Sour Cream, Blueberries, And You is not a dessert special on a menu.  It is, in fact, a book offering an insightful look into everyday life in our area.

On Sunday, May 19th, from 2:00- 4:00 PM at the Crane-Phillips House Museum at 124 North Union Avenue in Cranford, The Cranford Historical Society will host an afternoon of their “Meet the Local Author” program. Present will be local author and Cranford resident John Shubeck, who will present a discussion of his recently published work, Sour Cream, Blueberries, and You:  A Memoir, and offer book signings.  Author, photographer, and local existentialist,  John Shubeck has compiled more than one hundred short stories, poems, observations, and photographs recording everyday happenings. Shubeck uses experiences gleaned from his everyday life with family, business, society, and nature, and he explores how each change in life brings with it new experiences and new doors to open.  He will also discuss his experiences through the entire process of actually publishing his book.

Amazon.com posts the following description of his latest book – “Sour Cream, Blueberries, and You”  offers a new look at life and how we live as described by author and photographer John Shubeck through more than one hundred short stories, poems, observations, and photographs recording everyday happenings. What you now see as mundane can be revealed with hidden opportunities and humor, providing new insights through his observations. An occasional bit of reality presents food for thought and opens doors to what could be. From the emotion of “A Woman in Love” to the vicarious sadness expressed in “Today I Saw a Friend,” Shubeck’s writing considers friendship or love in a new light. He uses the experiences he has gleaned from his family, business, and society; even nature is exposed and seen differently. By opening wonderful new worlds, new experiences have come his way with each life change. He has not only become more aware of the world around him, but he also revels in the new and exciting relationships that have come with each new start in his life.”

 

In the Introduction of his book, Shubeck himself writes, “I hope my curiosity gave some insights that I will use to tickle your fancy and have you saying, ‘Yes, I never thought of that, but now I see.’  While recuperating from a heart attack in 2004, I walked the streets of Cranford, New Jersey, and as a resident photographer, I recorded it’s lifegiving beauty and atmosphere.”

Admission to this event is free, and everyone is welcome to attend. Perhaps we could all use a bit of a spotlight on Cranford’s “lifegiving beauty and atmosphere,” and the chance to appreciate what has been all around us all along.  A visit with John Shubert may offer just the feel-good perspective we need.