Author Curt Melliger will do a reading of his books Heaven Here in Earth and Where the Weeds Grow at the Cortez Public Library on Tuesday, June 20 and Dolores Public Library on Thursday, June 29.
The readings will take place at 4 p.m. in Cortez and 6 p.m. in Dolores.
Melliger discovered his love of writing in 2004, and started pursuing that calling soon after. This discovery came from his love of travel and new places. He said he realized we live in an amazing world, and he wanted to use his words to encourage others to put down their screens and embrace the world around them.
Before becoming a writer, Melliger, who is originally from Nebraska, began traveling the country and the world when he was 17 years old. During his time on the road, he kept a notebook detailing his travels, the people he met and the unique circumstances he witnessed.
“While I was traveling around North America, I kept a road journal,” he said. “And I would write down not just what I did today, but unusual experiences and the magic of life and interesting people.”
During his travels, he worked as a custodian, pearl diver, railroad worker, bridge builder, engine mechanic, night watchman, carpenter and more. It was after a near-death experience falling off a bridge and injuring his back on the railroad that Melliger was able to truly embrace his love of writing.
He has had over 100 articles published since 2004, and also writes poetry. His first book, Heaven Here in Earth was published in 2018, and Where the Weeds Grow was published in 2021.
According to Melliger, Heaven Here on Earth is a collection of essays that makes the case that we have access to heaven on earth.
“I try to open people's eyes to the way we used to look at life when we were children, you know, everything was magical, and new and beautiful,” Melliger said.
A portion of the book’s description says, “We don’t have to wait to experience heaven. Indeed, heaven is waiting for us. It lurks behind bushes, below bridges, and inside abandoned buildings. It hides on top of high mountains, in deep cool canyons and at the bottom of the lake. It resides within storm clouds, bolts of lightning and the colors of a rainbow. Heaven abides on the other side of walls, doors, and stained-glass windows. It exists beneath your feet, behind your back, and in front of your eyelids when they are closed. For paradise is always present, whether we notice it or not.”
Because his second book, Where the Weeds Grow, was published during COVID, this will be the first reading Melliger has had for the book.
According to the synopsis, the book is a collection of Melliger’s essays, and ranges “from the simplest of all to the most sublime. From the wonders of water, rock and moonlight, to the miracle of existence, the mystery of death and the possibility of returning to heaven early …”
Melliger said his search for “raw, pure, unadulterated wildness” showed him that “it's readily available on this unparalleled planet we inhabit, but only if we dare to cut the rope and leave the herd behind. Because you see, ecstasy life just beyond the lawn, the pavement in the fence. It waits for us in the weeds,” he said.
Melliger said he hopes his books inspire others to hold tightly to the seemingly small things in life.
“I remember times when people were kind to me, and when I was kind to others. We don't remember how much money we made or our careers are constantly things that we did that were accomplishments, but we remember the kindness and just the grace and beauty of people you know,” he said.
