Welcome Aboard is the first in a series of books about the life of Victoria Farnsworth. It covers her first eight years of life, growing up on Bainbridge Island, in Washington State. It gives a glimpse of rural life during the 1950's as seen through the eyes of a young child. Historical events, such as the opening of Wilkes School when she was six years old, are written as they appeared to Victoria, rather than as the documented factual events available in histories and archives. Victoria's relationships with her immediate family and extended family are documented through a series of fun, entertaining stories such as learning to swim, going trick or treating, and the joys of Christmas . There are also a few heart rending stories that show how she copes with adversity. This book carries the reader back to a simpler time; a time when family came first and the hectic life-style of today could not even have been imagined.
About the Author: Victoria Farnsworth has retired to the mountains in Central Arizona to pursue a career in writing. After raising a family and spending forty plus years in the work force, she now has time to devote to one of her life long passions. In addition to having works published in the Reader's Digest (Aug, 1983) and The Northwest Landscape Professional (Jun, 2011), she has written numerous poems for church and family. Victoria worked several years as a secretary for the Dept. of the Navy and then made a career change to teach swimming and life guarding for 15 years. After her children were grown, she spent time in serious prayer and contemplation, while she searched for a career that would bring joy to others. Her prayers were answered when she had a dream, or vision, of herself as Clara the Clown. After clowning around for seven short years, her career ended with an automobile accident. When she finally healed and once again felt like she could work full time, she became a Pierce County Master Gardener. With her newly acquired skills and many years of experience, she opened a new business as a landscape designer. Another auto accident forced her to give up working outside of her home. A return of her childhood allergies and asthma necessitated a move to the high, dry climate of Lake Chapala, Mexico and finally to Payson, Arizona. Victoria and her husband have three grown daughters and eight grandchildren. Victoria's church service has included being a Relief Society President (twice), a Primary President, Stake Girls Camp Director, and five years as a Ward Camp Specialist. She has spent dozens of years teaching in the Sunday School as well as the Primary. She is currently serving as the Relief Society Pianist and as a Ward Family History Consultant. Victoria has 64 years of stories to write about herself as an ordinary woman living an extraordinary life. A few historical novels, based on the lives of several of her more interesting ancestors, are also in the planning stages.