In my early teens, my mother bought a couple of books for me that were inspirational, thought provoking and motivating.  Apples of Gold  and Wings of Silver by Jo Petty.  Through my years as a church secretary, I often referred to these books as a source of scriptural guidance to incorporate into the weekly bulletin.

Even now as I write about them, a warm feeling comes across me as I am reminded of how much I am loved by my precious mother and her input into shaping me into who I am today.

When my husband and I were given the privilege of owning the family farm, one of the first things I noticed upon our arrival back was how the winds turned the leaves of the Silver Maples.  The green sides would shift back and forth in the breeze from green on one side to silver underneath.  What a beautiful sight!

I knew our farm needed a name and wanted a fitting description of what my eyes beheld across the fields and pastures. Though we considered names that fit the location and family names, we always returned to Leaves of Silver.

One day after we’re gone, I suppose the land will become a subdivision as farmland continues to disappear and give way to an ever-growing population of “city slickers.”  I do hope; however, that consideration will be given by the powers that be, to retain a few of the Silver Maples and officially delegate their new project as Leaves of Silver.

*Be sure to check out my Ebay Store, Storage Finds by Tomka.  You just might find a book there reminiscent of your good memories too.