A Can of Peas, Lake Emily Series #1

Author: Traci DePree
Located in: Le Sueur Minnesota
Submitted: December 27, 2001

    Tell us a little about yourself.  In 1996, My husband and I became tired of chasing careers, of not knowing our neighbors except to toss a “hello” over the fence in our busy-ness. Life had become a racing monotony. And we began dreaming of living in the country, having a big garden and a few animals; of stopping to relish the life that God gave us. So we moved to the Valley of the Jolly Green Giant in southern Minnesota. It has become all and more than we had hoped. Here, I can look out my windows across acres of cornfield. I can hear the cicadas when September flutters in. Here my neighbors are my best friends, calling to check on me when I’m ill, bringing a hotdish over even though I tell them they don’t need to go to all that trouble…

    What was your motivation behind this project?  When I started writing A Can of Peas I especially wanted to give each reader a reason to believe that the person next to them in the airport or in line at the grocery store is worth getting to know, because each of us has a story worth hearing if we will only take the time to listen.

    What do you hope folks will gain from this project?  With today’s news a constant onslaught of negative events in our world, it is difficult to remain encouraged and to believe that good will still exists. A Can of Peas carries a message of hope and shows America as it ought to be and truly still is in rural Minnesota. Where people genuinely care and acts of kindness are everyday events. I wrote A Can of Peas to offer hope for for those feeling trapped by the blurred pace of modern life and for those seeking a deeper connection with God, others, and creation.

    Who are your influences, sources of inspiration or favorite authors / artists?  The lessons learned in A Can of Peas are lessons that I learned in our own move to a farming community in rural Minnesota. I am influenced every day by those whose lives touch mine and especially by Jesus.

    Anything else you'd like readers / listeners to know:  I have a heart for fiction, especially excellent fiction. To learn more about my favorite authors or the daily happenings in my life visit my website www.tracidepree.com

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