Join Me
You’re invited to attend a Local Authors’ Fair on Sunday, November 13, 2016, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Camarillo Public Library in Camarillo, California. I’ll be there to present The Spirit of Villarosa, a true suspense story that I coauthored with the late Horace Dade Ashton and his son Marc Ashton. The book debuted on June 28, 2016 and has received much praise for its compelling father and son tale.
I will also share my award-winning memoir, What Lies Within, with area residents who wish to meet local authors and read their books. If you’re in the Ventura County area that day, please feel free to drop in and introduce yourself. I always enjoy meeting my readers.
Help for Haiti
I have never visited Haiti, but I have been there through the written words of the late Horace Dade Ashton, his son Marc Ashton, and writers Tracy Kidder and Edwidge Danticat. The first two gentleman gave me the opportunity to help them write The Spirit of Villarosa: A Father’s Extraordinary Adventures; A Son’s Challenge, which debuted on June 28, 2016.
Horace Ashton first visited Haiti in 1906, when he wished to learn more about Voudou. He wrote, “On that first visit I fell in love with Haiti in a way that haunted me for life. The breathtaking beauty of this island paradise rivaled that of anywhere in the world I had visited. I fell in love with its vivid colors and vibrant music; the rich green texture of its mountains beyond mountains; and its turquoise ocean, so clear I thought I could reach down and touch the bottom. I felt an immediate connection to this country and its people, culture, and religion that would ultimately become my home and final resting place.” (more…)
Individual Stories Become a Part of All History
On Tuesday, September 27, 2016, the Friendship Connection #1 invited me to talk about how individual histories become part of all history at the Poinsettia Pavilion in Ventura, California. On a sweltering fall day, I shared my past experiences collecting oral histories for the Museum of Ventura County and presented excerpts from these interesting interviews. I also spoke about what an honor and privilege it was to help other people tell their stories in book form.
My own memoir, What Lies Within, grew out of these experiences. After all, if I could write others’ tales, why couldn’t I write my own? I did. But it took nearly ten years from when I began writing my book, a memoir of my early years, until it debuted in 2013. I squeezed it in between client projects and work for my professional organization, the Association of Personal Historians, Inc.
One project I began as a subcontractor in 2003 became my second longest writing achievement. A combination memoir/biography written by Horace Dade Ashton and Marc Ashton grew into a challenging series of tales that I helped tell. Based on recordings that the late Horace Ashton left behind and Marc Ashton’s story of his kidnapping in 2001, the book became The Spirit of Villarosa: A Father’s Extraordinary Adventures; A Son’s Challenge. This book was released on June 28, 2016, and I feel fortunate to have been part of this amazing true-life tale’s writing team.
I read excerpts from both books and answered questions about them and my life. Afterwards members purchased copies of the books, which I gladly signed.
Writing can be a lonely profession, so I really enjoy the opportunities I get to share my work by venturing out and speaking. It felt wonderful to be welcomed by such a warm, receptive audience.
Reunions Bring Out the Best
The Alhambra High School Class of 1966 held a joyful reunion last weekend, full of chance encounters, familiar faces, on-the-go conversations, heartfelt hugs, and promises to see each other sooner, thanks to the wonderful reunion committee who worked diligently to plan it. A tremendous thank you goes to Adele Cooke, Robin (Miller) Lambert, Kathi (O’Connor) Sarkin, Gloria Van Noy, Robin Zelenitz Grant, Laurie Brown Korpal, Darlene Heylek Nosworthy, Lana Wilson Machrone, and Linda Wilson Galluppi. This hardworking team made us all feel welcome to our blue-and-gold gathering where we celebrated 50 years since high school graduation. Most of us had no idea how much time and effort these women have given over the past two years as they produced priceless memories and a touching tribute to those no longer with us. Their efforts showed in every detail, and they are greatly appreciated.
I’ve always considered reunions to be intimidating, but this one was different. It was filled with fun. Thomas Wolfe said, “You can’t go home again.” Most of us realize that you can’t go back in time either, yet to some degree we did as we remembered and reminisced.
High school years are formative. Most teens are trying to find themselves. Many have problems of which others are unaware. This was especially true in the sixties, when we did not live in a tell-all society. I never realized others’ burdens until my 50th reunion, after many classmates mentioned reading my memoir, What Lies Within, and then shared their stories with me. Few of us had any idea about our classmates’ lives outside of school, and I found their revelations honest and sincere. Our common bonds revealed themselves in these shared moments.
One favorite phrase from the evening remains with me, as people viewed each other and said, “You look exactly the same.” What a great greeting to receive, especially after you’ve added fifty years to your life! But this was said time and again to several people, who I’d recognize anywhere. Yes, we’ve all experienced the joys and sorrows that come with being alive, and many have dealt with health problems that accompany growing older. Yet we discovered the joy of being together again as one class, and for that one evening we were ageless. For this glorious gathering, we can thank our reunion committee. They brought us together and made us one.
Thank you Adele, Robin, Kathi, Gloria, Laurie, Darlene, Lana, and Linda. You produced a warm, memorable event.
The Adventurers’ Club
Marc Ashton and I were warmly welcomed during our West Coast launch of The Spirit of Villarosa at The Adventurers’ Club of Los Angeles, which held a joint meeting with the Explorers Club of Southern California on Thursday July 21, 2016. More than 80 people interested in exploration and adventure came to hear about Marc’s father, Horace Dade Ashton, an intrepid adventure photographer, cinematographer, explorer, writer, diplomat, artist, scientist, and horticulturalist whose life spanned the late 19th and three-fourths of the 20th centuries. Marc Ashton shared the tale of his kidnapping in Haiti in 2001 and told how his father’s exploits and faith in his guardian angel led to his survival.
After the presentation, we were presented with gifts from the club before signing books for eager readers.
What a delightful way to introduce this great adventure story to the world!
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- The president of The Adventurers’ Club of Los Angeles presents Libby and Marc with certificates.
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- Libby and Marc give a beautiful overview presentation on “The Spirit of Villarosa.”
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- Over 90 people attended the joint event between The Adventurers’ Club of LA and The Explorers Club Southern California.
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- From left to right, Keith McBride, Denea Buckingham, Marc Ashton, Myriam Ashton, Libby J. Atwater, and Don Atwater.
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- The full house of attendees listened intently as Libby described the fascinating adventures of Horace Dade Ashton.
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- Libby J. Atwater and her husband Don enjoying dinner prior to the presentation.
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- Many attendees lined up to purchase copies of “The Spirit of Villarosa” and have them signed by both authors.
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- Social media manager for “The Spirit of Villarosa” Denea Buckingham is on the left with Libby and Marc celebrating the long road to “Villarosa”