Inner Joy: Inner Joy: The Rag Princess-the Plot Author Barb ...

Inner Joy: Inner Joy: The Rag Princess-the Plot Author Barb ...: Inner Joy: The Rag Princess-the Plot Author Barb Franzen :   The Rag Princess b y Barb Franzen -Hopefully out in January Plot Aunt  Sy...

Inner Joy: The Rag Princess-the Plot Author Barb Franzen

Inner Joy: The Rag Princess-the Plot Author Barb Franzen:   The Rag Princess b y Barb Franzen -Hopefully out in January Plot Aunt  Sylvie, whom Celeste knows nothing about, along with an unscr...

The Rag Princess-the Plot Author Barb Franzen

 The Rag Princess by Barb Franzen

-Hopefully out in January

Plot Aunt  Sylvie, whom Celeste knows nothing about, along with an unscrupulous child worker, Elvira, arrive at the Temple’s ranch and home, unannounced. They have come with “official” adoption papers, announcing that 12 year old Celeste and her younger brother, Howie, will be living in Lincoln with the aunt. The Temples are the family that Celeste’s father worked for as a hired hand. Ginny Temple is her best childhood friend.  Aunt Sylvia, the wife of a pharmacist who owns  two drugstores, gravely abuses Celeste, leading her to believe that those she knew and loved gave her away. A Reverend Evan good assists the wealthy aunt in abusing Celeste. He is more interested in young girl than in God. He injures Celeste along with Sylvie's extreme degradation of the young girl. 
.   Later, following nurses training, Celeste reunites with Will Temple, one of the grown Temple children. As a child Celeste was nothing more than a household figure to him. They develop a close relationship, but unfortunately Celeste carries a secret that prevents her from considering marriage. Eventually, during the evening of a Christmas dinner, a meal that Celeste fixes for Will, something happens.Her confession leads to a turbulent evening. Celeste is forced to reveal her secret to Will. Attend the dinner in  Celeste's Christmas Eatery ,  her dining room el, to learn the conclusion. Tears and a lot of laughter, even though this is a serious topic. .
Book stems from my work as a child therapist and further research on Nebraska history during the 1920's through the 30's. Editors- Ladette Randolph winner of the Virginia Faulkner award . Dawn Garcia- Lincoln 

Inner Joy: Father Professes Love for His Wife

Inner Joy: Father Professes Love for His Wife: Scene From The Rag Princess         Celeste Dusty's parents's are discussing Celeste and why she's like her mother Scene ...

Father Professes Love for His Wife

Scene From The Rag Princess

        Celeste Dusty's parents's are discussing Celeste and why she's like her mother

Scene where the father professes his love for his wife.

.      

       "I worry about our Celeste. She’s lovely. I hope she’s able to see herself realistically. Your eyes need to smile when you look at her. Really, she’s going to look just like you someday. Speaking of appearances, you look gorgeous in rose. You wore rose to the courthouse in Broken Bow that day. When I asked you what you wanted for a wedding present, you said a cherry tree, garden seeds, and a garden. When you asked me, I said that I wanted you. As I remember it, we both got what we wanted. Next summer, let’s return there for a day. We can pick cherries and well…I think you know the rest.”

       “I would have married Sylvie and been miserable. It was when I saw you in the moonlight that I changed my mind. You had on that soft pink cotton dress and those Cinderella type shoes. Your hair was back on one side and the moonlight enhanced your features. You looked at me for the briefest moment and stole my heart... You were tall and slender with that full mouth and those shy but inquisitive eyes. Something gave when ours met. It might have been that humble sweet way of yours. I thought I would die before I have to touch you. There you were at the dance the next night. Even then, before I took you and your charms into my hungry arms. I knew I’d found my life mate. I've never had any regrets. Sylvie got the inheritance and Ida’s house and her world of greed and emptiness. I got you.”

Inner Joy: Not Apart

Inner Joy: Not Apart: Not Apart She might have died but wait… We’re not apart− not yet I see her in the curl of the windy waves, hear her  knock ...

Not Apart

Not Apart

She might have died

but wait…

We’re not apart−

not yet

I see her in the curl of the windy waves,

hear her  knock on the door,

I remember our  passion on sizzling  summer nights

 I hear her laughter, recall the  fun, feel the joy

In autumn

she's  the snap and crackle

 as I

stroll among the   leaves.

 she's the diamonds that sparkle

 on winter’s frost covered trees.

the snowflakes that dance down through the sky

the whimsy in spring’s warm rain

and yes, she's  the tear in my eye...

but wait…

We’re not apart−

not yet

She's  the  beat

that warms my heart....