Please take a look...
http://mjroseblog.typepad.com/backstory ... uis-c.html
I will not repeat here what I say in this essay, but I will tell you this, the journey that began with a single photograph is the journey of my life.
I hope that one day, I can thank Shelby Lee Adams in person.
(original photo removed at the request of Mr. Adams)
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( 3 / 5280 )Dear Readers,
I am pleased to announce the winners of the Serpent Box “Box & Book Contest”.
Nancy Meach, of Warren, Ohio, is our grand prize winner. Nancy won an authentic, hand-made Tennessee serpent box made by folk artist Eric Cunningham.
The following readers have won autographed copies of Serpent Box the novel:
Connie Brand, Tolano, IL
Sheila True, Antioch, TN
Frances Woodall, Glen Burnie, MD
Susan Herkowitz
I’d like to thank everyone who entered, many of whom passed on some very kind words and good wishes.
This has been a remarkable journey. As Serpent Box begins to make its way into the hands of readers like you, the message of hope, love and belief in goodness begins to spread. I am reminded once again why I wrote this book by all of you, and I thank you for being readers and lovers of words.
“…if I can help somebody as I pass along, if I can cheer somebody with a word or song, if I can show somebody he’s travelling wrong, then my living will not be in vain.”
Be well, read much, give back.
Vincent Louis Carrella
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( 3 / 5236 )As I continue to read and come to know the words and thoughts of Martin Luther King, I am continually awestruck by his wisdom. How is it that we were not taught this in school? We are given a holiday for this man, and until about a week ago I really could not tell you why. Here, is one small part of the reason why Martin Luther King is, in my humble opinion, the greatest American:
"...I am concerned about a better world. I am concerned about justice. I am concerned about brotherhood. I'm concerned about truth. And when one is concerned about these, he can never advocate violence. For through violence you may murder a murderer but you can't murder murder. Through violence you may murder a liar but you can't establish truth. Through violence you may murder a hater, but you can't murder hate. Darkness put out darkness. Only light can do that."
If you have not read the speeches of this man, ALL of them, then you have deprived yourself of some great wisdom. "I Have a Dream - Writings & Speeches of Martin Luther King Jr. is a good place to start.
I am convinced that the time is right for King's words to be resurrected and broadcast. I am convinced that mankind can change his ways. I am convinced that we can love each other and help each other and make this world a better place than it is today.
This is my mission, my humble mission. This is my dream.
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( 3 / 5307 )To ask for the whole thing cut and dried at once is a great error. There is no use sitting down waiting for clarity, believing that your work will reveal itself in a flash and show you the roads to it free of charge. You have to grope your way in good faith and be content with little. In that way you keep your strength and courage alive. One frequently meets a type of very talented artist or poet lacking the capability for such slow, sinewy search, unwilling to put his hand to his work until he has got it as a kind of gift, and in some mysterious manner - with all difficulties and doubts blown away. Meantime, however, the strength seeps out of him simply because of lack of exercise, just like a muscle languishing away when it lies unused, and people with much less talent but with more contentment [desire] surpass him easily. Whoever believes himself wise and "a genius" once and for all, has closed all windows and doors to the truth, but whoever is aware of his weaknesses has opened them and will be rewarded.
Vilhelm Ekelund
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