Hi, friends!
I realize it has been a while since we've talked. But I have been so busy! Which is good, because I have lots of exciting things to tell you about.
For starters, this past Thursday, Queens hosted a very special guest: Philippa Gregory, author of The Other Boleyn Girl. She came to speak about Mary Queens of Scots and her new book, The Last Queen. This is exciting, of course, but even more exciting because she is my favorite author! I have also 
read The Queen's Fool, The Virgin's Lover, The Constant Princess, The Boleyn Inheritance, and The Wise Woman...and have loved every one of them. I highly recommend Mrs. Gregory! And definitely read the book before you see the new movie of TOBG. She did a wonderful job speaking, and even gave us time to ask her questions. I, of course, asked one--which was extremely nervewracking because I had to use a mircophone in front of a crowd of people. And I, typically, am I writer, not a speaker! After her talk, she did a book signing, which was neat; I brought my worn copy of The Other Boleyn Girl and also bought her new book, and got them both signed. It was such a treat! As students, we got free tickets, which was an added bonus. Here is a picture I took during her talk!
Also, I want to tell you about the new volunteer program I'm doing! Two other members of the dance club, Katie and Corrie, and I go to Alexander Youth Network every Monday afternoon to teach dance to kids! It's a bit of a challenge--well, a lot of a challenge--because these are "at risk" children, or behaviorally and emotionally damaged kids. So far, we've just done basic stuff with them (Cupid Shuffle, Cha Cha Slide, Macarena) just to get aquainted with them and break the ice. But I'm really hoping to share the gift of dance with them so they can use it as a means of expression and as an emotional outlet! This is such an amazing opportunity.
That's not all! A group of us decided to start a Photography Club this semester, and we are already booked to take holiday portraits for faculty, staff, and their families! Janet, our advisor, is a professional photographer and is super awesome, and is helping us SO much. We're also going to be the official Casino Night photographers--how cool is that? So look for some crazy awesome pictures soon!
That's all for now. I'm off to rest during fall break. See you back in a week or so. Hope your week is going well!
Fondly,
Leslie Virginia
