Title: Hour Measure
Author: Mark Roemmich
Genre: Literary Fiction
Release Date: December 17, 2014
Publisher: Lysestrah Press
(Purchase links will be posted soon.)
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23508987-hour-measure
Book Description:
“Every day, think as you wake up, today I am fortunate to be alive, I have a precious human life, and I am not going to waste it. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others; to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. I am going to have kind thoughts towards others, I am not going to get angry or think badly about others. I am going to benefit others as much as I can.” ? Dalai Lama
SHINDIG ON THE GREEN is famous for its seasonal festivals and musical venues. Live music and arts are a significant element in this tourism-based economy and surrounding areas. A large crowd of tourists and locals are milling about along the river, experiencing the arts and crafts and food displays, as well as the many single artists and Bluegrass bands featured in the farmer’s market atmosphere.
Jacob Labrecque has been coming to the Shindig on the Green since he was a young lad. He is walking with his family, which is made up of a daughter named Amy Harris and her husband, Ray. He was also blessed with a granddaughter named Emily, who is about eight years of age. She is quite small for her age, and she is always sporting a very old-fashioned hat that covers most of her head. It has small flowers on one side, and she will not leave the house without it.
Emily is full of life and leaves her mark everywhere she goes. There is not a person in Asheville that hasn’t been touched by Emily Harris in some way. A special aura surrounds her tiny body that radiates outward. She has been diagnosed with a peculiar strain of Leukemia. People like to label her as a Leukemia victim, but she enjoys every present moment of life and doesn’t like to be called a victim.
Emily lives the Dalai Lama’s philosophy at the young age of eight. Most people search their whole lives for the wisdom she possesses. Emily struggles with Leukemia, but she transcends her pain by living each day as it comes. When the pain is too great, she goes to her safe place within her hour glass world. She shares this hour glass world with a chosen few, but she always shares her wisdom and love of life.
Perhaps when you read her story or see her vision, you too will be affected by Emily Harris. Her story is filled with true emotion reflected in her poems. She will meet a young man that will translate these words–these lyrics–into a song that will become her legacy.
Excerpt:
AS THEY WALK through the excited crowd, Amy and Ray keep watch over their exuberant child, enjoying the atmosphere as they fight back the sadness that obviously controls their lives now. If they were allowed, they would keep her inside more, but Emily won’t have it. Come rain or sunshine, Shindig night is her special night to enjoy all the things that make her happy.
“Papa, come see! The colors and patterns are exuberant and mystical, don’t you think?” Emily shouts to her grandfather.
Jacob walks up to his granddaughter and looks at the display of wraps, hats, and scarves. Emily takes a scarf from the table and pulls her hat away, revealing her bald head. She instantly creates a head wrap, spinning around for her family’s approval.
“What do think, y’all? Is it me, or is it me?” she asks as she twirls and throws back her head like a bull fighter.
“Most definitely, baby. You are very smart-looking and the dance makes it all work,” her mother says.
Emily smiles and decides to lobby for the purchase. “What do you think, Papa? Does this tickle you enough to pop for it?” she asks her grandfather with a giggle.
“Emily, that’s rude, honey,” her father says in a strong tone.
Emily realizes that her enthusiasm has pushed her beyond the limits of politeness. “I’m sorry, Papa, I just thought it would bring some color into y’all’s pale and drawn faces.”
Jacob laughs and agrees to make the purchase. He offers the young girl his advice in a whisper so that it won’t be heard by the vendor or her parents. “I think it’s a grand idea, but you should definitely haggle on my behalf.”