It has been challenging and fun, and given me something to do when the temperatures are really hot outside. My latest scissorcuts will be shown at the White Oak Gallery in downtown Silverton during the month of November. Here are a few I have recently completed.
SILVERTON MYSTERIES features fun, fictional tales from the life of Pastor Alan Johnson and his wife Traci. Expecting to live a “normal life” in the small, quiet town of Silverton, Oregon, they are little prepared for the unexpected, unbelievable, and sometimes unwanted events that ensue.
LA PEREGRINA is a famous pearl worn by European royalty and more recently by Elizabeth Taylor before her death. The author adds a new, fictional chapter to La Peregrina’s wanderings. The precious gem is found by a retired pastor, who sets out to find the rightful owner and return the pearl. Unfortunately, before he can even begin his quest, the pearl is stolen by a pair of hired professional, but incompetent thieves. The challenge of returning the wandering pearl to its rightful owner becomes humorously complicated.
NOT IN SILVERTON is an old-fashioned murder mystery.
No one in the quiet little town of Silverton ever expected a headline like this in the local paper: LOCAL DOCTOR SHOT IN HIS OWN HOME. Pastor Alan Johnson listens to rumors from all over the city. When secretly threatened by the killer, Alan shares a clue with the police which helps them find and arrest the suspect. But is there enough evidence to convict when the case is finally brought to court?
INVASIVE SPECIES is a fun, easy-to-read short story or novella, inspired by a house plant given to the author by a friend. The author was in a bad mood and began to wonder, what if the plant is making me grouchy? In this novella, Alan and Traci return from a trip to Madagascar with a packet of seeds, which Traci plants and nurtures, never suspecting the danger lurking in this invasive species.
SILLY, SERIOUS, and SERMONIC
The author makes no claims to being a poet; however, like most people, he enjoys some poetry, if it’s not too sophisticated. The simple poems in this collection were written over many years, and reflect the author’s love of humor (SILLY), philosophy (SERIOUS), and theology (SERMONIC).
To learn more about “Silverton Mysteries” or to order a copy in soft cover or ebook from Amazon, click on the cover photo above.
”Blessed Are The Hungry” is a book about a starving young artist in Chicago who needs help marketing his paintings. A successful businesswoman knows online marketing but nothing about art. An elderly couple living between them pushes and pulls them all together. Who needs who? We need each other. Despite their differences these four quirky characters utilize humor, patience, and wisdom to help each other. In the process they end up helping themselves to find hope, purpose, and love.
To learn more about “Blessed Are The Hungry” or to order a copy in soft cover or ebook from Amazon, click on the cover photo above.
"Tales from Trinity" is a Lutheran patchwork quilt. Pastor Paul Walker's family and church members are stitched together by a God who is always at work behind the scenes. Church treasurer, Liz, is also working behind the scenes to frame the pastor for embezzlement of church funds. Reiner Holtz nurtures a conspiracy theory about Mexicans taking over the United States. Kathy Stiletto marries her high school sweetheart, but after a few years, she wonders what went wrong.
To learn more about “Tales from Trinity” or to order a copy in soft cover or ebook from Amazon, click on the cover photo above.
Jim’s first novel is the shocking story of Pastor Walker’s experience in terror. Two traumatic incidents shake the tranquil atmosphere of church life. In Part I the church custodian is murdered, and in Part II a group of Muslim terrorists threaten to blow up the church during Sunday morning worship. To learn more about my first novel, or to order a copy in soft cover or ebook on Amazon, click on the book cover photo above.
Pastor Paul Walker is in his fifth year at Trinity Lutheran Church when he is called at home to come to the church late one evening. Upon arriving he finds a hysterical father whose son lies in a pool of blood at the bottom of the stairs. Grief threatens to tear apart Bob and Marge Holloway, Paul and Cheri Walker, and the members of Trinity. Liz Sterling, the church treasurer, who resents Pastor Walker from the beginning, hatches a plot to frame him for embezzling church funds. Meanwhile, Pastor Paul is trying to help Reiner Holtz whose conspiracy theories have led him to the brink of a nervous breakdown. Finally cleared of the accusation of embezzlement, Pastor Walker encourages the congregation to sponsor a refugee from Iran. The young man seems sincere and innocent, but the FBI discovers plans for terrorist attacks across the country, and young Omar is taken into custody. The real terrorists, led by Omar’s roommate Hassid, believe Omar has betrayed them. Taking the congregation hostage, they threaten to blow up the church on a Sunday morning unless their demands are met. Despite tragedy and terror, God is at work behind the scenes, stitching together a community of forgiveness and faith, healing, hope, and joy. The larger community joins in celebrating Trinity’s 100th Anniversary as Paul and Cheri give thanks for the rich life they have shared with family and friends.
To order a copy of “Trials at Trinity” contact the author: bornzin@frontier.com.
Jim thank you for sharing your beautiful work with us. Each one is exquisite and so beautiful.