In December of 1963, grief over the recent assassination of President Kennedy gave rise to a heightened sense of urgency to "grab the brass ring now." So it was that on a snowy day in Dallas, a legal secretary looking for a brighter future for herself and her family answered an ad placed by a new company, Mary Kay Cosmetics. In Jackie Brown's brief interview with Mary Kay, she became convinced not only of the company's quality products and the founder's values, but also of the potential in the marketing plan. Here was a company that would reward her hard work and dedication with an executive paycheck Jackie rose through the ranks of Mary Kay Cosmetics as no one else did. Jackie's successes in selling and recruiting laid the foundation for a cosmetics empire and she herself became the gold standard for new recruits. But as the company's achievements spiraled ever higher, Jackie began to see flaws from within. And these were only the first warnings of a breach of trust so great it would start a battle between the two women. This is the story the public has never heard. The real story that fills in the gaps left by other published reports. It is a story of loyalty and betrayal, joy and heartbreak, recognition and disappointment, heady success and depressing failure. Ultimately, it is also a story of tragedy, and Jackie Brown is the only one who can tell it. Author Jackie Brown spent over forty years in the cosmetic business and was president of two cosmetic companies. Now retired, she lives in a small town in Arkansas.

A roaring forest fire adventure unfolds in the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Colorado where two unlikely families, a courageous horse, a stubborn mule and a faithful dog are camping.

The reader will be captivated from beginning to end of this harrowing experience when a huge fire threatens to trap an arrogant but innocent city family left in the high country by an irresponsible trail guide.

Despite warnings by Lindall Brown, whose family has respected the wilderness for years, the wealthy Smythe family rejected any advice about safety and campfires.

Lindall intended to report the guide but encountered utter chaos at the trailhead under the leadership of a novice forest service ranger trying to organize a group to fight a forest fire out of control.

Lindall offered his services, as he had fought many fires, but instead, was ordered to get his tired horses and mules ready to pack in equipment. Having no choice, he started to get the tired animals ready for the steep trip back up the smoky trail.

Rena remembered the Smythes who could be trapped in the fire. Lindall started to the ranger to inform him that they would need the animals to go rescue the family but when he turned his head to speak, he was hit in the head by a pulaski a ranger was using to practice. The ax left him bleeding with a deep cut.

The sisters reluctantly left their unconscious dad with their mother, and rode up the steep trail to attempt a dangerous rescue.

This exciting tale speaks volumes about courage and compassion of young girls who dared to risk their animals' lives and theirs for an undeserving family. The reader will live every breathtaking event of this dangerous mission.

My version of an adult picture book. Who says picture books have to be appropriate?

Life was different back in the day. Community was vital. Childhood antics, teenage exploits, and the challenges of young adulthood revealed I didn't know what I thought I knew. Through all of this, the greatest influence of my life was my mom. She helped me process the good and the bad. Instead of being one-dimensional live, love, and laugh with the great intention and anticipation of more. As she is no longer with me her words and laughter linger on, and I am emancipated. I learned that the greatest gift of life was and truly is love; unpretentious, nurtured, and existing to be shared with others. Jackie Brown Riddick is a native of Sunbury, North Carolina where she grew up in rural Gates County and attended public schools. She received a Bachelor of Arts from Livingstone College in Salisbury, NC. She is happily married and honors the sanctity of marriage as the loving wife to Phillip Riddick for 30 years, mother of two sons (Phil & Mikey), and one granddaughter (Mikayla). She has traveled to many lands, but insists that people are the same with like passions. She believes God loves us all and everyone has value. While sharing her experiences she hopes to empower others to thrive in their virtues and abilities, and simply enjoy life. She ministers alongside her husband, Phillip who is pastor. They currently live in Chesapeake, Virginia.

A roaring forest fire adventure unfolds in the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Colorado where two unlikely families, a courageous horse, a stubborn mule and a faithful dog are camping.

The reader will be captivated from beginning to end of this harrowing experience when a huge fire threatens to trap an arrogant but innocent city family left in the high country by an irresponsible trail guide.

Despite warnings by Lindall Brown, whose family has respected the wilderness for years, the wealthy Smythe family rejected any advice about safety and campfires.

Lindall intended to report the guide but encountered utter chaos at the trailhead under the leadership of a novice forest service ranger trying to organize a group to fight a forest fire out of control.

Lindall offered his services, as he had fought many fires, but instead, was ordered to get his tired horses and mules ready to pack in equipment. Having no choice, he started to get the tired animals ready for the steep trip back up the smoky trail.

Rena remembered the Smythes who could be trapped in the fire. Lindall started to the ranger to inform him that they would need the animals to go rescue the family but when he turned his head to speak, he was hit in the head by a pulaski a ranger was using to practice. The ax left him bleeding with a deep cut.

The sisters reluctantly left their unconscious dad with their mother, and rode up the steep trail to attempt a dangerous rescue.

This exciting tale speaks volumes about courage and compassion of young girls who dared to risk their animals' lives and theirs for an undeserving family. The reader will live every breathtaking event of this dangerous mission.

In December of 1963, grief over the recent assassination of President Kennedy gave rise to a heightened sense of urgency to "grab the brass ring now." So it was that on a snowy day in Dallas, a legal secretary looking for a brighter future for herself and her family answered an ad placed by a new company, Mary Kay Cosmetics.In Jackie Brown's brief interview with Mary Kay, she became convinced not only of the company's quality products and the founder's values, but also of the potential in the marketing plan. Here was a company that would reward her hard work and dedication with an executive paycheck Jackie rose through the ranks of Mary Kay Cosmetics as no one else did. Jackie's successes in selling and recruiting laid the foundation for a cosmetics empire and she herself became the gold standard for new recruits.But as the company's achievements spiraled ever higher, Jackie began to see flaws from within. And these were only the first warnings of a breach of trust so great it would start a battle between the two women.This is the story the public has never heard. The real story that fills in the gaps left by other published reports. It is a story of loyalty and betrayal, joy and heartbreak, recognition and disappointment, heady success and depressing failure. Ultimately, it is also a story of tragedy, and Jackie Brown is the only one who can tell it.Author Jackie Brown spent over forty years in the cosmetic business and was president of two cosmetic companies. Now retired, she lives in a small town in Arkansas.