Owens Books

Davy dares to pursue his dream of sailing among the orca. He turns a deaf ear to pessimistic adults and sets out. But -- his dream is illusive and avoids him. A quick "refit" and he makes contact with the whales. Well drawn / illustrated, a story from and for the heart. [ I had the privilege of hearing the author tell about making the book -- his first -- to an audience of elementary school students. ] A great story of inspiration, better than the Little Engine that Could's "I think I can" -- this one says "I'll go do it!"

While this is an inspiring story to encourage kids to "follow their dreams," what attracts me back to this book are the illustrations.

As a native of Washington State, I spent my youth attending summer camp on Orcas Island, in the San Juan Islands, near the Canadian border. While at camp, we sometimes experienced "Killer Whale" sightings, which the counselors used to enjoy frightening us with.

We spent many lazy days on the beach, or boating to neighboring islands, where we would campout, hike, go clamming and crabbing on the beach or build rafts. Although we didn't spend any time in a sailboat at camp, I spent a good deal of time sailing with my older brother on Lake Washington during those carefree days of summer.

Paul Owen Lewis' paintings in "Davy's Dream," with the predominance of greens and blues, contrasted against the black and white of the orcas, vividly captures the essence of the San Juan Islands and the dreamlike state one can experience in this breathtaking environment. To his credit, Lewis lets his pictures tell Davy's dream for several pages, without the help of words.

I guess I just want to say that this book rings true to my experiences as a youth in the Pacific Northwest.

Whenever I read this book aloud to students in my elementary school library, they always listen with awe and then line up to check it out.

Davy's Dream, written by my brother, Paul Owen Lewis, has inspired many school children over the years. It takes Davy on a journey of believing in what he knows to be true, in spite of the nay-sayers in his life. Your children will love the illustrations and even notice Paul's cat, Guenivere on every page! Your whole family will enjoy the amazing things that happen to Davy and especially if you are Keiko fans. Enjoy!

No longer does one need to climb the highest mountain to speak to the guru who awaits. Most wise souls are not waiting on mountain peaks, but rather in the pages of their words of wisdom. One has only need to go as far as the local bookstore. Choosing which words to read can be a challenge. I have come to trust Llewellyn Publications for most of my spiritual reading, and I have not been sorry.

"Discover Your Spiritual Life," by Elizabeth Owens is a road map to the spiritual path. A certified medium and ordained Spiritualist minister, Elizabeth shares her wisdom openly. Oftentimes those seeking guidance in spirituality have had a trauma or life changing experience, some have encountered something of the paranormal and are led to discover more, and some have simply found they are lacking something they cannot put their finger on. Whatever the reason, seeking guidance is a very personal choice. You may want to start your path on a gentle slope. This is it.

Elizabeth offers a guided tour down a path of beauty, peace and balance. Beginning with helping the reader to understand what lies in store by reading the book, she assures that questioning is normal and natural. Then, like following a cherished aunt down a garden walk, we are led through the beginning of our journey. There is guidance in creating personal time and space, and preparing for meditation. Around the corner there are suggestions for giving thanks and exploring the being that you are. Down the path is a chapter on giving yourself affirmations and positive reinforcements for your goals, dreams and accomplishments. Always, there is the lesson to do no harm and the understanding of karma.

Through anecdotes and case histories, Elizabeth shows how the principles she speaks of have changed lives (and afterlives I am sure!). There is help here in forgiveness, understanding motivations and personal disappointments. The chapters on gratitude and focused energy are very helpful and in the end, she shows us how to become balanced observers of life. Throughout the book Elizabeth is careful to be nondenominational, gentle and caring, and nonjudgmental.

You will walk away from this book feeling as though you have a wonderful friend and spiritual advisor. You will walk away with understanding and knowledge and the ability to choose your own spiritual path. You will be able to acknowledge synchronistic events, see your present situation clearer and be receptive to what the universe has in store for you.

"Discover Your Spiritual Life" is an excellent primer to finding your spirituality. I highly recommend this book to anyone with the desire to grow or simply enjoy the journey of life.

Where have I been all my life?! This book made so much sense, I can't believe I never realized how simple life could be! I have missed so much by being blind to the obvious! This book says it all! Many thanks to the author for opening my eyes!

"The goal is to find a spiritual path that is suited to your highest and best spiritual growth. This book is a good starting point. You may wish to use it as groundwork for expansion to other avenues of spiritual pursuit. I would further suggest that you borrow pieces to construct you personal spiritual path from where you find something that resonates with your being. Take a block from Christianity, a stone from Buddhism, and a brick from Taoism, and cement them together with love to form your personal spiritual path. Every book you read will add a pebble to your path. The choice is yours to make." --From the Introduction

There often comes a time in a person's life where deeper meaning and meaningfulness is desired. Sometimes this yearning is a result of a trauma or difficulty such as illness, divorce, tragedy, or death of a loved one. For others, a richer, fuller, and more peaceful life is welcomed because a life of boredom, confusion, directionlessnes, and apathy is no longer an acceptable way to live. Whatever your reasons for wanting to enhance your spiritual journey, Owens' brand new book Discover Your Spiritual Life - Illuminate Your Soul's Path provides clear, concise, and practical ways to do so. Positive and practical, this book offers the guidance you need to live a more spiritual, meaningful, and peaceful life by becoming a balanced observer rather than a concerned worrier.

Throughout this book, the author encourages the reader to take responsibility for their life, make the changes necessary for betterment, monitor thoughts and patterns of experience, and create sacredness through meditation and other spiritual tools. What I like about this book is that Owens "majors on the majors", so to speak. (As opposed to majoring on the minors.) In the New Testament, Jesus addressed the Pharisees saying, "You swallow camels and strain gnats." The Pharisees were spiritual leaders who oppressed their followers with rules and regulations, and often nitpicked over what to wear, what constituted work on the Sabbath, etc. In other words, straining gnats. In this book, however, the author deals eloquently and passionately with the "camels" of life--the "big" stuff like forgiveness, positive intent, harmlessness, gratitude, sowing and reaping, and neutrality.

As a person who's been on a conscious spiritual path for years, I had wondered if this book would tell me something I didn't know--something that would help me on my own path. While the ideas and suggestions weren't new to me, reading Owens' words were a refreshing distillation of what really matters when one is on a spiritual path or seeks to become more spiritually mindful. Her enthusiasm for the magical--for the sacred--is infectious. Another element I liked about this book is how it reminded me of just how magical a spiritual path is, or can be. The author shares some amazing anecdotes and case histories, some from her experience as a medium.

In addition to sharing practical wisdom, she lists a series of exercises at the end of every chapter as well as a to-do list. Of course, none of those are "have-to's", but her exercises are specifically crafted to help the reader incoporate the ideas of each chapter into their own lives. She's a big fan of journaling as a part of spiritual practice, as well as for healing the self from toxic emotions.

For example, in the chapter Understanding Disappointment, Owens asks several questions in the Exercise portion such as:

Reflect on disappointment during your adult years that were devastating to you at the time they happened. List them now in your journal, and write the final positive outcomes in your journal. Can you see, in retrospect, how everything had a way of working out for the best? If you had but known then how things would have turned out, would you have reacted so severely?

How can you take the lessons from yesterday and use them in the present? Write your thoughts in your journal.

Are there things that you do to set yourself up for disappointment? In your journal, list any behaviors that come to mind.

What steps can you take to change this behavior? Write ideas in your journal.

Owens also addresses the importance of meditation and provides examples of how to create a personal space for meditation and contemplation--including how to prepare an altar and energetically clear your personal space. She even provides a color chart for the use of candles and altar cloths, as well as for focusing intent when meditating. For example, the color green is associated with prosperity, balance, and renewal in all areas where growth is needed.

In the chapter Affirmations For Your New Life, the author instructs the reader how to formulate and use affirmations. She also details the fascinating concept of making a presonal treasure map. A treasure map is made of sturdy poster board or cardboard, and decorated with hand-selected items that represent your wish list. You can go to a craft store and choose items that symbolize your intent, as well as cut out pictures and words from magazines to glue onto the paper. You can also write words or phrases with markers, crayons, paint, or whatever you'd like. For example, if you wanted to be a published author, you could choose items that have to do with books and writing such as: the words Amazon.com, pictures of books, a clipping of the N.Y. Bestsellers list, inspiring passages, quotes or words, etc. Add to your personal treasure map as you're inspired, and keep it in a prominent place. That way, it serves as a visual reminder of what you seek to accomplish in your life. You could make a treasure map for relationships, spirituality, vocation, healing, and so on.

Whether you are seeking wholeness, healing, mindfulness, spiritual depth, or the everyday sacred, this book would be a wonderful companion on your personal journey.

Cheryl Owen does an excellent job of explaining the history and evolution of Salt Dough for arts and crafts. The projects are unique, interesting and suitable for a variety of skill levels. Her book includes a variety of projects from wall hangings to plates, clocks and containers, and fun toys for children. Beautiful photography compliments the easy to follow directions. This book should be included in everyone's Arts and Crafts section of their home library.

This book is great and teaches you how to make creative projects from ... water, flour and salt! Some objects showed by Cheryl Owen are folk, and other are very sophisticated. Dinousaurs, cornucopias, flowers, stars, butterflies and other creatures are turned into necklaces, pencil holders, hanging decorations, bowls, boxes and other projects that can be made to and by children and adults. The author give us precious ideas in how to use this fantastic a-toxic, cheap and versatile material. Buy now!

This doughcraft book bonanza is truly an eye-candy with full-color photographs splashed on every page. Complementing the beautiful photos are techniques and step-by-step instructions on how to accomplish each project using this very versatile medium. Pictures showing variations of some of the projects are also included, inspiring the crafter further. Wall decorations, bowls, clocks, toys, frames, vases, and napkin holders are just a sampling of what might be found in this book. The templates of these items can be found at the book's last few pages. Finally, for easy referral, an index is included.

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R5JV95AYGGEXM Here is a brief video insight into the remarkable story that is "Down to Earth". The amazing life of Squadron Leader Kenneth Butterworth McGlashan AFC.

I thoroughly enjoyed 'Down to Earth', the war memoirs of Squadron Leader Kenneth Butterworth McGlashan, AFC, co-written with Owen Zupp. Mr. McGlashan has the distinction of having been in the 'right' place---'right' being a relative term, I guess, as he had to do a lot of fighting-- to take part in many of the major battles of World War Two, from Dunkirk through The Battle of Britain, Dieppe, and D-Day. He then has more adventures flying transport aircraft. His story is told in the way most World War Two veterans tell of their exploits, as if these herioc deeds were just another job and no big deal. McGlashan's humility makes his story all the more readable and enjoyable. Even his wooing of his future wife takes time and effort as the quiet charm of the young pilot grows on the lovely girl he courts.

McGlashan is now retired and living in Australia, and a fitting end to this book sees him paying a pilgrimage to his old Hawker Hurricane, crashed on the beach during the evacuation of Dunkirk.

I think the thing I enjoyed most about this book is McGlashan's conversational style, his disarming modesty, and his humor. I felt after reading it that this is the kind of chap I'd like to sit down with and have a few beers, and just listen to him talk for three or four hours. These men truly were 'The Greatest Generation', and I applaud co-author Owen Zupp for helping bring this important story to light.

Rob Morris, Author, Untold Valor: Forgotten Stories of American Bomber Crewmen over Europe in World War Two, Potomac, 2006.

I usually rave and rave about wartime aviation memoirs because, to me, they are such a privilege to read. However, Down To Earth is more than that. Sure, it's great that the author has shared this story with us but, at the end, you come away feeling like you know Mac and wishing you could shake his hand.

Kenneth McGlashan flew over Dunkirk and, through self-admitted inexperience, walked its beaches after his Hurricane was shot down. He is young, 19, but mature. Further trips over Dunkirk follow and he evolves into an effective single-engined fighter pilot. The Battle of Britain follows during which Mac's squadron is posted for an intriguing interlude in Ireland chasing German Condor long-range maritime patrol bombers. Here, his desire to pass on his knowledge surfaces and his commitment and drive to better himself as a leader and pilot is evident. He returns to England and flies cats' eye night fighter ops where he has to rely on his skill, eyesight and a lot of luck. Over time, Mac finds himself working with searchlight-equipped Boston/Havocs, the next great idea in night fighting to prove unsuccessful but nevertheless exciting when flying close formation with a bomber at night. Finally, though, he finds himself posted to a Mosquito night fighter unit and, at last, an effective way to hunt at night. What follows is a love affair with the Mossie, a harsh lesson on single-engined flying that sees him in hospital and determined to learn and teach what he can about "assymetric" flight, continuing anecdotes of the great men he flew with, an amazing sojourn with BOAC in the Middle East, flying during the invasion of Europe, training, raising a family, the end of the war, successful command of a Mossie squadron, award of the Air Force Cross, transfers, time in Cyprus and living around the world. What a life!

The writing is relaxed and so easy to follow. It is casual but evocative, regularly amusing but equally poignant. Mac certainly made the most of his scrapes over Dunkirk, his lucky escape over Dieppe and his serious crash in the Mossie. He learns from his mistakes and adventures as indicated by the fact he flew operationally for more than four years, more or less. His revisting the scene of his Dunkirk incident brought a lump to my throat as he relived the events of that day surprised he could remember such minute details. Mac's stories are supported by excellent memories from his wife, Doreen, adding a very personal aspect to the reading.

The author comments that the restoration of Mac's Hurri, R-for-Robert, is a fitting tribute to the man. I think it is fair to say, so is this book.

Everywoman's Money: Confident Investing was outstanding. Delightful read for invaluable results. Not only is Deborah Owen's writing style easy flowing -- she takes a set of complicated topics -- "recognizing the need to" and "knowing how to" save and invest -- and provided simplicity, clarity, and thoroughness. Simplicity of the complicated factors savers and investors need to consider and understand to develop good financial programs.
Clarity in the specific actions that need to be taken. Thoroughness in the breadth of savings and investment industry alternatives there are to choose from -- and guidance on making those choices.

Confident Investing is a terrific book for anyone who wants to understand the topic of money management and investing. It is entertaining, easy-to-read, and loaded with interesting anecdotes and "coaching tips" on how to get started and what to do! The topic of investing can seem intimidating at times, but Deborah knows how to break down all the "hard-to-understand" lingo and speak to the reader in a conversational and common sense language. I thank Deborah for giving me the motivation and knowledge level to take control of my own financial future!

Pryor to changing careers, I worked in the Brokerage/ Investment Banking Industry for 13 years and daily watched the insiders use the Stock Market wisely to build their dreams and financial futures. During those years there were very few books on the market that educated the average investor about the basics of successful investing. Debbie Owens has written Confident Investing to fill that void. Though there are many books on the subject these days, Confident Investing is one of the first books I have read that has provided the basic information and the encouragement one needs to become a successful investor.Though the book solely focuses on women, the information rings true for all novice investors. How much you invest is not the focus. Having a firm foundation about investments is key to making wise decisions with your hard earned dollars!

Debbie begins each chapter with stories about women in various life stages and how each person with financial education was able to change the course of their lives. Each women was able to make their dreams come true.

Each chapter also has coaching tips and a money therapy section to emphasis the theme for that chapter. The chapters end with a journal section to help you analysis those unspoken blocks that prevent each of us from reaching our goals. You can not read this book without wanting to make a change for the better.

I would encourage anyone who wants to achieve their financial goals to begin with this book! The best place to start is with basic information.... Debbie has "cornered the market" on that!

Doyle Fans who've read and reread all the Sherlocks should give these fun stories a go. Brig. Gerard is kind of a French Flashman: the hero of every battle (at least by his own lights) when he's not winning the hearts and charms of any beautiful woman in range. Gerard is the ultimate egoist, and we love him for it-- listening to him relating these exploits over a flagon of wine, we can forgive him for perhaps exaggerating a bit here and there....

Thanks to Doyle for creating another memorable character.

I loved reading the book so much, I keep reading it over and over again.

It is surprising how funny Conan Doyle could be sometimes. Brigadier Gerard is a wonderfully conceited, rather dim-witted but brave and generous-hearted cavalry officer in Napoleon's Army. His adventures are a delight to read.

Note: There are a couple Mormons who are angry over my negative reviews of books written in defense of the Book of Mormon, and they have been slamming my reviews.

Your "helpful" votes are appreciated. Thanks.

I can't comment on every picture, but this book is worth the price for only three of the images: the "Apotheosis of Technology" (showing the future with an obelisk, spaceships, and a huge planet in the background), "Interplanetary Excursions" (showing elephant-like creatures hauling people from a spaceship in a river onto land), and a couple of neat pictures of Jane Fonda as "Barbarella." If you don't like Jane Fonda, don't worry. The rest of the book is great.

You'll find something in this book that you'll love. See my postings of these pictures.

This is a coffee table type book that covers primarily popular culture images of life on other worlds up to 1979. It is considerably better than the usual mass market attempts. First of all, while the pictures are the dominant feature of the book, the text accompaniment is very literate (I mean, how many times have you seen Immanuel Kant worked into such a discussion?) However, the illustrations and still photos steal the show. The editors got permission to from an incredible range of sources- many obscure. You have everything from movie stills from Melies to Lucas, stills from television shows, book illustrations, to pulp and comic strip illustrations. And all of it is liberally interspersed with actual NASA photos and concept paintings from various missions (to illustrate how often fiction has become fact over the years.) Sure, it only covers the years up to '79, but if you are a sci-fi buff you will find a wealth of information and memories here.

Here is a partial listing of some of the sources covered: Destination Moon, Flight to Mars, Conquest of Space, The Adventures of Tintin, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Star Wars, This Island Earth, Space Cruiser Yamato, Things to Come, Quark, Barbarella, Star Trek, Lost in Space, The Outer Limits, Flash Gordon, Buck Rogers, The Time Machine, UFO, Space 1999, Supercar, The First Men in the Moon, Astounding Stories, Planet Stories, Wonder Stories, Startling Stories, Analog, Weird Science, Moon Zero-Two, Little Nemo, John Carter of Mars, The Angry Red Planet, Silent Running, When Worlds Collide, Planet of the Apes, Forbidden Planet, etc., etc., etc.

I even discovered some surprising stuff here- who knew that Bob Clampett of Bugs Bunny fame started work on an animated version of Edgar Rice Burroughs's Martian stories?

This is a coffee table type book that covers primarily popular culture images of life on other worlds up to 1979. It is considerably better than the usual mass market attempts. First of all, while the pictures are the dominant feature of the book, the text accompaniment is very literate (I mean, how many times have you seen Immanuel Kant worked into such a discussion?) However, the illustrations and still photos steal the show. The editors got permission to from an incredible range of sources- many obscure. You have everything from movie stills from Melies to Lucas, stills from television shows, book illustrations, to pulp and comic strip illustrations. And all of it is liberally interspersed with actual NASA photos and concept paintings from various missions (to illustrate how often fiction has become fact over the years.) Sure, it only covers the years up to '79, but if you are a sci-fi buff you will find a wealth of information and memories here.

Here is a partial listing of some of the sources covered: Destination Moon, Flight to Mars, Conquest of Space, The Adventures of Tintin, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Star Wars, This Island Earth, Space Cruiser Yamato, Things to Come, Quark, Barbarella, Star Trek, Lost in Space, The Outer Limits, Flash Gordon, Buck Rogers, The Time Machine, UFO, Space 1999, Supercar, The First Men in the Moon, Astounding Stories, Planet Stories, Wonder Stories, Startling Stories, Analog, Weird Science, Moon Zero-Two, Little Nemo, John Carter of Mars, The Angry Red Planet, Silent Running, When Worlds Collide, Planet of the Apes, Forbidden Planet, etc., etc., etc.

I even discovered some surprising stuff here- who knew that Bob Clampett of Bugs Bunny fame started work on an animated version of Edgar Rice Burroughs's Martian stories?

I bought this beautifully illustrated book for my grandson, who is growing up in the Pacific Northwest surrounded by the art of the region's native people. I've colleced a lot of Haida and Tlingit art over the years and was so pleased to find the book's illustrations were both historically and aesthetically accurate. Between this book and the author's Storm Boy, kids can see Haida button blankets, Chilkat blankets, coppers, wooden chief's masks, the carved and painted interiors of long houses, the woven reed clothing worn in past eras, and of course totem poles. I loved the scale of the illustations in scents in the Frog longhouse, with the little girl so dwarfed by all the big carvings and sculptures. I have to say that these two books are among the best-illustrated kids' books I've seen in years. If I were on the prize committee, I'd award the author/illustrator a Caldecott Medal for sure.

This is a title that will entertain both the adult reader and the child. An adventure regarding stewardship of the earth. The dream-like images and intriguing story draw one right in. Would make a nice gift.

The story is easy to read aloud and the illustrations are rivetting. I bought this for my three-year-old son, but find myself using it as a teaching tool in my second grade classroom, as well. It is very similar to a story my grandparents (Quinault-Cowlitz/Coast Salish) used to tell me when I was growing up. The message about taking care of all our relations is an important one. The story ignited a new interest in volcanoes and pond-life in my son's imagination. His interest in volcanoes and caves became so keen because of this book that we spent hours in the volcano exhibits at the Natural History Museum and made a special trip to Carlsbad Caverns! Bravo Paul Owen Lewis.

I've been following Dave for awhile---it's nice to have an "Arizona" authority on gardening and imaginative and cost conscious as well---he makes it easy.

This a great companion book to David Owens book "Extreme Gardenning". They are like my bible to gardening organic in the desert of Arizona.

Anyone gardening in the hostile desert knows how tough it is to garden. Can't say this book makes it easy, however, it sure makes it easier !
Some of his ideas are so simple, yet so effective. For example, stop fighting with uncooperative clay soil - put an old hay bale on top of the clay, and grow there !! It works, and over time the hay or straw softens the clay, too....Can't imagine not having this book as I garden...

This is simply a phenomenal piece of work! If you love Confederate history or genealogy, this book is a must for your bookshelf!

This book is a must for anyone who reads and studies Confederate Civil War History. I have been looking for a book such as this for a long time. It's a great reference.

The authors have researched and visited the grave sites of all 425 Confederate generals, even those overseas.
Each is listed complete with a picture of the man, details of his life and military career (with some corrections of errors on gravestones), name and location of the cemetery, (with detailed directions to the obscure ones), and a photo of the grave marker.
The basic layout is by State, but the Table of Contents, Alphabetical Listing, and Index make it easy to find any information. The usefulness is further augmented by tables showing where the generals were born, died, and are buried, the region and branch where they served, when and where mortal injury took place, (where applicable), and the numbers laid to rest in various types of cemeteries.
In sum, an admirable production, highly recommended for libraries and military history collections, and a valuable addition to anyone's Civil War bookshelf.

(The "score" rating is an unfortunately ineradicable feature of the page. This reviewer does not "score" books.)