Above is the cover of the proof-copy of the final book in my family heritage trilogy, which will be available on Amazon, March 31. My editor, Joanna Kenyon, and I are now in the process of proof-reading and making final changes. Joanna not only edits, she also designs the interiors of my books and creates … Continue reading Book 3 Available March 31
Dinuba
“Toddlers remember better than you think”
“Up until the 1980s, it was thought that babies and young toddlers lived in a perpetual present. … The paradigm of the perpetual present has now itself been forgotten. Even infants are aware of the past, as many remarkable experiments have shown. Babies can’t speak but they can imitate, and if shown a series of … Continue reading “Toddlers remember better than you think”
Harvest Festival: Sweet Home Ranch
"Pomegranate Jelly," 14"x16" oil on canvas "Our early foothill pomegranate tree yields more than enough fruit to make at least a hundred half pints of Jelly. Well, it would if we didn't eat so many of them fresh." Paul Buxman November 1, Dinuba, California The trees and vines are tired and dusty now, … Continue reading Harvest Festival: Sweet Home Ranch
October
The Bellingham launch of my book, The Gift of Laughter: The Story of a California Mennonite Family, took place Sunday afternoon, October 1. There was laughter and music amidst a gathering of family and friends. Also there, Ruth and Paul Buxman. Paul is the artist who painted the scene that was used on the cover … Continue reading October
Old Photos: Golden Anniversary
Lena & Jacob Willems, 50th Anniversary February 1959 The marriage of my grandparents, Jacob and Lena Willems, lasted until Grandma’s death on August 1, 1963. They lived long enough to see their 50th anniversary celebrated by their children, grandchildren and even a few great-grandchildren. It was a big crowd in the Dinuba Mennonite Brethren church … Continue reading Old Photos: Golden Anniversary
Chapter Four: Grandma & Grandpa Willems
Note: To read earlier chapters click on the desired title in the "Chapters" listed in the sidebar on the right or at the bottom of the page. There is a photograph of Grandma and Grandpa Willems in a small album of family photos that I put together back when I was in my early twenties. … Continue reading Chapter Four: Grandma & Grandpa Willems
Chapter Three: Going to Dinuba
Note: to read earlier chapters of this book, click on the chapter titles in the "Memoir Chapters" section of the sidebar on the right or at the bottom of this page. The Family 1947 Every couple of months during the years my family lived in Stockton, Dad would decide it was time to go to … Continue reading Chapter Three: Going to Dinuba
Heritage 