About
Lauren Lisette Grady has been a provider in the mental health field for over 17 years, walking alongside others to process psychiatric diagnoses, grief and loss, addiction, and anger, to name a few. Working with an array of clients, from children in foster care to military personnel, Lauren has made it her life’s purpose to be of service and teach the importance of healing the WHOLE (self) on a micro and macro level. Born in The Bronx, NYC, Lauren now lives in Augusta, Georgia with her daughter, where they are being rooted to thrive within their new Village.
Godwine Kingmaker: Part One of The Last Great Saxon Earls
Description
<p><span><span>Harold Godwineson, the Last Anglo-Saxon King, owed everything to his father. Who was this Godwine, first Earl of Wessex and known as the Kingmaker? Was he an unscrupulous schemer, using King and Witan to gain power? Or was he the greatest of all Saxon Earls, protector of the English against the hated Normans? The answer depends on who you ask. He was befriended by the Danes, raised up by Canute the Great, given an Earldom and a wife from the highest Danish ranks. He sired nine children, among them four Earls, a Queen and a future King. Along with his power came a struggle to keep his enemies at bay, and Godwine's best efforts were brought down by the misdeeds of his eldest son Swegn. Although he became father-in-law to a reluctant Edward the Confessor, his fortunes dwindled as the Normans gained prominence at court. Driven into exile, Godwine regathered his forces and came back even stronger, only to discover that his second son Harold was destined to surpass him in renown and glory.</span></span></p>
Story Behind The Book
The poems in this book spans the course of my life from a naïve young adult to woman who is still learning and growing. I’ve had relationships with God, self, and others that were at times toxic (sometimes my own doing); and exhilarating. Reflecting on my past offers me a chance to look at the whole experience – setbacks and victories – and whole me. I recognized being emotionally, spiritually, and mentally malnourished; and had to stop or else I would die inside. I appreciate and choose not to have any regrets because in the end; I can’t change the past.
Poetry has helped me to reconnect and bridge a gap in my life where common sense falls short. I’m a strong believer that our natural born gifts were given to us to nurture and edify others. Thank you for allowing these poems to make footprints in your present, leading to your brighter future.
