And The Guest Author Is . . .

DONNA MCCLURE
A Shades Reader

"Photos—the shards of all our families past—have been a fascinating
tool to unearth new layers and stories."

I love my job! O.K. you say, I created it I'd better like it. Even so, I love my job! Sometimes, even my email. Such was the case recently, when I opened a very interesting email from Donna McClure.

Donna said she was a faithful Shades reader and as I was a photophile (great word), she thought I might enjoy the photograph she had attached.

Included with the lovely photograph were some of its and the photographer's history. It caught my attention and I thought it would certainly catch yours. I asked Donna to share this intriguing photograph and its story with you and she very generously accepted. Get to know Donna in her own words:

"I love piecing things together. My early reading habits probably reinforced that. Nearly every biography in our school library had my fingerprints on it. Many nights I read under the covers by the light of a flashlight—until I got caught and told to go to sleep. Reading other’s stories showed me the possibilities and trials in life and how history unfolds. A second favorite category was archeology. I was fascinated by how unearthed shards of objects and information magically showed us ancient worlds and lives.

An archeological dig of my own life would show a childhood layer as the eldest daughter of six siblings growing up in Upstate New York. I was fortunate to be surrounded by many circles of family—aunts, uncles, grandparents, great aunts, great uncles, first and second cousins. I so wish now I had followed them with my pad and pencil to collect more of their stories! Next revealed is a growth layer as I went off to college to earn a degree in French and Spanish. Followed by a marriage and motherhood layer where I raised two magnificent children. During those at home years, I became an accomplished quilter—there I go again piecing things together.

About five years ago all those skills and experiences brought me to exploring more deeply my own family history. It has been such a grand puzzle to piece together. Photos—the shards of all our families past—have been a fascinating tool to unearth new layers and stories."

Join Shades, Friday, April 3, when we welcome Donna McClure as she presents her story on Shades. See you then!