ABOUT THE AUTHOR
When Jo Lynne Valerie began making books out of construction paper and glue at the tender age of three, it was clear that she loved stories and books. When her work began to win elementary school contests, she knew she'd been born a writer. Though her journalistic and fictional work has appeared in numerous publications, including Woman's Day and SageWoman, Tea Leaves On The Wind: A Samhain Tale, is the first story written about the Soul and Spirit.  As she is currently working on a second such tale, it appears Tea Leaves On The Wind will not be her last.

THE RECORDING SESSION
One late August day, the recording crew from a local studio came down to Jo Lynne Valerie's home and transformed one room into a make-shift recording studio.  In the span of one hour, the story was recorded, and the lead sound-tech was in tears.

AUTHOR'S QUOTE:
"I have always believed in the power of story - and since I was a child, some part of me believed that we need not subscribe to the idea that fiction stories aren't real.  They can be quite real: the people, places, feelings and experiences, can powerfully speak to us and touch our lives in profound ways.  In  Tea Leaves On The Wind, I wanted to affirm to readers that we all encounter times in our lives when it all seems hopeless or overwhelming. And that just as Emily reclaims her Spirit and her Self, so can we.  By the time I'd read through the first draft of the story, I was actually inspired by Emily. It was then that I realized that like the bunny Velveteen Rabbit, Emily had become "real".  It is my hope that she - and her message - are real and inspiring for those who read this story."

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
Chris Garrett has loved art since the age of four when he began drawing Easter bunnies.  Though he has received no formal training, his technique and style are honed and unique, conveying his utter passion for creativity.  He is a self-taught musician and enjoys playing guitar and piano.  When he is not drawing or painting, Chris records and produces music and DJ's parties and events.  At 31 years of age, he resides in Portland, Oregon, after relocating from his native Las Vegas, Nevada, in Y2K.

Chris Garrett's portfolio can be viewed at www.number1artist.com/chrisg (then click on: myart.)  He can be reached via e-mail at djthrilla@earthlink.net.  His MySpace page can be viewed at www.myspace.com/zenchrisg.

ARTIST'S QUOTE:
"My goal is to inspire people to look at life in a new way.  In the same way that an image can appeare to be more than one thing at the same time, life is often not what it seems.  Learn the lessons your mind is showing you."