Flowers In A Mason Jar

By Donna Sikes

Go back to South Georgia with MamaDee and Ola Mae. These hilarious characters have a superstitious nature that will make you laugh from the heart. Izzy is still a precious soul, and her friend, Dawn, is out to catch herself a sheriff; hook, line and sinker. This period novel, Book II of “A Heart To Believe”, follows a struggling community in the forties as they find love and adventure. It honestly, and in a very picturesque way, chronicles the tight-knit town and the crises they have to overcome, all the while supporting each other and clinging to their faith in the face of adversity. This unembellished slice of life rewards the reader generously.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Donna Sikes
• Release date: Nov 20, 2012
• ISBN: 9781301908974

Donna Sikes

Donna has been writing poems and short stories most of her life. In 2012 she began writing books. A Heart To Believe is her first published work via AuthorHouse. Charli's Angel is her second, via Smashwords. Book II of A Heart To Believe, Flowers In A Mason Jar, will be published, via Smashwords, in December of 2012. A Children's Christmas story is being published via Smashwords in November of 2012. Donna lives with her husband, Allen, in Georgia. They have three children and six grandchildren. They are raising two grandchildren, since their daughter passed away in 2010. Besides writing and raising grandbabies, Donna is now retired.

Book preview

FLOWERS IN A MASON JAR

A HEART TO BELIEVE II

Go back to South Georgia with MamaDee and Ola Mae. These hilarious characters have a superstitious nature that will make you laugh from the heart. Izzy is still a precious soul, and her friend, Dawn, is out to catch herself a sheriff; hook, line and sinker. This period novel, Book II of A Heart To Believe, follows a struggling community in the forties as they find love and adventure. It honestly, and in a very picturesque way, chronicles the tight-knit town and the crises they have to overcome, all the while supporting each other and clinging to their faith in the face of adversity. This unembellished slice of life rewards the reader generously.

FLOWERS IN A MASON JAR

A HEART TO BELIEVE II

By:

Donna Bryant Sikes

FLOWERS IN A MASON JAR

A HEART TO BELIEVE II

Published by Donna Bryant Sikes at Smashwords

Copyright 2012 by Donna Bryant Sikes

Cover Art by Miss Mae

Smashwords Edition License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Flowers In A Mason Jar A Heart to Believe II is a work of fiction. Though some actual towns, cities, and locations may be mentioned, they are used in a fictitious manner and the events and occurrences were invented in the mind and imagination of the author. Any similarities of characters or names used within to any person past, present, or future is coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the author. Brief quotations may be embodied in critical articles or reviews.

Dedication

This book is dedicated to all the women in my life, those that are here today and those that have moved on to their great reward. My grandmothers and my great grandmother gave me precious memories. I would like to thank my sister, Debbie, for inspiring Dawn's character. Her free spirit and her humor have always brightened my day. I have to thank my mother, Clayra, for her loving, guiding hand throughout my life. I thank my mother-in-law, Virginia, for giving me flowers in a mason jar that inspired this title and the events around it. And I couldn't do this work without the support and encouragement from my husband, Allen. He stands by me through it all and is always willing to help with my writing. The good Lord gives me strength through him and our loving children and grandchildren.

Heart-felt appreciation to:

My beta readers, Linda Hicks and Vicki Yates King of Georgia.

My awesome cover design artist and ebook formatter, Miss Mae.

And my editor that always does such a great job, http://www.editingfairy.com/

Chapter 1

South Georgia

Early 1940s

Izzy lay on a blanket by the creek, watching its rushing water race over the rocks after flooding two nights before. Elise, born in late August, was now six weeks old and lay sleeping in the crook of her arm. Izzy's eyelids grew heavy as John, Ann and Jim ran back, yelling with excitement in a game of tag.

MamaDee sat on her blanket, cleaning up the scraps from their picnic. Well, that'll wake the dead.

Izzy yawned. I was heading into such a peaceful sleep.

MamaDee laughed, It’s a good place for a peaceful little nap, always been your favorite spot.

Memories took Izzy back to growing up on the farm with her parents, MamaDee and Grandpa. Her real parents died within a short time span of each other. When she married, Grandpa gave Joel and her land for a house, including the creek, because he knew it meant so much to her.

The adoption of John, Ann and Jim was completed just before Elise was born. The children blessed their tiny house that the six of them now called home.

MamaDee stood to pick up her basket. John, carry this to the house for your mama. The sun is setting. We don't have much light left. I've got a cake to bake and chicken to fry before I can go to church in the morning.

Joel was the pastor at their little church. He was voted in after the previous pastor, his Uncle Mac, had a severe heart attack and couldn't stand on his feet long enough to preach. Izzy knew he'd be working on his sermon when they got home. She tried to give him as much space as possible, but caring for six little ones didn't make it an easy task. Izzy reluctantly got to her feet, putting Elise in her arms as Ann picked up the blankets.

***

Hurry up everybody! We're running late; church starts in twenty minutes! Joel ran out the door with his Bible under his arm and the picnic basket in his hands. Jim and John tore out the door and skipped all three steps as Joel got the trunk closed.

What's in the basket, Daddy? Jim sniffed something good as the aroma from the closing trunk wafted his way.

Joel opened the back car door to scoot the boys in. Well, Jim, I know Mama was cooking a ham before sunrise, but you know, I think I saw an apple pie last night.

You think any of it burned this time? John said with his nose wrinkled up in the air.

Joel couldn't help but snicker. I don't think so. It all smells good.

Ann came out, carrying Elise. Joel opened the passenger front door. Go easy now. Want me to hold her while you get in?

I got her. Mama said she'll be here soon as she gets her hair put up.

Huh? Joel was in a panic. He got behind the wheel and tried really, really hard to be patient, but found it difficult when he saw her coming out the door. He fell in love with her every time he saw her. She always had a sweet smile on her face, even on the days when things got so hectic, she didn't have time to sit down for a bite to eat. But she never complained.

She opened the passenger door, apologizing. I'm sorry. The morning got away from me.

It’s all right. We'll make it.

MamaDee pulled out of her driveway and passed them as she stripped the gears, sending her truck into a backfire. Izzy could laugh now that she was no longer the teenager that buried herself into the seat from embarrassment. Well, MamaDee's even late.

Jim clapped. Fried chicken for dinner!

Joel threw back a warning. Y'all stay out of the food until we are dismissed and say grace. Don't make me have to sit you in the pulpit with me. You know I'll do it.

On the way, Joel braked as MamaDee slowed down to pull over. I wonder what she's doing?

MamaDee talked to a man for a bit, then he and a little boy jumped into the back of the truck, while a woman got inside the cab. Izzy's memory clicked. I think I saw that woman in Jake's store. Her husband is a new field hand for Mr. Peterson. They must have been walking to church; bless their hearts.

***

As Joel parked, he told the boys. You men help your mama and Ann in with the baby. I gotta run.

He sprinted up the church steps and stood at the door by Uncle Mac. Thanks for helping out. We ran a little late this morning.

Oh, it’s done me good to greet everybody coming in. Just like old times.

MamaDee came onto the porch with her passengers. Howard, Lace, and Little Joe, I'd like you to meet my grandson-in-law, Pastor Joel, and his uncle, Pastor Mac.

They shook hands and Joel reached down to shake Little Joe's hand. How are you, little fellow?

His big smile showed his front teeth were missing. I'm fine, thir, how you doin'?

Joel chuckled. I'm just fine. I see you're missing a few teeth.

Little Joe laughed out loud, sending his blonde curls flying. Yeth, thir, I dotta gwow thum new oneth.

Joel was about to close the church doors when Ola Mae came huffing up the steps. Joel, I don't want to hear one word about why I'm late.

As she whizzed by, Joel noticed the zipper in her dress was busted from her waist to halfway up her back. Um, Ola Mae?

Pastor, I said not a word. She kept going.

Joel shrugged. Suit yourself. He closed the doors as he walked down the aisle amidst the laughter that erupted as Ola Mae was seated.

Standing in the pulpit, he noticed her throwing a baby blanket over her shoulders before giving him a disapproving eye. He shrugged his apology. He didn't know what for, but he knew with women, apologies were always a good idea.

I would like to announce a new family here this morning that has recently moved into our community. Please give a very warm welcome, after the service, to Howard, Lace, and Little Joe Simms. Don't forget to let them know whatever services you provide to the community and tell them to call on you if there's ever anything you can do to help.

***

Jim made friends with Joe very fast. They were close in age and had something in common--missing teeth. Jim and Joe sat beside each other as they ate their fried chicken and mashed potatoes. Jim told Joe, I'm a-potted.

Joe said, Huh? What does that mean?

My parents picked me out.

Joe was confused. Then I guess mine picked me out too.

No, they had to take whatever God gave 'em, and that was you.

Joe looked sad. But they wanted me.

Jim shrugged as he threw his plate in the trash. They had to take you. If they don't get to pick, then they can't swap. Let’s get some cake.

Izzy held Elise while Joel ate. As soon as he finished, he took Elise and walked around, talking to various members of the congregation. Izzy finally had a chance to fix herself a plate, but when she got up to the table, the bowls were nearly scraped clean. She sat down on a rock to eat her half biscuit, spoonful of peas and fried chicken wing. She went ahead to the dessert table and picked up a piece of pound cake while there was still some left on the plate. Dawn walked over with her glass of iced tea. Hey, I haven't seen you at all this week.

Izzy looked up with a sweet smile and dark circles under her eyes. I know. Hasn't it been a busy week?

Are you all right? You look extra tired.

I could use a little sleep, but I'm all right.

Is that all you're eating?

That's all that was left.

Dawn gasped. I'm so sorry. From now on, I'll make your plate when I make mine. I can cover it and tuck it away somewhere.

Thanks, Dawn. You're the best-est friend ever.

Dawn patted Izzy on the back. I'm going to find some time this afternoon to take the kids to the creek, including Elise, and I want you to take a nap. When you get up, I'll trim your hair again.

Am I dying?

Dawn laughed. Silly goose. Just trying to take care of you. Somebody's got to.

Stuffing the last bite of cake into her mouth, Izzy grinned. This day is definitely looking up. I like your hair long like that.

At least some of the red strands from my childhood are gone now. I hated that color.

***

Dawn arrived at the door that afternoon with a cobbler for Izzy's supper; then, true to her word, she walked toward the creek, holding Elise, with John, Ann and Jim following. As they sang songs, Dawn had no idea that Sheriff Powell was driving down the road and saw her in the field, going to the creek with the children.

He was always trying to get Dawn to notice him. He hated being so shy as he turned the car around and went back to Joel's driveway. He kept thinking of things that should make him turn around and go back down the road he came from. He was eight years older than Dawn. She was outgoing and he was very quiet. She'd never be interested in him.

He turned off the car and began walking to the creek when he heard Izzy. Dan, you need something?

He stopped and slowly turned around. Izzy, how are you?

I'm fine. Are you going to the creek? She tried to hide her smile. Bless his heart. He didn't even realize she was aware of all his attempts to get to know Dawn.

I had some free time. Thought I'd just check up and make sure they're okay.

That's a good idea. I'm going to take that nap before she gets back. I hope you have a good afternoon.

Thanks, Izzy. You too.

He took his hat off to fan his face. He didn't want Dawn to see him so flushed and flustered.

He slowed his steps on the narrow, sandy trail as he heard Dawn telling the children a story. Sitting on a rock with Elise asleep in her lap, she spread her hands this way and that to give more dramatic effects to her tale. Dan was captivated as the grass hugged her bare feet and the warm breeze lifted her long, auburn hair in flight. The sun shone in her brown eyes as it filtered through the trees, casting the perfect glow over the scene. No one could have painted a prettier picture. The children on the ground were fascinated. When the story was finished, she laughed as loud as they did. Their laughter sounded like music in the quiet woods painted with leaves of orange, gold and red.

As the children ran off to play, Dawn laid a small blanket on the ground and placed Elise on her tummy, covering her up to the waist. She caught sight of Dan as she stood up to go back to her rock. Oh, Dan, you startled me.

He slowly walked closer with a wave of his hand. I was trying real hard not to do that.

Well, what brings you out here on a Sunday afternoon?

Dan sat on the big rock next to her. I saw you and the children walking back here and had some free time.

Dawn was