Entry for February 2, 2007
Now that we've entered a new year, I'm able to concentrate on other things in my life besides "Sawdust." Sales have slowed to a steady trickle, as I knew they would, and I have put aside my information-gathering for now. I still get occasional phone calls and emails from those whose families the book has touched and I thoroughly enjoy hearing of their reactions to the book and getting the new stories and information that they have gathered through genealogy projects since September. Yesterday I got a call from Marta Russell Hanes who is a direct descendant of William Russell. She had just visited the S&C website and wanted to obtain books for both herself and her brother. She had some more information on the Russell family to share... clearing up my questions about why the Russells were buried in the Salem area. William Russell's first wife (before marrying Katie Cartwright) was Eliza Swegle. The Swegle's settled in Salem.
Then, this week, I got a nice email from Christine Gallardo who so generously provide the Petrie letters for the book. "Everyone has loved the book! We read our family of course, first, and then have gone to read the others...it is very interesting! It is certainly something we will cherish with the other family records we have. My children were tickled to find their names included:)"
So, I'm still basking in the warmth generated by knowing that the book is valued by others. That was my primary reason for writing it... to leave a record of the people and organizations and lives that have joined together to make our special little valley what it is for the future generations who wish to know more about it.
Keep those emails, letters and calls coming. I love every one!
