Journals

Journals, left to Williams by her mother, are the central objects in Williams’ story. They precipitated Williams’ decision to write her story. At her death, Williams’ mother left her journals to Williams. When Williams decided it was time to read the journals, she discovered they were all blank. Williams began the journey to discover the meaning of her mother’s blank journals and to write the story of her own life.

Capistrano

When Williams was a child living with her parents in California, her mother took her daily to a beach near Capistrano.

“A Field Guide to Western Birds”

Though Williams’ grandmother, Mimi, had copies of all of Roger Tory Peterson’s field guides, “A Field Guide to Western Birds” was her favorite. When Williams was a child Mimi gave Williams her own copy of this guide. The two had several identical entries for their first sightings...