Of Dirt and Wildflowers : A Memoir on Growing the Courage to Bloom

by Kylee J. Marshall

“And we don’t always know it or understand it at the time, in the season,
but nothing grows without a good amount of dirt.”

Life is dirty and then it’s beautiful and wild. Learning to overcome life’s obstacles and tribulations, Kylee Marshall weaves a delicately crafted story about finding the beauty in our dirt and the courage to grow wildly. In Of Dirt and Wildflowers , Kylee helps you …
Poetic and laced with imagery, Of Dirt and Wildflowers reminds us that life is less about the dirt in which we were planted and more about the space we take up as we grow.

248 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 25, 2023

About the author

Kylee Jean Marshall is a writer, public speaker, and recovering perfectionist. Of Dirt and Wildflowers is her first published work. She was born and raised on a sheep ranch in rural western Colorado and now lives in Grand Junction, CO with her husband, Travis, their children - Rylee, Candon, and Max, a golden retriever, Winston, and their black cat, George. When she is not reading and writing, she enjoys being outdoors hiking, biking, running, and skiing. For more information about her work or her speaking availability, please visit her website at kyleemarshall.com.

Reviews

[Misty Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book truly sparked my morning calmness. For the past few weeks I have looked forward to early mornings diving deep into the words of this book! Kylee’s writing is so calming and the perfect book to start my new routine of enjoying the quiet before the day truly begins!

[Catharine McSwegin Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kylee tells her story in a moving, poetic way. She has a heartfelt manner of using nature to express memorable life experiences. A wonderful read.

[Sherri Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Of Dirt and Wildflowers” is beautifully written. I’ve now read it twice and will continue to read it over and over. Kylee’s voice in this book, as well as the bits of wisdom she imparts makes it an incredible literary work!

[Julie VanDeKreke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This memoir is like sitting with an old friend who is speaking to you after years of being apart...Kylee is able to tell so many stories about her life and experiences throughout, but always keeps you on the path of acknowledgement that you, too, are made of dirt. What will you do with your time here? How will you grow? I enjoyed reading her memoir, and it inspired me tremendously. You'll walk with her in her childhood, from the time she remembers being an "awkward" child to her escape from small-town Colorado into her college years, where she learned how to find her own ground, build a new life with the dirt she had found there...then, admitting that her foundation wasn't always solid, and learning lessons about forgiveness and strength even in times when life was most uncertain. Her strength is her family and her foundation, wherever she chose to bloom during times of turbulence and uncertainty. This is a story of empowerment and forgiveness as well as of a life well lived.

[Laura Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Books are my friends. This book reached deep into my soul as Kylee skillfully shared her life lessons through humor, heartbreak, resilience, compassion, and wisdom. This book made me laugh, cry, remember my own challenges and triumphs in life . . .all the while learning and reflecting on what it truly means "to plant seeds of intention." This is a book I will pick up to read over and over again when I am in need of a little inspiration to find the courage to bloom. Kylee is a gifted writer and this debut memoir will not be her last literary gift to our world. Read the book and join on her journey of living your life with intention and purpose.

[Heather Rosenbaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I sat down with the intention of reading this memoir slowly, to reflect on the lessons learned and soak it all in. I quickly realized that this would not be the case as I was sucked in and craved more. I believe that Of Dirt and Wildflowers will become a staple read as I move across the chapters of life. I will find myself returning to Kylee's words as guidance and inspiration along my journey.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done, Kylee. Thank you for releasing your powerful, poetic words out into the world for the rest of us to read and benefit from.

[Shawn Lowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her prose is wonderful and the story is compelling.

[Nicole Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is the most poetic memoir i have ever read. she makes it so easy to slip into her shoes and live life alongside her and to learn and grow with her. such a beautiful read!!

[Nattana Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

seeing life thru Kylee’s eyes is truly inspiring

Some people really take in life, from the little details to the big messages. Kylee helps us see thru a perspective few stop long enough to appreciate. Her wit and truth are refreshing and entertaining and each chapter is a new lesson. A reminder to take in a deep breathe of life and ride the rollercoaster on the ups and downs and how to come out with an appreciation for those who surround us and for the moments we have. I loved every page and hope she writes more books. A uniquely written memoir and fast entertaining read that will make you laugh and cry. Highly recommend.

[Jacki Solis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A special story of a spectacular life

I read this over the course of a couple day train ride to take a break(runaway) from my insane life. It was a great compliment to the trip. This book makes you question why we feel the need to hide who we are or want to be behind the pretty picture we are working so hard to keep polished. This glimpse into Kylee blooming is a lesson for us all to hurry up and be who we want to be and quit hiding. So glad I took the time to read it.

[Carrie McNamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Work

I loved this work for great reasons. Kylee was a teacher where I worked when she was young. All she has been through makes it so valuable. The way she put it to paper moved me in so many ways. Now that I’ve finished it she has enormous courage. She will brave the next work with enthusiasm and energy. A beautiful writer. Carrie

[Diane Schaneman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible insight to the dirt in our lives that ultimately leads to the wildflowers. Perspective is everything and Kylee Marshall reaches the heart with her vulnerability. Love, love, love ❣️