Saturday, December 03, 2011

Enchanted by the Light: A Christmas Book by Local Bread Member Hank Bruce

Hank Bruce and his wife Tomi Jill Folk are passionate anti-hunger advocates.  They are strong proponents of using the moringa tree as an answer to global nutrition problems.  They even wrote a children's book to create an awareness of this valuable tree as a source of nutrition and a means to help provide safe drinking water.  

For Hank and Tomi Jill--Bread for the World members from Rio Rancho--telling stories is a great way to share their passions with others.  Case in point: a great collection of stories that Hank put together to celebrate singer John Denver's music.

Hank's latest work is a collection of 15 short stories celebrating Christmas in New Mexico.  (Tomi created the wonderful cover for the book).   This collection celebrates the diversity of the people, cultures and landscapes in our state.

Here's a great description in Amazon.com
Christmas isn’t just a marketplace holiday, nor is it a narrow observance of tradition, or the remembrance of an event dimmed by the distance of a couple thousand years. This is the one time of the year when we can set free the light that shines within each and every one of us. For a few days, or weeks, we allow ourselves the opportunity to glow with peace and good will. The light within vanquishes the fear and anger for just a moment in time, but within that moment is the hope of all humanity.
For each of these stories, this fifth season of the year is a special time, with spirituality that transcends the church pew. This is the season we experience with the senses. After all, New Mexico is a place where “red and green” don’t refer to decorations, but rather the dinner table choice of red or green chile.
During this most intense time of the year, we experience with more than the physical senses. We have the opportunity to experience our sense of belonging, sense of place, sense of hope, sense of peace, and most definitely, our sense of humor.
Sure, you can purchase the book online.  But wouldn't you love to have an autographed book from Hank?  He will be signing books at the following locations this month:

Today, December 3, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Alameda Greenhouse during North 4th Street Stop & Shop

Saturday, December 10, 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Alamosa Books interactive reading with puppets

Friday, December 16, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
La Montanita Co-Op in Santa Fe 

Tuesday, December 20, 10:00 a.m.
Loma Colorado Library (Rio Rancho) Children’s Flower Shoe’s for Christmas

Many authors have chosen to live in New Mexico.  But not all of them have the distinction of also being Bread members.  Another local author who is a Bread member is Lucretia Tippit, who helps organize offerings of letters at All Saints Lutheran Church.

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