Barbara Rubin

Barbara Rubin writes this story of joy and sorrow mixed with humor and rage as both mother and advocate for her daughter Jenn. In this role, she witnessed firsthand the battles that come when a person is the most vulnerable, but she also saw the gift of human kindness and the difference it can make in another person’s life. She hopes that her journey, lived through her daughter’s injury, will help others understand the lessons that can be learned from tolerance and will give hope to families whose paths have also been darkened by tragedy. This is her first book. Barbara resides in Washington Crossing, PA.

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Do you have another artistic outlet in addition to your writing? Do you sew? Paint? Draw? Knit? Dance?

From a young age I was intrigued by the pure beauty of flowers and wanted to paint them. I felt that through art I would be able to fully study and see all their intricate parts from the curve of their petals to the color saturation that highlighted their blooms. At the tender age of sixty I signed up for a workshop that introduced me to oil painting. I was hooked and found wonder in capturing on canvas everything from landscapes to the fur on dogs and cats. All subjects became targets for my exploration. In recent years I expanded my craft to include acrylic paints and abstracting nature as a variation from the realism of my previous work.

There is no better coping tool for me than painting. I have found it to be a great distraction when my troubled mind calls for a peaceful reprieve from turmoil. I escape into the canvas giving it life where only a blank space exists before my colors define the values and shapes of my subject. But it is not just in times of trouble that I turn to art. Sometimes I feel a creative energy that drives me to pick up my brushes and explore a new technique in applying paint that gives texture or added interest to my work. Inspiration often comes from viewing the paintings of other artists when I visit a gallery, art festival, or tour a museum. I am always open to try new ideas to improve my skills.

Vacation druthers… City or Rural destination? Why?

I prefer the wonders of the natural world, so I am drawn to national parks and land that has been preserved for the public to enjoy. My favorite time of year to travel is in the fall when summer vacationers have returned to their work, school routines and crowds are no longer an issue. The weather is usually dryer, and the temperatures are in a comfortable range for hiking. The colors of the western states with their burnt-red soil and soft green sagebrush take my breath away. When I see sweeping vistas of land that appear to be untouched by man, I see the beauty of our planet and have an appreciation for the unspoiled and restorative effect nature has on one’s spirit.   

What do you worry about?

The political chaos throughout the world that leads to conflict and violence is beyond stressful and worrisome for me. I think all peoples of the world want peace, love, and to be able to provide food and shelter for their families. These are basic instincts held by all species within the animal kingdom of which we are a part. It is only those who seek power to rule over us that drive the war machines and biases that divide us and pit one race, nationality, or political belief against the other. Unfortunately, we are susceptible to propaganda and are easily led to hate and discriminate against those who do not share our color, religious beliefs, political ideals or who are not in our social economic caste.

I also worry about climate change and the devastating effect it is having on our planet. This is a concern that should be shared by all people and a responsibility that requires everyone to work together toward solutions, not finger pointing or debating its existence. Science shows us the facts, but too many want to wait, deny, or excuse the matter either due to inconvenience, profit, or for political gain. Our Earth needs us to save us from ourselves.

The Earth’s warming, the violence and wars that divide us, and our prejudices make the world a scary place for future generations that include my grandchildren. I don’t feel my generation has left the world a better place than what we inherited and for that I am saddened and regretful. I see positives in recent years with the recognition of many of our faults and the steps that have been taken to correct our wrongs. But progress is slow and far more painful than people are willing to deal with. We have more than enough historical information to know better and the knowledge to proceed with the solutions if we so choose.

Favorite non-reading activity?

I love a scenic bike ride along rails-to-trails pathways to see wildlife, flowing water, and blooming wildflowers. The competitive side of me lights up with a good game of canasta or bocce. A funny or romantic, or better yet a “based on a true story” movie is a welcome evening’s entertainment. Live productions have me marvel at the talent and skills of performers and envious of their showmanship. Kayaking, especially in the clear springs of Florida or in the swamps of the Carolinas, allows me to be one with the wildlife that appear just below the surface or along the water’s edge. I delight in a savory meal and look forward to the next dance party be it for a holiday gathering or a wedding. I mostly like keeping active, learning, and adventuring. Life is a precious gift, and in old age I want to be able to look back on a life well lived.

Are there particular films that have influenced your writing?

As I was developing the story behind my memoir, More Than You Can See, my mind constantly reflected on the movies “The Upside” and “The Fundamentals of Caring”. The caregivers portrayed in both films brought humor into an otherwise sad situation. They were not only willing to try new and unprecedented things with their client, but they also strove to add adventure and normalcy into the lives of the person they cared for. The story line in my book about my daughter who is disabled, and her two lighthearted caregivers paralleled the characters in the movies. I knew the reader would enjoy any levity I brought to my story just as I had appreciated it in these two movies. If laughter had not been a component in my story, I would not have written the book. For me a book or movie is most compelling when it has fun sprinkled in to match any heartbreaking parts.