The ninth of ten children, Artis Brown was born June 8th 1926 in Chester, Idaho, the parents of Mormon farmers of modest means. She lost her father at age four. At age seventeen her oldest brother Elmo became the family's father figure. She moved to California during World War II where she met and married her husband John with whom she would have eight children. This is the story of a beloved mother in her own words, drawings and paintings. It is a story of great strength and endurance, of overcoming obstacles and hardships to achieve a meaningful and fruitful life. She tells the story of her upbringing on a ranch in rural Idaho, her migration to California, becoming independent, of finding a sense of self worth and dignity. It is the story of her marriage, the heartbreak and gratification of raising eight children, and the sense of loss and disappointment when her husband abandoned their home. It is a story of sorrow at the death of her oldest son. With her sister Zella she finds a new life in her latter years, far from her central valley home, in a cabin at Somes Bar in Siskiyou County. It is a story of tragedy and triumph, heartache and fulfillment. Her words capture her thoughts and feelings and her artwork captures her imaginative spirit as she relates true tales and reflections about the events in her life. From the Foreword: There are some things in life that are felt so deeply, that stir our emotions so profoundly, they are difficult to express. For many of us the most profound truth is the love we share with our mother. It is our mother's love that shapes who we are and empowers us to weather a thousand storms. Our mother's love is the seed of our soul. It warms our heart, gives us pride when we are worthy and shame when we are not. Whatever good we are we are because of her. Whatever good we do in this world we do because of her. Whatever hardships we endure and heartbreaks we overcome, we endure and overcome because of her. This work is her gift to her children and to all sons and daughters who could never find the words to express their gratitude and love.