Tag Archives: writer

Fayetteville Woodpeckers MILB ⚾️ Fayetteville, NC

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Segra Stadium, Fayetteville, North Carolina:

My husband is a HUGE baseball enthusiast. He takes baseball very serious. He is THAT fan who is zoned in on the action intensely shouting and cheering for his team— sometimes a bit too loud and too enthusiastic for my liking. I’ll lend that to his Philadelphia rearing as he is a diehard Phillies fan who misses the action of his big city teams.

For me, baseball is more atmospheric— a place to gather with friends and enjoy the sights and sounds of summer while delighting in delicious ballpark food and refreshments, shopping for team merchandise, and social mingling.

I like the shine of the lights on the perfectly manicured field and the sound of the crack of the bat on a baseball— the conjuring of childhood memories watching my brother play ball, all the hoopla in the stands, the sports announcer’s corny jokes, and fun music soundbites to rile up fans.

So it was only fitting that in the town where Babe Ruth hit his very first homer (right here in Fayetteville, North Carolina) the city would bring a minor league baseball team to the heart of our downtown.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.fayobserver.com/sports/20180816/birth-of-bambino-babe-ruth-hit-first-pro-home-run-in-fayetteville%3ftemplate=ampart

Fayetteville has partnered with the Houston Astros to bring a fabulous stadium and MILB team home to Hay Street that can satisfy both mine and my husband’s baseball park needs, wants, and tastes— the one and only Fayetteville Woodpeckers!!!

Take that Phillies.

My husband has a new home team (but you will always be his favorite first love).

Segra Stadium has it ALL.

Tons of fun to be had by kids of all ages including a fun zone area for children, batting cages, Woodpeckers merchandise, tasty treats and ice cold beverages span the entire stadium.

Featured local North Carolina brews can be found for the beer lover as well.

Not to mention tons of casual, comfy seating options.

In addition, as a nod of respect for our military troops located here in the Sandhills, I was so impressed and moved to find this tribute to Prisoners of War and those who are Missing in Action:

There is no detail left undone.

I cannot wait to see how this stadium and baseball team continue to evolve— and the beneficial impacts of its presence on our beloved city.

Welcome Home, WOODPECKERS!

We are proud to have you!

For more information on how to purchase tickets, look here:

https://www.milb.com/fayetteville

– Alison Paul Klakowicz

Author of Mommy’s Big, Red Monster Truck

https://www.amazon.com/Mommys-Big-Red-Monster-Truck/dp/1525530178

http://www.alisonpaulklakowicz.com

Alison Paul Klakowicz is an Eastern North Carolina native, children’s book author, blogger, podcaster and creative writer. She is a military spouse who resides in Fayetteville, NC with her husband, Adam, and son, Mak.

Off the Beaten Path: The Planking Traveler

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Recently, I was invited to collaborate with Emily Adams on her fabulous and informative travel blog, The Planking Traveler.

https://theplankingtraveler.com/

Emily Adams demonstrates her signature plank pose

The theme of the collaboration— 12 Unique Off The Beaten Path Destinations For Your Next Adventure.

My favorite “off the beaten path” destination instantly came to mind— The Inner Banks of the Pamlico River, North Carolina— my native Eastern North Carolina coastal home.

Sunset capture by my mother, Julia Austin Paul, at hers and my father’s home on the Pamlico River

Take a look at the blog post here of the twelve worldwide destinations featured:

https://theplankingtraveler.com/2019/07/27/12-unique-off-the-beaten-path-destinations-for-your-next-adventure/

-Alison Paul Klakowicz

Author of Mommy’s Big, Red Monster Truck

http://www.alisonpaulklakowicz.com

Alison Paul Klakowicz is an Eastern North Carolina native, children’s book author, blogger, podcaster and creative writer. She is a military spouse who resides in Fayetteville, NC with her husband, Adam, and son, Mak.

Vote for Mommy’s Big, Red Monster Truck!

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I am elated my children’s book, Mommy’s Big, Red Monster Truck, is in the running for a 2019 Reader’s Choice Award!

Please consider voting.

Click on the link below and go to page 11 then simply click on the book cover to cast your vote!

GO HERE:

https://www.tckpublishing.com/2019-readers-choice-voting-page/

Or here:

https://www.opinionstage.com/belprado1/vote-for-your-favorite-children-s-book1

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

-Alison Paul Klakowicz

Author of Mommy’s Big, Red Monster Truck

http://www.alisonpaulklakowicz.com

Hodge Podge Podcast: anchor.fm/jalisonpaulyahoocom

Instagram @alisonklak

Twitter @KlakowiczAlison

Alison Paul Klakowicz is an Eastern North Carolina native, children’s book author, blogger, podcaster and creative writer. She is a military spouse who resides in Fayetteville, NC with her husband, Adam, and son, Mak.

The Crystal Coast— North Carolina

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Seashells by the Seaside, Emerald Isle, NC (all photography by Alison Klakowicz)

Emerald Isle, North Carolina-

There is a reason it’s coined The Crystal Coast. The crystalline, salt-tide speaks for itself.

Sunlight dances upon Atlantic waves and shimmies off a beach covered in more shells you could gather in a lifetime.

Peaceful morning paddles on a calm, low tide is the stuff of poetry.

Priceless memories are made in magical tidal pools with dear friends and family.

Night walks by lantern light accompanied by the lullaby of crashing waves.

Timeouts from day to day stressors allow for silly, joyful play upon the sand.

Sunset beach walks with an ocean breeze so delightful you can’t help but get lost in time.

Slowing your pace— your mind— to take it all in.

Pretending you’re a great pirate 🏴‍☠️ come ashore from faraway lands seeking treasure.

Allowing yourself to simply be a kid again.

Finding beauty in all of the little gifts that come upon the shoreline.

These are the elements that embody this bewitching place called The Crystal Coast.

Interested in learning more? Look 👀 here:

https://www.visitnc.com/crystal-coast

https://www.crystalcoast.com/

https://www.crystalcoastnc.org/resources/press/press-kit/attractions/

-Alison Paul Klakowicz

http://www.alisonpaulklakowicz.com

Podcast: anchor.fm/jalisonpaulyahoocom

Instagram @alisonklak

Twitter @KlakowiczAlison

Alison Paul Klakowicz is an Eastern North Carolina native, children’s book author, blogger, podcaster and creative writer. She is a military spouse who resides in Fayetteville, NC with her husband, Adam, and son, Mak.

Carolina BBQ… Beach Road Pit Stop Heaven

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Kenansville, North Carolina-

When traveling through historic Kenansville, North Carolina byway of NC Hwy 24 just off I-40 East make sure to make Carolina BBQ your lunch or dinner destination!

Wonderful Eastern North Carolina style BBQ and Seafood Buffet

My husband and I were recently traveling through on our way to the Crystal Coast of NC, when our tummies started rumbling and we made it our mission to seek out a good ole Eastern NC barbecue spot to quench our soul food Sunday craving.

Well, I can tell you we were thrilled to happen upon this awesome restaurant.

It has all the makings of your grandparents’ Sunday dinner table— pork barbecue, fried chicken, fried shrimp and flounder, chicken and pastries, collards, lima beans, Brunswick stew, sweet tea, banana pudding, hush puppies— you get the drift.

If you are in need of comfort food, this is your spot.

Not to mention, the staff go out of their way to make you feel welcome and satisfied with your visit.

Ample seating in the spacious dining room

This kind fellow, Jimmy (pictured below), went out of his way to greet two unfamiliar faces and make them feel a part of the Carolina BBQ community.

He instantly connected with us and took time to learn of the new folks wandering in on a late Sunday afternoon.

He was congenial, kind and quite the conversationalist— told us stories of days long ago when he served in the US Marine Corps, his retirement from the state of North Carolina as a probation officer and his pride of his wife and daughter who are both doctors.

Southern hospitality at its finest.

Thanks, Jimmy. You made our visit even more of a delight.

If you find yourself near Kenansville, go ahead and set your GPS to direct you straight to the door of Carolina BBQ and Seafood.

Good news… there is a second location of Carolina BBQ in Wilmington, NC too!

You will be living high on the hog if you give this barbecue joint a try.

-Alison Paul Klakowicz, BA, MS

Author of Mommy’s Big, Red Monster Truck

http://www.alisonpaulklakowicz.com

Podcast: anchor.fm/jalisonpaulyahoocom

Instagram @alisonklak

Twitter @KlakowiczAlison

Alison Paul Klakowicz is an Eastern North Carolina native, children’s book author, blogger, podcaster and creative writer. She is a military spouse who resides in Fayetteville, NC with her husband, Adam, and son, Mak.

Joann Yost: Gold Star Wife, Breast Cancer Survivor, Mother, Business Woman, Guiding Light

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Joann “JoJo” Yost, Perruque Boutique Founder and Owner

Take a LISTEN to our inspiring, and motivational conversation on Hodge Podge Podcast here: https://anchor.fm/jalisonpaulyahoocom/episodes/Joann-JoJo-Yost-Survivor–Warrior–Inspiration-e4d7ol

Fayetteville, North Carolina–

Perruque Boutique Owner and Founder, Joann “JoJo” Yost, came up with the vision of her business while sitting in a chemo chair while fighting her own battle with stage two breast cancer in 2015.

https://www.wigsfayettevillenc.com/

Photographs of JoJo’s breast cancer treatment journey

Her mission: to make Fayetteville, North Carolina and its surrounding areas feel beautiful one WIG at a time.

JoJo assisting a customer choosing a wig due to hair loss from chemotherapy

Various high quality wigs, headscarves and accessories available for sale at Perruque

Private wig fitting rooms available allow customers privacy

Not only is JoJo a breast cancer survivor, but she is also a Gold Star Spouse. 🌟

https://www.goldstarwives.org/.

Her late husband, US Army Special Forces MSG Anthony Yost, was killed in action during a deployment in Iraq in 2005. He was the love of her life and father to their son, AJ, who was a toddler when his father passed away.

United States Army Special Forces MSG Anthony Yost

Anthony and JoJo

https://www.greenberetfoundation.org/memorial/anthony-r-c-yost/ https://www.fallenheroesproject.org/united-states/anthony-ray-charles-yost/

I had the pleasure to sit down with this extraordinary woman and chat about her struggles and triumphs after surviving her husband‘s death in combat, her transition to single-parenting, then beating breast cancer which inspired her to open her own business in order to create a safe harbor for others fighting for their lives— to provide them hope and help them feel beautiful on their journey.

Take a LISTEN to our inspiring, and motivational conversation on Hodge Podge Podcast here: https://anchor.fm/jalisonpaulyahoocom/episodes/Joann-JoJo-Yost-Survivor–Warrior–Inspiration-e4d7ol

-Alison Paul Klakowicz, BA, MS

Author of Mommy’s Big, Red Monster Truck

http://www.alisonpaulklakowicz.com

Podcast: anchor.fm/jalisonpaulyahoocom

Instagram @alisonklak

Twitter @KlakowiczAlison

Alison Paul Klakowicz is an Eastern North Carolina native, children’s book author, blogger, podcaster and creative writer. She is a military spouse who resides in Fayetteville, NC with her husband, Adam, and son, Mak.

Cumberland County Public Library: Local Author Showcase

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Fayetteville, North Carolina-

Trinity Bursey, Children’s Book Author

From Children’s Books to Science Fiction, Romance to Fantasy, Creative Writing Anthologies to Spiritual Inspiration, Poetry to Memoirs, Mystery to Anime Enthusiasts, Fiction to Non-Fiction, Cumberland County authors span all genres of literature.

On Saturday, June 15, 2019, Cumberland County Public Library Headquarters location downtown Fayetteville, NC, hosted the annual Local Authors Showcase where talented area writers groups and authors were invited to display their published books in an effort to bring attention to the growing writers community here in the Sandhills.

Alison Paul Klakowicz, Author of Mommy’s Big, Red Monster Truck

I was honored to be a part of this event alongside fellow authors and local writers groups in an effort to support my peers, educate myself on local writer’s resources as well as display my children’s travel and adventure picture book, Mommy’s Big, Red Monster Truck: http://www.alisonpaulklakowicz.com

Fantasy Fiction Novelist Rebecca Lang

The vast amount of literature created by Cumberland County residents is impressive. I was taken aback by the fortitude and lyrical artistry of the authors featured at this year’s event.

Jack Welsh and Lorraina Nyanza- Veteran Memoirists

I found myself walking around the Pate Room of Headquarters Library in awe of each of the individuals I met— who poured their heart and soul into creating meaningful, poignant and entertaining prose.

Members of Off the Page Writers Group and contributors to The Mayor’s Tales anthology

Writing can at times be a lonely walk. So it was wonderful to be a part of an event that connected individuals such as myself with one another in order to nourish fellowship and support.

Donald Kemp, Novelist
Robin Minnick, Novelist

Networking with other writers and bookish enthusiasts in the community is crucial in spreading the word about the wonderful people and resources here in Fayetteville.

Talicia Smith, Poet and Spiritual Devotionals

Vivian Boylorn, Poet

Roberta J. Humphries, Inspirational Novelist and Memoirist
Steve Kamradt, Memoir

It was wonderful to see folks of different backgrounds, cultures and experiences gather in one room with the same objective and passion to educate the public on the local literature available to them.

Patricia Blanks, Christian Studies

Elaine J. Martin, Barking Dog Press

Sarah McCormick, Novelist

David & Sara Rothman, Anime/Manga/Japanese Culture Enthusiasts and Novelists

Even better to witness the inclusion and opportunity to share our own unique areas of interest and expertise with one another as well as event visitors.

Members of Chosen Pen Writing Group

Video courtesy of Cumberland County Public Library:

Kathleen Wanamaker, Fantasy Novelist

I encourage Cumberland County residents to attend next year’s event at the library and encourage you to seek out local authors for your next book purchase and schedule an author event at your school or venue.

There are some very talented individuals right here in our community that would greatly appreciate your support!

You can check out books from the Local Author Section at the library. For more information check here: http://www.cumberland.lib.nc.us/ccplicinfo/mobile_website/m.homepage.html

-Alison Paul Klakowicz, BA, MS

Author of Mommy’s Big, Red Monster Truck

http://www.alisonpaulklakowicz.com

Podcast: anchor.fm/jalisonpaulyahoocom

Instagram @alisonklak

Twitter @KlakowiczAlison

Alison Paul Klakowicz is an Eastern North Carolina native, children’s book author, blogger, podcaster and creative writer. She is a military spouse who resides in Fayetteville, NC with her husband, Adam, and son, Mak.