Publisher's Synopsis
A compilation of essays, poems and letters written over the last few decades and woven together in a narrative that tells the story of a baby boomer's lifetime. This book was written as a labor of love, detailing a wonderful journey through our often tumultuous times. The book begins with some family historical backround and continues along the march of time from the 'wild eyed wonder' of youth, 'coming of age', in the 70's and 80's, living the 'American dream', family life, 'loss and sorrows', 'love and romance', all the way to the present day perspective of a life lived well and full. The book reflects one man's values and details how they came to be, and where they have led him. In it, I hope others can find moments, emotions and memories with which to identify along with perhaps an understanding that there has always been much more to our lives than meets the eye. The book, for the greater part, is a-political, focusing instead on cultural and family life from the 1960's through the present day, all with hints of a private, but obvious foundation in faith and optimism. The essays, poems and letters all draw upon lessons learned, some the hard way, from parents, neighbors, friends and most of all experience. Some family photos are included, both as an illustration of the times and themes, and the author's personal story. The author grew up in what was then, the small Massachusetts town of Franklin, then settled in the 'Quiet Corner' of Northeastern Connecticut to raise his own family. He lived in each for roughly thirty years, and this is a story of those times, places and the people who rode along on the journey. As the middle child of nine siblings, children of a high school English teacher, and a deeply thoughtful, if somewhat beleaguered home-maker, the 'gift of gab', seemed a natural birthright. Life in the 1960's and 70's in that small bedroom community had a most significant impact. Ours is a very different world today, from the one we all grew up in, some truths do remain, others no doubt, are sorely missed. The importance and influence of those 'small town' values, from a different time in America, extended through into the development of the author's life as a father himself, and to the lives of his children in another small town in Connecticut. The world certainly has changed, but many of the ideals and principles have survived. These writings are the product of a 'Life of Contemplation', a consideration of perhaps a grander scheme to things, and at the very least a tale of wonderful adventure that drives home the point offered to the author at ten years old by his father, that we can indeed, "Choose to be happy, regardless of the circumstances". That advice has been my mantra, and my hope is that others can read that in these writings, and hopefully find some truth of it, in their own lives.
