This Week @ Monday Creek: Flowers from Marsha

 

Flowers from Marsha @ Monday Creek

Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed as one of these. ~ Matthew 6:28-29

On September 27, the gardens of Amesville were overflowing with color and purpose as Marsha Burchby hosted a special "Flowers for Ukraine" flower bouquet bar. Friends, neighbors, and supporters gathered to create personalized bouquets while contributing to a cause that reaches far beyond the rolling hills of southeastern Ohio.

Guests were invited to stroll among buckets brimming with freshly cut blooms, selecting stems to arrange into beautiful bouquets. The event was an opportunity to connect and support the people of Ukraine.  

One of the stars of the bouquet bar was the dahlia. Known for their dazzling colors and intricate petals, dahlias have long been favorites in late-summer gardens. By late September, dahlias are often at their peak, producing some of the season's most spectacular flowers just before autumn's cooler temperatures bring the growing season to a close.

My mother, Nina, loved dahlias. Every year she entered her finest bloom in the Hocking County Fair flower competition and often came home with a blue ribbon. When autumn arrived, she carefully dug up her dahlia tubers and stored them in the basement for the winter, protecting them until it was time to plant again in the spring.

With the flower season drawing to an end, I was thrilled when Marsha sent a large bouquet of her last flowers to my office (via George). Words nor pictures can describe the beauty of each blossom, lifting my spirits and brightening my day. Thank you, Marsha.

As the last dahlias of the season bloom and autumn begins its transition toward winter, Amesville has been given a beautiful reminder: even the simplest gifts, like a handful of flowers, can plant seeds of hope – both far and near. 

Flowers from Marsha

Milliron Monday: Childhood Stories from Jody's Bookshelf - "The Black Stallion" by Walter Farley

 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.

I can still picture Alec Ramsey standing aboard ship, carefully offering sugar cubes to a magnificent black horse that wanted nothing to do with people. There's something magical about that scene. With every sugar cube, a small piece of trust begins to form. Looking back, I think that's what makes the story so memorable. The friendship doesn't happen instantly. It grows one small moment at a time.  

I also love another detail from the movie adaptation. Before everything changes, Alec's father gives him a small figurine of Bucephalus, the legendary horse of Alexander the Great. It seems like such a simple gift, but it becomes a symbol of the incredible journey ahead. This scene was added by the filmmakers, it is not in the original story. 

Published in 1941, The Black Stallion was actually Walter Farley's first novel. What surprises many readers is that he was only twenty-six years old and had never published a book before. Yet he created a story that would launch one of the most beloved horse series ever written. Millions of readers would follow Alec and the Black through adventures that spanned decades.  

Another interesting piece of history involves the original illustrator, Keith Ward. His black-and-white illustrations appeared in the first edition and helped readers visualize the powerful Arabian stallion long before there was a movie. While Farley's words sparked readers' imaginations, Ward's artwork helped bring the Black to life on the page.  

Of course, many readers know the story through the 1979 film, and it's easy to understand why. The movie beautifully captures the wonder and loneliness of the island scenes. Much of the story unfolds with very little dialogue, allowing the relationship between boy and horse to tell the story. The scenes on the deserted island are breathtaking and remain some of the most memorable horse sequences ever filmed.  

What I appreciate most about The Black Stallion today is that it doesn't rush. Modern stories often move at breakneck speed, but this one takes its time. We watch Alec earn the horse's trust. We feel his fear after the shipwreck. We celebrate the small victories. By the time Alec and the Black become true partners, readers have taken every step of the journey with them.

Maybe that's why the story still resonates after all these years. At its heart, it isn't really about racing or survival. It's about friendship, trust, and believing in something extraordinary. And it all begins with a boy, a handful of sugar cubes, and a wild black stallion who changes his life forever.

How many Black Stallion titles did Jody own? Stay tuned …

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. 

 

Milliron Monday: Childhood Stories from Jody's Bookshelf - "The Red Pony" by John Steinbeck

 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.

When I picked up The Red Pony by John Steinbeck, I expected a simple tale about a boy and his horse. Instead, I discovered a thoughtful and often heartbreaking story about growing up, accepting responsibility, and learning that life does not always unfold as we hope.

First published in book form in 1937, the novella follows young Jody Tiflin on a California ranch, where a series of experiences gradually lead him from childhood innocence toward a deeper understanding of life and loss. Interestingly, the book began as separate stories published during the 1930s before Steinbeck gathered them into a single work.  

One of the things I found most fascinating is how closely the setting reflects Steinbeck's own California roots. The ranch life, landscapes, and rhythms of rural living feel authentic because they grew from places and experiences he knew firsthand. The story's emotional power comes not from dramatic action but from ordinary moments that shape a young person's character.

A lesser-known fact is that the first illustrated edition appeared in 1945 with beautiful watercolor artwork by Wesley Dennis, a celebrated horse illustrator. His images perfectly captured the spirit of the ranch and the beauty of the red pony, making the edition a favorite among collectors.

What stayed with me most is that the pony is not really the center of the story. The real focus is Jody's growth. Through happiness, disappointment, and grief, he learns lessons about responsibility and resilience that are as meaningful today as they were nearly ninety years ago.

While Steinbeck's books have sold millions of copies worldwide, there is no widely verified sales figure for The Red Pony alone. What is certain is that it has remained continuously in print and continues to introduce new readers to Steinbeck's remarkable storytelling. For me, that lasting popularity speaks to the book's timeless message: growing up means learning to face both the beauty and the hardships of life with courage.  

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: Where creativity begins

 

Creative Pack haul from Nelsonville Wesleyan Church's Yard Sale

Where creativity begins

At Monday Creek Publishing, one of our favorite projects is creating Creative Journal Packs filled with inspiring scraps, textures, papers, and treasures that encourage people to explore their creativity. Every pack is a reminder that art does not have to begin with expensive supplies. Sometimes the most ordinary items can become the foundation for something extraordinary. Packs are filled with ideas and materials designed to spark imagination, encourage self-expression, and inspire reading, writing, and journaling.

As we assemble these packs, we are always on the lookout for materials that can be recycled, repurposed, and upcycled into creative works of art. That's where our community comes in.

We gladly accept donations of almost any flat item that can be reused in creative projects. Before you toss something into the recycling bin, consider whether it could spark someone's imagination.

Some examples include:

• Magazine pages and photographs
• Decorative paper and scrapbook paper
• Greeting cards
• Stickers and labels
• Fabric scraps
• Maps
• Book pages
• Postcards
• Old calendars
• Movie tickets and event stubs
• Receipts
• Envelopes
• Postage stamps
• Packaging with interesting designs
• Product tags
• Sheet music
• Wallpaper samples
• Craft paper leftovers

If it's flat, clean, and potentially useful in a collage, journal, scrapbook, card, or mixed-media project, we'd love to take a look!

Why Upcycling Matters

Creative journaling is about more than making art. It is about seeing possibilities where others might see waste. Upcycling transforms discarded materials into something meaningful and beautiful. A random piece of paper can become a background texture. A postage stamp can become a focal point. A magazine image can inspire a story, poem, or journal entry. By donating materials, you're helping us reduce waste while encouraging creativity in our community. 

Inside each pack you will find items that spark your creativity! Use these items to create something that represents you. Add your own scraps to create unique designs.  

Creative journals, scrapbooks, card making, collages, and mixed-media art can all be made from scraps and upcycled materials. The process of upcycling involves creatively repurposing discarded objects and materials into something new. The possibilities are practically endless. We hope you enjoy what's inside each package and that it inspires you to create something uniquely your own.

Would you like to receive a FREE Creative Pack? Come to a Hocking Hills Book Fair! One per person per book fair, while supplies last. 

Special thanks to our donors.

Be creative. Have fun!

Website: Monday Creek Publishing

Facebook: Monday Creek Publishing     Hocking Hills Book Fair

Susan Higgins, crafter, at Nelsonville Wesleyan Church's Yard Sale
I sourced cool items for our Creative Packs from Susan! Thank you, Susan!

Grab one of our Creative Packs at an upcoming Hocking Hills Book Fair
Limit One Per Person per event, while supplies last

My Creative Pack haul from Peddler's Junction, Athens, Ohio 

Peddler's Junction, Athens, Ohio

Peddler's Junction, Athens, Ohio

Peddler's Junction, Athens, Ohio

Pick up your FREE Creative Pack at one of our Hocking Hills Book Fairs!
~ One per person while supplies last

Monday Creek Publishing Digest: George H. Wood, Author

  October 2026

Featured Author

George H. Wood

www.georgehwood.com

The King of Clemens is a richly observed portrait of a small Appalachian town where memory, myth, and everyday life braid together in unexpected ways. George Wood's debut novel moves with the rhythm of real recollection-jumping decades, doubling back, revealing the quiet truths people carry and the secrets they try to outrun. In Clemens, North Carolina, change presses in from every direction, stirring up generational conflict, old wounds, and the fragile bonds that hold a community together. Wood writes with a craftsman's precision and a storyteller's heart, capturing everything from boot making and fishing to the slow erosion of a long marriage and the ache of Alzheimer's. What emerges is a tale that feels both intimate and expansive-a book that, as one reviewer noted, "contains multitudes." At its core lies a universal question: What does it cost to find a place we can truly call home?

About the Author

George H. Wood lives in the small Appalachian village of Amesville, Ohio (population 183 at most recent count). There, with his wife Marcia Burchby, he helped raise his sons Michael and John. Much of the inspiration for his writing comes from his neighbors. An educator, George has been a teacher, college professor, high school principal, and school superintendent. He has two books on school change, Schools that Work and Time to Learn, both published by Dutton. His short stories have appeared in Flash Fiction Online and Reckon Review.

Cover Art & Design by Keith Wilde

Keith Wilde is a muralist and illustrator with a studio in the Village of Amesville, Ohio, where he enjoys helping others transform their inspiration into public treasures, large and small.

Purchase locally at Little Professors Book Center, Court Street, Athens, Ohio

Purchase on Amazon    Barnes & Noble

Book Launch @ Amesville Diner & Smokehouse

This Week @ Monday Creek: We sponsored a feline @ Hocking County Humane Society

 

Amber at the Hocking County Humane Society

October has arrived, bringing cooler days and the urge to tackle long-overdue projects. While cleaning out closets recently, I discovered a basket full of old towels and rugs that were no longer needed. Rather than throw them away, I knew they could serve a better purpose at a local animal shelter. With two bags in hand, I headed to the Hocking County Humane Society, where I was warmly welcomed by Amber.

Inside, volunteers were hard at work cleaning, organizing, and caring for the shelter's residents. Amber graciously gave me a tour of the facility, introducing me to kittens, cats, and dogs. The shelter was spotless, and it took every bit of self-control not to stop and cuddle every animal I met. The staff members were friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly dedicated to matching each pet with the right forever home.

Curious about how so many animals arrive at the shelter, I asked Amber about their stories. Some are rescued from hoarding situations. Others arrive as strays while staff work to reconnect them with their owners. Still others are surrendered by families facing difficult circumstances, whether financial hardship or other challenges that make pet ownership impossible.

Among the cats, I met Thistle, an affectionate feline who would make a wonderful companion. I also spent time with Taffy, a three-year-old cat who has spent her entire life at the shelter. Taffy seemed content and relaxed, although one can't help but hope she soon finds a home of her own. Outside in the dog kennels, I met Reed, a sturdy black-and-white dog with plenty of personality, and Brock, who eagerly awaits the day his new owner walks through the door.

If you've been considering adoption, now may be the perfect time. Monday Creek Publishing has sponsored the adoption fee for one kitten or cat at the Hocking County Humane Society. Simply visit the shelter at 36960 Hocking Drive in Logan, Ohio, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., and let them know we sent you. The sponsorship was arranged on October 7, 2026, and Amber can assist with the process if needed.

In addition to dogs and cats, the Humane Society also cares for a variety of parakeets looking for new homes.

To learn more, follow the Hocking County Humane Society on Facebook and browse their adoptable pets on Petfinder. Most animals have been spayed or neutered, are current on vaccinations, and are ready to begin the next chapter of their lives with a loving family.

And if you're already a pet owner, don't forget to purchase your dog license. Not only is it required by law, but a portion of every license fee helps support your local Humane Society and the important work they do for animals in need.

Reed and Brock awaiting adoption

Adorable kittens

Merchandise to support the rescue

Milliron Monday: Childhood Stories from Jody's Bookshelf - "The American Saddle Horse" by Earl R. Farshler

 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.

I didn’t expect Earl R. Farshler’s The American Saddle Horse to feel like a conversation, but that’s exactly what happened when I read Jody’s copy. There’s something about older horse books — the paper, the smell, the tone — that pulls you into a different time. Farshler writes with quiet confidence, evident that he spent a lifetime watching horses move, thinking about why they move the way they do, and caring enough to write it all down.

The book was first published in 1934. It’s part history, part instruction, part love letter to a breed that Americans shaped with intention and pride. Farshler traces the Saddle Horse from its earliest foundation stock through the influences of Thoroughbreds, Morgans, and Standardbreds. He talks about conformation, temperament, training, and the cultural place the Saddle Horse held in American life — not as a museum piece, but as a partner.

One line summarizes this title: “Tracing the evolution of the Saddle‑bred horse reveals not only a breed shaped by careful selection, but a tradition shaped by American ideals of beauty, usefulness, and spirited performance.” It’s just one sentence, but it captures the whole heart of the book — the idea that horses don’t just happen; they’re shaped by the people who love them, and in turn they shape the people who ride them.

Farshler himself remains a bit of a mystery. Early twentieth‑century equine historians didn’t always leave much behind besides their work, and his biography is thin in modern records. But his writing tells you what mattered to him: accuracy, tradition, and the Saddle Horse’s rightful place in American equine history. He writes like someone who believed the breed deserved to be understood, not just admired.

The book’s publication history is its own little journey. The original 1934 edition has been reprinted several times, most notably by Kessinger Publishing, which released facsimile editions in 2007 (ISBN‑13: 978‑1432561161), 2008 (ISBN‑13: 978‑1436689830), and 2010 (ISBN‑13: 978‑1163149539). The original text is old enough to be in the public domain in some places, though the modern facsimile editions carry their own copyright on the reproduction and formatting. It’s a reminder that even old stories need caretakers.

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.