Words from the Heart

I have as a guest Rev. Teal L. Gray, N.D. , who has recently released a new book, Spirited Tales. This book is an anthology of stories by several authors of whom I am honored to be included.  I wanted to share the book with you all, but also share more about Teal and why she wrote and compiled this book. What do you say to people who wonder how a Christian Minister writes in the genre of Horror and the Paranormal?  I explain that the Horror story defines good and evil very clearly for the reader, often as a cautionary tale. No other genre allows for spiritual and religious content more than horror. We all must navigate through this world and not everything or everyone is good or even honestly represented. You need to be knowledgeable about all the elements of the spirit world you are navigating through.  You wouldn’t go on a hike in unknown territory without familiarizing yourself with what type of animals, insects, snakes, and weather it has there would you?...

Welcome, Tui Snider to Words from the Heart, I am so excited to talk with you today about your writing and photography.  Could you tell us about how you began? Which came first, photography or writing?   Thank you so much for having me, Linda! :) I look forward to meeting your readers here via your blog.  In reply to your question, I’d say writing definitely came first. When I was 9-years-old, my big sister told me about Anne Frank’s diary, and I found Anne’s life story so compelling that I started a diary of my own. That first diary fizzled out pretty quickly, but in my teens I discovered another inspiring diarist, Anais Nin. Once again I started a diary, only this time I called it a journal because I thought it sounded more sophisticated! In any case, I began writing for 30 minutes before work and another 30 minutes before bed every single day. Except for a few lapses here and there, I’ve kept it up ever since.  Aside from the anything I publish, w...

Photos of mass grave of Captain Lathrop and his men slain in 1673 Have you ever taken a photo and found something unexpected in it?  Was what you saw something you could explain away, like dust on the lens, rain drops, humidity, smoke? Teal Gray, Tui Snider and I just had a great conversation about spirits and spirit energy on Teal Gray Worldwide ! Part of our conversation was about the two pictures above, but we also shared experiences with the unexplained and discussed two pictures that Tui had captured on two different occasions.  One thought that we shared is how easy it is to dismiss things like the photos above.  However, when "you eliminate the impossible (as Sherlock Holmes would say) whatever remains, however improbable , must be the truth?" So it is! On a serious note, I have always believed in spirit energy (ghosts).  In my life, I have had too many unexplained events not to believe. I also know that many people do not believe. I respect that....

Every so often, I am asked to review a book.  When Laura Cowan , author of Music of Sacred Lakes , wrote about her book, I didn't hesitate to say yes.   Music of Sacred Lakes intrigued me on several levels.  First, it is the tale of a young man who has lost his way after a major tragedy.  Second, he finds himself through the guidance of Native American wisdom.  Third, it takes place in a part of the US that I knew well. As I read this epic, I was touched by how carefully Laura incorporated Native wisdom.  At times, her writing is poetic, especially when describing the mysticism of the Lake.  In addition, her characters are all entirely believable.  I felt I knew them - could recognize them if we ever met.  To me, this is great writing! There are lessons to be learned in this book; it is not simply a tale to entertain.  Laura weaves wisdom throughout the story that holds true today as it did centuries ago. This is a great bo...