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July 2006 Book of poetry is monument to a love of words Lee Gray Staff Writer Local author Theresa Halfacre won’t sugar-coat the struggles dealt in life. But in her new book of poetry, “Land of Monuments,” as in her life, she finds the hope and tolerance amidst the turmoil. While Halfacre, 39, has been writing since she was old enough to craft letters with a pencil, this is her first published work. She and best friend Carole Murray compiled the book in a weekend then sent it to be published. “It’s something I didn’t share with people for a long time because it’s so personal,” she explained. Her poetry primarily addresses social issues: depression, child abuse, racial tensions, domestic abuse, religion and miscarriage. Most poems chronicle the constant struggle between right and wrong, Halfacre said. “They’re certainly not all feel good stories,” she said of her work. “I guess it would be rated PG-13 if it were a movie.” The book’s namesake poem, “Land of Monuments,” is in reference to a stroll through a cemetery and Halfacre’s own relationship with God. Her favorite poem is “Places Along the Way.” “...I want to change the world/ I want to give it peace/ I want to give it everything/ And let the madness cease/ You are just one boy; I am just one girl/ But together in this life we live/ We can work to end the suffering/ Seen upon this earth...” “It’s a story about the people that we meet in our travels,” Halfacre explained, “how we need to share ourselves with them, share our happiness, our time. It’s the Pollyanna in me. If everybody would just join together we could do great things.” And while she’s been hesitant to share her writings until now, publishing the book is like closing a chapter to her life, she said, and it feels good. “I’m really excited to have this done and have this in writing...your words aren’t just out there hanging,” she said. “It’s time for me to move onto the next step.” For now, the next step is working part-time for Anderson’s Shoes and pursuing a promotions business. Currently, she’s working with reemerging artist John Brannen. “Land of Monuments” can be purchased at Books on Main in downtown Newberry for $10 or ordered from Halfacre’s Web site, www.theresahalfacre.com. — Staff photo by Lee Gray PUBLISHED AUTHOR — Theresa Halfacre autographs a copy of her new book of poetry at Books on Main.  "Land of Monuments is a journey of graceful respect with God, human relationships and a gentle reverence for life. Theresa Halfacre’s poetry is written with love and care. Delicate as a budding rose, the fragrance of wisdom, takes the reader on life journeys." Teresa Adele Bettino, author of Degen and Me "Land of Monuments is as deep and honest as Theresa's eyes. She's wicked-nice and her book really made a huge impression on me." Anthony B. Williams, photographer "Sometimes, someone will come into ones life with out reason or one knowing why. And such a person did exactly that in my life. And upon seperation, I was given a book -- Land of Monuments by Theresa Halfacre. While reading the book, the question of why two lives cross, slowly came into focus. As I read, the same feelings the writer was expressing started to surface inside of me - an understanding that life and all who live have feelings of depression, fear, hope, and love. We must go through dark and disturbing times in order to experience the light and peace. One does not exist without the other. As humans we all search for acceptance, love, and a sense of belonging. This book speaks of a life with darkness and hurt, and has a message of hope and light. So why did Theresa and I cross lives? To understand, that although each has a different journey, we are the same inside, which puts us on the same journey and that is to understand and know GOD." Chaz Haught, Owner Cafe' Bean Washington, Pa  THANK YOU, CAROLE, FOR DESIGNING THIS! The final product is something that anyone would be proud of. It may not always be easy for best friends to collaborate on something like this, but Carole Murray is the most professional person I have ever worked with. She takes her work seriously and gives it more than 100%. She is the classiest, genuinely cheerful, and understanding friend that I have ever or will ever have. If you're in the Columbia area on the weekends, tune her in at 106.7 on your FM dial. Just listen for the girl with the smile in her voice ... that would be my best friend of 20 years, Carole Riser Murray. ;) If you would like to own a copy of this,THANK YOU! Seriously, I appreciate your support and kindness. Please mail $8.00 + $2.50 for shipping and handling to: Theresa Halfacre 1917 Harper Street Newberry, SC 29108 Or call 803.924.3469 or via e-mail info@theresahalfacre.com Please scroll down to read the forward. Everyone experiences happiness and sorrow at differing levels. It’s my belief that these feelings make us stronger, enabling us to face the next challenge. My challenges usually face me in the early mornings while most people are sleeping. My pen never sleeps, yet our quarrels are as unclear as they are quiet. Together, we have worked through feelings of depression, fear, hope and love. We have searched for understanding. We have embraced whatever thoughts reveal themselves in moments, including those that are sometimes dark and disturbing. We have nothing to hide in these moments and words flow effortlessly. Words can have a powerful influence on us at times and with influence comes responsibility. As a writer, I feel I have a responsibility to tell you, the reader, that this booklet is not filled with promise and hope … and yet, it is. You will read of conflict and acceptance, confusion and dissolution, and a quest for love and belonging. With these printed thoughts, I share with you a very personal part of my life. I do hope you interpret glory among the gloom, reconciliation among the conflict, and victory among the violence. Words are both my humility and arrogance; they can be hurtful and harmless. In any case, they are my words alone. Their intention is not to harm, rather to extinguish or bring conclusion and unity to an existing moment. I welcome you to read my “moments” filled with expressions of love, loss, dreams, conflict, repentance, and above all, my journey to understand and know God. Blessings of peace, Theresa S. Halfacre  I love the collage on the back cover. It includes pictures of some of the most influential people in my life at one time or another; however, most of these people are still in my life in some form -- including my father who died in 1994. The collage includes pictures of my husband of 18 years, Ron "Judge" Halfacre, my mother (I love when people say, "You look just like her!" or ask, "Is that you?" It's the ultimate compliment because in this shot, she is all hollywood. She could have been in pictures, but she would have had to take non-speaking roles! ;) The collage also includes my closest friends: Carole Murray, Hope Harrison, Quinn Haas, Sarah Scott, and Jon Durham. They have all played instrumental roles in my life ... for better and/or worse. My dogs -- I have had many and most of them have lived long, happy lives -- I wish I had pictures of all of them on the collage (I'll save that for the next one!) There are also pictures of my older brother Tim and his wife, Eileen, and their two kids Kristie and Kyle (these kids rock!!!) I do not have any digital pictures of my other brother, John, nor his family, but needless to say I love them. You'll also see the "Roxy Theatre", a dying breed of live theatre, and actor Eli Wallach. I look at this collage and smile. I have had a great life and I'm beginning to understand my life more and more - both the good and the bad. Thanks for helping me get there. theresa :) | Theresa | halfacre promotions: Features Carla Ulbrich | Acoustic Coffee House, Johnson City, TN | Stuff | More Stuff | The Unnofficial Half | MY BOOK! | The Grey Eagle Concert Photo's | Return Home | There Are Those ... | Links and Booking | Contact Us | |
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