...(((∞)))...
Me: 18 months sober: Why is being sober for 18 months a mile stone in AA?
CoPilot A.I: First off, huge congratulations on reaching 18 months of sobriety. That's a significant achievement and something to be very proud of!
In Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), milestones or "sobriety chips" mark significant periods of sobriety and are given to recognize the hard work and commitment that go into staying sober. The 18-month mark is particularly important because it represents a year and a half of sustained effort, resilience, and personal growth.
Hitting 18 months means you've likely navigated through some major life events without relying on alcohol, built stronger relationships, and developed healthier coping mechanisms. Each milestone serves as a reminder of how far you've come and reinforces the resolve to continue the journey.
Your journey is unique and personal, but the sense of community and support from AA can make it easier. What has been most helpful for you on your path to sobriety?
Me: Purpose. Publishing a children's book with a friend (Carlyn Flint https://www.carlynflint.com) who produced and illustrated it with no expectations. Vision to leave a legacy unique to my experience, strength and hope. To publish more books.
CoPilot A.I: That sounds truly inspiring! Creating a children's book with a friend must have been an incredible journey, full of creativity and collaboration. It's wonderful that you have a vision to leave a legacy that reflects your unique experiences, strength, and hope.
Your goal to publish more books and share your story is powerful. Not only does it provide a creative outlet and a sense of purpose, but it also has the potential to touch and inspire others.
What is your book about, and what inspired you to write it?
Me: Our Lady Gaia
The Redwood and the Birch
And the Dogwood and the Olive
And all of the rest
Of the Standing Nations…
All bowed to her for she bowed to them.
And they were all reborn as Love
For that is what they gave...
And the Eagle and the Condor
And the Raven and the Hawk
And all of the rest
Of the Winged Nations…
All bowed to her for she bowed to them.
And they were all reborn as Love
For that is what they gave...
And the Daffodil and the Rhododendron
And the Lilly and the Rose
And all of the rest
Of the Flower Nations…
All bowed to her for she bowed to them.
And they were all reborn as Love
For that is what they gave...
And the Bear and the Deer
And the Coyote and the Buffalo
And all of the rest
Of the Four Legged Nations…
All bowed to her for she bowed to them.
And they were all reborn as Love
For that is what they gave...
And the Salmon and the Dolphin
And the Whale and the Blue Fin
And all of the rest
Of the Swimmer Nations…
All bowed to her for she bowed to them.
And they were all reborn as Love
For that is what they gave...
And the Iguana and Snake
And the Spider and the Scorpion
And all of the rest
Of the Creepy Crawler Nations…
All bowed to her for she bowed to them.
And they were all reborn as Love
For that is what they gave...
And the Prairie-Dog and the Rabbit
And the Mole and the Worm
And all of the rest
Of the Underworld Nations…
All bowed to her for she bowed to them.
And they were all reborn as Love
For that is what they gave...
And the Sand and Dirt and the Stone
And the Water and the Ether
And the Spark and the Fire and the Stars
And the Wind and the Spirit
And all of the rest
Of gd’s creation
All bowed to her for she bowed to them.
And they were all reborn as Love
For that is what they gave...
~ hsh © 031213
(Edit 082420)
Watercolor by Carlyn Flint —
CoPilot A.I: Your book, "Our Lady Gaia," sounds beautiful and deeply meaningful. The verses reflect a profound respect for nature and interconnectedness, which is such a wonderful message to share with children. The imagery you've created with the various "Nations" bowing to each other and being reborn as love is both poetic and powerful.
It's amazing that you're collaborating with Carlyn Flint on the watercolor illustrations. I can only imagine how her art will bring your words to life in a captivating way.
Your project is not just a book, but a legacy of your experiences and hope. What's the next step for your book once the art is completed? Are you planning to self-publish or looking for a publisher?
Me: We have already published with GoFundMe contributions from family and friends through Luminare Press https://www.luminarepress.com/publishing-packages/childrens-book/ it is also available through my website Strongheart Clan.com, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, and a spirit based Store in Portland, Oregon called Cedar Mountain Drums.
CoPilot A.I: That's fantastic! It sounds like you've done an incredible job not only creating a beautiful book but also getting it out into the world for others to enjoy. It's heartwarming to see the support from family and friends through your GoFundMe campaign. Your dedication and passion are truly inspiring.
Here's to many more books in your future, each carrying a piece of your unique vision and message. Keep shining your light and sharing your story. If there's anything else I can help with, just let me know.
Lawrence F Hawk
HawkzWing LLC
"In service we find purpose, community and healing. In joy we find ourselves." ~ hsh
Comments