I am very proud to announce that Mary Pacios has completed her memoir entitled Memoir of an Unintentional Feminist. She first attended my writing class in Portland (Oregon) for seniors to write their childhood memories and family stories years ago, feeling it would help with her writer's block. Since then we have become good friends.
May 5th, she had her book signing! Family and friends gathered in Portland to view some of her art and have her read from her book. Several of her photos are included in her book as well as family pictures from earlier years.
I was pleased to meet her editor Margaret, and her nephew, John. A few pieces of her art appear above us.
Mary's book covers several decades beginning just after World War II, highlighting the the difficulties of a young woman who had to leave school due to pregnancy to marry her childhood sweetheart. A few years later with three children, she divorces and puts herself through college, majoring in art. Her life and travels from Massachusetts to California to Oregon reflect the times of many women.
She was an anti-war activist during the Vietnam War; a spokesperson for the first San Diego, California anti-war teach-in; and a co-founder of Ecology Action, environmental organization.
To quote from her book:
"Mary struggles to find a balance between environmentalism and her art. Unjust treatment by 'true crime' writers and the sensational media coverage of her childhood friend's death drive Mary to examine her own past and search for the truth surrounding her friend's murder."
Mary is also the author of Childhood Shadows: The Hidden Story of the Black Dahlia Murder.
I do recommend that you read both!
Enjoy!
Emily
May 5th, she had her book signing! Family and friends gathered in Portland to view some of her art and have her read from her book. Several of her photos are included in her book as well as family pictures from earlier years.
I was pleased to meet her editor Margaret, and her nephew, John. A few pieces of her art appear above us.
Mary's book covers several decades beginning just after World War II, highlighting the the difficulties of a young woman who had to leave school due to pregnancy to marry her childhood sweetheart. A few years later with three children, she divorces and puts herself through college, majoring in art. Her life and travels from Massachusetts to California to Oregon reflect the times of many women.
She was an anti-war activist during the Vietnam War; a spokesperson for the first San Diego, California anti-war teach-in; and a co-founder of Ecology Action, environmental organization.
To quote from her book:
"Mary struggles to find a balance between environmentalism and her art. Unjust treatment by 'true crime' writers and the sensational media coverage of her childhood friend's death drive Mary to examine her own past and search for the truth surrounding her friend's murder."
Mary is also the author of Childhood Shadows: The Hidden Story of the Black Dahlia Murder.
I do recommend that you read both!
Enjoy!
Emily
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