I Found Me

A volatile, abusive marriage. Loss of confidence and a sense of identity. A journey in search of redemption. Ah… the weekend – what a holy mess! What an unholy mess in fact! That weekend, I watched as Jack reeled about drunkenly and insulting friends. All veneers and facades were stripped away. He revealed to everyone the ugly side he usually saved for me. And there was nothing I could do. The cat was not just out of the bag, it had ripped its way out, yowling and tearing, nasty and vicious. There was no conceivable way to hide, diffuse or halt the raging storm. I could only watch aghast, horrified, embarrassed, and so, so sad. I was ashamed and full of sorrow for myself, and for Jack. I watched in horror as this once-charming man, staggering about, stripped away all years of my shielding, protecting, and covering up his dark side. I was beyond shame and beyond humiliated. Now, everyone knew the dark side of Jack and the secretive, weak, pitiable side of me.

I Have a Beautiful Brain, Compared to the Brains of Alcoholics and Drug Addicts

In this insightful and deeply personal exploration, Stewart Odendhal DVM PhD offers a unique perspective on the devastating effects of alcohol and drug addiction. Drawing from his professional background and personal encounters with addiction, Odendhal embarks on a mission to educate and deter young individuals from the lures of alcohol. This book is not only a narrative but a crusade against the widespread ignorance about the debilitating effects of alcohol on the brain.

Beginning with a startling revelation from a CT scan, Odendhal’s curiosity is piqued by the physical differences in the brains of alcoholics and drug addicts compared to those who abstain. This discovery propels him into an exhaustive research journey, delving into the science behind addiction, the societal implications, and personal anecdotes that paint a vivid picture of the struggles with alcoholism.

With chapters detailing his own experiences with alcoholic family members, the scientific intricacies of alcohol’s impact on the brain, and a poignant account of his battle with smoking addiction, Odendhal’s narrative is both educational and deeply human. He reflects on his interactions with Alcoholics Anonymous members, exploring the gap between scientific knowledge and the personal experiences of those battling addiction.

I Have a Beautiful Brain, Compared to the Brains of Alcoholics and Drug Addicts is a clarion call for a more informed approach to alcohol education, emphasizing the need for early intervention and awareness. Odendhal’s dedication to this cause shines through each page, making this book an essential read for anyone touched by the effects of alcoholism or seeking to understand the complex interplay between addiction and the human brain.

I Heard the Angels Sing

Have you ever felt that God was not there for you? Have you ever questioned, “Why, God, why?” One man did constantly. After an experience he cannot explain, he begins to reflect on his life, and he finds answers to those questions.

An inspirational reveal of how one man begins his journey back to God. He revisits occurrences from his life, exploring his own relationship with God. In sharing his experiences, he encourages others to discover and embrace their own relationship with God. Each chapter explores his personal memories from childhood into his adult life as he struggles with good and bad things in his life. Some experiences are small, some major and some occurrences affect him forever. He encounters great highs and deep lows in his life. And some incidents come full circle. He finally comes to the conclusion that God was always there for him.

It all began when he heard the Angels sing…

I Only Remember Grievances And Desserts

“Revenge is a dish best served cold” – Khan Noonien Singh

My more than 20 years of professional experience in the male-dominated career of emergency management has not exactly been a walk in the park. As less worn as the “path less traveled” may be, it is neither laced with ease nor filled with treasure. I have found it to be paved with judgment and spite. This was my experience as a pregnant teenager who insisted she would not be defined by the state of her body but forge ahead in life anyway. Although this was perhaps the lowest point of my life, I was able to find solace in cooking (particularly baking) and still decided to continue the path. And today, I can say that has made all the difference—which is the name of the chocolate truffles recipe I open with, along with the genesis of my difference-making choices.

On my career journey, I have encountered all dimensions of characters—the Cretin, the Quintessential Douche Bag, and the “Special Place in Hell” Vipers (made up of the Queen Bee and the BFF)—who have all attempted to rock the boat of my career advancement with their various strategies.

However, I have also encountered mentors who not only let me know I am not alone and provided astounding support but also stood by me and for me before others in the face of adversity. A combination of all these factors and the decisions I make along the way (some good, others, admittedly hasty and improperly reasoned) have culminated in the person I have become, both personally and professionally, and of course, a lot of recipes specially tailored to the various seasons I have had to go through.

I Want Freedom

I am now certain that my purpose is to be a voice for those who are suffering at this very moment from forced arranged marriages or stuck in cycles of abuse. My past made me who I am today, and while I wouldn’t wish what I’ve been through on anyone, I am proud of who I’ve become as a result. Fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers, daughters and sons, I need you: without your help, this is just an empty dream. Together, we can save some of these innocent young girls and women, who in some cases are as young as five years old. Without your help, I can’t bring them to safety and provide them with the education and life lessons that will allow them to reach a brighter future. This is an issue that affects millions of women all over the world, including here in the US; we are all human, and together we can make a change.

I Want to be Happy

I Want to Be Happy is a reflective guide on parenting, offering a values-based approach to decision-making. It emphasizes the importance of nurturing happiness and joy, not just in children, but in the hearts of people everywhere. This book serves as an inspiring backdrop, encouraging readers to create and foster a joyful and fulfilling environment for their families.

I Was a 12-Year-Old Rock Star...

Is extrasensory perception – E.S.P – real? Can certain individuals tap into a running stream of cranial activity from the very future itself?

Can such a person engage in such tremendously overwhelming action and not be known to the world as yet? Read on to discover hidden truths, not only about the rock music of 70s and 80s, but most assuredly about your own inner being and mankind itself.

I Was...

Prepare to embark on an inspiring journey for readers of all ages – an urgent call to action to protect our planet through the power of recycling.

I Was… unveils the extraordinary stories of everyday heroes who have made a profound impact on Earth’s future.

I'm Beautiful, Too

I’m Beautiful, Too is a powerful and uplifting book that encourages self-acceptance and self-love. It reminds readers that everyone is valuable and worthy, regardless of their perceived shortcomings or comparisons to others. Embracing our uniqueness and understanding our inherent worth can be transformative in fostering a positive self-image and outlook on life and a crucial part of child development.

I'm in the Band!

Have you ever wondered why joining a band is important? It’s not just about becoming smarter. A band is a welcoming community where everyone can learn the language of music. It’s a place to develop new skills and express yourself through an instrument. In the band, you create music that can be beautiful, sad, fun, or crazy, and you get to share it with others, sparking new ideas.

Whether you’re marching in a parade, playing in a concert, or performing a solo for your grandparents, being in a band lets you communicate your emotions. It’s a team effort where everyone works together to create beauty and art. Being in a band gives you a sense of belonging to something amazing. It’s a place to make lifelong friends, travel, embark on wild adventures, and create incredible memories.

Ibo's Landing

Two families on Edisto Island, SC are convulsed by the mixed-race child of a white woman and her black lover. Set between 1959 and 1994, this explosive novel poses crucial questions about the extent to which two families can escape the legacy of slavery. Why do even well-meaning modern men and women become bearers of the south’s sadistic practices?

In a Magical Valley

Imagine a magical world where with a flick of your wrist, a small little dance and a small little twist, you could change the lives of others just with kindness and compassion.

If we all took the time to look at the world around us and not focus so much on ourselves, we too, could live in this magical world.