A book signing event featuring former BRTC student Donna Austin of Jonesboro is scheduled for Wednesday, March 27, 2:00-4:00 p.m., in the BRTC library in Pocahontas, according to Anne Simpson, librarian.听 She will be presenting her recently published book, The Sunflower Principle: Life Lessons from a Simple Flower.
The book chronicles one woman鈥檚 recovery from divorce while learning lessons from a simple flower about giving back and making a difference in the lives of others.听 Austin describes her book as 鈥渁 celebration of friendships and a call for unity between all races and religions in our troubled world.鈥澨� She said her book was inspired by sunflowers and encourages peace, compassion, love and understanding.
鈥淭he Sunflower Principle is a little book with a big mission,鈥� Austin explained.听 鈥淲e each have a sphere of influence capable of creating positive change regardless of our age, financial status, health, or social status.听 We are either promoting love or hate by the words we use, the actions we take, or often by what we allow to happen without speaking up or taking action.听 Doing nothing only allows hate crimes and violence to become the accepted norm. We can all be a sunflower in the lives of others or we can be a weed chocking out the life of those around us.鈥�
Austin is a native of Jonesboro and a graduate of 91快播 Rock High School.听 She lived in Dallas, Texas for many years where she retired from the phone company before returning to the area.听 She is the mother of two children, both living in California, and grandmother of four.听 She attended Williams Baptist College, Arkansas State University, and most recently was a student in Dr. Gary Buxton鈥檚 Creative Writing class.
This book is published by Inspiring Voices in partnership with Guidepost.听 Austin has been published by Argus Communications in Allen, Texas, and featured in Guidepost magazine.听 Her poetry has been published in 鈥淎midst the Splendor 鈥� The National Library of Poetry.鈥澨� She is founder and director of a creative writing group in Jonesboro called 鈥淲riters鈥� Ink,鈥� and she is a member of the National League of American Pen Women.
鈥淭he public is cordially invited and encouraged to stop by the library to visit with Austin,鈥� said Simpson.听 For more information, Simpson can be contacted at 870-248-4000, ext. 4061.