Mystery. Intrigue. Strange encounters in the Far East. Three ingredients Mark and Gus, both martial-arts and visual artists, surprisingly get mixed up in, as they strive to obtain "The Three Perfections" of Chinese art. While Mark explores oriental paintings, practices kung-fu forms, finds culinary treats and visits popular Beijing sights, his stuffed companion, Gus Greenbear, drops into a time warp full of historical figures in the guise of teddy bears. Without warning Gus is deep into an adventure that challenges his wit and proves for all time just what he is really made of.

"Perform these poems! Do it your way!" Peggy C. Hall invites teachers of English, drama, music, art, technology to use these two full-length poetry "shows" (or individual poems) as springboards to innovative, collaborative or solo, interpretations of the spoken word. An overarching theme in each show--the difference/sameness between perception and reality--makes the poems perfect for humorous, somber, electric, moving auditions, duets, ensemble showcases by high school, university, or professional performers. In her "Poet's Preface," Hall briefly outlines the multi-media responses by actors in Miami, FL productions of 2007 and 2008 to the poet's challenge: "Inhale these poems. Exhale your soul."

Replete with breathtaking landscapes, teeming with wildlife and charged with emotional power, "In Case Of Bears" marks the publishing debut of award-winning poet Peggy C. Hall. Inspired by her travels in the American West, "In Case Of Bears" straps the reader to the passenger seat of a cross-country trek, over Rockies, Bitterroots, Badlands, Blackfoot Hills and the Lewis & Clark trail with Hall's poetic wagon train west. Hall impresses us with mastery of poetic forms from around the world, including many complex Irish and Welsh forms of her ancestry. "Idaho Suite" pays homage to Hall's own private Idaho, its majestic wilderness deep within untamed America, her summer home in its center, the danger and delight surrounding it. "The Rest of The West" follows Hall through the Rockies, Pacific and Southwest, and the philosophical dilemmas of America as they emerge from her observation. In "Wild Things" Hall turns this voice inward to face the bears of her psyche while mirrored by the real dangers of animal encounters. Triumphant and uplifting "You Gotta Have Art" and "CeleBEARations" highlight Hall's literary prowess while filling the reader with positive spirit. "What About Our Teddy Bear?" sees the return of hero Gus Greenbear to the written page, complete with entourage and new adventures. And finally, "Route 12, Idaho" returns us to a respectful view of wondrous Nature. With a masterfully poetic voice, Hall transforms her transcontinental travels, roadside revelations, encounters with wild animals and even wilder folk into poignant poetic gemstones, quick on the pulse of a Native America seldom seen today.