Contributors include:

Contributors include:

Contributors include:

"Cahuilla folklore tells us the story of Menyil as the moon maiden and daughter of Mukat, a Cahuilla deity. Menyil was a matriarch amongst the Cahuilla people and a symbol for maternity. Menyil taught Cahuilla women which songs to sing, games to play, and other cultural practices still used to this day. 

I pay homage to Menyil by writing these poems since my best poetry comes from gazing at Menyil's beautiful face during the twilight hours."

Will Torres is a member of the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indian tribe. He grew up on the reservation located in Thermal, California.
Will is also a combat-decorated Marine who served as a radio operator with Third Battalion Third Marines from 2003 to 2007.

Will's other two books, the screenplays Freelance: A POG Story and My Night With Mukat, have also become Amazon bestsellers.

Former Marine Will Torro lives the life of a drug addict in an abandoned home on the remote Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla reservation. Inebriated, Will sets off into the mountains where the Cahuilla deity, Mukat, gives Will one last choice: change your life for the better or face death at the hands of the tribe's evil spirit, Tahquitz. Shaken, Will enters the fight for his life and tries to overcome addiction through therapy and rediscovery of his tribal roots. But first, Will has to survive the deadly powers of Tahquitz, who has chosen Will as his next victim.

Author Will Torres is a member of the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indian tribe. He grew up on the reservation located in Thermal, California. Will is also a combat decorated Marine who served with Third Battalion Third Marines as a radio operator from 2003 to 2007.

Will Torro has been out of the Marine Corps ten years, when he learns that his former platoon Sergeant committed suicide as a result of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Will was recently diagnosed with PTSD himself and begins to wonder about his own mortality as well as the fate of his young sons. When doctors cannot provide answers, Will turns to his father, a Vietnam veteran, who encourages him to reach out to his former comrades. Will not only reconnects with his fellow Marine veterans, Ward and Lyons, but together they set out on a mission to find solace through shared grief, humor, and camaraderie.

2020 SEMI-FINALIST OF THE RENOWNED 15TH ANNUAL DR. TONY RYAN BOOK AWARD, RECOGNIZING THE BEST LONG-FORM WRITING ABOUT THE WORLD OF HORSE RACING

(AMAZON BESTSELLER IN "HORSE STORIES")

Semi-finalist of the renowned 15th annual Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award, recognizing the best long-form writing about the world of horse racing.


Two horses, twin brothers at birth, couldn’t be more different. Big Brother, the larger, stronger horse has the physique of a champion. He is the sensation of the horse-racing world. But Little Brother - smaller, pigeon-toed, and hidden away - has the heart of a winner. The racehorse breeder and his family who nurture him with love believe he deserves his chance. But, can Little Brother beat his much-favored sibling when their paths cross at the most famous of all horse races, the Kentucky Derby?

In this semi-autobiographical story, veteran jockey Alan Patterson takes you into the world of professional horse racing, where the will to win is a must, but the love for horses makes the difference.

Cynical and obtuse, People Suck is at times irreverent and at times innocent,but the stories within are always the sarcastic account of McCarley's real-life experiences. From Marine aircraft mechanic to customer service, and from childhood to now, People Suck delivers the laughs without harming any People in the process.

Click HERE to read the review of People Suck.

Paperback
Kindle eBook
CLICK ON COVER TO BUY ON AMAZON

The beauty of the Appalachian region of Kentucky is a beauty like no other any place on planet Earth. The mountains. The valleys. The Bluegrass!  Ah, just call it home and the beauty becomes instantly breathtaking. Usual rules of living followed by folks in other places seem to have whole new meanings to the folks in the rural places of Kentucky. Growing up on farms was a tough chore and the lessons taught were lessons learned for a lifetime. In such areas money was scarce and never spent frivolously. Nickels and dimes became quarters, and pennies were saved until they became dollars. The young worked hard right along the side of grownups, and little time was allotted to play. Because of that, rural kids fast figured out how to turn just about anything into fun. Their antics many times did not meet with grownup approval even though care was taken to prevent destruction of property. They seemed to understand very early in life that fun is not something you have but rather something you make. Simple things that are so many times overlooked by older folks become memories worth their weight in gold to rural children.

Click HERE to read the review of A Teller's Tales - Memories of James and Willie

… The old porch swing squeaks in the wind, But my old ears don’t really seem to mind.
The rickety old rocking chair beckons to me, Begging to share times of times more kind.
And, as the waning years go flitting by, Leaving their memoirs on heart and face,
I find that nothing is as important to me, As loving memories, created in this place.
Home is the place to retreat and reflect, And enjoy the endless musings of the old.
And only because of old loves, long-past, New loves become old musings yet untold.
The reflections I see in the mirror of my mind, Are the memories of my life locked inside.
And the great key to the lock on my heart, Is sitting in that old rocking chair with pride!

“The shadow of Yesterday is so close to the edge of Tomorrow that you can see both of them through the window of Today.”

Sometimes I remember, and, sometimes I don’t. The years have been many, and my memory, without pencil and paper, doesn’t always keep all of the facts in a straight line. But, even with inconsistencies, I plod ever onward. The stories must be told!

Stories really should be written down. While the stories are forever, the memories responsible for maintaining them are not infallible.

Stories are the cherished bonds that tie humanity’s future to its past. Most times the appreciation for memory is not immediate. Sometimes it shows up much later in life as, with age, we discover that the present is only one more step on a multi-faceted journey from yesterday to tomorrow.

This is a long-awaited collection of drawings by Oklahoma native, Lyndle Garrett. It is the first of a planned many.

Mr. Garrett is the third of five sons of a WW II Army Veteran. Born in Oklahoma, the family moved to Arkansas soon after where Lyndle grew up on a farm. While he did not get “the feel” for farming, Lyndle did find a love for archeology and drawing. Farm living afforded many opportunities to collect fossils and other interesting rocks, as well as indulge his interest in drawing pictures in his spare time. Everything and everyone seemed to be fair game for his imagination-fueled pencils.

CHUCK YEAGER : WHAT A RIDE!
MY AMAZING LIFE WITH THE ORIGINAL RIGHT STUFF, CHUCK YEAGER
(The Right Stuff Publishing)
by Gen. Chuck Yeager and Victoria Yeager

One of the last of real men.

But who was he, really?

What happens when, nine years after his first wife died, Chuck, age 77, finds a second true love, Victoria. And Victoria, age 41, finds her first. One word: Magic.
Now you have a chance to get a glimpse of Chuck Yeager, the man himself. Delve into the private lives of Chuck and Victoria Yeager, together for almost 21 years as Victoria Yeager, Chuck Yeager’s wife, reveals the truth about this great American hero, a hero’s hero. Read inspiring stories of their extraordinary life together from her secret diaries.

Wit & wisdom from New York Times #1 best-selling author (sold over 1.2 million books), the original badass & Right Stuff, fighter ace, test pilot, greatest pilot, a pilot’s pilot, a man’s man, a woman’s man: Chuck Yeager, & his favorite wingman, Victoria. Find out why Maverick, the new Top Gun movie, pays homage to Chuck Yeager!

Chuck Yeager risked his life to break the sound barrier opening up space. Many are inspired by his wit & wisdom that got him through poverty in the hollers of West Virginia, helped him escape the Gestapo & become a fighter ace & hero in World War II, & made him the greatest pilot who ever lived.

Philip Kaufman, director The Right Stuff: Chuck Yeager was the Ace of Aces. He challenged the demons that lived in the air & was the first to poke a hole in the sky. The heavens were his battleground, but he was also the most down-to-earth guy you could ever meet. He was a steely-eyed straight shooter who didn't mince words or suffer fools when it came to getting the job done right. He was also a twinkly-eyed, fun-loving guy who truly understood what the Pursuit of Happiness was all about. Thanks to Victoria Yeager, we now have this book of his wit and wisdom to remind us that he is still up there somewhere, doing what he always did.

Gerald McRaney, actor, outdoorsman, NCIS-Los Angeles: When I met General Yeager & Victoria. I will admit to having been more than a little awestruck at meeting a genuine childhood hero. Truth be told, I still am. Since then, I have been honoured to call them friends. Almost everyone knows something about the exploits of the greatest aviator of them all. A few of us got to know the humour of this great man. This book will let those not lucky enough to have known him to get a glimpse at the wit and wisdom of the man from West Virginia who changed the world through his work and made it a better place just by being in it. Meet my friend Chuck Yeager.

Rabbi David Wolpe (Newsweek's top rabbi in America): Here it is: the wit, wisdom & astonishing courage of a great American hero. As he said: Everyone’s got a job to do, son. He did his, superlatively well, & Victoria Yeager tells us about it in the pilot’s own words. Read it, learn & be inspired.

Gen. Charlie Duke, USAF (ret.), Lunar Module Pilot, Apollo 16, astronaut: I served under Colonel Yeager’s command as a student & staff member at the USAF test pilot school. He was a demanding but fair boss whom I deeply respected & admired. General Yeager, my mentor, comes alive in these pages of great wisdom & humor from vast experience,

Joe Bonsall/Oak Ridge Boys (17 #1 hits on Billboard country charts): This book brought tears and joy as it elicited so many great memories. We so loved this man. Thank you, Chuck Yeager, for enriching our lives. You, Sir, represent the BEST of ALL of us!

Barbara Eden, singer, actress: I first met Colonel Yeager when we filmed ‘I Dream of Jeanie’ at Edwards AFB. His charm, wit, & sense of fun come through beautifully in this book.

Col. Pat Duffy USAF (ret.), Test Pilot & IP with General Yeager in F-15, F-16, F-18: I was blessed as an Air Force Fighter Pilot & Test Pilot to have known & flown with General Yeager in a variety of aircraft over many years. His witty & insightful comments conveyed a mix of humor, candor/directness & experience that this book captures incredibly well & brings to life. I see my role model, mentor & friend in these pages & know you'll enjoy getting to know him a little better as you read these great stories, too!

Capt. Julie E. Clark NWA (ret), Aerobatic pilot, T-34/T-28: Such a great tribute to ‘General Chuck’, a man I admired & knew very well for over 35 years! I grew to realize his true insight & very quick wit. He may have taken great risks, but these 'Yeager-isms’ really tell the story of what a brilliant mind he had to stay alive & ‘fly the airplane!!’

In the tradition of Tim O'Brien's The Things They Carried, Brian O'Hare's Surrender is a rich collection of coming-of-age stories, a journey into the heart of the American hero myth, from the Friday night football fields of Western Pennsylvania to a battalion of Marines in the Persian Gulf and beyond. But what happens when the crowds stop cheering and the welcome home parades are over? Guilt, fear, and brutality collide with love and acceptance as a diverse cast of characters struggle to reconcile mythology with reality, and to find meaning in a uniquely American chaos. 

"Think Like a Leader" by Dr. Derrick C. Darden is a book that can help you unlock your leadership potential. This guide provides practical principles to help you:

• Overcome challenges
• Develop self-awareness
• Foster a growth-driven environment
• Cultivate strong leadership skills through effective communication and accountability
• Conquer impostor syndrome
• Embrace challenging assignments
• Foster personal and professional development

By transforming your mindset, aligning your decisions with your strengths, and following the principles highlighted in the book, you can unleash your true potential as a leader.

Don't miss out on this empowering journey to become the influential and impactful leader you were destined to be. Grab "Think Like a Leader" now and seize your leadership destiny!

Change in our everyday lives brings new opportunities to dismantle archaic systems, to reinvent and recharge ourselves. The 2020 COVID-19 crisis triggered an urgent need to examine yet again, how people can interact successfully in organizations.

For this reason, the expanded third edition focuses on how leaders and employees in a diverse and global working environment can cooperate harmoniously; especially, during crisis situations.Knowledge, organizational skills, and behavior need to be developed. Communication and teamwork skills, necessary to reach a common goal, must be improved. To this end, cooperation between co-workers, supervisors, and management within organizations is the method for success – the very method to survive, thrive, and stay competitive during times of crisis.

As a Gulf War Veteran and Senior Army Warrant Officer who worked in the fields of logistics and Federal Acquisition for the federal government and later as an entrepreneur, I've seen how well-managed organizational form and structure provide principles that support success in both the public and private sectors.

I intend this book to be a catalyst to understand situational challenges, to successfully navigate teams, and to communicate within organizational structures, not only under normal circumstances but also under the pressures and uncertainties of a crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic.

SWEET SOLUTIONS
INDULGE GUILT-FREE WITH CREATIVE EATS

A Book by Derrick Darden, PhD

Embark on a guilt-free indulgence journey with "Sweet Solutions," your Kindle ebook guide to the world of sugar substitutes. Discover the secrets to a healthier lifestyle as you explore the different types of sweeteners that can transform your diet without sacrificing taste. This book demystifies the science and practicality of sugar alternatives, from the natural wonders of stevia and monk fruit to the intricacies of artificial options like aspartame and sucralose. Whether you're a health enthusiast, a culinary professional, or simply curious, "Sweet Solutions" is the perfect companion for anyone eager to explore the sweet possibilities of sugar substitutes while enjoying the delicious creations of Creative Eats.

"May these poems give hope to those who have been silenced by tragedies in their lives."

P's & Q's and Words of Inspiration
by Ignatius J.

Indulge yourself in the marvels of this remarkable book filled with inspiring words, poetic verses, and breathtaking pictures curated by the genius that is Ignatius J. Dive into the world of acclaimed poets like Maya Angelou, renowned actor, Morgan Freeman, and celebrated author, Anthony Bourdain, who have all contributed to the beauty of this literary creation. This book deals with essential life lessons such as overcoming loss, fostering self-love, building meaningful friendships, and practicing mindfulness to help you live a fulfilled life. It is undoubtedly a must-read for anyone seeking a delightful journey through the world of poetry, motivational quotes, and mesmerizing imagery.

(Published by An Aquarius' Dream Publishings, LLC)

Two Baby Mama’s, an Ex-Wife, and an Ex-Boyfriend, Now What’s Next??
A Survival Biography by Ignatius J.

From his early memories of family dysfunction and raging hormones, this memoir allows readers to experience Ignatius J through the lens of the four key relationships that shaped his outlook on life and how he shows up in spaces. He recounts his family history, sexual encounters, substance abuse, understanding his masculinity through romantic love connections, and serving our country. He vulnerably reflects on his battles with depression, losing family and friends, coupled with two attempts to take his own life. It’s raw, honest, and relevant to readers who do not identify with the cookie-cutter lifestyle in search of identifying with someone who does not have the answers, just authentic experiences.

(Published by An Aquarius' Dream Publishings, LLC)

"These poems were written out of necessity.
I have questioned my courage, integrity, self-worth, and especially the direction my life seemed to be heading. The hardest thing to do is to express the truth, especially if it is not pleasant."

This is a true story about a young man who finds peace within himself. He navigates through fear, anger, hardship, and failure by trying to fight against the world. In the end, he learns how to deal with the symptoms that affect his life. He is able to overcome his worst enemy: himself. "I have learned that everyone struggles and we all have something we fear, but most important is that we don't have to overcome it all alone."

"This could be the last day of your life It might be everything you think it is We can never tell what side you'll take It's all coming down to this What you did and everything you took Taken for granted without a second look There will be a Reckoning Where everything will be paid There will come a time …. Where there will be nowhere to hide!"

How would you like to teach your child to swing a golf club in one hour? Impossible? Not if you follow John J. McBrearty’s 4-step approach to the golf swing.

Written by a retired Lt. Colonel with over 32 years of military experience and recognized for excellence by President Barack Obama.

From the author of COMBAT ESSAYS, AMERICAN HISTORY, a Veterans Perspective, and CHILDREN'S GOLF. 

Have you ever wondered what it is like to fight in a war? This is the book that will put you there. Lt.. Colonel McBrearty explicitly chronicles the day-to-day stress and pressures of a National Guard battalion mobilizing for Operation Iraqi Freedom. “Colonel Mack” will have you laughing on one page and crying three pages later in this uniquely honest representation of what combat is really like. This book will forever change the way you look at our nation’s military.

Folks, this is not your typical blood-and-guts war story. COMBAT JOURNAL is a real story containing real emotions, tragedy, love, despair, hope, faith, and even death. You are about to go on a journey like you have never been before. You will observe Major Darby Hillcrest mobilize, train, and certify his Armor Battalion of citizen soldiers for combat duty in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Never has there been such a detailed account of the day-to-day experiences of a National Guard combat deployment.

After many months of pre-combat training and certification, we will finally see if the citizen soldiers of California’s Army National Guard are ready for the task at hand: combat operations. This time, it is no drill; it is not training, and the bullets are real. The responsibility of commanding troops in combat weighs heavily upon the shoulders of our main character, the Battalion Executive Officer, Major Darby Hillcrest. See how he holds up in this Part 2 of COMBAT JOURNAL.

From the author of COMBAT ESSAYS and CHILDREN’S GOLF.

LT. Colonel McBrearty is a veteran with over 32 years of military service, a combat tour of duty, and numerous awards.

Here is a taste of COMBAT JOURNAL.

25 May 04
NOTE FROM AUTHOR: Sixty days ago, MAJ Hillcrest lost his mother. Today, he lost his father. This is how our story starts, and it doesn’t get any better for our main character, MAJ Darby Hillcrest.

16 Mar 04
NOTE FROM AUTHOR: I cannot stress enough how vital faith comes into play for Soldiers going off to war, at least for me anyway.

Walking out of the Church, I looked up into a beautifully clear sky through a beautifully blooming tree. I looked up and asked my parents to look down on my soldiers and protect them however they could. It is quite a great way to leave the Church. I believe my parents are looking over my shoulder; I miss them terribly.

This, my friends, is the “calm before the storm”!

The death of the battalion’s first soldier weighs heavily on the unit, and particularly on our main character, Battalion Executive Officer Major Darby Hillcrest. Darby is faced with overwhelming odds stacked against him, not to mention his impossible Commanding Officer. How will this young officer handle this insurmountable pressure while under enemy fire? Find out on the following pages of Major Hillcrest’s intuitive and emotional COMBAT JOURNAL. This book will show you just how truly difficult life can be for our soldiers in combat.
From the author of COMBAT ESSAYS, AMERICAN HISTORY, A Veteran’s Perspective, and CHILDREN’S GOLF.

Colonel McBrearty brilliantly captures the reality of combat in his book, COMBAT JOURNAL. Some college professors didn’t write this held up in the haven of a university campus but rather by a man in a foxhole with a pen and paper in one hand and a gun in the other. Well done, sir!
John R. Cole --- United States Marine Viet Nam Veteran
Author of Giants and Friends—Poetry dedicated to America’s Warriors.

Major Hillcrest faces the challenges of command as he loses not one but two soldiers Killed in Action (KIA) while commanding the battalion. Tensions are at an all-time high. How will the young Major hold up? Will there be more deaths? What about his “Commander from Hell,” LTC Slacker? Will Slacker finally get relieved of his command? Or will he fall victim to fratricide from his untrusting subordinates? Read on, my friends, and see how this 2-year emotional rollercoaster finally comes to a climactic end.

From the author of COMBAT ESSAYS, AMERICAN HISTORY, A Veteran’s Perspective, and CHILDREN’S GOLF.

"Lt. Colonel McBrearty bears his heart and soul on these pages that only a combat veteran can do. This is quite a uniquely honest representation of what combat is really like."
John Cole USMC Vietnam Veteran and author of “Giants and Friends”

"Lt. Col. John J. McBrearty, a natural leader, combat Veteran, and family man, shares his unique perspective on combat."
General Gustave "Gus" Perna (U. S. Army, Retired) Operation Warp Speed.

Press-Enterprise
“The death of our soldier hit us really hard. It caused all of us to do some reflection and has heightened our sense of awareness of our surroundings.” Major John J. McBrearty, acting commander of the Armor Battalion.

This study in leadership is a result of a 32-year military career that culminated in recognition for excellence by
President Barack Obama.

The following pages contain brutally honest, real-life leadership examples taken directly from the combat zone as documented in the COMBAT JOURNAL book series. An ideal reference for future generations of military and corporate leaders. The format is a simple but effective one. The leadership issue is identified, followed by an expert analysis of the incident and supporting Army doctrine. After reading this book, you will see leadership in a whole new light and become a stronger leader as a result.

“Doing the difficult right and not the easy wrong. JM

“John McBrearty has always found a way to give back to others.”
Jim Hill, CBS Los Angeles Sports Central

"A truly compelling and insightful book emphasizing the critical importance of moral and ethical decision-making in leadership under pressure."
Derrick C. Dardin, Ph.D., College Professor, Author, Veteran

"This is a great enlightenment on how to succeed in war."
John R. Cole
U. S. Marine, Vietnam, author of Giants and Friends.

“In this notable work, Lt. Colonel John J. McBrearty delves into ARMY VALUES with the precision of a tactician and the heart of a warrior, exploring how they form the bedrock of the Army's leadership.
Drawing from the unforgiving crucible of Operation Iraqi Freedom, McBrearty's study is not a mere academic exercise; it is a vivid chronicle of leadership in action, tempered by the fires of combat and the unyielding bonds of brotherhood.
This truly remarkable book will forever change the way you see leadership in today’s military and will make you a stronger leader as a result.”
Derrick C. Dardin, Ph.D., College Professor, Author, Veteran

From the author of COMBAT JOURNAL, COMBAT ESSAYS, AMERICAN HISTORY a Veteran’s Perspective, and CHILDREN’S GOLF.

“Integrity is the foundation of leadership and a way of life for good leaders.”
Lt. Colonel John J. McBrearty

"From the front lines of the war on terror, LTC McBrearty provides riveting psychological impacts of leadership, offering significant lessons for leaders in any field."
Luther Davis, Ph.D., COS for Mental Health, Veterans Administration

Paperback
Kindle eBook
CLICK ON COVER TO BUY ON AMAZON

In Cindy Rinne’s silence between drumbeats, figures yearn to follow the swirling music of landscape and myth. As readers we follow farther into experiences that intertwine the sacred and natural. The stretch of time unfurls revealing worlds inside worlds, life inside life. This past and present universe that is at times wild, at times terrible, always compels us, like the mother in “The Blue Deer,” to see it again with new eyes.
— Natalie J. Graham, author of Begin with a Failed Body 

Cindy Rinne’s silence between drumbeats is a meditation on how we enter a landscape. Our seeing is enlarged with the presence of things in their silence—elk, canyons, the valley floor. Here, listening is the odyssey, silence is the resonance, and we exist within the geological moment, "intercepting sound."   
— Cynthia Alessandra Briano 

MY NAME IS JACKSON
PRISON WITHOUT WALLS
Autobiography by J.L. Erwin

“If you have lived through an abusive childhood or know someone who has, this book is for you.

As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I have learned and seen firsthand what an abusive childhood and generational trauma can do to people.

J. L. Ewin’s willingness to be open about the horrors of his childhood is something very few are willing to do. His ability to grow, become successful, and make positive choices makes him the perfect person to look up to.”

-- Fred “Bo” Dunning, M.A, LMFT, USAF Ret., is the author of multiple books on mental health issues.

J. L. Erwin writes tender prose and poems about his first love whose life was cut short before the full bloom of their relationship. He relishes her as she brought beauty into his world without judgement. They met several years ago, but Joe still lights up when sharing about her. In this book, his sensitive and beautiful words give breath to death. “The grave will never understand / love doesn’t yield to its defeating.”

-- CINDY RINNE, Author of The Feather Ladder

Life-saving Coast Guard missions. Hunting for a century-old treasure. Exploring the Pacific Coastal mountains. The legend of Bigfoot—and an astonishing showdown involving hired hunters, a sinister collector, the U.S. government . . . and a magical, otherworldly twist. High adventure, legend and magical realism sweep together in The Ridgewalkers, the riveting novel of Alex Boldway, and his actions that lead to a climactic showdown rife with danger, rescue, heroism . . . and an enduring environmental message from the beings he protects.

Life-saving Coast Guard missions. Hunting for a century-old treasure. Exploring the Pacific Coastal mountains. The legend of Bigfoot—and an astonishing showdown involving hired hunters, a sinister collector, the U.S. government... and a magical, otherworldly twist. High adventure, legend and magical realism sweep together in The Ridgewalkers, the riveting novel of Alex Boldway, and his actions that lead to a climactic showdown rife with danger, rescue, heroism... and an enduring environmental message from the beings he protects.

Four short stories that will touch your emotions, intrigue your imagination and inspire you to embrace your loved ones.

New Orleans private investigator Armand Malbeau uncovers the secret life of straight-A high school student Violet Winter, who drowned herself in the Mississippi River. Her grieving parents want answers, but Malbeau's only clues come from anonymous letters containing excerpts of Violet's diary. Violet's voice makes her come alive – and the more Malbeau gets to know her and her teenage friends, the more he unearths the abyss of fragile friendships, abuse, and betrayal. He becomes a life-affirming crusader who tries to teach the values of trust, forgiveness, and family to the friends Violet left behind. VIOLET WINTER is teenage author Zoe Phiko's first installment to her "WINTER SERIES."

"feminine" is a collection of poetry that tells the story of a young woman who leaves her childhood home for college. She enjoys the newfound freedom of living on her own. However, after a romantic relationship turned abusive, she must find a way to regain her strength and learn to love herself for who she is.

INNERMOST is a young woman's poetic journey of self-discovery. She navigates the challenges of love, heartbreak, and loss, to find her identity and become a stronger person every step of the way.

A young woman fights to escape the violent vortex of a futuristic war. As the Center cannot hold, and hope sets on the horizon, she must chart her own path out of darkness. She must find her Center.

Fellow Marine, Sean R. Forster, put his thoughts down on paper and adjusted them to create poetry. I can identify a great deal with Sean's poems. I can imagine any veteran could, from the times spent reminiscing about life in the Marine Corps, to the cold truth of how strenuous life after the Marines can be. Sean paints portraits with his words, and to some they might seem frightening; however, even though times can get tough, Sean is going to come out on top no matter what is thrown his way. I am proud my fellow Marine produced this book of poetry because God knows it isn't easy to look back at the horror and beauty of life in the Marines, especially during times of war.

Will Torres, author of the Amazon Screenplay Bestseller "Freelance - A POG Story"

Though the war in our minds will never end, we as brothers and sisters need to help one another to keep fighting that war.

One of the biggest frustrations veterans face is working through the Veterans Administration (VA) bureaucracy. Some veterans love the VA while others hate it. A veteran's love or hate of the VA depends on their past experiences and the experiences expressed by others. Veterans struggle with health issues caused by the beatings their bodies and minds take while in the military. Struggling with the VA bureaucracy can be daunting because of the system Congress has set up. Some veterans give up on the VA because it is hard to navigate and frustrating. This book was written to help veterans and their families understand the VA system. Managing expectations is key to surviving the VA bureaucracy. The stories in the book are some of the problems I have heard and seen from my experiences, clients, and friends. The VA is constantly changing the rules, staying updated with the rules is a challenge and necessary for getting what you need and have earned. It is my hope these stories will shed light on the VA bureaucracy to assist veterans in receiving the services they have earned.

51 Stupid questions is a look at how naïve and curious civilians can be about veterans. Most of the time, civilians’ questions or comments are not meant to do harm. They are just curious about veterans and their time in the military. That curiosity can be harmful to the veteran, depending on their situation and mental state. As a therapist, I deal with those veterans who get triggered by being questioned. Veterans are a closed group in most cases and trust very few. They are more open with other veterans because they do not feel judged. Veterans believe, right or wrong, that civilians judge them and their actions. They often feel that way because civilians have been known to ask stupid questions without understanding the ramifications of those questions. I wrote this book to help civilians know that they can help veterans by embracing their sacrifices by not questioning them for their curiosity. Civilians can earn the trust of a veteran by respecting their service and not asking stupid questions. If you get to know a veteran and earn their trust, you will hear some stories about their military service. But remember, some questions are never OK to ask. Most of them are in this book.

Have you ever wondered why your spouse is acting the way they are? Why do they refuse to get help for their PTSD? Why is it taking so long to get past their PTSD? And why will they not just get over it and move on?

All these questions are standard and discussed in this book. Married to PTSD, stories from the trenches is a book where accounts have been put together to help family members answer some of these questions.

Bo has researched and worked with hundreds of veterans and their family members over the years surrounding PTSD and TBI. He understands that the spouses and family members need to know what they are seeing in their loved one with PTSD and TBI, and how to react. The short stories in this book will help you know that you are not alone and give you some answers to your questions surrounding your loved one's PTSD and TBI.

People believe that PTSD is a military thing; it's not; it is a normal human reaction to a horrific event that includes civilians. The stories in this book are from military families. Still, they cross the line into the civilian community because PTSD does not discriminate.

Most PTSD in the world comes from the civilian sector of society. Since so much PTSD research is done by the Veterans Administration, so many believe that most PTSD comes from combat. As a therapist specializing in PTSD, I am here to tell you it is not. So many folks think of military members as heroes. They are not heroes. The heroes are the spouses, children, and family members who keep things together while their loved one is gone or struggling with PTSD symptoms. Those who live with PTSD symptoms cannot make it without their loved ones being there for them.

These stories were written to help everyone understand that they are not alone. If you are Married to PTSD, I hope you can recognize yourself in these stories. I hope they will help you understand that being married to PTSD is not easy but possible.

Getting out of the military can be one of the most challenging and stressful things a veteran does. Society is different from what veterans imagine when they separate. Most veterans I see as a therapist struggle because of unrealistic expectations of civilian society. Veterans feel they deserve respect and to be treated in high regard because they were told they would when preparing to get out. Veterans are indeed treated differently, contrary to how they expect. 51 Issues Veterans Face gives examples of how our expectations of society differ from what we truly face when we get out.

True to the expression, healing comes in waves, Layers and Waves, is a collection of prose, poems and artistic writing along a healing journey. This compact, but powerful collection takes you on a journey through ten waves (chapters) focused on layers of emotions and experiences surrounding disappointment, heartbreak, resilience, awareness, self-love, self-abandonment, shame, co-dependency, surrender, and freedom. Layers and Waves evokes raw emotions, awakens inner-truths, and inspires you to spend time with your own heart.

This book is for anyone interested in therapy, doing ‘the work’ and seeking personal or spiritual growth. Those who have recovered from toxic relationships, core family wounds and attachment issues, looking to increase self-love, self-care, and self-compassion, will especially relate to the transformative path the author takes us on.

Dive into the healing waters of Layers and Waves and discover the incredible power of self-discovery, personal growth, and emotional healing that awaits you within its pages.

For over 1000 years people have practiced origami—the Japanese art of paper folding—and relatively little has changed. In Lawrence Beall's thought provoking visual and verbal sketchbook, he shares an unfiltered perspective on his journey as an origami artist. Shortly after becoming a master of origami, he worked to understand why museums refused to include origami in their collections. Ultimately, he deemed origami's countless rules and strict standards of homogeneity as barriers to innovative artistic expression. "The systematic taboos present in the art form's heritage have prevented the origami from reaching 'museum-quality' work." In December 2016, Beall broke away from the international origami community to create his own new style of folded art: Neo Origami. His new style has only one common theme: "There are no rules." Beall pushes the boundaries of what is imaginable from the ancient art form. "Origami ought to be stripped to only its purest essence—the fundamental beauty inherent to the folded form."

Walter Hudley, an LAPD homicide detective prematurely retired, is called on to catch a serial killer who has swept through his community like a grisly death angel in the night. The killer is nicknamed "Goody Boy" by the media. He leaves no traces and no clues as to how his victims are selected.

For Walter Hudley the case starts as a mere abstraction. No more than a point of pride, an excuse to slip back into the harness over a violation of "turf." But the ghoulish puzzle takes the anti-social reclusive detective on a journey he never expected. It shatters his life, forcing him to face the hole in his soul.

"dADDY'S BOY" is a commentary on the reality and mythos of the criminal justice system. Its hero is not a super-sleuth but an ordinary "grunt" working without the backup of a deep pockets bureaucracy. He lives - or dies - by his wits.