The Idea Takes Root

"I feel like I already know you," I said as Shannon Puljak answered the phone.

As the journey from manuscript of "The Pilgrim's Basket" to final book began, a key component was knowing the story's roots. Because the actual garden project the story idea grew from was planted five years ago, unearthing the teacher seemed improbable.

With God nothing is impossible however, and last night's conversation was a clear example of this. I spoke with Shannon, the third grade teacher whose classroom Learn and Serve project inspired "The Pilgrim's Basket" and got the dirt on the real story. I learned about Shannon's willingness to attend a grant-writing workshop and follow through with ways the grant could be used to serve her school and enrich their community.

Finally, I heard about the collard greens that in the book become carrots and about the little girl whose hunger and gratitude so impacted me. I heard about an elderly neighbor who, with Shannon, came to the school courtyard on Saturdays to till the soil in preparation for the planting. I heard about the scarecrow the kindergarten classes made and the way the entire school anticipated the garden's harvest. I learned about the continual production and reharvesting as the growing season continued.

From the seed of an idea "The Pilgrim's Basket" took root. Shannon's inspirational teaching provided more growth than one harvest showed. It continues to produce. I look forward to seeing the fiction story it inspired plant new ideas in readers as they reach out to serve and grow.

The Germ (of an idea)

Have you ever wondered where stories come from? In this case, it all started with a story told over Mexican food. Christee Atwood, author of Journal of a Midlife Crisis, had the brilliant idea of gathering friends together who had one common link, writing. What resulted was lively conversaton, delicious food, and ideas that bore fruit among many present that evening.

That night I met Denise Dowell. We shared a love of writing and children. It didn't take long for us to begin telling stories about children who inspire us. Denise's work with service learning brings her all over the nation to facilitate the inclusion of service learning projects in the classroom. Over nachos Denise shared a story about a Louisiana teacher, Shannon Puljak, and her class that begged to be written down.

Finally, "The Pilgrim's Basket," the fiction story inspired by that garden growing service learning project, has taken root in the publishing industry. Living Waters Publication will put this inspiring story into print in 2008. It is presently in the hands of its illustrator.

I'm praying that the idea shared over nachos, which later germinated into a story, will grow into a book that draws others into serving their community in wonderful new ways.

Join me in the journey as I track the growth of "The Pilgrim's Basket" on this blog. Stop by often. I covet the encouragement and prayer.

Mary Ellen

Introducing Angela

Angela watched the droplets trickle down the glass window pane as the yellow bus pulled to a stop. Only one more stop left. Her stomach rumbled.

"Hey, did you say somethin'?" A tangle topped head turned around to ask from the seat in front of her.

Angela shook her head and slid down in her seat until the back of the green pleather seat hid her from view. She wiped away a tear and bit her lip before tangle boy heard her cry too. Maybe there would be something in the refrigerator today.

The bus pulled to a stop again. Angela rose and made her way to the front of the bus. As she passed the driver, he waved and smiled. "See you tomorrow."

Angela's smile wavered. She nodded and stepped off of the bus. She didn't expect anyone to be home when she took her key out of its special zippered compartment and slid it into the lock. She certainly didn't expect the smell that wafted through the door as it opened.

"Mom," Angela called, walking forward. She was certain now. It didn't matter if the fridge was empty. She smelled homemade bread.


Look for more about Angela's journey in my children's book "The Pilgrim's Basket" coming out in 2008 by Living Waters Publications.

Mary Ellen