ANNCOUNCEMENT -- This was done when I was a Christian

Hi -

This blog, for the most part, is no longer relevant to my life.  It was done when I was a Christian, which is no longer my spiritual posture.  I'm now mystical in my lifestyle.

Spotlight on Championship Conduct

Available from Amazon & Apple, etc. 

Greetings -

Do you know of some young folks or any folks who need to learn about integrity, courtesy, how to conduct themselves at home, and in workplace surroundings? What about folks who need help in how to dress appropriately? Those helpful tips and more are in my e-Book, "Championship Conduct - Excel in Care, Courtesy and Customer Service".

This five star review done by jreviewit appears on Amazon.com:

I’ve given this book a high rating because I’m really impressed with Championship Conduct – Excel in Care, Courtesy and Customer Service, written by Sandra Renee Hicks. The book is very well written and I absolutely loved it! I identified with many of her experiences and examples. Some of the examples the author gives did not surprise me, while others had me shaking my head to read that people could treat each other and/or act so poorly, even in a church setting. In today’s world, it’s almost become the accepted norm. I miss the days when customer service was the gold standard. Congratulations to this author for putting pen to paper. She is obviously very passionate about this subject, as am I.

Is it that hard for people, at the very least, to say “Please” and “Thank you?” I appreciate her boldness in calling people out when appropriate and doing so in such a professional manner. Those teachable moments are worth sharing, so I hope more people get a chance to read this book. It can be a valuable learning tool. I also agree with her that when you do see an example of professional and kind customer service, you should tell the person so and also let their managers know that this employee is commendable.

Here’s another pet peeve of mine. I think the worse thing parents can do is allow their kids to text and otherwise not be engaged when the family is sharing a meal, whether it be in a restaurant or at home. I’ve witnessed many times families so disengaged with each other at restaurants that I have to look away because it’s so sad.

I appreciated hearing about the author's experience in a homeless shelter. It gives the reader an inside perspective of the challenges that the residents face on a daily basis. Her faith remains strong, even when faced with the disappointments that Life can bring. Please don’t think this is just a list of the author’s pet peeves. She gives great examples of how we can all respond and exhibit championship conduct.

This book would be good for teachers, parents, youth ministers, business owners, also teenagers as they enter the work world. The list goes on!

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Are you weary of rude, inconsiderate and incompetent conduct that has become routine in our society? Come on board to proactively address it. Clearly, major change is long overdue. Top level conduct is the best response to the low standards that are now commonly on display.

You're invited to join the team of folks who make championship choices. United, we make the best things happen.

We can be change agents in this world of disintegrating manners. It’s our responsibility to add to the harmony on this great planet on which we reside. Business as usual isn’t an acceptable stance for champions. We owe it to our present, and to our future generations to be engaged in reform for the common good of we the people.

Let’s be examples of excellence as witnesses of the power that develops when teams unite for worthy causes. Let’s wear care, integrity, courtesy and competence as badges of honor.

There’s expectation that championship conduct will prove contagious. Who will catch it?

Note: In March 2014, I published a sister book to this one. The title of that one is, Love as a Signature Style.

Available from Amazon & Smashwords

Here's an excerpt from the chapter titled, "One Size Doesn't Fit All":

"One MAIN question is -- how do we respond to the inevitable land mines in our lives? How do we play the hands that are dealt us? The good news is that there are aces in every deck. But we know that the jokers run wild. Go for the aces; play those babies with all the gusto that you know how to muster. Deal with excellence. Surround yourself with winners and those who aim to be. Every hit ain’t a bull’s eye; aim for excellence anyhow."

Availability information:

* Here's the link to my e-Books on smashwords.com: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/lioneagle FYI: On this smashwords link, you can download to your Kindle, Nook, Sony, and Apple e-reader  devices.  But if you prefer to download from where you are already a member, such as on the Amazon, Apple, Sony, and Barnes and Noble websites, my e-Books are available with those options, as well. See below for those links.

* - Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Championship-Conduct-Courtesy-Customer-Service-ebook/dp/B00F27SUNU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1395667487&sr=8-1&keywords=Sandra+Renee+Hicks

* - Apple http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/warfare-solutions-loaded-lion/id518376887?mt=11&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

* - Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Sandra-Renee-Hicks?keyword=Sandra+Renee+Hicks&store=ebook

* - Kobo http://www.kobobooks.com/search/search.html?q=Sandra+Renee+Hicks

Thank you for your consideration.

Note: Information is on this blog about other books that I've authored. To view in ENTIRETY, here's the link www.sandrasbookdepot.blogspot.com

Welcome

Greetings - 

Please read this welcome topic piece and then scroll down on this blog to read about my available e-Books.  None are for more than  $4.99.

- The following is a review of my e-Book, Warfare Solutions Loaded with the Lion of Judah - Volume 1: 

Sandra Hicks has a unique way of writing.  She teaches you biblical truths which are practical for everyday spiritual living. Her writing captures your attention and you want to read on and on.  She has an amazing way with words and her style is very entertaining. Warfare Solutions Loaded with the Lion of Judah is a must read for any Christian wanting to grow with God by learning spiritual warfare, which is vital to live victorious in this present evil age.  I have learned so much from this book and her other e-Books. Check her out and get ready to say Wow! - Pastor R. A. Bell

My gratitude is extended for these testimonials about my writing: 

- “Love it. Your writings are phenomenal.  So inspiring. I will read all your books.  Yes!!!!!  Glory to God.” - Robert A. Bell, Pastor 

- “I was astounded by her writing skills.  I don’t recall meeting anyone who is as diligent and faithful to her word and work as Sandra.  She is truly a woman of great integrity.” - Angela Rogers Ray, Publisher 

- “You have an amazing talent for writing.” - L. Stepp, Registered Nurse

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Portions of my testimony: 

Deep gratitude is extended to our Lord for how He has kept us, taught us, and loved us in spite of ourselves. High and mighty praises to His glorious and abiding name! 

###

For those who don't know me, the content below is some of my testimony.

Sandra Renee Hicks was born in Washington, D.C.  Her parents, both of whom became Christians, were Helen Marie and Robert. She is the youngest of four children born to Helen.  Sandra is the product of an extra-marital affair.  Both of her parents were married non-Christians when Sandra was conceived.  God in his mercy later saved and sanctified both Helen and Robert.  Helen went to be with the Lord first followed many years later by Robert.

Sandra spent much of her youth in church with her mother who was a woman who came to truly love the Lord.  Helen demonstrated the godly example of a true Christian, and had Sandra in church regularly.  When Helen became too ill to reasonably tend to her, Sandra became wayward.  As a teenager, Sandra was rebellious and foolish in much of her conduct.  She rejected school, indulged in drug use, and frequently disobeyed her mother.  Helen went to be with the Lord during the period of Sandra’s rebellion.  The death of her mother when Sandra was a teenager jolted her into a measure of reform.  She returned to school, quit drug use, and went to work in government.

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Sandra:

- had an alcoholic step-father.

- used heroin.  Sandra didn't become a heroin addict; others that she knows did become addicted to it.

- dropped out of school in the eighth grade (later obtained a GED.)

- married her boyfriend who she met when she was about fourteen years old.  They were a couple off and on for years.  He was in and out of jail.  They married when Sandra was nineteen.  He later became a drug addict, drug dealer, and pimped one woman.  Sandra got saved while married to him.  She stayed married to him (about two years) until the Lord released her to divorce, based on adultery.

- lived in two homeless shelters (years apart - about eight months each time).  The second homeless shelter had a section that was converted from a hospital ward (Sandra was born in the subject hospital.)  One day she was sitting in the hallway in that shelter and noticed an OB-GYN sign on the wall.  The Lord had allowed Sandra to return to her roots.  Sandra was born in the very building where she had come to reside as a shelter resident!  When she saw that sign, she  laughed.

- returned to a sinful lifestyle.  At one point, Sandra moved in with a man; here he’ll be called Tony.  For about five years, it was, overall, pleasurable (sin has pleasure for a season - Hebrews 11:25).  It began to decline about the sixth year.  Tony then told Sandra that he wasn't feeling her anymore.  He suggested that she move out and that perhaps separation would lead to them getting back together at some point. Sandra was leaning towards returning to our Lord but she wanted the Lord AND Tony.  That wasn't GOD's plan.  Sandra stubbornly refused to move on.  About the seventh year, Tony moved from living with Sandra; He moved in with a woman who lived in the building next door (she had only lived in the neighborhood for months....)  You know that Sandra was heartbroken.

The Lord allowed division in Tony and the woman's relationship. Tony lived with her for only about three months.  Among other things, he discovered that she was a crack addict who prostituted for money to feed her habit. Tony left her.

- was unjustifiably terminated from a government job.  About four years later, the Lord judged the man who was most closely responsible for removing Sandra.  The subject man was on the local news program for being in a sexual relationship with a fellow government worker who was married.  They both worked for D.C. government but in different agencies.  Sexually explicit e-mails were found on their computers.  The subject man got fired.  GOD judged others who were responsible for Sandra’s wrong dismissal. Another one got fired for not exposing his past criminal history.

### 

No shame in Sandra’s game.  Hallelujah Anyhow!  We're all a product of our environments and experiences.  Sandra is grateful for her challenges; our Lord used them to mold her into the fire lion warrior for Him that she has become.  And He uses what we've all experienced to advance His kingdom, and to help ourselves, as well as others.

We all have our testimonies.  GOD is eternally faithful.  Bless His holy marvelous name.  Heart rejoicing and grateful praises to the One who owns the air, good GOD Almighty! 

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Right below this topic post is the information relative to availability of my various e-Books.

Listing of What's Available in e-Book Format

Copyright 2012 - S. Hicks
Photo available - See www.photoflourish.blogspot.com

Greetings -

This post contains a listing of what's available in e-Book format.  The end of this post provides availability links if you desire to download to Kindle, Sony, Apple, and Nook e-readers.

Note 1: You don't need e-readers to read e-Books; they can also be read online.  This link can be used for downloading to computers  https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/lioneagle.  Simply select the e-Book(s) that you desire to download to your computers and follow the on screen instructions.

Note 2: My e-Books are as low as $.99 and none are more than $4.99.  Purchase sites offer gift icon links for those who are inclined to give e-Book offerings as gifts.

Description of Hope Treasures: 
 
Enter into Hope Treasures to gain more faith and awareness for your journeys. Enjoy the triumphant stories of love, courage, determination and strength of character. There’s an assortment of short stories to engage you. Partake and embrace the lessons contained in this treasure of hope.

Venture into the places of love, joy, sorrow, challenges and triumphs. Go with spry widower Malcolm as he moves to Highlight Nursing Home; travel with Pastor Breeze as he takes his staff to the circus; fly to the Olympics with Langston; witness the shock of church officer Matilda, and learn what happens to shopaholic Belinda. In these short stories, there are a host of characters who will engage and compel. Prepare to be inspired, encouraged, grieved, angry and hopeful. Yes, there is division, subtraction, addition plus more. Indulge in this content and expect to be positively changed.

Notes:

Also, included in this book are listings of some of the names for God and Jesus found in the King James Holy Bible.

As an added bonus in this book, Highlights One and Two, as well as an excerpt from Highlight Three are included as previews of my upcoming bio-fiction book titled, Solid Journey Highlights - The Victoria Chronicles. Highlights mentioned in the book are based on actual occurrences. For the most part, only the names of people, some places, and the dialogue are fictional.

Portions of Highlight One share about Victoria's marriage to a man who became a drug addict, drug dealer, and pimp. Jesus saved her soul after the marriage. Also, Highlight One shares how Victoria spent time in a psych ward.

A portion of Highlight Two shares about a "Christian" man who decides to offer a room for rent with an unmarried male and female as roommates. Huh? That's not godly...

The upcoming book will include Victoria's experiences as a shelter resident and the assorted lessons learned in them.

- Barnes and Noble's website has a five star rating for my free e-Book titled, Learn Skills to Keep the Devil in His Place - Volume 1. 

Some of those skills are:

-  God's In Your Face Memo to Satan

- Estimation Matters

- Warfare Counsel       

- Prayer for Addiction Strong Holds

- Ministering

- How to Know God

- Confident Understanding

- Why is THAT a Sin?    

 
Description of Learn Skills to Keep the Devil in His Place - Volume 1 :

Why are so many folks who profess Christ as Lord afraid of the devil? Largely, it’s due to lack of knowledge. God is never afraid of Satan. Certainly, our Lord expects His children to triumph over the devil and his perverted evil practices. It’s not our place to cower from the tactics of our enemy. One of our main assignments is to learn from God how to keep the devil in his place.

We’re not to be vagabond spiritual hobos bowing to the dictates of Satan. Our Lord commands that we war a good warfare - 1 Timothy 1:18. Further, 2 Corinthians 10:4 tells us, “(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)” We need to recognize our places as blood bought saints of the Most High God. Our journeys should be from recognition to steadfast actions that glorify God and destroy the works of the devil. Our Lord has not purposed that we be afraid of Satan. The devil should be afraid of us because we abide in God whose kingdom cannot be moved or destroyed. Daniel 7:27 says about God, “…and all dominions shall serve and obey him.”

### 

Note: I have since written a Volume 2 of Learn Skills to Keep the Devil in His Place. Some of those skills are:
-  War Call

- Launch out into the Deep

- GOD Enters and Exits in Win Mode

# Volumes 1 and 2 of Learn Skills to Keep the Devil in His Place are free.

Download from - www.smashwords.com  From that site, you can download for Barnes and Noble Nook, Sony, and Kindle e-readers.  Also, from that site, you can download to Apple i-Phones and iPads and to desktop and laptop computers. 

You also have the option to go straight to the Amazon, Apple iTunes, Barnes and Noble and Sony websites to download my e-Books.  Scroll down to the *'s at the end of this topic for those links.

Note: Please scroll down for more offerings.

Description of short story: Jesus Calls Timeout at the Basketball Game:

Enthusiasm is abundant at the Sterling Arena. Folks excitedly await the start of this long anticipated event. No one expects the appearance of Jesus at the basketball game. His presence shifts the gears of all in attendance.

What’s Jesus doing there? People don’t know what to think. This is a game changer for sure. No “blueprint” is on hand for this circumstance. Case studies don’t exist to guide how to handle an interruption by the Messiah. Hearts melt, knees tremble, and lips quiver. A select few glow with joy as they witness the glory of the Lord Christ. His eyes are like a flame of fire as they penetrate those in the crowd. Certainly, Jesus won’t foul out at this mind blowing occasion. He shouts, “Timeout!”

Description of short story: Flying in the Godly Sky United:

On flight 737, college buddies Eric, Jay and Don delight in mocking Christians on board until their jokes are brought to a halt when major turbulence occurs. The air calamity quickly changes the “climate” in the plane’s atmosphere.

The sky turbulence is unlike any that this crew has experienced. The plane rocks violently. Thunder claps are unrelenting. The pilot, unable to disguise his fear, speaks into the PA system, “Are there any Christians on board?” Shaken and trembling - simultaneously, Eric, Jay and Don point across the aisle.

Will the Christians become fainthearted like the other folks on the plane? What are the thoughts racing through the minds of the college buddies who minutes ago enjoyed entertaining themselves by making Christians the targets of jokes? Is a safe landing ahead?

  

Description of Warfare Solutions Loaded with the Lion of Judah - Volume (This received four and five star ratings on Amazon.):

Note: There are twenty-six solutions, contained in this e-Book that prove effective if used with the aim to pursue GOD with zeal and passion.
  
Our Lord forever wins through the power of Almighty God. Jesus is the Lion of the tribe of Judah who is fearless in the presence of all manner of evil. Enter solution zones here for glorious triumphs in spiritual warfare. Certainly, we can win against every force of wickedness. The gates of hell shall not prevail - Matthew 16:18.

We cannot afford to ignore spiritual warfare. The stakes are too high for us to be silent and spiritually unprofitable while Satan engages in his signature diabolical deeds of perversion and sinister conduct. Often, people of God surrender ground to the devil. That is not the plan of our heavenly Father. We are heirs of God appointed to fight good fights of faith, to pull down demonic strong holds, and to destroy the works of the devil. There is nothing in the plan of God for His people to fear evil. We’ve not been given assignments as victims. We are victorious saints if we choose what are indeed our purposes and destinies. Our Lord commands us to be holy as He is holy. When we utterly and wholly obey Him, we absolutely win over all the power of the enemy. We belong on the battlefield armed and combat ready to dismantle what the vile devil has built. United, we make it happen all for the glory of God and for the advancement of his eternal kingdom.

Solution 1   - Hail! There's a Lion in the Lamb
Solution 2   - God's In Your Face Memo to Satan 
Solution 3   - Estimation Matters
Solution 4   - Destined to be Rich in God
Solution 5   - I Refuse to Quit...
Solution 6   - Fear Factor - Yoke Destroyed
Solution 7   - Warfare Counsel
Solution 8   - Strategic Placement in the Army of God
Solution 9   - Regularly, I Give the Devil a Peace of My Mind
Solution 10 - Satan Bows to the Strong Arm of God
Solution 11 - Off With Their Heads
Solution 12 - The Devil Is Not Unemployed
Solution 13 - What to Feed the Devil
Solution 14 - Praying God's Words
Solution 15 - The Accursed Thing
Solution 16 - Dominion
Solution 17 - Holy Warriors
Solution 18 - Prepare War - Wake Up Mighty Men
Solution 19 - Death of Toxic Relationships
Solution 20 - Traitors in the Midst
Solution 21 - Possess the Kingdom
Solution 22 - God Says What He Means and He Means What He Says 
Solution 23 - God's Word Never Returns Void
Solution 24 - God Is in Every Equation
Solution 25 - The Devi-lution is Under Our Feet
Solution 26 - Prophetic Word - Rehearsal Is Over 

- Note: I have since written Volumes 2 and 3 of Warfare Solutions Loaded with the Lion of Judah.

Volume 2 - Some solutions are:

- More Than Conquerors

- Boldness

- What Does GOD Say?

- Fire Works Notice

Volume 3 - Some solutions are:

- Holy Prayers Aren't Dry

- Public Praise

- Mind Renewal

- We All Need to Change 

 

Description of Championship Conduct - Excel in Care, Courtesy and Customer Service :

Are you weary of rude, inconsiderate and incompetent conduct that has become routine in our society? Come on board to proactively address it. Clearly, major change is long overdue. Top level conduct is the best response to the low standards that are now commonly on display. You're invited to join the team of folks who make championship choices. United, we make the best things happen.

We can be change agents in this world of disintegrating manners. It’s our responsibility to add to the harmony on this great planet on which we reside. Business as usual isn’t an acceptable stance for champions. We owe it to our present, and to our future generations to be engaged in reform for the common good of we the people.

Let’s be examples of excellence as witnesses of the power that develops when teams unite for worthy causes. Let’s wear care, integrity, courtesy and competence as badges of honor.

There’s expectation that championship conduct will prove contagious. Who will catch it? 
 

Description of Zest and Gusto in Christian Short Stories: Discontinued

Park here in this place of Zest and Gusto in Christian Short Stories, and likely some altered states will occur in your persona. Expect content that challenges and excites your senses. You may even experience some defining moments and character transformations.

Fly with Peter, Larry and Todd as they encounter major airplane turbulence. Marvel at how God handles their crisis in the sky. Watch as Jesus appears and calls timeout at the professional basketball game. Observe how those in the arena respond to the divine interruption. Have a seat as Pastor Breeze takes his staff to the circus. Discover their featured roles under the big top. Go with Belinda as she feeds her shopping addiction. Will she forsake her habit to save her family? Enter Club Bliss where Jesus abides with the Eagle Squad. The presence of the Lord there makes a difference indeed. Enjoy the animals as they throw a party for Melody, the owner of Jasper the white Persian cat. Sit in Sunday School with spunky saint, Sister Clara. She asks the new biblically challenged teacher, "Where is that in the Bible?" Finally, read the letters that Jesus wrote to the seven modern day churches. What He expressed is full gospel galore!

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* Here's the link to my e-Books on smashwords.com:
https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/lioneagle
FYI: On this smashwords link, you can download to your Kindle, Nook, Sony, and Apple e-reader  devices.  But if you prefer to download from where you are already a member, such as on the Amazon, Apple, Sony, and Barnes and Noble websites, my e-Books are available with those options, as well. See below for those links.

* - Amazon http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Sandra%20Renee%20Hicks

* - Sony http://ebookstore.sony.com/search?keyword=Sandra+Renee+Hicks

* - Apple http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/warfare-solutions-loaded-lion/id518376887?mt=11&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

* - Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Sandra-Renee-Hicks?keyword=Sandra+Renee+Hicks&store=ebook

* - Kobo http://www.kobobooks.com/search/search.html?q=Sandra+Renee+Hicks

Note: Please vist my blog, PHOTO FLOURISH at http://www.photoflourish.blogspot.com/ to purchase photo products such as cards, key rings, magnets and calendars.

We all need encouragement, and so many people are lonely and depressed.  Let's unite to bring joy to the lives of others.  Give PHOTO FLOURISH products.  Caring and sharing can bring out the best in us.

What people have expressed about Photo Flourish and paper cards:

- The photos have "concentrated power and focused power." - Teresa, Wheaton, MD

- "In this day and time with all the automation, it's really nice to receive a card." - Erin, St. Augustine, FL

- "I am really enjoying the cards I got through Photo Flourish.  They all come with good color and were even prettier than I expected." - Marijo, Guffey, CO   

Inspiration

Copyright 2012 - S. Hicks
Photo available from http://www.photoflourish.blogspot.com/

  SORROW CAME TO VISIT

     Heart asks, “Sorrow, what are you doing here?”

     “I came to live in you.”

     “Oh no you won’t.  You came for a short visit – the operative word being “short.”

     “We’ll see about that.”

     “No doubt, we will.”

     Heart puts on some upbeat music and begins to dance. 

     Sorrow, in disappointment, watches Heart in rhythm.

     Twirling around, Heart smiles at Sorrow.

     Sorrow winces.  Sorrow starts to make loud noises to disturb the groove of Heart.

     Fingers snapping to the music, Heart tells Sorrow, “You’ll be leaving soon.”

     Sorrow struggles to hide the fear.  “I have plans to stay.”

     “Your plans will be cancelled.”

     “Sorrow states, “I did not get a round trip ticket,” and unconvincingly adds, “Because I am here to stay.”

     “It is on you that you got a one way fare from a place of assumption.  I can assure you that your status here is as a visitor.  There is no vacancy here for another resident.  This heart is a gift from my Creator and I will have you out of here in less than an hour.”

     “And how do you propose to do that?”

     “You didn’t know that I have a happy pump!”

     “What?!”

     “A happy pump.  I use it to pump happiness deep down in my soul.  It came packaged from my Creator.  The accessories are peace and joy among other prized possessions. Every now and then, I refuel the pump with paradise juice.  When you came in, I said, 'Ok pump, Sorrow is in the building.  Let’s go to work.'  Music went on the notes, dancing followed, twirling ensued – you get the drift?”

     Sorrow simmers.  “I’m not leaving.  I am here to break you.”

     “Not only are you leaving but you will be leaving mad.  You came to break me but failure will be your “reward.”

     “Humph,” pouts Sorrow.

     Heart dances some more – this time with singing mixed in.  Heart continues to dance to a few more songs.  Soon Heart starts laughing so merrily that tears flow from the joy that bubbles from within.  

     Sorrow is too through.  “I did not expect this celebration of life.  I came here to disturb peace and to live permanently.”

     “I know what you came to do.  What you did not know is that I was made ready for you.  You came here to break me.  What you got was a break dance, a fox trot, a waltz, an electric slide, and some twirls thrown in for good measure.  Laughter joined in with singing and tears of joy.  Actually, you were the recipient of an impromptu concert, compliments from the Heart.  Now you can take your visitor’s pass, and let yourself out while I dance over to play the next song titled, “Sorrow Has Left the Building.” 

     Touché

Sandra Renee Hicks

P.O. Box 1210

Washington, DC  20013

solidjourney@gmail.com

Friday May 7, 2010

© Copyright 2010