It's the 1950's, and Irish Catholic Tricia Williams is surviving childhood in Brooklyn, New York, watching Leave It to Beaver and hanging out at Gino's Pizzeria. Though the family scene is short on security, she's got friends and faith. Twenty years later, the surging sexual revolution is in full swing, and her obsession is "breaking away." She's abandoned the Church, and now in a hurry to leave home, makes a daring move to Los Angeles. It's a strange city, and Tricia soon realizes it might not be the start of something big, but bad. It's not the obsessive apartment-hopping or even her unique job-a-month plan that's the problem. What she's really looking for are spiritual roots, and she's about to get entwined in a weird web of Buddhism, Mormonism, Hinduism, and New Age practices that will keep her wandering a Rabbit Trail for decades, until one charismatic man unlocks the secret for her.
The never-before-told story of the horned rabbit—the myths, the hoaxes, and the entirely real scientific breakthroughs it has inspired—and how it became a cultural touchstone of the American West. Just what is a jackalope? Purported to be part jackrabbit and part antelope, the jackalope began as a local joke concocted by two young brothers in a small Wyoming town during the Great Depression. Their creation quickly spread around the U.S., where it now regularly appears as innumerable forms of kitsch—wall mounts, postcards, keychains, coffee mugs, shot glasses, and so on. A vast body of folk narratives has carried the jackalope’s fame around the world to inspire art, music, film, even erotica! Although the jackalope is an invention of the imagination, it is nevertheless connected to actual horned rabbits, which exist in nature and have for centuries been collected and studied by naturalists. Around the time the two young boys were creating the first jackalope in Wyoming, Dr. Richard Shope was making his first breakthrough about the cause of the horns: a virus. When the virus that causes rabbits to grow “horns” (a keratinous carcinoma) was first genetically sequenced in 1984, oncologists were able to use that genetic information to make remarkable, field-changing advances in the development of anti-viral cancer therapies. The most important of these is the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which protects against cervical and other cancers. Today, jackalopes are literally helping us cure cancer. For fans of David Quammen’s The Song of the Dodo, Jon Mooallem’s Wild Ones, or Jeff Meldrum's Sasquatch, Michael P. Branch's remarkable On the Trail of the Jackalope is an entertaining and enlightening road trip through the heart of America.
Eva and the Wolf-dog A story about Dreaming Big set in a city. Andry and the Lemur A story about How to Serve and how Everyday love changing Everyday lives set in the jungle of Madagascar. Rabbit Trails offer something for everyone: For God - Profits go to feed and rescue children. For kids - The books have animals, art, and fun. For parents - Bible verses, character themes and mini-studies are included. For teachers - The books are designed to aid a love of learning in fun bite-sized portions that include science and history content.
Get closer to nature than you've ever been before with this jaw-dropping guide to our wonderful world. Marvel at the breathtaking photography showcasing flora and fauna in the most incredible, intricate detail. From ants to elephants, the animal kingdom is explored and explained in this extraordinary encyclopedia that puts you at the heart of the action. See the tiny spines on a stinging nettle, watch lichen spreading over a tree, and observe the secret suckers on an iguana's feet. The mysteries of the natural world are displayed in brand new images, together with cross-sections, macro, and electron microscope images. Alongside the utterly absorbing visual content, Explanatorium of Nature brings its own fountain of knowledge about how nature works. For instance, did you know baby foxes that are born with blue eyes turn to gold? Or that reptile scales are made from the same material as your fingernails? Discover how spiders spin webs, how birds fly, how snakes kill, and much, much more. This irresistible ebook is a guaranteed favorite for animal lovers, nature enthusiasts, and budding wildlife experts everywhere.
The sport of trail running is booming as more runners seek more adventurous routes and a deeper connection with nature. Not only are runners taking to the trail, but a growing number are challenging themselves to go past the conventional 26.2-mile marathon point. The time is right for a book that covers everything a runner needs to safely and successfully run and race trails, from 5Ks to ultra distances. Like a trusted coach, The Trail Runner’s Companion offers an inspiring, practical, and goal-oriented approach to trail running and racing. Whether readers are looking to up their distance or tackle new terrain, they’ll find sophisticated, yet clear advice that boosts performance and enhances well-being. Along the way, they’ll learn: Trail-specific techniques and must-have gear What to eat, drink, and think—before, during, and after any trail run How to develop mental tenacity and troubleshoot challenges on longer trail adventures Colorful commentary on the characters and culture that make the sport special With an engaging, encouraging voice, including tips and anecdotes from well-known names in the sport, The Trail Runner's Companion is the ultimate guide to achieving peak performance—and happiness— out on the trails. "Sarah Lavender Smith has long been one of trail running’s finest and most insightful writers, and her first book, The Trail Runner’s Companion, ties everything together for all trail runners, from newbies to veterans and all abilities in between. She expertly and empathetically describes how one should train, eat, drink, and think while becoming a trail runner. But perhaps most importantly of all, she tells us what it means to be a trail runner—why this journey, in her words, 'all the way up to the summit and back down,' is worth the effort. If you already are a trail runner, The Trail Runner’s Companion will make you want to become a better trail runner. If you aren’t yet a trail runner, The Trail Runner’s Companion will make you want to become one.” - John Trent, longtime ultrarunner, race director, Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run board member, and award-winning sportswriter "The Trail Runner's Companion is a must-have for all trail runners, both new and experienced. It brings a wealth of knowledge and entertaining stories to keep you engaged in the valuable content of the book. If only I had The Trail Runner's Companion to read before my first trail race, I could have avoided so many mistakes! I highly recommend it.” - Kaci Lickteig, 2016 UltraRunning Magazine UltraRunner of the Year and Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run champion
Is your homeschool full of worksheets and never-ending tasks that are draining the enjoyment of learning from your children? Do you find yourself dreading certain subjects because they only result in tears and frustration? Or maybe your homeschooling adventure is about to begin and your looking into your options. Relaxed Homeschooling is designed to help you learn how to homeschool in a relaxed and natural way. Its step-by-step guide will teach you how to inspire learning at home through classic literature, life, and experience. It will also teach you how to recognize your child's interests and be a mentor rather than just a teacher. This book is perfect for anyone who is intrigued by, and has wanted to homeschool in a more relaxed, child-led manner, but feels like they are lacking in creativity and/or education. With over 14 years working in various areas of education and more than 7 years of homeschooling experience, Christine Owens has tested and seen the results of the methods that she shares in this book. Rooted in the philosophy of A Thomas Jefferson Education, Relaxed Homeschooling fully embraces the idea of leaving the "conveyor belt" style of education behind and illustrates how to recognize and follow the rabbit trails that spark the interests of your children. I promise that if you read this book, and complete the activities in each chapter, the educational atmosphere in your home will change for the better. You will have children begging to learn every morning, a rekindled excitement for learning, and you will be learning right along with them. Don't let your children miss out on a more enriched learning experience because you're worried about trying something new. Be the parent who is willing to take your homeschooling to the next level. Be the parent who mentors children and supports their interests. Be the parent who values true education. Be the parent who leads out and shows children that learning is fun and doesn't have to feel like a chore. The tips, tricks, and exercises that you are about to read will transform how you see your children and their education. All you have to do is keep reading. Each chapter will give you insight as you hone your mentoring skills, unlock the hidden curriculum in books, and shape your home environment. Don't hesitate to create your ideal homeschool. Take control right now! It's your home and it's your children's education. It's about time you enjoy a more relaxed homeschool experience. So what are you waiting for? Turn the page! What are parents saying: "This method has a way to reduce parental stress and encourage child-directed learning. It allows me as a parent, to be fully engaged with my child while we are both learning. I believe that it supports all learning styles, which is critical." - Jody from North Dakota "This book has taught me ways to use regular books and classics as my homeschool curriculum and feel complete. It goes well with TJEd, Charlotte Mason, unit studies, and unschooling philosophies." - Kyra F. from California"Christine's focus is on homeschooling parents, but I have found almost everything she writes about to be applicable to any parents." - Brian A. from Florida"I absolutely loved it!!! . . . I want to create a much better learning environment for my kids even though they attend public school." - Suzie M. from California
A feisty girl from a family of ranchers lands a job as a daredevil stunt girl in the early days of silent film in this adventurous and funny cross between Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken and Ramona. Pearl lives on a ranch where her chores include collecting eggs and feeding ornery ostriches. She has three older brothers, who don't coddle her at all. And she knows a thing or two about horses, too. One day, Pearl's brothers get cushy jobs doing stunts for this new form of entertainment called "moving pictures." They're the Daredevil Donnelly Brothers, a Death-Defying Cowboy Trio. Before she knows it, Pearl has stumbled into being a stunt girl herself--and dreams of becoming a star. The only problem is, her mother has no idea what she's up to. And let's just say she wouldn't be too happy to find out that Pearl's been jumping out of burning buildings in her spare time. Filled with action, humor, and heart--not to mention those pesky ostriches--The Nerviest Girl in the World introduces a spunky heroine whose adventures will have kids on the edge of their seats and whose sense of humor will have them laughing until the very last line.
Discover design inspiration as a photographer and blogger details the story of her renovation of a 1940s cottage in the California countryside. A little, abandoned vacation house that could, set in the center of rolling fields and trees becomes the cottage home of her dreams. A French country–style cottage filled with original elements and an exquisite mix of rustic and refined. The years of renovation allowed Courtney to create a lifestyle that is fueled by inspiration and beauty, a touch of whimsy, and an abundance of everyday elegance. The journey has been shared on her popular blog French Country Cottage, and now, through the publication of her first book, her readers will experience a reveal of more of her home and property and the inspirations behind her beloved style. Courtney's inspiring photography reveals every nuance of her style and home including a muted color palette, old brassy door knobs, chippy paint, antiques, her greenhouse and garden, and an abundance of entertaining and holiday decorating style. Blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor and embracing well-worn as well loved, French Country Cottage is a style that celebrates simplicity, indulges in romance, cherishes pieces with history and believes a chandelier and fresh flowers belong in every room.
The Bunny Trail, a coming-of-age story set in Florence, Italy and New York City, opens on the day young Bunny befriends Michael after they meet as children in an unexpected way. When Michael's facial deformity doesn't frighten Bunny away, they soon forge a friendship that saves them both from the darkness in their lives.Within their safe, little world and through their shared trips and travels, they learn more about themselves, explore their gender fluidity, and discover who they are and who they want to be. Mistakes are made and situations tear them apart, but they always find a way to make it back to one another, and throughout their lives, they learn that committed relationships don't always have to fit a mold.
This extraordinary story of courage and faith is based on the actual experiences of three girls who fled from the repressive life of Moore River Native Settlement, following along the rabbit-proof fence back to their homelands. Assimilationist policy dictated that these girls be taken from their kin and their homes in order to be made white. Settlement life was unbearable with its chains and padlocks, barred windows, hard cold beds, and horrible food. Solitary confinement was doled out as regular punishment. The girls were not even allowed to speak their language. Of all the journeys made since white people set foot on Australian soil, the journey made by these girls born of Aboriginal mothers and white fathers speaks something to everyone.
