Many are called, but few answer. Who has time. We face many challenges in this life. We strive to be the best wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends; as we we mold careers, tend households and keep a faithful balance of all that is required. But is this all there is? Women possess dreams, but who can pursue those dreams beneath the layers of paperwork and laundry? In Beyond the Vineyards, author D.K. Luffred delves into the essence of today's women. Through the words of short stories and reflective words, she addresses women's many challenges-from living in an unhappy marriage, to losing a lover, to suffering the pain of divorce and separation from one's children. In "Pearl," a ski jacket evokes memories from twenty years ago when Marian thought she met the man of her dreams, but he was engaged to be married. In "Shequagah," Emma stays in a loveless marriage and hears a life message from a voice in a waterfall; she dreams of a better life.
Like the women in Beyond the vineyards, if we listen we can hear the voice telling us to wield a paintbrush, learn to sail, and plant a garden. We can accomplish these things if we are brave enough to make the dreams a reality, step beyond our comfort zone, and begin a journey of self-discovery.