Pocket Life
By Corky Mau
June 2026
Dream Weaver
Her books show kids how to follow their passions
Casanya Ursery discovered her love of writing in a high school English class in 1993. Her creations included poetry and imaginative narratives. The works remained boxed for 30 years.
“After my father’s passing during the pandemic, I decided to open some boxes. The time was right to tackle a long-lost dream to write books that inspire young people,” the longtime Pocket resident says.
In 2022, she published her first children’s book, “How to Build a Boat.” Ursery followed up with “Casey Goes to Cornell,” the first book in a series about the Ivy League college experience.
Casey is Ursery’s nickname and the story is loosely based on fulfilling her dream of attending Cornell University. She plans more books in the series.
Her most recent book, “Not This Time,” came out last year. With the 1990s as a backdrop, the book is aimed at young adults. What I find interesting is that the book has an accompanying soundtrack titled, “Not This Time—The Musical Experience.”
Ursery didn’t set out to make an album. “It started as a way to keep me in the ’90s mindset while finishing the book, to keep the prose authentic,” she says. “I was deep in the era’s vibe, but eventually a synergy happened and I realized each chapter didn’t just have a mood. It had a melody.”
Ursery writes, illustrates and self-publishes her books. She plans to refine those early works still boxed up.
“Not This Time” is available on Amazon. Readers can find links to Ursery’s books at her website icecreamc.com. The album can be streamed under the artist’s name, IN3NITY.
ICE CREAM SOCIAL
Friends of the Sacramento Library Pocket Greenhaven chapter hosts an ice cream party Saturday, June 6, from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
This family-friendly event kicks off the library’s Summer Reading Challenge. Kids participate in activities and earn coupons for a free ice cream treat and book. Families can sign up for the Reading Challenge to earn prizes all summer long.
Don’t forget the library’s summer calendar. Many art classes, ikebana and science workshops are scheduled through September.
YARD SALE & YOGA
Outta Pocket Farm presents a community yard sale Saturday, June 6, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. No charge to shop or participate, but sellers must bring their own tables and pop-up tents.
Yoga sessions start Sunday mornings from June 7 at 9 a.m. Participants should bring mats and water. After class, take home a floral bouquet. Yoga is $10 per session.
For information, contact Dawn McGuire at (916) 812-2010 or email dmmtempest@yahoo.com. The farm is at 7150 Pocket Road.
SOCCER SEASON
Registration for Greenhaven Soccer Club’s upcoming season is open through June 6. Games run July and August through October and November, depending on age group. For information and a registration link, visit greenhavensoccer.com/registration.
Corky Mau can be reached at corky.sue50@gmail.com. Submissions are due six weeks prior to the publication month. Follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram: @insidesacramento.
