Clay Baby

Rowlanda's search for her biological mother spanned decades. Her stormy upbringing etched emotional scars that impacted relationships throughout her life. Echoes from her early years colored her view of herself and others: "And you " Clay cowered to the bottom step. "I'm determined to make a lady out of you if it kills me, and it probably will." A small whine slithered through her next words. "Just look at me, only thirty-six years old and I look dead and laid out. If it wasn't for you I wouldn't have my headache every day. I wouldn't look like a corpse." She raised her hands from her hips and the child ducked. "I saw you from the window," she accused as she stepped to the edge of the porch to measure out an ultimatum. "I'll make you wish you'd never been born if I ever hear you squeal like that again. And I'll nail you to the cross the next time I see you mess up your daddy's hair. You've got the nature of a common woman, and I'm goin' to conquer it. Do you hear me..?" Walk with her through school days, Navy days, farm days. Through Idaho wilderness travels searching for a place to hide. To a remote farm in the Oregon hills. Grow with her to acceptance of her own personhood, and to the compassionate ability to reach out to others who were rejected.