The memories recounted in this book encompass her childhood through her early married years and the births of her two daughters. She recalls growing up in Pacific Northwest logging towns during the Great Depression and the impact of World War II on her friends, her brothers, and herself. She tells of following her brothers to college and into teaching. She talks about living in construction camps in Brazil and Canada, with her new husband, and later with her babies, and about trips back and forth by Tramp Steamer, Cruise Ship, and Propeller Plane.
Her life seems filled with Stardust as she wanders down the lane and far away from the small towns of her youth, and becomes a citizen of the world.
Our wish here is to pass along stories of Dottie’s early life from 1918 to 1955 that seem too good to let fade away. Dottie, her parents, and her four fine brothers may all be gone, but the family has grown, as has her circle of friends. Dottie’s 100th birthday party certainly demonstrated that!
We would love to send you all copies of the book, but we can't afford it! We did not set out to write a blockbuster commercial success! We want to price the book so that people can actually buy it. We are not in this to make an income. Our hope is that printed copies will be read and shared and take up space on bookshelves. Generations down the line, some curious person may blow the dust off, crack it open, and dive into another time, possibly meeting some of their own ancestors.
For some, reading an e-book version may suit better, and that is in the works, as is a special hardbound version. Check back in early 2026 for these.
Some early readers have shared their reactions to the book, which you can read on the home page. After you read it, please add your thoughts!
This project was a labor of love that brought us closer together. Here's hoping you will enjoy all we put into it!
Muito Amor,
Janie Kole