Energized and Inspired!

I started writing chapter 4 a few days ago, but there was a hiccup. The last time I’d been to Coloma, where gold was discovered in 1848, was close to 20 years ago. It was a field trip with my fourth graders, two schools and a lifetime ago. Before that? My kids were so young, none of my photos are digital, so it would be a (fun) scavenger hunt to find them.

So the timing was perfect for Sripriya and me to take off for the gold fields! Setting off early, taking time for coffee, we headed to the Empire Mine in Grass Valley. This was a new adventure for both of us, and we were impressed and delighted with what we found. SO much history, many friendly people, and more! What else, you ask? Pristine bathrooms, a must on any road trip, water stations so we could fill our bottles, and helpful State Park employees, particularly the blacksmith. We learned quite a bit, shared a lot of laughs, and had a great time.

Then we were off on another quest: lunch! Once that was successfully accomplished in Auburn, we journeyed to Coloma. It seemed hotter than the temperature gauge showed, but that did not deter us. Dipping our feet into the American River helped immensely!

We then explored the Marshall Gold Discovery Park from north to south, and probably a bit east to west, as well. It was such a great day to spend with an amazing friend, and I valued her insights.

One gem Sripriya shared, showing it truly takes more than one mind, was from a sign she’d read about the Mormon employee cabin, and the reason it was built. It totally lined up with the book I am currently reading, The Age of Gold by H.W. Brands. Interestingly enough, I had read the story of Jennie Wimmer, who cooked what she wanted, saved the best for her husband and seven children, and expected the men to eat when she was ready. I found the story entertaining, and moved on. BUT… Sripriya suggested Callie, my main character, join Jennie and help out, while her brother, Collin, helped the men, either on the sawmill or panning for gold. What a truly golden idea! I will definitely take some creative license with this perspective, but it is historical fantasy, so why not?!

So it’s with this lens that I continue reading, looking for unknown people and events, to round out my story. I mean, at the end of 4th grade, most kids will remember the names James Marshall and John Sutter, and the year 1848. They will also learn “the world rushed in” to California, once the word got out. They will probably know of Sam Brannan, too. But the gold rush is so much more than this short list of people and their actions. I hope to include a bit of the unknown in my books, so my readers will learn something they can’t get from our textbooks.

Wish me luck! I’ve gotta get finished with chapter 4 today! My own self-imposed deadline, of course!

Until next time…