{"product_id":"heart-of-the-desert-a-collection-of-poetic-healing-searching-for-meaning-and-rediscovering-peace-paperback","title":"Heart of the Desert: A collection of poetic healing, searching for meaning, and rediscovering peace - Paperback","description":"\u003cp\u003eby \u003cb\u003eJessica Hanks Kaserman\u003c\/b\u003e (Illustrator), \u003cb\u003eHolly Young Kolb\u003c\/b\u003e (Editor), \u003cb\u003eMonte J. Hanks\u003c\/b\u003e (Author)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eA watcher in the rocks am I, \u003cbr\u003eAs the Watcher waits for me.\u003c\/i\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\"Heart of the Desert\" is a collection of poems written by Monte J Hanks, a Vietnam veteran who worked with the homeless population of Salt Lake City, Utah for over 30 years. Watercolor paintings throughout the book were created by artist, Jessica Hanks Kaserman. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eThroughout this collection of desert inspired poetry and artwork, you will find internal reflections, a deep search for meaning, and ultimately, a red, sandstone path to healing. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eThis collection also includes a list of recommended reading, curated by the author. It includes titles of works that inspired Monte's journey to healing and to become a poet himself, such as: \u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDreamwork and Westwind by Mary Oliver\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Rag and Bone Shop of the Heart: Poetry for Men by Robert Bly, James Hillman and Michael Meade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAn American Sunrise and Poet Warrior by Native American poet, Joy Harjo\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDesert Solitaire by Edward Abbey\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRed, Passion and Patience in the Desert by Terry Tempest Williams\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003eMonte has also included a list of \"Recommended Wanderings\" for the sojourner seeking new destinations to discover peace and healing in nature.\u003cp\u003eAbout the Author: \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMonte has walked several decades of his life's journey, and time has diverted him down roads of disappointment, anger, and at times ultimate despair. But it has also been filled with gratitude, growth, and a discovery of self. The past has shaped his future, being a footprint of who he has become. At times, the twists of the journey surprise him in the direction they take. He has many experiences that demonstrate the true will of the human spirit, both personally and professionally. He is a Vietnam Veteran and that time in his life left permanent memories, some painful and others full of gratitude.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAfter his time in the military, he struggled with substance abuse, eventually overcoming that dark period of his life. For 20 years he worked a variety of jobs just trying to survive. He chose a hard path that was physically demanding. After a \"wake-up call\" by the death of his father, he returned to college at 41 to find a new career that was personally fulfilling.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAfter graduating and for the next 30 years, Monte worked with those experiencing homelessness in Salt Lake City. He created programs when other options didn't exist, establishing community relations and building collaborations, but most importantly, being present to homeless men and women to offer resources, kindness, and, above all, hope.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMonte would not say that he is self-accomplished, rather accomplishing what moves his soul. He retired this year and has returned to writing poetry and perhaps to finish a couple of books he began years ago.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHis journey is changing direction, so perhaps there are more surprises yet to come.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNumber of Pages:\u003c\/strong\u003e 82\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.17 x 8 x 5 IN\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePublication Date:\u003c\/strong\u003e December 15, 2023\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Books by splitShops","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47404321964210,"sku":"9781962975001","price":18.88,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0770\/3891\/1666\/files\/a93ff065d198938b3d466fe0655de561.webp?v=1778157425","url":"https:\/\/box.dadyminds.org\/products\/heart-of-the-desert-a-collection-of-poetic-healing-searching-for-meaning-and-rediscovering-peace-paperback","provider":"DADYMINDS BOX","version":"1.0","type":"link"}