posted at 11/19/11 - 11:31 PM
My 2nd Book; "14 Brown Eggs"
was Featured in 5 of our Local Newspapers this past week; on Thur. Nov. 17th
Here is Part 1 of the Article
Author Judy Conrad Recalls Childhood Stories in Second Book
By Justin Eger
of Mainline Newspapers
Last year, one of the most enjoyable books to hit the market of
Cresson readers was not a fictional tale of detectives or dragons, but
a personal, heartwarming story focused on life, love, and family. For
many, it was a tale that was easily relatable, set as it was “up the
mountain,” recalling life at a farm on the Foot-of-Six, not far from
the Allegheny Portage Railroad, and how it shaped the author’s future
and faith. Now, one year later, author Judy Conrad is returning to the
bookshelves as her second book sees publication, and though the
subject matter is similar, this book offers deeper insight into those
early stories of the 58-year-old writer’s life.
“Ironically, my first book, Protected by Angels - Blessed by God,
begins the second chapter in my life, with my marriage, the birth of
my three children, and how my mother's powerful faith, which she
instilled upon me so many years ago, brought me through life’s most
devastating storms,” Conrad, a member of the Gailey clan, explained.
“14 Brown Eggs tells the story of my life on the farm, sharing my
parents love with six sisters and seven brothers, creating wonderful
childhood memories full of love, excitement, and plenty of hard work.”
In 14 Brown Eggs, Conrad invites readers to share in stories of
growing up on a farm in the small Cresson Mountain community, sharing
a two-bedroom home with six sisters and seven brothers, a matched set
of fourteen that gives the book its title. The stories carry an air of
familiarity for the many men and women who grew up in and around
Cresson, recalling long weeks of hard work on the farm, Sundays filled
with rest and worship, and holidays filled with food, family, and fun.
Throughout, Conrad recalls the loving nature of her mother and father,
inspirations that, much as she detailed in her first book, would shape
her into the woman she is today, with children and grandchildren of
her own, all sharing one roof in Altoona, much like she did with her
siblings years ago.
“Moving to the city and living in a duplex was a major adjustment for
this country girl,” Conrad says of the home she shares with her
husband Jim, her children Paul, Karen and Patrick, and grandchildren
Tessa and Ava. “However, this chapter in my life has brought many
rewards. I have been blessed with the opportunity of having all of my
children and grandchildren living under the same roof, and although
conditions are crowded and at times our days are extremely hectic,
this is a lifestyle I am definitely accustomed with. I have the
pleasure of knowing that my family is safely tucked in each night and
I never become weary of watching my grandchildren with their young
minds hard at work, as they grow and change right before my eyes.”