Not Your Typical Electronic Magazine – there are no links to “read more…”!
© APRIL – JUNE 2012, Issue 64, Vol. 12, ISSN: 2237-65
Author & Publisher Rosanne Catalano
Publisher’s Letter
Hello my dear readers; and thank you for joining us for the April-June issue! Wow! I cannot believe the weird weather we've been having. Although I was a little worried about mother-nature’s confusion -- flowers on trees and plants blooming in mid-to-late-March -- on this April day it is 74 degrees and sunny, so I am not questioning mother-nature now :) But I do wonder what the upcoming summer will offer us weather-wise?
Speaking of "summer," this year for the first time in our almost-15-year marriage I will have my husband home all day long with me! He decided to retire early due to health reasons. Although he has fully recovered from his past hospitalizations and two major surgeries (lung and ankle), after being hospitalized again - only this time for pneumonia - he is not feeling well enough to work ever again. So he informed his boss of his retirement plans, his boss told him to give them two months to train someone else. As of June or July of this year, it will be either a "new chapter" in mine & my hubby's lives or a "living nightmare" ....
On another topic, this month I would like to introduce my new proofreader & editor, HEIDI SPARGO (aka Heidi Metzger or Dizzy Metzger):
HEIDI SPARGO is a poet – whose poetry has been published in this magazine many times over the years; including the January issue – a mother of four, soon to be five in June, a stepmother of one, and a loving wife to a firefighter who resides in Kearney, Nebraska in the USA. She was also the editor of her school’s newspaper. Her experience editing a newspaper is just one reason she will be helping me with the proofreading of this magazine. Please do WELCOME HEIDI SPARGO to The Cat’s Meow for Writers & Readers Magazine: hlspargo@yahoo.com
Also read this very important announcement from my friend JACQUELINE MARCELL; author of the book ‘Elder Rage’, Radio Host, and International Speaker:
Hi Rosanne, please tell your readers about my newest announcement regarding my book, ‘Elder Rage’:
Announcement: I recently recorded my book, ‘Elder Rage’, a Book-of-the-Month Club selection receiving 50 endorsements:http://www.ElderRage.com/Review.asp, 300+ Five-Star Amazon reviews, is required reading at numerous universities, and being considered for a film.
It is now available for audio download exclusively at Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/74479pq and Audible Books: http://tinyurl.com/7seo4fm. Also available in Print and Kindle/Nook eBook formats. Perhaps you know people who could be helped by it. http://www.ElderRage.com
Jacqueline Marcell
Author, Radio Host, International Speaker
'Elder Rage, or Take My Father... Please!
How to Survive Caring for Aging Parents'
Book-of-the-Month Club Selection
Coping with Caregiving Radio Show
Speaking of "summer," this year for the first time in our almost-15-year marriage I will have my husband home all day long with me! He decided to retire early due to health reasons. Although he has fully recovered from his past hospitalizations and two major surgeries (lung and ankle), after being hospitalized again - only this time for pneumonia - he is not feeling well enough to work ever again. So he informed his boss of his retirement plans, his boss told him to give them two months to train someone else. As of June or July of this year, it will be either a "new chapter" in mine & my hubby's lives or a "living nightmare" ....
On another topic, this month I would like to introduce my new proofreader & editor, HEIDI SPARGO (aka Heidi Metzger or Dizzy Metzger):
HEIDI SPARGO is a poet – whose poetry has been published in this magazine many times over the years; including the January issue – a mother of four, soon to be five in June, a stepmother of one, and a loving wife to a firefighter who resides in Kearney, Nebraska in the USA. She was also the editor of her school’s newspaper. Her experience editing a newspaper is just one reason she will be helping me with the proofreading of this magazine. Please do WELCOME HEIDI SPARGO to The Cat’s Meow for Writers & Readers Magazine: hlspargo@yahoo.com
Also read this very important announcement from my friend JACQUELINE MARCELL; author of the book ‘Elder Rage’, Radio Host, and International Speaker:
Hi Rosanne, please tell your readers about my newest announcement regarding my book, ‘Elder Rage’:
Announcement: I recently recorded my book, ‘Elder Rage’, a Book-of-the-Month Club selection receiving 50 endorsements:http://www.ElderRage.com/Review.asp, 300+ Five-Star Amazon reviews, is required reading at numerous universities, and being considered for a film.
It is now available for audio download exclusively at Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/74479pq and Audible Books: http://tinyurl.com/7seo4fm. Also available in Print and Kindle/Nook eBook formats. Perhaps you know people who could be helped by it. http://www.ElderRage.com
Jacqueline Marcell
Author, Radio Host, International Speaker
'Elder Rage, or Take My Father... Please!
How to Survive Caring for Aging Parents'
Book-of-the-Month Club Selection
Coping with Caregiving Radio Show
Impressive Press
3141 Michelson Dr. #606
Irvine, CA 92612
(949) 975-1012
=======================================================================================
Please go to: http://www.facebook/catsmeowfor to “Like” The Cat’s Meow for Writers & Readers’ Fan Page.
We are also on Google+ : http://plus.google.com/108844542348353504098?hl=en#108844542348353504098/posts;
And on Pinterest : http://www.pinterest.com
and on Twitter : http://www.twitter.com/rckayla
Personally I am loving these new social media sites. Would love them even more, however, if ALL my family and friends were also on there! Now I’m happy to also introduce another inspirational newsletter that my friend Janet Perez Eckles publishes. Her newsletter is Free and comes right into your email….
“Splash of Inspiration”
Published By Janet Perez Eckles; author and Inspirational Speaker
JANET’S DAILY NEWSLETTER BRINGS YOU FAITH & LOVE WITH A LATIN FLAIR!
To subscribe to Janet Perez Eckles’ newsletter just send a blank email to: jeckles@cfl.rr.com
Write “Subscribe” in your subject line and mention that Rosanne Catalano, publisher of The Cat’s Meow for Writers & Readers Magazine, referred you. Janet will immediately send you her latest issue right in your inbox. Enjoy her inspiring newsletter!
* * * * * *
My contributors have other News to share with you…
FROM ARTHUR C. FORD, SR.
PUBLISHER, EDITOR & POET:
Dear Literary Artist,
The Poet Band Company is asking for poetry, max. 40 lines, and prose, max. 300 words (English language only. If sent in another language, also include English translation or transliteration) to be submitted for possible publication in the print “THE POETRY EXPLOSION NEWSLETTER” (aka “THE PEN”), issued quarterly (January, April, July, and October).
GUIDELINES (www.thepoetbandcompany.yolasite.com)
JULY'S ISSUES ARE DEDICATED TO ROMANTIC POETRY
OCTOBER'S ISSUES SPOTLIGHT HOLIDAY POETRY
ALL OTHER ISSUES ARE “OPENED TO THE WRITER”
"THE PEN" publishes poems and prose pertaining to all subjects (love, holidays, current events, etc.) and in any form (sonnets, haiku, rhyme, free and blank verse, etc.). Simultaneous and pre-published submissions are accepted. Bio-sketches are optional. Presently,
we are not paying monetarily, but if your works are selected we'll send you a free copy of the issue in which they(it) appear(s). Send us your best!
All submissions must be typed and of “camera ready” quality.
Submit a maximum of five works (a S.A.S.E. with correct postage if you want your works that are not accepted for publication to be returned). E-Mail submissions are accepted and must include Snail-Mail address.
Note: If sending from another country, please send International Coupons (2 per dollar amount) or a Money Order or a Check written in U.S. Dollars from a United States bank.
If you have never been published, this may be your chance!
Thanks for your love of the written word.
Subscriptions: $25.00 yearly (4 issues) or $48.00 for 2 years. Send $4.00 for a sample issue.
Outside the U.S.A., and Canada, $35.00 U.S Dollars for 4 issues or $68.00 for 2 years.
Make Check or Money Order payable to:
Arthur C. Ford
P.O. Box 4725
Pittsburgh, PA 15206-0725 (U.S.A.)
EM: wewuvpoetry@hotmail.com
TOLL FREE: 1-866-234-0297
POEMS ARE CRITIQUED AT 15 CENTS PER WORD.
ADVERTISING RATES:
Size One issue Four issues
1/8 page $10.00 $35.00
¼ page $20.00 $60.00
½ page $40.00 $120.00
Full Page $80.00 $270.00
Ads must be “camera ready” and printed in black and white. Logos are accepted.
Yours in Words,
Arthur C. Ford, Sr., Poet & Editor
* * * * * *
FROM KJ HANNAH GREENBERG
AUTHOR & POET:
Rosanne, "Object du Jour," Apr. 2010, originally published in your venue, is among seventy stories published in Don’t Pet the Sweaty Things (Bards & Sages Publishing, March 2012). Please encourage your readers to click to order related swag and the electronic version of this book from the publisher or the print version from Amazon or Createspace.
I would like to offer your readership a 10% discount off of the cover price of Don’t Pet the Sweaty Things. When they buy from Createspace, they go to the link at https://www.createspace.com/3772404 and select "Add to Cart." On the following page, there is a spot that says "if you have a discount code, enter it here." Put in “WLJS8U8."
Blurb for Don't Pet the Sweaty Things:
There is much to be gleaned from anthropomorphic tales populated with spacelings, with anxiety-prone rabbits, and with literate penguins. By placing our moral onus on hairy or on scaly beings, like the ones populating Don't Pet the Sweaty Things, we humans can safely poke at occupational hazards, relationship foibles, and never-actualized bucket lists.
More specifically, by reading about sentient hedgehogs, biker lizards, and intergalactic entrepreneurs, we can cautiously stretch our considerations of how we treat ourselves and others. It's less daunting to cheer on warring sugar ants than to confront a boss, to hope for the success of a Tuna Olympics contender than to give advice to an adolescent child, and to think up salutations for a space cowboy than to properly word a greeting to a new neighbor.
Thanks!
Channie (KJ Hannah Greenberg)
drkarenjoy@yahoo.com
* * * * * *
FROM CAROL ROACH
AUTHOR, PUBLISHER, COLUMNIST & FREELANCE/GHOST-WRITER:
Rosanne, please tell your readers about my three wonderful columns at examiner.com :
First column
Women's Issues - covers all issues relating to women's lives, from the fight for women's rights which started over 100 years ago in Alberta, Canada, to all the great women's achievements in the USA, the feminist movement, women's legal, health, family issues and more, later on I will incorporate eastern women's issues as well.
http://www.examiner.com/x-47386-Montreal-Womens-Issues-Examiner
Second column
Health - covers all aspects of health from disease and conditions to most recent medical studies, to warning against certain drugs and pharmaceutical drug recalls.
http://www.examiner.com/x-38644-Montreal-Health-Examiner
Third column
Mental health - covers everything pertaining to psychology, psychiatry, self improvement, theories about behavior and why we do the things we do and a lot more.
http://www.examiner.com/x-33888-Montreal-Mental-Health-Examiner
The articles are well researched and, as you know, my field is psychology – I have a Masters in counselling psychology. The articles are also great for Storytime Tapestry members who do not want to wait for when the story is finally published in Storytime Tapestry, sometimes several months later.
* * * * * *
FROM JOSEPH J. MAZZELLA
AUTHOR & WRITER:
Dear Friends,
I have good news. The Hardcover edition of my book ‘Walking the Path of Love’ is now available in addition to the Paperback edition at both Amazon and now Barnes & Noble online sites. Thanks again to all of you who have purchased a copy. You have helped make this writer's dream come true!
Wishing you every joy, Joe.
* * * * * *
FROM ROGER DEAN KISER
AUTHOR & CHILD ADVOCATE:
Author Roger Dean Kiser’s child advocate office website is:
http://thewhitehouseboys.com/AmericanOrphan/americanorphan/index.html
* * * * * *
Go to Filbert Publishing today to pick up your copy of Beth Ann Erickson’s helpful ebook, “101 No Cost or Low Cost Techniques to Turbo Charge Your Freelance Income”! She offers a ton of excellent advice on how to earn more than pennies for your freelance writing.
Also check out the “Helpful Sites for You” page for other interesting, fun websites, and literary journals, magazines and newsletters!
See you in July …. Until then, I will be writing more in my next book; and celebrating the Easter, Mother's Day and Memorial Day holidays, plus mine and my husband's birthdays with family. Before I go, however, please do welcome my many contributors; some new, some established who have written short stories, story articles, poems, essays and helpful informative articles for you. If you like or have a strong opinion of what they have written, do let them know by email or by visiting their websites. [Authors’ email addresses or websites are listed in their bios.] My contributors love hearing from you!
Copyright © April-June 2012 Rosanne Catalano.
Cat’s Rule, Dogs Drool :)
______________________________________________________________________
3141 Michelson Dr. #606
Irvine, CA 92612
(949) 975-1012
=======================================================================================
Please go to: http://www.facebook/catsmeowfor to “Like” The Cat’s Meow for Writers & Readers’ Fan Page.
We are also on Google+ : http://plus.google.com/108844542348353504098?hl=en#108844542348353504098/posts;
And on Pinterest : http://www.pinterest.com
and on Twitter : http://www.twitter.com/rckayla
Personally I am loving these new social media sites. Would love them even more, however, if ALL my family and friends were also on there! Now I’m happy to also introduce another inspirational newsletter that my friend Janet Perez Eckles publishes. Her newsletter is Free and comes right into your email….
“Splash of Inspiration”
Published By Janet Perez Eckles; author and Inspirational Speaker
JANET’S DAILY NEWSLETTER BRINGS YOU FAITH & LOVE WITH A LATIN FLAIR!
To subscribe to Janet Perez Eckles’ newsletter just send a blank email to: jeckles@cfl.rr.com
Write “Subscribe” in your subject line and mention that Rosanne Catalano, publisher of The Cat’s Meow for Writers & Readers Magazine, referred you. Janet will immediately send you her latest issue right in your inbox. Enjoy her inspiring newsletter!
* * * * * *
My contributors have other News to share with you…
FROM ARTHUR C. FORD, SR.
PUBLISHER, EDITOR & POET:
Dear Literary Artist,
The Poet Band Company is asking for poetry, max. 40 lines, and prose, max. 300 words (English language only. If sent in another language, also include English translation or transliteration) to be submitted for possible publication in the print “THE POETRY EXPLOSION NEWSLETTER” (aka “THE PEN”), issued quarterly (January, April, July, and October).
GUIDELINES (www.thepoetbandcompany.yolasite.com)
JULY'S ISSUES ARE DEDICATED TO ROMANTIC POETRY
OCTOBER'S ISSUES SPOTLIGHT HOLIDAY POETRY
ALL OTHER ISSUES ARE “OPENED TO THE WRITER”
"THE PEN" publishes poems and prose pertaining to all subjects (love, holidays, current events, etc.) and in any form (sonnets, haiku, rhyme, free and blank verse, etc.). Simultaneous and pre-published submissions are accepted. Bio-sketches are optional. Presently,
we are not paying monetarily, but if your works are selected we'll send you a free copy of the issue in which they(it) appear(s). Send us your best!
All submissions must be typed and of “camera ready” quality.
Submit a maximum of five works (a S.A.S.E. with correct postage if you want your works that are not accepted for publication to be returned). E-Mail submissions are accepted and must include Snail-Mail address.
Note: If sending from another country, please send International Coupons (2 per dollar amount) or a Money Order or a Check written in U.S. Dollars from a United States bank.
If you have never been published, this may be your chance!
Thanks for your love of the written word.
Subscriptions: $25.00 yearly (4 issues) or $48.00 for 2 years. Send $4.00 for a sample issue.
Outside the U.S.A., and Canada, $35.00 U.S Dollars for 4 issues or $68.00 for 2 years.
Make Check or Money Order payable to:
Arthur C. Ford
P.O. Box 4725
Pittsburgh, PA 15206-0725 (U.S.A.)
EM: wewuvpoetry@hotmail.com
TOLL FREE: 1-866-234-0297
POEMS ARE CRITIQUED AT 15 CENTS PER WORD.
ADVERTISING RATES:
Size One issue Four issues
1/8 page $10.00 $35.00
¼ page $20.00 $60.00
½ page $40.00 $120.00
Full Page $80.00 $270.00
Ads must be “camera ready” and printed in black and white. Logos are accepted.
Yours in Words,
Arthur C. Ford, Sr., Poet & Editor
* * * * * *
FROM KJ HANNAH GREENBERG
AUTHOR & POET:
Rosanne, "Object du Jour," Apr. 2010, originally published in your venue, is among seventy stories published in Don’t Pet the Sweaty Things (Bards & Sages Publishing, March 2012). Please encourage your readers to click to order related swag and the electronic version of this book from the publisher or the print version from Amazon or Createspace.
I would like to offer your readership a 10% discount off of the cover price of Don’t Pet the Sweaty Things. When they buy from Createspace, they go to the link at https://www.createspace.com/3772404 and select "Add to Cart." On the following page, there is a spot that says "if you have a discount code, enter it here." Put in “WLJS8U8."
Blurb for Don't Pet the Sweaty Things:
There is much to be gleaned from anthropomorphic tales populated with spacelings, with anxiety-prone rabbits, and with literate penguins. By placing our moral onus on hairy or on scaly beings, like the ones populating Don't Pet the Sweaty Things, we humans can safely poke at occupational hazards, relationship foibles, and never-actualized bucket lists.
More specifically, by reading about sentient hedgehogs, biker lizards, and intergalactic entrepreneurs, we can cautiously stretch our considerations of how we treat ourselves and others. It's less daunting to cheer on warring sugar ants than to confront a boss, to hope for the success of a Tuna Olympics contender than to give advice to an adolescent child, and to think up salutations for a space cowboy than to properly word a greeting to a new neighbor.
Thanks!
Channie (KJ Hannah Greenberg)
drkarenjoy@yahoo.com
* * * * * *
FROM CAROL ROACH
AUTHOR, PUBLISHER, COLUMNIST & FREELANCE/GHOST-WRITER:
Rosanne, please tell your readers about my three wonderful columns at examiner.com :
First column
Women's Issues - covers all issues relating to women's lives, from the fight for women's rights which started over 100 years ago in Alberta, Canada, to all the great women's achievements in the USA, the feminist movement, women's legal, health, family issues and more, later on I will incorporate eastern women's issues as well.
http://www.examiner.com/x-47386-Montreal-Womens-Issues-Examiner
Second column
Health - covers all aspects of health from disease and conditions to most recent medical studies, to warning against certain drugs and pharmaceutical drug recalls.
http://www.examiner.com/x-38644-Montreal-Health-Examiner
Third column
Mental health - covers everything pertaining to psychology, psychiatry, self improvement, theories about behavior and why we do the things we do and a lot more.
http://www.examiner.com/x-33888-Montreal-Mental-Health-Examiner
The articles are well researched and, as you know, my field is psychology – I have a Masters in counselling psychology. The articles are also great for Storytime Tapestry members who do not want to wait for when the story is finally published in Storytime Tapestry, sometimes several months later.
* * * * * *
FROM JOSEPH J. MAZZELLA
AUTHOR & WRITER:
Dear Friends,
I have good news. The Hardcover edition of my book ‘Walking the Path of Love’ is now available in addition to the Paperback edition at both Amazon and now Barnes & Noble online sites. Thanks again to all of you who have purchased a copy. You have helped make this writer's dream come true!
Wishing you every joy, Joe.
* * * * * *
FROM ROGER DEAN KISER
AUTHOR & CHILD ADVOCATE:
Author Roger Dean Kiser’s child advocate office website is:
http://thewhitehouseboys.com/AmericanOrphan/americanorphan/index.html
* * * * * *
Go to Filbert Publishing today to pick up your copy of Beth Ann Erickson’s helpful ebook, “101 No Cost or Low Cost Techniques to Turbo Charge Your Freelance Income”! She offers a ton of excellent advice on how to earn more than pennies for your freelance writing.
Also check out the “Helpful Sites for You” page for other interesting, fun websites, and literary journals, magazines and newsletters!
See you in July …. Until then, I will be writing more in my next book; and celebrating the Easter, Mother's Day and Memorial Day holidays, plus mine and my husband's birthdays with family. Before I go, however, please do welcome my many contributors; some new, some established who have written short stories, story articles, poems, essays and helpful informative articles for you. If you like or have a strong opinion of what they have written, do let them know by email or by visiting their websites. [Authors’ email addresses or websites are listed in their bios.] My contributors love hearing from you!
Copyright © April-June 2012 Rosanne Catalano.
Cat’s Rule, Dogs Drool :)
______________________________________________________________________
BIRTHDAY & ANNIVERSARY WISHES CORNER!
Happy Birthday to:
|
Lianne Umland
Birthday: April 1st, 1987 Jeanne Umland Birthday: April 3rd Jessica L. Adams Birthday: April 9th Mandy Gray Birthday: April 12th Toni Lamberta Birthday: April 13th Debbie Catalano Birthday: April 22nd Paul Infranco Jr. Birthday: April 22nd Anthony DiBetta Birthday: April 23rd Kayla Marie Rusk Birthday: April 27th Barry D. Infranco Birthday: May 4th |
Dara Cardillo-Green
Birthday: May 4th MaryLou Lavelle Birthday: May 11th Nick Campo Birthday: June 3rd Rosanne's husband Bill Birthday: June 7th Phyllis Donovan Birthday: June 13th Anne Babcock Birthday: June 13th Rosanne Catalano Birthday: June 14th Peter Campo Birthday: June 16th Denise Catalano-Shar Birthday: June 22nd Michael DiBetta Birthday: June 30th |
Happy Anniversary to:
|
Rosann and Anthony DiBetta
Anniversary: April 4th Lisa Mcgough and James Catalano Anniversary: April 24th, 1982 Linda and Stuart Steinberg Anniversary: June 22nd |
Lina and Robert D’Onofrio
Anniversary: June 11th Jeanne and John Umland Anniversary: June 5th |
To see your birthday and/or anniversary wishes here, email Rosanne with your name (first & last, or just first name) birth-day (year is optional) and date of anniversary (again, year is optional).
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
COFFEE HOUSE 4 READERS CORNER
Bringing You Short Stories, Flash Fiction, Poetry, Haikus, Essays, and Story Articles for Your Reading Pleasure!
The Legend of the Ghost in the Garden
By Lanette Kissel
No one seems to know who she was, though there has certainly been much speculation concerning her. People come from far away to see her, even though she can’t be seen. Perhaps that is part of her allure, the fact that one is not able to see her, but is still very aware of her presence.
Some come here to view the garden’s spectacularly beautiful roses; but most come because of her, in the hope they will feel her presence. Some visitors to the garden comment about the garden’s unusual fragrance. The sweet floral scent of the roses is always a delight to the visitor’s senses; but here there is a fragrance, which usually overpowers the natural scent of the roses. It is the strong aromatic scent of a woman’s perfume. The aroma is strong and distinct, and is not produced by any flower that blooms in this garden. This perfume has a sensual flavor and it tends to remind one of the Orient. The oriental nature of this perfume has been the basis for one of the legends concerning her.
It is said that an American Soldier was stationed in Japan for the occupation following World War II. While he was stationed there, he met and fell madly in love with a young Japanese woman, and she happened to return his love. They were married in a secret ceremony and the soldier brought his new wife back to America with him to meet his family. His family was shocked to learn their son had taken a Japanese bride and did not take kindly to the young woman. They refused to recognize the marriage and threatened to disinherit the young man. His family insisted that he must choose either his inheritance, or his new bride. Since the young man came from a wealthy family, he had much to lose, and ended up choosing his inheritance over his young bride.
Finding herself alone and abandoned, an unwelcome foreigner in a strange land, she felt frightened and devastated. She ran to the garden and in a moment of despair, she clipped one of the roses. Using one of the huge, razor sharp thorns, she slit both of her wrists, taking her own life. This concludes one of the legends concerning her possible identity.
A few fortunate visitors to the garden have been able to take their experience a step further. A few have had the unique privilege of hearing her sing, though her song does not include any audible recognizable words. The song is more of a humming actually, and a few skeptics have ventured to say the sound is not that of a woman’s voice, but merely the sound of the wind.
Those who have heard the strange but beautiful sound, say there is a mournful quality to the distinctly feminine humming. The soft, soprano tone sounds as if it is humming some sort of lullaby. One is transfixed, almost mesmerized by the beauty of her voice. This strange sad song is the source of the other legend concerning her.
It is said that a beautiful young woman with the voice of an angel would walk these garden paths cradling her tiny infant in her arms. She would sing him sweet lullabies as she walked among the fragrant roses. The baby, which had been somewhat frail from birth, became gravely ill and died. The woman buried her tiny babe in this garden beneath the rose bushes. The despondent young mother still walks these paths singing comforting lullabies to her child who sleeps beneath the roses.
These are the two most popular legends concerning the ghost who haunts these lovely gardens.
Yet the ghost is neither of these fascinating young women. Should I tell the visitors what I know? Should I reveal the true identity of the lonely spirit who walks these garden paths? I know the answer and could solve this mystery easily.
My great grandparents used to live in the house on the hill, the house where I now live. My great grandfather first planted this garden. He had a love for plants and flowers and a green thumb as well. Fortunately, I inherited his way with all things green and growing. My great grandfather spent many of his waking hours working here in this garden.
Then one day he went out to work in the garden and never came back. It was as if he simply disappeared. My grandmother waited for him to return day after day. The days turned into months, and the months into years. She was forty when he disappeared and still had much of her life ahead of her. She finally remarried, and people thought she had given up on ever seeing my grandfather again.
Though she called another man “husband,” she never stopped yearning for the love of her life. She never stopped hoping that one day he would return to her. Every day she would walk these garden paths searching for an answer to the mystery, searching for a way to heal her wounded heart.
It is my great grandmother who hums that soft, sad tune the visitors have heard; and it’s not a lullaby they hear. The song she hums is actually an old Irish tune, which my great grandfather had always sung.
My grandmother died without ever knowing what happened to my grandfather. She never received the closure she so desperately needed. So she walks these paths even now, hoping for some sign from her long lost beloved.
My grandmother has nothing to do with the exotic oriental fragrance that lingers in the garden. I must admit I am the one responsible for that. It is simply the fragrance of the perfume I always wear; and I happen to be the caretaker of this garden. Hence, a very simple and quite unspectacular explanation for the exotic fragrance the visitors constantly comment about. I much prefer the rumor I started many years ago about the ill-fated young bride from Japan.
Should I tell them about my great grandmother? Should I reveal the true identity of the spirit who haunts this beautiful place? Should I put an end to this fascinating mystery...? I think not.
Copyright © February 11, 2011 Lanette Kissel.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
LANETTE KISSEL has been writing since 2000, when her husband Dave bought a home computer for them. She soon discovered how easy it was to write creatively on the computer. Lanette has always loved language and the written word so one night an idea for a novel came to her in a dream. She thought about writing the novel for weeks; mulling around in her head the characters and plot lines. Then one evening she sat down to begin writing that novel and continued to work on it most every day, until four months later, when it was finished. Lanette also writes short works of fiction in a variety of genres, along with Christian poetry and devotionals. She has been writing and submitting ever since. Lanette uses her real name for her poems and a pseudonym – Taylor Kincaid – for her works of fiction. Her poetry has appeared in small press publications including “Silver Wings”, “Smile”, “Bell’s Letters”, “The Pegasus Review”, “The Poet’s Pen” and her devotionals in “Penned from the Heart” and “The Secret Place”. Lanette’s poetry can be viewed at www.christart.com, and www.christianpoetry.org. Her first inspirational novel, “The Lonely Preacher from Celestial Falls”, was released in ebook format at www.redrosepublishing.org. Also at Red Rose Publishing is the first story from Lanette’s fantasy / inspirational series entitled “Why Angels Dance”. In addition to her writing, she loves spending time with her family; including her twenty-seven year old daughter and her parents. Lanette also enjoys going out to dinner and to movies with friends. She loves attending worship services at her Christian church, and is planning – as a new endeavor for 2011 – to try singing in her Church’s magnificent choir of almost two hundred members. She resides in Evansville, Indiana in the USA, and shares her home with an adopted Yorkie-Poo dog. Lanette’s husband was diagnosed with colon cancer in the fall of 2005. The cancer later spread to his brain. Together, they waged a three-year battle against the debilitating disease until December of 2008, when her husband lost his courageous battle and went to be with his Father in Heaven. Although it was, without question, a difficult time in Lanette’s life, she credits an extreme growth spurt in her faith to those cancer years. She says: “I never would have made it through but for the grace and help of God. I know of specific situations which can only be attributed to the hand of God working in my life to help me endure what I had to endure. I give all the glory and praise to the Father for all He has done for me. I also credit Him for my writing ability. For a while after my husband Dave’s death, I stopped writing; fearing I might never take it up again. But the writer’s block was only temporary. I once again find myself in the writing and submitting process. Now I have survived two years as a widow, and readily admit I have no idea what the future may hold. I doubt that I will ever marry again, and am actually enjoying my single status. I do hope that I will always use my pen to glorify God with my poetry and other writing. Though my future may seem uncertain, I am content to entrust that to God; desiring His Will in every aspect of my life.” Lanette Kissel can be contacted at crockfox@aol.com
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Anger is a Great Tool for Success
By Paula Deann (Roe) Honeycutt Booher
Anger rolled up in a ball has lots of energy. How can we use that energy for our good? Simply routing it to the productive process and taking it out of the destructive mode.
Of course the Word of our Father God explains in great detail how we are to respond and take hold of our anger and bad feelings when we are injured emotionally but...
There is something else that I have not heard lots about.
How do we re-route our anger and why do we have it in the first place?
In my study I have found that Jesus was not a wimp or coward. He was soft, gentle, and kind yes, although have we really looked at the true heart and nature of our Savior? The warrior side that defends us when the injustices come? Have we truly given Him credit of being a stand-up guy that defends our honor, fights our battles for us, and really gets angry like we do? Perhaps not enough has been said or written in these areas to make us understand that our Lord and Savior has to be the leader in the struggles we face or the Word of Father God would be a complete lie.
It is a crime against heaven and all who have fought so hard for our 'free' from heaven freedom to just lay down and take one up the keester for anyone. It is shallow and shows no faith at all if we bow to the enemy who's job it is to destroy us and discredit our Father, at one time his Father also.
Who do we think created the angel of music and all good harmony's? The beautiful angel Lucifer was freely given the task of all the music ever created, at one time...Then he turned into the ego side of his created-being and thought himself bigger and better than the other angels and set a course that not only changed the status in heaven; it turned this world into his seductive playground when he was thrown out into the darkness of this place; before we were ever here...
Some don't go back that far in biblical history to find that evil was here waiting for us to arrive. He was not happy about it and set plans in action to stop us from staying. This had become his own domain and he being selfish and self-centered did not want to share it. Then he found out through the heavenly grapevine that Father God actually created US for His good pleasure. What a hit in the old bottomless pit for him.
Jealousy set in and the war was on to destroy our relationship with our Father. Only one thing he forgot about. Jesus was already in the trinity of Father God and the Holy Spirit. We had a whole army on our team before we were even aware of their existence. Cool...
Okay picture this. Lucifer, now referred to as Satan, was here. He had claimed his realm as his property and became adjusted to this un-heavenly place as his very own. Little did he really know that being cast down to earth was in comparison as one of our children being sent to their room alone for a punishment. Even though Satan was not alone, a whole legion of heavenly angels, were cast down with him. Apparently Lucifer had friends in heaven or they would not have come with him to this place out of the heaven they had once enjoyed. So let's recap. Lucifer had friends. HE forgot about the warrior brother Jesus, and he was completely stink-in mad that his space had now been invaded by these creatures to keep his Father company, and were actually sent down to join him on his unholy playground.
This sets up quite a series of events that we are still dealing with in the present day. Something to think about, right?
The main point of this devotion or study is to illuminate the reality of the war waged in heaven by the upset Godly child of heaven against us physical bodied humans that were created from Father God’s pure Spirit in His image. Now Satan had to deal with the fact that we were an annoyance that he had to try to conquer and bring to his way of thinking or he would lose his playground to us. It was a slap in the face of evil.
What did Lucifer/Satan do? He tempted Eve. Eve had no concept of evil; had never been exposed to “the liar.” She had no experience in dealing with it. Her innocence led her down a path that we still deal with today. Being a physical man Adam had grown accustomed to his sexual relationship with this woman created for him. His physical appetite had been awakened. Adam knew Eve...he only talked and spent time with Father God. The physical is powerful...being a man without knowledge or upbringing of his spirit man first and overcoming the flesh. Poor Adam was caught in the snare that the evil wanted him to be in when Eve offered the forbidden fruit. Curiosity killed the cat; well it also separated Father God from man because sin entered in.
Where there is known sin it is one thing. Where there is unknown sin is quite another. Adam had not sinned before, he had no experience of how to deal with it. Father only gave the orders. He did not explain the repercussions to Adam nor Eve of their disobedience. They did not grow up knowing discipline as our children or we would have...and have had.
To fight for the rights of the innocence of Adam and Eve there came Jesus and His warriors. Now you may say, "How do you come up with this stuff? It is not in the Word of Almighty Father God...”
The Holy Spirit speaks volumes to those who have ears to hear and eyes to see... As Paul Harvey would say: "Now for the Rest of the Story!"
To be continued...I'm getting to the point as the series goes along..."Anger is a great tool for success"
Copyright © March 28, 2012 Paula Deann (Roe) Honeycutt-Booher.
Of course the Word of our Father God explains in great detail how we are to respond and take hold of our anger and bad feelings when we are injured emotionally but...
There is something else that I have not heard lots about.
How do we re-route our anger and why do we have it in the first place?
In my study I have found that Jesus was not a wimp or coward. He was soft, gentle, and kind yes, although have we really looked at the true heart and nature of our Savior? The warrior side that defends us when the injustices come? Have we truly given Him credit of being a stand-up guy that defends our honor, fights our battles for us, and really gets angry like we do? Perhaps not enough has been said or written in these areas to make us understand that our Lord and Savior has to be the leader in the struggles we face or the Word of Father God would be a complete lie.
It is a crime against heaven and all who have fought so hard for our 'free' from heaven freedom to just lay down and take one up the keester for anyone. It is shallow and shows no faith at all if we bow to the enemy who's job it is to destroy us and discredit our Father, at one time his Father also.
Who do we think created the angel of music and all good harmony's? The beautiful angel Lucifer was freely given the task of all the music ever created, at one time...Then he turned into the ego side of his created-being and thought himself bigger and better than the other angels and set a course that not only changed the status in heaven; it turned this world into his seductive playground when he was thrown out into the darkness of this place; before we were ever here...
Some don't go back that far in biblical history to find that evil was here waiting for us to arrive. He was not happy about it and set plans in action to stop us from staying. This had become his own domain and he being selfish and self-centered did not want to share it. Then he found out through the heavenly grapevine that Father God actually created US for His good pleasure. What a hit in the old bottomless pit for him.
Jealousy set in and the war was on to destroy our relationship with our Father. Only one thing he forgot about. Jesus was already in the trinity of Father God and the Holy Spirit. We had a whole army on our team before we were even aware of their existence. Cool...
Okay picture this. Lucifer, now referred to as Satan, was here. He had claimed his realm as his property and became adjusted to this un-heavenly place as his very own. Little did he really know that being cast down to earth was in comparison as one of our children being sent to their room alone for a punishment. Even though Satan was not alone, a whole legion of heavenly angels, were cast down with him. Apparently Lucifer had friends in heaven or they would not have come with him to this place out of the heaven they had once enjoyed. So let's recap. Lucifer had friends. HE forgot about the warrior brother Jesus, and he was completely stink-in mad that his space had now been invaded by these creatures to keep his Father company, and were actually sent down to join him on his unholy playground.
This sets up quite a series of events that we are still dealing with in the present day. Something to think about, right?
The main point of this devotion or study is to illuminate the reality of the war waged in heaven by the upset Godly child of heaven against us physical bodied humans that were created from Father God’s pure Spirit in His image. Now Satan had to deal with the fact that we were an annoyance that he had to try to conquer and bring to his way of thinking or he would lose his playground to us. It was a slap in the face of evil.
What did Lucifer/Satan do? He tempted Eve. Eve had no concept of evil; had never been exposed to “the liar.” She had no experience in dealing with it. Her innocence led her down a path that we still deal with today. Being a physical man Adam had grown accustomed to his sexual relationship with this woman created for him. His physical appetite had been awakened. Adam knew Eve...he only talked and spent time with Father God. The physical is powerful...being a man without knowledge or upbringing of his spirit man first and overcoming the flesh. Poor Adam was caught in the snare that the evil wanted him to be in when Eve offered the forbidden fruit. Curiosity killed the cat; well it also separated Father God from man because sin entered in.
Where there is known sin it is one thing. Where there is unknown sin is quite another. Adam had not sinned before, he had no experience of how to deal with it. Father only gave the orders. He did not explain the repercussions to Adam nor Eve of their disobedience. They did not grow up knowing discipline as our children or we would have...and have had.
To fight for the rights of the innocence of Adam and Eve there came Jesus and His warriors. Now you may say, "How do you come up with this stuff? It is not in the Word of Almighty Father God...”
The Holy Spirit speaks volumes to those who have ears to hear and eyes to see... As Paul Harvey would say: "Now for the Rest of the Story!"
To be continued...I'm getting to the point as the series goes along..."Anger is a great tool for success"
Copyright © March 28, 2012 Paula Deann (Roe) Honeycutt-Booher.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
PAULA DEANN (ROE) HONEYCUTT-BOOHER is a Christian writer who was raised in Stover, Missouri – near Lake of the Ozarks area in Central Missouri – and still resides in the State of Missouri USA. She is also a mother of five – two of hers and two of her husband’s – and a grandmother of three. Paula has been writing since high school. Mostly poetry she hid away till a good friend of hers asked why she did not share them. She set out to share them, and found Carol Roach – publisher of “Storytime Tapestry Ezine” – through a bizarre set of circumstances in early 2004, becoming a published writer-contributor under Carol’s tutelage. To write short stories, rather than just poems, hit her after she started writing for Carol. Since then her writing has been a bit sporadic, although, she is totally committed to the Daily Devotions she writes and shares with those on Facebook and in Storytime Tapestry Ezine. Paula is also a trained professional in Media Broadcasting, graduating in 1993. She worked in radio as an on-air talent for several years until she left to finish raising her first two children after their father and she divorced. Paula then met her second husband while on-air when he called to ask the name of a song by Phil Keagy. That was almost-19 years ago. Paula says that “her first love is Jesus Christ...the rest is, as they say, history.” For anyone who would desire to receive daily devotions through the ministry Paula Booher started in 1998, "Gods Ladies and Gents in Disguise Ministries", just throw her an email at the address below and she will happily include you on her list. She can be contacted at: wrappedinword@yahoo.com
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A Swing and A Hug
By Joseph J. Mazzella
Author of “Walking the Path of Love”
It was a warm, sunny, Saturday afternoon some fifteen or sixteen years ago. I had volunteered to take my two older kids to the local playground while my wife put the youngest down for a nap. As soon as we got there my daughter headed for the swings and asked for a push. As I was helping my daughter to go higher and higher, I noticed another little girl 3 swings down trying in vain to get her own swing going. Her elderly grandmother was sitting quietly on a nearby bench and smiled at me. I gave my daughter one last big push and then walked over to the little girl and asked if she could use a push too. She smiled and said "Yes!" I soon had her feet soaring towards the clouds while she laughed happily.
For the next two hours I found myself pushing swings and playing tag with my son, daughter, and the other little girl. By the time we headed home I was physically exhausted but my spirit was still flying higher than those swings.
Two years later I was exhausted again after a long day’s work. Still, I needed to pick up my kids from the local grade school before heading home. I stood wearily in the parents’ waiting area watching for my children. Suddenly, I felt two tiny arms wrap around my stomach. I looked down and there was the little girl from the playground smiling up at me. She gave me one more big hug before heading off to catch her bus. As I watched her go I didn’t feel quite so tired anymore and my spirit was once again soaring in the Heavens.
In this life every single bit of love we share finds its way back to us again. It may travel from heart to heart or it may blossom in the soul where it was planted. It may take seconds or it may take years. God’s law of love, though, is never broken. What we give, we get back. What we sow, we reap. The love we share, the kindness we give, and the joy we create will always come back to bless us in this life and even more so in the next.
Copyright © April 2011 Joseph J. Mazzella.
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A Sunbather
By Joseph J. Mazzella
Author of “Walking the Path of Love”
It was an early Spring morning. The sun was out but the chill of Winter past was still fighting against the warmth of Spring. I was driving down a quiet country lane and heading home after running some errands. As I was rounding a curve I saw a rock up ahead in the middle of the road. As I slowed to go around it, I noticed too that it had a head and was staring up at me. It was a turtle who had decided to warm up by sunbathing on the asphalt.
I pulled over to the side of the road and picked up the sunbather. I knew if I moved the turtle off to the side of the road he would just crawl back to the warmer spot as soon as I left. Not knowing what else to do then I carried him to my car and placed him on the passenger seat. As I drove home I would glance over every so often and see the distrusting eyes glaring back at me from within his shell. I tried to comfort him with a few gentle words, but they had no effect.
When I finally made it home I picked up the sunbather again and headed to the woods behind my house. After looking around a bit I saw a clear spot where the sun was shining down on a single rock. I gently placed the turtle down on it and took a few steps back. A few minutes later the head slowly emerged and started soaking up the sun once more. I smiled and headed back to my house. My simple act of kindness may not have seemed like much in the eyes of the world, but it made a difference in the life of one turtle and in the heart of one man.
Most of us go through our lives wanting to make some big difference in this world. In the eyes of Heaven, however, any kind act no matter how small makes a difference. God loves you and He only wants you to do what you can, with what you have, whenever you get a chance. We help God the most too not with some big act of courage but rather with a thousand little acts of love. Remember this then the next time you see a person or a turtle needing a helping hand.
Copyright © April 2011 Joseph J. Mazzella.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
JOSEPH J. MAZZELLA is an author and writer who was born, raised and still lives in the mountains of West Virginia in the USA. He grew up walking in the woodland trails around his home and draws much of the inspiration for his work from God's beautiful creation that is all around him. He graduated from Glenville State College with degrees in English and Education. He has worked over the years as a busboy, lumber mill worker, and teacher. He is currently a mental health worker, and also cares for his two sons who have mental disabilities. A father of three, he has been writing for over 20 years for local county newspapers. With the creation of the Internet, he is now read by people all over the world. Joseph says, "Although I have never made a living from my writing, the joy it brings me is worth all the money in the world. All I wish is to continue to be able to share my simple words with the world for as long as I can". In August of 2010 Joe had his first book published, titled “Walking the Path of Love”, which can be purchased at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble.com, or wherever books are sold. He can be contacted at joemazzella@frontier.com
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The American Justice System
By Conrad S. Cardinal
Let me start off by saying that I believe America is a wonderful place to live. What I’m wondering about is our justice system. Over the past months there have been decisions that have baffled and confused me. Not too long ago a twice convicted pedophile was released, in Utah, because the court said he wasn’t fit to stand trial again. He was judged to be mentally impaired so they turned him loose. This kind of occurrence has happened in other parts of our country during this past year. I can’t help but feel that the rights of the perpetrator have become more important than the rights of the victim.
I’m sure most of you are aware of the trial that has just ended in Florida. Casey Anthony, the mom, was accused of killing Caylee her two year old daughter. I believe she was charged with first degree murder, child neglect, and various charges for lying to officials. While I believe our justice system is better than most, I was astonished that the jury could only find her guilty of lying. I don’t know whether or not the child died accidently or was murdered, I do know that she was responsible for Caylee’s welfare and she failed.
The child’s body was found in a swampy area a few blocks from her home and there was duct tape around the mouth area of the skull. The body was decomposed because it had been in the swamp for such a long time. My problem isn’t the fact that they couldn’t find her guilty of murder; there was no way to prove how Caylee died. By the way, Casey Anthony, waited thirty one days before she reported her daughter was missing and then only because Casey’s mom and dad kept asking where Caylee was. When confronted Casey lied to her family and authorities continually. Evidence presented revealed that during the thirty one days Casey Anthony was out and about partying. Apparentally not concerned or upset over Caylee’s demise. I’m angry because the jury didn’t hold her responsible for not protecting this baby. The defense presented the idea that Caylee accidently drowned. If that were true, why wait thirty one days to report it and why put duct tape over the mouth of a dead child? Evidence or not, this child was neglected in some way. This mom didn’t do all she could to protect Caylee in life and she didn’t do all she could to bring justice for this baby in death. Now because this jury acquitted Casey Anthony, no one will ever know what happened to Caylee Anthony.
I’m writing this paper because I’m upset. The court and the lawyers say that justice was served and technically that, though I feel a travesty, may be true. If I had a chance to speak with these jurors, I would ask them about their understanding of moral justice? Someone, while she was in the care of her mother, brought about the death of this child. Someone, having no feeling for this baby, dumped her body in a swap. In my opinion this trial neglected the rights of this child. I believe her mother should’ve been convicted of neglect, before her death and after her death.
Perhaps the question that these legal experts should be asking themselves is whether or not we’ve become so legally sophisticated that we’ve lost sight of what justice means. Have all rules, presumptions and precedents, taken the place of common sense? Someone should be held accountable for this little girl’s death and no one ever will.
Copyright © 2011 Conrad S. Cardinal.
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Caylee: Gods' Littlest Angel
By Conrad S. Cardinal
I believe there’s a place in Heaven where Gods’ littlest angels reside
I bet this place is close to Him; surely He’d keep them by his side
A beautiful corner of Heaven where they laugh and play
A place to rest their sleepy heads at the end of each day
Little angel’s, full of love, their time on earth so brief
At times their task on earth so hard; going home must be a relief
Caylee, a little Angel full of love, her task on earth was done
Heavenly Father called her home, this very special one.
Copyright © 2011 Conrad S. Cardinal.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
CONRAD S. CARDINAL is a retired-Licensed Preacher and Associate Pastor, a poet, and a writer who was born in Brooklyn, New York in the USA. While living in Brooklyn, he played professional baseball for about 4 years but due to a bad injury he retired from baseball and moved to Las Vegas, Nevada in the USA. There he worked as a Security Guard, slot machine Floor Man, and then as a Stage Hand for 40 years. The last 18 years of his career, he ran a Theatrical Welding Shop while also taking Seminary Extension Courses through the Southern Baptist Home Mission Department; enabling him to become a Licensed Preacher and the Associate Pastor of a non-denominational Church on the Las Vegas strip. Conrad has been writing poetry on and off most of his life but he has been more committed to his writing since he retired. He likes to call his work “Essays in Poetry” because he writes about issues that concern him. Conrad and his wife have been married for 30+ years; they have 7 children and 11 grandchildren. He can be contacted at Cconrad@aol.com
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I bet this place is close to Him; surely He’d keep them by his side
A beautiful corner of Heaven where they laugh and play
A place to rest their sleepy heads at the end of each day
Little angel’s, full of love, their time on earth so brief
At times their task on earth so hard; going home must be a relief
Caylee, a little Angel full of love, her task on earth was done
Heavenly Father called her home, this very special one.
Copyright © 2011 Conrad S. Cardinal.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
CONRAD S. CARDINAL is a retired-Licensed Preacher and Associate Pastor, a poet, and a writer who was born in Brooklyn, New York in the USA. While living in Brooklyn, he played professional baseball for about 4 years but due to a bad injury he retired from baseball and moved to Las Vegas, Nevada in the USA. There he worked as a Security Guard, slot machine Floor Man, and then as a Stage Hand for 40 years. The last 18 years of his career, he ran a Theatrical Welding Shop while also taking Seminary Extension Courses through the Southern Baptist Home Mission Department; enabling him to become a Licensed Preacher and the Associate Pastor of a non-denominational Church on the Las Vegas strip. Conrad has been writing poetry on and off most of his life but he has been more committed to his writing since he retired. He likes to call his work “Essays in Poetry” because he writes about issues that concern him. Conrad and his wife have been married for 30+ years; they have 7 children and 11 grandchildren. He can be contacted at Cconrad@aol.com
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The Strong Woman
By Nanette M. Buchanan
Author of “Thoughts”, “Thoughts & Reflections”, “Quiet Time”, “Family Secrets….Lies and Alibis”, “A Different Kind of Love”, “Bruised Love”, “Skeletons Beyond The Closed Door”, “Gossip Line” and “Bonded Betrayal”
Her appearance makes a statement
One that depicts worldly experiences;
One that says her life has had its ups and downs;
One that says she has had joys and sorrows, been turned around
Her attitude reflects patience
One that thoroughly absorbs surrounding atmospheres;
One that sorts through situations before making decisions;
One that has clear thoughts before her actions;
One that will not allow obstacles to block her visions
Her smile holds its own mystery
Not one that reveals each problem she has encountered;
Not one that allows her disappointments to be seen.
One that is her source of energy;
One that ignites her will to press on;
One that lasts in memory when she’s gone
Her personality displays a Strong Woman
One who deserves daily compliments
One who deserves a standing ovation
One who stands on her own, a strong foundation
This strong woman’s presence is needed today
One that is a role model for the women of tomorrow
One who accepts responsibility
One who accepts challenges
One who presses on
Her appearance makes a statement
The Strong Woman lives on.
Copyright © 2000 Nanette M. Buchanan.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
NANETTE M. BUCHANAN is an author and poet born, raised, and educated in Newark, New Jersey, USA. After graduating from Arts High School in Newark, she attended Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. It was then that she first set her pen to pad, written expressions of her love for poetry. Nanette is also a proud mother, wife and grandmother, now residing in Somerset, New Jersey; and is employed with the State of New Jersey as a Sergeant in the Department of Corrections. Her pad to pen accomplishments include three volumes of poetry: “Thoughts,” “Thoughts & Reflections,” and “Quiet Times”; five yet-to-be-published children’s stories, as well as several unpublished novels. Nanette’s first published work and debut novel was “Family Secrets….Lies & Alibis”. Since then the publication of the sequel, “A Different Kind of Love” and the release of her first volume of poetry, “Thoughts”, an e-book, hit the market. In October of 2009, Nanette’s murder mystery, “Bruised Love” also hit the market, followed by “Skeletons Beyond The Closed Door” which was released in August of 2010. At the start of the summer in 2011, her novel “Gossip Line” made its debut. Her preferred genre’ is romantic fiction, but readers will attest to the fact that they all have suspense, mystery and a dramatic twist. It is her goal to become a successful author without limits; writing and producing plays that feature her poems as well as adaptations of her novels on the “big screen” are in her future. Nanette is deeply committed to promoting literacy. She is an intricate part of ‘The Author’s Den’; a group of authors, poets and performing artists who are promoting their talents and raising funds to support Literacy and the Performing Arts within communities. She is available for personal appearances, chats and signings. Visit: http://www.ipendesigns.net or Email:ipendesigns@gmail.com
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Everyone Has a Story to Tell
By Cynthia Groopman
Everyone has a special story to tell
Of overcoming obstacles with dignity and valor and doing well.
Stories may be full of mirth, triumph and clad with glory
A story may be full of strife
As each person encounters incidents that affect life.
A story does not have to be short or long
Lessons of courage, spirituality, hope, faith and inspiration
Its words chant a warm golden sunshine song.
The greatest story ever written, my friend Is the Bible
where hearts, sorrows, fears and sadness God will mend.
Copyright © 2008 Cynthia Groopman.
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Of overcoming obstacles with dignity and valor and doing well.
Stories may be full of mirth, triumph and clad with glory
A story may be full of strife
As each person encounters incidents that affect life.
A story does not have to be short or long
Lessons of courage, spirituality, hope, faith and inspiration
Its words chant a warm golden sunshine song.
The greatest story ever written, my friend Is the Bible
where hearts, sorrows, fears and sadness God will mend.
Copyright © 2008 Cynthia Groopman.
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June’s Glory
By Cynthia Groopman
June possesses majestic glory;
weaving a tapestry of a beautiful summer story.
In the garden of fragrance, flowers regally bloom with such splendor
caressed by the sun's warmth and golden glow, so gently tender
Enchanted by the early morning bird's wake up songs
Our hearts and souls are energized with a renewal so powerful and strong
Skies are deep blue and so clear
Greenery is full of colorful cheer
Mirthful sounds of children' playing and running all about
as they enjoy youthful joy and gleefully shout
Remembrances of my dad on Father's day
touches my heart in a nostalgic special way
God's lovely creation is all alive
For June is a month of glory
where mother nature’s charm flourishes and thrives.
Copyright © June 2, 2011 Cynthia L. Groopman.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
CYNTHIA L. GROOPMAN is a poet and writer who became a Senior Writer at “Storytime Tapestry Ezine”, an Internet-based ezine, shortly after submitting her work to the publisher (Carol Roach) on December 31, 2006. When not writing, Cynthia volunteers her time at a Senior Center in Queens, New York, and recently won an honorary Police Precinct Civilian Observation Patrol (114th Civ-OP) Presidential Award. She received this Award in March 2007 at the Peter Della Monica Senior Center in Astoria, New York. She has worked with the Civ-OP for over 15 years, racking up more than 17,000 hours of volunteer service. Cynthia has also been published in “Prose’n’Poems”, a website’s newsletter for daily thoughts of the day, poems and jokes (www.jokesnstuff.net), and “The Cat’s Meow for Writers & Readers Magazine”, an Internet-based literary magazine. Also in 2007 she won the coveted honor of being named “The Star of Queens” in the Queens Chronicle, a local weekly newspaper, for her community involvement. She can be reached at cynthia.groopman@verizon.net
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weaving a tapestry of a beautiful summer story.
In the garden of fragrance, flowers regally bloom with such splendor
caressed by the sun's warmth and golden glow, so gently tender
Enchanted by the early morning bird's wake up songs
Our hearts and souls are energized with a renewal so powerful and strong
Skies are deep blue and so clear
Greenery is full of colorful cheer
Mirthful sounds of children' playing and running all about
as they enjoy youthful joy and gleefully shout
Remembrances of my dad on Father's day
touches my heart in a nostalgic special way
God's lovely creation is all alive
For June is a month of glory
where mother nature’s charm flourishes and thrives.
Copyright © June 2, 2011 Cynthia L. Groopman.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
CYNTHIA L. GROOPMAN is a poet and writer who became a Senior Writer at “Storytime Tapestry Ezine”, an Internet-based ezine, shortly after submitting her work to the publisher (Carol Roach) on December 31, 2006. When not writing, Cynthia volunteers her time at a Senior Center in Queens, New York, and recently won an honorary Police Precinct Civilian Observation Patrol (114th Civ-OP) Presidential Award. She received this Award in March 2007 at the Peter Della Monica Senior Center in Astoria, New York. She has worked with the Civ-OP for over 15 years, racking up more than 17,000 hours of volunteer service. Cynthia has also been published in “Prose’n’Poems”, a website’s newsletter for daily thoughts of the day, poems and jokes (www.jokesnstuff.net), and “The Cat’s Meow for Writers & Readers Magazine”, an Internet-based literary magazine. Also in 2007 she won the coveted honor of being named “The Star of Queens” in the Queens Chronicle, a local weekly newspaper, for her community involvement. She can be reached at cynthia.groopman@verizon.net
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Aliens ‘R Us: The Ten Errors of Science Fiction
By Sam Vaknin
Author of “Malignant Self-Love: Narcissism Revisited”
In all works of science fiction, there are ten hidden assumptions regarding alien races. None of these assumptions is a necessity. None of them makes immanent or inevitable sense. Yet, when we read a science fiction novel or watch a science fiction movie we tend to accept all of them as inescapable. They amount to a frame of reference and to a language without which we seem to be unable to relate to all manner of exobiology. We evidently believe that life on Earth is a representative sample and that we can extrapolate its properties and mechanisms of action wide and far across the Universe. The principles of symmetry, isotropy, and homogeneity apply to the physical cosmos: Hydrogen behaves identically in our local galactic neighbourhood as it does in the furthest reaches of the Cosmos. Why shouldn’t life be the same?
This leads us to the first fallacy:
1. Life in the Universe
Alien beings may not be alive in any sense of this ambiguous and loaded word. They may not eat, drink, excrete, reproduce, grow, die, process information, or move. Even here, on Earth, we have examples of such entities (viruses, for instance). Why assume that extra solar creatures must be endowed with a biology of some kind?
But isn’t life as we know it an unavoidable outcome of the growing complexity of organisms? This is begging the question. Multi-cellular entities on Earth are manifestations of Carbon-based biology. We cannot imagine beings whose complexity does not spring from some material (or energy) lattice. But our inability to imagine something, even in principle, is no proof that it cannot or does not exist.
2. The Concept of Structure
Aliens in science fiction are typically anthropomorphic in body and in psyche. They sport a central trunk out of which protrude extremities and a head that rests on a variant of our neck. They possess and are possessed by emotions. They reason and debate exactly as we do. The rare few who bear no resemblance to Homo sapiens are usually pure energy. But, even these are arranged in a matrix that is in principle visible or otherwise measurable. We cannot conceive of entities that completely lack organisation.
Yet, structure and organization are mere language elements. They are “in our head” so to speak. They do not exist in reality. They are the results of our limitations: our inability to grasp the whole at once. We use time, space, and form to cope with the immense amount of information that constitutes the Universe. Our minds slice the world and shape it into manageable bits that can be classified and catalogued. We then postulate the existence of interactions to account for our sense of inexorable time. Other inhabitants of the Cosmos may be completely shapeless, lack boundaries or size, be devoid of structure, and be totally inert.
But isn’t structure a precondition for complexity? The answer is a resounding no (see my article “The Complexity of Simplicity”). Additionally, why assume that sentient beings must be complex? Complexity is one solution. Simplicity is another. Our evolution “chose” the former. Processes in other corners of the Galaxy may prefer the latter.
Even the concept of “race” or “species” is doubtful. Why would aliens have to belong to such taxonomic categories? Why can’t we imagine a group of astrobiological specimen, each one constituting a distinct species, sui generis, “custom-made”? Why presume that they all must share the same genetic heritage? For that matter, why should they have a genetic make-up at all? Is our DNA the most efficient method of propagating data across time? This is an extremely chauvinistic supposition.
3. Communication and Interaction
Slaves to our (false) sensation of time, we deny the possibility of simultaneity and require that information travels a finite distance in any given period. This precondition requires us to communicate and interact in order to affect changes in our environment and in our interlocutors: we are forced to transfer and transport information by a variety of means from one point in space-time to another.
Certain sci-fi works introduce “telepathy” into their imaginary worlds: the instant evocation of content in one mind by another’s brain acting on it. But telepathy still assumes some kind of transport mechanism and the separateness of sender and recipient in space and, sometimes in time. No matter how imaginative and creative our literary and scientific endeavours, we are unable to convincingly describe a truly timeless, eventless ecosystem where things don’t happen and information is immediately available everywhere, vitiating the need for communication and interaction.
Yet, modern Quantum Mechanics provides us with exactly this insight: that time and space are illusions, linguistic conventions that are the outcomes of our idiosyncratic (not to say inferior) mental apparatus. The foundations of our reality at the particle level are such that simultaneity is common (entanglement) and even the concept of location is gravely challenged (the Uncertainty Principles; tunnelling and other quantum phenomena). Superior beings may not have to communicate or interact at all.
4. Location
In sci-fi works, aliens are always somewhere, in a given location. Granted, some of them project their image. Others can be in multiple places at the same moment or be part of a colony-like hive. But all extraterrestrial life forms occupy space and time and can be pinpointed to a reasonable degree using scientific instrumentation or human sense organs.
Yet, location – like space and time themselves – is a mere convention. At the particle level, knowing one’s location is a tricky business as it precludes information about other properties of the object being observed. Embryonic quantum machines and quantum computers already make use of this fact: that the building blocks of our world cannot be effectively located in either space or time (a phenomenon known as entanglement).
ET may not have a “home”. His “place” may be everywhere and nowhere at the same “time”. We can’t wrap our head around these possibilities because our cerebral computer comes equipped (at least according to Kant) with software that limits us to its parameters and procedures. Moreover: location is an essential component of our sense of identity and individuality.
5. Separateness
It is impossible for us to deny our separation – physical, temporal, and psychological - from other people. We are individuals with a specific mindset, needs, fears, emotions, priorities, personal history, wishes, and place in the world. Our language is ill-equipped to cope with a different reality. We cannot conceive of sharing a body – let alone a mind - with someone else. Even when we discuss multi-organism coordinated and directional hyperstructures, such as ant or bee colonies, we still distinguish between the components comprising them in terms of individuals. We (at least in the West) insist that we not illusory manifestations of an underlying and more fundamental whole.
Yet, as Eastern philosophy and modern physics tell us our separateness may indeed by nothing more than an illusion, a convenient organizing principle and an operational unit, akin to the cell in a human body. Aliens may have long discarded such amenity, if they availed themselves of it to start with. Non-terrestrials may have dispensed with the notions of individuals and separateness, “whole” and “parts” and may have supplanted them with the – to us – unimaginable.
6. Transportation
If location and separateness are deceptive, what need there is of transportation? Of what use are spaceships? Even if location and separateness are real, why would advanced species need to travel anywhere? Why not simply project themselves or induce action at a distance? We don’t travel to our bank – we use online banking. We remote control our televisions, power stations, cranes, and numerous other machines. We videoconference. Why reduce supposedly superior races to the travails of physical, galaxy-hopping missions? The classical answer is: in order to manipulate the environment and control it one needs to be physically present there. But why presuppose that Aliens are interested in manipulating or controlling their surroundings (nature)? Even more fundamentally: why think that Aliens have a will at all?
7. Will and Intention
In all sci-fi works, extraterrestrials want something, desire it, or wish for it. They form intentions and act directionally to achieve their goals. These literary devices pose two related problems: (a) we cannot be sure that the actions of alien beings signify – let alone prove – the existence of volition; and (b) we cannot be sure that aliens lack will and intent even if they do not act at all. Put concisely: actions teach us nothing about the existence or absence of intelligence, volition, intent, planning, foresight, and utilitarian thinking. We don’t know if and cannot prove that animals (such as pets) are possessed of a will even when they are acting willfully. Imagine how much more difficult it would be with visitors from outer space. Attributing will and directionality to ET is a prime example of teleology (the belief that causes are preceded by their effects) and anthropomorphosis (attributing human qualities, motives, emotions, and conduct to non-humans).
Throughout this discussion, it would seem that a goal necessarily implies the existence of an intention (to realize it). A lack of intent leaves only one plausible course of action: automatism. Any action taken in the absence of a manifest intention to act is, by definition, an automatic action.
The converse is also true: automatism prescribes the existence of a sole possible mode of action, a sole possible Nature. With an automatic action, no choice is available, there are no degrees of freedom, or freedom of action. Automatic actions are, ipso facto, deterministic.
Still, the distinction between volitional and automatic actions is not clear-cut.
Consider, for instance, house pets. They engage in a variety of acts. They are goal oriented (seek food, drink, etc.). Are they possessed of a conscious, directional, volition (intent)? Many philosophers argued against such a supposition. Moreover, sometimes end-results and by-products are mistaken for goals. Is the goal of objects to fall down? Gravity is a function of the structure of space-time. When we roll a ball down a slope (which is really what gravitation is all about, according to the General Theory of Relativity) is its "goal" to come to a rest at the bottom? Evidently not. Natural processes are considered to be witless reactions. No intent can be attributed to them because no intelligence can be ascribed to them. Yet, this is true but only at times.
8. Intelligence
We cannot safely deduce that Aliens are intelligent from merely observing their behaviour. It is a fallacy to insist that technology and collaboration are predicated on intelligence. Even on Earth, with a limited sample of Life, we have examples of directional (goal-oriented) and technology-empowered behaviour by non-sentient entities (computers, for instance). Intelligence as we understand it requires introspection and self-awareness and, probably a concept of “self” (see item 5 above: “Separateness”).
Still, Aliens – like us – are part of Nature. Is Nature as a whole intelligent (as we humans understand intelligence)? Was it designed by an intelligent being (the "watchmaker" hypothesis)? If it was, is each and every part of Nature endowed with this "watchmaker" intelligence?
Intelligence is hard to define. Still, the most comprehensive approach would be to describe it as the synergetic sum of a host of mental processes (some conscious, some not). These mental processes are concerned with information: its gathering, its accumulation, classification, inter-relation, association, analysis, synthesis, integration, and all other modes of processing and manipulation.
But is this manipulation of information not what natural processes are all about? And if nature is the sum total of all natural processes, aren't we forced to admit that nature is (intrinsically, inherently, of itself) intelligent? The intuitive reaction to these suggestions is bound to be negative. When we use the term "intelligence", we seem not to be concerned with just any kind of intelligence - but with intelligence that is separate from and external to what has to be explained. If both the intelligence and the item that needs explaining are members of the same set, we tend to disregard the intelligence involved and label it as "natural" and, therefore, irrelevant.
Moreover, not everything that is created by an intelligence (however "relevant", or external) is intelligent in itself. Some automatic products of intelligent beings are inanimate and non-intelligent. On the other hand, as any Artificial Intelligence buff would confirm, automata can become intelligent, having crossed a certain quantitative or qualitative level of complexity. The weaker form of this statement is that, beyond a certain quantitative or qualitative level of complexity, it is impossible to tell the automatic from the intelligent. Is Nature automatic, is it intelligent, or on the seam between automata and intelligence?
Nature contains everything and, therefore, contains multiple intelligences. That which contains intelligence is not necessarily intelligent, unless the intelligences contained are functional determinants of the container. Quantum Mechanics (rather, its Copenhagen interpretation) implies that this, precisely, is the case. Intelligent, conscious, observers determine the very existence of subatomic particles, the constituents of all matter-energy. Human (intelligent) activity determines the shape, contents and functioning of the habitat Earth. If other intelligent races populate the universe, this could be the rule, rather than the exception. Nature may, indeed, be intelligent in the sense that it is determined by the intelligent races it contains.
Indeed, goal-orientated behaviour (or behavior that could be explained as goal-orientated) is Nature's hallmark. The question whether automatic or intelligent mechanisms are at work, really deals with an underlying issue, that of consciousness. Are these mechanisms self-aware, introspective? Is intelligence possible without such self-awareness, without the internalized understanding of what it is doing?
9. Artificial vs. Natural
Sci-fi authors sometimes suggest or state that “their” Aliens are natural beings, not machines or artificial entities. They tout the complexity of these life forms to prove that they have emerged naturally and are intelligent. In the apocalyptic works that depict a takeover of Earth by man-made or extraterrestrial automata, the marauders or invaders are described as artificial and, therefore, simpler than the natural species that they are challenging. In many respects, these devices are not intelligent.
Conflating the natural with the complex and the intelligent is wrong, however.
Indeed, complexity rises spontaneously in nature through processes such as self-organization. Emergent phenomena are common as are emergent traits: both are not reducible to basic components, interactions, or properties. Yet, complexity does not indicate the existence of a designer or a design. Complexity does not imply the existence of intelligence and sentient beings. On the contrary, complexity usually points towards a natural source and a random origin.
It is also true that complexity and artificiality are often incompatible. Artificial designs and objects are found only in unexpected ("unnatural") contexts and environments. Natural objects are totally predictable and expected. Artificial creations are efficient and, therefore, simple and parsimonious. Natural objects and processes are not.
As Seth Shostak notes in his excellent essay, titled "SETI and Intelligent Design", evolution experiments with numerous dead ends before it yields a single adapted biological entity. DNA is far from optimized: it contains inordinate amounts of junk. Our bodies come replete with dysfunctional appendages and redundant organs. Lightning bolts emit energy all over the electromagnetic spectrum. Pulsars and interstellar gas clouds spew radiation over the entire radio spectrum. The energy of the Sun is ubiquitous over the entire optical and thermal range. No intelligent engineer - human or not - would be so wasteful.
10. Leadership
Finally and perhaps the most preposterous aspect of the vast majority of the sci-fi oeuvre is the imposition of human social structures and predilections on our galactic roommates. They all seem to have leaders, for instance. Yet, even on Earth we have numerous examples of life forms with no leadership or hierarchy and in which decision-making is decentralized in a kind of parallel processing (consider bacteria and plants for instance). Why do all extraterrestrial species resemble the Nazi party is beyond me.
The Six Arguments against SETI
The various projects that comprise the 45-years old Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) raise two important issues:
(1) Do Aliens exist? And;
(2) Can we communicate with them?
If they do and we can, how come we never encountered an extraterrestrial, let alone spoken to or corresponded with one?
There are six basic explanations to this apparent conundrum and they are not mutually exclusive:
(1) That Aliens do not exist.
(2) That the technology they use is far too advanced to be detected by us and, the flip side of this hypothesis, that the technology we us is insufficiently advanced to be noticed by them.
(3) That we are looking for extraterrestrials at the wrong places.
(4) That the Aliens are life forms so different to us that we fail to recognize them as sentient beings or to communicate with them.
(5) That Aliens are trying to communicate with us but constantly fail due to a variety of hindrances, some structural and some circumstantial - click HERE to read the response
(6) That they are avoiding us because of our misconduct (example: the alleged destruction of the environment) or because of our traits (for instance, our innate belligerence) or because of ethical considerations - click HERE to read the response
Argument Number 1: Aliens do not exist (the Fermi Principle)
The assumption that life has arisen only on Earth is both counterintuitive and unlikely. Rather, it is highly probable that life is an extensive parameter of the Universe. In other words, that it is as pervasive and ubiquitous as are other generative phenomena, such as star formation.
This does not mean that extraterrestrial life and life on Earth are necessarily similar. Environmental determinism and the panspermia hypothesis are far from proven. There is no guarantee that we are not unique, as per the Rare Earth hypothesis. But the likelihood of finding life in one form or another elsewhere and everywhere in the Universe is high.
The widely-accepted mediocrity principle (Earth is a typical planet) and its reification, the controversial Drake (or Sagan) Equation usually predicts the existence of thousands of Alien civilizations - though only a vanishingly small fraction of these are likely to communicate with us.
But, if this is true, to quote Italian-American physicist Enrico Fermi: "where are they?” Fermi postulated that ubiquitous technologically advanced civilizations should be detectable - yet they are not! (The Fermi Paradox).
This paucity of observational evidence may be owing to the fact that our galaxy is old. In ten billion years of its existence, the majority of Alien races are likely to have simply died out or been extinguished by various cataclysmic events. Or maybe older and presumably wiser races are not as bent as we are on acquiring colonies. Remote exploration may have supplanted material probes and physical visits to wild locales such as Earth.
Aliens exist on our very planet. The minds of newborn babies and of animals are as inaccessible to us as would be the minds of little green men and antenna-wielding adductors. Moreover, as we demonstrated in the previous chapter, even adult human beings from the same cultural background are as aliens to one another. Language is an inadequate and blunt instrument when it comes to communicating our inner worlds.
Argument Number 2: Their technology is too advanced
If Aliens really want to communicate with us, why would they use technologies that are incompatible with our level of technological progress? When we discover primitive tribes in the Amazon, do we communicate with them via e-mail or video conferencing - or do we strive to learn their language and modes of communication and emulate them to the best of our ability?
Of course there is always the possibility that we are as far removed from Alien species as ants are from us. We do not attempt to interface with insects. If the gap between us and Alien races in the galaxy is too wide, they are unlikely to want to communicate with us at all.
Argument Number 3: We are looking in all the wrong places
If life is, indeed, a defining feature (an extensive property) of our Universe, it should be anisotropically, symmetrically, and equally distributed throughout the vast expanse of space. In other words, never mind where we turn our scientific instruments, we should be able to detect life or traces of life.
Still, technological and budgetary constraints have served to dramatically narrow the scope of the search for intelligent transmissions. Vast swathes of the sky have been omitted from the research agenda as have been many spectrum frequencies. SETI scientists assume that Alien species are as concerned with efficiency as we are and, therefore, unlikely to use certain wasteful methods and frequencies to communicate with us. This assumption of interstellar scarcity is, of course, dubious.
Argument Number 4: Aliens are too alien to be recognized
Carbon-based life forms may be an aberration or the rule, no one knows. The diversionist and conversionist schools of evolution are equally speculative as are the basic assumptions of both astrobiology and xenobiology. The rest of the universe may be populated with silicon, or nitrogen-phosphorus based races or with information-waves or contain numerous, non-interacting "shadow biospheres".
Recent discoveries of extremophile unicellular organisms lend credence to the belief that life can exist almost under any circumstances and in all conditions and that the range of planetary habitability is much larger than thought.
But whatever their chemical composition, most Alien species are likely to be sentient and intelligent. Intelligence is bound to be the great equalizer and the Universal Translator in our Universe. We may fail to recognize certain extragalactic races as life-forms but we are unlikely to mistake their intelligence for a naturally occurring phenomenon. We are equipped to know other sentient intelligent species regardless of how advanced and different they are - and they are equally fitted to acknowledge us as such.
Even so, should we ever encounter them, aliens are likely to strike as being childish and immature. Inevitably, they will find our planet strange. They will experience a learning curve (perhaps even a lengthy one). Similar to infants, they are likely to wander around, tumbling and gaping and clumsily reaching for objects, mute and possibly blinded by the light. They may be hampered by any number of things: gravity, the level of oxygen, radiation, and winds. Far from being a threat, at first they may require our assistance merely to survive the ordeal.
Argument Number 5: We are failing to communicate with Aliens
The hidden assumption underlying CETI/METI (Communication with ETI/Messaging to ETI) is that Aliens, like humans, are inclined to communicate. This may be untrue. The propensity for interpersonal communication (let alone the inter-species variety) may not be universal. Additionally, Aliens may not possess the same sense organs that we do (eyes) and may not be acquainted with our mathematics and geometry. Reality can be successfully described and captured by alternative mathematical systems and geometries.
Additionally, we often confuse complexity or orderliness with artificiality. As the example of quasars teaches us, not all regular or constant or strong or complex signals are artificial. Even the very use of language may be a uniquely human phenomenon - though most xenolinguists contest such exclusivity.
Moreover, as Wittgenstein observed, language is an essentially private affair: if a lion were to suddenly speak we would not understand it. Modern verificationist and referentialist linguistic theories seek to isolate the universals of language, so as to render all languages capable of translation - but they are still a long way off. Clarke's Third Law says that Alien civilizations well in advance of humanity may be deploying investigative methods and communicating in dialects undetectable even in principle by humans.
Argument Number 6: They are avoiding us
Advanced Alien civilizations may have found ways to circumvent the upper limit of the speed of light (for instance, by using wormholes). If they have and if UFO sightings are mere hoaxes and bunk (as is widely believed by most scientists), then we are back to Fermi's "where are they".
One possible answer is they are avoiding us because of our misconduct (example: the alleged destruction of the environment) or because of our traits (for instance, our innate belligerence). Or maybe the Earth is a galactic wildlife reserve or a zoo or a laboratory (the Zoo hypothesis) and the Aliens do not wish to contaminate us or subvert our natural development. This falsely assumes that all Alien civilizations operate in unison and under a single code (the Uniformity of Motive fallacy).
But how would they know to avoid contact with us? How would they know of our misdeeds and bad character?
Our earliest radio signals have traversed no more than 130 light years omnidirectionally. Out television emissions are even closer to home. What other source of information could Aliens have except our own self-incriminating transmissions? None. In other words, it is extremely unlikely that our reputation precedes us. Luckily for us, we are virtual unknowns.
As early as 1960, the implications of an encounter with an ETI were clear:
"Evidences of its existence might also be found in artifacts left on the moon or other planets. The consequences for attitudes and values are unpredictable, but would vary profoundly in different cultures and between groups within complex societies; a crucial factor would be the nature of the communication between us and the other beings. Whether or not earth would be inspired to an all-out space effort by such a discovery is moot: societies sure of their own place in the universe have disintegrated when confronted by a superior society, and others have survived even though changed. Clearly, the better we can come to understand the factors involved in responding to such crises the better prepared we may be."
(Brookins Institute - Proposed Studies on the Implications of Peaceful Space Activities for Human Affairs, 1960).
Perhaps we should not be looking forward to the First Encounter. It may also be our last.
Copyright © January 21, 2011 Sam Vaknin.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
SAM VAKNIN ( http://samvak.tripod.com ) is the author of “Malignant Self-Love: Narcissism Revisited” and “After the Rain - How the West Lost the East”, as well as many other books and ebooks about topics in psychology, relationships, philosophy, economics, and international affairs. He is the Editor-in-Chief of “Global Politician” and served as a columnist for “Central Europe Review”, “PopMatters”, “eBookWeb”, and “Bellaonline”, and as a United Press International (UPI) Senior Business Correspondent. He was the editor of Mental Health and Central EastEurope categories in The Open Directory and Suite101. Visit Sam's website at http://www.narcissistic-abuse.com
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This leads us to the first fallacy:
1. Life in the Universe
Alien beings may not be alive in any sense of this ambiguous and loaded word. They may not eat, drink, excrete, reproduce, grow, die, process information, or move. Even here, on Earth, we have examples of such entities (viruses, for instance). Why assume that extra solar creatures must be endowed with a biology of some kind?
But isn’t life as we know it an unavoidable outcome of the growing complexity of organisms? This is begging the question. Multi-cellular entities on Earth are manifestations of Carbon-based biology. We cannot imagine beings whose complexity does not spring from some material (or energy) lattice. But our inability to imagine something, even in principle, is no proof that it cannot or does not exist.
2. The Concept of Structure
Aliens in science fiction are typically anthropomorphic in body and in psyche. They sport a central trunk out of which protrude extremities and a head that rests on a variant of our neck. They possess and are possessed by emotions. They reason and debate exactly as we do. The rare few who bear no resemblance to Homo sapiens are usually pure energy. But, even these are arranged in a matrix that is in principle visible or otherwise measurable. We cannot conceive of entities that completely lack organisation.
Yet, structure and organization are mere language elements. They are “in our head” so to speak. They do not exist in reality. They are the results of our limitations: our inability to grasp the whole at once. We use time, space, and form to cope with the immense amount of information that constitutes the Universe. Our minds slice the world and shape it into manageable bits that can be classified and catalogued. We then postulate the existence of interactions to account for our sense of inexorable time. Other inhabitants of the Cosmos may be completely shapeless, lack boundaries or size, be devoid of structure, and be totally inert.
But isn’t structure a precondition for complexity? The answer is a resounding no (see my article “The Complexity of Simplicity”). Additionally, why assume that sentient beings must be complex? Complexity is one solution. Simplicity is another. Our evolution “chose” the former. Processes in other corners of the Galaxy may prefer the latter.
Even the concept of “race” or “species” is doubtful. Why would aliens have to belong to such taxonomic categories? Why can’t we imagine a group of astrobiological specimen, each one constituting a distinct species, sui generis, “custom-made”? Why presume that they all must share the same genetic heritage? For that matter, why should they have a genetic make-up at all? Is our DNA the most efficient method of propagating data across time? This is an extremely chauvinistic supposition.
3. Communication and Interaction
Slaves to our (false) sensation of time, we deny the possibility of simultaneity and require that information travels a finite distance in any given period. This precondition requires us to communicate and interact in order to affect changes in our environment and in our interlocutors: we are forced to transfer and transport information by a variety of means from one point in space-time to another.
Certain sci-fi works introduce “telepathy” into their imaginary worlds: the instant evocation of content in one mind by another’s brain acting on it. But telepathy still assumes some kind of transport mechanism and the separateness of sender and recipient in space and, sometimes in time. No matter how imaginative and creative our literary and scientific endeavours, we are unable to convincingly describe a truly timeless, eventless ecosystem where things don’t happen and information is immediately available everywhere, vitiating the need for communication and interaction.
Yet, modern Quantum Mechanics provides us with exactly this insight: that time and space are illusions, linguistic conventions that are the outcomes of our idiosyncratic (not to say inferior) mental apparatus. The foundations of our reality at the particle level are such that simultaneity is common (entanglement) and even the concept of location is gravely challenged (the Uncertainty Principles; tunnelling and other quantum phenomena). Superior beings may not have to communicate or interact at all.
4. Location
In sci-fi works, aliens are always somewhere, in a given location. Granted, some of them project their image. Others can be in multiple places at the same moment or be part of a colony-like hive. But all extraterrestrial life forms occupy space and time and can be pinpointed to a reasonable degree using scientific instrumentation or human sense organs.
Yet, location – like space and time themselves – is a mere convention. At the particle level, knowing one’s location is a tricky business as it precludes information about other properties of the object being observed. Embryonic quantum machines and quantum computers already make use of this fact: that the building blocks of our world cannot be effectively located in either space or time (a phenomenon known as entanglement).
ET may not have a “home”. His “place” may be everywhere and nowhere at the same “time”. We can’t wrap our head around these possibilities because our cerebral computer comes equipped (at least according to Kant) with software that limits us to its parameters and procedures. Moreover: location is an essential component of our sense of identity and individuality.
5. Separateness
It is impossible for us to deny our separation – physical, temporal, and psychological - from other people. We are individuals with a specific mindset, needs, fears, emotions, priorities, personal history, wishes, and place in the world. Our language is ill-equipped to cope with a different reality. We cannot conceive of sharing a body – let alone a mind - with someone else. Even when we discuss multi-organism coordinated and directional hyperstructures, such as ant or bee colonies, we still distinguish between the components comprising them in terms of individuals. We (at least in the West) insist that we not illusory manifestations of an underlying and more fundamental whole.
Yet, as Eastern philosophy and modern physics tell us our separateness may indeed by nothing more than an illusion, a convenient organizing principle and an operational unit, akin to the cell in a human body. Aliens may have long discarded such amenity, if they availed themselves of it to start with. Non-terrestrials may have dispensed with the notions of individuals and separateness, “whole” and “parts” and may have supplanted them with the – to us – unimaginable.
6. Transportation
If location and separateness are deceptive, what need there is of transportation? Of what use are spaceships? Even if location and separateness are real, why would advanced species need to travel anywhere? Why not simply project themselves or induce action at a distance? We don’t travel to our bank – we use online banking. We remote control our televisions, power stations, cranes, and numerous other machines. We videoconference. Why reduce supposedly superior races to the travails of physical, galaxy-hopping missions? The classical answer is: in order to manipulate the environment and control it one needs to be physically present there. But why presuppose that Aliens are interested in manipulating or controlling their surroundings (nature)? Even more fundamentally: why think that Aliens have a will at all?
7. Will and Intention
In all sci-fi works, extraterrestrials want something, desire it, or wish for it. They form intentions and act directionally to achieve their goals. These literary devices pose two related problems: (a) we cannot be sure that the actions of alien beings signify – let alone prove – the existence of volition; and (b) we cannot be sure that aliens lack will and intent even if they do not act at all. Put concisely: actions teach us nothing about the existence or absence of intelligence, volition, intent, planning, foresight, and utilitarian thinking. We don’t know if and cannot prove that animals (such as pets) are possessed of a will even when they are acting willfully. Imagine how much more difficult it would be with visitors from outer space. Attributing will and directionality to ET is a prime example of teleology (the belief that causes are preceded by their effects) and anthropomorphosis (attributing human qualities, motives, emotions, and conduct to non-humans).
Throughout this discussion, it would seem that a goal necessarily implies the existence of an intention (to realize it). A lack of intent leaves only one plausible course of action: automatism. Any action taken in the absence of a manifest intention to act is, by definition, an automatic action.
The converse is also true: automatism prescribes the existence of a sole possible mode of action, a sole possible Nature. With an automatic action, no choice is available, there are no degrees of freedom, or freedom of action. Automatic actions are, ipso facto, deterministic.
Still, the distinction between volitional and automatic actions is not clear-cut.
Consider, for instance, house pets. They engage in a variety of acts. They are goal oriented (seek food, drink, etc.). Are they possessed of a conscious, directional, volition (intent)? Many philosophers argued against such a supposition. Moreover, sometimes end-results and by-products are mistaken for goals. Is the goal of objects to fall down? Gravity is a function of the structure of space-time. When we roll a ball down a slope (which is really what gravitation is all about, according to the General Theory of Relativity) is its "goal" to come to a rest at the bottom? Evidently not. Natural processes are considered to be witless reactions. No intent can be attributed to them because no intelligence can be ascribed to them. Yet, this is true but only at times.
8. Intelligence
We cannot safely deduce that Aliens are intelligent from merely observing their behaviour. It is a fallacy to insist that technology and collaboration are predicated on intelligence. Even on Earth, with a limited sample of Life, we have examples of directional (goal-oriented) and technology-empowered behaviour by non-sentient entities (computers, for instance). Intelligence as we understand it requires introspection and self-awareness and, probably a concept of “self” (see item 5 above: “Separateness”).
Still, Aliens – like us – are part of Nature. Is Nature as a whole intelligent (as we humans understand intelligence)? Was it designed by an intelligent being (the "watchmaker" hypothesis)? If it was, is each and every part of Nature endowed with this "watchmaker" intelligence?
Intelligence is hard to define. Still, the most comprehensive approach would be to describe it as the synergetic sum of a host of mental processes (some conscious, some not). These mental processes are concerned with information: its gathering, its accumulation, classification, inter-relation, association, analysis, synthesis, integration, and all other modes of processing and manipulation.
But is this manipulation of information not what natural processes are all about? And if nature is the sum total of all natural processes, aren't we forced to admit that nature is (intrinsically, inherently, of itself) intelligent? The intuitive reaction to these suggestions is bound to be negative. When we use the term "intelligence", we seem not to be concerned with just any kind of intelligence - but with intelligence that is separate from and external to what has to be explained. If both the intelligence and the item that needs explaining are members of the same set, we tend to disregard the intelligence involved and label it as "natural" and, therefore, irrelevant.
Moreover, not everything that is created by an intelligence (however "relevant", or external) is intelligent in itself. Some automatic products of intelligent beings are inanimate and non-intelligent. On the other hand, as any Artificial Intelligence buff would confirm, automata can become intelligent, having crossed a certain quantitative or qualitative level of complexity. The weaker form of this statement is that, beyond a certain quantitative or qualitative level of complexity, it is impossible to tell the automatic from the intelligent. Is Nature automatic, is it intelligent, or on the seam between automata and intelligence?
Nature contains everything and, therefore, contains multiple intelligences. That which contains intelligence is not necessarily intelligent, unless the intelligences contained are functional determinants of the container. Quantum Mechanics (rather, its Copenhagen interpretation) implies that this, precisely, is the case. Intelligent, conscious, observers determine the very existence of subatomic particles, the constituents of all matter-energy. Human (intelligent) activity determines the shape, contents and functioning of the habitat Earth. If other intelligent races populate the universe, this could be the rule, rather than the exception. Nature may, indeed, be intelligent in the sense that it is determined by the intelligent races it contains.
Indeed, goal-orientated behaviour (or behavior that could be explained as goal-orientated) is Nature's hallmark. The question whether automatic or intelligent mechanisms are at work, really deals with an underlying issue, that of consciousness. Are these mechanisms self-aware, introspective? Is intelligence possible without such self-awareness, without the internalized understanding of what it is doing?
9. Artificial vs. Natural
Sci-fi authors sometimes suggest or state that “their” Aliens are natural beings, not machines or artificial entities. They tout the complexity of these life forms to prove that they have emerged naturally and are intelligent. In the apocalyptic works that depict a takeover of Earth by man-made or extraterrestrial automata, the marauders or invaders are described as artificial and, therefore, simpler than the natural species that they are challenging. In many respects, these devices are not intelligent.
Conflating the natural with the complex and the intelligent is wrong, however.
Indeed, complexity rises spontaneously in nature through processes such as self-organization. Emergent phenomena are common as are emergent traits: both are not reducible to basic components, interactions, or properties. Yet, complexity does not indicate the existence of a designer or a design. Complexity does not imply the existence of intelligence and sentient beings. On the contrary, complexity usually points towards a natural source and a random origin.
It is also true that complexity and artificiality are often incompatible. Artificial designs and objects are found only in unexpected ("unnatural") contexts and environments. Natural objects are totally predictable and expected. Artificial creations are efficient and, therefore, simple and parsimonious. Natural objects and processes are not.
As Seth Shostak notes in his excellent essay, titled "SETI and Intelligent Design", evolution experiments with numerous dead ends before it yields a single adapted biological entity. DNA is far from optimized: it contains inordinate amounts of junk. Our bodies come replete with dysfunctional appendages and redundant organs. Lightning bolts emit energy all over the electromagnetic spectrum. Pulsars and interstellar gas clouds spew radiation over the entire radio spectrum. The energy of the Sun is ubiquitous over the entire optical and thermal range. No intelligent engineer - human or not - would be so wasteful.
10. Leadership
Finally and perhaps the most preposterous aspect of the vast majority of the sci-fi oeuvre is the imposition of human social structures and predilections on our galactic roommates. They all seem to have leaders, for instance. Yet, even on Earth we have numerous examples of life forms with no leadership or hierarchy and in which decision-making is decentralized in a kind of parallel processing (consider bacteria and plants for instance). Why do all extraterrestrial species resemble the Nazi party is beyond me.
The Six Arguments against SETI
The various projects that comprise the 45-years old Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) raise two important issues:
(1) Do Aliens exist? And;
(2) Can we communicate with them?
If they do and we can, how come we never encountered an extraterrestrial, let alone spoken to or corresponded with one?
There are six basic explanations to this apparent conundrum and they are not mutually exclusive:
(1) That Aliens do not exist.
(2) That the technology they use is far too advanced to be detected by us and, the flip side of this hypothesis, that the technology we us is insufficiently advanced to be noticed by them.
(3) That we are looking for extraterrestrials at the wrong places.
(4) That the Aliens are life forms so different to us that we fail to recognize them as sentient beings or to communicate with them.
(5) That Aliens are trying to communicate with us but constantly fail due to a variety of hindrances, some structural and some circumstantial - click HERE to read the response
(6) That they are avoiding us because of our misconduct (example: the alleged destruction of the environment) or because of our traits (for instance, our innate belligerence) or because of ethical considerations - click HERE to read the response
Argument Number 1: Aliens do not exist (the Fermi Principle)
The assumption that life has arisen only on Earth is both counterintuitive and unlikely. Rather, it is highly probable that life is an extensive parameter of the Universe. In other words, that it is as pervasive and ubiquitous as are other generative phenomena, such as star formation.
This does not mean that extraterrestrial life and life on Earth are necessarily similar. Environmental determinism and the panspermia hypothesis are far from proven. There is no guarantee that we are not unique, as per the Rare Earth hypothesis. But the likelihood of finding life in one form or another elsewhere and everywhere in the Universe is high.
The widely-accepted mediocrity principle (Earth is a typical planet) and its reification, the controversial Drake (or Sagan) Equation usually predicts the existence of thousands of Alien civilizations - though only a vanishingly small fraction of these are likely to communicate with us.
But, if this is true, to quote Italian-American physicist Enrico Fermi: "where are they?” Fermi postulated that ubiquitous technologically advanced civilizations should be detectable - yet they are not! (The Fermi Paradox).
This paucity of observational evidence may be owing to the fact that our galaxy is old. In ten billion years of its existence, the majority of Alien races are likely to have simply died out or been extinguished by various cataclysmic events. Or maybe older and presumably wiser races are not as bent as we are on acquiring colonies. Remote exploration may have supplanted material probes and physical visits to wild locales such as Earth.
Aliens exist on our very planet. The minds of newborn babies and of animals are as inaccessible to us as would be the minds of little green men and antenna-wielding adductors. Moreover, as we demonstrated in the previous chapter, even adult human beings from the same cultural background are as aliens to one another. Language is an inadequate and blunt instrument when it comes to communicating our inner worlds.
Argument Number 2: Their technology is too advanced
If Aliens really want to communicate with us, why would they use technologies that are incompatible with our level of technological progress? When we discover primitive tribes in the Amazon, do we communicate with them via e-mail or video conferencing - or do we strive to learn their language and modes of communication and emulate them to the best of our ability?
Of course there is always the possibility that we are as far removed from Alien species as ants are from us. We do not attempt to interface with insects. If the gap between us and Alien races in the galaxy is too wide, they are unlikely to want to communicate with us at all.
Argument Number 3: We are looking in all the wrong places
If life is, indeed, a defining feature (an extensive property) of our Universe, it should be anisotropically, symmetrically, and equally distributed throughout the vast expanse of space. In other words, never mind where we turn our scientific instruments, we should be able to detect life or traces of life.
Still, technological and budgetary constraints have served to dramatically narrow the scope of the search for intelligent transmissions. Vast swathes of the sky have been omitted from the research agenda as have been many spectrum frequencies. SETI scientists assume that Alien species are as concerned with efficiency as we are and, therefore, unlikely to use certain wasteful methods and frequencies to communicate with us. This assumption of interstellar scarcity is, of course, dubious.
Argument Number 4: Aliens are too alien to be recognized
Carbon-based life forms may be an aberration or the rule, no one knows. The diversionist and conversionist schools of evolution are equally speculative as are the basic assumptions of both astrobiology and xenobiology. The rest of the universe may be populated with silicon, or nitrogen-phosphorus based races or with information-waves or contain numerous, non-interacting "shadow biospheres".
Recent discoveries of extremophile unicellular organisms lend credence to the belief that life can exist almost under any circumstances and in all conditions and that the range of planetary habitability is much larger than thought.
But whatever their chemical composition, most Alien species are likely to be sentient and intelligent. Intelligence is bound to be the great equalizer and the Universal Translator in our Universe. We may fail to recognize certain extragalactic races as life-forms but we are unlikely to mistake their intelligence for a naturally occurring phenomenon. We are equipped to know other sentient intelligent species regardless of how advanced and different they are - and they are equally fitted to acknowledge us as such.
Even so, should we ever encounter them, aliens are likely to strike as being childish and immature. Inevitably, they will find our planet strange. They will experience a learning curve (perhaps even a lengthy one). Similar to infants, they are likely to wander around, tumbling and gaping and clumsily reaching for objects, mute and possibly blinded by the light. They may be hampered by any number of things: gravity, the level of oxygen, radiation, and winds. Far from being a threat, at first they may require our assistance merely to survive the ordeal.
Argument Number 5: We are failing to communicate with Aliens
The hidden assumption underlying CETI/METI (Communication with ETI/Messaging to ETI) is that Aliens, like humans, are inclined to communicate. This may be untrue. The propensity for interpersonal communication (let alone the inter-species variety) may not be universal. Additionally, Aliens may not possess the same sense organs that we do (eyes) and may not be acquainted with our mathematics and geometry. Reality can be successfully described and captured by alternative mathematical systems and geometries.
Additionally, we often confuse complexity or orderliness with artificiality. As the example of quasars teaches us, not all regular or constant or strong or complex signals are artificial. Even the very use of language may be a uniquely human phenomenon - though most xenolinguists contest such exclusivity.
Moreover, as Wittgenstein observed, language is an essentially private affair: if a lion were to suddenly speak we would not understand it. Modern verificationist and referentialist linguistic theories seek to isolate the universals of language, so as to render all languages capable of translation - but they are still a long way off. Clarke's Third Law says that Alien civilizations well in advance of humanity may be deploying investigative methods and communicating in dialects undetectable even in principle by humans.
Argument Number 6: They are avoiding us
Advanced Alien civilizations may have found ways to circumvent the upper limit of the speed of light (for instance, by using wormholes). If they have and if UFO sightings are mere hoaxes and bunk (as is widely believed by most scientists), then we are back to Fermi's "where are they".
One possible answer is they are avoiding us because of our misconduct (example: the alleged destruction of the environment) or because of our traits (for instance, our innate belligerence). Or maybe the Earth is a galactic wildlife reserve or a zoo or a laboratory (the Zoo hypothesis) and the Aliens do not wish to contaminate us or subvert our natural development. This falsely assumes that all Alien civilizations operate in unison and under a single code (the Uniformity of Motive fallacy).
But how would they know to avoid contact with us? How would they know of our misdeeds and bad character?
Our earliest radio signals have traversed no more than 130 light years omnidirectionally. Out television emissions are even closer to home. What other source of information could Aliens have except our own self-incriminating transmissions? None. In other words, it is extremely unlikely that our reputation precedes us. Luckily for us, we are virtual unknowns.
As early as 1960, the implications of an encounter with an ETI were clear:
"Evidences of its existence might also be found in artifacts left on the moon or other planets. The consequences for attitudes and values are unpredictable, but would vary profoundly in different cultures and between groups within complex societies; a crucial factor would be the nature of the communication between us and the other beings. Whether or not earth would be inspired to an all-out space effort by such a discovery is moot: societies sure of their own place in the universe have disintegrated when confronted by a superior society, and others have survived even though changed. Clearly, the better we can come to understand the factors involved in responding to such crises the better prepared we may be."
(Brookins Institute - Proposed Studies on the Implications of Peaceful Space Activities for Human Affairs, 1960).
Perhaps we should not be looking forward to the First Encounter. It may also be our last.
Copyright © January 21, 2011 Sam Vaknin.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
SAM VAKNIN ( http://samvak.tripod.com ) is the author of “Malignant Self-Love: Narcissism Revisited” and “After the Rain - How the West Lost the East”, as well as many other books and ebooks about topics in psychology, relationships, philosophy, economics, and international affairs. He is the Editor-in-Chief of “Global Politician” and served as a columnist for “Central Europe Review”, “PopMatters”, “eBookWeb”, and “Bellaonline”, and as a United Press International (UPI) Senior Business Correspondent. He was the editor of Mental Health and Central EastEurope categories in The Open Directory and Suite101. Visit Sam's website at http://www.narcissistic-abuse.com
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OFF THE PRESS! CORNER
Take a look at the BEST in Contemporary Literature, then order your very own copy thru the links provided!
Seaburn Media Group Announces
But! I’ve Always Loved You
Author ROSE ANNA SCHOENE’S third novel!
But! I’ve Always Loved You, Rose Anna Schoene's third novel, is about stunning Jessie who is raped at twelve and bears a son who is then taken from her. As she grows up she is repulsed by men until she meets devastatingly handsome Andre, who offers her a forbidden love amidst magical, romantic Rome. Jessie’s loyal friend Debbie is always there for her; steadfastly aiding her in her lifelong quest to find the son she gave birth to but had to give up. Will Jessie succumb to devastatingly handsome Andre’s charm? Will she ever find her son?
ALSO BY ROSE ANNA SCHOENE:
"Absolutely the Last Resort" and "Where Are You?" (Fiction novels)
ROSE ANNA SCHOENE is a native New Yorker who made her writing debut with "Absolutely the Last Resort," a charming and nostalgic family-oriented book, which fictionalizes many of the author’s personal experiences owning a resort in the Catskill Mountains of New York for over 30 years. This book reflects just one aspect of the author’s life and creative talents, and introduces us to her artistic and comedic nature. She has a writing style that is both entertaining and uplifting which reflects Rose Anna’s true writing persona; yet she proves the versatility of her literary scope with her second novel, "Where Are You?," which offers a serious, dramatic and paranormal-love storyline, and her third novel, "But! I’ve Always Loved You."
Where Are You?, Rose Anna’s second book, is about Dr. Joy Evans and Dr. Dean Judson, who collide in the corridors of St. John’s Hospital—their introduction is the beginning of a torrid and tender love. Two weeks later, they are married and in six months they relocate to the state of Pennsylvania, where Dean takes over the practice of a retiring Doctor and feels that his ambitions have been fulfilled. But when Joy does not return from a quick errand to the store and her car is later found, Dr. Dean Judson’s entire life takes a plunge into despair. Then strangely, Dean begins seeing Joy, or what he perceives to be Joy. In the early hours of the morning, he is awakened from his sleep and sees Joy at the foot of his bed. She seems to glide around and then vanishes. Is he dreaming? Is he hallucinating? Is she a spirit or is he going mad…?
All three (3) of Rose Anna’s books are available to purchase on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble.com, Seaburn Media Group.com or on her author website: http://www.AuthorRoseAnnaSchoene.com
Ordering Info for Rose Anna Schoene’s three (3) books:
Absolutely the Last Resort by Rose Anna Schoene
Publisher: Seaburn Media Group
Publication Date: 2003
ISBN #: 159232-060-0; 144 pages
Price: $14.95
Where Are You? by Rose Anna Schoene
Publisher: Seaburn Media Group
Publication Date: 2006
ISBN #: 159232-009-0; 124 pages
Price: $14.95
But! I’ve Always Loved You by Rose Anna Schoene
Publisher: Seaburn Media Group
Publication Date: 2010
ISBN #: 159232-253-0; 169 pages
Price: $14.95
Also visit Rose Anna’s official author site at: http://www.AuthorRoseAnnaSchoene.com
______________________________________________________
ALSO BY ROSE ANNA SCHOENE:
"Absolutely the Last Resort" and "Where Are You?" (Fiction novels)
ROSE ANNA SCHOENE is a native New Yorker who made her writing debut with "Absolutely the Last Resort," a charming and nostalgic family-oriented book, which fictionalizes many of the author’s personal experiences owning a resort in the Catskill Mountains of New York for over 30 years. This book reflects just one aspect of the author’s life and creative talents, and introduces us to her artistic and comedic nature. She has a writing style that is both entertaining and uplifting which reflects Rose Anna’s true writing persona; yet she proves the versatility of her literary scope with her second novel, "Where Are You?," which offers a serious, dramatic and paranormal-love storyline, and her third novel, "But! I’ve Always Loved You."
Where Are You?, Rose Anna’s second book, is about Dr. Joy Evans and Dr. Dean Judson, who collide in the corridors of St. John’s Hospital—their introduction is the beginning of a torrid and tender love. Two weeks later, they are married and in six months they relocate to the state of Pennsylvania, where Dean takes over the practice of a retiring Doctor and feels that his ambitions have been fulfilled. But when Joy does not return from a quick errand to the store and her car is later found, Dr. Dean Judson’s entire life takes a plunge into despair. Then strangely, Dean begins seeing Joy, or what he perceives to be Joy. In the early hours of the morning, he is awakened from his sleep and sees Joy at the foot of his bed. She seems to glide around and then vanishes. Is he dreaming? Is he hallucinating? Is she a spirit or is he going mad…?
All three (3) of Rose Anna’s books are available to purchase on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble.com, Seaburn Media Group.com or on her author website: http://www.AuthorRoseAnnaSchoene.com
Ordering Info for Rose Anna Schoene’s three (3) books:
Absolutely the Last Resort by Rose Anna Schoene
Publisher: Seaburn Media Group
Publication Date: 2003
ISBN #: 159232-060-0; 144 pages
Price: $14.95
Where Are You? by Rose Anna Schoene
Publisher: Seaburn Media Group
Publication Date: 2006
ISBN #: 159232-009-0; 124 pages
Price: $14.95
But! I’ve Always Loved You by Rose Anna Schoene
Publisher: Seaburn Media Group
Publication Date: 2010
ISBN #: 159232-253-0; 169 pages
Price: $14.95
Also visit Rose Anna’s official author site at: http://www.AuthorRoseAnnaSchoene.com
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On Call
(A fiction medical suspense thriller)
By SANDRA L. HOYNACKI
On Call, author Sandra Hoynacki's third book and first fiction novel, is about Jenny, a nurse working in a hospital in the Town of Morganville, and her best friend Kathy, also a nurse working at the same hospital. They become caught between life and death when they discover the hospital's "secret". You will walk amid cryptic pages of suspense so powerful that you will lose your ability to distinguish the unknown from reality as you walk the same corridors as Jenny and Kathy; aware that they are watching you. Be prepared to enter a realm beyond your wildest imagination with Sandra's medical thriller On Call.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Although SANDRA HOYNACKI has only been writing for the last several years, she has already won several contests for her poems, has had one of her short stories chosen to be performed at The Pensacola Little Theater after Hurricane Ivan, was once invited to read at a Poet’s Convention in Washington, D.C., and is a graduate of The Institute of Children’s Literature. Sandra Hoynacki is a poet, a novelist, and an author but if you ask her what title she prefers Sandra herself will say: “Writer.” That sums it up perfectly, and what a writer she is!
Ordering Info for Sandra Hoynacki’s novel On Call:
On Call by Sandra Hoynacki
Publisher: Trent's Prints & Publishing
Publication Date: September 2009
ISBN#: 978-1-934035-76-4
276 pages, and can be purchased through Sandra’s author website: www.SandraHoynacki.com
ALSO BY SANDRA L. HOYNACKI:
Purple Latches (A book of poetry) and Whispers From The Ledge (A book of poetry & short stories)
Review of Purple Latches :
***** I'm familiar with the exemplary life author Sandra Hoynacki leads; her book Purple Latches includes some of the most beautiful poetry your eyes shall ever read and witness. The words of imagery and artwork shall instill within you an uplifted spirit like none I've ever read in my fifty-eight years on earth. Each poem opens ones physical senses and starts a movie in the minds eyes where you can leave at the end with the most dynamic thoughts ever perceived in ones written words of truth and mystery. I strongly recommend this book to anyone in need of a life changing experience or for the benefit of a walk down memory lane. It is an honor and privilege to know the Author Sandra Hoynacki, and the sacrifices she makes toward humanity on a daily basis. --Michael Powell; writer & security guard.
Drawn from real-life experiences and creative visions, these collections of poems and short stories by Sandra Hoynacki will inspire, surprise and entertain the most discerning reader.
Ordering Info for Sandra Hoynacki’s other books, "Purple Latches" and "Whispers From The Ledge":
Purple Latches by Sandra Hoynacki
Publisher: Lulu Press
Publication Date: June 2007
ISBN #: 978-1-4303-2293-1
Price: [Print-edition] $19.50; [ebook] $12.00
158 pages, and can be purchased at: Sandra Hoynacki.com, Lulu Press, Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble.com, or wherever books are sold.
Whispers From The Ledge by Sandra Hoynacki
Publisher: Lulu Press
Publication Date: December 2008
ISBN #: 978-0-557-02904-4
Price: [Print-edition]: $15.17; Not Available in ebook edition.
148 pages, and can be purchased at: Sandra Hoynacki.com, Lulu Press, Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble.com,
or wherever books are sold.
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***** I'm familiar with the exemplary life author Sandra Hoynacki leads; her book Purple Latches includes some of the most beautiful poetry your eyes shall ever read and witness. The words of imagery and artwork shall instill within you an uplifted spirit like none I've ever read in my fifty-eight years on earth. Each poem opens ones physical senses and starts a movie in the minds eyes where you can leave at the end with the most dynamic thoughts ever perceived in ones written words of truth and mystery. I strongly recommend this book to anyone in need of a life changing experience or for the benefit of a walk down memory lane. It is an honor and privilege to know the Author Sandra Hoynacki, and the sacrifices she makes toward humanity on a daily basis. --Michael Powell; writer & security guard.
Drawn from real-life experiences and creative visions, these collections of poems and short stories by Sandra Hoynacki will inspire, surprise and entertain the most discerning reader.
Ordering Info for Sandra Hoynacki’s other books, "Purple Latches" and "Whispers From The Ledge":
Purple Latches by Sandra Hoynacki
Publisher: Lulu Press
Publication Date: June 2007
ISBN #: 978-1-4303-2293-1
Price: [Print-edition] $19.50; [ebook] $12.00
158 pages, and can be purchased at: Sandra Hoynacki.com, Lulu Press, Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble.com, or wherever books are sold.
Whispers From The Ledge by Sandra Hoynacki
Publisher: Lulu Press
Publication Date: December 2008
ISBN #: 978-0-557-02904-4
Price: [Print-edition]: $15.17; Not Available in ebook edition.
148 pages, and can be purchased at: Sandra Hoynacki.com, Lulu Press, Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble.com,
or wherever books are sold.
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NEW! One Priceless Treasure
(A fiction novel)
By ROSALEE WILSON
About “One Priceless Treasure by Rosalee Wilson”:
Brad Thompson moves from his home in Florida to Boston, Massachusetts with his family who are pursuing a new business venture. Brad doesn’t know the extent to how his life is going to change until he meets Connie, the love of his life. She is every man’s dream girl and he feels special that he becomes her choice. But due to unseen circumstances, his dreams begin to crumble and he doesn't know if he can put them back together again. What drives him away is a misunderstanding but how will he get her back, and will he? After years of pain and agony, they reunite once again. If only he had taken the phone call that night; their lives could have been happy and years of loneliness could have been avoided.
“One Priceless Treasure” is a sweet romance that everyone who has ever been in love can relate to; remembering that awesome feeling of your first crush! Laughter and tears, this book is a must-read and will definitely touch your heart.
Hurry! Get Your Copy of “One Priceless Treasure by Rosalee Wilson” Today! ( ordering info is below… )
Ordering Info for Rosalee Wilson’s book, "One Priceless Treasure" :
One Priceless Treasure by Rosalee Wilson
Publisher: Lulu Press
Publication Date: 2011
ISBN #: 978-1-257-86522-2
Price: $5.99 ebook download; $22.50 for print edition
Also By Rosalee Wilson:
A Mushy Mouse Tale
(A children’s book)
By ROSALEE WILSON
This is your chance to meet Mushy, the most lovable mouse you will ever meet!
Mushy Mouse is a mouse looking for love and a family to call his own. He struggles with self confidence and the idea of someone loving a fat mouse like him. But Mushy and an Indian mouse named Feathertail form a bond that will last a lifetime. With excitement and adventure, “A Mushy Mouse Tale” by Rosalee Wilson will touch your heart forever. A must read!
Go to www.lulu.com today and order your copy of “A Mushy Mouse Tale by Rosalee Wilson”!
Elijah the Penguin
(A children’s inspirational book)
By ROSALEE WILSON
Ordering Info for Rosalee Wilson’s book, "Elijah the Penguin" :
Contact: Lacresha Hayes
Living Waters Publishing Company
Phone: (870) 739-4100
Fax: (870) 739-4108
lacresha.hayes@livingwaterspc.com
17 Gannet Street
Marion, AR 72364
www.livingwaterspc.com
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
ROSALEE WILSON is an avid writer with an imagination that ignites a spark in children everywhere. She is available for speaking engagements and interviews.
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Thoughts
Thoughts & Reflections
Family Secrets….Lies & Alibis
A Different Kind of Love
Bruised Love
Skeletons Beyond The Closed Door
Gossip Line
And now…
NEW! Bonded Betrayal
(Poetry books and Fiction novels)
By NANETTE M. BUCHANAN
An Author with New Drama, Page after Page....
NANETTE M. BUCHANAN was born, raised, and educated in Newark, New Jersey. After graduating from Arts High School in Newark, she attended Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. It was then that she first set her pen to pad; written expressions of her love for poetry. She is a proud mother, wife and grandmother, now residing in Somerset, New Jersey; and employed with the State of New Jersey as a Sergeant in the Department of Corrections.
Her pad to pen accomplishments include three volumes of poetry: “Thoughts,” “Thoughts & Reflections,” and “Quiet Times”; five yet to be published children stories as well as several unpublished novels. Nanette’s first published work and debut novel was “Family Secrets….Lies & Alibis”. Since then the publication of the sequel, “A Different Kind of Love” and the release of her first volume of poetry, “Thoughts” an e-book hit the market. In October of 2009, Nanette’s murder mystery, “Bruised Love” followed by “Skeletons Beyond The Closed Door” which was released in August of 2010. At the start of the summer in 2011, her novel “Gossip Line” made its debut. And in March 2012, her newest novel "Bonded Betrayal" also made its debut.
Nanette's preferred genre is romantic fiction, but readers will attest to the fact that they all have suspense, mystery and a dramatic twist. It is her goal to become a successful author without limits; writing and producing plays that feature her poems as well as adaptations of her novels on the “big screen” are in her future.
She is deeply committed to promoting literacy. And is an intricate part of “The Author’s Den” a group of authors, poets and performing artists who are promoting their talents and raising funds to support Literary and Performing Arts within communities.
Author Nanette M. Buchanan is available for personal appearances, chats and signings.
BONDED BETRAYAL BY NANETTE M. BUCHANAN on YouTube: http://youtu.be/adQMmt9t4Kw
GET YOUR AUTOGRAPHED COPY OF "BONDED BETRAYAL" BY NANETTE M. BUCHANAN - RELEASE DATE MARCH 24, 2012 - www.ipendesigns.net for purchase.
About "Bonded Betrayal" by Nanette M. Buchanan:
There’s a cliché that states one should not date their best friend. Whatever the reasons, the fear of losing a friendship or not finding true love; most use this cliché as a golden rule. Six friends from McKinley High reunite for their ten year class reunion.
The group was put on a pedestal, both Dante Jefferson and Kalliah Carter were voted ‘most likely to succeed’; Stephon Drake was voted ‘most athletic'; Miles Baker was the President of the Student Body; Cherese Taylor was the captain of the Cheerleading Squad; and Brianne Gibson was in the National Honor Society.
The memories of their past include deep rooted issues they avoided during those years of mixed experiences. Their class reunion promises to fulfill Kalliah’s need for a vacation from her job and a shaky romance, while Dante needs to explore the remnants of their relationship before making a serious commitment to another. Stephon must take his life back from the street and crime he’s become addicted to. Miles is hoping to finally tell his friends how one of them has held his heart for more than ten years. Cherese needs the support of her friends as she struggles to find her way out of a destructive marriage. Brianne must disclose her horrible high school encounter that would change how they all feel about her and those they are now connected and committed to. The reunion rekindles their friendships, and proves their relationships with each weakness, has its own strengths.
GET YOUR AUTOGRAPHED COPY OF "BONDED BETRAYAL" BY NANETTE M. BUCHANAN - RELEASE DATE MARCH 24, 2012 - www.ipendesigns.net for purchase.
About "Bonded Betrayal" by Nanette M. Buchanan:
There’s a cliché that states one should not date their best friend. Whatever the reasons, the fear of losing a friendship or not finding true love; most use this cliché as a golden rule. Six friends from McKinley High reunite for their ten year class reunion.
The group was put on a pedestal, both Dante Jefferson and Kalliah Carter were voted ‘most likely to succeed’; Stephon Drake was voted ‘most athletic'; Miles Baker was the President of the Student Body; Cherese Taylor was the captain of the Cheerleading Squad; and Brianne Gibson was in the National Honor Society.
The memories of their past include deep rooted issues they avoided during those years of mixed experiences. Their class reunion promises to fulfill Kalliah’s need for a vacation from her job and a shaky romance, while Dante needs to explore the remnants of their relationship before making a serious commitment to another. Stephon must take his life back from the street and crime he’s become addicted to. Miles is hoping to finally tell his friends how one of them has held his heart for more than ten years. Cherese needs the support of her friends as she struggles to find her way out of a destructive marriage. Brianne must disclose her horrible high school encounter that would change how they all feel about her and those they are now connected and committed to. The reunion rekindles their friendships, and proves their relationships with each weakness, has its own strengths.
Nanette M. Buchanan’s novel, "Gossip Line", is also available - Get Your Copy Today!
About ‘Gossip Line by Nanette M. Buchanan’:
A new beginning is what Melinda Wells was seeking when she left her home in Mobile, Alabama. As a journalist, her dream of writing for a large newspaper would never become a reality having the experience the Mobile Register offered. Melinda embraced the thought of moving to New York, landing her job as a journalist in Manhattan, and her new love interest Jerome Belmont, despite her father and grandmother’s warnings.
Melinda’s rise in journalism took a back seat to her growing interest in talk radio. When her southern charms secured an opportunity to host her own show in her boyfriend’s hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Melinda knew her dreams were becoming a reality. The new “Radio Diva’s” dream came with a price.
Her new lifestyle became more than what Melinda expected. After climbing the ladder of what the industry labeled as well deserved success it all was falling apart. Gossip Line, the radio talk show that named her as the number one host on the Pennsylvania airwaves, was threatening to ruin her dreams. Her family background that she knew little about, and her fairy tale love life was being aired on the radio one piece at a time. Melinda needed to find the caller who knew more about her than she seemed to know about herself.
However, revealing the caller’s identity could be fatal to more than the show.
Let IPenDesigns.net or author Nanette Buchanan know your thoughts and comments about her other novels (below): ipendesigns@gmail.com
‘Family Secrets Lies & Alibis,’ The Sequel... ‘A Different Kind of Love’, 'Bruised Love’ and ‘Skeletons Beyond the Closed Door’…
About ‘Skeletons Beyond The Closed Door by Nanette M. Buchanan’ :
Brian and Sage Drakeford were living their life as a loving couple and devoted parents until Sage caught her husband cheating. Seven years after their divorce, Sage Monroe Drakeford finds it hard to love again. As skeletons from her husband’s past resurface, Brian desperately wants to remain a part of his family’s life. After meeting a client who expresses his feelings for her and his knowledge of her husband’s secrets, Sage fights to ignore her emotional attachment. It is apparent Brian has moved on and jealousy becomes a reason for Sage to consider dating. Just as she decides Brian is not worth her putting her life on hold, his indiscretions become more than she is willing to accept.
Sage is caught between ruining Brian’s relationships with family, business and friends, and moving on with a new love, and forgetting the past. Sage’s decision and Brian’s choices will change their lives forever.
All of Nanette Buchanan's Books Are Available To Purchase On:
“I Pen Designs.net”
Visit Nanette at: www.ipendesigns.net or www.myspace.com/ipendesigns
Stay in contact with the author by checking out her “WHAT'S HAPPENING” page at: http://www.ipendesigns.net/
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Brian and Sage Drakeford were living their life as a loving couple and devoted parents until Sage caught her husband cheating. Seven years after their divorce, Sage Monroe Drakeford finds it hard to love again. As skeletons from her husband’s past resurface, Brian desperately wants to remain a part of his family’s life. After meeting a client who expresses his feelings for her and his knowledge of her husband’s secrets, Sage fights to ignore her emotional attachment. It is apparent Brian has moved on and jealousy becomes a reason for Sage to consider dating. Just as she decides Brian is not worth her putting her life on hold, his indiscretions become more than she is willing to accept.
Sage is caught between ruining Brian’s relationships with family, business and friends, and moving on with a new love, and forgetting the past. Sage’s decision and Brian’s choices will change their lives forever.
All of Nanette Buchanan's Books Are Available To Purchase On:
“I Pen Designs.net”
Visit Nanette at: www.ipendesigns.net or www.myspace.com/ipendesigns
Stay in contact with the author by checking out her “WHAT'S HAPPENING” page at: http://www.ipendesigns.net/
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Angels Watching Over Me
(A fiction paranormal novel)
And
Picking Up The Pieces: One Woman's Journey
(A nonfiction book)
By CAROL ROACH
Storytime Tapestry Ezine’s Owner & Publisher
(Storytime_Tapestry-owner@yahoogroups.com)
(A fiction paranormal novel)
And
Picking Up The Pieces: One Woman's Journey
(A nonfiction book)
By CAROL ROACH
Storytime Tapestry Ezine’s Owner & Publisher
(Storytime_Tapestry-owner@yahoogroups.com)
CAROL ROACH, a graduate of both Concordia University, with a bachelor’s in psychology, and a graduate of McGill University, with a master’s degree in counselling psychology, knows people as much as she knows the struggles of the poor and disenchanted.
She is truly the champion of the underdog. Carol’s signature writing is about poverty and the ability to rise above it. She strives to give women and men a voice through the written word. Her writing is poignant and inspirational. Ms. Roach also publishes an online ezine, Storytime Tapestry, where she encourages everyone to “let their true heart sing” through the words they write.
Her new book Angels Watching Over Me is rich with character while it underlines the issues of survival in one of Montreal’s poorest districts, St. Henri. Carol herself grew up in this area of the city.
Prominent Amazon & Senior MidWest Book Reviewer SHIRLEY JOHNSON'S Review for Carol Roach’s book "Angels Watching Over Me" :
***** In this wonderful work by gifted author and publisher Carol Roach we meet a very special girl named Carissa. Carissa’s life has been anything but easy. She had known the scorn of poverty, the battle of rejection, the sorrow of death. However, Carissa has a quality that hinges almost on the supernatural; her faith and assurance in a God who is more than enough. We are taken through the life of Carissa from her youth in a small rural community and her family to her final victory as a woman who never compromised despite the hardships such decisions would bring. Her life stood as a testimony. This is a deep heartfelt read; one that shows the strength and courage of the human spirit despite at times cruel circumstances and unfair situations. The author definitely draws you into the very heart of Carissa merging you with the fight and strength that she possesses during her entire life. Her unselfish love is the main attribute that shone out to me and one that I think author Carol Roach did an exceptional job at portraying. If you want to read a story of the heart, this one is for you. A compelling story of a woman, a time and a future where one can actually say, ‘everything turned out all right.’ It might have happened much later than we as the reader may have wanted, but perhaps that is exactly how life for most of us plays out. Well done Ms. Roach!
--Shirley Johnson, Senior Reviewer for MidWest Book Review and a Prominent Amazon Reviewer
Ordering Info for Carol Roach’s book, "Angels Watching Over Me":
Angels Watching Over Me by Carol Roach
Publisher: Janelle M. (Lulu Press)
Publication Date: March 2007
ISBN #: 978-1-4303-2003-6
244 pages, and can be purchased at Lulu Press, Amazon.com and Barnes&Noble.com. Or you can order it at your local bookstore.
Price: [Print-edition] $16.10
[ebook] $5.00
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My Naked Mind: An Intimate Collection of Poetry
(A book of inspirational poetry)
Fed Up Woman
(A novel ...) And
NEW! Trisha's Treasures: Gems of Inspiration
(A book of inspirational quotes)
By TRISHA MARTIN
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
TRISHA MARTIN is an author, poet, entrepreneur and blogger. Her book publications include "My Naked Mind: An Intimate Collection of Poetry" [April 2005], "Fed Up Woman" [May 2011] and "Trisha's Treasures: Gems of Inspiration" [May 2011]. Trisha has also had many of her poems, short stories and articles published in online & print magazines, journals, and newsletters. You can visit Trisha at her website: Trisha's World
Reviews of "My Naked Mind: An Intimate Collection of Poetry by Trisha Martin" :
***** The words contained within the pages of author, poet and entrepreneur Trisha Martin’s book are filled with compelling, deep, emotional and inspirational poems that readers should be able to identify with. Each poem is written with clarity as the author pours her heart and soul into her writing. If you're a poetry lover who likes reading personal works of others, this book of poetry is a must-read!
**** I have never read poetry so vividly written, taking me on a continuous journey from emotion to emotion!
Ordering Info for Trisha Martin’s books:
"My Naked Mind: An Intimate Collection of Poetry", "Fed Up Woman", and
"Trisha's Treasures: Gems of Inspiration"
My Naked Mind: An Intimate Collection of Poetry by Trisha Martin
Publisher: Publish America
Publication date: April 2005
ISBN #: 1413744540
84 pages; Price: $14.95
Fed Up Woman by Trisha Martin
Publisher: Publish America
Publication date: May 2011
ISBN #: 978-1-4560-4946-1
64 pages; Price: $16.95
Trisha's Treasures: Gems of Inspiration by Trisha Martin
Publisher: Blurb
Publication date: May 2011
Price: (Soft cover, paperback) $13.95
(Hardcover, dust jacket) $29.95
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Reviews of "My Naked Mind: An Intimate Collection of Poetry by Trisha Martin" :
***** The words contained within the pages of author, poet and entrepreneur Trisha Martin’s book are filled with compelling, deep, emotional and inspirational poems that readers should be able to identify with. Each poem is written with clarity as the author pours her heart and soul into her writing. If you're a poetry lover who likes reading personal works of others, this book of poetry is a must-read!
**** I have never read poetry so vividly written, taking me on a continuous journey from emotion to emotion!
Ordering Info for Trisha Martin’s books:
"My Naked Mind: An Intimate Collection of Poetry", "Fed Up Woman", and
"Trisha's Treasures: Gems of Inspiration"
My Naked Mind: An Intimate Collection of Poetry by Trisha Martin
Publisher: Publish America
Publication date: April 2005
ISBN #: 1413744540
84 pages; Price: $14.95
Fed Up Woman by Trisha Martin
Publisher: Publish America
Publication date: May 2011
ISBN #: 978-1-4560-4946-1
64 pages; Price: $16.95
Trisha's Treasures: Gems of Inspiration by Trisha Martin
Publisher: Blurb
Publication date: May 2011
Price: (Soft cover, paperback) $13.95
(Hardcover, dust jacket) $29.95
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Pink Poodle Pie
(Other Tales of How Women Get Even)
A Book of Short Stories by Barbara Deming and others
By BARBARA DEMING
The Puppies Have Been Born!
Pink Poodle Pie (Other Tales of How Women Get Even) by Barbara Deming is available to purchase. All those stories are just 'yapping' to be read. This is what my editor calls 'mid-life chick-lit.' I say it is a blueprint of how we gals can get even with those cheatin' males in our lives, or dream of what we wished had happened to such guys in our past.
If you've ever been cheated on, dumped, or mentally/physically violated by a yahoo in any way, this is a must read for you! You will grin, gasp--maybe even give an "atta girl!" yell at the antics of these strong women. Yours Truly, Barbara Deming, offers nineteen women, many like us, who write their own ending to the stories of an important time in their lives.
You can find "Pink Poodle Pie" at iUniverse.com, Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble.com, Books-in-a-Million.com, or receive an autographed copy of the soft-cover edition by sending your check for only $16 (includes media postage-mailing) to: Barbara Deming, 1175 La Moree Rd. #68, San Marcos, CA 92078. She welcomes questions, discussions, and comments at: mailto: demingwrites@att.net
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
BARBARA ("BARB") DEMING is an Author, Instructor, Speaker, and Owner of the Writing Workshop "I Can Write. Can You?", which promotes writing for fun, mental health, and publication for both children and adults.
--"Pink Poodle Pie (Other Tales of How Women Get Even)" is available to order at: Amazon.com, iUniverse.com, or get your autographed copy from the author by e-mailing her at: demingwrites@att.net.
--"The Quilt Maker" and "Growing up Barefoot in the South [Essays of a Southern Writer]" can be purchased at Amazon.com. Or get an autographed copy from the author by e-mailing her at: demingwrites@att.net.
--Check out Barbara's blog: http://barbswritetree.blogspot.com
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If you've ever been cheated on, dumped, or mentally/physically violated by a yahoo in any way, this is a must read for you! You will grin, gasp--maybe even give an "atta girl!" yell at the antics of these strong women. Yours Truly, Barbara Deming, offers nineteen women, many like us, who write their own ending to the stories of an important time in their lives.
You can find "Pink Poodle Pie" at iUniverse.com, Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble.com, Books-in-a-Million.com, or receive an autographed copy of the soft-cover edition by sending your check for only $16 (includes media postage-mailing) to: Barbara Deming, 1175 La Moree Rd. #68, San Marcos, CA 92078. She welcomes questions, discussions, and comments at: mailto: demingwrites@att.net
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
BARBARA ("BARB") DEMING is an Author, Instructor, Speaker, and Owner of the Writing Workshop "I Can Write. Can You?", which promotes writing for fun, mental health, and publication for both children and adults.
--"Pink Poodle Pie (Other Tales of How Women Get Even)" is available to order at: Amazon.com, iUniverse.com, or get your autographed copy from the author by e-mailing her at: demingwrites@att.net.
--"The Quilt Maker" and "Growing up Barefoot in the South [Essays of a Southern Writer]" can be purchased at Amazon.com. Or get an autographed copy from the author by e-mailing her at: demingwrites@att.net.
--Check out Barbara's blog: http://barbswritetree.blogspot.com
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"THE GIFT OF GABE"
PROMOTIONS ANNOUNCES:
THE LENNON CODE?
Few people have heard of the novel The Gift of Gabe by Brian Joseph. Six years ago even fewer people had heard of it. In these days of big budget mass marketing, books that are published by small publishers often have difficulty finding an audience. Without an advertising budget, word of this book has been spreading. Early readers fascinated by the book's inclusive spirituality, told others. An internet forum for people who study Gnosticism picked up on the book six summers ago, making it their topic of discussion for two months.
Some Beatles fans became interested after the reviewer for the online music magazine Ear Candy recommended it saying, "I was also fascinated by the interpretations of Beatles lyrics in the book, especially after having read about every book imaginable on Beatles song analysis." Shortly after the review in Ear Candy, information about the book showed up on “What Goes On”, a website dedicated to Beatles news. Canadian readers with an interest in the paranormal picked up on the book after the author was interviewed on The X Zone Radio Show. There has been buzz about the book by Beatles fans in places as far apart as Israel, The Netherlands, Ireland, Finland, and Russia, places far removed from the book's northern New England setting.
The book is the story of meeting an eccentric old man who discusses his spiritual philosophy including the belief that people who have had certain experiences can communicate these experiences to each other in a symbolic language that is not readily understandable to most people. What most readers find fascinating is that many familiar songs are interwoven throughout the story and looked at in a way that is unique and thought provoking. A reviewer for Bookpleasures said, "Actually, it is primarily through Gabe's radical interpretations of the mentioned songs that one tends to become convinced of his perspective's veracity." Many of the songs are so familiar to people that the author was able to do this without directly quoting the lyrics. A reviewer for Mystic Living Today wrote, "There are many wonderful songs, book references, and passages throughout that are beautifully brought to life under the author's direct and interesting first person style."
While many readers seem to be focusing on the Beatles songs referenced in the book, songs by Jimi Hendrix and others are also referenced by the main character to help illustrate spiritual concepts. The volume of examples given and the interconnections between songs and artists have led many to conclude that there is truth in what the main character says. One of Gabe's claims is that during certain creative states some people can 'channel' the Universal Mind and be unaware that they are doing so. Gabe cites Plato and many others to support this concept. Purported examples are given including songs by Lennon, McCartney, and Harrison. Gabe believes that this experience is what some of the Sufi call shathiyat and what Joseph Campbell called transcendent poetry. What may be most controversial is Gabe's claim that this archetypical poetic experience is 'the speaking in tongues' of the early Christians. It is probably this concept that has appealed to readers who identify themselves as being 'new age'. Word of the book has shown up on websites like The Holistic Bulletin.
The reviewer for Mystic Living Today said, "I would recommend this book to anyone who likes an enlightened and spiritual read… One of the things that differentiates’ The Gift of Gabe from other books in the visionary fiction genre is that it incorporates factual information and events in a way that is similar to historical fiction. Some readers have had a scholarly interest in the book seeing it as a modern myth that incorporates the philosophy of Aldous Huxley, Alan Watts, G.I. Gurdjieff, and others. While some are predicting that the book will become a countercultural classic, the book is clearly not for everyone.
A reviewer for Round Table Reviews wrote, "The Gift of Gabe is well written, but the subject matter was too over the top for me." The same reviewer still recommended the book for some saying, "Those with a strong interest in The Beatles and philosophy will be thrilled with Brian Joseph's novel."
To order your copy of Brian Joseph’s book, visit the official website for The Gift of Gabe at: http://www.giftofgabe.com/
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Some Beatles fans became interested after the reviewer for the online music magazine Ear Candy recommended it saying, "I was also fascinated by the interpretations of Beatles lyrics in the book, especially after having read about every book imaginable on Beatles song analysis." Shortly after the review in Ear Candy, information about the book showed up on “What Goes On”, a website dedicated to Beatles news. Canadian readers with an interest in the paranormal picked up on the book after the author was interviewed on The X Zone Radio Show. There has been buzz about the book by Beatles fans in places as far apart as Israel, The Netherlands, Ireland, Finland, and Russia, places far removed from the book's northern New England setting.
The book is the story of meeting an eccentric old man who discusses his spiritual philosophy including the belief that people who have had certain experiences can communicate these experiences to each other in a symbolic language that is not readily understandable to most people. What most readers find fascinating is that many familiar songs are interwoven throughout the story and looked at in a way that is unique and thought provoking. A reviewer for Bookpleasures said, "Actually, it is primarily through Gabe's radical interpretations of the mentioned songs that one tends to become convinced of his perspective's veracity." Many of the songs are so familiar to people that the author was able to do this without directly quoting the lyrics. A reviewer for Mystic Living Today wrote, "There are many wonderful songs, book references, and passages throughout that are beautifully brought to life under the author's direct and interesting first person style."
While many readers seem to be focusing on the Beatles songs referenced in the book, songs by Jimi Hendrix and others are also referenced by the main character to help illustrate spiritual concepts. The volume of examples given and the interconnections between songs and artists have led many to conclude that there is truth in what the main character says. One of Gabe's claims is that during certain creative states some people can 'channel' the Universal Mind and be unaware that they are doing so. Gabe cites Plato and many others to support this concept. Purported examples are given including songs by Lennon, McCartney, and Harrison. Gabe believes that this experience is what some of the Sufi call shathiyat and what Joseph Campbell called transcendent poetry. What may be most controversial is Gabe's claim that this archetypical poetic experience is 'the speaking in tongues' of the early Christians. It is probably this concept that has appealed to readers who identify themselves as being 'new age'. Word of the book has shown up on websites like The Holistic Bulletin.
The reviewer for Mystic Living Today said, "I would recommend this book to anyone who likes an enlightened and spiritual read… One of the things that differentiates’ The Gift of Gabe from other books in the visionary fiction genre is that it incorporates factual information and events in a way that is similar to historical fiction. Some readers have had a scholarly interest in the book seeing it as a modern myth that incorporates the philosophy of Aldous Huxley, Alan Watts, G.I. Gurdjieff, and others. While some are predicting that the book will become a countercultural classic, the book is clearly not for everyone.
A reviewer for Round Table Reviews wrote, "The Gift of Gabe is well written, but the subject matter was too over the top for me." The same reviewer still recommended the book for some saying, "Those with a strong interest in The Beatles and philosophy will be thrilled with Brian Joseph's novel."
To order your copy of Brian Joseph’s book, visit the official website for The Gift of Gabe at: http://www.giftofgabe.com/
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Mirrored Images
(A book of short stories & poems)
By ROSANNE CATALANO
The Cat’s Meow for Writers & Readers’ Owner & Publisher
(www.thecatsmeowforwritersreaders.com)
Owner and Publisher ROSANNE CATALANO is pleased to introduce her second book, Mirrored Images, because it is a quick read at 71 pages! It is a book containing Rosanne’s collection of short stories, story articles and poems (some fiction, some fact) written by her for your reading enjoyment and for those who love guessing games. “Mirrored Images” by Rosanne Catalano begins with a poem about, and dedication to, her late father and still-living-mother and goes into a short story about an experience with bullying in the eighth grade of school to being saved by a guardian angel when the story character was in her mid-30’s. An interesting read in which you, the reader, may want to guess which of her stories are fact or fiction…
Reviews of "Mirrored Images by Rosanne Catalano":
***** I purchased a copy of Rosanne Catalano’s book, Mirrored Images, and this short collection of short stories (you will have to try real hard to decide which are fact or fiction), articles and poetry, both touched my heart and made me smile. Rosanne’s book Mirrored Images is truly a great read! It touched me because of the love shown for her parents, God, and her husband. It touched me because I was the kid with glasses who was bullied and picked on and I could feel Rosanne's pain when it happened to her. It touched me because I have lost my parents and her tribute to her father, and mother, brought back all of the good times and love I had with/for my own parents. It touched me because Rosanne, as I feel so many of us are but never put it into words so eloquently, is a survivor. I believe we all have guardian angels and Mirrored Images proves it to all who will listen. No one but angels could have saved her from bullies in junior high school, have looked over her until she found the perfect mate, and still guide her to this day in her writing craft. These are stories we should not only want to read, enjoy reading, but they are stories we all need to hear. I get a glimpse of the love and courage that Rosanne shows, and shares, in her magazine--and our most welcome online correspondence. Rosanne is writing a continuation of Mirrored Images titled Escape and Redemption. I can't wait to read that! But first, my readers, you must read Mirrored Images.
--Barbara Deming; author, writing instructor & publisher.
***** I read Rosanne Catalano's book Mirrored Images and I love it! She had somewhat of a hard life in some areas and a good one in others. She had a lot of heartache, with the loss of friends early in her life, and the ridicule and horrendous behaviors of other kids when she was in junior high school. Though it sounds like Rosanne had a most wonderful Dad and Grandmother too; her grandmother reminded me so much of my own Grandmother who passed away last year! I enjoyed very much reading all of Rosanne's different short stories and the poems she included. I really loved reading about her little cheese episode in ‘Christmas With Grandma,’ and her little sneaky trek to the store thinking she could hurriedly fix what she had EATEN…LOL!!!! I LOVED IT--------- And I can still see her so clearly eating all of the cheese!!!! CONGRATULATIONS go out to Rosanne Catalano all the way around!! I will get her next book soon...I like her book’s title by the way, and the picture of Rosanne on the back cover; she looks sooo relaxed.
--Sandra Hoynacki; author & poet.
**** Rosanne Catalano's book, Mirrored Images, was a delightful read! I LOVED IT!!!! IF the abuse at school and all was about her, Rosanne has become a beautiful person and woman. I'm so glad she now has a wonderful spouse and that her life is presently filled with love.
--Carol Dee Meeks; author, poet & writer.
Rosanne Catalano’s next book, Escape and Redemption, will be a continuation of where Mirrored Images left off but as a fiction novel.
Escape and Redemption by Rosanne Catalano Coming Soon!
Mirrored Images by Rosanne Catalano is available to purchase for $8.75 in an ebook format, $17.51 for the print edition!
Be sure to pick up your copy of “Mirrored Images” today at: Lulu Press, Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble.com, or in Rosanne’s magazine!
Ordering Info for Rosanne Catalano’s book, Mirrored Images:
Mirrored Images by Rosanne Catalano
Publisher: Jane W. (Lulu Press)
Publication Date: January 2007
ISBN #: 978-1-257-40573-2
Price: [Print-edition] $17.51; [ebook] $8.75
71 pages, and can be purchased at: LuluPress, www.thecatsmeowforwritersreaders.com, Barnes&Noble.com, or at Amazon.com
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LETTERS TO THE PUBLISHER:
If you have a question, would like to make a suggestion on something you would like to see in this magazine, or just want to tell us about an article, poem or story you have read here, send an email to The Publisher’s Box™ and let us know your thoughts, questions, news or anything else you want to share. We will respond to your letter in a timely manner. If appropriate, we will also publish your "Letter to the Publisher" in a future issue.
TO SUBMIT YOUR WRITING:
Please do send your fiction short stories, flash fiction, story articles (nonfiction short stories), essays, poetry, haikus or helpful nonfiction articles, but carefully follow the "Submission Guidelines" the publisher set forth. To read the Submission Guidelines click on this link, then fill out the "Submit" form at the bottom of the submission page with your work copied & pasted into the "Comment" area of the form. Remember, due to security issues, your submissions must be sent via the Submit Form on this website only. Please also provide a resource box and / or an author bio along with your work. The publisher reads every single submission and will respond within four (4) months. Thank you; and keep on writing!
HOW SOME ARE SUPPORTING
THE CAT’S MEOW FOR WRITERS & READERS MAGAZINE :
In each magazine issue (and within Rosanne's website), there are links to businesses such as Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble.com, Miller Mosaic LLC, Judy Cullins-Book and Internet Marketing Coach, Moontown Cafe, BookConnector, Writer On-Line, Angie's DIARY (#1 online magazine and community for professional & aspiring writers), First Writer.com, Filbert Publishing, How-To Corp, Free Rice.com, and many others. Purchasing products through these links helps support The Cat’s Meow for Writers & Readers Magazine and keep your subscription Free!
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LETTERS TO THE PUBLISHER:
If you have a question, would like to make a suggestion on something you would like to see in this magazine, or just want to tell us about an article, poem or story you have read here, send an email to The Publisher’s Box™ and let us know your thoughts, questions, news or anything else you want to share. We will respond to your letter in a timely manner. If appropriate, we will also publish your "Letter to the Publisher" in a future issue.
TO SUBMIT YOUR WRITING:
Please do send your fiction short stories, flash fiction, story articles (nonfiction short stories), essays, poetry, haikus or helpful nonfiction articles, but carefully follow the "Submission Guidelines" the publisher set forth. To read the Submission Guidelines click on this link, then fill out the "Submit" form at the bottom of the submission page with your work copied & pasted into the "Comment" area of the form. Remember, due to security issues, your submissions must be sent via the Submit Form on this website only. Please also provide a resource box and / or an author bio along with your work. The publisher reads every single submission and will respond within four (4) months. Thank you; and keep on writing!
HOW SOME ARE SUPPORTING
THE CAT’S MEOW FOR WRITERS & READERS MAGAZINE :
In each magazine issue (and within Rosanne's website), there are links to businesses such as Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble.com, Miller Mosaic LLC, Judy Cullins-Book and Internet Marketing Coach, Moontown Cafe, BookConnector, Writer On-Line, Angie's DIARY (#1 online magazine and community for professional & aspiring writers), First Writer.com, Filbert Publishing, How-To Corp, Free Rice.com, and many others. Purchasing products through these links helps support The Cat’s Meow for Writers & Readers Magazine and keep your subscription Free!
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Owner & Publisher of The Cat's Meow for Writers & Readers Magazine :
Author Rosanne Catalano (pen name: RC Kayla)
Email: editor@thecatsmeowforwritersreaders.com
Rosanne's Website(s) and Blog(s):
http://www.thecatsmeowforwritersreaders.com
http://www.facebook.com/catsmeowfor
http://www.linkedin.com/in/rosannecatalano
http://thecatsmeowforwritersreaders.blogspot.com
http://www.thecatsmeowforwritersreaders.com/publishers-blog.html
http://www.twitter.com/rckayla
Editor & Proofreader of The Cat's Meow for Writers & Readers Magazine :
Poet Heidi L. Spargo
Email: hlspargo@yahoo.com
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The Cat’s Meow for Writers & Readers Magazine is dedicated to:
Rachel Renée; Carman Peter Catalano; Anna Pollicino-Catalano; Harold Clinton Welch;
Pauline Mullé-Infranco, and Joseph Infranco.
PLEASE NOTE: there are currently 10,000 subscribers who receive e-mail notification when a new issue of this magazine is online. We would like you to know that The Cat’s Meow for Writers & Readers’ Subscriber List is not made available to others, including companies. We value every subscriber and respect your privacy. However, please notify the owner/publisher at The Publisher’s Box™ if any links within this magazine are not working or are the wrong links so we will know to fix them. Thank you.
The Cat's Meow for Writers & Readers Magazine is an independently-owned & operated literary magazine supported by readers like you; and by grants and corporate sponsorships from various organizations and companies (some listed on the "Helpful Sites for You" page).
Copyright © 2004-2012 Rosanne Catalano (pen name: RC Kayla): Owner, Publisher & Author. All rights reserved. All copyrights remain with the respective creators of material in this magazine and on this site (the publisher has no enduring rights over future printings and/or publications). No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise), without prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this magazine. The Cat's Meow for Writers & Readers Magazine accepts no liability expressed or implied, for any advertisement, editorial or products contained within. The views expressed in the stories, poetry, essays, articles, and other writings incuded in this magazine are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the owner/publisher or the editor/proofreader of this magazine. Queens, New York, 11379. ISSN: 2237-65.
