Upcoming new album release: Your Very Own Dream – Clay Parker and Jodi James

Your Very Own Dream is set for a January 19 release. Photo: Clay Parker and Jodi James

Before their artistic paths converged in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in late 2014, Clay Parker and Jodi James roamed the musical landscape as lone troubadours, each nurturing their own raw and genuine sound. Now, almost a decade after their first long-distance co-writing collaborations, the duo’s distinct sound has maintained a minimalist yet unpredictable quality—in part by reflecting the ways the artists themselves have changed both together and as individuals. Following their self-titled debut EP in 2016 and 2018’s The Lonesomest Sound That Can Sound, the duo who jokingly refers to themselves as a “band without a name” are returning with a brand new LP in 2024: Your Very Own Dream will be released on January 19, 2024. (IV-PR, 2023)

Parker and James have gained a fanbase by creating worlds within their records, populating each song with points of view that are archetypical yet unique. With Your Very Own Dream, the pair hones this technique to a razor’s edge; equal parts plaintive folk existentialism, blue-note bluster, prairie-fire idealism, and fever-dream ballad with which fans of Angel Olsen, Sharon Van Etten, and Gillian Welch & Dave Rawlings will feel right at home. Parker and James consistently present music that carves a most-direct, excess-free path to its listeners and patiently displays the duo’s true nature as creators of a primitive kind of beauty—stark yet expressive, accessible yet deep, shadowy yet real.

The duo recently released the first single from Your Very Own Dream, the James-led, slow-burner, “Nothing At All.” Fooling very little with the trivial and getting to the heart of the matter quickly, “Nothing At All” rides a mellow, mid-tempo arrangement akin to late 90s alt-country acts like Whiskeytown or Uncle Tupelo; a heartbeat of Americana music in the modern age where the song comes first and everything else is lagniappe.

Fans can stream or purchase “Nothing At All” and pre-order or pre-save Your Very Own Dream ahead of its January 19 release.

Your Very Own Dream track list:
Fire For The Water
Hey Hey Hey
Nothing At All
In The Cool Of The Evening
Flatfoot
How High Would I Have To Fly
A Matchbook Song
Your Very Own Dream

Catch Clay Parker and Jodi James on tour:
January 19 – Baton Rouge, LA – MidCity Ballroom – Album Release Show
February 16 – Galveston, TX – Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe
February 17 – Austin, TX – House Show
February 18 – Austin, TX – NeWorlDeli
February 19 – Oklahoma City, OK – House Show
February 21–25 – Kansas City, MO – Folk Alliance International
February 28 – Nashville, TN – 5 Spot
February 29 – Dunlap, TN – House Show
March 1 – Chattanooga, TN – The Woodshop
March 2 – LaGrange, GA – Pure Life House of Music

1705671821

  days

  hours  minutes  seconds

until

Your Very Own Dream release date

New children’s book release: ‘Cosmic Kids: Spacewalk to Kindness’ by Alex L. Walker

‘Cosmic Kids: Spacewalk to Kindness’ is the new children’s book by Alex L. Walker. Photo: Alex L. Walker, used with permission.

Children’s books are so versatile because they can be educational, entertaining, or both. They can be instrumental in teaching children important life lessons, inspiring creativity, and cultivating social skills. If you are looking for the perfect gift for the child in your life or to add to your child’s library, consider today’s new children’s book release. Written by Alex L. Walker, “Cosmic Kids: Spacewalk to Kindness” is the first in the Cosmic Kids book series and teaches children important values such as kindness, compassion, and empathy. Other books in the series will address Responsibility, Leadership, Respect, and other necessary skills. Pick up your copy today – “Cosmic Kids: Spacewalk to Kindness” is available on Amazon.

With 15 years of experience in children’s learning psychology, Alex L. Walker is a talented author dedicated to nurturing creativity, compassion, confidence, and capability in young individuals. Through his engaging books, he imparts valuable life lessons to children. (Alex L. Walker, 2024)

His debut, “Cosmic Kids: Spacewalks to Kindness,” marks the beginning of a 35-book series. Each book concludes with interactive questions designed to inspire creativity, moral lessons, character insights, and artistic expression. It’s also a valuable resource for parents and teachers to interact with and better understand their children.

Beyond his literary pursuits, Alex finds joy in gardening, beekeeping, and playing table tennis at the local club. Join him on this incredible storybook journey and witness your child grow, learn, and flourish with the timeless wisdom within these pages. (Alex L. Walker, 2024)

“Cosmic Kids: Spacewalk to Kindness” – Cosmic Kids Book 1
Are you ready for an intergalactic adventure through kindness, compassion, and empathy? Meet Astra Lumin, a young navigator excited about her first spacewalk to explore Empathy, the super-sensory satellite. Her mother, Commander Andromeda Lumin, has always told Astra to remember to care for others. So, when Astra meets Hurgul, a young blue-green alien who was really nervous about the upcoming adventure, she decides to follow her mother’s advice. Join Astra and Hurgul on their “Spacewalks of Kindness,” which will help young readers learn more about how empathy and kindness can affect someone’s life and why it is important to encourage inclusivity and cultivate social skills.

Why Kids (And Their Parents) Love “Spacewalks of Kindness”
Featuring beautiful illustrations and a heartwarming story, this children’s storybook will help kids understand how to treat others with respect, recognize and manage their feelings, and promote acts of kindness.

Discover The Must-Read Space Educational Kid’s Storybook Series
This is the first installment in the “Cosmic Kids” book series. It follows the adventures that the children of space scientists get themselves into and focuses on learning lessons through epic journeys. Other books in the series will cover Curiosity, Responsibility, Leadership, Active Listening, Honesty, Respect, Gratitude, and more.

The Ultimate Gift That Keeps On Giving
Whether you are looking for a new educational illustrated storybook for your child or a thoughtful gift idea for your niece, nephew, grandson, or granddaughter, look no further. Surprise any young astronaut today and harness the power of storytelling and eye-catching art to teach valuable lessons.

Put On Your Spacesuit and Get Ready For Blastoff!

Sponsored Post

‘Cosmic Kids: Spacewalk to Kindness’ by Alex L. Walker. Photo: Alex L. Walker, used with permission.

New book release: ‘Nature’s Antidepressant: Harnessing Earth’s Gifts for Wellness’ by Drake Wells

‘Nature’s Antidepressant: Harnessing Earth’s Gifts for Wellness’ is the new wellness guide by Drake Wells. Photo: Amazon

The new year is upon us with promises of new and better beginnings. For many people, their New Year’s resolutions include physical and mental wellness. I can attest to the restorative powers of spending time in nature and I try to spend as much time as possible outdoors. Just a simple walk outdoors can do wonders for your overall mood. Today’s new book release by Drake Wells touches on this important topic. “Nature’s Antidepressant: Harnessing Earth’s Gifts for Wellness” embraces the healing power of getting back to nature to cure our mental ills. So if you are looking for a resource guide to mental wellbeing, consider this new book. It is available now on Amazon.

Drake Wells is a Division I runner, Eagle Scout, and outdoor enthusiast living in Houston, TX. He has written descriptive poetry connecting themes in nature to mental clarity, including his published work, “Embers,” which won the Scholastic Gold Key award in 2020. Drake’s experiences with the outdoor world, from sailing the Florida Keys, to surviving the wilderness, have equipped him to illuminate the transformative impact of nature on human well-being, seen through the eyes of someone who has lived it. His new book “Nature’s Antidepressant: Harnessing Earth’s Gifts for Wellness” offers not just insight but a holistic remedy for societal ailments. (Drake Wells, 2023)

“Nature’s Antidepressant: Harnessing Earth’s Gifts for Wellness” – In the chaotic modern world, yearning for simplicity and clarity is a common sentiment. Imagine a time when our ancestors thrived, deeply connected to nature’s rhythm. Could the remedy for today’s mental malaise lie not in medicine cabinets but in rekindling our ancestral bond with nature?

Join Drake Wells on a transformative journey through “Nature’s Antidepressant,” where he explores the contrast between ancient roots and contemporary lives. In vivid detail, Wells portrays our ancestors harmonizing with the environment, highlighting the stark contrast to our comfort-driven present. As modernization escalates, so does depression and anxiety.

Wells delves into the therapeutic power of nature, presenting scientific and psychological evidence of its profound impact on well-being. This book is more than a critique; it’s a call for a paradigm shift, a return to our natural roots. Envision a world where emotional struggles find resolution not in synthetic medications but in embracing the raw, rejuvenating power of our surroundings.

Sponsored Post

New movies coming up in January

Revenge thriller Roadkill will have a theater and Video On Demand release on January 5, 2024. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

These are just a few of the new movies coming up in January. (October Coast, 2023)

Norwegian Dream
Video On Demand – January 2, 2024
OFFICIAL SELECTION – Inside Out Toronto LGBT Film Festival 2023
NOMINEE – Best First Feature Film, Frameline San Francisco International LGBTQ Film Festival 2023
NOMINEE – dFlights Award, Off Camera International Festival of Independent Cinema 2023

Cast: Øyvind Brandtzæg, Karl Bekele Steinland, Izabella Dudziak, Runar Koteng Frønes, Hubert Milkowski, Jakub Sierenberg, and Edyta Torhan

Robert, a Polish immigrant working at a fish factory in Norway, has come to earn money to pay off his mother’s debts. Robert realizes he has feelings for his colleague Ivar. For fear of losing his position within a group of Poles at the factory, he hides his feelings, especially when it turns out that Ivar is doing vogue and is an aspiring drag queen.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Roadkill
Theater and Video On Demand – January 5, 2024
THEATRICAL RELEASE IN THE FOLLOWING CITIES; NY, LA, Detroit, Chicago, Minneapolis
Starring Caitlin Carmichael, Danielle Harris, Ryan Knudson, Warren Fast, Trenton Hudson
Rating: TV-MA Runtime : 90 Mins

Caitlin Carmichael, Ryan Knudson, and horror icon Danielle Harris star in this full-throttle revenge thriller. Written and directed by Warren Fast, Roadkill plays as a throwback to the classic action-thrillers of the 80s and 90s.

Lost while traveling through a rural county in 1983, a young woman crosses paths with a hitchhiker headed the same destination and offers a ride in exchange for directions. Their journey takes a violent turn when the two are caught up in a police manhunt for a fugitive killer. As victims begin to amass and authorities close in, it becomes a fight for survival on the open road. Featuring fun chase sequences, strong special effects and great kills, Roadkill is written and directed by Warren Fast, who also co-stars.

Hellhounds
Video On Demand – January 9, 2024
Director: Robert Conway
Cast: Nathaniel Burns, Eva Hamilton, Cameron Kotecki, Dana Kippel

A pack of werewolves known as the Hellhounds wage a war against a fanatical order of werewolf hunters called the Silver Bullets. The Hounds and the Bullets now roam the country appearing to the outside world as rival biker gangs. After all his brothers and sisters are wiped out by the Bullets, the last remaining Hellhound, Alias, embarks on a bloody quest of revenge. The hunt is on!

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

A Place of Our Own
Theater – January 12 and Video On Demand – January 16, 2024
DIRECTED BY EKTARA COLLECTIVE 2022 INDIA 88 MINS

Shining with quiet authenticity and a fierce heart, A Place of Our Own is the story of two transwomen in Bhopal, India, fighting for a life that is more than marginal. Directed and crewed by the Ekarta Collective, which blends experienced and first-time filmmakers whose lives and identities mirror their characters, this film — which won the Audience Award at the SXSW Film Festival — is crafted with grit and care.
Centering on Laila and Rashni as they seek a new home after an unjust eviction, the deceptively simple plot illuminates the wide range of prejudice they face. Determined to find a space to thrive, Laila and Rashni depend on each other and their own inner strength to withstand the hatred that surrounds them. As challenges mount, the women find friends and support in unexpected places. The unwavering dignity of Laila and Rashni — deftly portrayed by first-time actors Manisha Soni and Muskaan, respectively — is the magnetic centerpiece to this intimately shot narrative. With candor and subtle humor, A Place of Our Own ultimately asks not only where, but in whom do we find home.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Scalper
Theater and Video on Demand – January 16
Director: Chad Ferrin
Cast: Susan Priver (Clementine Carter), Jake Busey (Detective Hayden), Bai Ling (Jade Mei), Kate Patel (Detective Lupino), Scott Vogel (Bob Tarkovskiy)

Everyone around psychic Clementine Carter is being brutally murdered by a masked killer dubbed ‘The Scalper.’ Is it dead psycho Andrew Lubitz back from the grave, a copycat killer or a horror beyond imagination? Clementine must use her second sight to stay one step ahead of the maniac’s blade to solve the mystery.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Stroking An Animal
Theater and Video On Demand – January 16
Director: Ángel Filgueira
Cast: Xulio Besteiro (Tomás), Ángela Ríos (Ada), Lidia Veiga (Mariña)

Mariña, Ada and Tomás form an irregular triangle of bodies, intentions, and vibrations. Mariña has an intense love affair with Ada when Tomás, a mutual friend, enters the couple’s intimacy. Six moments of the relationship articulate the film, thrown like flashes of light. The journey of this love triangle will lead Mariña to rethink her bonds with others and her self-care.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group announces Pullman Market at Pearl

Pullman Market is a new 40,000 square market opening at Pearl in the spring of 2024. It will feature Mezquite, a restaurant and mezcal bar focusing on the cuisine of Sonora, Mexico. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group announced this month that Pullman Market, the largest culinary market in the Southwest, is slated to open at Pearl in San Antonio, Texas, in Spring 2024. The sprawling 40,000-square-foot market will feature four full-service restaurants, quick casual concepts, a robust wine and beer selection, Texas-based produce and specialties, and a seasonal bakery and fresh pasta program. Pullman Market will open in spring 2024 and will be located at 221 Newell Ave. Stay tuned for more details concerning opening date. (Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group, 2023)

“We are excited to create a new, unique culinary experience that represents all of Texas for locals and travelers alike. Pullman Market is a place to celebrate all things food. You can grab a quick bite or stay a while at one of our restaurants. You can discover high-quality ingredients for dinner or grab something premade to make mealtime easy. Pullman is about creating easier relationships with local food and producers, a relationship that is often reserved for high-end restaurants or weekend farmers markets, and we are excited to share it with the community.” – Kevin Fink

Pullman Market will be located in Pearl, which has continued to evolve as a culinary hub of San Antonio. Pearl is a dynamic neighborhood built around the historic Pearl Brewery located just north of downtown San Antonio. Located in the heart of Pearl, Pullman Market was designed by award-winning Texas architecture firms, Clayton Korte and Burton Baldridge. 

Pullman Market is set to unveil four full-service restaurants, including Fife & Farro, a family-friendly, no-reservations-required eatery specializing in homemade pizza and pasta; Mezquite, a restaurant and mezcal bar focusing on the cuisine of Sonora, Mexico; Isidore, an elevated dining experience where reservations will be required and the menu will change regularly; and Nicosi, created by award-winning Pastry Chef Tavel Bristol-Joseph, will be an intimate dessert bar with 18 seats and a no-phone policy. In addition to the four restaurants, Pullman Market will offer a grocery featuring Texas-based produce and seasonal specialties along with casual to-go concepts with items such as burgers, ice cream, tacos, sandwiches, ceviche, coffee and more. 

“Pullman Market is a wonderful complement to the vibrant culinary, retail, and cultural landscape that defines Pearl today. The success of our Pearl Farmers Market the past 14 years shows that our neighborhood supports local farmers, chefs, and food enthusiasts. With Pullman Market, we are excited to provide a space where residents and guests can connect to these experiences daily, in addition to our weekend Farmers Market.” – Mesha Milsap, Pearl CEO

Led by partners Kevin Fink, Tavel Bristol-Joseph, Alicynn Fink, Berty Richter, and Rand Egbert, Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group is a Texas-based restaurant group that manages seven renowned restaurant concepts including Emmer & Rye, Hestia, Kalimotxo, Canje and Ezov in Austin as well as Ladino, located at Pearl in San Antonio. The team will also be partnering with Tom Schnuck, the son of the co-founder and co-manager of a restaurant group who also assisted and invested in young chefs to create many successful restaurants that collectively hold five Michelin stars.

Upcoming new album release: Critterland – Willi Carlisle

Critterland will be release January 26, 2024. Proceeds from the new single ‘When The Pills Wear Off’ will be donated to Appalachian Recovery Non-Profit Hope In The Hills. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

For folksinger Willi Carlisle, singing is healing and by singing together, he believes we can begin to reckon with the inevitability of human suffering and grow in love. Rooted in the eclectic and collective world of his live shows, Carlisle’s third album, Critterland, takes up where his sophomore album, Peculiar, Missouri, left off, transforming Peculiar’s big tent into a Critterland menagerie and letting loose the weirdos he gathered together. The album is a wild romp through the backwaters of his mind and America, lingering in the odd corners of human nature to visit obscure oddballs, dark secrets, and complicated truths about the beauty and pain of life and love. (IV-PR, 2023)

Produced by the GRAMMY Award-nominated Darrell Scott and to be released on January 26, 2024, by Signature Sounds, Critterland considers where we come from and where we are going. On the album, he takes on human suffering through stories about forbidden love, loss, generational trauma, addiction, and suicide, believing that by processing the traits and trauma we inherit, he can reach a deeper understanding of what it means to succeed and to exist.

“It’s kind of about getting a little older, moving from hard drugs and hookups to bedroom sex and pharmaceuticals,” says Willi Carlisle of his latest single “When The Pills Wear Off.” “It’s an amalgam of queer stories that I’ve heard, lived, and seen.” Devastating and gorgeous, Carlisle’s fingerpicked ballad serves as the penultimate tune from his upcoming album Critterland—and a flawless example of the songcraft that’s garnered fans like Tyler Childers and BJ Barham.

Carlisle is donating a portion of the proceeds from streams and purchases of “When the Pills Wear Off” to Hope in the Hills, a West Virginia-based charity focused on recovery and wellness in Appalachia. “After losing friends to overdoses, after witnessing the stress that hidden lives and quiet desperation causes people, I decided I wanted to sing about addiction,” says Carlisle. “So, I’m partnering with Hope in the Hills to raise awareness and funding to help those in need. Too much of country music glorifies abuse, murder, and poverty in the name of shock and sales, and I want to fight the stereotypes. Let’s share music about our struggle and triumph! Let’s celebrate love and mourn the dead. ‘When the Pills Wear Off’ is a really sad song, I know, but I hope it brings some joy into the world.”

The funds raised by this single will specifically go to Hope in the Hills’ music therapy program, which conducts regular sessions at recovery houses in East Tennessee, Eastern Kentucky, and West Virginia, and additionally supports music therapy through WVU Medicine’s Opioid Unit, Troublesome Creek Stringed Instruments, which employs folks in recovery to build musical instruments in EKY, and a recovery-to-work stagehands program through Recovery Point West Virginia.

Fans can hear “When the Pills Wear Off” today and pre-order or pre-save Critterland ahead of its January 26 release.

Critterland track list:
Critterland
Dry Country Dust
The Arrangements
The Great Depression
Two-Headed Lamb
A Higher Lonesome
I Want No Children
Jaybird
When the Pills Wear Off
The Money Grows on Trees

Catch Willi Carlisle on tour:
February 1 – Newport, KY – The Southgate House
February 2 – Columbus, OH – Rumba Cafe
February 3 – Pittsburgh, PA – Club Cafe
February 4 – Lakewood, OH – Mahall’s
February 7 – Ann Arbor, MI – The Ark
February 9 – Chicago, IL – Schubas Tavern
February 10 – Kalamazoo – MI – Bell’s Eccentric Café
February 12 – Wisconsin Dells, WI – Showboat Saloon
February 13 – St. Paul, MN – Turf Club
February 15 – Des Moines, IA – xBK
February 16 – Omaha, NE – Slowdown
February 17 – Lawrence, KS – The Bottleneck
February 18 – Oklahoma City – OK – Resonant Head
June 2 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater*
June 5 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre*
June 7 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre*
June 8 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre*

* Supporting Tyler Childers

Willi Carlisle. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
1706276138

  days

  hours  minutes  seconds

until

Critterland release date

Book review: ‘Cosmic Equilibrium: Exploring Balance in the Universe’ by Ansh Verma

‘Cosmic Equilibrium: Exploring Balance in the Universe’ is the new book by Ansh Verma. Photo: Amazon

Ansh Verma is a researcher, author, and philosopher based in Dhanbad, Jharkhand (India). He researches almost everything that can be observed, felt and or read, including technology, politics, divine, war, behavioral, engineering, investments, military, finance, and mathematics. Post graduation, Verma has almost 20 years of experience in thinking and making sense of the world. His new book “Cosmic Equilibrium: Exploring Balance in the Universe” is a captivating exploration of the intricate harmony and balance that permeates the cosmos.

“Cosmic Equilibrium: Exploring Balance in the Universe” – This thought-provoking book takes readers on a journey through the fundamental principles governing the universe, from celestial harmony to the laws of nature that underpin the cosmos. It delves into the timeless concept of yin and yang, revealing how opposing forces complement and balance each other on both cosmic and human scales.

From the birth and death of stars to the cyclical rhythms of life on Earth, the book examines the interconnectedness of all existence and the profound role of balance in shaping our universe. It bridges the realms of science, philosophy, and culture, offering insights into the diverse ways different societies have revered and integrated the idea of cosmic balance into their beliefs, ethics, and rituals.

This book also tackles the pressing issue of ecological balance on our planet and its broader implications for the cosmic equilibrium. It invites readers to contemplate their place in the vast cosmic tapestry and to reflect on the significance of balance in their own lives. With a holistic approach that combines scientific discoveries, philosophical reflections, and practical applications, this book serves as an enlightening guide to understanding the delicate equilibrium that sustains our universe and inspires us to find balance within ourselves and the world around us.

Balance is the central theme of this book, primarily yin and yang, the concept that “invites us to explore the eternal interplay of opposites that lies at the core of our reality.” It examines balance and harmony in everything from nature to human life. Each chapter is dedicated to a specific type of balance, including Chapter 2: Celestial Harmony, Chapter 3: Balance in Nature, and Chapter 5: Ecological Balance. Especially interesting is Chapter 4: Cultural Perspectives, which emphasizes how all cultures respect this sense of balance within their respective lifestyles.

The author does so much more than just educate readers on how balance works in nature, he also gives practical advice on how they can achieve balance in their personal lives. This includes balancing work and life, balancing technology and nature, and finding balance in consumption. In his Call to Balance in Chapter 8: Conclusion, he encourages readers to be mindful of their place in the universe to create a more balanced and sustainable future for everyone. As we are all connected, we all benefit in the end. If you are interested in an in depth study of the cosmos and the importance of balance and harmony, this is the book for you.

*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

New book release: ‘Stormy Sunshine: The Poetry Experience of a Lifetime’ by Regina Medina Alvarado

‘Stormy Sunshine: The Poetry Experience of a Lifetime’ is the new poetry book by Regina Medina Alvarado. Photo: Regina Medina Alvarado, used with permission.

Poetry is a type of artistic writing meant to stir the reader’s imagination or emotions. It is often used as a creative vehicle to express one’s feelings or to speak out for social causes or against social injustices. As a poet myself, I’m always on the lookout for impactful poetry books. Today’s new book release, “Stormy Sunshine: The Poetry Experience of a Lifetime” by Regina Medina Alvarado, touches on contemporary social issues with hopes of healing and renewal. It is available on Amazon. On December 24, 25, and 26 only, you can take advantage of a FREE download promotion on the e-book format.

Regina Medina Alvarado is a Northern Californian who gets her inspiration from the sights, sounds, news, events, and people she observes, as well as from first-hand accounts. She was never a poet by profession but eventually found enough quiet time to begin writing. While she speaks in defense of those affected by police brutality, she now finds herself at the mercy of police in help of searching for the person who took her grandson’s life this past November 21st. (Regina Medina Alvarado, 2023)

“Stormy Sunshine: The Poetry Experience of a Lifetime” – This debut poetry book by Regina Medina Alvarado dives into life’s uncertainties, mysteries, hopes, and triumphs. It memorializes prolific issues and events that grip America and society at large with a path toward healing and savors the splendor of a poetic dawn and a revealing of hope for mankind. It is both a conversation starter and a keepsake to be shared. This book will stand as a time capsule for our generation, as seen only through the eyes of a poet. Get a front-seat view to this moody, emotional rollercoaster ride that comes full circle into poetry’s renaissance.

Sponsored Post

‘Story Sunshine: The Poetry Experience of a Lifetime’ is also available as an e-book. Photo: Regina Medina Alvarado, used with permission.

Book of the week: ‘Fitness Planner: for beginners’ by Stefan Bercea

‘Fitness Planner: for beginners’ is an essential guide to reaching your fitness goals. Photo: Amazon

The year is winding down and it is time to start making resolutions for the new year. If your goal for the coming year is to get in shape and live a healthier life, it is always best to consider where you are in your journey, what your goals are, and how you want to achieve them. Fitness planners are an excellent way to do this. One such planner is Stefan Bercea’s “Fitness Planner: for beginners.” It is designed to give support and guidance for three types of people: beginners, those who want to return to the gym, and people who are recovering from an accident and planning to return to the gym soon. Start the year right and pick up your copy today; it is available on Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Stefan Bercea has a Master’s degree in Criminology, specializing in Crime and Victimization which brings a unique perspective to his writing. The threads of his academic journey are woven into the narratives, adding depth and insight to the stories he shares. Beyond the pages, his driving force is a genuine passion for helping others. Each tale is a vessel for empathy, understanding, and a shared journey through the tapestry of human experiences. His books are a reflection of his diverse interests—whether it’s exploring the realms of comics, delving into the world of sports, pondering the intricacies of philosophy, or unraveling social sciences. His new book “Fitness Planner: for beginners” offers support and guidance for beginners, people wanting to return to training in the gym, and people recovering from an accident.” (Stefan Bercea, 2023)

“Fitness Planner: for beginners” – This planner focuses specifically on the motivation/reason for which an individual should train and defines it as a goal to be achieved. It then progresses into offering information and recommendations on how training should be approached, depending on the chosen goal, by giving examples and beginner training routines. The planner then discusses the idea of “dieting” and prompts readers towards a healthy challenge encouraging them to adopt a lifestyle and abandon the idea of dieting. It then concludes by prompting readers to create a visual representation of their goal, training, and eating lifestyle as a motivational tool for their fitness journey.

If you are looking into starting or restarting your fitness journey and need a little bit of support in organizing it, then this planner will provide you with some serious advice which you should consider through your journey. It includes three beginner workouts and teaches you how to train, even with only one day available from the entire week. It also teaches you to optimize your training sets and repetitions according to your output. This planner offers you a health challenge in order for you to learn about your body and discover a healthy lifestyle.

The main sections are Find Your Motivation, How to Train, and What to Eat.

Find Your Motivation – this section helps you decide what your fitness goals are: building Muscle, being Athletic, or becoming more Powerful; in other words: M.A.P. Of course, you don’t have to choose just one, but you will achieve your goal faster by focusing on just one. Everyone’s journey is unique and should be personalized. The author does an excellent job of giving detailed steps to help readers narrow down what their goal should be.

How to Train –  This section focuses on finding a training split, the right amount of sets and repetitions for each exercise, finding the best exercise, and the different types of exercise (arms, legs, abdomen).

What to Eat – Far from dictating specifically what to eat, he proposes that you test yourself by eliminating certain foods to find out what works best for your body. This includes sugar, milk, gluten, and processed foods. His biggest advice is to stay away from fad diets and instead create an eating plan to get the most out of the foods you eat.

At the end, he provides a layout for readers to use as a visual board to create their fitness goal plans. Overall, it may be a small book, but “Fitness Planner: for beginners” is an extremely useful reference guide for optimizing your fitness goals. The best part is that he emphasizes the need to personalize your training plan to suit your needs and according to what works best for your body. It is recommended for readers interested in fitness, exercise, and healthy living.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Sponsored Post

Upcoming new book release: ‘The Wandering Pianist’ by Congyu Wang

‘The Wandering Pianist’ will be released December 27, 2023. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Memoirs and biographies can be so inspiring to read because they remind us that achieving a dream takes time, dedication, patience, and most of all, hard work. Indeed, nothing in this world comes easy but it does come with an immense feeling of satisfaction. If you are a music lover and enjoy biographies of artists, today’s upcoming new book release might interest you. “The Wandering Pianist” is the inspiring biography by Congyu Wang about living up to his name, though far from the aspirations his parents had for him. It is a story of resilience, faith, and unbridled passion and ambition.

Congyu Wang is an internationally renowned soloist who has garnered acclaim as a recitalist, accompanist, and chamber musician. Born in Singapore, he started playing the piano at the age of 3 under the tutelage of Sylvia Ng. He was selected for a scholarship that enabled him to attend the prestigious École Normale de Musique de Paris, where he studied with renowned French pianists Jean-Marc Luisada and Odile Cartelin-Delangle. His new book “The Wandering Pianist” is a heartfelt reminder that no dream is too big, and no obstacle is insurmountable if one’s passion is unyielding. This book will leave you inspired and deeply moved, proving that the pursuit of dreams is worth every sacrifice, every tear, and every note played. It will be released December 27, 2023 through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other book sellers. (Congyu Wang, 2023)

“The Wandering Pianist” – He defied his family’s expectations and society’s norms. From the very beginning, Congyu Wang was a true underdog, not a musical prodigy, and even once dismissed the piano as being “for girls.” However, one teacher, one movie, and a new status in his young life will drive him to wanting to become a pianist.

Despite the relentless pressure to conform to traditional education and career paths, Congyu’s heart was set on pursuing this dream. Forced to escape the pressure cooker that he was living in, he embarked on a courageous quest that led him to studying at the prestigious École Normale de Musique de Paris on a scholarship at only sixteen years old. His journey wasn’t a fairy tale in Paris, though; it was daunting and sometimes heart-wrenching.

From being homeless and hungry on the cold streets of Paris to navigating the challenges of pursuing his musical ambitions, Congyu’s story is one of resilience, faith, and an unshakable passion for the piano. His encounters with piano masters who he looks up to are set against the backdrop of adversity, heartache, and rejection.

Through the highs and lows, Congyu’s journey is a testament to the power of hard work, passion, luck, and dedication in bringing talent to life. From the depths of despair to finding God’s grace, he emerges not only as a concert pianist but also as a symbol of hope, determination, and the pursuit of dreams against all odds.

Sponsored Post

Congyu Wang. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
1703685668

  days

  hours  minutes  seconds

until

‘The Wandering Pianist’ release date