"The '60s." We hear the expression often, but what does it really mean? Tie-dyed T-shirts and peace signs are always featured at 1960s parties as is the music of the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, and Janis Joplin. The Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, and the assassinations of powerful leaders with names like John, Martin and Bobby are iconic images of the era. But during the past four decades, the turbulent time has been romanticized and refined into something barely recognizable to someone who lived it.

The glorification of illegal drug use, ("If you remember The '60s, then you weren't there") has diluted the significance and sacrifice that were required of the true participants in that time of unprecedented youthful involvement to invoke change The '60s Movement.

Local author and artist Lynn Rogers was one of those participants. At a very young age, she tossed aside her gilded suburban lifestyle and physically headed for Berkeley as she spiritually headed toward an awakening of change. She became part of a group that would later be known as the Beats those who laid the foundation for the Hippie Movement.

"Fate threw me into that position," Rogers explains. "Turmoil within my family made me seek something else." She seems confounded by some who claim to be a part of that movement. "Those of us who were actively involved at that time were shunned by our peers. We were not considered popular. Now I see people who were part of the Junior Republican party taking credit for the Summer of Love. It's astounding."

Rogers uses her artistic abilities to bring an authentic voice to this personal subject.

The author of several books, including "Born in Berkeley," "Where the Flowers Have Gone," and "The Rainbow's Daughter," Rogers uses a fictional character, Caroline Ryder, to tell her story.

Rogers began writing poems and stories at a very young age.

"My mother often had to defend me from accusations of plagiarism," Rogers says with a smile.

She assesses that decade as a time that has a re-written history. "People have forgotten what it was really about. It was a time of great awakening and great turmoil. While the drug scene took away from the positive accomplishments, a voice was given to those who previously had no voice. Today, there is a woman and a black man being considered for president of the United States because of the work done during that time," Rogers says.

An award-winning artist, Rogers integrates her art into her books. The sometimes haunting illustrations add interest and depth to the characters. While finding her creative voice was never an issue, channeling that voice into novels required an awakening of her own. Through an adult education class, Rogers was able to direct her artistic energies. She now teaches such a course and enjoys seeing students of varied ages, including senior citizens, learn to tell their story.

"Creativity is the one of the keys to longevity," she affirms.

Rogers' fictional work does not exclusively focus on stories of the 1960s. Her most recent novel, "The Valley of Ashes," brings to life the struggles of the financially disenfranchised in Silicon Valley. The common thread of her novels appears to be the desire to lend a voice to those who cannot speak for themselves.

Active in the Milpitas community, Rogers' art and literature are exhibited regularly. An upcoming exhibit of pieces from her collection of recycled mosaic art techniques will be on display at the Milpitas Police Department June 5.

"I am encouraged as an artist and creator in the Milpitas community," Rogers says.

Her books are available through inklingpress.com and local bookstores, including Willow Glen Books in San Jose and Kepler's Books in Menlo Park. She invites potential readers to call 559-5995 to order signed copies of her work.

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Contact Kel Kanady at books_at_bulletin@yahoo.com.