This beautiful and informative volume illustrates the vitality and importance of North Carolina's contemporary art scene, showcasing the creation, collection, and celebration of art in all its richness and diversity. Featuring profiles of individual artists, compelling interviews, and beautiful full-color photography, this book tells the story of the state's evolution through the lens of its art world and some of its most compelling figures. Liza Roberts introduces readers to painters, photographers, sculptors, and other artists who live and work in North Carolina and who contribute to its growing reputation in the visual arts. Roberts also provides fascinating historical context, such as the influence of Black Mountain College, the birth and growth of Penland School of Crafts, and short histories of North Carolina's art museums, including Charlotte's Mint Museum, Raleigh's North Carolina Museum of Art, Winston-Salem's Reynolda House, and those flourishing at universities. Artists featured include Stephen Hayes, Mel Chin, Cristina Cordova, Beverly McIver, and Scott Avett. The result is the most comprehensive, informative, and visually rich story of contemporary art in North Carolina.

His mother was a BLM activist. Mason Tyndall was an aspiring rap artist. She saw fatal officer-involved shootings as senseless tragedies. He viewed them as trending hashtags — that is, until he almost became one. Mason Zy’Aire Tyndall has big dreams. Dreams of sick beats, epic mic-drops, sold out stadiums. Mason’s going to be a rap star—and you don’t become a rap star by hitting up BLM protests with your mom or sitting at a desk. Mason wants to get out there and make a name for himself, but he’ll have to graduate high school first. And he can’t do that if he fails his senior year. Convinced his poetry class is a waste of time, Mason’s sensitive teacher helps him see just how valuable a couplet and a rhyme can be. But when an unarmed Black man is killed by the police in his city, tensions start to rise—among the cops, the community, and even Mason’s peers.  Caught in the middle of increasingly violent conflicts, Mason will have to find a way to use his voice for change…and fast.

Why Some People Should Come with Warning Labels reveals common characteristics of toxic people, how to recognize early warning signs, as well as how to avoid being a perpetual target. Not only does this book expose toxic people, it holds them accountable for their misdeeds by placing the blame where it rightfully belongs; while empowering their victims to take back control of their lives.

It has been well documented in adults that taking time out for a little R&R or short meditation break can reduce stress and increase productivity. Well, it is no different for kids And with the over stimulated lifestyles they lead today, it could be just what the doctor ordered. Breathe, Chill- A Handy Book of Games and Techniques Introducing Breathing, Meditation and Relaxation to Kids and Teens is a valuable and practical resource for those who work with or have children in their lives. Like disguising broccoli in chocolate sauce, Breathe, Chill presents 70 engaging breathing, meditation and relaxation activities adapted for children of all ages. Some exercises offer an outlet for tension or stress, while others stealthily teach deep breathing skills, present moment awareness and relaxation... But, sshh, don't tell them it's good for them Organized simply into three sections - Breath Play, Breathing Techniques, and Relaxation and Meditation Techniques - and presented in a fun yet factual, kid-friendly language, each exercise is broken down in the same simple format: What is it? How does it help me? How do I do it? Adapted from traditional meditation and yoga techniques, ancient wisdom is served up in a way that is fun and accessible to all. Written by Lisa Roberts, a registered yoga teacher (RYT), registered children's yoga teacher (RCYT), and certified children's yoga therapist, Breathe Chill is a compilation of simple instructional handouts the author created for the pediatric patients she works with at a major children's hospital.

Ladies remember the thrill of finding Mr. Right only to later discover that he was totally wrong for you? For the men whose exciting relationship turned out to be excruciating, Blame it on the Rain presents warning signs regarding toxic relationships while offering hope that true love still exists. This must read collection of short stories and poems about love, betrayal, heartbreak, and self-discovery challenges the reader to examine one's own perspective on love and relationships. Relationships issues transcend social classes, cultural boundaries, age, and gender differences. Blame it on the Rain is uniquely designed to capture the timelessness and relevance of such matters of the heart.

The Barcalounger Cowboys of St. Columcille's met for the first time over a decade ago. When we started, we were all teachers...not so anymore. When we started, some of us were married and some of us were single; while that is still the same, it is now in a different combination (although, to clarify, we have not married each other). When we started, there was simply one child among us...now there are eight, perhaps nine or ten, if the rumors are right. And what do we write for? We write for ourselves, we write for each other, we write to receive the occasional rejection letter, we write to connect in the world. And we laugh...a lot.