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