Showing posts with label autobiography. Show all posts
Showing posts with label autobiography. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Blitz: Field of Memories (A Tapestry of Heartwarming Short Stories) by D.L. Norris




Field of Memories

A Tapestry of Heartwarming Short Stories

by D.L. Norris 

Autobiographical Short Stories, Historical Non-Fiction

Date Published: December 2, 2025



Field of Memories is a deeply evocative collection of autobiographical short stories and vignettes, chronicling the author's journey from childhood through adulthood. The book is artfully structured as a tapestry of memories, with each narrative thread representing a formative experience, a cherished relationship, or a poignant lesson learned along the way. Through this structure, the author, D. L. Norris, invites readers to traverse the landscape of her life, exploring the moments that have shaped her identity and worldview.

Norris's writing is imbued with a profound sense of nostalgia, celebrating the warmth and comfort of family bonds, the innocence and wonder of youth, and the resilience that emerges from overcoming loss. The stories span several decades, beginning with the author's earliest years and progressing through significant coming-of-age moments, family traditions, and historical events that have left an indelible mark on her life. Central to the narrative is the enduring influence of the author's mother, whose presence and guidance serve as a touchstone throughout the collection. The joys and sorrows of growing up are explored with sensitivity and insight, highlighting the universal experiences that connect us all.

A key theme in "Field of Memories" is the importance of preserving family stories for future generations. Norris emphasizes how these stories serve as a bridge between the past and the present, allowing us to honor our heritage and pass on valuable lessons to those who come after us. The narrative is enriched by vivid character sketches, introducing readers to a cast of neighbors, teachers, friends, and relatives who each contribute to the rich tapestry of the author's life. These characters are portrayed with warmth and authenticity, reflecting the complexities and nuances of real human relationships.

Throughout the book, Norris reflects on universal experiences such as childhood innocence, friendship, grief, forgiveness, and the bittersweet passage of time. Her stories are interwoven with poems and reflections, offering readers moments of both laughter and tears. The inclusion of poetry adds a lyrical quality to the narrative, deepening the emotional resonance and inviting readers to pause and contemplate the themes presented.

Ultimately, Field of Memories is a celebration of legacy, love, and the power of storytelling to connect generations. Norris's writing encourages readers to reflect on their own lives, to cherish the memories that have shaped them, and to recognize the enduring value of sharing stories with others. The collection serves as a reminder that our experiences, both joyful and sorrowful, contribute to the fabric of who we are, and that by honoring these memories, we can find meaning, healing, and connection.


About the Author

 

 D. L. Norris is a distinguished author and motivational speaker, widely recognized for her insightful contributions to literature and personal development. With a prolific career spanning several decades, Norris has explored themes of health, emotional wellness, family dynamics, and cultural history, earning her a devoted readership. Her acclaimed novels, “The Long Way Home,” “Where the Heart Is,” and “Old Books and Faded Dreams: Collector’s Edition”—are celebrated for their vibrant, humorous stories and authentic portrayal of real-life events and mindsets inspired by her beloved Scandinavian heritage.

Norris’s writing is characterized by its warmth, wit, and ability to capture the complexities of human relationships, drawing from her own experiences and family traditions. Through her work, she invites readers to reflect on the importance of resilience, hope, and unconditional love, weaving together narratives that resonate across generations.

She and her husband, Quincy, reside in the picturesque city of Hartford, Connecticut, where they continue to inspire others through their commitment to storytelling and community engagement.


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Friday, December 9, 2022

Blitz: The Adventures of a Southern (Baptist) Buddhist by Pamela McConnell with an excerpt and a giveaway



The Adventures of a Southern (Baptist) Buddhist

by Pamela McConnell, MSW, LCSW

GENRE: Non-Fiction, Autobiography

BLURB:

This true story is about a girl who is born up north; into a conservative, fundamentalist/evangelical family—but then becomes a Liberal Buddhist.

Her family moves back to their roots in the Appalachian south, where Pam is molested by her grandfather. She later owns her sexuality by becoming promiscuous; beginning a pattern of serial dating, marrying, and divorcing.

She is first married at 18 to another 18-year-old, who gives her a beautiful son—but he is a redneck and they have nothing else in common. Her second husband is a talented musician but turns out to like sex with men. Her third husband speaks five languages and is a Pakistani, but he beats her up. Her fourth husband is a chef who makes delicious meals but turns out to be a felon and a crackhead. Finally, the love of her life neglects to tell Pam for seven years that he is married.

In the meantime, Pam completes two degrees and works as a counselor, and then 20 years as a hospice social worker. She begins her hospice career in Southern California, where she has moved to get away from the DEEP South. That is where she converts to Buddhism. From that point, she begins to look inward for the answers to her questions about life’s meaning.                                

Pam leaves the country after two failed relationships, some years apart. She spends a year teaching English in South Korea and goes from there to Pakistan with her third husband. In between, her dad dies and Pam reconnects and bonds with her mom, backpacking on the Appalachian Trail. When she leaves the love of her life, she goes on Pilgrimage to India and Nepal. The meaning of her life is coming into focus.

At the end of the book, Pam goes on a trek in the Himalayas, on the Annapurna Circuit. Just over the three-mile high pass is a magical Pure Land in Muktinath, with a Buddhist temple that is dedicated to the female Buddha Vajrayogini. With a new perspective, Pam has the realization that her Enlightenment is ensured; she WILL become a Buddha someday.



EXCERPT:

After the divorce, mom said, “Don’t EVER bring another boyfriend or husband home.”

I didn’t go home for two years, although I wrote snail mail letters each month to answer mom’s letters. During this time Saint had married a 16 year old and had a son, Aaron. He and Clay would grow up to be close.

Saint’s reaction to my divorce was to remind me of a Bible story about ‘The woman at the well’:

“Do you remember they used to stone adulterers in THE BIBLE? I think that might be a good idea today.”

I asked, “What did Jesus say to the men that wanted to stone the adulteress?”

Saint was silent.

I answered my own question, “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.”

He seemed to be saying that maybe I should be stoned, since I was dating again and having sex after divorce. However, that did not stop HIM from dating again after HIS divorce a year or so later. It was DIFFERENT for him. His wife had left him.

I told mom: “If I have to act like Saint to be a Christian, I’d rather go to hell.”

She was aghast; but Pam, The Sinner, didn’t give a hoot. Because Saint was the “injured party” he was allowed to bring his next girlfriend/wife home. Mom coddled Saint and his now two kids, cooking for and babysitting them several times per week.

In contrast, she had told me: “Don’t expect me to babysit for you.”



AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Pamela McConnell, MSW, LCSW was raised in a fundamentalist/ evangelical Christian church and family. At age 34 she converted formally to Buddhism. She has recently completed a Pilgrimage in India and Nepal. Earlier, she spent two years in Asia: a year teaching English in S. Korea and a year in Pakistan with her 3rd husband. She worked as a counselor after earning a B.S. in Psychology. She worked as a hospice social worker for the last 20 years of her career after earning an MSW degree and becoming licensed as an LCSW. She is an avid backpacker and trekker, having done 500 miles on the Appalachian Trail and more than half of the Annapurna Circuit in the Himalayas. 


https://books2read.com/adventurebuddha

http://www.amazon.com/author/pamelamcconnell

https://www.facebook.com/pamela.mcconnell3/

https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/the-adventures-of-a-southern-baptist-buddhist

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22728585.Pamela_McConnell


Amazon Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Southern-Baptist-Buddhist-ebook/dp/B0B9Q9B8GY/ref=sr_1_1

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GIVEAWAY

Pamela McConnell will be awarding a $15 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f4449/


Check out these other blogs on this tour:

December 5:
1: 
Westveil Publishing
2: Jerry's Circumlocution
3: Fabulous and Brunette
4: Welcome to my World of Dreams
5: All the Ups and Downs
6: Moonlight Compass Books
7: Author Deb Bailey

December 6:
1: Straight from the Library
2: Author C.A.Milson
3: D. S. Dehel
4: Novels Alive
5: Let me tell you a story
6: books are love

December 7:
1: Literary Gold
2: Edgar's Books
3: Stormy Nights Reviewing & Bloggin'
4: Hope. Dreams. Life... Love
5: Paws.Read.Repeat
6: Ravenz Reviewz

December 8:
1: It's Raining Books
2: Sandra's Book Club
3: The Faerie Review
4: Sea's Nod
5: The Obsessed Reader
6: Books all things paranormal and romance

December 9:
1: Long and Short Reviews
2: Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read
3: The Avid Reader
4: Girl with Pen
5: Wendi Zwaduk - Romance to Make Your Heart Race
6: Iron Canuck Reviews & More


Ebook Review: The Plus-One Pact by Suzy Langevin

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