Velda Thomas will release her book, “Blended: Perspectives on Belonging, a Participatory Notebook,” tonight during a special author’s event at Finnriver Farm and Cidery.

“Blended” is a result of Thomas discussing and mulling over what it means to be multiracial, and her struggles with identity and her lost heritage.

Thomas, who works as a practicing massage therapist in Port Townsend, carries over the healing aspect of her work to her writing. She explained that the title speaks to a struggle of identity that is specific to many Black people in the United States, and her effort to reconcile with that struggle and provide some reflection for herself and others.

Born in the United Kingdom, Thomas was raised by her grandparents before coming to the United States. Her grandparents were from the Caribbean and their ancestors were from Africa, but where specifically, Thomas doesn’t know. A lot of her time has been spent patching together different pieces of her identity and family heritage, especially in recent years.

“I’ve been realizing the structures that I have taken on, and then also have to live within sometimes, but also trying to find out, you know, who am I really,” Thomas said about her life and the writing of her book.

Home is where the heart is, and for Thomas, that’s Port Townsend. She explained that she never necessarily felt she belonged in the United Kingdom, and she has now lived in the United States for more than 30 years.

Along with themes like belonging and identity, much of the book is written in poetry and personal narratives, along with art work done by Thomas.

There is also a large part of the book put aside for the reader’s participation. These sections include blank pages and reflection questions in which she encourages the reader to interact with her writing.

Thomas has always been somewhat of a writer since she was young. She used words as a way to process what was going on in her life, and what she was going through inwardly.

But it was in the past year, especially during COVID, that Thomas was able to organize her many writings and thoughts into book form, partially fueled by being at home with more time to finish the book.

“The one message I really hope people will get is that we are all evolving. And as part of our evolution, hopefully we are all evolving to be better human beings,” the author said. “I’m hoping that by sharing my open, honest, truth it will help other people find their open, honest, truths.”

“Blended” is set to be released at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 29 at Finnriver Farm and Cidery. Masks and proof of vaccination are required for entry.

For information, go to https://veldathomas.com, or find her on Instagram and Facebook.