About the Author

I was born Ellen Kathleen Willmarth 64 years ago in Southern California, daughter of a boisterous and altogether unique artist/writer father and a calm, steady musician/biochemist mother. I moved with them and my three brothers to the wilds of Sierra County when I was scarcely more than a tot. The move north to a wee mining cabin in the woods was a rather more romantic than practical gesture on the part of my parents, and it proved to be of utmost significance in forming my character, such as it is. Had we remained in the city of Alhambra, I doubt seriously that I should have formed the profound attachment to untamed rivers, deep forests, craggy mountains and the wild flora and fauna which nourish my spirit even today.

Growing up in relative isolation, with the time and necessity of amusing myself, I turned to books, fantasizing and (inexorably?) writing at an early age. Being a shy one, I did a lot of observing...and despite normal social conditioning meant to curb childish curiosity, I never stopped asking "Why?" (My husband finds this irritating, as do my elected representatives.)

My first paid adult-type job was as a feature writer for a newspaper while I was attending college as one of those dime-a-dozen English and Comparative Lit majors. Enjoyable as it was to stuff my little cranium, higher education did not help me zero in on my True Vocation. Following the dictates of my generation's dictum to females of moderate talent and courage, I got married. I produced children -- fine sons who are a great joy to me and others and who have amply educated me into the mysteries of maleness and the next generation. Around the edges I continued to observe, to write and to volunteer in areas of life about which I knew very little but eventually learned much. I accumulated an odd assortment of work experience entirely unplanned and unforeseen in my rarefied youthful daydreams. It all proved to be grist for the writer's mill.

Although ideas for many book-length projects have danced through my head from time to time, it wasn't until the Supervisor of Tahoe National Forest announced his intent to destroy a dozen historical landmark buildings — including our beloved cabin at Shady Flat — that "dangerous opportunity" and the impending doom of my spirit home gave birth to this book. Everything came together rather quickly. Intimate knowledge of the locale, a lifelong involvement in historic preservation efforts elsewhere, the ability to interview folks and ferret out information, a wealth of research experience from being a professional genealogist for years, and a certain dogged tenacity even I didn't know I possessed, combined to bring forth the first edition of Like A Leaf Upon the Current Cast in 2001.

Other Sierra County historical research projects are underway. Click on the New Projects button to find out what they are and how you might help or email me at greengal2@charter.net

copyright © 2004 Katie Green
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