MUD FLOWER BLOOMING is a work of fiction inspired by a number of real-life moments. In truth, it seems that I have carried the seeds for a book like this within me from the time I was a little girl. It seems that these fertile seeds found nurturance in the climate of my life’s journey, spawning fruitfully through my passion for storytelling. I have always relished storytelling. Actually, I thoroughly enjoy peeking behind circumstances, looking for the rest of the story, or creatively conjuring up possibilities in my mind for what the rest of the story and the story behind the story could or should be. I love to entertain all sorts of intriguing scenarios, allowing my imagination to run wild, completely savoring the uncharted course.

MUD FLOWER BLOOMING portrays the life journey of Jewelle, the heroine in this event-filled saga. In Jewelle’s voice, the vicissitudes of her life are presented unveiled while childhood memories, mysteries, and magical experiences lurk ever-present beneath her words. As she chronicles her trek from South Florida to South Dakota and all of the geographic settings en route, life lessons bearing moments of joy and suffering leap from her graphic portrayal, revealing transformative encounters sparked by love in various forms, resolute faith, a spectrum of relationships, and a host of challenging life issues, including aging, later-life coupling, violence, colorism, secrets, family conflicts, and matters of forgiveness. Failure as a mother is a persistent hurdle for Jewelle as she struggles with the mishaps in her life -- and their untoward effects on her adult offspring -- while walking a tightrope in providing guidance to her grandchildren. Still, intergenerational relationships have a vital place in Jewelle’s narrative, particularly with her elders, as she navigates uncertainty involving spiritual, cultural, and historic manifestations. With vigor she reveals her faith, interests, and passions, enhancing her story with portraits of stimulating people and extraordinary circumstances. Ultimately, with assurance, Jewelle’s voice calls the reader to join her on a life-changing expedition.

MUD FLOWER BLOOMING makes me smile. The inventive path to this book has been truly satisfying. As such, I urge the reader to embark upon what I consider an engaging adventure by reading the entire book, including the

acknowledgments, which offer history and insights of import. And by reading the prologue, which sets the tone for the fervor, magic, and mystery of the book.