By ASHLEY MOOR
For the Record Herald
Courtesy of the Record Herald; Printed 11.4.12
Mary Bingamon Haller, a longtime resident of West Milton, has always appreciated the simple beauty of the world around her. For the past 22 years, she has shared her backyard with the friendly creatures that inhabit the Stillwater River. Now, she is sharing those creatures with mothers through her first book, a children’s read called “The Whispering Sycamore.”
Though she said she had enough inspiration around to last a lifetime, it wasn’t until her mother died that she became interested in the stories her mother had told her while she was growing up. She started a journal full of the stories her mother had told her about her life and their family heritage.
Throughout all of the time that Haller spent researching her mother’s life, only one event really stood out in her mind. It started when, while exploring her backyard, she spotted an owl that looked like it had been wounded.
Haller said she was fearful that the owl’s life was in danger and so instantly took action. After taking the owl to Brukner Nature Center, she was told that the owl was fine and to put it back directly where she had found it. She then began to wonder… why was the owl there?
“I looked into the eyes of the bird and I just knew… that my mother was there and watching over me,” Haller said.
She was inspired enough to write “The Whispering Sycamore,” (published by Gypsy Publications and illustrated by Sandra Burns) about the large Sycamore tree on her property and all of the things that it has seen and heard throughout the years.
From the days of the Native Americans to the people of the 21st century, the story tells the tale of a wise old tree on the banks of the Stillwater River. Haller wanted to emphasize the importance of having an understanding and respectful relationship with nature. That was also the reason why she wanted it to be a children’s book, since she strongly believes that children should learn to love and respect the great outdoors. Haller said she loves to share her passion for wildlife with children, being that she is very family oriented.
Haller said she did her best work in early morning writing sessions.
“I would wake up in the middle of the night and I couldn’t get back to sleep, so I would sit down on my computer and write,” Haller said.
“The Whispering Sycamore” is the first book in a series about an owl and stories inspired by her mother and nature. The next book in the series, “The Great Horned Owl,” is due to come out in the upcoming spring or summer.
You can purchase “The Whispering Sycamore” at Browse Awhile Books in Tipp City, Around About Books, Jay & Mary’s, and Reader’s Delight in Troy, and online at www.GypsyPublications.com, Amazon.com, or Barnes&Noble.com. For more information about the author, visit www.GypsyPublications.com.
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