Hand-Me-Downs
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George put Bally and Gertrude out to pasture, and pushed the wagon back into its place in the barn. She saw her dad crouched in his make-shift bedroom stall. What a contrast from the man that she had seen on stage! “Hi Dad, can I come in?” “I’d say that you’re already in.” “What you reading?” “Something that I found in Lady GA’s old trunk in the loft. She was always a mindful person, really more of a philosopher than the old preacher man of a dad. Anyway—- I have been pondering it. What do you make of it?” “Read it to me.” “Okay, it is an ancient proverb by Wu-Chen who lived from 1178-1249, he was 71 when he died. He was considered an ancient old man.” Clinton peered at the yellowed frayed paper and read aloud: “ The path is in daily activities, but if you linger in daily activities, Then you are taking a thief for your son. If you seek some special life outside of daily activities, that is like brushing aside waves to look for water.” “ Humph, I don’t know what to make of that, Dad. I know that I resent and do not linger in farm life’s daily activities. I am so looking forward to teaching and being au pear for the Beaty family. I am seeking some special life outside of these mundane daily activities, but I don’t know what I’m looking for. Am I brushing aside waves to look for water? Am I looking for happiness when I already have it? Is it finding special life through my paintings? What does that say to you Dad?”
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About the Book
It is the early thirties and Clinton and Mader Morehouse are doing their best to raise their six children during one of the harshest times in America. Clinton, once a playboy and accomplished musician, has left his dreams behind to farm the dry land. Mader, a skilled seamstress, has always relied on her endless energy to help create a path for their future. But as the dust constantly swirls around their tiny town of Burton, Nebraska, the hope they once held for their lives is beginning to dwindle. As farmers try to survive without crops to harvest and water to revive the plants, Clinton and Mader must rely on their creativity and education to ease the hardships that are causing many to perish. As they do their best to overcome malnutrition, death, black blizzards, and the loss of beloved trees needed for fuel, the perpetual winds rage on, seemingly laughing at those who are able to stand against its bluster. But what no one knows is that the Morehouse family is embracing a secret weapon that may just hold the key to their survival. In this riveting historical novel, a Nebraska farm couple must find a way to endure the Dust Bowl and Great Depression and raise their six children to become productive citizens.
About the Author
Wren Richards grew up in rural Wyoming and enjoyed a lengthy career in the performing arts where she taught acting, scene design, costuming, and directed stage performances. She is also a sculptor who showed her art in several states and Costa Rica, and political activist who campaigned for several leadership positions representing her home state. This is her fifth book.