Is it too late for humanity to create a new story? As we look at Native traditions, prophecies and mythology of First Peoples and also those of Eastern thought across the planet, we see that they are rooted in myth. Western traditions find their genesis in science, history and fact. Some may regard mythology as a lie, but truthfully it is merely poetry. It is metaphor. In exploring the mythological lore and ceremonies practiced by other cultures, the lessons therein tell us how to get in touch with the real self so that it becomes our guiding force instead of that of a "system" and its impersonal claims upon us.
The author takes a look at ancient writings and lore as diverse as Lao Tzu's 'Tao Te Ching' and Frank Waters' 'Book of the Hopi' Many other sources, from Buddhism to the Bible led her to a conclusion that these writings from people who could have had no earthly knowledge of the others have laid a path so luminous in a common ancestral truth that it would be a personal crime against humanity to not share it.
Advocating the concept of self-reliance, the author provides steps to take toward making personal preparedness in case of disaster a common agenda for each family in these troubled times, because the winds of change are the one constant we can depend on in this vast, lovely universe. She advises keeping yourself always prepared to blow with that wind, and to be at peace with it.
Time may be short. Are you prepared for any calamities that might arise in these troubled times? See the chapter at the end on self-reliance and survival. There are important things that you need to know.
The author takes a look at ancient writings and lore as diverse as Lao Tzu's 'Tao Te Ching' and Frank Waters' 'Book of the Hopi' Many other sources, from Buddhism to the Bible led her to a conclusion that these writings from people who could have had no earthly knowledge of the others have laid a path so luminous in a common ancestral truth that it would be a personal crime against humanity to not share it.
Advocating the concept of self-reliance, the author provides steps to take toward making personal preparedness in case of disaster a common agenda for each family in these troubled times, because the winds of change are the one constant we can depend on in this vast, lovely universe. She advises keeping yourself always prepared to blow with that wind, and to be at peace with it.
Time may be short. Are you prepared for any calamities that might arise in these troubled times? See the chapter at the end on self-reliance and survival. There are important things that you need to know.
"The first time I saw your poetry it struck me as the work I had sought in a barren desert. It is spontaneous and impure like oil from the ground and flares from the Sun. I recognise your spiritual search here and your finding of that echo without walls. I cannot capture in words the transcendence of your work..." --Oscar Sparrow UK
"The reason I didn't write this is because in a thousand days or a thousand years I would have never been able to write it more beautifully or leave such an impression. It proves that great stories are written by the soul of a poet." --Caleb Pirtle USA
"Cold cautious beads ....how delicious. You are poet. Time and moons will orbit and you will have been the poet, launching fixed moments into untouchable infinity. This is beautiful." --Oscar Sparrow UK
In the UK Amazon store:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B007UXQ8EC
The Collected Works of Jo VonBargen is a variety of prose and poems taken from a large body of work done over thirty years time. Several themes run through these writings about human spirit, not the least of which is love, albeit failed love. The importance of these writings is to illuminate the power of love, even when it is love spent without return or love bestowed beyond all prudence. That power manifests as strength, resilience, wisdom and a strong determination to overcome. As such, unconditional love is its own reward in a world where, sadly, millions of women are subjected to being used and abused because their naïveté and kindness is mistaken for weakness...or perhaps because cultural, religious or familial ties require that they endure it. Some of these poems and essays exist to shine a hard light on these unfortunate and dreadful circumstances, if only to light a candle in the shadowy places where truth often hides. The hope is that there is enough beauty, contemplation and #inyourface rant scattered throughout so that the reader's experience isn't rife with gloom, depression and scattered entrails!
"The reason I didn't write this is because in a thousand days or a thousand years I would have never been able to write it more beautifully or leave such an impression. It proves that great stories are written by the soul of a poet." --Caleb Pirtle USA
"Cold cautious beads ....how delicious. You are poet. Time and moons will orbit and you will have been the poet, launching fixed moments into untouchable infinity. This is beautiful." --Oscar Sparrow UK
In the UK Amazon store:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B007UXQ8EC
The Collected Works of Jo VonBargen is a variety of prose and poems taken from a large body of work done over thirty years time. Several themes run through these writings about human spirit, not the least of which is love, albeit failed love. The importance of these writings is to illuminate the power of love, even when it is love spent without return or love bestowed beyond all prudence. That power manifests as strength, resilience, wisdom and a strong determination to overcome. As such, unconditional love is its own reward in a world where, sadly, millions of women are subjected to being used and abused because their naïveté and kindness is mistaken for weakness...or perhaps because cultural, religious or familial ties require that they endure it. Some of these poems and essays exist to shine a hard light on these unfortunate and dreadful circumstances, if only to light a candle in the shadowy places where truth often hides. The hope is that there is enough beauty, contemplation and #inyourface rant scattered throughout so that the reader's experience isn't rife with gloom, depression and scattered entrails!
"The final hope arises not from the desire within mankind to change, but in the power of the poet to create imagery so memorable that it changes the course of thought. Whether you are looking for the message or the poetry, by reading this work you will get both. And you will remember the experience. You cannot afford not to read "From This Far time." "The scope of the poet is huge as she catalogues the history, horrors, banal greeds, politics and selfishness of mankind." -Oscar Sparrow, British poet
From This Far Time is a labor of love. I envisioned it to be a poetry "time capsule" for future generations who might have some curiosity about the first part of human history. It would be impossible, of course, to include the whole of that story, so I've simply touched on significant events that have had an impact on my life and millions of others. It begins from the sea with the mudborne and continues on through the war-torn. This is my fiercest writing to date, taut and terse as bleached bones!
Whatever your own concept of God...omnipotent or myth or not sure...our beginnings remain of deep interest. Personally, I think that this vast, complex universe is beyond knowing. We touch but the hem of its magnificence, its mysteries, in our strivings. That said, this work is written from what I've absorbed of the few things we think we know.
I've tried to give future societies a glimpse and a taste of where we so miserably failed, with the hope that they will remember...and do better. (Paraphrasing esteemed British author, Oscar Sparrow, in his review of my book below.) That, indeed, is my calling...my prayer...my life's work.
That you would take the time to read this and my book is the highest of honors, and you have my deepest gratitude forever. Safe journeys always...
FROM THIS FAR TIME (The Human Saga)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005KJLCLC
http://www.amazon.co.uk/This-Time-Human-Saga-ebook/dp/B005KJLCLC
From This Far Time is a labor of love. I envisioned it to be a poetry "time capsule" for future generations who might have some curiosity about the first part of human history. It would be impossible, of course, to include the whole of that story, so I've simply touched on significant events that have had an impact on my life and millions of others. It begins from the sea with the mudborne and continues on through the war-torn. This is my fiercest writing to date, taut and terse as bleached bones!
Whatever your own concept of God...omnipotent or myth or not sure...our beginnings remain of deep interest. Personally, I think that this vast, complex universe is beyond knowing. We touch but the hem of its magnificence, its mysteries, in our strivings. That said, this work is written from what I've absorbed of the few things we think we know.
I've tried to give future societies a glimpse and a taste of where we so miserably failed, with the hope that they will remember...and do better. (Paraphrasing esteemed British author, Oscar Sparrow, in his review of my book below.) That, indeed, is my calling...my prayer...my life's work.
That you would take the time to read this and my book is the highest of honors, and you have my deepest gratitude forever. Safe journeys always...
FROM THIS FAR TIME (The Human Saga)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005KJLCLC
http://www.amazon.co.uk/This-Time-Human-Saga-ebook/dp/B005KJLCLC
"Your choice of words define so clearly your apparent resignation to the facts of his condition, and yet within those words your love and care and consideration begin popping up one, two, three, more and more until like popping popcorn rapidly spills out over its container. " -Bonnie Shaw, US
"While not a long book, the author achieves all that she needs to by using descriptive imagery and an evocative writing style. Her letters are raw, full of both love and anger. I found it to be a powerful read because the nature of the author's relationship with her husband points to the fact that love is so multi-layered, and, unfortunately, often painful. There are so many reasons for leaving, and in this case, obviously more reasons to stay. " -Laura Z. US
An intense collection of "letters" written in response to my husband's strange behavior.
Written for all whose daily lives are touched by a family member or friend with autism or Asperger syndrome, with a special dedication to those who endure the trials of living with someone with a huge attitude problem and who abuses verbally. There's sure to be a special place in heaven for those who bear this burden.
It is my sincere hope that I do not offend anyone with the rawness of my emotions in reaction to what are a very complicated and serious set of medical conditions. It may seem that I am not informed or lack expertise in the subject at hand, therefore do not “understand” the reasons for my husband’s behavior. I do indeed understand, and if this work seems lacking in compassion, please remember it is purely cathartic. The writing has been my only outlet and I would probably be in a home somewhere had I not been able to let off steam. Indeed, my experiences have greatly enhanced my compassion for the multitude of others who cope with this darkness and, like me, find themselves isolated from society and any chance of a normal, happy life. It is my belief that speaking the truth, however ugly, is the only way to clear understanding.
YOUR THIN BONES Letters I Never Sent You
http://www.amazon.com/Your-Thin-Bones-Letters-ebook/dp/B005LKBR6A
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Your-Thin-Bones-Letters-ebook/dp/B005LKBR6A
"While not a long book, the author achieves all that she needs to by using descriptive imagery and an evocative writing style. Her letters are raw, full of both love and anger. I found it to be a powerful read because the nature of the author's relationship with her husband points to the fact that love is so multi-layered, and, unfortunately, often painful. There are so many reasons for leaving, and in this case, obviously more reasons to stay. " -Laura Z. US
An intense collection of "letters" written in response to my husband's strange behavior.
Written for all whose daily lives are touched by a family member or friend with autism or Asperger syndrome, with a special dedication to those who endure the trials of living with someone with a huge attitude problem and who abuses verbally. There's sure to be a special place in heaven for those who bear this burden.
It is my sincere hope that I do not offend anyone with the rawness of my emotions in reaction to what are a very complicated and serious set of medical conditions. It may seem that I am not informed or lack expertise in the subject at hand, therefore do not “understand” the reasons for my husband’s behavior. I do indeed understand, and if this work seems lacking in compassion, please remember it is purely cathartic. The writing has been my only outlet and I would probably be in a home somewhere had I not been able to let off steam. Indeed, my experiences have greatly enhanced my compassion for the multitude of others who cope with this darkness and, like me, find themselves isolated from society and any chance of a normal, happy life. It is my belief that speaking the truth, however ugly, is the only way to clear understanding.
YOUR THIN BONES Letters I Never Sent You
http://www.amazon.com/Your-Thin-Bones-Letters-ebook/dp/B005LKBR6A
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Your-Thin-Bones-Letters-ebook/dp/B005LKBR6A
"Brilliant, Jo. I am in awe. Brava!" -R S Guthrie, US
"Piggrims progress! Frankly my dear he didn't give a fat ham... God, this made me laugh so hard, and not to mention Pigmalion. The style is a brilliant parody, well done!" -Ruchira, India
Kindle Single; short story.
A goofy parody loosely based on James Joyce's ULYSSES, Chapter 4, the characters Leopold Bloom and his wife, Molly. Written in Joycean style, they are superseded by Leapover and Mulie Broom. We've added a potbellied pig.
~Cover design by Jo VonBargen~
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007IPYORA
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B007IPYORA
