WHO’S IRIS?
I love growing food and flowers and telling stories, harmonious living indeed.
The Oxford Leader in Oakland County, Michigan, introduced my first byline in 1994. The Leader published my weekly column, Encouraging Words, and profiles and feature stories which led to publication in other newspapers including the Detroit News, Oakland Press, Romeo Observer, Tri-City Times, and Appalachian News Express. I thrived on finding local heroes and giving them fifteen minutes of fame. Today, it’s hard to find a good feature or profile in a newspaper.
From 2004-2014, I devoted my human and natural resources to develop Yule Love it Lavender Farm and encourage good husbandry of land and home.
In 2013, our farm was awarded the Keep Michigan Beautiful Award—perfect timing, as we closed the farm to the public after the 2014 season. That fall, I returned to the Tri-City Times Newspaper as a weekly columnist under the flag Honest Living. In 2017, my column was awarded First Place, Class C, in the Better Newspaper Competition sponsored by the American Press Association.
In July 2018, I completed a twenty-year project and self-published The Mantle, my first novel. I’m on the road again with book talks and signings for my award-winning story of forgiveness and restoration. www.themantlenovel.com
Now, well into 2022, I'm glad to report Brandylane Publishers in Richmond, VA, is representing my second novel titled Matewan Garden Club, historical fiction due for release Nov/December this year. A poet at heart, Milk, Honey & Chocolate Gravy, my first lyrical memoir, waits in the wing while I work on the first draft of my second memoir cookbook. If I’m blessed with a good, long life, I’ll publish Part II of my food memoir before I leave this planet for Glory. You may order your pre-release copy of Matewan Garden Club by emailing your request to irisfarmletters@gmail.com.
Meanwhile, my earthly purpose remains the same: to encourage people to write their stories and leave their legacy. I’m excited to see what happens next.
