by Holly Schaffer, Community Relations Manager
I met Myrna P. Tesoro to talk about her positive experience with former Writer in Residence Adiba Nelson and Myrna’s children’s book The Butterfly Tree. However, both of us being lovers of stories and sharing, we got sidetracked.
We chatted about her childhood in the Philippines, learning to speak English from Peace Corps volunteers, being selected to attend the World Youth Assembly, her training as an early educator, and her time teaching at numerous schools in New York City. Of teaching, Myrna told me, “You teach to inform facts, but also to appreciate the form. It is a science and an art. It’s about colorful language, mood, and music.” She then shared a story about her best experience as a teacher:
“A student told me grammar is boring, so I set it to music and asked, ‘Is this sentence declarative?’ The student replied, unenthusiastically, ‘I don’t know.’ In a singsong voice, I spoke these lyrics… I am going to Scarborough Fair. Excitedly, he said, “It’s declarative! He’s declaring where he’s going! That makes sense.”
I mention this story because it perfectly captures Myrna’s personality and her outlook on life. She told me, “I want to gather people and teach and share. I was born with a dream and to look beyond. I am a muse.”
She also had a dream to write a book. And with the help of the Library’s former Writer in Residence Adiba Nelson, she did.
The Butterfly Tree: A Retold Fantasy Tale is a Filipino fantasy tale reinvented in which three butterflies discover why it’s important to care for others. She said, “The book was in my head for years. Upon meeting Adiba at our first one-on-one session, I felt the seed of creativity being nurtured.”
Myrna had a loose manuscript before meeting Adiba. “The first time I read to her,” she said, tearing up as she spoke, “She listened intently. I felt heard.” Adiba said, “There was such a connection with Myrna. I could almost hear the click.”
Adiba continued, “She was such a joy to work with, and I always looked forward to meeting with her. She was so passionate about getting her story out into the world, and was willing to hear feedback, take it back to her home and work on her story. The finished result was a beautifully touching fable from her homeland of the Philippines that moved me to tears. She's a natural storyteller!”
At age 74, Myrna has much more planned. “I’ve shattered the myth of going downhill in my 70s. I’m prepping for my third act. The Butterfly Tree is my gift of words. I don’t care if people buy it or not. I wrote my story. It is up to me—and no one else—to prove my worth.”
I’m sure Adiba would agree, Myrna has already proven her worth. And we are happy that the library has given her the space and opportunity to put her words to paper and continue being a muse, a lover of creativity, and a believer in serendipity well into her next act.
