The Emporia Gazette

February 12, 2012

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COTTONWOOD FALLS — Step into the world of Comfy Corners and you’ll be taken into Hope 2 Help’s world — a world just south of Cottonwood Falls created by author Judy Wilson.

Wilson, a Chase County resident, is hoping to spread a little bit of “Hope” with her stories, that were created through the eyes of her alter ego, Hope 2 Help. The stories are told through Hope 2 Help’s journal entries.

“It is an anecdotal mosaic of many generations so everyone can relive something they recognize,” Wilson said. “She (Hope) shares personal stories and introduces us to the locals and passerby. Stories are cute, silly and sad. ... All are intended to be provocative and not provoking.”

Hope has an accent, so Wilson reads the stories live from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. every Tuesday afternoon inside The Gallery in downtown Cottonwood Falls.

Wilson began writing Hope’s journal entries down a year ago on Nov. 19. She soon began reading to a group of people, many who became regulars to her weekly readings following along with Hope’s stories and life.

“The whole point is just to help people feel better,” Wilson said.

The stories are based on reality — “embellished reality” — as Wilson calls it. Hope has four children and tells stories about her children, the town and people around her. A character, Aunt Charity, can get a little bit raunchy, Wilson added. Aunt Charity also introduced the town to the 12-step program. Hope lives on a family farm that doesn’t produce much anymore, Wilson said. In the readings, people will learn about the store where all the men hang out and the Hankering’ Cafe where people can go if they get a hankering’ for something.

Hope belongs to everyone, Wilson said. Wilson’s desire is to make Hope available to people but not force it on them.

“It’s for anybody who could use a little “Hope,”” Wilson said. “I try to make it non-specific enough that Hope looks the way you want her to. There is no picture of Hope other than what is in your mind.”

Wilson said she’s very grateful for the opportunity to share Hope with others.

The Hope 2 Help stories has become the Hope on a Rope outreach and Wilson has put her stories on CDs to share with people.

“It feels like this is my ministry,” Wilson said.

Wilson hopes to have a pod cast available in the future as well. Anybody is welcome to the readings, Wilson said. For more information on Wilson or Hope 2 Help, e-mail Wilson at jjandawilson@sunflower.com or call (785) 760-4084. CDs are available for a $15 suggested donation. The CDs contain all the stories that Wilson has written.