The Cat’s Meow for Writers & Readers Magazine Is
For October-December 2016, Issue #81, Vol. 16
Letter from Rosanne Welcome to the fall / winter magazine issue! It is being brought to you early because I won’t be able to get on the computer for at least a month while I recover from neck surgery. You may have noticed that I’ve changed the format and focus of the magazine. I am focusing on God because He answered my heartfelt prayers when I was in a bad marriage and wanted out. And if it wasn’t for our Father in heaven and my faith in Him, I would not be doing as well as I am today; I’m out of that bad marriage, out of New York City, living with my mom again in the sunshine state of Florida (where I felt I’ve always belonged), and striving for peace, serenity and financial stability. Even though my mother said to me (when I told her about this issue focusing on God because I’m so grateful to God): “Don’t get too religious! You’ll lose your readers then.” Really mom?! If I lose readers because I devote one issue to God, then I don’t want those readers. I am not religious, I am spiritual. Those who have been reading this magazine for the 12 years it’s been in existence, know that I have faith in God and Jesus Christ but that I am not religious. In this issue, I am featuring a good man who is on a mission of spreading faith in God & Jesus Christ—Darren B. Rankins (aka Poet Rankins). Up ahead are articles and photos focusing on him and his mission. Darren is also an Award-winning Poet and Photographer and has been an extra on TV shows such as “How to Get Away with Murder” and “Nashville.” He is my feature story for October, in which I am sharing articles published about Darren in local Tennessee newspapers and ministry magazines, plus pictures of him in action, letters of accolades, and his many supporters wearing his Faith-based 1 | The Cat’s Meow for Writers & Readers Magazine April-June 2016
T-shirts (which are available on eBay now!). Please read on to find out more about this wonderful, dear man whom I call a friend. And who also gave me the idea to change up my format There will also be the regular thought-provoking and emotional short stories (some focusing on God), pleasingly gratifying poems (some also focusing on God), and a helpful article in this issue. There are also authors who are advertising their books and / or novels for your reading pleasure and show you where to go to buy your own copy of their creative work. Happy reading! And a Happy New Year!!! Copyright © October-December 2016 Rosanne Catalano (aka RC Kayla).
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Contributors for October-December 2016 1) DARREN B RANKINS (aka POET RANKINS) Award-winning Poet, Author, Photographer, CEO / Owner / Operator of Pure Thoughts.com : “A Man On a
Mission of Faith: His Story and His Pictures.” 2) JOSEPH J MAZZELLA: “To Love Life,” “A Morning in May” and “The Way
You Feel.” 3) L DOUGLAS ST OURS: “I Sweetened the Water by Washing Her Feet.” 4) DEBORAH ANNE SHEPARD: “Dream Lovers.” 5) AANCHAL GHAI: “I Can’t Remember Where You Parked.” 6) DARRYL ASHTON: “Oh Lord, My Savior…In Heaven I Dwell.” 7) WILLIAM FABRYCKI: “Shopping in December” and “Poets.”
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7) DAVID O.: “Recovering from the Loneliness of Alcoholism.” 8) THOMAS BRYANT: Book Author & Poet. 9) MELISSA LORRAINE GULICK (aka MJ RAIN): Book Author & Poet. 10) The late-ROSE ANNA SCHOENE: (B: March 1, 1925; D: October 17, 2014); Book Author & Artist. 11) NANETTE M BUCHANAN: Book Author & Poet. 12) SANDRA L HOYNACKI: Book Author, Poet, & Retired-Nurse. 13) ROSALEE WILSON: Book Author & Writer. 14) TRISHA MARTIN: Book Author, Poet, Blog Talk Radio Host & Life Coach.
15) RICHARD ANTHONY SATTANNI: Book Author & Writer. 16) ROSANNE CATALANO (aka RC KAYLA): Book Author, Founder & Publisher.
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FEATURE STORY [From Front Cover]
Darren B. Rankins and Sharon Parente a true friend and supporter of Pure Thoughts
Darren B. Rankins: A Man on a Mission Darren B. Rankins is a poet, an author, a professional photographer, and a public speaker. He has received prestigious awards for his poetry, and his works have been featured in several media outlets such as The Nashville
Pride, Christian Focus, and The Daily News Journal. While gifted, he boasts of a greater call—spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Rankins’s spiritual awakening began simply by asking God if He was real. The encounter changed his life. “I remember seeing a glaring 4 | The Cat’s Meow for Writers & Readers Magazine April-June 2016
powerful light that filled the entire room,” he says. “This light was so powerful it changed my entire outlook personally and exclusively [which] enables me to seek God and continue the work of evangelizing those I come in contact with––anywhere and simply everywhere.”
In 1995, Rankins launched a t-shirt giveaway ministry called PureThoughts. Each t-shirt displays a Scripture. He chose this method because of the spiritual effect on the person wearing the t-shirt and others viewing or reading the message. People are encouraged to change or to grow spiritually. To date, over 1,500 t-shirts have been given away worldwide. He recently launched a crowdfunding campaign to donate tshirts to Nashville’s homeless population.
Even with his great success, he is setting higher goals. Rankins plans to expand the ministry to distribute other novelty items and seeks to establish his own nonprofit to engage others in his vision of reaching out to the lost. After participating in a walk/run in Rutherford County, where his t-shirts were distributed and worn by many, Rankins wants to have his shirts worn at more Christian gatherings, especially here in Nashville. It is his hope that Nashville will even host a similar event in the future, “We have a walk/run for everything else, why not for Jesus,” he says.
Rankins has given countless hours to humbly serving God with his talents. He says, “You must be in the will of God in any ministry to glorify God and God alone.” by Latresa Witherspoon @lwitherspoon
***Reprinted with permission from Darren B. Rankins. ***
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Rankins is the CEO, owner, and operator of PureThoughts Email: purethoughts24@yahoo.com Crowdfund page: www.gofundme.com/Darren2466 http://www.purethoughts.info/ Facebook: (Poet Rankins) Periscope: (Poet and Photographer) Darren B. Rankins Twitter/Instagram: Darren2466/Poet Rankins Address: . Darren B. Rankins PO Box 17763 Nashville, TN 37217
You can now buy Darren B Rankins’ New T-shirts on eBay.com! http://www.ebay.com/itm/-/302034288562?
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Heaven and Earth
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Nashville Artist Raises Funds and Faith with Launch of Crowdfunding Campaign Photographer and Poet Darren B. Rankins Continues Quest to Donate Inspirational TShirts to Nashville’s Homeless and Nonprofits NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Local artist Darren B. Rankins is spreading messages of hope and love with his collection of faithbased tshirts and his actions. His recently launched crowdfunding campaign has raised over 10 percent of its $7,000 goal to donate tshirts to members of Nashville’s homeless population, the Salvation Army, Feed the Children and other local organizations.
Rankins is a published poet, photographer and the founder of Pure Thoughts, a Christian based movement committed to feeding and clothing the homeless and supporting local nonprofits with free photography services. With the help of supporters of his crowdfunding campaign, he recently donated 50 tshirts to the Nashville Rescue Mission.
Rankins first came up with the idea of Pure Thoughts when he was inspired by his belief that all people can coexist together. “By focusing on God first and thinking the best of each person we meet, those positive actions can make a real difference,” he said. His initial focus was using his talent as a poet to express his love for God and to be an inspiration to others. He has published three books of poetry, Pure Thoughts Vol. 13, and is working on Vol 4. Rankins received the Margaret Smith Award for Dedication to Poetry
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from Bridge Your Soulful Journey, a local not for profit organization founded to recognize poetic excellence, in 2010.
While he continued to achieve success with his writing, he knew he wanted to have a greater effect on people. “I knew that my poetry was helping to inspire people, but I wanted another way to spread a message of hope,” said Rankins.
It was then he came up with his idea of using tshirts as a way to not only help advance his message but to also help with clothing those in need.
He describes his shirt designs as a combination of original poems, beautiful graphics, and timely Bible verses. “It is my belief that when a person reads the word of God in large print, there is a positive connection,” Rankins explained. “Seeing the word of God is transformative and can change someone’s thoughts and actions from negative to positive.”
For more information about Rankins’ crowdfunding campaign and to donate, visit www.gofundme.com/darren2466. ###
About Darren B. Rankins Entrepreneur Darren B. Rankins is a poet, writer, author, photographer and motivational speaker. Always focused and driven to achieve his goals, he is not limited to one project. He continues to be an advocate for those in the community who have no voice. For more information about Darren B. Rankins please visit www.purethoughts.info.
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Darren B. Rankins praying.
Letter Sent to Darren About His Tshirts Donated to Africa:
On Tue, Apr 5, 2016 at 5:01 PM, Jacqueline Hobson wrote:
Dear Darren,
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Thank you for your very kind donation of 11 Keep The Faith and Pure Thoughts T Shirts which we received today. Your generosity will make a spiritual difference in the lives of the Africans that will receive them. We all appreciate it. Thanks again for your kindness, Terry and Jacqueline Hobson
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Darren B. Rankins holding newspaper edition that has an article about him and his mission
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A Supporter Holding One of Darren B. Rankins’ T Shirts
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Darren and his wife Marilyn holding magazine where Darren and his faith-based T-shirts are featured
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Letter to Darren B. Rankins from President Barak Obama
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Darren and Marilyn Rankins
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Darren as an Extra on “Nashville” TV show
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Darren B. Rankins and Kim Kardashian-West
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Darren bringing food to the homeless; wearing his “Don’t Lose the Faith” T shirt
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Darren B. Rankins at Work Behind the Scenes
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Darren giving his T-shirts to the homeless
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Darren’s Dad
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To Love Life ©JOSEPH J. MAZZELLA Author of “Walking the Path of Love” and “A Journey of Love”
DURING THE LAST FOUR YEARS OF HER LIFE, MY MOM FOUGHT A valiant but losing battle against cancer. During that time, she lost her health, her hair, and 40 pounds. She was in and out of the hospital more times than I could count. In the end as her life’s energy ebbed away we all gathered at her bedside and said goodbye. She was only 55 years old. For a long while after her death I was depressed and angry at God. My own health broke down and I contracted double pneumonia. In time my body healed and my heart as well. It was the love of my children that finally pulled me out of my despair and helped me to begin to live again. Still, I continued to ask God why my Mom had to die so young. It was only years later that I began to see clearly what my Mom had done in those last four years of her life. While cancer was beating her body, it certainly wasn’t beating her soul. In her last four years here my Mom lived as she had never lived before. Even with cancer she worked outside of our home and touched the lives of her co-workers with her gentle humor and kind spirit. She reconnected with old friends that she hadn’t seen in years and made special memories with each one of them. She and my Dad grew closer in those last four years than I had ever seen them before. There was a love and a tenderness between them that touched us all.
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Mom was there for me and my two brothers as well. During her time with us she brightened our souls with her love and she helped us to grow strong enough to go on without her. In her last four years my Mom completed her mission here. She showed us how to love God. She showed us how to meet death. She showed us that fear always flees in the face of joy. She showed us that to live life is to love life, no matter how much pain you have and no matter how much time you have left. Thanks Mom! I will always love you.
Copyright © 2016 Joseph Mazzella.
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A Morning in May ©JOSEPH J. MAZZELLA Author of “Walking the Path of Love” and “A Journey of Love”
IT WAS A MORNING IN LATE MAY. THE CLOUDS HAD CLEARED FROM the rain of the night before. The sky was blue and the sun was smiling its golden grin upon the earth. The trees in the woods were now covered in light green leaves. Some of the birds were still singing their morning songs but many were too busy searching for food for their newly hatched chicks. There was a hint of the warmth the afternoon would bring but the air was still cool, fresh and clean. Even
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my aging beagle seemed delighted by it all and bounced around like a puppy taking in the thousand scents of Spring. As I walked him I felt a joyfulness in my own heart. It felt like Mother Nature herself was giving me a hug. I could feel the love of God all around me and within me as well. I breathed in deep and smiled at the morning before heading back inside. That smile was still on my face when I walked into my bathroom and looked in the mirror but I noticed something else was there too. I had a white spot on the very tip of my nose. It was of all things a pimple. The very sight of it on my 49-year-old face made me laugh out loud. Then when I popped it the white spot was replaced with a red one. This made me laugh even harder. It was so silly and I looked ridiculous. Still, it didn’t subtract one bit from my joy on that wondrous May morning. It added to it instead. It is joy that holds this universe together. It is joy that we all want out of life. Joy comes to us when welcome God’s love into our hearts, souls, and lives. Joy grows when we share our own love with others as well. Joy appears whenever we cease to fear, to hate, to judge, or to complain. And joy travels the fastest when carried on the wings of laughter. May you fill all of your days with joy then. May you find joy and bring joy wherever you go. May you make your entire life here as bright and as beautiful as a morning in May.
Copyright © May 30, 2016 Joseph J. Mazzella.
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The Way You Feel ©JOSEPH J. MAZZELLA Author of “Walking the Path of Love” and “A Journey of Love”
WHEN I WAS ELEVEN YEARS OLD MY FAMILY MOVED TO A NEW home on top of a mountain. It was a lovely, little house, but it only had well water that was heavy in iron and the only source of heat was a wood stove in the kitchen. My Dad had become disabled with a back injury so it was up to me and my brother to chop and carry in the wood for the stove; and to carry home five gallon containers of drinking water from a nearby spring. I hated both chores and avoided them whenever I could. For the first few years there then my older brother did most of the work. When my brother left home for the army, though, it was up to me to take over these chores. At first I grumbled to myself a lot but after a while I found that I didn’t mind doing them at all. Maybe I was growing up or maybe I was becoming a little less spoiled. All I knew was that it felt good being able to help Mom and Dad. It felt good being able to show my love for them in this small way. It made me feel alive, happy, and closer to God even while I was straining my muscles and working up a sweat.
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There is an old Zen saying that goes: “Before enlightenment, chopping wood, carrying water. After enlightenment, chopping wood, carrying water.” When I first saw it, I instantly remembered those boyhood chores and I realized at once what this saying meant. It isn’t the work that matters. It is the way you feel when you do the work that matters. In this life we are all going to have hard work of one kind or another. It can be a misery to us or it can be a joy. The choice is ours. When we do our work with love, however, it ceases to be work at all. It instead becomes a gift that we give to ourselves and to others. May all of your work be filled with love. May all of your life be filled with love. And may God’s light shine bright within you always.
Copyright © August 16, 2016 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 graduated from Glenville State College with degrees in English and Education. A divorced father of three, he has been writing for over 20 years for local county newspapers. In August of 2010 Joseph 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 now has a second book out, titled ‘A Journey of Love,’ which can also be purchased at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble.com, or wherever books are sold under the name: Joseph J Mazzella, author. Joseph can be contacted at joemazzella@frontier.com ========================================================
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I Sweetened the Water by Washing Her Feet ©L DOUGLAS ST OURS IN LINES OF SWELLS…NO SIGNS OF SHELLS on the palm frond islands of the coconut keys where riches of fish swish along banana boat beaches a fertile time for my mind to go and bear words worth their weight without wonder as green and grand as the dream of this man who schemed to stand by a beam on the land. a stream etched the sand in the seam of his hand choosing the gloomy and gray over the glory of the grand adding an idle antic touch...to our bridle rustic clutch... spending the cold night...in a spiteful fright...of the spectral light decked within this neck of regret my rising heart met my mind then sunk into the slobber lover dregs of beer vats with queer rats and wolves whose howls made the moon moan at the remains of my erection wrecked on and by her dead reckoned rejection my static woes all awash in her magic flows like a serenade saunter through a savage sylvan setting full of the leers and lies of creepy guys for the pretty girls whose rainbow rounds crowned sated suburban squirrels who ditched those fish for a more favorable treat after I sweetened the water by washing her feet
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taking my pencil and paper through pedestals of vapor off this tropic of bone I was still all alone.
Copyright © 2014 L Douglas St Ours.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: L DOUGLAS ST OURS was born in 1950 in Baltimore Maryland…the oldest of six children…he attended parochial elementary schools in Baltimore city and Baltimore County…in 1962 he and his family moved to rural Ohio…in 1963 the family moved again to Charlottesville Virginia where Mr. St Ours attended public high school graduating in 1968…he attended Old Dominion University for one year…dropped out in 1969 to work for one year with the FBI…1971 he took courses at the University of Virginia…then dropped out in 1972 to get married in California…he returned east with his wife to Fairfax Virginia and enrolled at George Mason University where he graduated in 1975 with a Liberal arts BA….from 1966 to 1976 Mr. St Ours worked as a laborer and frame carpenter in the building construction industry…from 1976 to 1989 he was employed in the nonprofit healthcare sector…from 1990 to 1992 he worked for a social services non-profit….from 1993 to till his retirement in 2005 Mr. St Ours was employed in banking…since 2005 Mr. St Ours has devoted his time to volunteering as a mentor at Big Brothers/Big Sisters and as a therapeutic mentor with Catholic Charities…he has traveled on the road to 48 states, 5 Canadian provinces, and 2 Mexican states…he is married with one grown child…he currently resides outside of Baltimore…Mr. St Ours has been writing poetry and prose for over a half century… he has a passion for storytelling…so his writing is a means to telling stories…Mr. St. Ours can be reached on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ldouglasstours
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Dream Lovers ©DEBORAH ANNE SHEPARD Author of “Pages of Time”
WAKING IN YOUR ARMS, ANCIENT SNOW-DRAPES, BACK IN TIME Endless seashores, you call my heavenly name, my darling Beyond the reaches of sands in jasmine light, caressed in red velvet awning My longing eyes, see thee in prelim shadows Beauty in my angel’s wings, he shall hold me close To each brocade bell shall ring To dusty mirror shedding my equine Come what may, to my Rose lithe Shall the mornings bring sweet treasures? I am now in human form Whilst thou break my heart? All feathered brightest gemstones, Each waking part Sacred reunion laced auras, I feel you, this I shall miss Renaissance Fairy life, kiss See the blue lighted halls, Do you remember my darling all of this? It captures forever in my soul silvery kiss 57 | The Cat’s Meow for Writers & Readers Magazine April-June 2016
Lyrics carry my forever love, Gems streamed in Aquaria Romance, laced with fairy moon dreams.
Copyright © by Deborah Anne Shepard August 2016.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
DEBORAH ANNE SHEPARD is a published author, poet and writer whose poems tell a story of dreams we have and the beauty of traveling in them to give us belief, hope, and life. Deborah says, “Poetry is my heart soul, although my work is with children as an Educational Tech.” She currently has a book of poetry available to purchase, titled “Pages of Time,” and is working on two books and poetry table books. She will be working with Appleby Greeting Cards. She is retiring as an Educational Tech in September after twenty-one-years-service; and thirty-four-years in Catering. She loves to walk along the beach, make romantic cozy dinners for her husband, and write and sing. She and her husband reside in Yelm, Washington. Her son is in the Army and is married with four children; making Deborah a grandmother of four. She can be contacted via email at angelrainbowne@aol.com
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I Can’t Remember Where You Parked ©AANCHAL GHAI
I'M OUTSIDE THE TRAIN STATION AND I SEE YOU WALKING towards me; me in my black jumpsuit and clenched fists. I look across the street and there we are, With our fingers entwined; like it meant something. Now I'm looking up the staircase, the one I descended, After we argued about everything that makes me who I am. I lie down, where you lay, and try to trace your outline, as your hands held onto my hips. That's the table, do you remember? Coffee all over it, while you took in every word I said. I'm driving down that street now, where you asked me to be yours, The lines blur and we're breathing the same air again, You squeeze my hand, my arm, and leave your mark on me I breathe in your smell, and forget it instantly. I shut my eyes and will time to freeze. Red wine, black choker, pink lipstick, Your blue shirt, The green straw, my yellow skirt, and your hands. Whiskey with water and coke. 59 | The Cat’s Meow for Writers & Readers Magazine April-June 2016
I'm wearing my black jumpsuit again, It smells like me now. There are barricades all along the street I refused to go down. The train station is empty, The streets look different, I can't remember where you parked I can't remember where you parked.
Copyright © August 10, 2016 Aanchal Ghai.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: AANCHAL GHAI, a 26-year-old writer, is freakishly passionate about writing (she's got a tattoo to prove it) and that, coupled with the fact that she is hilarious, truly sets her apart. (Aanchal also doesn't believe in tooting her own horn). It all started with the ‘Autobiography of an Umbrella’ in the 3rd grade and she hasn’t stopped making up stories ever since. Aanchal despises writing in the third person but believes in the greater good and will do whatever it takes if it means having mimosas with Oprah in the near future. She can be contacted via email at: aanchalghai@sapphirefashionhouse.com
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Oh Lord, My Savior… In Heaven I Dwell ©DARRYL ASHTON Author of “Poems of the Poppies”
OH LORD, MY SAVIOUR, will you help me? From my pain I long to be free. Your guidance, I need - as I now pray to you, Please will you make my wish come true? My God, the father, in heaven you are, But when I glance up - you seem so far. I see the clouds all around, Are they in heaven and they carpet the ground? The good lord is there - I am sure of 61 | The Cat’s Meow for Writers & Readers Magazine April-June 2016
that, If I meet him - I will doff my hat. I'll always love the good lord, so true, Then my pain will vanish - thank you. The Holy Ghost is what I can see, I see the life on the earthly young tree. They do stand tall so stern to see, I pray for your guidance; 'please help me?' The lord is my shepherd I will always love, This is a gift - from the good lord, above. Please help me to live and my life to gain, And, please help me, I ask you - to get rid of my pain? I now see the light it shines so bright, 62 | The Cat’s Meow for Writers & Readers Magazine April-June 2016
The wondrous image it is a delight. The sight of heaven, is what I adore, The pearly gates I see - as God opens the door. Free from the pain and I now feel the zest; 'Never again to feel pains in my chest.' I love you lord, you showed me the way; 'You help me to cope I feel no dismay.' You held out your hand - to guide me to be free, I now see the light I now see thee. The pillars of strength, hold up your home, Now in your heaven I surely will roam.
Copyright Š October 17, 2015 Darryl Ashton.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
DARRYL ASHTON is now medically retired, but he was a silver service Restaurant Manager where his skills took him to land a job on the QE2. He is single, and has no children - well, none that he knows about! He is a very keen writer, mainly of poetry, covering all kinds of topics; including, humour and more serious writings too. He thrives on political satire, and is equipped with a fantastic, and very wicked sense of humour matched with an incredible imagination. Darryl also does stand-up comedy poem performances and is involved with various charity work. At one time, he raised an incredible £50,000 just by reading his own poems. His poems have also won several major competitions and he is also a leading reader of poems at various poetry groups on the Fylde Coast, Blackpool, Cleveleys and Lytham, all in the sunny and very friendly borough of Lancashire. Darryl is originally from Great Harwood, a little town on the border with Accrington and Blackburn. He is a keen teller of jokes, and writing just about anything that takes his interest. Darryl says he's a late starter - he has been writing his poetry for only five years. And he's only just got to grips with his computer. One really surprising thing that happened to Darryl was receiving an invitation from Her Majesty the Queen, to go to Buckingham Palace to actually meet the Queen where she complimented him on his poems and his fundraising efforts. Darryl also won first prize in a world-wide Elvis Presley poem competition which was organised by Graceland – Darryl was invited to
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Graceland where he performed his prize-winning poems featuring Elvis Presley. Darryl is also due to appear on “Britain's Got Talent” this year as a stand-up comedian and a comedy poet.
Darryl's second book of poems (which he is holding in his hands in photo, left), “Poems of the Poppies,” includes a vast selection of his own poems. From political satire, comedy, spiritual, gospel, romance and all other kinds of poems. There's even a grand selection of comedy scripts featuring Abbott and Costello, Fawlty Towers...The Return! There really is something for everyone in this fascinating book of poems. It is a must-have book for anyone who loves poetry. Please be warned: Once you pick it up and start to read the book - you won't want to put it down. Darryl can be contacted via email at: Darryl.elvis51@btinternet.com
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Shopping in December ©WILLIAM FABRYCKI
HERE’S THAT COLD WIND from the north again. It shoves me along the sidewalk with the ease of a Goliath. Clutching my packages, I hunch down, trying to duck under it. Useless. There is a scalpel in this wind and the wind is clever. Meanwhile, murderers hide in doorways. Uneasy shadows cover these killers. My eye is not calm. Catch a bus, but no bus. No dogs or cats out either, good thing. And then, as if God inhaled, the wind stops dead in its tracks. The sky is low now 66 | The Cat’s Meow for Writers & Readers Magazine April-June 2016
and dark. A downpour of icy rain comes with an explosion. Blue lightning! I'm running, my breath frosted glass.
Copyright August 17, 2016 William Fabrycki.
****
Poets ŠWILLIAM FABRYCKI A ROOMFUL OF POETS are sobbing, turning blue, when old Jake stands up in the middle of the group and takes a pint of whiskey from his jeans hip pocket and swigs with a flourish that shows he knows exactly how to motivate his fellow poets; when he tells them to stand up with him and fight mediocrity in government, in literature, in making love---fight it any place they find it. And so they do stand up, do take their own bottles from their back pockets and swig with old Jake, forming a bond of poets that makes all the cats and dogs in the neighborhood
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run to Jake's door, for animals know by instinct when the weather is about to change.
Copyright August 17, 2016 William Fabrycki.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: WILLIAM FABRYCKI is a retired art history professor and artist, as well as a much published poet. He also has a degree in Screenwriting. William can be contacted via email: cboycemckay@gmail.com.
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Recovering from the Loneliness of Alcoholism ©DAVID O. TODAY, I ONCE AGAIN EXPERIENCE THE SADNESS AND LONELINESS brought about by the reappearance of alcohol in my life. By practicing the Twelve Steps, the Twelve Traditions, being of service, working with a Sponsor, and sponsoring others, I am provided the opportunity to understand my reaction of anger, rage, resentment, and fear. I come to understand this is really a response to my own feelings of sadness and loneliness brought on by years of living with the family disease of alcoholism.
I have come to know I cannot be the savior of an alcoholic. My hopes, my dreams, my trust, and the desired levels of intimacy all crash into pieces upon the return of active alcoholism. Detachment with love becomes the alternative, and with this detachment comes the letting go of a dream. I must accept the loneliness of self-responsibility. The alcoholic’s relapse requires I look deeply within to find my wholeness.
The truth of Step One (“We admitted we were powerless over alcohol— that our lives had become unmanageable.”) provides honesty and acceptance as the alternative. In order to accept, I must surrender my unreal dream and allow what is to be. I resist this reversal of my mental structure. Over time and over repeated visitations of drunkenness, my resistance is weakened. I become willing to look deep within me. I come to know that the pain I have avoided through my expectations of others is the feeling of loneliness. 69 | The Cat’s Meow for Writers & Readers Magazine April-June 2016
Knowing now that loneliness is present, a feeling I have been avoiding, I can begin to accept ownership and explore the root of its cause. The disappointment and sadness when alcohol returns to my home goes back to my childhood. The pain makes me want to run away. It has caused me to avoid the part of myself that yearns for honest companionship, and avoids being an honest companion. With a new perspective, this suffering becomes a possibility for hope, a motive for action, and the possibility for change is manifest.
For me, intentional change requires action, persistence, and patience. The surrender into willingness comes slowly; practice and opportunities for repetition are provided. Vulnerability and honesty begin to appear. An ability to reach for help is formed. Over time, I come to know that I am okay. I am not alone, and I am worthy just being me.
My experience, which is of course only mine, demonstrates that every step toward sustained serenity is made through the grace of a loving God. My letting Go and letting God takes trust and faith. My willingness requires a willingness to be willing. This is so simple, and not easy. This is how it has worked for me.
Simple principles have demonstrated over and over that action is needed for recovery from the effects of alcoholism. Unity is my source of that power, which is greater than I am, and service becomes the essence of wholeness.
The beautiful part of the disease is the recovery. The way to freedom is to love, and to be my truth. Nothing can be denied; everything must be accepted. Then I am released from the bondage of self. Sadness
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and loneliness still exist, but I love my self and know “this too shall pass.”
Copyright © ‘Inside Al-Anon Family Groups, David O., Minneapolis August 2016.’
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: David O., Minneapolis’ story was reprinted with permission of ‘The Forum,’ AlAnon Family Group Hdqts., Inc., Virginia Beach, VA. If you would like to subscribe to ‘The Forum,’ the Monthly Magazine of Al-Anon Family Groups: Sharing Recovery, Unity, and Service,’ go to: http://www.al-anon.org ================================================================
71 | The Cat’s Meow for Writers & Readers Magazine April-June 2016
OFF THE PRESS! Take a look at the BEST In Contemporary Literature for Authors Books, Anthologies, Literary Magazines & Journals, Then Order Your Very Own Copy Through The Links Provided for You!
72 | The Cat’s Meow for Writers & Readers Magazine April-June 2016
Jacqueline Marcell Impressive Press 3141 Michelson Dr. #606, Irvine, CA 92612, (949) 975-1012 “Rosanne, my book ‘Elder Rage’ is a Book-of-the-Month Club selection receiving 50 endorsements: http://www.ElderRage.com/Review.asp 300+ Five-Star Amazon reviews, and is now required reading at numerous universities. It is also 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 my book.” http://www.ElderRage.com Jacqueline’s “Coping with Caregiving” Radio Show http://www.wsradio.com/copingwithcaregiving
73 | The Cat’s Meow for Writers & Readers Magazine April-June 2016
***** “Splash of Inspiration” Newsletter Published by JANET PEREZ ECKLES Author and Inspirational Speaker
JANET’S DAILY NEWSLETTER BRINGS YOU FAITH AND LOVE WITH A LATIN FLAIR!
To subscribe to her publication, send a blank email to: jeckles@cfl.rr.com
Write “Subscribe” in your subject line and mention
the publisher of The Cat’s Meow for Writers & Readers Magazine referred you. Janet will send you her latest issue right in your inbox. Enjoy her inspiring newsletter as much as I do!
*****
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CAROL ROACH AUTHOR, PUBLISHER AND COLUMNIST: “Rosanne, please tell your readers about my Examiner.com articles, which 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 the newsletter; sometimes several months later.” 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-MontrealWomens-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, selfimprovement, 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
******
75 | The Cat’s Meow for Writers & Readers Magazine April-June 2016
ARTHUR C. FORD, SR PUBLISHER, EDITOR AND POET: If you are a reader, writer or just interested in poetry, this newsletter— ‘The Pen’—is a must for you and your family! Send $25 (USD) (4 issues), $48 (8 issues) or $4.00 for a sample. OUTSIDE THE U.S.A. AND CANADA: $35 FOR 4 ISSUES, $68 FOR 8 ISSUES OR $8 FOR A SAMPLE. Poetry Submission information can be found at: www.thepoetbandcompany.yolasite.com (click on Guidelines) Send Check or Money Order. To: Arthur C. Ford Sr., P.O. Box 4725, Pittsburgh, PA 15206-0725(U.S.A.). USE “PayPal” (Credit Card) at: givemequality@yahoo.com ADVERTISING RATES: Size Issue 1/8 ¼ ½ Full Page
One Four issues $10.00 $20.00 $40.00 $80.00
$35.00 $60.00 $120.00 $270.00
Ads must be typed clearly and in black and white. Logos are accepted. “ADS ARE DUE ON THE LAST DAYOF THE MONTH (Dec/Mar/June/Sept) PRIOR TO THE FOLLOWING MONTH’S PUBLICATION (Jan/April/July/Oct)” Yours in Words,
Arthur C. Ford, Sr. Poet and Editor of “THE PEN”
******
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Crime Fiction Novel Passionate Plea By Thomas Bryant
Sammy Page is a wonderfully loving husband, dedicated father and a lifelong professional thief, who survives a near-fatal crash while trying to deliver a luxury liner to a wealthy client. He awakens in Buckskin Canyon nudist camp amnesiac and unaware that he’s being hunted for a double homicide. When law enforcement attempts to notify the owners of the Island Princess, rolled over on the side of the road, and finds them, still in bed, brutally murdered…
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: THOMAS BRYANT received his education at Cal Baptist University in Riverside, California. While studying political science, he began a love affair with books and discovered a passion for writing. Coming from
humble
beginnings
with
economic
demands,
he
took
an
internship in the service industry as a heavy-duty diesel mechanic, which left him little time for books or writing. He sought challenges, including baseball, football and wrestling as a young man and loved speed on the water in a flat bottom race boat called ‘BORN to be WILD.’ Two weeks before he entered Arizona Bail Enforcement Academy to become a licensed Bounty Hunter, he was involved in a near fatal crash. Disabled and facing his toughest challenge, he returned to his first love of poetry and found a whole new world as a novelist, authoring the Sammy Page thriller series; including the romantic thriller, ‘Passionate Plea,’ and soon-to-be-released, ‘Mental Revenge.’ He currently resides in the Ozarks of Missouri in the USA. Author's website: www.sammypage.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorthomasbryant and Twitter: www.twitter.com/ThomasABryant
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Fiction Novels
By ROSE ANNA SCHOENE
(NEĖ INFRANCO)
(March 1925-October 2014)
Absolutely the Last Resort
Where Are You?
But! I’ve Always Loved You
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‘But! I’ve Always Loved You,’ Rose Anna Schoene’s third and last book, 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 André, 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 at thirteen and her quest to find that one true love. Will Jessie succumb to André’s charm? Will she ever find her son?
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Absolutely the Last Resort
(Rose Anna Schoene’s Debut Novel)
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Where Are You? Rose Anna Schoene’s second book 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 82 | The Cat’s Meow for Writers & Readers Magazine April-June 2016
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 page via ‘The Cat’s Meow for Writers & Readers Magazine:’ http://www.thecatsmeowforwritersreaders.com/to-fiction-novels-byauthor-rose-anna-schoene.html
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: ROSE ANNA SCHOENE was 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 with her husband, brother, sister and parents in the Catskill Mountains of New York for over 30 years. That resort was called ‘The Jolly House.’
That book reflected just one aspect of the author’s life and creative talents, and introduced us to her artistic and comedic nature in life.
She had a writing style that is both entertaining and uplifting which reflected Rose Anna’s true writing persona; yet she proved 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.’
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RIP author and artist Rose Anna Schoene (aka Rose Anna Infranco); Born Mar 1, 1925 – Died October 17, 2014. You will never be forgotten. And you are greatly missed.
Ordering Info for Rose Anna Schoene’s books: Absolutely the Last Resort by Rose Anna Schoene Publisher: Seaburn Media Group Publication Date: 2003 ISBN #: 1592320600; 144 pages Price: $14.95
Where Are You? By Rose Anna Schoene Publisher: Seaburn Media Group Publication Date: 2006 ISBN #: 1592320090; 124 pages Price: $14.95
But! I’ve Always Loved You by Rose Anna Schoene Publisher: Seaburn Media Group Publication Date: 2010; ISBN #: 1592322530; 169 pages; Price: $14.95
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Fiction Dramatic and Suspenseful Novels
By NANETTE M. BUCHANAN Bonded Betrayal Gossip Line Skeletons Beyond the Closed Door Plus, Many More of NANETTE BUCHANAN’S Fiction Novels and Poetry Books On her Website: http://www.ipendesigns.net
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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 86 | The Cat’s Meow for Writers & Readers Magazine April-June 2016
‘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.
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Get Your Autographed Copy of ‘Bonded Betrayal’
BY NANETTE M. BUCHANAN
At www.ipendesigns.net for purchase.
BONDED BETRAYAL BY NANETTE M. BUCHANAN
Book Trailer on YouTube:
http://youtube.com/adQMmt9t4Kw
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Nanette M. Buchanan’s novel, Gossip Line, is also available Get Your Copy here! http://www.ipendesigns.net/ 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 89 | The Cat’s Meow for Writers & Readers Magazine April-June 2016
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 I Pen Designs know your opinion of the other novels by Author Nanette M. Buchanan…. ‘Family Secrets Lies & Alibis,’ the Sequel... ‘A Different Kind of Love,’ ‘Bruised Love,’ many newer novels: ‘Scattered Pieces,’ and ‘The Stranger Within;’ Plus a couple of her poetry books!
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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.
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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 Novels Are Available to Order on Nanette’s Website “I Pen Designs.net” at: www.ipendesigns.net or www.myspace.com/ipendesigns Also stay in contact with the author by checking out her “WHAT'S HAPPENING” page at: http://www.ipendesigns.net/ ABOUT THE AUTHOR: NANETTE M. BUCHANAN was 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 92 | The Cat’s Meow for Writers & Readers Magazine April-June 2016
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 latest 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 Literary and Performing Arts within communities. The author is available for personal appearances, chats and book signings.
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A Telltale Secret by MJ Rain (Melissa Lorraine Gulick)
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Five Keys. Two Parallel Universes. One Destiny. Willow Rain lives in a seemingly perfect world with her sister and their nanny, on a planet where those who are deemed useless seem to vanish without a trace, along with those who speak of the forbidden keys. When she gets her chance to be of use, she begins on the path to her destiny when the magical key from her dreams is set in her possession. With it, she embarks on a journey to another world in search of her parents and slowly she uncovers the mysteries that surround her family's past, present, and future. When she uncovers the deepest secret of them all, the difficult path ahead of her reveals the true purpose of her life. Come with me and discover what became of the people of Atlantis!
About the Author: MJ Rain (aka Melissa Lorraine Gulick) is a wife, an activist, and a published author. Although she grew up in Long Island, NY, she now lives in Iowa in the USA with her husband, her mother, and their Siamese cat. MJ’s passion is to have a major impact on the world by causing a positive change through her writing. She has always made her presence known for causes she believes in, and plans to continue doing so as she expresses herself through words. MJ Rain’s Facebook Author Page: 95 | The Cat’s Meow for Writers & Readers Magazine April-June 2016
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mj-Rain/517670434943373
MJ Rain’s Novel Blog:
http://mjrainwriter.wordpress.com/
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A Fiction Medical Thriller
By SANDRA L. HOYNACKI On Call
The quaint town of Morganville seemed like the perfect setting for Jenny Warren to begin her career as a nurse. Complete with little mom-and-pop shops and a dog park. Morganville was the pictureperfect suburb. Jenny, however, would soon learn that looks can be deceiving! 97 | The Cat’s Meow for Writers & Readers Magazine April-June 2016
When she and fellow nurse, Kathy, suspect the increase in area accidents and sudden rise in organ donations couldn’t possibly be coincidental, they find themselves tangled up in a web of lies, deception, and murder. What the young women discover beyond the operating room doors is beyond anything that their minds could have ever imagined…a plot so sinister and so far-reaching that it spans the globe, and forces them to run for their lives.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: SANDRA HOYNACKI retired from her nursing job to care for her mother who had Alzheimer’s. Sandy has since become an avid writer, and has already won several contests for her poems and was once invited to read at a Poet’s Convention in Washington, DC. She is the author of two books of poetry: “Purple Latches” and “Whispers from the Ledge.” “On Call” is her first fiction novel and the sequel, “Encryption’s Wrath,” another medical technological thriller, will debut soon.
Ordering Info for Sandra Hoynacki’s novel, On Call: On Call by Sandra Hoynacki Publisher: Createspace Publication Date: September 2009 ISBN #: 9781479155088 Price: [Print-edition] $20.98; [Ebook-edition] $6.00.
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254 pages, and can be purchased through Sandra’s author website: www.SandraHoynacki.com, through Barnes & Noble.com or wherever books are sold.
************
ALSO BY SANDRA HOYNACKI! A Book of Poetry and A Book of Poetry and Short Stories Purple Latches And Whispers from the Ledge
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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 one’s written words of truth and mystery.
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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. Thanks for this opportunity to review her book.”
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 books “Purple Latches” and “Whispers from the Ledge”: Purple Latches by Sandra Hoynacki Publisher: Lulu Press Publication Date: June 2007 ISBN #: 9781430322931 Price: [Print-edition] $19.50; [EBook-downloadable edition] $12.00; 158 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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Whispers from the Ledge by Sandra Hoynacki Publisher: Lulu Press Publication Date: December 2008 ISBN #: 9780557029044 Price: [Print-edition]: $15.17; Not yet 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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A Fiction Romance Novel
By ROSALEE WILSON One Priceless Treasure
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. She is every man’s dream girl and he feels special that he becomes her choice. But due to unforeseen 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 Connie back, and will he? After years of pain and agony, they reunite once again. If only he had taken the phone call that particular night, their lives could have been happy and years of loneliness could have been avoided. A sweet romance that everyone can relate too who has ever been in love; remembering that awesome feeling of that first crush! Laughter and tears, this book is a must read and will definitely touch your heart. Author Rosalee Wilson’s latest book is a must-read romance!
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Hurry! Get Your Copy of “One Priceless Treasure by Rosalee Wilson” Today At Lulu.com! Ordering Info for “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-downloadable [PDF]; $20.98 for Print-edition [Hardcover].
ALSO BY ROSALEE WILSON!
A Children’s Book
By ROSALEE WILSON A Mushy Mouse Tale
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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!
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Mrs. Wilson is an avid writer with an imagination that ignites a spark
in
children
everywhere.
She
is
available
for
speaking
engagements and interviews.
Hurry! Go to www.lulu.com and order your copy of “A Mushy Mouse Tale by Rosalee Wilson” today!
108 | The Cat’s Meow for Writers & Readers Magazine April-June 2016
Mystery Novels and Collection of Mystery Short Story Books
By RICHARD ANTHONY SATTANNI To Testify from the Grave The Laura Rosewood Mysteries and Other Short Stories and The Sir David Thomas Series
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A Book of Poetry and Short Stories
By ROSANNE CATALANO The Cat’s Meow for Writers & Readers’ Founder & Publisher (www.thecatsmeowforwritersreaders.com)
MIRRORED IMAGES
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Author, Publisher & Editor ROSANNE CATALANO (RC KAYLA), is pleased to introduce her book Mirrored Images, which is a quick read at 98 pages! It is a book containing the author’s collection of short stories and poems (some fiction, some fact) written 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 then 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 for ‘Mirrored Images’ by Rosanne Catalano: By Mark Rubinstein: ***** “I read Mirrored Images by Rosanne Catalano in two sittings. This is an intriguing collection of short stories (10 in all) spearheaded by a lovely poem. In my mind, they are all loosely interconnected, and the author invites the reader to guess which of the stories is true and which is false. To my way of thinking, they are all products of the author's vivid imagination, mixed with elements of true life, as is the case for any author in virtually any fictional genre. Where true life leaves off and fiction begins is always, at best, murky guesswork. The important thing is that Ms. Catalano writes beautifully. I was captured by her prose, and am waiting eagerly for her forthcoming tale, which will be a crime novel. Mirrored Images gets five well-deserved stars.” --Mark Rubinstein; Crime Fiction & Nonfiction Author and Psychologist.
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By Barbara Deming: ***** “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, and Blogger.
By Sandra L Hoynacki: ***** “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. The author 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 she 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 her different short stories and the poems she included. I really loved reading about her little cheese 115 | The Cat’s Meow for Writers & Readers Magazine April-June 2016
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 Rosanne so clearly eating all of the cheese!!!! CONGRATULATIONS TO ROSANNE CATALANO all the way around! I will get her next book soon...I like this book’s title by the way, and the picture of Rosanne on the back cover; she looks so relaxed.” --Sandra L Hoynacki; Author, Poet and Retired-Nurse.
By Carol Dee Meeks:
**** “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 her life is filled with love.” --Carol Dee Meeks; Writer and Poet.
Rosanne Catalano’s next book, Escape and Redemption, will be a continuation of Mirrored Images—which will start off where her last story “Bags to Riches” left off—only as a crime fiction novel rather than a collection of her poetry and short stories. She will be writing as “RC Kayla,” her pen name.
Escape & Redemption By RC Kayla Coming Soon!
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Be sure to pick up your copy of “Mirrored Images” today at Lulu Press, BarnesandNoble.com, Amazon.com, or on Rosanne’s website: www.thecatsmeowforwritersreaders.com
Ordering Info for Mirrored Images: Mirrored Images by Rosanne Catalano Publisher: Jane W. (Lulu Press) Publication Date: January 2007; Revised 2013 ISBN-10: 978-1-304-66346-7 ISBN-13: 978-1-257-40573-2 Price: [Print-edition] $13.20; [Nook-edition—eBook] $6.00; 112 pages, and can be purchased at Lulu Press, Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble.com or on www.thecatsmeowforwritersreaders.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™ (rosannecatalano57@gmail.com) And let us know your thoughts, questions, news or anything else you want to talk with us about. The Publisher, Rosanne Catalano, will be sure to respond in a timely manner.
TO SUBMIT YOUR WRITING: Send your fiction & nonfiction short stories, poetry, haikus, flash fiction, essays,
and/or
helpful
nonfiction
articles,
but
please
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the
Submission Guidelines set forth on the publisher’s website: www.thecatsmeowforwritersreaders.com/to-submit-your-writing.html. Remember, submissions must be sent within the body of our Submit Form! Do not send submissions as an attachment. And please do provide a resource box and / or author bio along with your work. Every single submission is read and will be responded to within a year. We accept submissions year-round. Thank you and keep on writing!
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The Cat’s Meow for Writers & Readers Magazine is dedicated to: My Beloved Family and Good Friends in Heaven: CARMAN P CATALANO: Died Oct 2005 HAROLD C WELCH: Died Aug 2005 PAULINE INFRANCO (nee’ MULLĖ): Died June 1993 JOSEPH INFRANCO: Died April 1997 MY BABY ONE: Aug 1976 MY BABY TWO: Dec 1978 ROSE ANNA SCHOENE (nee’ INFRANCO): Died Oct 2014 DORBY SAFFRIN: Died May 2015 BARBARA ANN HOOVER: Died June 1981 My Beloved Fur Babies in Heaven: KATCHA (CAT): Died March 1981 MISTIE (CAT): Died 1992 WHITEY (CAT): Died 1992 SMOKEY (CAT): Died May 2003 TIGER (CAT): Died Jan 2009 NIKKO (DOG): Died Feb 2014 CORDY (CAT): Died 2016
Direct URL: http://www.thecatsmeowforwritersreaders.com
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Copyright ©2004-2016 Rosanne Renée Catalano (aka RC Kayla); Publisher & Editor. ISSN# 2237-65. Pompano Beach, FL 33073. ©All rights reserved. ©All copyrights remain with the respective creators of material in this magazine and on the site (the publisher has no enduring rights over future printings and/or publications except her own work).
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: rosannecatalano57@gmail.com
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 included in this magazine are those of the authors and not necessarily those of this magazine or its publisher.
The Cat's Meow for Writers & Readers Magazine Is an independently-owned and operated literary magazine supported by readers like you.
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