A couple of Sundays ago, I got to actually go back in time to promote Taming the Twisted. Well, actually, it was really just my wardrobe. Heritage Canyon in Fulton, Illinois, is a historic village with buildings recreated to reflect the 1800s in a wooded, canyon setting. When I first started to set up appearances for Taming the Twisted, I contacted them to ask if they’d be interested in having me attend one of their special events to sell my books.

The caretaker replied and said they would love for me to come to their Fall Festival at the end of September. But there was a catch. I’d have to dress in 1860s-appropriate apparel.

Oh.

I didn’t have anything, so the caretaker said I could borrow something. I warned him of my short, not-thin stature, but was assured they had something that would work. So I said, “What the heck. I’ll do it.”

On September 8th, after speaking at the early-morning Camanche Kiwanis meeting, I met one of the Early American Crafters members who helps to organize the events. I parked across the street and walked down the steep path to get to the main street area where I was to meet her in the ice cream shop. She arrived shortly after I did and led me upstairs to the dressing room with at least two racks of possibilities.

She left me to find something as she cleaned. So I went through the clothes. Too long. Too small. Too short (believe it or not). Until I finally settled on a blue skirt adjustable with Velcro, a white blouse I thought I could wear a camisole or a long-sleeved shirt under depending on the weather, a yellow shawl in case of chill, and a red dotted bonnet to hang down my back. None of the shoes fit, but I decided I had some basic black ones at home that would be close enough.

By the time I came down, it was pouring rain. Luckily, the EAC representative offered to drive me to my car. She dropped me off and I went home, 1860s garb draped over my back van seat.

The first weekend of fall was very warm, so I opted for the camisole and shorts underneath, and didn’t need the shawl. It was fun hanging out with people with the same 1860s-affinity that I have. I sold a few books and got to know some fun people a little bit. They even served me (and husband who came to help me) chili and cornbread for lunch. It was a great day and I hope to come back to one of their events next year.