Pamela Ferris-Olson is currently working on her PhD in Leadership and Change at Antioch University. Her primary areas of interest are women’s leadership, promoting positive personal change, and empowering women across cultures and generations. She is available for speaking engagements, book discussions, counseling, and collaborations .
Praise for Living in the Heartland:
It’s important to me to be part of this wonderfully motivated book because number one, my grandparents on my dad’s side emigrated from Greece while my mother’s came from Mexico…
Not long ago I got a call from my publicist Nadeen. She explained to me about Pamela and her wonderful book about minority women and their struggles in life and their successful outcomes. Pamela asked my publicist if I would write the forward and there was absolutely no doubt in my mind that I wanted to be involved. When Pamela Ferris-Olson telephoned me I felt she was a warm, compassionate and educated woman I needed to know more about. Pamela went on to tell me her own story about her life achievements, I wanted to hear more. The second reason I’m excited about writing this forward is that Pamela’s book, Living in the Heartland shows how she wanted to tell the stories of woman who had unfortunate events in their lives, and how they overcame it all with time and by pulling out their inner strength they didn’t know they had. It so reminded me of the movies I make because, they are all based on woman like this.
I love the fact that Pamela has a deep appreciation and envy for strong family and people with ethnic ties. Living in the Heartland is a very easy read. These stories are told exactly the way the women would tell them it. You feel the deep pain, anxieties and happiness as the stories are being revealed.
Pamela’s book is a must for anyone committed to personal excellence in themselves. My hope is that you will get as much out of this book as I have. I hope that you will unleash all the passion, empowerment and magic within you. Mimi Lesseos, Actress, Million Dollar Baby, Scorpion King, Producer, Stuntwoman,World Champion Martial Artist
“Living in the Heartland: Three Extraordinary Women’s Stories” is a collection of memoirs recorded by Pamela Ferris-Olson as she seeks to tell the life stories of three particular women who rose up and faced the challenges of their life and what made them above others with their attitudes that stood against the grain. For those seeking stories of inspirational women, “Living in the Heartland” is intriguing and highly worthwhile reading.” Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI):
 Robin Roberts and Pamela Ferris-Olson on the set of Good Morning America Pamela Ferris-Olson discusses her new book Living in the Heartland: Three Extraordinary Women with Good Morning America host Robin Roberts. |
||
Pamela Ferris-Olson Traveled to NYC to Share Her New Book with Good Morning America Hosts
DAYTON — Their backgrounds may be dramatically different, but it’s their similarities that are the focus of Pamela Ferris-Olson’s new book.
“Living in the Heartland: Three Extraordinary Women’s Stories,” chronicles the lives of three Miami Valley women who represent different minorities.
The idea for her book, she explains in the introduction, originated on a humid summer evening as she sat waiting for New York’s Staten Island Ferry and observed the variety of languages that filled the room.
“The interconnectedness made possible by the Internet has resulted in a burgeoning exchange of information, goods, services and ideas,” she writes. “It has made commerce and ideas readily available, but has not, as yet, transformed attitudes sufficiently to create a world view in which all people are seen as belonging to a single global family.”
Ferris-Olson, who lives in Washington Twp., hopes her self-published book might help remedy that situation. She has been a freelance writer for the Dayton Daily News for the past 15 years.
“I wanted to begin a conversation among people about diversity,” she said. “As different as we may all look, women have similar experiences as wives, mothers and business women.” By sharing three stories of minority women and their struggles, she’s hoping readers will relate and be inspired.
To find subjects for her interviews, Ferris-Olson contacted women’s centers at Wright State University and the University of Dayton, asking them to put out a call for women willing to share their life stories. She chose Dayton, not only because she lives here, but because it’s the Midwest.
“Ohio has become a bellwether for the country since the onset of the 21st century,” she writes. The search eventually led her to Nancy, Ellyn and Ife:
• Nancy Scott, a single mother of three, grew up on a reservation and is a proud member of the Seneca Nation and the Navy. A survivor of mental and physical abuse, she has met President George W. Bush on two occasions, both as an emissary for higher education.
Said Nancy: “If I’ve learned anything, it’s to stay true to yourself. Embrace your culture, your faith, and your beliefs. I really believe that. I always look for the positive in any situation; otherwise life is just wasted space.”
• Ife Shafeek grew up in a housing project in Dayton with a mother who imposed rigid restrictions. At the age of 18, Ife thought marriage offered a way to be free of her mother’s control, but discovered that neither her husband nor her Muslim religion provided the security or peace of mind she’d expected. She has faced many challenges in the process of raising two sons on her own.
Said Ife: “I realize that nothing happens in this world without the hand of God. I think everyone should recognize a higher power and count their blessings when they receive them. I don’t believe my story would be any different had I been raised with a different religion.”
• Ellyn Miller, born in Korea, was put up for adoption by her biological parents who were unable to afford the medical treatment her cleft palate necessitated. Ellyn grew up in Oakwood surrounded by a large, loving religious family but always wondered what her life would be like had she remained in Korea. In 2009, she had the chance to spend several days with her biological family.
Said Ellyn: “I believe my path to fulfilling my destiny started the day I was born. Someday something like a light bulb will click on and then I’ll know what I’m supposed to do with my life. Until then I want to try anything and everything. I don’t have a master plan so until I discover my life’s purpose I’ll just take it one step at a time and see where I go.”
Though Ferris-Olson does not belong to a religious or ethnic minority, she observed intolerance first-hand when her father’s Japanese-Americans friends — who had served with him during the war — came to visit their home and her mother refused to come out of the bedroom to see them.
“I have had an increasing desire to be involved in the dialogue about intolerance,” she said, certain that her father’s stories and respect for those men lie at the heart of her book. “Our country is more racially and ethnically diverse than any previous time in its history,” she said. “American’s population continues to grow, and become increasingly multiracial and predominantly female.”
“Living in the Heartland,” she said, is a celebration of women and an appeal for Americans to embrace diversity. Meredith Moss, DailyNews.com. April 24, 2010
“The book speaks like its cover: calmly, with big, dark eyes looking back at you, full lips curling into a hopeful smile, and the slight grace of the pearl necklace around the neck.” Jaime Skelton (West Jordan, UT):
The postscript was also done well letting us know what has become of these women and even though their lives were not easy ones, they carved out success in their own terms and made it happen with their determination and stamina. They all continue to live life to the fullest. F.C. Boyd “BookPleasures” (Denver, CO):
May 1st Book Signing at Jenna Claire Handbag Studio Raised Proceeds for Half the Sky Foundation. Next Signing at Visceral Gallery in Downtown Centerville, OH. Daybreak, a Teen Shelter, to Benefit from Proceeds.
17 Comments
April 28, 2010 at 7:11 am
Looks like you’re getting some great reviews! Awesome!
April 28, 2010 at 10:48 am
Looks great, its a great book all who read will be inspired!
April 28, 2010 at 11:32 pm
we will keep getting the word out my dear
May 9, 2010 at 5:23 pm
I am so sorry for not replying earlier. I just found your comment in my spam folder. I don’t think you are selfish. I think you are concerned for all members of your family which is a good thing. Having a child is ultimately your decision with support from your husband. I’d suggest you ask your parents how they’d feel about your having a child. That way you’ll know how committed to being grandparents they think they can be.
[WORDPRESS HASHCASH] The poster sent us ’0 which is not a hashcash value.
May 20, 2010 at 11:21 pm
The head scarf is something that has been misunderstood by so many. Nuns usually cover and yet no one questions them. The head scarf for a Muslim woman is commanded to be worn (with the rest of covering everything but her face and hands) by the Holy Quran. So, the woman who does it is obeying her Creator (God– Allah). It is not a cultural thing, though some people make it cultural. It is a religious thing. If we go by the First Amendment, people in America are supposed to have the freedom of religion. Also, from the side of Muslims, some of them do wear things a bit too conservative or a bit to traditional for America. Sometimes you have to adjust a little according to country. For example, pants or jeans could be worn with a long shirt and the scarf either tucked in or tied from behind. I’ve seen some Muslim women wearing bandanas with a little hair showing. It boils down to the culture they come from and each person’s perception. But I really believe Muslim women will find an easier time in the US if they would be a little more flexible and attractive in their attire. It is possible, but many may not know how or see the need for it. And by the way, the full face veil is not really required in Islam though some women may think so. In the end it is a personal preference. Yes, some women may be forced by family members to cover, but many women choose to do so on their own trying to seek the pleasure of their Lord and to be pious women. Each to his own.
May 21, 2010 at 12:46 pm
I really appreciate your comments, and hope you will be a frequent visitor to this site. Regarding the headscarf…I am no expert on Islam. A friend gave me a copy of the Quran when I was doing research for my book Living in the Heartland: Three Extraordinary Women’s Stories. I could find no specific text that required women to wear the headscarf or the veil, instead the Islamic holy book asks women to dress modestly but it does not define what this means. Scholars suggest that women originally chose to cover their heads because Mohammad’s wives did so. As for the controversy about headscarves in France and the US, this is not the first time that apparel (eg. bikinis, Tshirt slogans, etc) has been a flash point; however, it’s probably been centuries since religious dress has caused controversy.
[WORDPRESS HASHCASH] The poster sent us ’0 which is not a hashcash value.
July 1, 2010 at 4:54 pm
Hi Pamela,
I think your book is much needed! I love the fact that you interviewed three minority women, to show the point that we are all part of the same familywww.gatelady.com, that we, as women, share similar stories,concerns, and issues. Thank you so much! It must have been exciting to be on Good Morning America! Way to go!
Carolyn CJ Jones
http://www.gatelady.com
July 2, 2010 at 11:26 am
So glad that you visited Living in the Heartland. I hope you will visit often and leave comments. I hope you will spread the word. I hope this site and my new FB Living in the Heartland page will celebrate and inspire women. This Web site and my FB page are meant to continuations of what I hoped to show in my book Living in the Heartland: Three Extraordinary Women’s Stories. As you so rightly noted we are all of the same family. If women can see beyond the physical and cultural differences they could accomplish so much together because as individuals we are extraordinary in our daily accomplishments.
As for Good Morning America, I hope they will soon see the merit of having me on the show. I managed to be in the audience, and was able to personally give copies of my book to Robin Roberts and George Stephanopoulos.
July 21, 2010 at 12:40 pm
I am a Dayton resident and a convert to Islam. I have known Ife Shafeek and her family for many years.
I want to call to your attention Chapter 24 (An-Nur, The Light), verse 32,of the Holy Qur’an. That verse states, in part, the following: “And say to the believing women that they restrain their looks and guard their private parts, and that they display not their beauty or their embellishment except that which is apparent thereof, and that they draw their head coverings over their bosoms, and that they display not their beauty or their embellishment save to their husbands, or to their father, or the fathers of their husbands, or their sons….” Some translations may use different words; however, the basic meaning should remain true to the Arabic language in which the Qur’an was revealed.
It is interesting that there was a time in the recent past when, based on their western religions, women covered their heads and bodies in ways similar to which Muslim women continue to do. Whether a Muslim woman covers fully, partially, or very little is her choice. The institution of covering (purdah) is basically for a woman’s protection. I believe it is God’s will, not only because it is so stated in the Holy Qur’an but also because women are very, very special to God.
July 21, 2010 at 1:40 pm
I am so pleased that you have visited this site. I am also grateful that you’ve left a comment. I hope you will visit often and comment often, because I am most interested in interacting with others. After all, it is how we learn about each other, and, I believe, that it is through dialog we enrich each others lives.
I am honored that Ife shared her story with me, and pleased that she continues to keep me updated on her progress and that of her sons. She is truly a remarkable woman.
One of the women who contributed to my book Living in the Heartland: Three Extraordinary Women’s Stories gave me a Qur’an. I didn’t read the text in its entirety, but I did read many sections related to women, marriage, and family. I am aware of the quote you offer. I have also read some scholarly opinions on the Qur’an as to the meaning and intention of the text. As you say different translations offer slightly different wordings. In a perfect world, I agree that the choice on how to dress, and how to exhibit modesty should be a woman’s choice; of course, it is not a perfect world. Women in many places have little or no choice. This, of course, is not limited only to Muslim women. As for Ife, thought she no longer wears the veil, she continues to dress modestly though stylishly.
July 27, 2010 at 5:13 pm
Hi,
My cousin Lillette suggested I contact you. She id you were surprised that I haven’t written my autobiography. I was on chapter 7. My computer died & I didn’t have my pc backed up.
I had rewritten those chapters so many times that when I lost it I threw in the towel temporarily. I’m on chapter 37 of a middle grade novel and then I’ll tackle my memoir again.
Blessings,
J. Aday Kennedy
The Differently-Abled Writer
Children’s Book Author & Inspirational Spokesperson
Klutzy Kantor & Marta Gargantuan Wings available in August 2010
July 28, 2010 at 1:46 pm
I am SO glad you contacted me Aday. I would love to feature you here if you are agreeable. So sorry to hear that you lost the first seven chapters of your autobiography, but I am happy to hear that you plan on returning to the endeavor soon. I’ve begun backing up my hard drive on a monthly basis. I can only imagine how frustrating losing your manuscript is. You have so much to share. It is very important that you write your book and then persevere so people are aware its available to read. You are truly an extraordinary woman. Others will benefit from hearing/reading about your journey.
September 23, 2010 at 9:18 am
The more we know about each other, the better for the world
Elizabeth Buchan, author of Separate Beds
September 23, 2010 at 9:34 am
Thank you for visiting this site. I hope you will be a regular reader and commentator. It’s not only about knowing but sharing with each other. Since we all sleep in the same bed (ie Earth), one that is increasingly at peril, we need to work together to find solutions.
November 10, 2010 at 5:27 pm
Living in the Heartland is much more than emotionally gripping stories about the life challenges of three minority women—Nancy the Native American, Ife from a devout Muslim family, and Elyn the Korean who was adopted as a child by Americans. Pamela Ferris-Olson weaves her narrative writing skills with profound storytelling capability to take the reader on a complex journey into the personal lives of these women. Their stories rise above personal trials and tribulations, break vicious circles of mental and physical abuse, alcoholism, and addiction. Living in the Heartland is about finding one’s inner strength to become all that you can be despite social, ethnic, and religious limitations. These women from the Heartland of America are a shining light to women all over the world. Read Living in the Heartland and weep with joy.
Kathleen O’Keefe-Kanavos
http://www.survivingcancerland.com
April 20, 2011 at 1:39 pm
How wonderful this piece and this collection and this blog and the real life women you right about. I applaud you…
April 20, 2011 at 1:45 pm
Thank you SO much for your support! I hope you will continue to read my blog and comment. I am always looking for women to honor here, so please feel free to contact me with suggestions. Also I hope you will recommend this blog to others. The more people who read, the more people I hope will find inspiration from the women showcased here.