I’ve been a little pouty about having to decline an invitation to give the keynote speech at an annual high school Veterans Day presentation, in a town connected to the Wilson family. Traveling has become difficult for both my Favorite Guy and me.
Then I remembered the blessings of this September, such as learning about the book club that has chosen Leora’s Early Years for their October meeting.
And Our American Stories aired my first new story, six years after the very first one.
The granddaughter of W. D. Clampitt found my story about him, and about Louise Oehlman, the retired teacher who took in her mother who’d been orphaned at age 14. She was so grateful to find the stories, and sent a photo of her parents’ wedding, with Miss Oehlman in it.
And the granddaughter of a man who owned one of the original Granger Homesteads sent a note, glad that I’d shared Brent Hegstrom’s blog post about them. Her grandfather’s house is still in the family!
Mary Jo Bennett won the gift card to Beaverdale Books I offered along with my very first ad for the Leora books in Our Iowa Magazine, so I took a few more books to our indie bookstore, bought myself one, and the gift card to send Mary Jo. (My prize for the October/November issue is a gift card to Off the Rails Quilting, which also carries the Leora books.)
John Busbee’s interview with me about What Leora Never Knew was rerun on his Culture Buzz radio program. In it, the idea of motherline stories came up. I’m at work on those, so it was just the nudge I needed.
And I just discovered this welcome review on Amazon for What Leora Never Knew: “This story is a sweeping family quest. Joy Neal Kidney did an extensive family search for the real story behind the death of three of her uncles in World War Two. Five served. Only two made it home. What Leora Never Knew depicts the incomprehensible impact such a loss had on her family and the great resolve it gave the author to bring the story into the light. She did an exemplary job using actual letters as exhibits in the story. She has honored both those who were lost and those forced to endure such a loss. I am glad I read this account. It had to be told and the family legacy it spawned had to be honored. Joy is such a gifted storyteller. Every bit as good as the other books in the series.”
Blessings galore!
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! – 1 John 3:1
A very Beautiful post, Joy!
Thank you, GP. Now for Guy’s four medical appointments this week. . . .
Blessings indeed.
Thank you, John.
😊
💕 Great books!
Thank you, Kelly!
Love and hugs
Bless you, Annette.
Beautiful! Can’t wait to read your books, Joy.
Thank you, Emery! The first four are narrative nonfiction. The next one wants to be free verse! I’m enjoying working on it.
Glad you see the blessings, Joy. You are a blessing to many.
Thank you for your dear note, Tim.
I’m sorry you’re not up to traveling as I suspect making that address would have been very important to you. It’s quite an honor that your book has been chosen by the book club. I’m happy for your good news.
We’ve attended that Veterans Day program, which they do very well, including lunch afterwards so everyone can mingle more, listen to more stories. Thanks, Pete, for your winsome comments.
Your good news is wonderful to hear. You’ve worked hard to make sure your family’s slice of history is not forgotten. Good luck with your future endeavors, Joy. 🙂
Thanks, Nancy. So much of my family’s history was common to their neighbors. I’m surprised at how much “world history” reached into the nooks and crannies of the American heartland.
Your fantastic writing certainly deserves such a great review, Joy. I’m very proud of my parents, but to be a child of God is definitely a blessing. 💖🙏
Thank you, Tim.
😊
Blessings indeed!
Lisa and I are stuck in Elizabethton, TN. Friday we were coming back to Asheville from a Marine reunion in Columbus, Ohio. No way into Asheville. Our little neighborhood has scores of big trees down. Roads blocked into neighborhood and all over town. We drove 250* miles Friday, realizing it was impossible. Fortunately, Lisa had a dear, airline friend in this town. Also terrible all over east TN. We will try to get home Thursday. Anyway, I have promised many neighbors here, books. Sooo, when home and when (??) we get power, water, etc. back, I will order a couple dozen more copies of “Leora’s Letters”. I guess all your followers may wade through this epistle. Cousin Bob
I’m thankful to hear from you, and that you’re safe! Teresa said she was safe but hadn’t answered my question about you!
Sounds like you had a great September–in spite of having to turn down the speaking engagement!
Thank you, Dennis. I’m focusing on the blessings!
Beautiful post! Blessings abound! 🙂
Thank you, Linda!