

www.gmcknight.com

www.mondaycreekpublishing.com 

Hocking Hills Book Fair   

Hocking Hills Book Fair Author Podcast

Through captivating, powerful, and emotional anecdotes, we celebrate the life of Dr. Abbott P. Smith. His biography takes the reader from smiles to laughter to empathy and tears. Dr. Smith gave us compelling lessons learned from animals; the role animals play in the human condition, the joy of loving an animal, and the awe of their spirituality. A tender and profound look into the life of a skilled veterinarian. 

 

This Week @ Monday Creek: Farrier Day with Marc Skip Setzer & Zane

Pro Farrier & Blacksmith, Marc Setzer, mare Zubedia, and Marc's Apprentice, Zane

 @ Monday Creek Stables 

    A recent Farrier Day at Monday Creek, professional farrier, Marc “Skip” Setzer and his apprentice, Zane, trimmed my mare, Zubedia (aka Zubie). Several years ago, Marc saved Zubie from an eventful, painful scenario. I can’t say enough good things about Marc’s manner, kindness, and skill.

    Marc has a fascinating history – he is a devoted family man, a real horseman, and an exceptional farrier. In southeastern Ohio, people know him as the man who can coax usefulness out of raw iron and comfort out of a troubled hoof. He’s part craftsman, part storyteller, part horseman, and wholly woven into the Appalachian fabric of work done by hand.

    He grew up in the glow of forge fires long before he ever lit one himself. Horses were simply part of the landscape of his childhood, thanks to a grandfather who farmed with draft teams and believed in the old ways. Skip’s first pony arrived in the back of a cargo van, a Christmas surprise that cost twenty‑five dollars and a haircut. From that moment on, he was hooked. Horses became his compass, his classroom, and eventually his livelihood.

    Today, in Langsville, Ohio, Skip runs Setzer Forge, a place where metal is under the hammer and where tradition is kept alive one glowing blade at a time. His craft carried him all the way to the History Channel’s Forged in Fire—twice—where he stood at the anvil before a national audience.

    His social media pages include Setzer Forge Facebook, YouTube’s Setzer Forge channel, and the occasional community‑media interview. All are filled with sparks, steel, horses, and family. You’ll find knives that look like they were born in mountain fire, farrier stories told with gentle humor, and glimpses of his daughter Emmalee’s award-winning equestrian adventures. Stormy the Blind Horse even has his own corner of the internet, a testament to Skip’s soft spot for the animals he serves.

    Skip Setzer is a reminder that some crafts are timeless. They simply pass from one generation to the next, carried by people who understand that a well‑balanced hoof or a well‑forged blade is more than work, it’s legacy. And Skip, with his hammer, his rasp, and his lifelong love of horses, is one of the keepers of that legacy. His grandfather would be very proud.

For more…

Follow on Facebook: Setzer Forge

Follow on Insta: skipmarc

Rio Grande Cable: Exposition – Marc Setzer, Blacksmith & Farrier

OPEN HOUSE - FOR SALE: Historic Farmstead, New Plymouth, Ohio

 

OPEN HOUSE - FOR SALE

Saturday, September 12, 11 AM - 1 PM

Sunday, September 13, 12 Noon - 3 PM

24754 Shurtz Road

New Plymouth, Ohio 45654

For more info and photos, visit 

https://www.facebook.com/share/1CqkK5RWVg/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Virtual Tour

https://bookings.fairytalefilmsohio.com/videos/0196edc7-769a-7209-81f7-ce491c7dc698

Where History Meets Healing

Some places ask nothing of you except that you slow down.

Just over the crest of a quiet country road in the hills of Vinton County sits a rare piece of Ohio history—a lovingly restored 1880s sandstone cottage, one of the state's few remaining octagonal barns, peaceful pastureland, a spring-fed pond, and spaces that seem designed for conversation, creativity, and reflection.

We're exploring the possibility of bringing together a small group of  entrepreneurs, creatives, and community builders to become the next stewards of this extraordinary property.

Not simply to own it.

But to preserve it.

To share it.

To allow others to experience the same peace that we felt the first time we stepped onto the grounds.

 

A Place Designed for Gathering

We imagine a destination where people reconnect—with nature, with one another, and with themselves.

This could become a home for:

• Wellness retreats

• Yoga and mindfulness weekends

• Intimate weddings

• Family celebrations

• Creative workshops

• Leadership retreats

• Farm-to-table dinners

• Seasonal festivals

• Artists-in-residence

• Music beneath the stars

Not every event needs to be large.

Some of the most meaningful gatherings happen around a fire, on a porch overlooking the pond, or inside a beautifully restored historic barn.

 

More Than an Investment

We believe businesses can be profitable without sacrificing purpose.

This isn't simply about purchasing real estate.

It's about preserving local history.

Supporting rural tourism.

Creating opportunities.

Building a destination that strengthens our community while leaving something beautiful for future generations.

Each partner would bring their own experience, creativity, and strengths while sharing in the long-term vision of the property.

 

Why This Place?

When you arrive, something changes.

The world becomes quieter.

The sandstone cottage feels as though it's always belonged there because it quite literally has—it was built from stone quarried across the road.

The historic octagonal barn stands as a reminder that beautiful craftsmanship lasts.

The pond reflects evening sunsets.

The gardens invite slow walks.

The screened porch encourages conversations that last long after dinner.

This isn't manufactured tranquility.

It's authentic.

 

Who We're Looking For

We're seeking individuals who believe that success can be measured by more than profit.

Individuals who appreciate history.

Who value community.

Who dream of building something lasting.

Who understand that preserving beautiful places is just as important as creating new ones.

Whether your background is hospitality, wellness, education, finance, agriculture, event planning, marketing, or simply a love for bringing people together—we'd love to begin the conversation.

For more info and photos, visit 

https://www.facebook.com/share/1CqkK5RWVg/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Virtual Tour

https://bookings.fairytalefilmsohio.com/videos/0196edc7-769a-7209-81f7-ce491c7dc698

Milliron Monday: Childhood Stories from Jody's Bookshelf - "Billy and Blaze" by C.W. Anderson

 

 Abbott "Pete" Smith D.V.M.:  

June 16, 1938 - February 22, 2010

Virginia Joyann "Jody" Haley Smith: 

April 2, 1938 - May 9, 2021

Welcome to Milliron Monday where every Monday we celebrate 

the legacy of Milliron Farm and Clinic, 

Dr. Pete and Jody Smith.

In my office sit a dozen (or more) treasured horse books, all Ex Libris to Jo Haley (Jody Smith). It’s the second time they’ve found their way to my desk, and today I caught myself wondering why. Jody never believed in coincidence—and honestly, neither do I—so it feels right to say these books were speaking to me. (No, I’m not crazy. I just love horses and books every bit as much as she did.)

Their covers glow with vivid imagery, their pages hold illustrations that mesmerize, and their stories tug you in so completely it’s hard to put them down. So I spent the afternoon reading… and Jody would have approved. She would have read right alongside me if she were here. We’d compare stories, talk horses, and lose track of time. What a lovely thought.

I’ll be dropping the books off to Pat soon, so they can stay safe in the family archives. But before I let them go—again—I had an idea. There are so many horse‑lovers here… what if we revisit each title and have a little book discussion? Oh, I love that idea!

So with that, I’ll continue Jody’s Journals 1977 after we take a stroll through Jody’s childhood equine library. You’re welcome to share your thoughts in the “comment” section beneath each post. Let’s wander these pages together.

Intro: Childhood Stories from Jody's Bookshelf

Once upon a bookshelf, Jody kept a secret stable—one made not of wood and hay, but of paper, ink, and imagination. Open any book and a horse would step out, tossing its mane as if inviting her on another adventure. Her childhood library was more than paper; it was a meadow she could wander anytime she wished, where ponies pranced in the margins and hoofbeats echoed between chapters.

As a child, Jody tiptoed into C. W. Anderson’s elegant illustrations, where every horse seemed drawn from moonlight and discipline. She giggled her way through Ruby Ferguson’s Jill stories, feeling as if she too had a pony waiting just outside the door. Walter Farley whisked her away on wild, wind‑tangled adventures, while Thomas Hinkle taught her that loyalty could gallop beside bravery. And when she opened Anna Sewell’s Black Beauty, she learned that horses had hearts as tender and hopeful as her own.

And though she grew up, she never outgrew them. The girl who once traveled those paper pastures carried her love of horses all the way through life, right to the very end, still hearing the soft, remembered hoofbeats of the stories that raised her.

In Jody’s enchanted library, every book was a bridle, every chapter a trail, and every ending a promise that she could return whenever she liked. This blog series steps back into that whimsical stable—dusting off beloved spines, listening for those remembered hoofbeats, and revisiting the magical herd that stayed with her forever.

Copyright 1936 MACMILLIAN COMPANY

In Billy and Blaze, C. W. Anderson introduces young readers to Billy, a boy whose greatest wish is to have a horse of his own. That wish comes true when he receives Blaze, a bright‑eyed, gentle pony who quickly becomes his loyal companion. The story follows their growing bond as Billy learns responsibility, patience, and the quiet joy of caring for a horse. Their adventures—simple, wholesome, and full of heart—capture the timeless magic of childhood horsemanship.

Anderson’s illustrations are the soul of the book. His horses are rendered with remarkable anatomical accuracy and emotional warmth—sleek coats, expressive eyes, and movement that feels alive on the page. His training as an equestrian artist gave him a rare ability to portray horses with both realism and grace, making each drawing feel like a moment caught in motion. These illustrations became iconic, setting a standard for horse art in children’s literature.

During his career, Anderson earned numerous honors for his equine artwork, including recognition from art societies and equestrian organizations. While the 1930s did not yet have the modern children’s book awards we know today, his work was widely praised for its craftsmanship and authenticity. His books became staples in school libraries and were cherished by young riders and dreamers alike.

In the 1930s, children’s literature was expanding, but few authors captured the world of horses with such sincerity. Anderson’s books filled a gap—offering stories that were both aspirational and grounded in real horsemanship. His blend of narrative and fine art helped elevate horse stories from simple adventure tales to respected works of juvenile literature. For many young readers, Billy and Blaze was their first introduction to the responsibilities and joys of caring for a horse, shaping generations of equine enthusiasts.

For Exclusive Photos Follow on Facebook @ Milliron Clinic

Connect with Gina:

Amazon Author Page

Milliron: The Biography

www.gmcknight.com

www.mondaycreekpublishing.com 

Hocking Hills Book Fair   

Hocking Hills Book Fair Author Podcast

Through captivating, powerful, and emotional anecdotes, we celebrate the life of Dr. Abbott P. Smith. His biography takes the reader from smiles to laughter to empathy and tears. Dr. Smith gave us compelling lessons learned from animals; the role animals play in the human condition, the joy of loving an animal, and the awe of their spirituality. A tender and profound look into the life of a skilled veterinarian.