I must acknowledge with thanks and appreciation, Leslie Wilson of the Concord Free Library Special Collections; Joann Mente and the guides of the Emerson Home Museum; Donna White Merullo of the Concord Museum; Margaret Compton, David Emerson, Nancy and Anthony Forbes and their friends the Gates, for inviting us into Lidian's gardens; Sandie Liacouras, for the Emerson articles; my cousin Robert Byron for the history; Jolene Borgese, for discovering me; my neighbors Beth and Barbara, for their support and tears; Kathye Fetsko Petrie, for being an angel on earth. The teachers of Swarthmore-Rutledge School who over the years have welcomed me into their classrooms; Sara Reynolds who makes me a better artist; and my husband, Bob, who has allowed me to pursue my life's work since 1977; and last, my father, Edward James Byron, for first introducing me to Concord and Emerson. I love you, Dad.

For the Great-Great Granddaughters of Mr. Emerson's Cook

Emma & Sarah Schachner

and for

Lucia Monfried

who takes me by the hand each and every time,

with love — J.B.S