Cliffhangers: Dramas and the Renaissance

By PJ Karr Ph.D.

Lifes twists and turnsthe yin and yangare powerful lessons meant for us to reach another level of conviction, unconditional love, tolerance, gratitude, and acceptance. In a collection of short stories and prose, PJ Karr explores the cliffhangers of life through a variety of complex characters that each, in their own way, attempt to move toward recovery or renaissance.

Naomi is running on fumes. Although she has been juggling the challenges of caring for her parents for the past fifteen years, she is still trying to determine how to live her own life. Maya is a writer with a persistent, obnoxious, and utterly toxic she-editor who seems to appear at the most inconvenient times with unsolicited words of wisdom. Anton and Caterina are guests at a bed and breakfast on New Years Eve when they sense some sort of mystical karma. As they open the door to their vintage room, they gasp. Shevaya yanks at the wide, black belt around her waist as a nurse walks by her room. Will she ever escape her private hell?

Cliffhangers shares short stories and prose that offer a glimpse into the experiences of diverse characters standing at the precipice of life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Archway Publishing
• Release date: Oct 30, 2017
• ISBN: 9781480853591

PJ Karr Ph.D.

PJ Karr, Ph.D. holds a doctorate from Ohio State University and a bachelor’s from University of New Hampshire. Inspirational writings resonate from her career at Texas Woman’s University, Tufts, and Northeastern. She resides in suburban Boston and enjoys Jin Shin Jyutsu, Reiki, Shamballa, and “open mic” venues. Honors include Ohio State Career Teacher and Albert Nelson Lifetime Achievement. Blissful Vibes is her 11th book.

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Copyright © 2017 PJ Karr, Ph.D..

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

Cover design photography and author photography: PJ Karr, Ph.D.

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ISBN: 978-1-4808-5358-4 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4808-5359-1 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2017916523

Archway Publishing rev. date: 10/27/2017

Dedication

To JJ (a.k.a JJM)…

For forty-five years, you have been a dynamic, ardent friend and mentor in my life’s journey. It was Buber’s time-honored book, I and Thou, that fostered and cultivated the prelude to our dialogues. Our priceless communiques and eminent, fun adventures are still pursued, applauded, and cherished.

You are the other resplendent JJ that has made my world resonate with unconditional love, hilarity, joy, and an abundant respect for the determined, spirited women and men on our Mother Earth. What a first-class honor…

Like a dazzling pipe dream beyond measure, you have hung out, witnessed, and prevailed as my whimsical, savvy, and captivating buddy. I am grateful for the epic journeys and our illustrious, primo sagas.

Always, Namaste…Beamer to Beamah! Our pax, light, and unconditional love are triumphant in yesterday’s and today’s world.

To MT…

You know that I shall ante up—with my bona fide, heart-filled nods to the Goddesses and Gods who protect, apprize, and enlighten you. To know that I have been bestowed with your authentic friendship since childhood is rare, mystical, profound, enriching, and the ultimate opportunity to pay homage to the unknowns in life.

We have shared family indulgences, sorrows, bliss, and Eckert Tolle’s now—a presentness in the moment, while welcoming and cradling our guardian angels that watch over and nudge us. We remain an epitome of individuality and quirky mindsets juxtaposed with our devoted connection and impassioned, fun-loving bonds.

Both of us try to strive for what encompassing humankind means in our ever-changing world. We work energetically, play wicked hard, and belly laugh too loudly. We take the plunge to imagine, stretch to invite an innovative spirit in spite of any clamor, and hold fast to the bestowal of loving-kindness.

The intrinsic goodness in you influences, coaxes, and begets the best in me. You are an affirmation—that an unruffled spellbinder in ascension—is always within reach. Thanks, MT—for being and becoming.

Acknowledgments

To compelling fiction writers who have scripted vignettes or flash fiction—thank you, Lydia Davis, Maeve Binchy, and Ernest Hemingway. Each of you created an indulgent writer’s space and empowering freedom. That