We Appreciate You, Mr. Jimmy

For a quarter of a century, Mr. Jimmy has devoted his heart and soul to nurturing students from every walk of life. With unwavering dedication, he’s inspired, supported, and molded their futures. Now, in a heartwarming reunion, his cherished students unite to express their gratitude in a celebration that spans generations. And they all mean every word of their heartfelt ‘thank you.’

We The People

Joanne S. Duffin’s poetry is a captivating fusion of the personal and the universal, delving into the depths of the human experience. Her verses touch upon matters of the heart, offer insightful observations of the world, and fearlessly tackle the pressing issues of our time, both within the United States of America and on a global scale.

As you turn the pages, you’ll find yourself immersed in the wonders and interpretations of the natural world, the joys of family, the treasure of discovered love, the journey of self-discovery, philosophical musings, political commentary, patriotic reflections, and the pursuit of justice. Duffin’s poetry also explores the complexities of friendship, the pain of loss, and the inevitability of death.

This groundbreaking work of fiction will captivate your mind as you traverse space and time alongside the author, who fearlessly delves into the very essence of self-expression. Throughout her poetry, Duffin never loses sight of the profound impact and influence of the past, acknowledging the experiences that have shaped her as both a writer and a human being.

Embark on this transformative literary journey with Joanne S. Duffin, and allow her unique voice to guide you through a landscape of beauty, understanding, and introspection, as her thoughts and words weave a tapestry of the human condition.

Westieti Visits the Queen

Westieti, a spirited West Highland Terrier, embarks on an exciting adventure with his best friend, Suzie. His greatest wish? To receive a special invitation to visit the Queen of England. While standing in front of Buckingham Palace, something unexpected happens, and Westieti performs a heroic act that captures everyone’s attention. A newspaper reporter captures the moment, and the next morning, Westieti’s brave deed makes front-page news.

Now, the Queen herself is on a mission to find Westieti and Suzie, eager to invite them for breakfast at Buckingham Palace. But will she locate them before they leave for Canada? The Queen has a special gift for Westieti and a royal mission in mind just for him.

What Is Family?

When Bubs wakes up all alone, she feels scared and unsure of what to do. What is Family? is a story of a young deer named Bubs who is searching for her family. Follow along on her adventure to discover the true meaning of family while meeting her friends along the way. In the end, Bubs finds more than she ever imagined.

What Kind of Dinosaur Is That?

Jacob is in the hospital.

The Bronchitis stepped up, handing Jacob a letter. “We are your friends and we hope you feel better.”

“Just do what they say and you’ll be good as new. And together with love, we will all see you through.”

When Darkness Reigned

A long time has passed since the ‘High Kingdom’ brazenly executed its campaign of genocide and ruthlessly slaughtered the majority of their people in the hope of finding a child with a secret.

Fortunately for those resourceful enough to survive under the dark reign, an underground network of interconnected factions have been plotting an uprising for some time and they have a secret of their own.

When the Stars Aligned

On a fate-laced evening at 7:30 pm, the three cornerstone figures in Malita’s life found her crossing their minds, yet none were present to shield her from Bruce’s malevolent grasp. Amidst grappling with the void left by her father’s absence, Malita’s world plunges into a deeper abyss when a supposed guardian from her family cruelly betrays her trust. This grave violation leaves her wrestling with shame, betrayal, and a tenuous relationship with her mother, all while battling against the engulfing tides of self-pity.

But Malita, with a spirit unyielding, musters the bravery to face the harsh truth of her fractured family and rejects the dark labels it threatens to affix on her. Embarking on a piecemeal journey, she strives to restore the shards of her destiny. In her quest for healing, the realms of forgiveness and purpose unfold before her, offering a glimpse of hope amidst despair. Malita chooses not merely to exist in the shadows of her past, but to seize the full essence of life’s offerings, demonstrating a resilient pursuit of healing and reclaiming her rightful place in the world. When the Stars Aligned isn’t just a narrative of survival, but a profound testament to the indomitable spirit of recovery and self-redemption.

White Reality

Mary and Blanche, two women grappling with mental instability and substance addiction, find themselves in a psychiatric institution. Their lives unfold in parallel narratives, converging in a unique psychological space where time and space are subject to their perception. Orchestrated by a young doctor named Jane, their shared psychodrama allows them to relive their past, with scenes and family members resurfacing. They become both audience and protagonist in a cathartic play of their lives, aiming for redemption.

This redemption is envisioned as a moment when reality, no longer obscured by the darkness of their souls, turns white, offering clarity and a path to serenity.

The narrative delves into the stark realities of life as perceived through the women’s psychological lenses. It questions the nature of their reality, the presence of light within it, and their ability to confront and survive it. The novel probes the possibility of achieving psychological peace and distinguishes between illusion, memory, and real time. It explores the escape from pain and madness.

Inspired by two iconic American plays, A Streetcar Named Desire and Long Day’s Journey into Night,White Reality focuses on the perennial issue of the lack of genuine communication, beginning within the family and perpetuating a cycle of problematic characters influencing both society and family. This cycle persists as long as true love fails to manifest in actions. This novel is a poignant exploration of these themes, encapsulating the struggle for understanding and connection in a complex world.

Who is Richard Stands and Why Do Our Children Pledge Their Allegiance to Him?

I remember my first day of school first as a student and then as a teacher. I was even more nervous as a teacher. I knew the material. I understood what I was supposed to teach. But I felt unprepared. When I walked into that classroom, I had no idea how to get my kids to buy what I was selling. After two years of uncertainty and self-doubt, I decided to stop trying to be something I wasn’t. I started being me. No more referring to my class as students. They were now “my kids.” A wise, veteran teacher once told me, “Get your kids to love you and they will do whatever you ask.” That’s exactly what we did. We started building real connections with the kids and their parents. The kids bought in. A lot of the parents did too. This family environment created daily rewards for all of us. These daily rewards were the reason we all wanted to be there.

Open the book. Read the first chapter. Then maybe the chapter on daily rewards. Relate it to your own experiences. See how we created a ‘Triangle of Trust.’ See how we created a family each year for eighteen years. A classroom filled with kindness, compassion, and a lot of laughter and joy. A classroom where good learning flourishes. It works. It’s fun. It’s a real family. Your family. I hope you enjoy it. I still miss opening the door each morning and turning on the light.

Why Like Flies?

Step into a world where the unappealing becomes fascinating and the misunderstood finds a voice. Join Flyboy on a transformative journey as he uncovers the hidden truths behind creatures often deemed unsightly or fearsome. Through his encounters with much-maligned allies, Flyboy challenges the notion that first impressions tell the whole story. As he delves into the lives of flies and other oft-maligned creatures, Flyboy discovers a wealth of positive attributes and captivating facts that challenge preconceived notions. This enlightening tale encourages readers to approach the unknown with an open mind, embracing curiosity and the potential for newfound appreciation.

Willey's I Wish I Were

Hey Mom and Dad, I guess you are looking for an imaginative book to read to your kids. I hope this book will take you back to your childhood when playing was generated by your wild imagination. The kids could go for a wild ride with Mom and Dad through a make-believe land where the words and pictures paint a portrait that will stick in your minds. When the stress of work and school may occupy your mind, you will remember this book, and it will bring a smile to your face. It is so important to remember how to be a child once again, and to make it a total adventure for your kids to read or listen to a book being read. I hope that light will stay lit in your hearts forever. Maybe someday when you are a grandparent, you will see the true importance of how children’s books ignite the imagination. There is nothing like the sparkling eyes of a child. Love you all, Grandpa Paul.

Wolves with Furniture

Is the true nature of the human creature more akin to that of wolves or closer to bees or ants? What parts of the human soul are sacrificed by choosing a modern life in a crowded city-hive, an existence severed from the balance of Nature? Do wild wolves have a better sense of humanity than humans themselves?

These are only a few of the questions pondered in L.M. Reid’s poetry collection Wolves With Furniture, in which every intense poem is woven into the stories of Lupa the Wolf Queen and a vibrant girl born unlucky, who grows into a woman carrying within her the towering fury of a flame-haired Lilith.

Will she shatter herself against her own bitter rage, or choose to live a harmonious life guided by the just laws of the wolf? By turns poignant, thought-provoking and redemptive, Wolves With Furniture explores new depths of what it means to be human.