Shirley R Barasch

For Professional Purposes: an Artistic Journey Shirley R Barasch

By age four-and-a-half, Shirley ?Sorahlah? Barasch shows artistic gifts: writing 'pomes' before she can spell or pronounce the words; playing the 'pyeano' by ear?her ?parlor trick? according to her father. But suddenly tragedy strikes! Thrown into a strict religious social order not ready for a woman?let alone a young girl?to be independent and creative, Sorahlah adapts on the fly. She re-orders her daily routine squeezing in piano lessons, writing music, and poetry?often on the sly by flashlight under the covers?in order to achieve her dream. Shirley invites the reader on a visual and sensory journey of a gifted, determined girl through the depression and World War II years in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. We meet unforgettable characters through the Squirrel Hill section?bakeries, synagogues, schools, businesses, riding the trolleys, forbidden backyard shortcuts and even Kennywood Park in vivid details. The trip will be at once nostalgic and fresh as we travel along with that child on a heart stopping adventure of a budding artist coming of age. For Professional Purposes: An Artistic Journey is a testament to the power of the determined will in all of us. This celebration of family life includes a chapter of comfort food recipes and funny anecdotes. Shirley?s story is both humorous and touchingly sad?an emotional roller coaster ride you?ll not soon forget!