Gail Climer:  

uding the Civil War era - and participate in Civil War living history events as often as I can. I have several "personas" which I have come to think are all the same me. My first one is the "widow in full mourning" - a very common occurrance during the Civil War. Victorian mourning practices were much stricter and more socially restrictive than they are today. I also am a "mountain woman" which comes from my love of herbal healing, and ancestors who farmed in the mountains of North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, and Texas. I have had the opportunity to make healing concoctions - but have learned that they don't keep well - which may be a reason so many of them were hard to find. I also am working on the "spicy" lady - a dealer of faro - a card came of the Civil War era and beyond. While not a "madam", I surely feel comfortable in the saloon - or gambling tent - especially when I'm around my "gentleman" who I refer to as "The Professor". Remember there was always some mystery surrounding the Civil War times. :-) I'm a good Christian - striving to be a better one, and belong to the Episcopal Faith. I believe it is better to "forgive others, than to harbor grudges". I am a true friend to anyone who cares enough to become one to me. I can keep a confidence, and respect all.".