Bits of Yesterday

About the Book

This collection of poems represents the reflections, through poetry, of a lifetime of experience. Mary Elizabeth (“Mary Liz”) Bell Bailey has been writing poetry since the age of 8, and reading through them provides the reader with an insight into the inner strength and joys of a woman who meets the challenges that life offers, and uses life’s experiences to learn and grow.

About the Author

Mary Liz was born and raised in Colfax, Iowa, a small farming community east of Des Moines. She graduated from the University of Iowa majoring in English and Music. These two disciplines remain the cornerstones of her creative, personal and professional lives. Whether playing piano and organ, teaching primary schoolers to learn an instrument, or singing in her beloved church choir, music has always been fundamental to her experience. And generations of high school English students remember "Mrs. Bailey" as having a profound influence on their lives, nurturing their appreciation for literature and language. Mary Liz's poetry was written as a personal testament as she celebrates family, special events, and small moments that may otherwise go unnoticed. The reader of this volume may relate to the varied life experiences that Mary Liz captures so honestly. Those who know Mary Liz may be not be surprised to see, in these poems, the important role that her faith has played (and continues to play) in her life. She had not intended to publish these writings, however, with the strong encouragement of her husband, George, she began to collect her writings and to consider sharing them with her friends and family. George died in 2006, never able to see the book you are now reading. But his influence remains strong behind each and every line. Mary Liz continues to write poetry to celebrate personal events in her life and those of her friends. She divides her time between West Palm Beach, Florida and Brevard, North Carolina, visiting her children. Her cairn terrier, Duffy, is always at her side.