Readers will encounter an entirely new tribe of sock monkeys In "Survivor Tales." Inspired by her own personal journey with breast cancer, the author recounts the emotional twists and turns of two-dozen "sock monkey survivors." Reacting to their diagnoses in expected and unexpected ways, the monkeys featured in "Survivor Tales" track a heart-laced range of emotions from denial to grief to humor and hope. Each responds to the news in her own unique way, but collectively, the characters are a force to be reckoned with, offering consolation, comfort, and even joy to survivors and their loved ones. Ten percent of all proceeds from the sale of this book will go to the Puget Sound Affiliate of Susan G. Komen(r

Join the escapades of two dozen new sock monkeys as they band together in celebration of their own "personhood." Readers will meet a rhino-monkey, former dancer, sculptress, nudist, political activist, and mystic along the way. Fans of "Monkey Tales" (released in February 2013) can anticipate a few surprises as interrelationships emerge and intersections are revealed between the characters in both books. The actual handmade, one-of-a-kind original sock monkeys discovered themselves somewhere between the assemblage of their body parts and subsequent adornment. Their highly individualized designs range from sweet to coy as guided by the materials and each monkey's ancient wisdom. They each have their own story, yet they share a common purpose - to bring joy into the lives of others. "At a certain point, the monkeys started looking back at me, and it became clear I had to tell their tales " - Sally Jo Martine

This whimsical character-based medley of sock monkeys is depicted in photographic and biographical format. Take a romp with an eclectic cast of performing artists, shamans, dog-monkeys, athletes, and homemakers. You'll meet a bunny-monkey, a former rodeo star, and a cross-dresser along the way. On first take, Monkey Tales offers us a fanciful glimpse into the realm of fables. On closer inspection, we discover threads of connection and a certain familiarity. We're struck with the sense that more monkeys are yet to be unveiled. The actual handmade, one-of-a-kind original sock monkeys discovered themselves somewhere between the assemblage of their body parts and subsequent adornment. Their highly individualized designs range from sweet to coy as guided by the materials and each monkey's ancient wisdom. They each have their own story, yet they share a common purpose - to bring joy into the lives of others. "At a certain point, the monkeys started looking back at me, and it became clear I had to tell their tales " - Sally Jo Martine

This loosely bound but intentional gathering of words weaves a heart-based path through a passionate spiritual landscape. Believing that life unfolds along a full emotional spectrum, the author stretches our conventional thinking about the transformative power of being "present" in our lives. By extending our non-judging, compassionate attention to our emotions as they arise, we both dilute their power over us, and expand our ability to withstand their impact. Processing an ever-shifting cycle of love and loss, she traces a mindful route, returning to center again and again, seeking out equilibrium, and finding the alchemy of despair into hope.