I realize I’ve been lucky to have such a life. I hope that if you read any of these memoirs that you’ll be inspired to your best self.

Against the Grain: A Memoir of Inspiration and Resistance

Award-winning story! Third place in the NM Press Women Communications Contest.

“Sonja Dewing’s memoir of her time in the Civil Air Patrol takes you on a journey of inspiration and resistance. Against the Grain tells the thrilling story of an adventurer and a trailblazer. You will be inspired.” Jonathan Seyfried, Author of the Time Rivon Series

In 1979, I was twelve years old when I joined an auxiliary military group called the Civil Air Patrol. Through the years I flew a plane, led search and rescue missions, faced the good ol’ boys club, and learned to find my authority. All while being among the few women in the organization.

This is a memoir of my journey with the CAP; get ready for a bumpy ride.

Civil Air Patrol was established before WWII to protect civilian private planes and flight. By the time I joined, the group had grown beyond flying to things like search and rescue, teaching cadets leadership skills, and teaching the general public about aerospace.

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Finding Balance: A Memoir Read the first few chapters for free on Kindle Vella

At first glance, this idea seems ludicrous. A woman in her forties with no knowledge of Spanish, no experience backpacking through a country, and an avid over packer going on a journey through Costa Rica, Panama, and Peru. And, taking her best friend along who also speaks no Spanish. Would it work? Would we survive?