Have you Considered the Cat and Dog...Really? Stan I. S. Law Has...

Anyway, there is nothing a dog can do that I can't. Normally, a lot better! I can even wag my tail.  What a stupid habit! I suppose, I can’t really blame them, though. Some canine twit must have started it God knows how many eons ago, and now, if they don’t wag their stupid tails, nobody believes that they are happy. It’s like people smiling. Why stretching one’s lips from ear to ear should indicate a happy state, I shall never know. Often it looks positively painful, almost scary. Especially, when some of them seem to have teeth twice the size of their mouths. Now a gentle purrrr—makes sense. It sets up vibrations from my throat, through my spine, right to the tip of my tail. Well, almost. 
CruCe (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

CATS AND DOGS SERIES


By Stan I.S.Law   
 Kindle Edition 




If you follow me, you know by now that if I see a title like this, I'm going to read it! This is an anthology and I wouldn't normally include the individual titles, but they are in themselves funny, so here goes:

• Anthology of Verse and Short Stories   Our Park, My Cat is Fat, The Ark, I am a Fat Cat, Just my Luck, I am still a Fat Cat, The Broohos, Sphinx, Two of a Kind, Sharing, Dreamax, Bad Apple, To Sleep or not to Sleep, The Good Witch and the Warlock

Now, I have to call your attention to the fact that there are three, count them, three poems about a fat cat. All I have to say is that I bet Law's cat did not approve of being called fat--I don't believe the author's claims that he participated in writing them! But apparently the cat may indeed have some problem about being touched because he sends a constant warning out to all readers...

Brandy and Cognac are the first dog characters introduced. This is a delicious romance only marred by the need to get around their masters in order to meet... A truly grrrrrrand affair!

And then there is the trials and fears of those animals that lived during Noah's big project. You realize, of course, that only two were to be taken on the Ark, right? Well, Noah had quite a lot of animal friends that were right there involved in the planning and building. All they heard was that they would be loading two by two...A real horror story as they feared for their own lives, their families...who would be chosen?

I think Sharing was my favorite in this funny, emotional and thought-provoking anthology...Here's just a short quote: “The need for sharing is a strange desire. Success resulting from adamant pursuit of ideas generated by an inquisitive mind loses its joy, when contained in an emotional vacuum." Many of us have turned to the Internet to share and we spend considerable time interacting with people we have never or will never meet, right? Now, interestingly, I have been bombarded by one of my cats to "talk" recently...She is the only one inside after a group of kittens had become old enough to stay out... Well, she has driven me crazy talking...and wanting to be close...Yes, it is not hard to know that Ricci wants to share her private time with me...Cool, isn't it?

Law has written extensively on our reality in his nonfiction works. Here he does a simple, easy, and wonderful set of stories and reminders to each of us, encouraging us to smile at the antics of our animal friends. He also, however, uses his stories to make us stop and ponder our own relationships, with animals, with other humans, and with a spiritual entity, reminding us that, for instance, both Adam and Eve were kicked out of that garden so long ago...

I enjoy when an author considers the world from an animal's point of view. It is, in my opinion, an earnest opportunity and intent to learn more about ourselves and the world around us. The author is an expert; however, not all of us are... This easy-to-read fun book has much to say and can be inspirational as well as funny. Enjoy this one! For many reasons!

GABixlerReviews 

Stanislaw Kapuscinski Writes as Stan I.S. Law

An architect, sculptor and writer was educated in Poland and England. Since 1965 he has resided in Canada. His special interests cover a broad spectrum of arts, sciences and philosophy. His fiction and non-fiction attest to his particular passion for the scope and the development of Human Potential.

Under his real name he published six non-fiction books sharing his vision of reality. He also composed two collections of poems in his original native tongue in which he satirizes his view of the world while paying homage to Bozena Happach's sculptures.

As an architect [RIBA, MRAIC, OAQ ret.] he designed a number high rise buildings in Montreal, including Regency Hyatt Hotel (now Delta), Place Mercantile, Headquarters for the Mutual Alliance, as well as a number of low and middle rise structures for private clients. In the National Capital he was the associate in charge of design of Royal Bank Headquarters on Sparks Street.

Anthology on Fate Surprises, Amuses, Encourages...

Bas relief of Atropos. Greek Goddess,
 cutting the thread of life.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atropos

"Coincidence is God's Way or remaining anonymous.--Albert Einstein


The Mystery of Fate:


Common Coincidence
 Or Divine Intervention?


Edited by Arlene Uslander
 and Brenda Warneka




No matter how learned you become, there are certain things that continue to happen in life for which, sometimes, there is just no answer to the "Why?" When you add the "How?" it becomes even more a question that seems to have no answer. Sometimes the questions remain unanswered. Sometimes people say that what happened was just a coincidence...

But for many of us, we just can't accept that... especially when you hear or read stories about incidents that have occurred in the lives of people we know. Arlene Uslander and Brenda Warneka have had incidents in their own lives. Not only did it affect each of them, but it led to their agreeing to gather true stories from others  that may not have been similar in content, but ultimately always led to the question of "coincidence or Intervention." Personally, I'm quite willing to state I believe in Divine Intervention. But if you don't, I challenge you to read these stories and provide a valid explanation. Oh, and in my opinion, coincidence is not really a valid response...although I do believe in the word, coincidence, for many events...just not those where you can clearly see that an intervention must have taken place...


The cover is a beautiful photo collage representing some of the stories you'll find in this excellent book. If you're like me, I chose to read the book over a series of days, reading one or two stories, responding to them, admittedly many times in an emotional amazement of wonder. But for this review, I thought I'd spotlight the individual who initiated the planning for this anthology...Arlene Uslander.

And what better way to share her own stories is through a taste of her own words, first, from God Writes Straight Lines in Crooked Letters:

"My mother used the expression 'God writes straight lines in crooked letters.' often when I was a child, only I never knew what it meant. I think I do now.


"It all started with a rock--an ordinary, flat rock. My husband and I, both Chicagoans, were in Arizona visiting our friends Brenda and Dick Warneka. Little did I realize that God was going to lead me along a path (literally) that eventually would save, or at the very least, prolong, my life..." (p. 125)

From Some Kind of Miracle..."I saw Callie at the end of the hall, a look of amazement on her face. 'It's some kind of miracle!...Your mother's eyes are open!'


"Hurrying into my mother's bedroom, I was shocked to see that her eyes were open. She was propped up in the rented hospital bed, staring straight ahead. At first I thought she was dead, and my heart started racing. But then she shifted her gaze and looked straight at me. She had a puzzled, questioning look on her face, as if to ask 'Where am I?" Or perhaps 'Where am I going?'...


"I held her frail body gently and spoke to her softly, telling her how much I loved her. And then I could feel and see that she was gone..."  Thinking about...[everything that had just happened] I suspect that Callie was right. It was some kind of miracle." (p. 199)

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:
Humpback_whale.jpg

I marked so many of the stories as I read...nearly all held my attention to ponder...and, yes, comfort me... but my personal favorite was called The Guide by Mary-Alice Boulter who shares a story that happened to her father and his friend in 1954, about getting lost in the fog, at sea and being saved...by a whale...

"Now, old feller," Paul said to the giant quietly floating just ahead of the boat. "You're the navigator." He saluted loosely. "I'll follow you."

"The great creature's carnacle-spotted body began to move slowly into the fog. Paul started the engine once again and pushed open the throttle enough to match the whale's speed. He glanced at the compass. The needle was still swinging erratically, useless...

"Together, the whale and the small craft advanced into the thick shroud of fog. Paul thought they must look like a toy following along..." (p.102)

It's interesting that the editors gathered stories through writers' sites...Just imagine the number of tales they might have received had they been able to solicit responses more broadly. These "Real Stories ~ Real People" are wonderful to read. Admittedly, we still have no answer as to why there are not stories such as these in everybody's lives. That is, indeed, the Mystery of Fate.


Highly recommended for those seeking answers or those who enjoy reading personal stories that amaze and thrill!

Book Received Via
Facebook's Reviewers Roundup


GABixlerReviews

Review: Naughty Bits...

Image via Wikipedia

Naughty Bits:











An Anthology of Short Erotic Fiction

Spice Books
ISBN: 9780373605415
9 Stories
392 Pages

According to several sources, erotica is the hottest genre in publishing today--I don't know whether that is literally or figuratively, but apparently, for volume, there are many more books being published than in the past. Many writers enjoy writing short stories, but that means that you may have to submit for an available anthology being planned, hopefully that could use your short story.


Recently I noticed that the Vine had Naughty Bits, so for a little bit of variety I requested it for review. The key issue in an anthology is that there is a variety of topics, writers, and storylines, all of which may or may not be interesting to you. But, with the added touch each story gives you, when erotica is included, you may find something of interest even if you don't like the storyline.

Ok, I admit that I found one story that I simply loved--"Medusa's Folly" by Alison Paige. Imagine, if you will, a goddess who has been changed so that a man cannot look directly into her face. Remember she's the one with the snakes!

What is a girl to do?! Well, in all of her travels around the city, one day Medusa notices high upon on a building a gargoyle that looked quite different from others on the building. In fact, it seemed to include something that just might be--could it be?

Well, that woman climbed up onto the roof, slipping and sliding until she could reach this particular gargoyle. She was right! It had....oh my goodness!   Well, it would be difficult, but she maneuvered her way down to where she could sit on his lap! Here was a man whose face was already stone. She leaned in and kissed him...and then so much more!

Now obviously I can't share on each and every story, but here are the titles: Chance of a Lifetime by Portia Da Costa, The Priestess by Elliott Mabeuse, Taken by Lillian Feisty, Favor Me by Jenesi Ash, Primal Instincts by Cathryn Fox & Lisa Renee Jones, This is What I Want by Megan Hart, Improper Pleasure by Charlotte Featherstone and Caught in the Act by Saskia Walker.

One thing I noticed in this Anthology was that a number of the stories had multiple chapters, which does not often occur, as you may be aware. Erotia is meant to be short and on point for those who have not read it before, and, in my opinion, it is always for adults only. I enjoyed these longer stories and found myself more involved with the storyline.

One other story caught my attention given the ever-increasing blog writing these days. In "This is What I Want," a young woman who has an erotic blog...you guessed it...tells readers exactly what she wants. Some of these blog entries were included in the story. You might also find that there was a moral to this story...namely, that there is no security in what you write online...and there just might be someone who knows exactly who is behind the screen telling everybody...this is what I want...LOL

There is a little bit of everything in this book...from ancient times to modern, there is always somebody writing about it...right? So if you enjoy erotica, I think that you will indeed enjoy Naughty Bits: An Anthology of Short Erotic Fiction. Erotica is always a bit of fun, don't you think?

Book Provided Via
Amazon Vine

G. A. Bixler

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Do You Believe in Fate? Check Out What Reviewers Are Saying About The Mystery of Fate!

“I wouldn’t want to judge which story is deserving of the first place award in this fascinating book. Each story is a winner. Because our modern society is slowly trying to push the spiritual world out of our lives, each story was refreshing. They made my heart come alive, realizing that the unconditional power from above protects us, and guardian angels do exist.”
Alberta Sequeira, author of A Healing Heart: a Spiritual Renewal  http://www.albertasequeira.com/.


“To anyone who has been down to their last dollar or the end of the rope, or in need of a new start, The Mystery of Fate: Common Coincidence of Divine Intervention? is a must read. From chance encounters to answered prayers, these stories are sure to uplift and give pause for reflection. I’ve cleared a place on my bookshelf to read and re-read The Mystery of Fate any time I’m in need of inspiration or my batteries are in need of a recharge.”

Richard Markov, author of One Thousand Shades of Gray  www. RichardMarkov.com


"The stories in this anthology often left me with goose bumps, many times with tears in my eyes, but always with a sense of wonder. Each account is colorful, heartfelt, entertaining and inspiring. Even the biggest non-believers will be in awe as fate weaves through time and continents in these amazing stories. I loved the diversity from one story to the next - different countries, different time periods....you really have a little of everything here! I loved the diversity from one story to the next - different countries, different time periods....you really have a little of everything here! How wonderful is The Mystery of Fate!”

Melissa Christensen, English and Italian Tutor, and writer of children’s stories and historical fiction.


“The Mystery of Fate is a must read for anyone searching for proof that there is a God and that God is truly in the details of our lives. I couldn’t put the book down as I read the true stories of lives being transformed by faith and prayers. This inspiring book takes the reader into the joy and the mystery of synchronicity. I highly recommend this book for anyone on the spiritual path.”

Pat Hastings, author of Simply A Woman of Faith.


"A fabulous book! Arlene Uslander and Brenda Warneka have compiled a moving and engaging collection of short stories in The Mystery of Fate. The co-authors take the reader through a journey of true accounts of people being profoundly changed by the hand of fate. Whether it was being delayed by time, meeting a particular person, listening to gut instinct or being in the right place at the right time, you will be enraptured by these stories. Even though I have always been a believer in the possibility of greater forces among us, reading this book solidified my beliefs. Everybody will love this truly uplifting book.”
Maureen Gaynor, author of Always a Place


“…. easy read, well constructed and thought out, which causes the reader to expand or reconsider one’s beliefs. The Mystery of Fate contains a little of all of us. Simply put, a must read!

Walter Luce, Avid Reader


“A reality show just waiting to happen.”   Sally Franz, Author of Boomer Humor.


“…. A non-stop read that only ended with the last sentence on the last page. The back cover says it best”: ‘The stories will make you laugh and sometimes cry, but all will inspire and motivate you.’

Tom Onstott. Author of Jardine and Sniper.


I view your collection of fate stories like eating at a dim sum (little jewels) resturant. Each story is like eating a new and tasty dim sum. They are like dim sum because each tale is a little jewel, which is what dim sum supposedly means.

Bobbie Smith (Sonora, California, artist).