In what was a truly sensational event, I had the opportunity to present my latest book, Your Turn: Ways to Celebrate Life Through Storytelling, in my hometown of Seminole, Texas at the Gaines County Museum.
At the event, last Thursday night, the annual Christmas Open House, sculptors, artists and other authors presented their works. All their unique creative expressions spoke to West Texas in some profound way.
The other authors in attendance were a pleasure to present alongside. Claude Spence, the author of “The Garden,” discussed his book that speaks to true self-discovery and finding out about one’s destiny in life, some themes that pop-up in my latest book. It was also a great time presenting with Tina Siemens, an author and local historian who wrote a new book titled, “Seminole” Some People Never Give Up,” about my hometown.
I wrote a blog post about my visit with Tina in March 2019. Tina, while visiting the Boerne Public Library, had the opportunity to study a rare 1614 Low German Bible showcased to locals and out-of-town visitors by the University of Texas. This region of West Texas is rich in German cultural history, and Tina is a resident expert about the immigrant patterns, religious movements and people that have helped shape this part of West Texas.
In addition to presenting alongside great people, it was also an honor to talk about my new book, storytelling and my personal journey in my hometown. My life has taken me across the country, and around the world. Coming back to the place where it all started is fitting; a great of the personal narratives in this book encapsulates the people, traditions and culture of my hometown in West Texas.
The audience at the event was also fantastic! I was able to re-connect and greet so many members of the community, personal and family friends. It’s important to have moments where we come together and reflect on our shared histories and give ourselves reasons to ignite the bonds that make the community so vital to our survival as human beings. I look forward to talking about my book, and journey, at more local events like this in the future.
© Tyra Manning 2019
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