LIFE AS A HUMAN https://lifeasahuman.com The online magazine for evolving minds. Tue, 25 Mar 2025 22:37:02 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 29644249 Broken Butterfly https://lifeasahuman.com/2025/health-fitness/addiction-and-recovery/broken-butterfly/ https://lifeasahuman.com/2025/health-fitness/addiction-and-recovery/broken-butterfly/#respond Wed, 26 Mar 2025 11:00:39 +0000 https://lifeasahuman.com/?p=407410 About the Book
 
Reality can be far more surreal—and cruel—than fiction. This is the heart-wrenching true story of Erin Gray, who was lured, held hostage by, and eventually escaped from a serial predator. Broken Butterfly delves into horror-movie territory in this retelling of a young woman’s spiral into drug addiction after prolonged exposure to brutal physical, sexual, and mental torture. Told by her mother, Wanda Gray, this first-hand account follows Erin’s journey through violent trauma, complex PTSD, drug addiction, recovery, and relentless relapses.
 
 
While retracing her daughter’s tragically cut-short young life, the author also reckons with herself as she tries, over and over, to help Erin recover and live a full life. Told in dual point of view,  Broken Butterfly follows the twists and turns of two women navigating a dangerous and terrifying road fraught with trauma, loss, and grief. Yet this cautionary tale is also full of hope and a celebration of Erin. Inspired by her daughter to write this profoundly personal memoir, Gray shares the ups and downs, fleeting triumphs and naive mistakes, and overwhelming joy and devastation.
 
Parts elegy, true-crime chronicle, and self-help manual, Broken Butterfly removes the stigma from drug addiction, reminds those suffering through similar experiences that they are not alone, and provides practical resources for support amid a growing global drug-addiction crisis. It’s also a love letter to Erin Gray, the guiding light who helped write this book in spirit.
 
About the Author
 
Wanda Gray describes herself as an “unfortunate expert” in the world of trauma, addiction, and loss after being on the frontlines as a mother with a child who suffered from substance abuse caused by deep trauma. Gray belongs to Moms Stop The Harm, a network of Canadian families impacted by substance-use-related harms and deaths, and her writing has served as a form of cathartic therapy in short stories, articles, and now this book, Broken Butterfly.
 
Gray completed the creative writing program at the University of Saskatchewan and has been writing human interest articles for print and online publications for more than thirty years. She’s a contributor to the online magazine Life As A Human, and teaches wellness and yoga. She lives in North Saanich, British Columbia, with her husband, where they share a two-family home with their son, daughter-in-law, and grandson, as well as three cats and a dog.
 
Broken Butterfly Teaser
 

 
Where to buy:
 
 
Amazon (American buyers Amazon.com)
 
 
Indigo (Kobo)
 
Bookshop (bookshop.org)
 
Check with your local bookstore.
 
 
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SEND IN THE CLOWN https://lifeasahuman.com/2022/arts-culture/books/send-in-the-clown/ https://lifeasahuman.com/2022/arts-culture/books/send-in-the-clown/#respond Fri, 09 Dec 2022 12:00:44 +0000 https://lifeasahuman.com/?p=404315&preview=true&preview_id=404315 SEND IN THE CLOWN is a brand new and refreshing take on Canadian golf legend Moe Norman. He is considered the best ball striker in the game’s history. Many of the greats have said it including Tiger Woods, Tom Watson, Lee Trevino, Vijay Singh, Ben Crenshaw, Mike Weir, and this list goes on and on.

So, the question is…why have so few heard about him?

And before you think you would never enjoy a book about golf, stop right there!

Just as the highly popular The Queens Gambit wasn’t about chess (or your chess knowledge) this is not simply a book about golf or just for golfers. Far from it. Yes, it is about a golfer and his remarkable life story, and the sport of golf might be the vehicle, but it is a journey anyone can relate to.

Have you ever had to change or hide a part of your true self just to fit in, belong, or be accepted? Did you ultimately regret it? Have you wondered what if you had resisted change instead? If so, this book is for you.

Do you know someone who has mental challenges or has faced them? Perhaps even yourself? Are you familiar with the complexities that can encompass that? Real and imagined? If so, this book is for you.

Do you like the story of an underdog and enjoy witnessing the relentless desire and strength of someone who stays true to themselves, overcoming all odds, despite the costs? If so, this book is for you.

Moe Norman’s story is truly a remarkable one. A rollercoaster ride of ups and downs, successes and failures, both self-imposed and from being plagued by obstacles thrust upon him by society. It is heartbreaking, incredibly humorous at times, and ultimately inspiring and uplifting.

Best of all, his story has never been more appropriate than right now.

Sadly, we live in a world today where if the person next to us doesn’t look like us, act like us, think like us, love like us or share the same beliefs; they are the enemy. They are to be destroyed. At the very least, suppressed. Perhaps, even hidden away.

The bulk of Moe’s story takes place in the 1950-70s and it is plain to see that we have not yet come far enough. That we still have room to improve upon how we treat individuals different than us. That the fear is still there. And because of that, we all lose.

We can do better. We can all learn from Moe’s story.

As Canadian great Mike Weir once said: “The world missed out on a little bit of genius.”

*The book is now available on Amazon and Kindle.

Photo Credits

All Images Are © Andrew Stelmack


Andrew Stelmack
Artist Bio

Andrew lives in Toronto, Ontario Canada. You can see his ever-evolving artwork through his various solo and group shows in Toronto as well as through the many galleries carrying his work in Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, Prince Edward County, Gananoque and Oakville. His works are found in many private and corporate collections and his work has been presented as gifts to Ministers and Members of Canada’s Federal Parliament.

As well, Andrew has recently launched his first novel called SEND IN THE CLOWN which is available on Amazon and Kindle.

Blog / Website: astelmack.com

Follow Àndrew Stelmack on: Facebook | Instagram | My Other Artistic Side

 

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Sock Monkey Oracle – A Book By Shannon Grissom https://lifeasahuman.com/2022/laah-authors-books/sock-monkey-oracle-a-book-by-shannon-grissom/ https://lifeasahuman.com/2022/laah-authors-books/sock-monkey-oracle-a-book-by-shannon-grissom/#respond Thu, 03 Feb 2022 11:00:43 +0000 https://lifeasahuman.com/?p=403248&preview=true&preview_id=403248

Shannon Grissom’s Sock Monkey Oracle proves sock monkeys aren’t just for kids but for young and old alike! This new deck brings the sock monkey to a whole new medium that will fill you with love, happiness, and guidance.

Shannon Grissom’s colorful Sock Monkey Oracle provides a quick nudge and a hug to bring love and light to your day. This oracle deck will tap into your inner child and fill you with keen, fun-loving guidance to quickly help you on your journey. Each colorful card was created with passion, and every message is infused with love to help you discover your own playful energy.

Each of the 46 cards in the Sock Monkey Oracle is adorned with a silly sock monkey image that will put a smile on your face, and the guidebook offers in-depth card readings along with symbolic frolics to ponder throughout the day and an affirmation to build your inner strength.

No matter what card you choose, Sock Monkey Oracle will leave you with a warm hug, a gentle laugh, and a whole lot of love.

 

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Two Books about Caring for the Environment by author Charalee Graydon https://lifeasahuman.com/2021/current-affairs/big-ideas/two-books-about-caring-for-the-environment-by-author-charalee-graydon/ https://lifeasahuman.com/2021/current-affairs/big-ideas/two-books-about-caring-for-the-environment-by-author-charalee-graydon/#comments Tue, 31 Aug 2021 14:00:25 +0000 https://lifeasahuman.com/?p=402451&preview=true&preview_id=402451 Two books about caring for the environment. One is for children, and one is for adults. Both books are discussed by author, Charalee Graydon, in the video below.

For Children – Life on Planet Earth: My Story.

An activity book to learn about ecosystems, biodiversity and the changes taking place on planet earth. The young person learns about plants and animals, climate change and the Paris Agreement in an introductory and enjoyable way with words and designs. She or he writes about experiences and desires for planet earth. The book provides fun with a scavenger hunt, biodiversity bingo and going on a picnic. When completed, there is an author certificate for Life on Planet Earth: My Story!

 

For Adults – Creating A Masterpiece: The Arts and Climate Change Conflict.

The book shows how the creative arts and peaceful conflict service providers, such as mediators, can promote the objectives of the United Nations Framework on Climate Change and Paris Agreement. It provides information about raising awareness, educating, and using interdisciplinary responses to transform climate change conflict by seeking positive solutions.

For the upcoming COP26. Both books recognize the importance of education for climate action. Complimentary copies of the books will be provided to the UNFCCC Secretariat at COP26.

 

 

VIDEO EDUCATE

The Sustainable Schools Virtual Summit

 

Photo Credits

Photos by Dani and EduCCate

 


Guest Author Bio
Charalee Graydon

Ms.

Charalee Graydon was born in Alberta, Canada. She is a writer, journalist, academic and past lawyer. She works in the areas mediation and collaboration and is currently a faculty member at EUCLID University.

Charalee holds degrees in Bachelor of Arts in English and Political Science, and a Juris Doctorate in Law. Following receipt of a Rhodes scholarship in 1982, she pursued legal studies in Oxford, England where she obtained a B.C. L degree. She held academic positions in England, New Zealand, and Canada and is presently a faculty member at Euclid University. She completed her Ph.D. in Mediation and Conflict Resolution in June 2020. She has also practiced law in British Columbia and Alberta, Canada.

She has published three books of literary fiction  and one of which has been translated and published in Spanish.

She developed programs for students, judges, and the corporations on legal issues and published academic works in environmental law, sentencing and commercial law.

Blog / Website: Charaleegraydon.com

 

 

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Where’s Elephant? – A Book By Moira Gardener https://lifeasahuman.com/2020/laah-authors-books/wheres-elephant-a-book-by-moira-gardener/ https://lifeasahuman.com/2020/laah-authors-books/wheres-elephant-a-book-by-moira-gardener/#respond Fri, 25 Dec 2020 19:44:39 +0000 https://lifeasahuman.com/?p=401441&preview=true&preview_id=401441

Sam’s best friend, Elephant, gets left behind. But loving parents and a community come together to reunite them.

Based on a true event about how the Powell River, BC community came together to help reunite Sam and Elephant.

For all of those who have or have had a special childhood friend. – Age range – (3-8)
… AND it’s a storybook you can color.

 

Available From Moira Gardener.com

 

 

 

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Momenti Italiani – Volume I – A Book By Marco Zecchin https://lifeasahuman.com/2020/laah-authors-books/momenti-italiani-volume-i-a-book-by-marco-zecchin/ https://lifeasahuman.com/2020/laah-authors-books/momenti-italiani-volume-i-a-book-by-marco-zecchin/#respond Thu, 18 Jun 2020 13:00:47 +0000 https://lifeasahuman.com/?p=400550&preview=true&preview_id=400550

“Momenti Italiani – Volume I” is the first record of an ongoing body of work of inspired moments while traveling to visit family and friends in Italy.

These moments can be visual gold and with my camera in hand, provide me with satisfying imagery! Over the last few years my iPhone has become my de facto recorder of these blessings, the images I capture a grateful honoring.

Italy’s grand vistas and touristic monuments are wonderful reminders of what this ancient land has offered. But after years of regular visits, it’s the smaller and perhaps enigmatic details I see, that reveal an Italy I love.

A vine wrapped gate, a fountain to cool my brow, a ray of light…

“Momenti Italiani”

 

Available From MagCloud

 

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S.H.E. Share Heal Empower – Collected Journeys – A Book By Shannon Hogan Cohen https://lifeasahuman.com/2019/laah-authors-books/s-h-e-share-heal-empower-collected-journeys-a-book-by-shannon-hogan-cohen/ https://lifeasahuman.com/2019/laah-authors-books/s-h-e-share-heal-empower-collected-journeys-a-book-by-shannon-hogan-cohen/#respond Wed, 31 Jul 2019 18:49:41 +0000 https://lifeasahuman.com/?p=398345&preview=true&preview_id=398345

Individual heartfelt stories of women across all ages and cultures, who courageously reached within to overcome extraordinary obstacles. Each chapter is paired with artwork from female artists of varying ages and abilities.

100% of the proceeds from this book are donated to the S.H.E. Foundation which supports and empowers women worldwide.

 

Also available from www.sharehealempower.com

 

 

 

 

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Tarmac Meditations – A Book By Michael Lebowitz https://lifeasahuman.com/2019/laah-authors-books/tarmac-meditations-a-book-by-michael-lebowitz/ https://lifeasahuman.com/2019/laah-authors-books/tarmac-meditations-a-book-by-michael-lebowitz/#comments Thu, 21 Mar 2019 17:10:41 +0000 https://lifeasahuman.com/?p=397667&preview=true&preview_id=397667

Haiku and photography as a journal of a runner’s journey into not running all the while finding both beauty and meaning in the day to day to day adventures of being alive.

Editorial note: It is such a pleasure to see Michael publishing this book. As one of our longest contributing authors, I have been able to build a relationship with Michael and call him friend. Despite many significant challenges, Michael has persevered and in so doing, not only has he overcome his challenges, he has inspired many around him, myself included. All my best wishes to you Michael with Tarmac Meditations!

 

 

 

 

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The Way It Was: My mother’s story – A Book By Lailo Thompson https://lifeasahuman.com/2018/laah-authors-books/the-way-it-was-my-mothers-story-a-book-by-lailo-thompson/ https://lifeasahuman.com/2018/laah-authors-books/the-way-it-was-my-mothers-story-a-book-by-lailo-thompson/#comments Sun, 08 Apr 2018 17:13:00 +0000 https://lifeasahuman.com?p=395295&preview=true&preview_id=395295 The Way It Was: My mother's story - A Book By Lailo Thompson

This is the story of my mother, born in England in 1922, and up to the time I was five years old.

This was written using stories she told me as well as from journals she kept. She would not go beyond the time I was five because it was just too painful for her to relive those traumatic times. When I told her that I would like to tell her story, she asked that I did not use anyone’s real names, and wait until she had gone. I respected her request.

When I was a child I went to Lone Penny Lane often to be by myself. I would sprawl on the bank side among the wild flowers and sucking a blade of grass and have a serious think about life. Once I turned round the first bend it was so safe and peaceful that I often stayed there for ages. But if I went on and turned the next bend, somehow the atmosphere was quite different. The sun slanted at a different angle, and it made me nervous. At the end of the third bend, there was a five barred gate. I’d never been to the gate. I wouldn’t go alone. I once met young Crook coming up from the gate, he had a dead rabbit swinging by its legs in his hand and his trousers weren’t done up properly and his thing was sticking out. All he said was. . “It be dangerous back there Miss. There be adders.”

This event had such a big impact on my mother which haunted her for such a long time.

In one of her later journal entries she wrote “Looking back I can see how stupid I was. Most of my wounds were self-inflicted and I had no idea what being grown-up was all about and hurt so many people on the way there.”

 

 

 

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Cricket Odyssey – A Book By Rajgopal Nidamboor https://lifeasahuman.com/2016/laah-authors-books/cricket-odyssey-a-book-by-rajgopal-nidamboor/ https://lifeasahuman.com/2016/laah-authors-books/cricket-odyssey-a-book-by-rajgopal-nidamboor/#respond Wed, 28 Dec 2016 15:26:29 +0000 http://lifeasahuman.com?p=392013&preview=true&preview_id=392013 Cricket Odyssey

Cricket is not just a sport. It is art. It is science. It is grandeur too — a classy, intricate blend of morphology and organisation — one that is always fascinating for the language of the mind, heart, and soul to flower forth into the world.

Cricket is also a labyrinth: a combination of elements brought forth by its own spectacle of cosmic dance. Not dissonance.

A dynamo in motion, and emotion, cricket is no strait-laced vocation. It never was; it never will be.

Cricket Odyssey is based on such a strong synthesis. Its cornerstone of conviction is not only time, but also timelessness. In the notion of cricket and its players: of their fundamentally symbiotic relationship. Of a game that provides its players with the tools, concepts, and models, they can use to fulfill their elemental purposes and also have a positive effect on the proletariat as a whole.

Cricket Odyssey celebrates and summarizes the certitude of 75+ of the greatest of players in their own self. It also colorfully represents the game’s scientific chassis and artistry — of its players’ grand exploits, acts of guts, brilliance, and ersatz — of a journey through sentiment, a study of truth, or philosophy, and also continuity.

Cricket Odyssey is a literary illumination; it is, in its totality, a novel ‘signature-tune’ of cricket — “Cricket, oh! lovely cricket…”

 

 

 

 

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