Indiana Barn Calendar - Gwen Gutwein

This 2009 calendar is second in the series of calendars being published to spotlight Indiana’s old and historic barns. Each month features a unique and beautifully painted barn, the cover too, thirteen in all. The rich history for each barn is included giving you a year of enjoyment.  The Barn Project is an on-going painting and history gathering project which focuses on our dwindling heritage of early Indiana barns.

The artist, Gwen Gutwein, has a goal of completing two paintings of old and historic barns from each of Indiana’s 92 counties.

Gwen paints on location, photographs the barns, and collects its unique historical information.  See Our Indiana Shopping Mall Sites for more information regarding Gwen's Art Collections.

Family First Cookbook: Recipes from Indiana's First Lady Cheri Daniels

Governor Mitch Daniels and Indiana's 1st Lady Cheri Daniels share their own favorite recipes and candid family photos.

Paperback Cover, Spiral Bound, Dimensions 6" X 8.5" X .25", 124 pages

Description: 

These one-of-a-kind executive pens are hand-made from a variety of native Indiana woods.  Each pen comes in a protective case.

Description: 

Indiana State Quarter bottle stoppers are carefully hand-turned from Tulip Poplar (Indiana's state tree) with an Indiana state quarter imbedded in the top.  

Each stopper is beautifully finished with 4 coats of polymer finish and topped with coat of high quality wax. This provides excellent protection and gives the stoppers a soft sheen.  The gasket is made from high quality silicone.  

If you are interested in a state other than Indiana,

please contact us directly for information and

availability.

Description:  "A Mini Splendored Thing" by Patricia Hagen

This Indiana freelance writer and journalist of 25 years offers a coffee-table book full of photos, facts and figures about the Mini, the nation's largest half-marathon.  "A Mini Splendored Thing" is an entertaining and emotional look back at the first 30 years of the Mini.   It is packed with Mini Memories provided by runners and walkers, most of whom are Indiana residents.

"A Mini Splendored Thing" makes a great gift for anyone who has ever participated in the Mini or has interests in running one of the largest participative events held in the Indiana Capital

Hardback Cover, Dimensions 11.5" X 9" X .5", 152 pages

*Description:  “The End of Forever” by Denise Page Caraher

Mekinges was a young maiden of the Lenni Lenape tribe that lived in Central Indiana in the early 19th century when the number of white settlers began to steadily increase. During this time, the spirituality and sensitivity of the Native American way of life contrasted sharply with the settlers' concept of ownership and control.  William Conner, an ambitious and affable trader, set his eyes on Mekinges. Now she must decide if she is willing to become his "forever mate". Much is at stake in her decision, perhaps the future of her tribe. Fascinating individuals from two separate worlds make personal and political choices in the face of familial and cultural conflict. Based on a true story, this historical drama resounds with tranquility and turmoil, greed and guilt, love and betrayal.  A beautifully written novel, The End of Forever is actually based on a children's opera that was written first by the author, Denise Page Caraher. She has written the librettos for several other children's operas and is married to James Caraher, conductor of the Indianapolis Opera. She is also an attorney who specializes in mediation.
 

Reviews:

The End Of Forever: The Story Of Mekinges And William Conner by Denise Page Caraher is a novel for young adults, based upon a libretto written by the author, which in turn draws upon history, thought with some fictionalized characters and accounts. Set in the early nineteenth century, The End Of Forever is the story of a marriage between Indian scout William Conner and Mekings, the daughter of a Lenape Delaware chief. The pledged to love each other forever; but Conner broke his promise when encroaching press of settlers drove the Indians from their homeland. A profound story of love, greed, and the expansion of the American frontier. An epilogue adds the conclusion of history to this involving yet tragic tale. -- James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief, Midwest Book Review

"The End of Forever is quite simply a superb book that, once started, I could not put down. Denise Caraher has captured the essence of a true love story and its sad ending, while maintaining historical integrity and sensitivity for the Lenni Lenape and their culture. It is refreshing when a writer is faithful to the truth of what was a very sad chapter in our nation's history, and I commend the author for her objectivity and passion." -- Timothy Noble, Mahkwa Neehinita (Singing Bear) Eagle Clan of the Meshingamesia Band of Miami of Indiana (Distinguished Professor of Music in Voice at Indiana University)

"The novel, The End of Forever, is a wonderful resource for teaching about life on America's frontier, focusing on the cultural clashes which ripped apart the marriage of William Conner and his Indian wife, Mekinges. The book is accurate, appealing, and relevant to any study of Native American culture or the American West." -- Margaret Germain, International School of Indiana and former Illinois Teacher of the Year
 

"This informative and absorbing tale gives readers a fascinating glimpse into the customs of the Delaware Indians, their reverence of the earth and their interactions with the newly arrived white man. Denise Page Caraher provides accurate historical context in this fictionalized work while illustrating how human nature and transient human emotions span all times and cultures. A must read for anyone interested in history, Native American spirituality, or Indiana. Early adolescent through adult readers will enjoy this finely written novel." -- Dr. Concetta Raimondi, Superintendent of Hamilton Southeastern Schools, Fishers, Indiana
 

Target reading level: Age 11 and up, Paperback, 145 pages, Dimensions: 9" x 6" x .75", cover and interior illustrations by artist Sue Ellen Braunlin.

Description:  Dr. Tootsie – A Young Girl’s Dream by Suzanne B. Knoebel, M.D.

Raised near Fort Wayne, Indiana, Dr. Knoebel learned much about the value and sanctity of life when she raised animals on her family's farm. This was an education that she couldn't have learned in school or even in church. The rich experiences on the farm and the impact they made on her life prompted Dr. Knoebel to write this lovingly crafted novel to inspire and entertain young readers.  Stephanie, the main character in the story, is nicknamed Dr. Tootsie by her family and friends because of the special care she provides to the chickens, sheep, goats and even race horses on the farm. One day her grandfather tells her that someday she'll become a physician like her father and his ancestors before him. Stephanie is captivated by the idea of this career. It fits! But Stephanie soon realizes she must face many obstacles and personal losses before she can realize her dream of becoming a physician.  Author Suzanne B. Knoebel, M.D., is a world-renowned cardiologist, Professor Emeritus at the IU School of Medicine and Consultant at the Krannert Institute of Cardiology. She was the first woman ever elected President of the American College of Cardiologists. Dr. Knoebel currently resides in Indianapolis and is considering the prospect of opening a stable.

Reviews:
Dr. Tootsie is a cute story about a young girl who grows up on a family farm, hangs out with her Gramp, and learns about life in some unusual ways, such as the time she picked up a copperhead snake and didn't get bit! – Child Reviewer

Dr. Tootsie is a great story about how life can prepare each of us for becoming anything we want to be, including following in the footsteps of our parents. On the farm, Tootsie learned many things about farm life, including the importance of life and hard work, but it was her dad's profession that intrigued her the most--thus began her lifelong study of medicine. -- Child Reviewer

I highly recommend Dr. Tootsie to preteens. It's a great book that teaches children to look outside themselves and towards helping others--whether it be animal, nature, or human. -- Alyice Edrich, Editor, The Dabbling Mum

Stephanie likes to be called Tootsie because her grandfather called her that. She read lots of stuff about being a doctor, hard books I can't even read yet. She loved animals and became a doctor like her dad. I like the Illustrations in the book a lot. -- MyKaela Edrich, Age 9, Child Author/Reviewer

 Target reading level: 9 years old and up, Paperback, 82 pages, Dimensions: 9" x 6" x .25", cover illustration by Steven Armour, with 16 interior line illustrations by Tom Kennard.