A Homecoming of Stories at Old Threshers

There are moments when past and present gently meet—and my recent book signing in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, was one of those moments for me.

Over Labor Day weekend, during the beloved Old Thresher’s Reunion, I had the joy of signing my six #1 International Bestselling books outside Brown’s Shoe Fit Co. in downtown Mt. Pleasant. Sitting under the canopy, surrounded by familiar faces, new friends, and the hum of reunion excitement, felt like coming full circle.

Since 1955, Old Thresher’s Reunion has drawn people from across the United States to Mt. Pleasant to celebrate our agricultural heritage—the hard work, resilience, and community spirit that shaped generations of farm families. Steam engines, tractors, music, food, and stories fill the air, reminding us of where we come from and the values that continue to ground us.

Throughout the weekend, people stopped by to chat, reminisce, and leaf through my books—many sharing their own farm stories, family memories, and reflections on responsibility, perseverance, and living fully in the moment. My children’s book, Polly the Talking Collie: I Am Taking 100% Responsibility, sparked smiles and conversations with families, while my inspirational titles opened heartfelt discussions with adults who recognized pieces of their own journeys in these pages.

What made this signing especially meaningful was its location—right in my hometown, during an event that honors the very roots that have shaped my life, my family, and my work. From growing up around agriculture to raising my own family on a Heritage and Century farm, Old Threshers has always represented more than an event—it’s a living reminder of faith, grit, and community.

I am deeply grateful to Brown’s Shoe Fit Co. for the welcoming space, to everyone who stopped by, and to Old Threshers for continuing a tradition that connects generations. It was a weekend filled with gratitude, conversations, laughter, and a renewed appreciation for the stories—both written and shared—that bind us together.

Sometimes the most powerful moments aren’t about how far we’ve traveled, but about returning home and remembering why our stories matter.