Semaphore: Words and Images. Tim van de Ven, 2025. Winds of Change Press: Santa Fe, NM. Hardcover. 97 pages. $24.95.
A collection of thought-provoking poetry and photos by Canadian author, lyricist, and songwriter Tim van de Ven.
In his own words:
Writing poetry is something that I used for escape as a teen. I could invent worlds or scenarios where maybe, just maybe, I was in control.
My poetry then took a natural evolution and became lyrics for songs I was writing or songs I co-wrote with others. I’ve even been called in to help finish a verse, a chorus, a bridge here and there, for artists that had me in their employ.
I’ve often felt that the beauty in words is subjective and specific. What you feel while reading them may not have been what I felt; what is important is that you felt something. Your interpretation is just as valid as mine.
They are only words until they are run through your interpretive lens.
Art is subjective.
You may find yourself in these words; I may have written about you. I may not have written about you and you will still find yourself in these words.
Art is a mirror.
Either way, you are here, and I am grateful.
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Also available in print on Amazon
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Bless You Father for You Have Sinned. Phillip B. Shamas, 2025. Winds of Change Press: Santa Fe, NM. Paperback. 144 pages. $24.95
This memoir by first-time author Phillip B. Shamas relates the long and often painful journey of a litigant in the recent lawsuit against the Archdiocese of Santa Fe.
Phillip’s goal in life was to become a Franciscan priest. Unfortunately, his vocational director became his perpetrator, launching Phillip into years of doubt and confusion at the age of 12. Despite this challenge, he completed studies at the University of New Mexico, earned several degrees, and has spent most of his adult life serving as an exemplary teacher and school administrator. Although his experiences did undermine his faith in the Catholic Church, he has never lost faith in Spirit. He plans now to start a call center devoted to supporting survivors of pedophilia.
With a Foreword by Levi Monagle, the Albuquerque lawyer primarily responsible for supporting the litigants, and a Review by Dr. Robert F. Morgan, a well-known professor of Transpersonal Psychology who has taught post-graduate courses in universities around the world, this book is a must-read.
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Also available in print and Kindle on Amazon
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Graffiti Pigeons. Paul E. Casey. 2024. Winds of Change Press: Santa Fe, NM. Paperback.
This memoir in poetry, short stories, and words chronicles the life experiences of author Paul E. Casey, a native of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. The poems range from childhood through young adulthood, and reflect both the wonder and pain of growing up in the 50s, 60s, and early 70s.
A renaissance man in many ways, Paul is a professional musician, writer, photographer and artist. He has operated his own safety consulting firm specializing in high-risk environments.
He now spends his time managing projects in Canada’s high Arctic on the North Warning System for the Department of National Defense. He enjoys photography and restoring antique radio equipment, motorcycles, and automobiles. and of course, writing. Graffiti Pigeons Volume 2 is underway and available soon!
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Starfriends : Alyssa Chronicles Book 2. Valentine McKay-Riddell. 2024. Winds of Change Press: Santa Fe, NM. Paperback.
Alyssa and her friends are off again, this time to assist a stranded off-world visitor in her quest to save Earth from certain destruction. Readers discover the magic– and the value– of interspecies communication. Cover art by Lewis Riddell. Illustrations by Linda Hunsaker. Book design by William S. Peters.
Also available in print and Kindle on Amazon
The River Goddess & Other Stories, Book 1: The Alyssa Chronicles. Valentine McKay-Riddell. 2015. Sunstone Press: Santa Fe, NM. Paperback & Ebook.
The Alyssa Chronicles follow a young girl as she comes into her power with the aid of a mysterious River Goddess, a number of helpful animals and non-human others, and a very old friend. Alyssa faces many dangers and overcomes numerous challenges along the way. As she learns how to tap into the magic of everyday life, she develops a deep respect for both human and non-human guides and for herself. This is the “hero’s journey” from a feminine point of view– a journey upon which we are all embarked as we rediscover our true role: fellow travelers with all the beings who share space on the small blue planet we call Earth.