Books published by Chipmunka Publishing

I am Gerald Harwood, a retired Flight Sergeant from the Royal Air Force. I am married with three children.Whilst serving on operational duty overseas I acquired a brain injury. During my long period of hospitalisation I became bored and put pen to paper writing poetry and illustrating some of my poems. This book contains a small collection of my work. Prior to my multiple brain injuries I had a limited ability to draw, however since suffering I have been blessed with the ability to draw and write. Often my poetry will simply flow from my pen in minutes. I hope you enjoy my work and that you may get some form of inspiration from my experience of brain injury.

DescriptionThis book covers a lot of issues in current society. These include racial issues, coronavirus, politics, royalty, television and personal issues. It attempts to give a subjective opinion of a lot of things that are going on at the moment, such as the war in Ukraine, which covers quite a lot of the book. You might not agree with everything this book portrays as the truth, but it is meant to be illustrative and entertaining.About the AuthorAndrew Aldred went to a grammar school and started his working life in the army at the age of sixteen. When he left the army at twenty, he had substantial mental difficulties, but he passed some A levels, an NVQ in business administration and an HND in computer studies before his mental illness got too much for him and he committed a crime, stabbing his father with a kitchen knife in 1997. He went to prison and then to mental hospital where he started writing poetry. He has since written twelve books and worked as a warehouseman, a mental health support worker, and he has taught creative writing. He got married in 2011 and divorced in 2016, and still has a loving relationship with his ex-wife who he cares for at present. His hobbies include gardening, DIY, and writing.

This book is a supplement to last year¿s Retrospective Perspectives, Volume I. It includes about thirty more pages andmany more illustrations with accompanying commentary. It has been divided into the major headings of ]The Garden], ]Trees], ]Abstracts] and ]Portraits] as these provide a meaningful description of the content in which I specialize. The reader needs to be aware that this work was done over a period of approximately twenty-five years but always on a sideline basis. Since retiring in 2014, I have concentrated on drawing and painting to the exclusion of any other work, so it is focused and more intense than when I first started to draw and paint. It is hoped that the reader enjoys the content.From the start, I have used drawing and painting as a way of calming down, concentrating and focusing on settling things around me. By calling them ]artwork] I could make them look as I wanted them to remain. I thought they should speak with my voice and say what I wanted to say. It came natural to me because that was what I wanted. It was just that simple. I still see things that way: there is the passing and there is the fixed. It seems like there was a basic need to draw, paint, and express what was inside. I could organize and put things together on paper or canvas that went together in no other way, at no other time. It was a way out of myself and I took it. At times, it was the best way to do things when was no other way.I was first inspired by a glossy photo-journal of the early sixties with photographs of Caroline Kennedy on top of a horse. They went together and it all made sense. Her father was highly esteemed but was later shot while riding a convertible in Dallas, but Caroline lives. It makes for a sad story but that is the way that many stories go. One lives and learns.When I later tried to ride a horse in imitation it ran to the middle of an interstate expressway and stopped in its tracks. I loved horses until I learned they were not all without fault. I found they had a will of their own that was often greater than that of the rider. Regardless, they were often better on paper than in real life. I started drawing with a pencil and charcoal but later graduated to oils paints, acrylics, pastels and finally watercolors. I saved the best for last.I still search for a permanent beauty, a harmony that may not be there otherwise, and a deep satisfaction when it comes out as I wanted it in the first place. It helps me to keep me away from feeling scattered and pointless, disorganized. Art was good therapy then and is good therapy now. The process still works. I would encourage anyone with the smallest well of desire or need to jump in the water, to get wet. It feels good, and the water is fine.Over the years, I have found that my pursuit of creating comes only in bursts and spells. There were times when I felt moved to do it. There were times when I had no desire at all. The desire, the passion usually happened only once or twice a year. At times, a drought would come when I mostly twiddled my thumbs and carried on. I never found a way to pursue this interest in the everyday world. Everyone knew that artists starved. Who wants to pursue a trail to starvation?I think this unfortunate state needs to change. The older I grew the greater was the desire to do images of people and things that mattered most. I think we are all drawn to what is most important in our lives. I hope you are ready to join me in looking back over sixty years of life in service to others in small towns, small cities and finally big cities. I hope you find it enjoyable.

DescriptionThis new collection from Nigel encompasses his believes and loves. From non-fiction to prose-fiction as well as creative non-fiction and his true love, poetry. It is broad and, in parts, challenging. But he notes that the Situationist International in their first publication in 1958 argued: 'A new form of mental illness has swept the planet: banalisation. Everyone is hypnotized by work and comfort: by the...washing machine. The liberation of man from material cares (has) become a life-destroying obsession.'- Gilles Ivain. 'Internationale Situationist', 1, 1958.Therefore, to paraphrase William Morris, I want literature, freedom, and liberty for not the few but everyone.About the AuthorNigel is now 61 and the beliefs that motivated and sustained a journey which was often darkened by circumstances remain with him to this day. A belief in a society not of a uniform Nietzschean herd or a one where individuals are atomised and alone but rather one in which, to quote Karl Marx: 'In a higher phase of communist society, after the enslaving subordination of the individual to the division of labour, and therewith also the antithesis between mental and physical labour, has vanished; after labour has become not only a means of life but life's prime want; after the productive forces have also increased with the all-around development of the individual, and all the springs of co-operative wealth flow more abundantly-only then can the narrow horizon of bourgeois right be crossed in its entirety and society inscribe on its banners: From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs.'- Marx, Critique of the Gotha Program'.Also, his belief in the unity of art and life, literature and practice remain at the core of his being. He continues to study at the Open University having gained two Bachelors of Arts (Hons) 2:1 and a Master of Art in English with Merit. At present he is halfway through their Masters' Program in Creative Writing. This academic discipline and being published by Chipmunkapublishing helped transform his life.

DescriptionThis collection mainly addresses loss and death from the point of view of someone who delights in the life, magic and serendipity of the human condition. It casts light on shadows and provides shade when the glare of that light is too hot or too bright. It nurtures curiosity in the reader in searching for and f

Description The Seen But Forgotten has been written based on nearly twenty years of personal experience of mental illness, 'schizoaffective disorder', as well as on many of my observations and other ideas, and related research on mental illness. It is based also on my observations of many of my friends and associates with mental illness, over the years, and their stories and experiences relayed to me. It describes some insights into some of the thoughts and feelings one can experience in certain states of mental illness. It also offers an overview of both known and other hypothetical considerations of some of the possible causes of mental illness; and includes some consideration of the medical model of the more current psychiatric practice of 'chemical drug therapy'. The dangers and error of this practice is emphasized, and exposed are some of the serious and early death-inducing side-effects of most anti-psychotic medications, the dangers associated with the misuse of benzodiazepines, and why there is a need for more research in new directions in order for psychiatrists, researchers and drug companies to come up with safer treatments.Also discussed within my book are some suggestions for mental health consumers, carers and mental health workers about ways for one who is suffering from mental distress or illness to try to help oneself and relieve some of their suffering, apart from relying solely on medication. It also includes a section about recovery, entitled: 'The Hope for Recovery'; as well as the topic of recovery being discussed throughout other sections of the book; including suggestions made in the section entitled: 'Conclusion'. Particular references are made here to some ideas related to recovery and schizophrenia, and which have helped me tremendously in my journey of getting well and more highly functioning again, as I was prior to the onset of my condition.The topic of 'Spirituality' as the missing link in psychiatry is introduced briefly in a summary way in an Appendix; and makes reference to some of the work of other people, including Jeremy Griffith and the Dalai Lama. The topic introduced in this section is considered as a whole part in itself of too broad a scope to be discussed in too much detail, given our differing ideas and spiritual beliefs or leanings; and is not the main argument or purpose of my book. Thus, it has been introduced in this way, as well as by suggestions in the sections: 'The Hope for Recovery' and 'Conclusion'; in the hope of encouraging further thought and consideration by the reader.

Book description.This volume is quite a lengthy tome and it is published to celebrate my joy of writing and learning as I have recently gained a Master of Arts in English. But why is it entitled Completely Fragmented: Nigel Pearce. That is not such an enigma but an easily solved puzzle. It is fragmented in that it is divided into several sections, each a literary genre. However, it, of course, is more profound than that. The authorial 'I' has died in every genre except non-fiction because as D. H. Lawrence wrote in Studies in Classic American Literature (1925) 'Never trust the artist. Trust the tale.' On a personal level I live in a world of books, but my life has been tossed into the air by experience. This author is in fact himself fragmented yet he finds cohesion by both writing and studying.

Description This book is a collection of raw poetry and spoken word written in flow state, along with some uplifting quotes along the way. Using raw emotions and coming from a meditative state, the poetry and spoken word takes the confusion of the mind and rearranges it with resolution and imagination. Inspired by love, nature, spirit and pain, the purpose of the writing is to show the ups and downs; the ying and yang of life. It shows life as opposites: darkness and light, pain and pleasure, love and anger, self-love and doubt; without one you can't experience the other. The message is of perspective; how one's approach to life moulds their reality, and patience; there is always light at the end of a dark tunnel, we just need to learn to trust ourselves. It talks about freedom, passion and the need for purpose in life, to live in a state of flow and to believe in oneself. The desire of the author is for the reader to realise their inner power; that we are all 'enough' exactly how we are, even though we may be experiencing the darkest pain or hurt; and that being the truest version of ourselves, we deserve to live a life of joy and abundance! Bio Aiméè Keenan was born and raised in a small village in Northern Ireland, and from a very young age always had a passion for the language and arts. She moved to London in 2015 to pursue her career in Musical Theatre, and trained at the American Musical Theatre Academy of London. After graduating, she spent six months of 2018 performing in a resort in the beautiful Sardinia, where she spent many hours out in nature unlocking her creativity and discovering her true self and message. She began writing by starting her blog, 'Happiness Lifestyle Hacks' where she talks about all things personal development, spirituality, creativity and self-love. This became a creative outlet and after some personal and also creative inspiration when returning to London, she began writing in flow and channelling her words and message into poetry And song-writing.. She has always been a big believer in nature as a vice for self-healing and love, and believes that delving into the inner-self helps with creative expression, as well as creative expression aiding with the self-healing process. It was through a process over some years of discovering spirituality, working on self-love and self-belief that she gained the confidence to share her words and as a result; hopefully some inspiration with the world!

DescriptionThis book is a poetic exploration of the work and life of the 19th century French poet Arthur Rimbaud. The book is addressed to Rimbaud, and follows short poetic brevities, talking to Rimbaud as if he was in the room. Rimbaud led a fascinating life. From his beginnings in provincial France, through to his arrival(s) in Paris, through his bohemian years, his relationship with Paul Verlaine, and his final departure for Africa to become a merchant trader. Never has one individual achieved so much in such a short time frame. Rimbaud gave up poetry at 21, but his corpus remains as rich as any who has spent a life time endeavouring in their field. About the AuthorPaul Fearne holds a PhD from Latrobe University, and a Masters from the University of Melbourne. He has been re-diagnosed as suffering from schizoaffective disorder. His first book, Diary of a Schizophrenic, was launched at the 2010 Melbourne Writers Festival. Paul Fearne has also worked extensively in the field, working for Mission Australia, and volunteering for Mind Australia, the Mental Illness Fellowship of Victoria, and Wellways, helping sufferers from mental illness on their journey's towards recovery. Some of Paul Fearne's work appears under the nom de plume of 'Fearne Paul'.

In this book we asked Ultra runners how running helps their mental health. We discovered that these amazing runners are motivated by many different things and their outstanding physical and mental achievements act as positive examples to us all. This book is for anyone that loves running and anyone who is contemplating running further than a marathon.

DescriptionJump on back and take a ride with this modern day poet. Erica Loberg's UNDRESSED delves into current social issues, coupled with a no holds barred look at her personal real life experiences. Alongside her poems she provides commentary which unleashes keen insight into her work, and allows the reader to dive deep into her mind. It is raw, real, provocative, and often times shocks the reader in its courageous look at life as a modern day woman. "Stay low, and drive hard." - emlAbout the AuthorErica Loberg was born in 1977 and raised in Los Angeles, California. She received her Bachelor's in English from Columbia University. Erica was diagnosed with chronic hypomania, Bipolar II, in 2005 and continues down the road of psychiatric treatment. Currently, she lives in downtown LA and works with the mentally ill, who inspired her to write this book.