Wash, an engaging page-turner, is creative non-fiction, about a black, freed, slave struggling for his manhood in the post civil war south. It is a love story of a young man living out the principles taught in his Christian, God fearing, home. Wash’s story of former slave descendents encountering constant challenges to their faith, family, friends, and future reflects a universal experience. His struggles to honor these commitments create conflict, confusion, and tragedy. Daily efforts to become educated and improve the lot of his family, friends and himself are frustrated by racist policies of he new south. He pursues the lofty goal of farm ownership. Wash’s distress and degrading experiences force him to mature quickly, accept reality, and new responsibilities. His intelligence and humble manner depict many southern stereotypes used to overcome injustice and assure survival in the reconstruction of the south. He advances his cause by using the oppressive self-interests of white society to achieve his goals of farm ownership and community harmony, through hard work. He gains his farm, gives a portion of his land to establish educational and a religious institutions. He marries and begins a family that must be uprooted in order that his children find education and work in their aspiration to become productive citizens.

It’s easy to think that meaning, fulfillment, and bliss are “out there,” somewhere outside of our daily routine. But in this playful yet profound reflection on awareness, the compelling voice of a contemporary woman reveals the happiness at the bottom of the laundry basket, the love in the kitchen sink, and the peace possible in one’s own backyard. Follow Karen Maezen Miller through youthful ambition and self-absorption, beyond a broken marriage, and into the steady calm of a so-called ordinary life. In her hands, household chores and caregiving tasks become opportunities for self-examination, lessons in relationship, and liberating moments of selflessness. With attention, it’s the little things — even the unexpected, unpleasant, and unwanted things — that count.

Pen and Wash is a practical guide to creating a picture that captures the discipline of pen, along with the subtlety of watercolour. With clear instruction and inspirational examples throughout, it explains the conventional approach of drawing and then adding wash, but also explores alternative ideas and styles. The author's passion for the technique is evident in his examples and enthusiastic text, making the book a superb guide to this beautiful medium. Advise on the correct equipment, techniques, the unpredictable nature of watercolours and Step by step demonstrations of pen and wash techniques.