Christmas 2018
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good read.
I went through some very difficult times in my life recently and for many years I was unable to come home. This is the first Christmas in many in which I am in my own home in North Central Florida. I live in the woods along a clay road in Putnam County, Florida, about 18 miles from the city of Palatka. Palatka is located along the beautiful (and clean) Saint Johns River. My home is in Interlachen, 18 miles to the west and if one continues on toward Gainesville (where I graduated with a BS in Education way back in 1976) one will see a turnoff along the way directing one to Cross Creek. There, Florida's most famous author wrote her memorable novels in a small bungalow located between two lakes. I'm referring, of course, to Marjorie Rawlings, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of, The Yearling, Cross Creek, Golden Apples and Jacob's Ladder. I visited her home on many occasions with my parents back in the early to mid-seventies and plan to visit again soon. Now, as a published writer I wish to once again pay homage to one of the great ladies of literature. I may soon include a few photos I took back then once I locate them. Her story, The Yearling, was made into a wonderful motion picture starring Gregory Peck, Jane Wyman and a young Claude Jarmain, Jr. who was perfect for the role of Jody. I still cry every time I watch the film. If you haven't seen the movie or read the book, I urge you to do so. I'd include it in my personal list of the ten best American Novels of the 20th Century.
I was raised in the Episcopal Church and believe in the Christian tenants of Love One Another and Do Unto Others..., but I'm not yet a regular church-goer. Having just returned home, I've yet to make contact with my church, Saint Andrews, in Interlachen. I will soon, however. Being gay, I am so proud of the Episcopal Church for the way it has embraced gender equality from the start of the gay liberation movement, being one of the first major churches to permit their clergy (men and women alike) to become priests. They too were the first to elect an openly gay bishop and today most Episcopal churches host LGBT programs and activities. I abhor any church that preaches intolerance toward anyone who is different whether they be gay, lesbian, black, Moslem, etcetera as the list goes sadly on. If God truly exists, then He made us just the way He wanted us. I deal with this theme in my book, Clay Parker: Growing Up Gay in 1953. I might add that Jordan Dare's lover and life companion is Andrew Lawson, an Episcopal Priest. You can read more about them in my Jordan Dare Trilogy. In the second book, Jordan Dare and the Tolchester Treasure, I center much of the plot around my hometown of Cumberland, Maryland and the Episcopal Church where I was Christened back in 1951. I'll include a few photos of the church today as well.
I really need to wrap this up today as I have a Christmas dinner to prepare. A number of friends are joining me today to not only celebrate the holiday but also my return home after many years of forced exile. Again, may the spirit of Christmas fill your hearts and minds with love and joy. This is not the only time it is important to love one another. We all must strive to do so for the rest of our lives.
All my love and thanks,
Cameron DeCessna
I went through some very difficult times in my life recently and for many years I was unable to come home. This is the first Christmas in many in which I am in my own home in North Central Florida. I live in the woods along a clay road in Putnam County, Florida, about 18 miles from the city of Palatka. Palatka is located along the beautiful (and clean) Saint Johns River. My home is in Interlachen, 18 miles to the west and if one continues on toward Gainesville (where I graduated with a BS in Education way back in 1976) one will see a turnoff along the way directing one to Cross Creek. There, Florida's most famous author wrote her memorable novels in a small bungalow located between two lakes. I'm referring, of course, to Marjorie Rawlings, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of, The Yearling, Cross Creek, Golden Apples and Jacob's Ladder. I visited her home on many occasions with my parents back in the early to mid-seventies and plan to visit again soon. Now, as a published writer I wish to once again pay homage to one of the great ladies of literature. I may soon include a few photos I took back then once I locate them. Her story, The Yearling, was made into a wonderful motion picture starring Gregory Peck, Jane Wyman and a young Claude Jarmain, Jr. who was perfect for the role of Jody. I still cry every time I watch the film. If you haven't seen the movie or read the book, I urge you to do so. I'd include it in my personal list of the ten best American Novels of the 20th Century.
I was raised in the Episcopal Church and believe in the Christian tenants of Love One Another and Do Unto Others..., but I'm not yet a regular church-goer. Having just returned home, I've yet to make contact with my church, Saint Andrews, in Interlachen. I will soon, however. Being gay, I am so proud of the Episcopal Church for the way it has embraced gender equality from the start of the gay liberation movement, being one of the first major churches to permit their clergy (men and women alike) to become priests. They too were the first to elect an openly gay bishop and today most Episcopal churches host LGBT programs and activities. I abhor any church that preaches intolerance toward anyone who is different whether they be gay, lesbian, black, Moslem, etcetera as the list goes sadly on. If God truly exists, then He made us just the way He wanted us. I deal with this theme in my book, Clay Parker: Growing Up Gay in 1953. I might add that Jordan Dare's lover and life companion is Andrew Lawson, an Episcopal Priest. You can read more about them in my Jordan Dare Trilogy. In the second book, Jordan Dare and the Tolchester Treasure, I center much of the plot around my hometown of Cumberland, Maryland and the Episcopal Church where I was Christened back in 1951. I'll include a few photos of the church today as well.
I really need to wrap this up today as I have a Christmas dinner to prepare. A number of friends are joining me today to not only celebrate the holiday but also my return home after many years of forced exile. Again, may the spirit of Christmas fill your hearts and minds with love and joy. This is not the only time it is important to love one another. We all must strive to do so for the rest of our lives.
All my love and thanks,
Cameron DeCessna
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