Sunday Snippet: The River’s Edge Is Happening Edition

I’m old enough to remember when people would say something was “happening.” You know, like “it’s a happening place”? I’m not sure when that phrase started or when it stopped being part of the vernacular, but this past week, my little town of River’s Edge, Indiana, was a happening place–for real. Let me explain…

River’s Edge, my fictional town on the Ohio River, is inspired by a real town on the Ohio River called Madison, Indiana. Madison is a lovely place, filled with history and culture and art and wonderful kind folks. It’s one of my very favorite places to visit, and when I wanted a setting for my sweet, small-town romances for Tule Publishing, my mind and heart immediately went to Madison. Now, my setting of River’s Edge isn’t exactly the same as Madison–of course, it isn’t. My town is fictional, and thus, businesses, streets, buildings, people aren’t real–they come from my imagination. But this week, briefly, Fact and Fiction came together for one evening as Madison celebrated the unveiling of a new piece of art in their community.

Madison commissioned Indiana native, Beverly Stucker Precious to create a sculpture to symbolize the town’s past and future, and the gorgeous public art piece was unveiled  on Thursday evening. The 16-foot sculpture is installed on the east end of Madison and greets folks who cross the Ohio River on the 421 bridge from Kentucky and it is breathtaking.

According to the Madison Area Arts Alliance, the sculpture is “Crafted from rusticated core-tin steel, the sculpture weaves elements of Madison’s industrial and cultural heritage—featuring buttons, a riverboat paddlewheel, iron fencing, and musical notes—alongside a swirled stainless steel form representing Madison’s bright future. These distinct elements are joined by a ribbon of dichroic glass symbolizing the Ohio River, Madison’s timeless anchor. The glass shimmers and shifts color throughout the day, depending on the sunlight, much like the ever-changing Ohio River.”

What makes the sculpture and the event so close to my heart is that it is titled “River’s Edge.” One of my readers, who is also a friend, shared my books with Madison Mayor Bob Courtney, telling him about my little fictional town of River’s Edge and how it is inspired by Madison. Mayor Courtney graciously invited me to celebrate the unveiling of the extraordinary sculpture with town, so Husband and I drove down to participate. The snow and wind didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the folks who attended the event, and I was so honored to be present, to meet the artist, and to have a chance to talk with the mayor about my books.

The next day, we met Mayor Courtney for coffee and a long chat about writing, my fictional little town, and the history and bright future of Madison, Indiana. We wandered a bit–stopping in at MadLove–an arty little shop–to buy a gorgeous photograph on canvas by gifted photographer Brenda Guess Shropshire, whose photos make me fall more in love with Madison every time she posts on Facebook. I got to show Husband some of the lovely historic homes, which line nearly every street, as we headed down to the River Walk to see the new area where cruise ships now stop for day trips. We went by Lanthier Winery and oohed and ahhed over the myriad Christmas trees that currently decorate their tasting room, and of course, tasted some great wine. We even brought home a couple of bottles.

It was a great trip! We were steeped in history and excitement for the future for 24 hours and came away feeling renewed–something we both needed. Story ideas are brewing and the people in my head are clamoring. I made notes as we drove home–My little town of River’s Edge has so much adventure ahead!

Gratitude for this week: A fabulous trip to be a part of the unveiling of the River’s Edge sculpture; loved our hotel, which overlooked the whole town of Madison; Snow–didn’t last long, but how fun to see it! Supper with my friend Debi–good wine, great conversation, and laughter are always a treat; a really good first meeting with my new Romance Writers of America chapter.

Stay well, stay safe (Vaccines are a miracle!), choose kindness always, and most of all, mes amis, stay grateful!