Story Behind The Book
Life's situations led me to journal for my peace of mind, my sanity, and eventually, my sobriety. Then, after injuring my dominant hand, I was forced to journal with my non-dominant one, and all sorts of deep words flowed forth. Research has shown, in fact, that creativity abounds when one uses the non-dominant hand for activity such as writing. This was the case for me. At the same time that I was journaling, I was photographing wrought-iron gates, and was becoming totally immersed in that activity. I had a body of gate images which I was preparing to sell to galleries. In the process of preparing them, I titled each image, using words from a list I had created of positive and negative emotions, ways to treat each other and ourselves better, and principles of living. Then one day, I had an epiphany. I wrote in my journal, words which matched a titled gate, giving it voice far beyond the visual element. A search of my journals yielded prose that matched about 25 photographs I had already titled. It was at this point that I realized what I had was a book. Since this discovery, I have developed the book, writing the remaining prose, as well as revising the ordering of the images to more accurately reflect my journey of healing. On 10-8-10, the book was officially published.
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Reviews
----"This is a lovely celebration of those who have been on the journey, and an invitation to those for whom the journey awaits." <div>Mike Farrell, author of <em>Just Call Me Mike: A Journey to Actor and Activist, </em>California<br /></div><div><em><br /></em></div><div>----"This is a book of visual poetry frilled with the wisdom of being truly human."</div><div>Oriah Mountain Dreamer, author <em>The Invitation, Canada </em></div><div><em><br /></em></div><div><em><span style="font-style:normal;"></span></em><div>----"I am so moved by [this book]. It will stretch your heart, affirm the staggering beauty of the world and encourage you to realize that anything is possible."<br /></div><div>Christine Bode, Book Reviewer, Ontario, Canada</div></div><div><em><br /></em></div><div>----"You have a wonderful book/story because so much wisdom, truth, and beauty are shared in it."</div><div>Ronald Peterson, Freelance Writer and Editor, Michigan</div><br /><div>----"[This book] is a jewell beyond price. [Carolyn's] journey from a sense of isolation and despair to self-acceptance and love is an inspiration."</div><div>Caroline McKinnon, San Francisco Bay Area</div><div><em><br /></em></div><div>----"This book is a gem! It gave me hope. I do believe Carolyn's book will touch the hearts of many people around the world and give them hope."</div><div>Ursula Kauth, Business Consultant, San Francisco, California</div><br /><div>----"Carolyn's is a story of courage that anyone who has won a battle or is fighting a battle should read. It brought tears to my eyes. It brought me hope."</div><div>Leslie Ellis, Insurance Agent, San Francisco Bay Area</div><br /><div>----"She joins short verse with carefully chosen photography to exemplify emotions... It draws you in... The book takes one from chaos to preparedness with increased self-confidence and new respect for others..."</div><div>Geoff Pomeroy, Engineer, Writer, Musician, Ohio<br /><br /></div>