how to order personal copies of orvetta's book

Orvetta's book, Pages Of Life, is now officially available for purchase online. To purchase your own personal copies, simply visit the following link:

http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1556816

You can preview a small selection of page spreads via the above link as well.

Stats about the book:

Hardcover
Full color images
440 pages
160+ writings by Orvetta
1100+ high-quality images
Organized into nine "chapters of life"
Size: standard portrait (8x10)

A few sneak peeks:

Front cover:

A glimpse into some of my favorite page spreads:

Enjoy, everyone!

Coming Soon To A Bookstore Near You . . .

. . . An online bookstore that is. :)

Just wanted to let everyone know that personal copies of Orvetta's book, "Pages of Life," will be available very soon! After extensive proofreading, it's just about ready.

Check back in the next couple of weeks for purchasing instructions.

Grandma Got The Book Last Night!

Just wanted to announce that I presented Grandma with her book last night. What a great experience. She of course knew that I had been working on it, but didn't know that it was even close to being finished. She loved it!

The copy of the book she has is just the first draft, and once it is proofread and any errors are corrected, the final draft will be made available to anyone who would like a copy. The purchasing instructions will be on this blog.

So, for our big family reunion next weekend, be sure to be on the lookout for the book if you want a sneak peek! You'll love it!

The stats:

• 160+ writings by Orvetta
• 1100+ images (even some up to 110+ years old)
• 440 pages
• Hardcover
• Book is graphically designed and compiled by Melissa Nickle

The quality is fantastic, and I can't wait for everyone to see it next week.

I won't post many photos now, because I want everyone to see it in person first, but here are just a couple really quick:

Just before Grandma received her surprise:


Right after opening it. She was so nervous when I handed her a package and was shaking while opening it. Yep, once she had the package in her hand, she knew what it was and was too excited!


It was such a great experience last night (Steve, Melanie, Mary, & Melissa all went down). I knew Grandma would be excited, but I didn't know how much. What I had anticipated was that she would glance through some of the pages to get an idea of what had been done. But, what made me feel really good is that she took the time to go through every single page of the book (440 pages in all!) and she had comments to make about every page. And although it took quite a bit of time for her to go through each and every page, I will say this - I wouldn't have had it any other way. She was especially excited when she got to the "heritage" chapter and saw photos of her childhood - photos she had forgotten she'd ever had. It was great to see the memories come flooding back for her. And when seeing all the photos of James in the book, she paused and said multiple times, "My goodness, he looks so real there."

We video-taped a lot of last night, and sometime soon we'll post her receiving the book on video. It was hilarious.

Working on the book and putting in the hours to finish it has been an interesting process. I need some time to think about what I really want to share on the oh-so-public blog, but I will say that I had help beyond this world throughout this process. I know it was a project that needed to happen, and I know that divine help in several ways came during my time working on the book. Like I said, I need to think about what I really want to share on the blog, but I mostly want everyone to know that there was more interest than just ours here in completing this book, and I was guided throughout the process.

Doing this for Grandma and getting to know her on an entirely different level - knowing her whole life, not just her life since I've been in it - has been the privilege of a lifetime.

I love you, Grandma! My famous, published, Grandma!

Contentment, By The Farmers Wife

I watched the closing day descend, the amber sunset glowing
The spacious sky held birds in flight, I heard the cattle lowing
My eyes beheld the fields of grain spread out as far as eye could see
The cooling shadows softly fell encircled by majestic tree

And peace spread o'er my valley as I felt the day depart
The quietness of evening placed thoughts within my heart
Dear Lord, Oh let me thank thee - for all of this that's mine
The sweet contentment that I feel and for Your love divine

A husband here beside me, my cup, it runneth o'er
A baby in my arms to love and still Thou givest more
Oh tell me, what is it Thou would have me do?
I know I must repay for all these joys and blessings that are mine today!

And as I paused and wondered, the words came strong and true
Just spread your love to others - as I have given you!

Let's Laugh (The Whole Truth)

Our church supper was over and I was asked to lead the big group in some fun, action sing-alongs. We were all enthusiastically enjoying ourselves. I couldn't help but notice the very back of the room where the oldsters were congregated, striving to join in and be as limber as the rest of us. Desiring to acknowledge and praise them for their efforts I said as my baton stopped, "Very good, very good. I especially want to thank you seniors for your great efforts - and I could hear some creaking bones in the rear end."

P.S. I was the first on to head home after the closing prayer.

(the whole truth)

My husband and I were heading for the city one early snowy morning, leaving our little country town in sweet slumber. Suddenly we found ourselves gliding uncontrollably into the steep barrow pit. We were wedged in, no visible help in sight. My husband, the driver, wanting no negative response from me, tossed me the morning paper. With his square jaw set he said,"Read and relax until help comes." By habit my eyes fell first on "Today's Chuckle" which read, "It takes a lot of nuts to hold a car together but only one to tear it apart!!!"

(the whole truth)

Oh, I've got to tell one more about my husband. We were driving to Texas and we found ourselves in eerie spaciousness - no mountains, no rivers, no stream, no moon, and which direction were we driving? I ventured we were driving East. He said we definitely were not. I then remembered we had installed a compass on the dashboard before our long trip. I peeked at it. We were going East! I said, calmly and sweetly, "Look at the compass." He looked, started shaking it emphatically, and said, "The darn thing's broken!"

My newly married daughter, the perfectionist, called me on the phone wanting my homemade turkey dressing recipe. I described in detail, but in talking about crumbling the dry slices of bread up she had to know exactly what size of crumbs. I made several attempts, but she needed it more precise. Not wanting to, but I whispered quietly, "Like when we partake of the sacrament." She next said, "But Mom, are you talking about your ward or mine?"

May 6, 2010

Laughter & Teardrops

Those precious memories of my little grandchildren...
My joy My Frankincense My Myrrh

The big family get together had arrived. The back lawn held a heap of carrots from the garden, gathered by the ambitious little ones. Glancing out I was startled by the tiny ones chopping tops off with my sharp kitchen knives. Eight year old Aubree just then stepped to my drawer for more. I said, "Oh Obee, please gather the knives from the little ones and lets set an age - just tell them just eight year olds and older are to cut the tops off. " I suddenly hear her voice ring out, "Hold it, hold it. The only ones who get to cut the tops off the carrots are those who have been baptized!" (Laughter)

Oh yes, now I'm remembering Darrin's baptism day. We were in College Station, Texas. The baptism was over and we were heading home. Dear little Darrin was so full of joy. He said, "Wasn't that a special day? Me and my friends all in white, our dads in white, the water in front of us just clear and pretty, everybody around us. And there's only one thing that could have made it better - if somebody could have just been playing soft music on the piano - oh, something like - (and he started to softly sing), "There's a little white duck floating on the water, a little white duck doing what he otter." (Laughter)

And there was that day I was driving down to Delta with my car full of the little grandkids from Orem. As we got to the little country town of Leamington I stopped behind the big yellow school bus awaiting three little children to exit. They were a little shabby looking, one in a well worn oversized coat. I grabbed for a teaching moment saying, "Look at these little children not dressed in the best but we always treat them as nice as any others, don't we? Look at their little house and see on the top - they don't even have an antenna on the roof because they don't have a TV in their home." Zander spoke up immediately, "Grandma, remember where this house is. We have two TVs in our home. We don't need two - we sure don't need two! We'll bring one here." (Teardrops)

Oh dear - now they have divided the ward boundaries again and this time my little six year old Kelly across the street will go to another ward. His mom and dad busy, involved and etc. just didn't get to church at all on a regular basis, but dear gray-haired Lilac Holman stopped and picked him up each Sunday. After months had passed I realized I should ask Kelly if he wanted to come to my ward with me. He said, "Well, Grandma, I'm not sure I had better because over there they said we have the only true church!" (Teardrops)

Oh yes, and there was the time when little three year old Brandon heard the news from his mother that she had been holding back for some time. She said with sweet, precious feelings in her heart, "Brandon, I've got something exciting to tell you. In about three months, we will be getting you a new little sister! Isn't that going to be exciting?" Brandon said, "Well, I don't know - I'd sooner have a little monkey!" (Laughter) And I am remembering now when dear little Kimberly was born in Salt Lake and James and I were driving home from seeing her. Little Brandon was with us - he was an excited and astonished little boy. And I am also remembering Brandon looked out the rear window and said, "Oh, oh Grandpa, trouble! Trouble! Trouble!" (James never did learn to slow down - he's paid his share). (Teardrops - teardrops)

Now I am remembering little Kaydn being dropped off at my home so many mornings with Joan teaching school. How Sam, so confined to his walker and occasional wheelchair, would look forward to Kaydn brightening his day. And always as Kaydn was picked up to go home he and Sam had the same goodbye of, "See ya' later alligator," - "After while crocodile." I am remembering the morning Joan called and asked if I could hurry there and get Kaydn to kindergarten as he'd missed the bus - she had no car. I was dashing out the door as my phone rang again. I answered - it was the hospital gently letting me know Sam had just passed away! (Four days in the hospital). I just drove straight to get Kaydn to school and released the news to Joan, and Kaydn said, "I guess I can't say, 'After while crocodile' anymore." (Teardrops - teardrops - overflowing teardrops)

There is no end to the memories tucked deep in my heart.
(Maybe someday I'll write a book).

Grandma N. G.
May 6, 2010

Life Is Good!

And may we know as we continue and turn the pages of life that life is good!

And no matter how many heartaches come our way, they will never, never outweigh the good things that surround us day by day.

Family Togetherness

As each page is turned
A memory comes through
A chuckle, sweet moments -
A tear drop or two.

We've blown birthday candles
Kept our family together -
Motorcycle adventures
No matter the weather.

There are ball games and spring break
To boat at the "Res"
Those Blue Notes performers
Where Mom's still saying, "Yes."

These pages are full
Of achievements galore
We see red hats and red robes
Appear through the door.

And it's hard to believe
These school days are through!!
And here's where we all
Shed more tear drops than two!

And then, when the month of May comes to its close
Oh - what memories are ours as we fill our hearts
Then cover our loved ones
With our thoughts and our flowers.

Oh yes, surgeries and shoe boots
And crutches we'll see
There's been good times and bad times
For you and for me.

And we've gathered together
Bowed reverently in prayer
As our loved ones have left us
To be in His care.

We know that God gives
And He taketh away
Let's give thanks for His goodness
And acknowledge His way!

Our three days at Fish Lake
Our highlight of joys
From silver-haired Grandma
To those vigorous boys!

Oh - the strains of that music
Made her turn back to "Young"
As she got up and waltzed
Around with her son!

So you'll find Family Togetherness
Links all the pages
The most precious gift
Throughout all the ages!

Much love,
Mom
(Grandma)


August 24, 2005

A Lot To Say!

You'll see I'm not fancy in any way -
But I cover each page with a lot to say!

And my lines may be crooked
There's no accurate measures
I'm too engulfed to boast of my treasures!

Love,
Mom
Grandma
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo


August 21, 2005

Memory Lane

Let's travel along through Memory Lane
And live those moments once again
Too fast time travels through our years
Let's enjoy our smiles, remember tears
Such wondrous blessings are yours and mine
Oh life - how precious how sublime.

July 2009

My Jewels

I read each name with tender care
Such precious jewels sent from above
Each has their own special place
That time and memory cannot erase!

April 21, 2007

If Pages Could Speak

If the pages in this book could speak,
They'd talk with you and me
Give way to inner thoughts they know
That you and I can't see.
The picture shows the beauty - the color and the glory -
But lying silently behind - is real drama - the whole story!
For a camera cannot capture the feelings that lie there
Be it pride- or hurt and heartache - the face will hide with care.
Yes! There's great big heaps of happiness
And then there's sorrow and strife
Put it all together -
And that's what we call life!
So turn each page with tenderness
Release your smiles or tears
Time moves on so quickly
Catch - and hold these years!


Written January 4, 1996

Orvetta's thoughts (to Steve's family): Much love to all of you! How I love you all. You're a family to be proud of - all the way - you highlight my life.

Memories Of You

These pages that you start to view
Just tell my memories of you
There's nothing fancy - nothing clever
Just holds my thoughts
That are forever!

You are so precious to me!

Clouds

Clouds adrift in the summer sky
Resemble life as they wander by
Always enduring
Moving on
Always returning - never gone -
It's the circle of life!
For memories are forever!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to Orvetta - Mother, Grandmother, Great & Great-Great Grandmother!

A couple quick glimpses into the past:

project photos: sneak peek

Dad and I spent the entire day in Delta today to work on the project with Grandma. Dad's job was to record many more readings, and my job was to take photos for the book which is progressing well. It was great spending time with Grandma and seeing her get so excited about the project. She just kept saying, "You're making me feel so special!" Well, maybe that's because you are, Grandma!

Watch in the next few days for an updated "video recorded readings" list. There will be MANY more, and I can guarantee you'll love them.

All in all, I'd call the day a success!

Here's a sneak peek of some of the photos I took today at the house which I will be using in the upcoming book. Trust me, everyone. You will LOVE the finished product [when that time comes]. I'm so excited about it. I took dozens of photos both in and around the house, but for now [and probably until the book is done] this is all you're getting. We'll call it a teaser:

Through My Window

So much I see through my window
A branch of blossoms in the spring
A fleecy cloud in summer skies
A little child - a precious thing.

I've watched the crimson sunsets fade,
The thrush returning to its nest
Busy traffic heading homeward
A tired world - seeking rest.

So much I see through my window
The last dry leaf of amber fall
The quiet snow of wintertime
Marshmallowed o'er my garden wall.

Its there I count the stars at night
And count my many blessings too
Its there I measure my regrets
And humbly ask forgiveness too.

And when my heart is troubled most
Seeking release from pain and care
I wander to my window then
And feel His presence with me there.

He soothes my wounds, and lifts my soul
While all lay silent in the sod
So much I see through my window
As I linger there - with God!

To A Spider In The Bowl

I can see you spinning round and round
Caught within your snare
Helpless creature that you are
Struggling in your prison there.

Your efforts are so futile
They'll endlessly go on
Yet you are weak and know not --
That your strength will soon be gone.

And mighty giant that I am
Just the merest puff of breath
Could give you back your freedom
And save you from this death.

And as I tower above you
Your fate within my hands
I recognize your nothingness
Controlled by my commands.

So plead with me - beg of me
That I might mercy give
For my very slightest gesture
Could let you die -- or live.

And as the shadows of the day
Moved across my room
I viewed again this tiny dot
In coiled, conceded doom.

I pondered as I stood there --
My head bowed shamefully
Compassion crept into my heart
My soul began to see --

As my thoughts began to soar and rise
To Him who dwells above
I felt His greatness over me
I pleaded for His love.

How small and insignificant
I felt within His power
The sorrow -- and humility
I knew within this hour.

Oh helpless creature that I am
I fall on bended knee
And God in all His mercy
Looked down and smiled on me!

Orvetta's thoughts: For when men get too much power, and too much pride in the heart, they are unknowingly in dire need of a humbling experience to make them humble again and fit for God.

The Wind

By Geneva Pace

Here I sit trying to think
And write a few lines at least
But the wind is louder than my thoughts
With fierce sounds that never cease.

So I just sit here alone looking out
Listening to it howl and watching it blow
The trees swayand the grease-woods dodge
Every little twig is bending to and fro.

The pretty white seagulls are baffled too -
Up with the wind they whirl then down they come
The sparrow's nest is empty, riddled and torn
And the Killdeer that sang so sweet, has gone.

The sun sets back in a milky sky -
Casting a gloom on the dust parade
The water dashes up like dirty snow
And there's a few trails the wind has made.

Mountains have disappeared far in the dust
And green fields look like the deseret sand
The loose gates bang and the windows shake
The cows in the corral are too nervous to stand.

So how can I think in a day like this
With the noise of wind and its haunting tune
I'll wait until the Killdeer sings again
And the air is filled with the Iris perfume.

Geneva's thoughts: One time when I was living on the farm, a terrible wind was blowing. I sat there looking out on the dreary day with my pencil and paper in my had to write something to help one of my daughters with a talk she was to give in Stake Mutual, but the wind was blowing most forcefully and I could not settel down to write as I became restless with the wind and wrote of it.

Mothers

I'm happy to be here.

Today I would like to share with you some of the thoughts that have been coming to me lately.

I was pondering - meditating - over my life and I asked myself this question, "Why do you think you are active in the church today? How did you grow to love the gospel?"

And I came up with this sure answer:

My mother, who loved the Lord herself and I watched her and listened to her, and began my first simple prayers to my Heavenly Father - believing. My mother would sit down and tell me, and my brothers and sisters, of some special spiritual experiences she would have and I could see the light and joy in her eyes as I listened and again believed. She took time to show me the first bloomed rose - letting me know this world is beautiful and God created it to be so - for us.

I would like you today, to think of your mother and the sweet memories you have.

All mothers, yes all mothers, leave their influence upon us. Our mothers instilled in each of us lessons in life, warmth and love. We may recall homemaking, teaching a special recipe we use of mother's - a special tradition. And I feel that we grow into these later years there is something that draws us even closer to our mother.

We came through the years in a period of family closeness, didn't we? We were blessed - we all sat around the table for our meals at the same time. On occasion if one should be missing, the empty chair filled us with a little emptiness. We studied around the same table, we knew of each others interests and feelings in a much more intimate way than ever today. We were blessed.

Life today toakes on a fast pace - a hurrying and scurrying where we cannot know our family members so well.

Brother & Sister Pickering

Dear Brother and Sister Pickering,

It is a pleasure to express thoughts of appreciation to you - because it will be so easy, sincere, and from the heart.

When I said "Yes" to Sam - and became Mrs. Samuel B. Groom on December 29, 1987, I anticipated the many changes that would come into my life.

One of the greatest highlights has been working in the St. George temple, and a big part of that has been getting to know you, Brother and Sister Pickering, our supervisors.

To you, Sister Pickering, in my memory I shall always see your black popping eyes, expressing the enthusiasm that lies within your soul. Your love of life radiates - your quick steps - (and excuse me, your tiny waist) make up the part of you I will remember.

And then when I add to this the "always" smile of you, Brother Pickering, I see before my eyes the scripture, "Let your light so shine . . . (and) glorify your Father, which is in Heaven." To me this is the gospel ("good news"). We should be the happiest people on earth and we should show it - and you do!


In Appreciation

All things come to pass, they say
And soon you will move on
To other heights of service
You'll always carry on!

These are thoughts I'll keep of you
They'll always be a part
Of special memories I'll hold
Tucked deep within my heart.

Always we would find you there
Steadfast and early too!
Gleaning and rearranging
The work we'd have to do.

And one thing I could count on
I knew I'd hear you say
As you'd look down on your schedule
"It's going to be a good day!"

Cheerfulness is a part of you
I always find it there
Kindness always on your lips
You give concern & care.

The world's a better place, I know,
For all the lives you touch
I thank you very much!

Have You Heard About Our Teacher?

Have you heard about our teacher?
It really surprises us so
We never thought she'd do it
And then before we knew it
She up and caught herself a beau!

For years and years and years she's tried to catch one
Her folks were beginning to get a little afraid
That time was running out and she was just about
To turn into an old school teacher maid!

And then one day she cast her eyes on Lonny
And was determined she would catch him in her net
She said no one could stop her
And man she caught a whopper
We don't know how she did it yet!

But she has lots of little tricky tactics
She's always working on a scheme or two
She said, "I'll make some plans, how I can catch this man"
Just let us tell you of a few.

We were planning on our swimming party
Packed it with fun galore
Then Miss Fullmer went to the phone and said,
792-84.

"Hi Lonny, we're having a party
This Monday night at eight
My Sunday school class has got it all planned
And they can hardly wait
But twenty kids are coming, I can't handle them alone
So I was wondering if you'd be the other chaperone?"

"And then, of course, I guess you know
That I can't swim a stroke
So if I should need a life guard
You'll be around, I hope?"

So Lonny came to the party
To protect her from all harm
And when the night got chilly
He kept her comfy warm!

And when she was teaching in Provo
Once again her plans were laid
She decided she must have some help
To make some visual aids.

She'd promised her little students
She'd build a teepee strong
With colors bold and daring
She'd have to call on Lon.

So off to the little school room
They went one moonlit eve
To complete another assignment
She was laughing up her sleeve.

They painted, pasted, cut and snipped
And how the time went by
They didn't really notice
Do you know the reason why?

A policeman strolling on the street
Kept looking at that light
And said, "What could be going on in there
When it's this time of night?"

He strolled some more and checked his watch
And with no further hesitation
He said, "I think it's time to start on my investigation."
So carefully he tiptoed up to the door to listen
And said, "Oh dear, I think I hear,
Somebody in there kissin'!"

He pushed the door with all his might
Do you know what it was instead?
It was the teachers marking pen
Scratching on more red!
They weren't making whoopee
Just a teepee!

Well we could go on forever
And tell you about her schemes
But by now you all have realized
That all her plans materialized
And she found the answer to her dreams.

So today the news is greatest
And it's the very latest
For she not only caught him
But as of today she's GOT HIM --- FOR KEEPS!

September 11, 1969
Reading presented by Nedra Fullmer's Sunday School class.

Lovely Things

My world's so full of lovely things
Each rising dawn brings beauties new
If only I could keep a part of
Every day that passes through.

The rain must over fertile fields
The stately tree so tall
The crimson sky at sunset
As the twilight shadows fall.

If I could only stretch my arms
And capture all I see
I'd hold it close securely
And keep it there with me.

I linger with the summer
And feast upon each hour
Explore each heavy-laden branch
Til I know every flower.

I touch each fragile petal
Of the roses in full bloom
I find the springtime lilac
And drink deep of its perfume.

Oh doesn't your heart pity
That man that doesn't see
This beauty that surrounds him
Who walks on aimlessly.

Tho' robins send their thrilling notes
Across the fragrant air
His ears are deaf -- silent
He goes on unaware.

The golden morning sun will rise
And open my new day
Compelling me to reach beyond
With it's magnetic ray.

I dare to race the wildest winds
And o'er green meadows fly
Releasing all my secret dreams
I toss them to the sky.

My thoughts will build as rising
Waves that push through heaving foam
My hopes shall reach the highest peak
I'd conquer heights unknown.

Oh doesn't your heart pity
The man that cannot feel
This vibrancy of morning
His soul unmoved -- still!

And should this day escape me
And vanish from my sight
I'd love the quiet gray of dusk
As it softly turned to night.

And doesn't your heart pity
The man who doesn't know
The peacefulness of evening
As life's shadows fade and go.

My world's so full of lovely things
Each step I take brings beauties new
And if I could, which would I choose
To linger with til day is through.

If God would only take His hand
And gather all for me
Then hold it in safe keeping
For my eternity!

May 21, 1968

Memories of My Mother

Today my heat is filled with love, and deep humility.
And memories of a mother
That God had given me.

He gave me someone special
Who was kind and sweet and true
Who found her hreatest joys in life
In the good that she could do.

If one could read inside her book
That tells of her life's story
They'd find her sons and families
To be her greatest glory!

Each page so tenderly would hold
The warth and love and pleasures
Each special person brought to her
And each, a cherished treasure.

She did not seek for riches
Her guest was not for fame
The simple things she valued most
The joy of work, an honest name.

The little thoughtful things she did
Somehow could say so much
And all who knew her felt her love
Her quick ways - her gentle touch.

You see, she taught her sermons
Not by words as many do
But by her deeds and actions
Her creed came shining through.

Many useful years she gave
Before her illness came
And many days and months she's laid
In suffering and pain.

And now today she's left us
For a more exalted sphere
I'm grateful for the life she lived
While she was with us here.

And there's rejoicing in my heart,
combined with memories
That she is free from earthly care
Her soul has found release!

Composed for the mother of Robert E. Steele

Story Of Our Lives

I've just been adding and totaling since two thousand three has begun
So many paths we've traveled, let's turn each page one by one.

We've sung our "Happy Birthdays" blown the candles, had our cake
Jumped so high from our Palladium seats as those three pointers she would make!

We've watched the Priesthood circle and hold within their arms,
A tiny little baby boy so cuddly and warm.

And then we've heard his father's voice so touched with gratitude and love,
Pronounce his name, then blessings sought from our Father up above.

Now we're dining out together. It's grandma and her children, all.
Enjoying, talking laughing! Oh the memories we'd recall!

And now I look upon him, this fine young man sits there -
His father's hands upon his head, in my heart a silent prayer!
For he's ordained to be a priest, advancing on his way
And all the family gathered there upon this Sabbath day!

Now there is a time and a season as we each fulfill our years
The family has all gathered - at the graveside shedding tears.

So here is the other season, wedding bells, the bride's bouquet!
See the sparkling girl who caught it, she knows her turn's not far away.

Not wedding bells but school bells are starting now to ring
It's seminary graduation and "Good Old School Goodbye" she'll sing!
And the nearly college graduate is locking up his flat
To head to spacious new green fields he's so anxious to be at!

And so we turn the calendar page, we're to the month of June
And we all know that "Summer Theater" is coming up real soon!
Time to play and drop the work, for the wolf to make his howls
And how it amazed us all to see those big eyed, hooting owls!

And those hyenas with their mocking laugh, we laughed through every minute --
The ghost, the skunk that sprayed around! ('Twas only water in it).

Hot summer's now upon us, July parade comes down the street
To see that bright pink dress swing by, 'twas worth sitting in that heat!

And as we see the waving flag, our loyalty breaks through
We love our town, our country free, our own red, white, and blue!

And oh the joy of families -- the blessings heaven sends
This, the greatest gift of all -- the gift that never ends!

August 9, 2003

Pumpkin Pie

Sam was hungry for a pumpkin pie
So I said that I would bake one.
One big can makes two big pies
So to John and Joan I'll take some.

I looked upon these steaming pies
And figured I'd better decide
Who gets this much, who gets what
How shall I divide?

There's five for John and four for Joan
And Sam can still have plenty
But wait until you hear this out
Cause he did not get any.

Before it got delivered
I heard someone say
That Nate and Erika decided
That they'd arrive today.

Now seven for John and four for Joan
Now how much will remain
Oh dear the thought has struck me
I must deliver down the lane.

A funeral now has been announced
One pie I'd better take
This would be the thing to give
No need to bake a cake.

Oh dear now what should I do
I've promised John and Joan and Sam
So I have got to follow through
I'll do the best I can.

So the pie for seven will go to John
I'm trying so hard to please
I'll bake the frozen one for Sam and Joan
They got the Sarah Lee's.

January 25, 2001

Topaz

When Pearl Harbor was attacked by the Japanese, the United States government decided to gather all Japanese throughout the U.S. and put them in concentration camps - where freedom was taken from them.

Several thousand acres of land were purchased out in Millard County. This is west and north of Delta -Delta being the only nearby down with shopping areas and etc., service stations, hospitals and etc.

By September of 1942 a good part of the camp was built. The location - way out on barren ground by itself - was settled with tall mountains surrounding it, and one of the mountains was called Topaz Mountain. So that's how this concentration camp got its name - the mountain was north-west about 20 or so miles away.

It was sad to think of these people - imprisoned you might say - ripped from their homes, places of business, and out in a barren land of nowhere. Their living quarters so scanty and meager - long lumber barracks, partitioned walls inside didn't even go clear up to the ceiling. There was no privacy to speak of.

And high barbed wire fences closed it in and guards on duty always shot at anyone trying to escape. One Japanese was shot and killed tyring to escape - another sad tragedy. Some of the Japanese were so uncontrollable they were moved from Topaz to a concentration camp in California. So, the population was reduced to 8,778.

Ushered into our area by train, they were allowed to go into Delta to shop and etc. They were closely watched going and coming.

I had the experience of having five Japanese at my home Monday through Friday, as with war on, our young men called in service had left Delta desolate for farm help. We had large acres to care for, you know, no modern machinery much in 1942, so these five men had my two upstairs bedrooms. We formed a good friendship. I cooked for them three meals a day. They worked hard on the farm. They were very clean and bathed every evening.

These people created a new life. They had their own Post Office, their own hospital of 128 beds, their own eye and dental clinics, own fire department, own newspaper, own government offices and buildings.

They created their own schools:
3 preschool nurseries
2 elementary schools
1 high school
1 adult education school

They were proud of their schools of art, music, sewing, and classes in "Americanness."

They set up recreational programs - basketball, baseball, bridge tournaments, ping pong, hunting arrowheads, rock gardens, making artificial flowers, a theater, and a public library with both English and Japanese books. Once a week, they had a record concert.

Let me tell you, a meteorite found out in the mountains by two Japanese is now in the Smithsonian Institute in New York, the ninth largest in the world.

They had various religions and had five churches. Some were Buddhist, Seventh Day Adventist, and LDS churches.

Once a year, a handful of Japanese returned and held a reunion. They stood on the spot they once had to call home. I've been to their reunion as my singing group has performed there. I've stood on that spacious barren ground with steadfast hills still surrounding that once-lived spot. I've watched the tears roll from their eyes. I've seen the trembling lips that have spoken softly and emotionally as one another traded thoughts of those years of 1942-1945.

Heartbreakingly, the majority of those imprisoned here were Japanese-American citizens -500 of their boys in armed services, serving our country.

The war ended. They wrote to us and mailed us some gifts. I still appreciate and cherish my chopsticks in the black ebony box.

January 9, 2000
Interview with Jonathan