Perry, Iowa, showcases an Art on the Prairie Festival each November, with events all over town–artwork demonstrations and sales, poetry readings, music, and more.
I was invited to give a presentation about the Leora books in during Art on the Prairie 2023 at the Perry Library, especially poignant because the Wilson family lived on an acreage a mile south of Perry at the end of World War II, the first place they’d ever owned. And it was Veterans Day.
The Wilson family burial plot is in nearby Violet Hill Cemetery, where we family ladies traveled with Grandma Leora to leave flowers for her husband and all five sons every Memorial Day for decades. Only two sons are buried there, but I didn’t realize that until after Grandma’s death in 1987. I wrote those Leora books to make sure the family story is never forgotten.
It was a poignant hour’s drive home that day two years ago, as Favorite Guy and I discussed that it just might have been my last book talk, at least out of town. My fibromyalgia had worsened and so had his Parkinson’s symptoms, both of which include exhaustion. That turned out to be true, but I’m so thankful I was able to enjoy the last one in a favorite town, which has so many memories over several decades.
I’m especially thankful for you on-line friends who’ve faithfully followed my writing journey, here at home, some of you living in other countries. Thank God for the internet!
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. – Psalm 100:5
Thanks to you who have uploaded free ebooks of Meadowlark Songs: A Motherline Legacy and Leora’s Early Years: Guthrie County Roots. They are still free through tomorrow, Saturday, November 15.
God bless you, Joy.
Thank you, John.
It looks like a wonderful event. In person events are fun. I love connecting with readers. But it is also fun to connect with folks on social media, especially on blogs. Take care, Joy. xo
Thank you, Darlene. I often thank God for internet friends, including you!
Libraries do so much to build community. If the Perry talk had to be your last out of town, it was the perfect place!
It sure was. Thanks, Liz!
You’re welcome, Joy!
Thank God for the internet, indeed. And thank you, Joy, for sharing these beautiful memories with us. I felt the poignancy of the drive home – you and your Favorite Guy. Sending all my love to you both! 💝
Bless you, Vicki!
Big hugs! ❤️🥰❤️
It’s wonderful that you get admiration at those Art on the Prairie events, Joy, and here on the internet. I see why you’re thankful for it. I hope your fibromyalgia improves. 💖🙏
Thank you, Tim. The pain and exhaustion demands three naps a day, but that pays for a couple of hours where I can think and do things. Yes, I’m so grateful. And the Crohn’s is under control, for now. Very blessed!
If your last book talk was at the Perry Library, it certainly was the perfect place for your finale. I pray that you and your Favorite Guy are blessed with more energy and improved health. Thank you, Joy, for your wonderful family stories! 🙂
Bless you, Nancy.
How exciting!
Thank you, Dawn.