Review of Robin Wall Kimmerer’s “Braiding Sweetgrass”

Originally published on Dead-Horse-Canyon.com.

The Curse of Dead Horse Canyon

Robin Wall Kemmerer is uniquely qualified to pen this tome. Not only is she a member of the Potawatomi tribe, she also earned a PhD in botany. Her insights from both perspectives are priceless. These pages are filled with thoughts and wisdom entirely different from the white man’s view of life. Rather than being the superior being, Indigenous people see themselves as part of a greater whole.

Everything is alive in some way, whether vegetable, animal, or mineral. When Indigenous people speak of “all my relations” they are not just referring to other humans. The concept of land ownership was incomprehensible to them, making it easy to fall prey to it being virtually stolen. The Creator had given it to the people millennia before. It belonged to everyone.

She recounted the tragic story often told of Indigenous peoples being driven from their land to desolate places no one else wanted…

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Reciprocity

I’m usually not so generous sharing my garden with insects, but this one will pay me back.

The Curse of Dead Horse Canyon

Dill is one of my favorite herbs. When a friend of mine saw this caterpillar munching on it, he was surprised I didn’t have a problem with it. Why? Because that little guy or girl (sorry, it didn’t tell me how s/he identifies) will eventually become an absolutely beautiful black swallowtail butterfly!

And better yet, it will be a pollinator! Which is something I need in my garden, since there aren’t many bees these days.

This one is far from alone. At last count, I saw about 9 of them on that same plant. I’ll pick some dill and put it in the freezer for now, then plant more after these hungry caterpillars metamorphose to their final winged stage.

I must admit, I was not as compassionate toward the harlequin beetles devastating my broccoli, pretty though they may be. But they were not going to give anything back, either!

It’s…

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Did Ancient Hopi Elders see Our Day?

Originally posted on Dead-Horse-Canyon.com.

The Curse of Dead Horse Canyon

Not everyone believes in prophecy. Of course, the test of a true prophet versus someone with a vivid imagination is whether or not their predictions come true. In many cases, the speaker does not live long enough to see whether it does or not, but if others recorded what they said, in due time the truth will be known.

Native Americans have run the gamut of emotions from outrage to grief toward the white man’s life style and attitude toward Mother Earth. According to the Holy Bible, man was given “dominion” over the Earth. A word that suggests he could do as he pleased with all it contains and justifies exploiting it for his own gain.

However, in view of the current state of the planet, was that an accurate translation of the Creator’s intent?

Much was edited out of that sacred tome because it didn’t fit the understanding of…

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The Power of Words

Originally posted on Dead-Horse-Canyon.com.

The Curse of Dead Horse Canyon

The purpose of words is to convey meaning. How they’re spelled, how they sound differs tremendously. Sometimes they convey the same meaning, such as for a cat or dog. Others are unique and can’t be translated into another language, especially if they’re based on cultural context.

When immigrants come to a country, they assimilate better if they learn the host language. This is not simply a matter of getting along better in society. It integrates them into the culture. America became a “melting pot” as immigrants came from a multitude of foreign nations, then were united in a common language, i.e. English, even if they maintained their ethnic traditions.

When Europeans came to the American continent they encountered indigenous peoples whose languages were entirely foreign. While there’s a similarity in etymology and syntax among Latin-based languages (English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian, etc.), those spoken by Native Americans (which were several)…

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Star Trails Revisited

Fed up with Earth? Leave her behind!

My deep involvement researching and writing the Dead Horse Canyon series with Pete Risingsun has consumed my time to the point I’ve neglected my other books, particularly the Star Trails Tetralogy series. I was thinking about that the other day and realized that was unfortunate because those books relate so strongly to what is going on around the world these days.

The Brightstars are living in a dystopian world where the only way they’ll survive is through ingenuity and determination. The fact that they’re separated increases the issues, making the kids assume responsibilities they normally would not have to worry about.

The Star Trails Tetralogy series can be read in any order, but it’s better to start with Volume 1, “Beyond the Hidden Sky.”

The entire environment is hostile with lethal weather extremes plus their father is a political prisoner for the bulk of the story.

The science in these stories is based on fact with the expected sci-fi extrapolations, which in today’s world are rapidly becoming reality. That was a major challenge, to keep ahead of technology. At this point, much of what’s represented in these stories is now available, with the possible exception of their psi-linked cell phone equivalents, but I’m sure that’s on the way.

Nonetheless, those who enjoy these stories the most are young people in the “nerd” category, i.e. love science and engineering. And that is exactly the audience for which they were written! As a youth, I loved science and was always disappointed that science fiction didn’t have much real science included. Thus, these are the books I would have loved to read. Like they say, if you want something done right, you need to do it yourself. So if you know a child with strong reading skills and an interest in how the world works, I’m sure they’d enjoy this series.

Fighting for what’s right isn’t easy.

The favorite character throughout the series for many fans is Thyron, the telepathic walking plant. He’s the star of book 5, “The Terra Debacle: Prisoners at Area 51.” This story has a lot of botany in it as NASA scientist, Gabe Greenley, investigates Thyron and what makes him tick.

Everyone loves Thyron, the flora pedis telepathis (telepathic walking plant).

Best of all, this entire series is available in audiobook form narrated by Hollywood actor, T.W. Ashworth! So if your young person is not into reading but loves to listen, that option is also available.

The entire series is available in audiobook format narrated by T. W. Ashworth.

Much about these stories is a reflection of our own planet right now. They can serve as an example of how to handle bad situations and the importance of science in engineering when it’s a matter of survival.

This link will take you to them on Amazon, but print and ebook versions are available at other vendors as well.

Be sure to visit the series website, https://startrailssaga.com, for book trailers, review links, and excerpts on Bublish with author commentary.

Introduce someone you love to a new world that actually makes ours look tolerable, at least for now.

Merry Christmas. Cross your fingers that 2022 sees things improve. Meanwhile, escape with a book.

Social Media Overload

No greater compliment for an author than a reader who wants to enjoy your book(s) more than once!

I know, I’ve been a bad blogger lately. That’s what happens when you have four websites (five, including this one), four Facebook pages, two Twitter accounts, and an Instagram account with no personal assistant to keep up with them all. <sigh>

As you can see, Book 2 in the Dead Horse Canyon series is now out. Yay! Getting that book written and out the door took far longer than expected. This year has been a humdinger for everyone. I’ve been healthy, but all the background noise from a messed-up planet had me distracted enough it was hard to focus.

Another concern, which may sound crazy, is that I was worried about whether this sequel to “The Curse of Dead Horse Canyon: Cheyenne Spirits” would be as good as the book that started it all. That one won three awards, which was more humbling than anything. It was a hard act to follow.

So far the feedback indicates that Book 2, “Return to Dead Horse Canyon: Grandfather Spirits” is another page turner.

Whew!

I have to admit when a brand new fan contacted me wanting to pre-order Book 3 that it made my day. On the other hand, it was terrifying! Maintaining the quality now expected is a big responsibility!

As far as Book 3 is concerned, the good news is that it’s drafted, but that was written before I connected with my coauthor, Pete, so it requires intense collaboration. Hopefully, we’ll get it out next year. And I think it should be as good as the others, if not better, as it wraps up this story. It has some really cool, surprising stuff in there. 😉

As an introvert, I’m lousy at promoting my books. I also had it drummed into my head as a kid that it was rude to brag. It just doesn’t feel right to go out there and self-promote as shamelessly as required to get attention. I like making promotional material and especially videos. Speaking of which, here’s the trailer for Book 2.

I’ll try to be more diligent in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, be sure to follow me on my Facebook author page and on Instagram (@startrailssaga). I’m not on Twitter as much these days since Hootsuite upped their rates over 500%, something I was going to rant about here, but clearly never did.

If you’re looking for presents, please remember me for any readers on your list. Between the Dead Horse Canyon books, which are mystery/thrillers; the Star Trails Tetralogy, which is hard science fiction that’s perfect for kids interested in science and engineering; and weird stuff for that person has everything like astrology or family history, I’ve got something for everyone. Search on “Marcha Fox” in the book category on Amazon and they all come up, plus some that I did cover or editorial work on, as well as a few others for which I have no clue, but you get the idea.

I hope “all y’all” have a wonderful Christmas.

A Good Problem to Have

This week I was excited to find out that “The Curse of Dead Horse Canyon: Cheyenne Spirits” is a finalist in another award contest!

So why is that a problem?

I’m running out of space on the cover to add another badge! Then I have to upload new covers to the many places where the book is sold.

I know, “Boo hoo.”

Like I said, a good problem to have.

Getting a little crowded there….

You can read the excerpt I submitted for the contest here. Feel free to leave a comment!

And I have more good news! I’m on the home stretch editing the sequel, “Return to Dead Horse Canyon: Grandfather Spirits.” If you’d like a sneak peak at that, you can find one on the series website here.

I ran into a major problem that required a lot of rewriting when a friend pointed out that one of my major plot elements was not only inaccurate but not feasible, at least in the known universe. It was a lot of work to fix but I learned an important lesson: No matter how much research you do, the are often elusive details that you’ll miss that will bite you if someone knowledgeable in that discipline reads it, at which time your credibility implodes.

I have always been quite critical of movies that are scientifically incorrect, but now I get it. I LIKED my old, implausible plot and how its many tentacles wove through the story. A few readers would have had some rolling on the floor (yes, it was that bad), but it hurt to trash it. Which made me understand why movie producers may let those inaccuracies pass, even though anyone who knows better will forever remember the movie for being woefully inaccurate versus it’s story or entertainment value. (For me, one of those movies is “Armageddon.” If you’re interested, you can read my opinion here.)

I suppose you’re wondering what that goof was. Sorry, it’s too embarrassing. I take pride in the accuracy of my stories and I’ll be forever grateful to the person who gave me the information I needed to recognize it had to go.

And the good news is that the rewrite is actually a lot more suspenseful as well as credible! Stay tuned for a release date.

NEW RELEASE FROM JOHN REINHARD DIZON!

JRD’s stories are crisp, fast-moving, and loaded with action. This one is no exception. Of course I’m partial to this one because of the title. 🙂

You may even know the protagonist from his previous novel “Destroyer.” Richard McCain is a genuine bad-ass and on my list of book boyfriends. In this story you get to know more about him and see him in some serious action. Here’s the blurb:

1969, South Vietnam. Richard McCain is a Special Forces operative station at the Dong Ha Combat Base.

Located at the DMZ bordering North Vietnam, the camp is under constant attack by the Viet Cong, the North Vietnamese Army, assorted rebel groups and smuggling gangs. The culture clash with indigenous tribes amidst mountainous terrain cloaked by feral jungles creates a high-tension atmosphere, where only the strong survive.

Soon, the brutal military conflict mixes with drug-fueled episodes, supernatural events and powers beyond human comprehensions, as the tale of McCain and the Green Berets takes the reader on an unforgettable journey of epic proportions.

Pick up you copy on Amazon today!

Fun Interview with my Alma Mater

Before I retired from NASA I planned for what I wanted to do when I had more time on my hands. One of those things was to pursue my interest in astrology. Of course as a physicist, that’s pretty weird, but I’ve always been pretty hard to pigeon-hole. At any rate, I enrolled in the International Academy of Astrology, pursued a rigorous course of learning that was the equivalent of a bachelors degree, and graduated from their Professional Training Module in 2012. I taught for them for a while and have always remained friends with many of the wonderful people I met there, in particular its president and founder, Ena Stanley.

I sent Ena a copy of my latest book, “The Curse of Dead Horse Canyon: Cheyenne Spirits” and she liked it so much she suggested that their media specialist do an interview with me as one of the school’s many alumni. You can view the video below and learn a little about me, how astrology came into my life, and how writing has been a driving force since I was a child and the astrological reason that’s the case.

You can view the video here.

EXCLUSIVE: Biden’s Insane Executive Order on Climate Change Gave China Access to the US Grid – Suddenly There’s an Energy Crisis In Texas – Any Relationship?

This entire situation in Texas smelled funny from the start. Here’s something every Texan and American needs to consider.

(The following information was provided by a TGP reader.) On Joe Biden’s first day in office, he signed an Executive Order (EO) that led to Texans literally freezing to death this past week.  Biden claimed his actions were to protect the climate but they helped China and made America less secure. On his first day…

Source: EXCLUSIVE: Biden’s Insane Executive Order on Climate Change Gave China Access to the US Grid – Suddenly There’s an Energy Crisis In Texas – Any Relationship?

And here’s another bombshell for you on the sell-out, cut and pasted from https://rense.com/general85/give.htm

Dot #12 Barack Hussein Obama is elected, promising “Change you can believe in.” After taking office in January, Obama sends Hillary Clinton on a critical mission to China and helps write H.R. 45 — a complete grab of America’s guns ala Adolph Hitler. State leaders who understand what Clinton and Obama agenda with China is about, are seeking legal “Sovereignty” to prevent the loss of property to a foreign power.   Dot #13 China agrees to continue investing in U.S. Treasury Bills only after securing the right of “eminent domain” to physically repossess foreclosed American PRIVATE PROPERTY. This move is the equivalent of an unconditional surrender following a bloody war. This also gives the Chinese military the LEGAL RIGHT to use biological weaponry to “Clean up America all at once”. It gives them the legal right to use deadly force in removing trespassing Americans from occupying Chinese real estate.   Connect these 13 evil dots, and this is what you get:

            FEDS GRANT EMINENT DOMAIN AS COLLATERAL TO CHINA FOR U.S. DEBTS   BEIJING, China — Sources at the United States Embassy in Beijing China have just CONFIRMED that the United States of America has tendered to China a written agreement which grants to the People’s Republic of China, an option to exercise Eminent Domain within the USA, as collateral for China’s continued purchase of US Treasury Notes and existing US Currency reserves.   The written agreement was brought to Beijing by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and was formalized and agreed-to during her recent trip to China.  

This means that in the event the US Government defaults on its financial obligations to China, the Communist Government of China would be permitted to physically take — inside the USA — land, buildings, factories, perhaps even entire cities – to satisfy the financial obligations of the US government.   Put simply, the feds have now actually mortgaged the physical land and property of all citizens and businesses in the United States. They have given to a foreign power, their Constitutional power to “take” all of our property, as actual collateral for continued Chinese funding of US deficit spending and the continued carrying of US national debt.   This is an unimaginable betrayal of every man, woman and child in the USA. An outrage worthy of violent overthrow.    

————– UPDATE 1:40 pm EST   Eminent Domain is the power of government to TAKE private property for public use without the consent of the property owner. Under our Constitution, the government can only “take” when providing “just compensation” for what they’ve taken.   Who decides what constitutes “just compensation?” The government!   Homeowners who felt the government was not paying them enough for property in past “takings” have filed lawsuits. In absolutely every such case, the value placed upon the property by the government was upheld by the courts.  

Our federal government has now granted to China, this power to “take”our homes and businesses in the event the US Gov’t defaults on its debts. Let’s play this out as a worst case scenario. . . .   The US Gov’t goes belly-up and China comes in and says, “they owed us $2 Trillion in Treasury Notes and another $2 Trillion in actual cash money which is now worthless. We are taking the entire state of Hawaii and the entire state of California in lieu of this bad debt. ”   With the stroke of a Chinese chop stick, Hawaii and California — all the land and buildings in those states — are now owned by China.   The “taking” would be a “valid public use” because it was “taken” in payment of the public debt!!!!   China could then turn around and declare the value of all that land to be worth. . . . . I dunno, ten cents on a dollar?   For your $200,000 house, you get a Chinese check for $20,000.  

Needless to say, the property owners would go ballistic and demand “just compensation” for what was taken. Who gets to decide what is “just?” China! Don’t think you got a fair price for what they took? No problem, sue China.   You’ll lose.   People who live in those states and own their land outright, might be able to negotiate with China to “rent” back their own property, as long as the property owner continued to pay all his taxes; but the land and buildings would belong to China.   This is what our own Government has just done to us and it is the single most vile act of betrayal in the history of human existence.  

————- SECOND UPDATE 3:48 PM   In early February nine U.S. States began the process of re- asserting their Sovereignty pursuant to the Ninth and Tenth Amendments to the US Constitution; declaring null and void any actions by Congress that violated the Constitution.   The states took action to make certain the feds couldn’t give away cities or the states themselves!   This situation is going to get VERY ugly, VERY fast as one sovereign power (the feds) try to literally give away the land of other sovereign powers, (the states). This is the type of thing that starts Civil War.   Our present federal government makes the treachery and betrayal of Benedict Arnold look like child’s play.

Furthermore, a DOE document you can find here explains the restrictions placed upon Texas from meeting power needs during this weather emergency.

This will not end well. Don’t Mess with Texas.