My Three Daughters.
I feel so fortunate that I will have two novels published this year, The 53rd Parallel in early May, and Anung in August. And it’s a greater delight to have my three daughters involved in this work with me.
My eldest, Sarah Rose, is a poet who will have her first book of poetry published this year. Best Bones won the 2013 Agnes Lynch Starrett Poetry Prize and will be published by the University of Pittsburgh Press. With her permission I have included some of the lines from her poetry in The 53rd Parallel. She also built this website for me.
And just last week it was decided by the publisher that Brita, the second oldest, a talented designer and artisan, is to be the illustrator for Anung. Brita had previously contributed design elements to the stage play based on Anung produced by the Vitalist Theater in Chicago three years ago. (3/30/14 addition–the early sketches delivered today and they look great)
My third daughter, Krista Anne, is a very talented short story writer who is focusing on her entrepreneurial interests these days. She’s been helping me figure out how to be the social media promoter of my work that an author needs to be.
About 20 years ago I was driving down a backwoods road, listening to country music, thinking about my three girls, when I had to pull over to the side of the road to write down these lyrics for a song that was coming to me fast and fully formed. This is almost exactly what I wrote as I heard a country tune in my head. It was easy to find it’s title.
I Got Three Girls, Wish I Had Seven
I got three girls, wish I had seven, because each one’s as lovely as can be
When they come home, from their adventures, it’s in my arms they want to be
They like to stroll, out in the meadow, blossoms and birdsong is where they’ll be
Their eyes’ll sparkle, with their wonder, I love the way they reflect on me
I got three girls, wish I had seven, because it’s magic when they dance
They kick their heals, their hair a’flowing, they dare young men to take a chance
I’ve tuned my life, to their sweet music, they make it with a joyful heart
It wraps me to, their precious Momma, one melody, each plays a part
I got three girls, wish I had seven, ’cause they taught me all I know
About the secret to a good life. You’ll reap love, when love you sew.
I got three girls, wish I had seven, ’cause I just want more of their delight
I got three girls, wish I has seven, the world shines brighter in their light.