First, I want to thank the gracious women here at Petticoats and Pistols for inviting me to be here today. I love what they have created, and I feel very honored to be included.
When I started writing Mercy in Montana, I knew I wanted to have the sisters and their father together at the Kentucky Derby. I don’t know why I wanted that, but I did. Maybe I was using fiction to imagine being there myself.
One of my favorite things about fiction is being transported to places I’ve never been—places I hope to go and places I’ll never go. Whether I am reading or writing, my mind can conjure up a picture and raise emotions and sensations that make the trek to far-off places seem real.
Since the start of the Kentucky Derby in 1875, men and women have attended in “full morning dress.” Col. Meriweather Lewis Clark Jr. attended the Grand Prix de Paris in 1872 and decided to create a high-profile horse race when he returned to America. The high fashion of the Kentucky Derby added to the allure of the event and drew in crowds wanting to show off their finest apparel.
Comfortable and luxurious, Col. Meriweather Lewis Clark Jr. wanted the Kentucky Derby to remind people of horse racing in Europe. Spending a day at Churchill Downs, especially on Derby Day was an opportunity to be seen sporting the latest fashions.
Fashion was important for the five Graham sisters and having grown up as part of high society, the opportunity to attend such an important event as the Kentucky Derby was momentous. Unfortunately for them, there was a shadow overhanging their outing. While fashion mattered to these young ladies before their lives changed forever, it takes a backseat to the peril they face together and separately.
I’ve never been very interested in fashion, aside from a year or so in my late teens. Fashion sense is something that escapes me entirely and I can scarcely put together a nice outfit to save my life. I worked in the office of a country club some 13 years ago, and was required to dress much nicer than at any job I’d previously held. I became quite thankful for the styled mannequins in various stores. I would buy exactly the clothes to make the outfit on the mannequin. I never did master mixing and matching my pieces to make multiple outfits.
As a mom, when I found out we were adding our first girl (we had 4 boys already), I was terrified. I knew I didn’t have what it takes to help a girl become a young lady. I’m not the most ladylike woman on the planet. I’m not good with makeup, hair, or fashion. But my daughters have taught me that it takes more than hair, makeup, and fashion to make a woman. These things come naturally to my older daughter, but the younger one has a style all her own.
How about you? Do you have an inherent or learned fashion sense? Or did you (like me) decide fashion sense just wasn’t your forte? Also, have you ever been to the Kentucky Derby? Would you go? Do exquisite hats and lovely dresses appeal to your finer senses?
Leave a comment, and you might win an e-book copy of Mercy in Montana!
BLURB: In the heart of the untamed West, Charlotte Graham and her four sisters seek refuge from a dangerous family secret. Raised in the bustling streets of New York, they embark on a treacherous journey, accepting mail-order bride offers as their only hope for escape.
Alfred Winston, a rugged cattleman and owner of a sawmill, is a man haunted by his father’s harsh words, always believing he fell short. A recluse, he hides from the world until fate intervenes. When Delaney, his sister-in-law, places an ad for a mail-order bride, Alfred’s life takes an unexpected turn.
As Charlotte steps into his life, Alfred’s protective instincts awaken, and he finds himself drawn to this resilient woman. Together, they’ll confront the shadows of their pasts, seeking faith, hope, and healing in the vast and unforgiving frontier. Can love conquer the ghosts that haunt them and provide the salvation they so desperately seek?
Join Charlotte and Alfred on a captivating journey of love, redemption, and the power of faith in this Christian historical romance, where the rugged West becomes the backdrop for a story of hope that defies the odds.
Regina Walker, a spirited author with a passion for penning captivating tales, finds her inspiration in the enchanting fusion of Jesus and horses. As she roams the great outdoors, her heart sings in harmony with nature’s melodies, as the Holy Spirit whispers secrets to fuel her vibrant storytelling.
With an unwavering devotion to her craft, Regina fearlessly confronts life’s toughest trials through the journeys of her compelling characters. Guided by her unwavering faith, she fearlessly weaves narratives that illuminate the path to redemption and resilience.
Welcome. Hugs. I just don’t have any fashion sense whatsoever. I never got into it. I grew up wearing hand me down clothes and playing outside. My older sisters were out of the house when I was a teenager. We didn’t get a TV so I wasn’t aware that fashion was a thing. I’ve never been to a derby before.
I grew up playing outside, riding horses, and in hand me downs. It was a good time to be a kid. Thank you for stopping by!
I love it!
I’ve never had much fashion acumen, and grew up either receiving clothes from someone’s cast offs or shopping for clothes in second hand stores. Now I just wear what’s comfortable and modest and don’t really worry about fashion.
I’ve never been to a horse race, but I’ve read about them from some wonderful authors growing up and always thought it might be fun to watch one someday. Well, now days I can look up a horses race on YouTube and watch one that way. It’s probably not as exciting, but it’s also definitely not as expensive!
You sound like me. ?
I’ve never been to a horse race either. We have a local horse track and I’ve never even been to it.
Thank you for stopping by!
My fashion sense was learned.
I’ve been to Preakness, but just the infield where you don’t get dressed up.
That’s great! My sister has an excellent learned fashion sense. I admire that.
How cool that you’ve been to the Preakness.
Welcome Regina! Heh. I haven’t the desire to poof or glam glam! My mother was stylish and my daughter has gotten the gene from her and my sister-in-law. I grew up with brothers and on a farm. There was always something more interesting to do, I guess. However, I can fix up for some events. I think the Kentucky Derby would be so cool to go to. And yes, I would dress for it. Once in a life time deal? Sure!
Your book sounds great! Many blessings!
Thank you for the kind words!
I had the privilege of attending a very nice dinner with my husband one time. It was so much fun. I definitely liked getting dressed up for one evening.
Maybe we’ll do it again someday.
Thank you for stopping by!
I wear what I wear as far as fashion goes and not a fan of crowds so the kentucky derby is out for me.
That’s understandable. Thank you for stopping by.
I tend to pick and choose what I like, not what fashion dictates. I’ve never been to the Kentucky Deby, but I would definitely go. I like to really dress up now and then for special occasions.
I would totally dress up to go to the Kentucky Derby too!
I’ve not been too worried over fashion and tried to stay away from fads. I have never been to a horse race and I wouldn’t wear a hat no matter how fashionable.
My hair has been thinning for years and it’s become more obvious in the last year. I’ve gone from no hats ever to preferring one. But they make my head hot and itchy.
um no fashion here! I’m still a tomboy at heart!! Never wanted to dress up and wear a hat, but would love to attend the Derby one day – it’s only 3 hours away!
Wow!! I hope you get to go at some point!!
On the 1st Tuesday of November, each year, the Melbourne cup is run at 3:00 p.m.People come from all over the world to attend this race! And no, I have never been to the Melbourne Cup, even though we used to live in Melbourne. All it signified to me, was that there was an awful lot of traffic around, if we had a hospital visit planned that day!
I feel that way about college football Saturdays around here. Too much traffic. I’m not particularly interested in football.
inherent
Thank you for sharing!
I am not a fashion gal. I enjoy wearing things that are comfortable. Never been to a Derby.
Comfort is queen in my book!
I like to believe I am an aficionado at fashions and putting on the best face, as I have always cared about my appearance, so much so, my one and only daughter would change clothes if she got the smallest spot on her clothes, when she was about 4 or 5 years old. She is still that way today, I believe. I still, at my age of ‘nearly’ 79, want to get presentable before leaving the house. Even in the house, my clothes have to be color coordinated. I do not anticipate ever changing. No, we have not been to the Derby as it is quite expensive. We live in Bowling Green, so we could drive up to see the track, but in our 20+ years here, we still have not gone and now, I believe, it is too late due to my husband’s health. Your book sounds delightful and I love to read about Montana after we have visited there two separate times when my brother-in-law was stationed in Great Falls. My best to your and may your writing be blessed.
Thank you for your kind blessing.
I am sorry to hear about your husband’s health.
I’m so glad you stopped by to disregard about your fashion sense!
Welcome! Never been, would I go, probably not. Thinking of y wardrobe, I don’t think I would fit in!
I would definitely have to borrow or otherwise acquire the required attire to attend.
Welcome! I wear what I think looks nice but wouldn’t say I have a feel for what’s trendy. I think big hats are beautiful but I’d never wear one. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of your book.
Thank you for stopping by!
I love the big beautiful hats, too. I’ve never worn one but I think if I knew it went with a special outfit, I would.
I don’t really go in for fashion, I love comfortable clothing that looks neat. I’ve never been to the Kentucky Derby but I would like to go at least one time. The fancy dresses and hats of the ladies does not appeal to me at all.
I admire the fancy clothes but I would definitely struggle with feeling out of place being dressed up similarly. But I’d still do it for the Derby.
My fashion sense is COMFY!! 🙂
Comfort is queen here, too!
I don’t have fashion sense, and honestly don’t care about fashions, anyway. Give me my jeans and I’m just fine! I’ve never been into fashion, and have my own “style” and I’m more than fine with that! I haven’t been to any horse races (or other races, for that matter).
My husband loves Nascar races and has attended several, but I have only been to a drag car race and a few sprint car races. I loved jeans for years, but honestly, when and where I can get away with it, I prefer leggings.
Very interesting story about the Kentucky Detby. I think it would b3 fun to go and get all dressed up with a fashionable hat and dress to watch the race and what horse won the race. I have been to Ketucky a few times but never attended the Derby. Your story sounds great. Thank fir an opportunity to have a chance to win this wonderful sounding story.
Thank you for stopping by! I think it would be fun to dress up and attend the Kentucky Derby, too. I’ve never been to Kentucky.
I’ve never been to the Kentucky Derby. Not sure I would want to go. Too crowded and I just can’t see myself wearing one of those big hats.
As for my sense of fashion, not great. I see outfits I really like that are nicely stylish, but they never look good on me. I have managed a few really nice outfits, but for the most part, it is jeans and shirts. Luckily, my jobs have been working in a children’s museum and as a children’s librarian. Strange T-shirts and skirts of themed patterns worked well at work, but not all work in “normal” situations. Makes for an interesting wardrobe. Luckily the fabric I found for some of the reading programs were nice and I can still wear them actually getting compliments on them.
We LOVE our local children’s librarians!! Such important work you do engaging kids and encouraging them. Thank you.
Also, I love quirky clothes!!
I do not have the desire to worry about fashion sense. I have not been to the Kentucky Derby. I am not sure if I would like to go or not. Thank you so much for sharing. God bless you.
I understand about no desire to worry about. I’m so glad you stopped by! God bless you, too.
I’ve no desire to go to the Kentucky Derby. It looks like too much for my taste. As for fashion I wear what is comfortable for me. I loved dresses and skirts at one time in my life, but I’m now a pants and low maintenance person now.
Thank you for stopping by and for sharing your thoughts!
Welcome, Regina! I enjoy clothes but I don’t need as many since I retired so I find myself wearing clothes that may not be the latest style. I’m a life-long Kentuckian so the Derby is very special. I haven’t been in person but Derby Day is celebrated on that 1st Saturday in May!
That makes sense with the clothing. I love that you celebrate Derby Day! How fun.
welcome. Oh but this books sounds wonderful. sounds like there is a lot of learning and forgiving that will happen. No I have never been to a Kentucky Derby. But I have read a lot about them. I would love to go just once to see it and experience it. I would love to dress up and wear a wonderful hat. I love hats. I am not a fashionista, but I do like to look nice. I suppose my inherent fashion sense is more of what looks nice together. Where as one of my brothers always loved to wear plaid and stripes together, purple and orange, etc.
I can’t match things to save my life. I’m always relying on my sister or my husband to tell me if an outfit is coordinated. I stick mostly to t-shirts and leggings these days.
I would love to go to the Kentucky Derby at least once in my life, too.
I’ve never had a sense for fashion. I prefer comfort and functionability! I spent the majority of my teen years in jeans and boots, with a T-shirt for everyday wear, or a nice Western shirt for dressy occasions. These days, it’s jeans (or knit pants), T-shirts (or a nice blouse if I have to dress up) and Crocs.
I prefer comfort, too! I didn’t care for crocs but my kids LOVE them. They wear them every day.
Fashion? Horse racing? Who else remembers the Ascot scene as your favorite part of the movie “My Fair Lady” (and R.I.P./thank you, to Edith Head, the costumer)?
What a scene, indeed! Thank you for mentioning it. Glad you stopped by!