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I am inspired by strong women. Not necessarily in terms of physical strength, but by the impact they have on the world around them. Therefore, my passion lies in writing about women who make a difference.
Writers are individuals who promote, entertain, and communicate while building a brand around their stories. They possess the skill to transform an idea from their imagination into a vivid reality. While writers and authors share many similarities, they have different intended audiences and distinct objectives, whether writing fiction or nonfiction.
There are also writers who specialize in crafting handwritten letters. A practice considered obsolete today. Beautifully crafted letters are still valued and appreciated when received by mail or hand-delivered with a kiss.
In today’s world, we frequently rely on communicating by blasting off emails, Facebook messages, or texts. Instant everything has become a way of life. These methods of communication are commonly generic and impersonal. However, there is certainly something special about a handwritten letter that sets it apart. It’s as unique as receiving a beautifully wrapped gift and it is a dying art.
I feel incredibly lucky to have the chance to celebrate with all of you. I have written and completed seven novels, and I am currently working on an additional seven. I am an unknown author, on a quest through words for my debut performing an art. My ultimate goal is to create and share extraordinary stories that revolve around strong women. Interacting with readers daily is a way for me to bring some brightness into the lives of others. I would like to sincerely thank all the people who have supported the journey of empowering women. The blog, "Nine Husbands of Aunt Ida," is not focused on writers, authors, or the act of writing, but rather on an incredibly special woman.
When I reflect on powerful women, it truly motivates me. The initial woman who comes to mind is May Hannah Lynaugh, my mother-in-law. May had a passion for writing and fearlessly embraced the world, leaving an impact on numerous individuals between 1903 and 1989. She predominantly communicated through writing letters, leading a remarkable and private life. The modern method of writing today would undoubtedly astound her.
May kept some of her past hidden, but the large scars on her upper arms served as a constant reminder of her history. May Hannah, whom I affectionately called mom, stored her beautiful stationery in a decorative wooden box. She would devote hours to writing and would consistently drop off two or three letters in the mailbox each day. Each letter was sealed with a kiss and affixed with a $0.22 postage stamp featuring the face of the Statue of Liberty. Her cursive writing style resembled artwork, and her address book was meticulously organized alphabetically, filled with the names of people she held dear. I would sit at the dining room table, observing her as she meticulously wrote long letters, painstakingly turning each page. At times, it appeared as though she was sketching instead of mere writing; she possessed a truly artistic spirit.
In the picture above is May with her son Michael, who
was her firstborn at 40 years old. Michael became a
helicopter pilot, my loving and devoted husband.
However, May's passion for writing was evident. But she disliked the name Hannah, so I am certain she is annoyed with me up in heaven that I am referring to her birth name, May Hannah.
The deep scars on her upper left and right arms were two tattoos she had removed and served as the daily reminder of her contributions as a Rosie the Riveter. She set off from Minnesota to California to work in the shipyard, where she was among the women who played their part in the efforts during World War II.
A woman can achieve anything she desires in life. May was not only an entrepreneur but also a visionary, and a writer. She was a loving mother and mother-in-law, a trustworthy friend and neighbor, a business owner, and a resilient woman I respect and love.
I thoroughly enjoy creating stories about powerful women who defy the norms, relentlessly pursue their aspirations, and challenge societal norms. May serves as an outstanding example of such a woman and she was my greatest mentor and inspired me with her stories to write my next novel.
The story of Nine Husbands of Aunt Ida, although not reflective of my mother-in-law's personal life, shares a common theme and a familiar story about the history women have witnessed. The narrative portrays women who overcome challenges and carve out their destinies, inspiring future generations of women to pursue their dreams.
Let's make writing an art again. You can start by keeping a journal. You can choose to write a letter to someone special in beautiful cursive writing on your preferred style of stationery, or be courageous by beginning your novel for the world to read. Follow me and the story of "Nine Husbands of Aunt Ida," and create a better world one word at a time. Keep our history alive for the next generation of strong women.
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The inspiration for sharing this story also stems from my granddaughter. One day, as I listened to Elvis Presley’s music, she inquired about who Elvis Presley was. The music was foreign to her. When my granddaughter asked that question, she was the same age as Elvis when he went to Sun Records in Memphis to record the song, "My Happiness." Elvis paid $4 to get an acetate copy of the 78 RPM record from the studio, intending to give it as a present to his mother, Gladys. History was made that day in 1953 and lost 64 years later in 2017 from a different generation of teens.
That was the moment I knew parts of history were disappearing. It is now a fitting moment to revisit history and allocate time with our grandparents, family members, or companions who have experienced remarkable longevity. Let's document the past for the next generations before it vanishes indefinitely.
