Books by area authors on philosophy of life, and self-improvement

George Nash Smith, age 92, tells of a traumatic childhood accident and key life experiences that led to his attitude of challenging himself and the development of his unique life philosophy, Not If, But How. Through mountain climbing he learned a love of nature and imparted his life philosophy to his four sons. In 1969 they finished climbing all 67 peaks over 14,000 feet in the contiguous 48 states while forging strong family bonds, learning important values, and setting records along the way.
BIOGRAPHY: George Nash Smith was born in Denver in 1928 and is a third-generation Coloradoan.
Due to an accident George’s right arm and hand were severely injured before he was four years old. This event was life-changing, but because he grew up in an emotionally supportive environment, he learned not to use his injury as an excuse. Instead, he developed his philosophy of Not if, but how, and had an attitude of challenging himself. George joined the Boy Scouts and became an Eagle Scout at age 14. He further developed his life philosophy and love for nature through mountain climbing, which began when he and his good friend, Warren Pulis, first climbed Longs Peak while attending college at Colorado A & M in Fort Collins.
George married Marilou Milano in 1951 and they raised four sons, Flint, Quade, Cody, and Tyle. George became a square dance caller in 1948 at college and, in 1961 built a dance hall called The Outpost, where he taught dancing and held private parties. (George is deceased)
NOTE: Lyons Historian LaVern Johnson knew George through her square dancing group Red Rock Ramblers.
This information is provided by the publisher.

The best of us fall victim to it at some time or the other, procrastination. It is an insidious disease that infiltrates every level of society in some form or the other. It could be in business, our career, personal relationships, even a personal desire to enjoy something.
And what is the cause of procrastination? There are numerous ranging from fear and doubt, to allowing life to get in our way.
Then it happens. One day you awaken and realize that time and circumstances may have passed you by.
Fret not. Change is always possible. Using stories, quotes and information acquired through scientific studies, all written in an entertaining manner, this book will assist people in all walks of life to evaluate ideas, goals and desires today. And in a non-judgmental fashion provides the easy to follow steps that allow you to enjoy success and fulfillment in every portion of your life.
The direction and advice provided in “You Might Be Better Dead or Dying” will help you make the plans and start taking the necessary action today so you will be able to enjoy a life free of regrets in the future.
AUTHOR Bill Knapp, Lyons author: As a litigation attorney for over forty years, a business and personal coach for three decades, and a lifelong student of personal development, Bill Knapp incorporates all this valuable information and advice into an enjoyable read. Bill’s true passion has been, and always will be, working and helping others to achieve success and happiness through creative solutions.
This information is provided by the author.

Content in her father’s wise kingdom, Princess Journee loves life but has one nagging question: Who is she? Yes, she is a mouse and a princess, but who is she really? With her adventurous spirit and her father’s mighty steed to protect her, she goes on a quest to find herself. The adventure takes an interesting turn when she befriends a toad and an owl who tell her about a legendary Pond of Reflection known to reveal one’s true identity. But first they must find it, if indeed it exists. Their friendship and appreciation for each other grow as they encounter difficulties along the way, and strange happenings in the ancient Whoami Forest.
This adventure story is inspired by the Biblical Proverb 27:19 (NIV) and communicates the moral of identity and self-worth springs from heart and character (our inside-out), and thus sincere friendship can happen regardless of how different outward appearance may be (our outside-in).
NOTE: Author Russell enrolled in a Self Publishing School, and is redoing her earlier books. This December 2021 book is a revised version of the book, originally published in July 2020. Russell has two book series. (1.) three children’s picture books that are rewritten and waiting to be published as a second edition. (2.) The Pearls of Wisdom Series, which this is part of, and have been revamped into children’s chapter books.
Catherine (Cat) Ann Russell, Lyons author: started her own digital multimedia company in 2002 called Spike Productions after a career as a professional research scientist at NOOA. She also did a scientific study of the reason for the 2013 Great Flood in Lyons on DVD (which is available for purchase at the Lyons Redstone Museum, (303) 823-5721).
Basketful Relief Fund: Spike Productions launched the Basketful Relief Project (BRP) to write and publish beautiful children’s stories to support hunger relief programs here at home and abroad. With the purchase of a BRP book, Spike Productions currently donates ten percent of each purchase to reputable organizations fighting hunger.
This information is provided by the author.
ALSO SEE OUR REVIEW of two other books by Coloradans: “Bears Don’t Care“, which talks about outdoor activities, but instills throughout the chapters how people can be the best they can be, and to “do things” and stop moaning about how hard it is. ~~~ As well as a book by an Estes Park photographer that has daily meditations combined with wonderful nature photographs: A Journey Beyond, Learning to Live Beautifully in a Troubled World.