The Resting Place: A Graveside Diary by Pamela Little

The Resting Place: A Graveside Diary.  Pamela Little. Soul Custody Press. November 2014. 143 pp.  ISBN#: 9780990784807.

Pamela Little wrote this memoir to put her life in perspective.  Since she was young and suffered from bipolar disease, as well as suffering an abusive trauma in her youth, she’s had an obsession with death.  She’s not afraid of it but finds herself drawn to it.  She therefore decides to begin a journal which she mainly writes only when visiting a cemetery, where she has bought her own plot which she plans to share only with her mother someday.  Initially, it’s the only place she truly feels at peace!

Don’t write off Pamela’s background, for this memoir is replete with gems about living that few people take the time to ponder and appreciate!

A great deal of the account takes place as the author attempts to write through her chemical changes that put her into either a manic or depressive state, exacerbated with panic attacks.  But it is in those places where she sees what has weakened her relationship with her family and acquaintances and what she could possibly do to strengthen them instead of giving in to the compulsions that turn destructive if acted upon.  One doesn’t have to be bipolar to recognize how normal and prevalent these situations are in every family.

The close relationship she shares about her mother and daughters is what fuels her continuous writing of this journal with the goal of being more obsessed with living than dying.  She does just that.  For example, choosing not to give in to binge eating when in the depressed phase of her illness actually allows her freedom and space to grasp what is bothering her behind the surface manifestation of illness.  Choosing to write one’s obituary frees one to realize an opportunity to actually put into practice what few of us actually do, rather than wait until after a loved one’s death when one writes of words, feelings, and thoughts that were never actually shared with a loved one while alive.

Most of all, this account is about realizing how responsible we each are for our own lives, leaving out the blame game that only serves to distort reality!

Cherishing and loving life as it manifests in people, places and events are what fuel the unique quality of this memoir.  It’s a rare and special gift for any and all readers, one to relish and even share with our own families, friends and acquaintances.  Thank you for sharing this account, Pamela Little!

The Guardian Angel's Journal: A Novel by Carolyn Jess-Cooke

The Guardian Angel's Journal: A Novel. Carolyn Jess-Cooke. Guideposts. April 2011. 304 pp. ISBN #: 9780824948795.

Margaret Delacroix has died. In a highly unusual and ironic twist, she has been assigned to be a guardian angel to herself but with the new name, Ruth. This, however, is no easy task as her job has four rules that must be followed in her mission. She must be a witness to everything Margot does, feels, and experiences. She must protect Margot from the forces attempting to interfering with the choices Margot makes. Third, she must keep a record, a journal, of all that happens; and fourth, she must "love Margot." The latter doesn't appear to be too daunting a task until the reader gets deeper into the story.

Margot has been born into a childhood of heart-rending suffering, abandonment, cruelty, and abominable experiences that make the reader cringe and sadly cause the divine light she was born with to gradually wane and almost disappear. Another way of saying this is that life's knocks have made Margot into a tough cookie who is extremely needy but who guards against any intrusion into the minute fragment of vulnerability left. So begins a life of alcohol, drugs, destructive relationships, and lack of vision that has been surrendered to the stronger elements around her.

What is particularly intriguing in this story is what one would call the proverbial battle between "good and evil," a stereotypical phrase this reviewer dislikes; but that is exactly what is transpiring between the guardian angels and demon angels surrounding most of the characters. This battle, for example, is depicted in the pattern of paralysis in a person's self-esteem that blocks freedom in any shape or form. Or perhaps it is an illness that takes hold and will not let go until death. These challenges form the fascinating part of this story, with some very frightening and very tender moments sure to touch every reader.

The Guardian Angel's Journal: A Novel is not light reading but is a tale that will remain with the reader, ultimately affecting the way he or she makes choices, connects to or disconnects from the divine, and loves or rejects love of all shades and variations appearing in one's day-to-day life. Thoughtful, provocative, horrific, and endearing - what a combination! Nice job, Ms. Jess-Cooke!

Quantum Angel Healing by Eva-Maria Mora

Quantum Angel Healing: Energy Therapy and Communication with Angels. Eva-Maria Mora. Synergy Books. February 2011. 312 pp. pb. ISBN #: 9780984504015.

Our thoughts and emotions carry spiritual energy that has such tremendous healing power. This is, according to the author, an avenue of healing open to everyone and limited only by our own resistance. One can access this energy for one's own mind, emotions, and spirit as well as share it with others. Beginning with clarifying one's intentions and communicating with angels, Ms. Mora offers numerous suggestions for connecting with angels, such as the use of prayers - how to is important here - and crystals. Other chapters include cleansing the area around one's self by a technique called "smudging," a discussion about the types of spirits living near each person, and using techniques like salt baths to provide a clean, clear environment.

The following chapters then become very specific about angel breath rituals, the definition and use of the chakras in every human body, and the importance of the "third eye" in one's spiritual practice and health.

The remainder of the book tackles actual healing techniques for clearing away the ill effects of lack of forgiveness, living in an habitual victim mentality, fear, rejection, and so many other areas. There apparently are different angels to connect with who specialize, so to speak, in healing different problems. Finally, there is a list of ailments, the programs and emotions inherent in each illness, which program to use in the book for healing each individual health issue, as well as information to connect the reader who wants to know more about the practices of quantum angel healing or to connect with an actual quantum angel practitioner.

Ms. Mora has presented the reader with an alternative method of healing that will fascinate some who are open to such experiences. The caveat this reviewer would add to what has been presented is to open to whatever is possible herein and not to fall into a guilt trip for what may not happen.

Certainly, Quantum Angel Healing opens up a brand new world sure to intrigue many and offers alternatives for those who want something other than traditional medicine something to embrace with natural, divine healing methods.

Return to Eden by Anthony Raimondo, Ph.D., CH

Return to Eden by Anthony Raimondo, Ph. D., CH. Dog Ear Publishing. 2009. pb. 156 pp. ISBN #: 9781608441136.

Dr. Anthony Raimondo has an unusual point of view on living a whole and complete life. After teaching students for many years, he began to realize that the narrative story of one’s life could lead to a theme of direction for the best career and most satisfying existence that is not only possible but also intended by the source of all being, God, or whatever name one credits with the author of life.

This theme evolves after beginning to practice meditations, visualizations, imagining scenarios, affirmations centered on Divine Design, exercises for allowing the when and where and how of one’s plan to emerge as well as how to deal with obstacles that evolve, prayer, and plotting the plan one desires, all of which are creatively and realistically presented by the author. Many examples are given to guide the reader slowly to achieve one’s Return to Eden.

For Dr. Raimondo believes and reminds the reader that the Fall from Eden was not the end of the story but only the beginning. Men and women were promised, through the words given in multiple sacred and secular texts, a return to the original design meant for humanity. It is ours to claim, and Return to Eden is a plan to initiate what all are intended to become and cherish in the full realization of life’s purpose. This is a lovely, inspirational text sure to become very special to those who not only read but practice its outlined program! Oneness is the promise for all!

Who Stole My Soul? A Dialogue with the Devil on the Meaning of Life by Vishwa Prakash

Who Stole My Soul? A Dialogue with the Devil on the Meaning of Life by Vishwa Prakash. Synergy Books. November 2009. ISBN #: 97809823114050

"Confused and directionless in a world where good things seem to happen to bad people, and bad things to good people," begins this fascinating meditation on the wisdom required to live a purposeful life! Most of the advice offered here arises from an unwillingness to see things the way they really are, and the Devil is out to set us straight!

Written with a tongue-in-cheek, funny style, the narrator Devil immediately tackles the largest enemy of peaceful living - fears and fantasies. The former are clearly recognized by everyone, but the latter advice calls for some honest self-examination. For instance, there are the lustful fantasies of both males and females that are followed by seeking the "perfect" spouse with whom one can live forever in "domestic harmony." When protesting with sentimental excuses, the Devil quickly cuts off the human for his "bumble-babble...If you begin to bore me with some bombastic Godly spiel, then I'll just lick my lips and chomp your head off." No arguing there...

The Devil even tackles some topics that one doesn't normally consider such as the power of laughter to heal the deepest wounds and help one cope with the toughest challenges like depression and illness. Again, the value of self-giving is mocked by our fiendish narrator. And wonder of wonders, "God and religion are not the same thing!" Add to that humans will never know the difference because they are so busy sucking up and competitively trying to complete their self-made plans!

There is so much more here to enjoy and to stop in order to truly meditate on what shouldn't be glossed over! Numerous quotes from writers of all cultural persuasions are spread throughout the text, making one realize that much research has gone into this work which offers a goldmine in its flip but potent style reminiscent of C. S. Lewis's The Screwtape Letters.

Nicely done, Vishwa Prakash!