Category: Biography Publisher: Planning for Tomorrow
ISBN-10: 0976490366
Type: Non-Fiction
Pages: 122
Copyright: January 2007
ISBN-13: 9780976490364
A heartwarming story of what life was like from 1915 to 2006, as written by a woman who would never have thought of herself as a writer. Born on a Kansas dirt farm, she vividly describes what life was like in the "good old days," and surviving the Great Depression and the Dirty Thirties.
This is the life story of a very special lady, my mother, as told in her own words. She was many things to many people – a wife, a daughter, a sister, a mother, a cook, and a gardener, but she thought of herself as a quilter, and quilting is woven throughout her story. If the truth be told, she was an artist and an angel.
In 1995 after she and I moved into our new home, I asked her to write her life story. This book is that story. It paints a picture of what life was like for her, starting as a child in the early 1900s to her mid-80s. If you’ve ever wondered what life was like before indoor plumbing, electricity and a supermarket on every corner, reading Fran’s Story will take you there. The front cover of the book is a picture of the last full size quilt that she hand appliquéd and hand quilted.
Excerpt
Holidays at home were always happy times for us. WE were a close knit family, and with so many of us, there was always a crowd even without company. Sundays were the time for making home-made ice cream in the hand crank freezer. Dad was not one for ice "milk," like some of our neighbors made to save on cream. Mother made the mixture of eggs, sugar milk and cream, and I can remember the tiny bottles of "ice cream flavoring" that was used, and later relaced by vanilla.
Professional Reviews
From a family friend
Fran's story is a delightful reading experience. I enjoyed the homey, relaxing pieces of the past brought to life in Fran's descriptions. I now understand the dust bowl, the trials of the depression and the fears brought on by the drought. And yet the family found time to make the best of these challenges with friendship, fun and quilting. I had the pleasure of knowing Fran and shared her last birthday with her family. She had the endearing quality of making you feel extra special just because you were you and you were with her.
This book will leave you inspired by the simple things each of us can do to make a difference in the lives of others. With Fran it was a smile that brightened every room she entered. - Sue Schwartz, Family Friend
Another family friend
This book is the story of a remarkable women. It is a compelling saga that will make you laugh and make you cry.
I met Fran in 1994; she was my neighbor. Simply put, I fell in love with her. We had long talks together. Fran descrives a very hard life back but with joy and love, not with regret or wistfulness. Read her story and you will not be disappointed. - Sean Laas, former next door neighbor to Fran and Linda
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