Esther's Town could be "Any Town, U.S.A.," for the equals of its cast of characters can be found in any small town. And here, as usual, was the town newspaper editor, the observing eye of all the foibles and peccadillos that form any town's history. Remembering all the years with love and humor, editor Deemer Lee chronicled the forty-four years he gathered and wrote news—forty-one of them as editor and publisher of his town's newspaper. He dug into old records, recalled old times, and talked with old-timers. He illuminated the transition of a town, from Estherville’s pioneer settlement to the busy, active town it is today. The excitement and fun begin with a story of bootleggers, Chautauqua meetings, and an accomplished arsonist—who achieves in less than two months the impressive score of burning seven barns and one feed store, with an unsuccessful attempt on the Methodist church. Scandinavians move in, build crude shelters for the first winter, and add their special characteristics to the town. The Irish arrive and stamp their mark on the whole territory. The circus comes to town and entrances everyone with its ancient pageantry. The railroads come through and add a rowdy element to the population. The Depression begins and farms see 11-cent corn, 108-degree heat, and a twister. All these events, plus adventures with a massive meteorite and haunting river tragedies, create the drama and flow of small-town life, story by story, in a fascinating revelation of Americana.
In this collection of his stories and plays, Charles Deemer writes of characters typically struggling with changing values in an uncertain world: Todd in The Half-Life Conspiracy, a playwright who comes to the premiere of his one-act play only to discover that it is being directed by his ex-wife, who left him for another woman (the very subject of his bitter one-act play). Thomas in Famililly, who braces to tell his traditional, dying father that he will be raising his son not with his wife but with his male soul mate. Lester in The Man Who Shot Elvis, who many years after the fact is still dealing with a sense of loss from when black rhythm-n-blues turned into white rock-n-roll. Included is this anthology: Famillily which won the 1997 Crossing Borders international new play competition; The Idaho Jacket which was selected as a Roll of Honor story in Best American Short Stories 1974; and Christmas at the Juniper Tavern, an ACE award winner for its presentation on public television and called "an Oregon classic" by Northwest Magazine. Praise for the writing of Charles Deemer: "One of Oregon's most precious natural resources." —Jonathan Nicholas, The Oregonian "Oregon's most important playwright." —Paul Pinterich, Northwest "[Deemer] asks questions about the nature of people's lives, their relationships and their values when something out there forces change." —Kathleen L. Reyes, Stepping Out Northwest
Esther's Town could be "Any Town, U.S.A.," for the equals of its cast of characters can be found in any small town. And here, as usual, was the town newspaper editor, the observing eye of all the foibles and peccadillos that form any town's history. Remembering all the years with love and humor, editor Deemer Lee chronicled the forty-four years he gathered and wrote news—forty-one of them as editor and publisher of his town's newspaper. He dug into old records, recalled old times, and talked with old-timers. He illuminated the transition of a town, from Estherville’s pioneer settlement to the busy, active town it is today. The excitement and fun begin with a story of bootleggers, Chautauqua meetings, and an accomplished arsonist—who achieves in less than two months the impressive score of burning seven barns and one feed store, with an unsuccessful attempt on the Methodist church. Scandinavians move in, build crude shelters for the first winter, and add their special characteristics to the town. The Irish arrive and stamp their mark on the whole territory. The circus comes to town and entrances everyone with its ancient pageantry. The railroads come through and add a rowdy element to the population. The Depression begins and farms see 11-cent corn, 108-degree heat, and a twister. All these events, plus adventures with a massive meteorite and haunting river tragedies, create the drama and flow of small-town life, story by story, in a fascinating revelation of Americana.
In this collection of his stories and plays, Charles Deemer writes of characters typically struggling with changing values in an uncertain world: Todd in The Half-Life Conspiracy, a playwright who comes to the premiere of his one-act play only to discover that it is being directed by his ex-wife, who left him for another woman (the very subject of his bitter one-act play). Thomas in Famililly, who braces to tell his traditional, dying father that he will be raising his son not with his wife but with his male soul mate. Lester in The Man Who Shot Elvis, who many years after the fact is still dealing with a sense of loss from when black rhythm-n-blues turned into white rock-n-roll. Included is this anthology: Famillily which won the 1997 Crossing Borders international new play competition; The Idaho Jacket which was selected as a Roll of Honor story in Best American Short Stories 1974; and Christmas at the Juniper Tavern, an ACE award winner for its presentation on public television and called "an Oregon classic" by Northwest Magazine. Praise for the writing of Charles Deemer: "One of Oregon's most precious natural resources." —Jonathan Nicholas, The Oregonian "Oregon's most important playwright." —Paul Pinterich, Northwest "[Deemer] asks questions about the nature of people's lives, their relationships and their values when something out there forces change." —Kathleen L. Reyes, Stepping Out Northwest
Mimi Kuo-Deemer takes the reader on a journey through the five elements and seasons of qigong, explaining their connection to health, lifestyle, and state of mind. . . . It is a pleasure to read such a balanced approach. I highly recommend Qigong and the Tai Chi Axis!" — Kenneth S. Cohen, author of The Way of Qigong Reduce stress, release pain, and create bodily harmony with this introduction to qigong and the yin/yang balance of tai chi, the ancient Chinese arts of movement meditation. This accessible book features information about these practices as well as insights into their benefits, providing tools for replenishing inner resources and managing energy levels. It also offers advice on making healthier choices in everyday life that will support the body's natural capacity for energy, balance, and well-being.
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