Have you ever wondered how a Guide Dog knows how to lead a blind person? How they protect their owner from harm in crossing busy streets, into stores and restaurants, and even travel on airlines and cruise ships? Here is your chance to find out. Up to a point, that is. This is the long-awaited sequel to the popular and insightful Confessions of a Guide Dog - The Blonde Leading the Blind by Musket. Confessions of a Labradiva - Another Blonde Leading the Blind is the story of Saffron, who began working with Mark Carlson in September of 2012. While Saffron is certainly a well-trained Guide Dog, loving, loyal and devoted, she is not just another blonde. She is a Labradiva, a unique breed of Yellow Labrador. In Confessions of a Labradiva you will follow Saffron , as Mark does, from her birth at Guide Dogs for the Blind, through puppy raising and Guide Dog training and into a remarkable life as a working dog. That might be more than enough for most Guide Dog books, but not for Saffron the Labradiva! Mark Carlson, who did most of the actual writing relates how he, Jane and Musket came to welcome and love Saffron, who was as different from her big brother as could be. Saffron has touched and enriched the lives of people all over the country, been loved by men and women of the Greatest Generation, and has touched hearts with her wagging tail and soft tongue. All she ever ask for in return was belly rubs and treats, especially treats. Confessions of a Labradiva - Another Blonde Leading the Blind is written in the same mischievous and indulgent style as the first book. It is meant to make the reader laugh and cry, shake their heads at the absurdities and smile at the victories. She is cute and comical, sweet and sassy, devoted and a bit devilish. Read on and you’ll see what we mean. It is not your typical Guide Dog book, but then Saffron is not your typical Guide Dog. This is her story...and she is sticking to it!

Have you ever wondered what a guide dog does? How do they know to lead a blind owner? Can they understand traffic lights? Most importantly, how does the owner know where to pick up the poop? This memoir answers these questionsand more. It tells what guide dogs are supposed to do. Theyre smart, loyal and well-trainedbut not all dogs are created alike. Musket is proof of that. Hes definitely got a thing for treats and belly rubs. For the first time, the dog has his say. (Of course he needed a little help with the typing, since he doesnt have opposable thumbs. Thats where author Mark Carlson came in. Still, Musket is the brains of the outfit.) Mark and Musket tell their story with humor, emotion, and Muskets occasional contradictions. And at the end of the day, Musket somehow manages to be a great guide dog too. Confessions of a Guide Dog was written so a wonderful, devoted dog could reach out to those who havent been lucky enough to meet him. Hell make you smile, laugh, cry, and want to give him treats. This is their story. (And theyre sticking to it.)

According to the National Eye Institute by 2020 it is estimated that 5.5 million people of all ages will be blind or have low vision. Low vision is impairment that cannot be corrected by standard eyeglasses, contact lenses, medication, or surgery. That is 1 out of 28 and that is shocking. We also have a diabetes epidemic that can lead to diabetic retinopathy. Is the world ready? I don't think so. Are you aware of what this might mean to you?The purpose of this book is to let readers know that loss of eyesight is not a death sentence. Twelve people have shared their stories detailing how they met the enemy in their own lives and how they cope on a day-to-day basis. Some of them were born blind or became blind after a period of normal sight. Others have slowly lost vision and have learned to cope at different stages. Emotions play a major part in this experience and reading how others dealt with anger and depression helps the newcomers know they are not alone.The book began as a tribute to my husband who became instantly blind at the age of 10. When we married I entered his world and became a part of the low vision community. It is in Tucson, Arizona where I met the folks who graciously shared their stories with me. They detail not just the physical facts, but the emotional turmoil that took over when they were first told they had low vision that could not be restored with eyeglasses; or, they were blind or would gradually become so. Including Resources, Organizations and Definitions, along with the Stories makes this book useful to much of the population and particularly to those over the age of 60.I believe people who are already experiencing low vision will find this book valuable because of the sense of support they find in the Stories, and Resources they might not be aware of.The book should be in libraries where it will be one of a kind. Lions Clubs that focus their volunteer work with collecting and distributing eyeglasses and conducting vision screenings will benefit from this book. Many have members who are blind as does Tucson Rincon Lions Club. Sellers of vision equipment will want to stock this book. Ophthalmologists could buy in bulk to hand to their patients at the time of diagnosis or worsening eyesight. I think bookstores will want this on their shelves so it can be available to all. It will be available on Amazon as paperback, e-book and audio. Inspirational Stories of the Visually Challenged plus Resources might not be something you need, but think about someone you know, be it family, friend or co-worker. I think you will be thanked profusely. It would benefit someone considering purchasing this book if you would take time to write a brief review on Amazon and Goodreads so others know the value of this book.

The letters of Richard and Mary Watkins are a treasure. A rare perspective offering tremendous insight into the daily life of both as they struggle with the hardships of war, farm operations and family concerns. A must read. Neal Wixson, editor, Echoes from the Boys of Company H -------------------------------- Between 1861 and 1865, Confederate Captain Richard Watkins and his wife Mary exchanged detailed and heartfelt letters. Richard had enlisted with Company K of the 3rd Virginia Calvary after Virginia seceded from the Union. Mary remained living near Meherrin, Virginia raising their three daughters and managing the farm. Sharing their letters with future generations was likely something the pair never envisioned. Editor Jeff Toalson, however, discovered, transcribed and annotated this extraordinarily rare collection of more than 300 unpublished letters. Held by the Virginia Historical Society, the letters convey detailed information about the war and daily life during a critical time in our nations history. Unlike military accounts of Civil War maneuvers and battles, the letters bring a clear sense of humanity to the conflict and its affects on those who lived through the time. Richard and Marys letters are touching and intriguing, weaving both a love story and an intense eyewitness account of the war. All of the major campaigns in Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania are covered. Jeffs editing and attention to detail bring this heart-warming and engaging story to life. Despite the hardships, fears, disease and separation, youll be fascinated by the humor, depth and the stark realities of the Watkinss lives.

It is April 2004 and Mehmet Yakis is an archaeology student in Istanbul. After an earthquake fractures a wall of the Aya Sofya, he unearths a lance engraved with the words, Longinus and Dominus, along with the Roman execution record of Jesus of Nazareth. Is it possible he has found the true Lance of Longinus? After Yakis shows his find to a disillusioned French archaeologist, he has no idea that Albert Boucher intends to claim it as his own. But Yakis and Boucher have competition that includes a billionaire, the Grand Master of the Knights Templar, two SS officers vying to smuggle the relic out of Turkey, and two unsuspecting tourists who turn up at the wrong place at the wrong time. As new questions arise and a race over land, sea, and in the air begins, the ancient relic becomes an obsession for everyone involved as they are left to contemplate whether it truly has miraculous power, and if so, if it is worth dying for. In this historical thriller, a diverse group of relic hunters each embark on their own dangerous journeyto possess the Roman lance that pierced Jesus’ side.

In a unique and utopian South Africa of the far future, a secret agent crosses paths with a doomed man, a few adventurous children, and a unit of nurses. He also meets a murdered woman, which is highly unusual since crime is just about unheard off in the Age of Integrity. To a background of wild South African landscapes and phenomenal technology, investigations continue. However, it is not the agent but the nurses who get to have most of the adventures. But will they uncover the truth about the dead woman? And will they discover the identities of the two John Does, lying unconscious in their hospital? Joy Sebenza, Better Than Hope, is a utopian sci fi drama, sleuth detective adventure, with hints of romance and a sprinkle of fairy tale flavor, but most of all, it is an origin story.

Guiding Emily back jacket copySometimes the perfect partner has four paws?Emily Main had it all: a high-powered career with a leading technology giant and a handsome fiancé bounding up the corporate ladder. Their island wedding and honeymoon were idyllic-until a tragic accident causes her retinas to detach. Her well-ordered life is shattered as all treatments are unsuccessful and she slips into blindness. How will those around her cope with her tragedy? Can she rebuild her life in this most unwelcome, new normal?Meanwhile, a black lab puppy named Garth fulfills his destiny to become that most esteemed of all creatures: a guide dog.Guiding Emily is a heartwarming tale of love, loss, and courage as Garth and Emily make their way to each other.