Willow Weep No More

Fairy tales once held an important place in the lives of people of all ages and social rank. Handed down from generation to generation like precious heirlooms, these stories told of the struggles between good and evil, rich and poor, and were particularly fond of demonstrating how we reap what we sow. They served both as social commentary and morality lessons, often seasoned with magic spells, mythical creatures, enchanted objects, and best of all, they allowed even the lowliest people to believe there is reason to hope and dream. Willow, Weep No More is a collection of traditionally-inspired tales that capture the magic and charm of these stories, whilst seeking to explore the depths of human strength, wisdom and beauty. Not suitable for under 12's.

It was a cold, brisk night. My sisters, brothers, and I huddled together in a one-room bedroom on a dirt floor. We watched the snowflakes float through the hole in the ceiling and dance down to the floor as if trying to remind us that things were not as bad as they were. We had two mattresses and a couple of raggedy blankets to cuddle under. The snow was making a path of white. Our only warmth was our closeness and the touch of our skin against one another. I was the eldest, a second mother to my siblings, parentified without wanting it. I was tall, thin, and pretty with dark-black, long flowing hair, and blue eyes. I was a spitting image of my mom. Only I was driven, I was strong, and I refused to let my fire dwindle down to nothing due to "Him." I was a survivor. Unbeknownst to me and in retrospect, I can look back and cherish that time in that room with my siblings. Soon afterward, we were whisked away into a children's home. I will never forget my mother, running beside the car, watching in horror as we were taken away. Her screams still haunt me as a ghost, etched in a part of my brain so as never to forget. Tears filled my eyes. I could see as she was losing the race that she loved us more than ever. Alas, my heart filled with an incomprehensible loathing for my father and for the life that he had given us. Now, we have a new journey and one to be feared even more. Our lives will never again be the same, and I will forever long for the night in that room because the bitter cold was nothing compared to what we're about to face.

In the latest installment of the long-running alternative comic series, Maria’s kids, grandkids and great-grandkids create rival movie adaptations of her life (i.e., Gilbert Hernandez’s Poison River story arc), while Jaime Hernandez’s teen character Tonta tries to figure out how she knows her swim coach.

Joyce Savage speaks from the heart, in this poetry book which talks about, love, hope, empowerment, passion and emotions. Open these pages and get comfortable on your couch. Feel the emotions and think deeply about the life and the world around you. Shimmering Waters of Gold’s intent is to inspire, impress, impact and spell bind its readers. Trying to exist in a world that is changing daily. The author challenges herself and her disappointments and has transformed them into a literary work known as “Shimmering Waters of Gold.” When nothing but trepidations engulf And life’s source sinks like the day stand A beam your face cannot embrace The lips are frozen in a stance Still I hope you laugh I hope you laugh Because there is always tomorrow

This book is a brief synopsis about the abuse I suffered as a child, the disorders I obtained as a result of the abuse, the addictions I used to combat the feelings from the abuse, and the treatments I used to get through the trials I suffered to become whole again.