2/11/2014

FOR EVERY MOTHER by Janene Baadsgaard book club discussion

Marilyn Laursen asked me to speak to her book group in Provo, Utah yesterday. I have to admit, speaking to a group of women who love to read is one of my favorite invitations. Each woman had purchased a copy of my book "For Every Mother" and wanted to talk about it. Some of the women in the Grandview Book Club shared favorite parts of my book while others asked me questions about my family or about writing. Still others shared their life experience, ideas and wisdom.

     These women have been meeting for 40 years. FORTY YEARS! Isn't that awesome. They have seen each other through child rearing, times of trouble, joy and great loss. I loved being with them. Those who read always share a love of learning and a love for life.

     My first book was inspired by a woman that spoke to me privately after I spoke to her book club.
     "Janene," she said, "I cut all your columns out of the newspaper and put them in my scrap book. I put that scrapbook at the side of my bed and every night I read one. They always make me laugh or cry and I always feel better about life. Then I can relax and go to sleep."
    
This kind woman gave me the encouragement I needed to write my first book. (So she wouldn't have to do so much cutting and pasting). I have a great love for book clubs and the women I meet there. Thank you for inviting me Marilyn. You are so blessed to have such a warm and loving group of friends and I was so grateful to meet them yesterday.

8 comments:

shirlgirl said...

I love that book, and it helped me to get to "know" you and your family. I cherish it and the lovely note that you wrote in it for me.

Janene Baadsgaard said...

Thank you Shirley. You are wonderful.

jkdekelly said...

I don't know that you will remember me--I lived in your ward for about a year and a half, 1981-1983 (with the Youd family). I always loved to read your columns in the paper, and have read and enjoyed several of your books. I have often thought of contacting you to tell you how deeply I was touched by the article your wrote many years ago on the passing of the Holman family. You were so sweet in expressing your love for them, and it meant so much to me! Thank you for the wisdom, humor, and love you have shared through your writing!

jkdekelly said...

I don't know that you will remember me--I lived your ward for about a year and a half, 1981-1983 (with the Youd family). I always loved reading your newspaper columns, and have read and enjoyed several of your books. I have often thought of contacting you to tell you how deeply I was touched by the column you wrote on the passing of the Holman family. You reached out with such love and understanding, and it truly served as a balm to my sorrowing soul. Thank you so much!

Janene Baadsgaard said...

jkdekelly,
Thank you for your kind comment. It meant the world to me.
You forgot to tell me your name.
Janene Baadsgaard

jkdekelly said...

I did forget! My maiden name was Kristine Jensen--now Kelly.

jkdekelly said...

I did forget! My maiden name was Kristine Jensen--now Kelly.

Janene Baadsgaard said...

Thank you Kristine. I love the Youd family and consider it an honor to call them my dear friends.