Author: Sandra Cruz

Blogger, book reviewer, artist, poet, avid reader and nature/animal lover.

New book release: ‘Journey of Awakening and Higher Consciousness’ by Jane Kim Yu

‘Journey of Awakening and Higher Consciousness’ is the inspiring new book by Jane Kim Yu. Photo: Amazon

Motivational books can be inspiring and helpful on your spiritual journey of self discovery. This is especially true when the author includes his or her life experiences. Today’s new book release is all about spiritual awakening and discovering yourself. “Journey of Awakening and Higher Consciousness” by Jane Kim Yu is an encouraging guide that will help you discover your true self and is filled with advice, tips, and motivational wisdom. If self improvement is one of your New Year’s resolutions, consider this amazing new book on self-discovery, self-awareness, and living your best life yet. It is available on Amazon in English and Spanish versions. Don’t wait! Pick up your copy today begin your own journey of awakening.

Dr. Jane Kim Yu holds a Doctorate in Pharmacy from the renowned St. John’s University. From a young age, she aspired to become an author and share her vision through artistic creation. This dream became reality with the publication of her debut book, “Journey of Awakening and Higher Consciousness.” Jane’s work is a testament to her three driving passions: eloquent writing, intricate creative expression, and a deep-seated spirituality. These are demonstrated in her life and through her newsletter Soul Secrets, where she discusses hope, love, life, and the beauty of it all from our humanity to our divinity to the grace that guides our life. Her works bridge the gap between the empirical and the ethereal, resonating with readers and art aficionados alike. (Jane Kim Yu, 2024)

“Journey of Awakening and Higher Consciousness” – Discover the journey of awakening in a new light never seen before. Read about our universal journey of discovery, of awakening to the greatest truth of the land, the truth that reverberates in our very hands, the hands of heart, the very heart of our being, that – you are love.

Through a profoundly rare experience that left the author’s mind silent for nearly half a year, it awakened her own desire to find her fire. The very fire that lit the night sky. The very fire that lives in all our hearts nigh. The very fire, to come alive. These combine into an unforgettable experience that will awaken your inner fire and bring passion and purpose back into your life.

“True spirituality is a true coming alive, for it’s not what you do; it’s who you are. Which means living the life of your dreams on your terms and, most of all, in your heart as the you that you are. Love unleashed.”

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Ultimate Music Experience returns to South Padre Island

Unite for One Night: UME announces the ultimate music experience on South Padre Island featuring Deadmau5, Wax Motif, Tom & Collins, and more. Photo: UME, used with permission.

The highly anticipated electronic dance music event, The Ultimate Music Experience (UME), is set to make its triumphant return to the Rio Grande Valley on Saturday, March 30, 2024. UME is thrilled to announce an electrifying lineup, featuring some of the biggest names in the EDM world, along with regional artists to be revealed soon. (Magnum PR, 2023)

Headlining this unforgettable night of music and celebration are none other than the iconic Deadmau5, Wax Motif, and Tom & Collins. The event promises to deliver a sonic journey like no other, captivating the hearts and souls of attendees, and leaving them with memories to last a lifetime.

UME will take place at the picturesque Beach Waterpark on South Padre Island, Texas, located at 33261 State Park Rd 100. This stunning beachfront location will provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable night under the stars, surrounded by the beauty of the Gulf Coast.

In addition to the main event, UME organizers are planning an exciting pre-party to kick off the festivities. Details for the pre-party will be announced at a later date, anticipating even more excitement for EDM enthusiasts.

Paul Magee, founder of UME and CEO of Global Groove Events, expressed his excitement about bringing the event back to the Rio Grande Valley, saying, “We are absolutely thrilled to be returning to the Rio Grande Valley for UME 2024. UME has always been about uniting people through the power of music, and this year’s lineup is guaranteed to do just that. Get ready for an unforgettable night of music, community, and pure energy.”

Secure your tickets, starting at $50, for the Ultimate Music Experience online and prepare to embark on a journey through the sounds of EDM like never before.

Don’t miss out on the most anticipated electronic music event of the year. Get ready to unite and celebrate music under the stars at UME 2024!

UME is a premier electronic dance music event that brings together EDM fans from all over the world to celebrate the power of music and unity. Founded by Paul Magee and organized by Global Groove Events, UME is known for its spectacular lineups, breathtaking venues, and unforgettable experiences. UME 2024 promises to be the ultimate EDM event, featuring top-tier artists and regional talent, all set against the backdrop of South Padre Island, Texas.

Vinny The Pug is a star in ‘The Life and Times of Vinny The Pug’

‘The Life and Times of Vinny The Pug’ is the charming picture book by Allen Y Kimble, Jr. Photo: Amazon

There is nothing dog lovers enjoy more than looking at adorable pictures of dogs taken in different locations and wearing different outfits. Vinny The Pug is the shining star of the picture book “The Life And Times of Vinny The Pug” by Allen Y Kimble Jr. When Vinny’s family had to move from Florida to Arizona after the September 11 attacks, Vinny had to adjust from living in lush and green surroundings to an arid desert. He adapted, of course, and learned to pose atop boulders. Follow Vinny’s journey in the new picture book “The Life And Times of Vinny The Pug” by Allen Y Kimble Jr. Why not start the year off with a picture book of Vinny The Pug? It is perfect for dog lovers everywhere and includes pictures and coloring projects and is suitable for all ages and is available on Amazon.

Allen Y Kimble Jr is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana and grew up in the mid-1950s. Upon turning a young man, he entered the United States Air Force and served one year in Vietnam, eight years in Asia, and a total of 11 years total service time. While in South East Asia, he picked up photography as a hobby, which he still enjoy today. In 2001, he acquired a little pug in Orlando, Florida and named him Vinny. As a result of the 9-11 Terrorist Attacks, he took the family out west to Phoenix where Vinny learned to climb and pose atop boulders. His new book “The Life And Times of Vinny The Pug” is a picture story book of his best friend Vinny. (Allen Y Kimble Jr, 2024)

“The Life And Times of Vinny The Pug” – This is a true-life picture book of the life and times of Vinny the Pug. It began on September 12, 2001 following the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington. Florida’s economy was left in shambles after the attacks. Overnight Orlando’s tourism industry ground to a halt, forcing Vinny’s human to move the family. They went out west to Arizona to find better employment opportunities.

When they arrived, Vinny was still just a puppy, not yet one year old. However, he was mature enough to be surprised by what he saw. Arizona was very different from what he remembered back home in Florida. Orlando was lush with greenery; there were trees, vegetation, and lakes everywhere. All at once it hit the little pug; his new home in Phoenix, Arizona was in the desert. This book of photographs shows how the little pug adapted to the harsh realities of living in Arizona. It shows how Vinny the Pug came to appreciate his new home in the the desert. Before a year had passed, he had even launched a challenge to set a new Guinness World Record.

Vinny the Pug’s picture book is an enjoyable experience that will work well in classrooms. It is suitable for all ages from 5 through adults.

It includes:
• 50 – Color Pictures
• 87 – Black & White Graphic Arts
• 8.5″ x 11″ pages for best viewing
• Includes coloring projects

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Vinny The Pug. Photo: Allen Y Kimble, Jr, used with permission.

The Classic Theatre of San Antonio presents ‘A Raisin in the Sun’

The Classic Theatre of San Antonio presents ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ for Black History Month. Photo: The Classic Theatre of San Antonio, used with permission.

The Classic Theatre of San Antonio is proud to present its first production of the new year for Black History Month, Lorraine Hansberry’s ‘A Raisin in the Sun,’ a timeless piece about the Black experience. Performances will take place at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio’s new performance space at San Pedro Playhouse, the former Cellar Theater. Performances begin on February 8 and close on February 25. Showtimes are at 7:30p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and 2p.m. on Sundays. (The Classic Theatre of San Antonio, 2024)

Lorraine Hansberry’s iconic drama is a powerful theatrical masterpiece that explores the dreams, struggles, and resilience of a Black family living on the south side of Chicago in the 1950s. It weaves a poignant narrative around the Younger family as they grapple with racial discrimination, economic hardship, and the pursuit of their aspirations. As the family receives a life-changing insurance check, their divergent dreams and desires clash, sparking a profound examination of identity, equality, and the American dream. With compelling characters and a stirring narrative, this play explores hope and the enduring human spirit.

“I am honored to guide the vision and direction of this sacred, timeless piece. ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ serves as a repository of Black American experiences, difficulties, intricacies, and intersectionalities. In this production, anticipate a supernatural noir that immerses you within the essence of the story and its compelling, reflective characters. Trust me, you don’t want to hear about this production — you want to be there.” – Darcell Andre, Director

The cast for ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ includes:
Lena Younger (Mama) — Cassandra L. Small*
Walter Lee Younger — Jeremiah Jordon
Beneatha Younger — Jessica Winston
Ruth Younger — Danica McKinney
Travis Younger — Keith Tubbs
Joseph Asagai — Ty Price
George Murchison — Joshua Cook
Bobo — Carl E. Brooks
Karl Lindner — Byrd Bonner
Mrs. Johnson — Nerryl Williams

* Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

The Classic Theatre will offer some exciting nights in celebration of ‘A Raisin in the Sun.’

● Champagne Opening Night — Thursday, February 8, 2024 at 7:30p.m.
● Pride Night — Friday, February 9, 2024 at 7:30p.m.
● Student Night — Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at 7:30p.m.
● ASL Performance — Sunday, February 18, 2024 at 2p.m.
● Student Night — Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at 7:30p.m.

Get tickets here.

Ticket information:
Tickets for The Classic Theatre of San Antonio are $39 (Adult), $35 (Military, Older Adults 60+, First-Responders), and $24 (Students) are available online or by phone at (210) 589-8450. The Classic Theater is wheelchair accessible.

Classic Theatre at San Pedro Playhouse
800 West Ashby Place
San Antonio, TX 78212

The Classic Theatre of San Antonio is a nonprofit professional theatre in San Antonio, Texas, committed to producing theatre that is relevant, diverse, entertaining, and transformative. They produce five main stage shows a year, as well as the Second Series, a series of smaller productions, partnering with local and national artists. The Classic Theatre of San Antonio was founded in 2008 by Chris Cheever, Asia Ciaravino, Anthony Ciaravino, Diane Malone, Rick Malone, Terri Peña Ross, and Allan S. Ross, and counts among its credits more than 70 Alamo Theatre Arts Council (ATAC) Awards.

 

Upcoming new book release: ‘The Bad Weather Friend’ by Dean Koontz

‘The Bad Weather Friend’ will be released February 1, 2024. Photo: Amazon

International bestselling author Dean Koontz was only a senior in college when he won an Atlantic Monthly fiction competition. Koontz is the author of several bestsellers, fourteen of which were #1, including “One Door Away from Heaven,” “From the Corner of His Eye,” and “What the Night Knows.” Rolling Stone has hailed him as “America’s most popular suspense novelist,” and his books have been published in thirty-eight languages and have sold over five hundred million copies worldwide. Born and raised in Pennsylvania, he now lives in Southern California with his wife, Gerda, their golden retriever, Elsa, and the enduring spirits of their goldens Trixie and Anna. In his newest novel, “The Bad Weather Friend,” Benny is so nice they feel compelled to destroy him, but he has a friend who should scare the hell out of them. The breathtaking new thriller will be released February 1, 2024 and is available for pre-order on Amazon. (Amazon, 2024)

“The Bad Weather Friend” – Benny Catspaw’s perpetually sunny disposition is tested when he loses his job, his reputation, his fiancée, and his favorite chair. He’s not paranoid. Someone is out to get him. He just doesn’t know who or why. Then Benny receives an inheritance from an unknown uncle: a giant crate and a video message. All will be well in time.

How strange—though it’s a blessing, his uncle promises. Stranger yet is what’s inside the crate. He’s a seven-foot-tall self-described “bad weather friend” named Spike whose mission is to help people who are just too good for this world. Spike will take care of it. He’ll find Benny’s enemies. He’ll deal with them. This might be satisfying if Spike wasn’t such a menacing presence with terrifying techniques of intimidation.

In the company of Spike and a fascinated young waitress-cum-PI-in-training named Harper, Benny plunges into a perilous high-speed adventure, the likes of which never would have crossed the mind of a decent guy like him.

@amazon_publishing

Tell us who your bad weather friend in the comments 👇 The Bad Weather Friend by Dean Koontz is now available to read early with Amazon First Reads. #DeanKoontz #ThrillerBooks #BookTok #BFFs #BadWeatherFriend

♬ original sound – Amazon Publishing – Amazon Publishing
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Upcoming new horror movie: Alice and The Vampire Queen

Alice and The Vampire Queen will be available on digital starting February 13, 2024. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Breaking Glass Pictures, a leading independent film distribution company based in Philadelphia, is thrilled to announce its collaboration with acclaimed writer-director Dan Lantz on the upcoming horror film Alice and The Vampire Queen. CEO Rich Wolff expresses excitement about working on multiple projects with Lantz, stating, “Dan’s unique vision and storytelling prowess continue to captivate audiences, and it has been a pleasure collaborating on multiple films with him.” Alice and the Vampire Queen will rise this February 13 on digital. (October Coast, 2024)

Directed by Dan Lantz, and starring Shelby Hightower, Graham Wolfe, Brenna Carnuccio, Rachel Aspen, Danielle Muehlen, Xavier Michael, Chris James Boylan, and Aaron Dalla Villa, the film centers around an ex-con, Alice Oldman, who struggles to overcome her past scars. A mysterious stranger offers her a deal: create one special dish for his boss, the Vampire Queen.

The film, the latest from director Lantz (Alpha Rift, Bloodrunners) had a successful limited theatrical run in 2023. Produced by Dan Lantz, Richard Wolff, and Susan Helfrich, it explores themes of resilience, transformation, and the power of choice as Alice confronts not only the external threats posed by the supernatural forces at play but also the internal demons she must conquer to forge her path to redemption.

New album release: The Carousel – Backstrom

The Carousel is Backstrom’s debut album. It is available now on Spotify. Photo: Backstrom, used with permission.

When it comes to music, I love all types of music. Well, almost all of them, but my favorite genre is rock. With the new year comes the release of new music by artists everywhere. Today I am pleased to announce a new release this month from Backstrom.

Backstrom is a Swedish songwriter in the genres of Folk, Country, and Rock. His debut album The Carousel (feat. Bart Topher) was released today. If you enjoy this type of music or just enjoy discovering new artists, consider this new release. Backstrom’s music is available on Spotify and you can follow the artist on Instagram. (Backstrom, 2024)

Get to know a little bit about Backstrom in this Q & A:

Question: Who are the band members and what do they play?
Backstrom: Backstrom was initially the only “band member” or the songwriter. But I worked with a lot of great session musicians who played a huge role in this project and more or less became band members in the end. For this album, Bart Topher does vocals on eight songs and has also written three lyrics. Tommy Jones wrote three lyrics as well. Fransisco Paz plays all drums and percussion and helped out with a lot of instrumental production. Luca Giannotti plays a lot of guitars on the folk songs and also some bass. Kimberly Faith does harmonies on 6 songs. Hernan Ian plays guitars on the country songs. Maciek Szczyciński play most bass. And there’s a lot more who deserves credit in this project.

Q: Can you tell us anything about the recording process?
B: I wrote the ground material in the winter season and started out by doing a simple demo myself of the songs during the spring – then I spent the rest of the year hiring different session musicians to improve the sound and instrumental quality of the songs. So the whole album is more or less done online and I’ve been sending files back and forth around the world. Gabe Wolf made a great contribution mixing and mastering the songs in the end.

Q: How and where did you get together?
B: I hired all musicians through Fiverr.

Q: Have you played any notable gigs, festivals or other events?
B: No, this is mostly about songwriting and not live performance.

Q: What are the band’s main influences?
B: In general Leonard Cohen, Mark Lanegan but it stretches all the way from Townes Van Zandt to the Rolling Stones and beyond in some songs.

Q: Can you briefly describe what the song/each song is about?
A: It’s not always a deep thought behind every line, it needs to sound good as well, and I prefer to leave the underlying interpretation to the listener!

Q: What are you most happy about with the record?
A: I think we managed to get a quite unique sound, it doesn’t sound so much like anything else out there.

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Dive into Dry January with Twang’s Miche-Nada recipe

Twang’s Miche-Nada. Photo: Twang, used with permission.

Dry January is a movement for anyone who drinks alcohol. Some people participate as a detox from their excessive drinking that happens over the holidays. Others use the beginning of the new year to kick-start healthy habits and routines. With Dry January in full swing, Twang, a Tex-Mex inspired, family-driven company founded in 1986, specializing in the creation of products with flavored salt, sugar, and spice blends is sharing a non-alcoholic drink recipe, better know as a mocktail.

For over 38 years Twang has been sharing its flavorful products and recipes with the world, and Dry January is no exception. Twang would like to share its vibrant “Miche-Nada” recipe – a spin on the classic Mexican beer cocktail, the michelada. (Twang, 2024)

Made with never ending flavor for all taste buds, Twang’s Miche-Nada can be made with classic, spicy, or pickle Twang Reserve Michelada Mix. Curated with a blend of all-natural ingredients, the michelada mix includes real lime juice, robust ancho chiles and organic Worcestershire sauce. Twang Rimming Salt completes the Miche-Nada and comes in flavors like lime, sunrise spice, nectarberry and more. Perfectly balanced and conveniently packaged for national shipping, the michelada mix comes in a 16oz bottle for only $7.00 while the rimming salts are only $4.00 each.

Twang Miche-Nada

Ingredients:

  • Twang Reserve Michelada Cocktail Mix (classic, spicy or pickle flavors)
  • Twang Rimming Salt (lime, sunrise spice, nectarberry and more flavors)
  • Ice
  • Sparkling water
  • Lime wedge

Directions:

  1. Rim your glass with choice of Twang’s Rimming Salt
  2. Add some ice to your glass
  3. Add choice of Twang Reserve Michelada Mix
  4. Add sparkling water
  5. Garnish with a lime wedge

New book release: ‘Dissonance Volume I: Reality’ by Aaron Ryan

‘Dissonance Volume I: Reality’ is book number one in the Dissonance Trilogy. It is available now. Photo: Amazon

Dystopian sci-fi thrillers take place in societies in decline where the characters are battling environmental ruin, technological control, and government oppression. These are some of the most imaginative novels out there and are one of my favorite genres. If you are ready for your next dystopian sci-fi thriller, consider today’s new release: “Dissonance Volume I: Reality” by Aaron Ryan. It is the first in the Dissonance Trilogy and promises plenty of thrills and is defined as Aliens meets A Quiet Place. “Dissonance Volume I: Reality” is available through the author’s website. More about the author here.

Aaron Ryan is the author of the Dissonance series, several business books on multimedia production penned under a pseudonym, as well as a previous fictional novel, “The Omega Room.” He has always had a passion for storytelling. When he was in second grade, he was tasked with writing a creative assignment: a fictional book. And thus, “The Electric Boy” was born: a simple novella full of intrigue, fantasy, and 7-year-old wits that electrified Aaron’s desire to write. From that point forward, Aaron evolved into a creative soul that desired to create.

He enjoys the arts, media, music, performing, poetry, and being a daddy. In his lifetime he has been an author, voiceover artist, wedding videographer, stage performer, musician, producer, rock/pop artist, executive assistant, service manager, paperboy, CSR, poet, tech support, worship leader, and more. The diversity of his life experiences gives him a unique approach to business, life, ministry, faith, and entertainment. Aaron’s favorite author by far is J.R.R. Tolkien, but he also enjoys Suzanne Collins, James S.A. Corey, Marie Lu, Madeleine L’Engle, C.S. Lewis, and Stephen King. Aaron Ryan lives in Washington with his wife and two sons, along with Macy the dog, Winston the cat, and Merry and Pippin, the finches.

“Dissonance Volume I: Reality”

Plug your ears. Don’t look. The war for humanity has begun. Cameron “Jet” Shipley was there when they arrived in 2026. He, and everyone else, lived through the next decade and a half, learning to hide. Learning to never make a sound. Learning the most important rule of all: You just…don’t…look.

The year is now 2042, and humanity is eking out an existence in the shadows. Cameron and his team are sent out on a recon mission in Clarksville Tennessee, with events and developments that may alter the trajectory of Earth’s fate…and his own.

Joined by newcomers Bassett and Trudy, Cameron and his brother Rut will have to contend with a powerful force that has laid waste to the planet and annihilated over eighty-five percent of civilization. Will Jet’s expeditions lead him on a slippery slope of discovery that demands accountability and answers? Or will it plunge the earth, and everything in it, into further dissonance?

Coming soon: “Dissonance Volume II: Reckoning” and “Dissonance Volume III: Revenge”

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New book release ‘Hunt for The Shepherd’ by Susan Bennett

‘Hunt for The Shepherd’ is the thrilling new novel by Susan Bennett. Photo: Susan Bennett, used with permission.

One of my favorite books to read are mystery novels. The fun part of reading crime and mystery fiction is trying to figure out who is the bad guy, especially if there’s a plot twist or two involved. Today’s new book release is a modern day thriller and whodunit to get you thinking. “Hunt for the Shepherd” by Susan Bennett centers around a serial killer known as The Shepherd. Start the year off with a thrilling mystery novel – pick up your copy of “Hunt for the Shepherd” and get immersed in an intense storyline. It is available on Amazon UK, Amazon US, and Barnes and Noble.

Originally from London, Susan Bennett is an English author, currently residing in Norfolk. Spending most of her career as a teacher, Susan has taken the skills and expertise she gained to fulfil her dream of becoming a writer. Using a plethora of research and knowledge into the crime genre, Susan combines suspense, mystery, and law enforcement realism to ultimately create gripping narratives you cannot put down. Her first published novel ‘Hunt for the Shepherd’ is now available in all formats. (Susan Bennett, 2024)

“Hunt for the Shepherd” – Beside the unforgiving railway tracks, the discovery of a lifeless young girl shatters the tranquility, propelling the unyielding Serious Crime Squad into action. Urgent briefings crackle with intensity, plans take shape, and leads are pursued in a race against time. As the body count rises, an enigmatic figure emerges – The Shepherd.

With time slipping away, the imperative to capture this relentless murderer intensifies. As the squad races against the clock, the stakes soar higher, and justice becomes a fragile thread, threatening to unravel. Gripping and intense, this tale ensures that every heartbeat counts in the pursuit of an adversary who thrives in the shadows.

This is no ordinary whodunit; it’s a modern-day thriller that grips the reader from the first page. The detectives navigate a roller-coaster of triumphs and setbacks, thrust into a sinister game orchestrated by a psychopathic mind.

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