Equine Therapy for Veterans

 Always listening. Triggered by every sound. Every movement. Fight or flight?  Check.  Double check.  Adrenaline explosion.  A flash in the distance. Friend or foe?  Message or warning? Heart pounding.  Always scanning.  Always on high alert.  Screaming silence.  Moments of sleep shattered by night terrors.  Nervous system overload becomes the norm; emotional and physical exhaustion becomes a way of life.

 

Veterans, who have experienced physical and emotional trauma, call this just another day that ends in “Y”.   No matter how it is labeled, the trauma they experienced affects every aspect of their life until the core issue has been addressed and healed.   Medication masks symptoms; however, they are highly addictive and never resolve the real source of the pain.  Talk therapy has mixed results. Civilians simply don’t understand the military mindset.  Peer-support, while more effective, is more difficult to find.   

 

While in service, personnel are told to suck it up and just get over it.  It’s part of the culture.  To show weakness, especially during combat, makes the person a liability to the sisterhood and brotherhood.  While in service, the shared experience gives courage and comfort to the whole unit.  Yet, after separation, that mindset becomes a liability as the camaraderie vanishes and is replaced by isolation.

 

Yet, there are ways for veterans to rebuild their lives and reclaim that support system that doesn’t involve addictive drugs with horrible side effects. Equine therapy is an effective healing methodology that has been around for decades.    As with all therapy animals, horses are chosen for their temperament and intelligence.  Working with horses provides comfort and support as they help the handler actively restructure their emotional responses and strengthen their bodies.

 

Horses' innate ability to sense the handler’s emotions provides real-time biofeedback.  They can hear and match a person’s heartbeat from nearly four feet away. The horses reflect back the handler’s emotional state. If the handler is relaxed and calm, the horse will be as well.  However, if the handler is emotional—angry, frustrated, or afraid, the horse will become anxious.  However, instead of becoming aggressive, they will shy away, run, or refuse to cooperate.  This real-time feedback helps the handler understand and work through their triggers.  The mission is to remain calm and focused in the moment so that the horse will trust the person enough to interact with them. In this way, working with horses helps the handler stay focused on the present moment. 

 

For many people, equine therapy evokes images of riding horses. However, this is not always the case.  There are two primary equine therapy methodologies: EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) and PATH International. (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International).  Both are national and international organizations that set standards that each associated equine center must meet to be certified by the organization.   Horses are never ridden at Eagla therapy centers. The focus remains on the boots-on-the-ground interaction between the veterans and horses.  However, the PATH-certified programs offer both riding and non-riding programs.    Both programs heal emotional and physical challenges.  Riding a horse uses the same muscles a person uses to walk, which strengthens the body, while motivating the mind into forward thinking.    As part of the certification process, the program must be associated with a state-certified counselor with a master's in mental health and have a hands-on equine certification.

 

Equine centers can be found in most states, mostly in rural or semi-rural areas.  As non-profit organizations, they offer the therapy free to veterans.  However, they are limited as to how many veterans they are able to help by their fundraising capabilities.  In these financially challenging times, the centers have been doubly hit by the increasing costs to care for their horses and the reduction of funding, especially from the VA.  Donating to local centers helps veterans while providing yourself with good karma points and a tax deduction.

 

To find the closest center, visit Horses and Heroes’ website.  It has direct links to both the EAGALA and PATH websites.  Please click on the link below.

 

https://www.kaleidoscopefilmandtelevision.com/horsesandheroes

 

The unscripted documentary TV series, Horses and Heroes, combines the highly effective Peer Support Therapy with Equine Therapy. Unlike most in the unscripted genre, it will focus on healing and positive growth rather than endorsing bad behavior. Each season will bring together veterans from World War II to the current conflicts. They will share their challenges and support each other as they find new solutions to their physical and emotional challenges. They know the talk because they have walked the walk. They see the dodges and will be able to call each other on them. Sparks may fly. Tempers may flare, especially when they force each other to face their ghosts. But there will also be laughter and fun as they rebuild the camaraderie, which kept them safe and strong during their time of service. The snarkiness and practical jokes between the branches don't simply end. There is always room for just one more prank. This interaction will help them rebuild that sense of brotherhood and sisterhood, which will help them reclaim their civilian lives. When it airs, it will reach the veterans, who need to hear that they are not alone and give them information as well as the permission they need to also heal. They will help each other find their way back to the World. Veterans can’t go back and make a brand new start, but they can start from now and make a brand new end. 

#veterans #EAGALA #PATH #HorsesandHeroes #TheresaChaze #KaliedoscopeFilmandTelevision, #equinetherapy #PeerSupportTherapy #hiringveterans #PTSD #support 

We are the winds of change

 

The weather over the last few days is a perfect metaphor for what has been happening in the world.  It has been unseasonably cold, windy, and rainy.   One day, we had 50-60 mile an hour gusts that did considerable damage.  A very large branch from one of my trees fell.  I was extremely lucky; it only damaged one of my rose bushes.  My neighbor wasn’t so lucky. One of his trees started coming down.  If they hadn’t immediately done a controlled removal, it would have caused considerable damage to his home.  One of the workers was nice enough to cut my branch into manageable pieces so I could move it. 

Last night, it again rained.  When I woke up, it was still raining; it was so cold that I turned on the furnace; I don’t react well to cold and damp.  To say that turning on the furnace on June 18^th is depressing is an understatement.   Instead of wallowing, I drank some tea and watched the Obama Presidential Center ceremony. 

The Obamas again brought strength and hope to the world.  Unfortunately, the last thing I remember before I fell asleep was Bruce Springsteen singing.  Sorry, Bruce.  Nothing personal.  I love your music.   When I woke up, the wind had blown away the clouds.  The sun was out. It was warm enough to turn off the furnace and open the windows.   In just a few minutes, everything changed.

Much of life is perspective.  We have a choice.  We can focus on the clouds and the rain or we can remember that life is about change and embrace every moment, but especially when it comes to challenges.   We all have the power of choice; we don’t always like the options, yet when we take the broader view, we can make the best one. 

Those who spoke at the ceremony focused on the positive—on what they wanted to create for the nation.  They refused to bring the negativity of the current administration into the spender of the day. As a side note, I suspect that ketchup will be dripping off the walls because of it.   Hey, if I didn’t say something snarky, those who know me wouldn’t think I wrote this.  Michell Obama said when they go low, we need to go high.  This is true.  But her suing over those comments also proves that we need to stand in our power and fight for what is right.   Becoming angry and frustrated is only a positive when it motivates us to be our best selves and to stand up for others, the rule of law, and Civil Rights.  When we do, we become the wind that blows away the clouds and brings back the sunshine.

#ObanaPreisdentalCenter #hope #ceremony #positivechange #tomorrow 

Diversity and Inclusion: walking the walk

When I talk about breaking stereotypes by supporting age, gender, and ethnic diversity, it isn’t just a talking point; it’s a mission.  The goal is to make diversity and inclusion so commonplace that talking about them is boring.   This is achieved by creating unique characters that challenge the perceived stereotypes and encourage new perspectives.

Graham Greene is a perfect example of our goal.  As a Native American, Graham honored his culture; however, he did so by playing characters who were cops, veterans, doctors, politicians, etc.  His ethnicity was only one aspect of a multifaceted character.  I enjoyed his work because you never knew what to expect from his talent.  He refused to play one-dimensional characters, which is why I created Martin Flying Crow in Operation Home Base with him in mind.

Martin Flying Crow

A full-blooded Oneida, Martin Flying Crow enlisted as an Army Medic to escape the abject poverty of the Rez, only to find the destiny his ancestors had placed before him. Trained by his shaman grandmother, Flying Crow walked the Red Road from childhood. At age 13, he set out on a vision quest to learn his life’s path. The Eagle Spirit showed him that he was destined to be a healer and guide others. This life was to be one of service to others. He was to teach them the way of spiritual balance. However, to lead others, he needed to walk the path himself. Enlisting as a combat medic in the Army was the first step of many. In Vietnam, he served two tours as a medic. Although he was not officially allowed to carry weapons, he did not hesitate to defend those in his unit by whatever means necessary. It was during this time that he crossed paths with Deek and Walter. After his tour, he returned to the Rez. Working as a Paramedic, he quickly learned how little emotional, spiritual, and medical support there was for the military personnel, vets, and wounded warriors, along with their families. Working out of his garage, he gathered information, contacts, and resources, which he used to improve the lives of those affected by war. He gained national attention when he was able to talk a wounded warrior out of committing suicide. It was this exposure that brought him to the attention of Lorelei Stuart and Michael Woodsman.

Unfortunately, Graham is permanently unavailable.  I need to consider one of the many very talents alterative and tweak the character to make it more comfortable for the actor.

The projects that I write and produce offer the same opportunities and growth for women, veterans, and the LGBTQ+ community.  It’s this fractioning of the expected norm that shatters stereotypes and turns two-dimensional paper dolls into real people. This is our goal; we will achieve this mission by focusing on entertaining first and foremost.   No one likes to be preached at.  But by creating characters and putting them in situations that touch people’s hearts, you can change minds and behaviors.  In a world where ignorance and cruelty are now celebrated, we will find the commonality in our humanity to celebrate.  If you share our mission, let’s chat.  Here is the link to our website.

https://www.kaleidoscopefilmandtelevision.com/

 

#diversity #inclusion #veterans #women #Native Americans #indigouspeople #TheresaChaze #KaleidoscopeFilmandTelevision #film #Television

 

 

 

 

 

Do those in marketing and advertising really support diversity and inclusion?

 

 

There is a market and a need for support in film and television for the LGBTQ+ community. Many Indie projects do support diversity and inclusion. The bump in the road is the lack of support from marketing and advertising professionals to talk the good talk, but when it comes to supporting projects through product placement and integration, their rubber leaves the road--they don't follow through with their support. Talk is cheap. The projects I write and produce break stereotypes by supporting diversity and inclusion. However, instead of making a big hairy deal out of it--looky, looky, we have a gay character--we do as a matter of fact, every day--she/he is gay; so what? mentality. 

There is a scene in Completely Loyal to Me where William James speaks to the portrait of his love, Samuel. He expresses his loss and anger. Of all that could have been, that will never be because of the murder. When it comes to grief, gender doesn't matter.

WILLIAM JAMES

Today, your beard gets shaved. They will be gone and the Oyster will be back at her home dock. Will it make me miss you more or less? The sea was our oyster. We could be ourselves--without fear. I wish we could have claimed our love. If we hadn't needed her, you would still be alive. We would be together. Happy. Maybe we should have left. So many maybes and what ifs. But you are dead, my dearest. Nothing can bring you back.

(crying)

After they have gone, I'll take your ashes to your favorite fishing spot. She thinks she got away with it. She thinks they can leave and enjoy their love. She murdered you. She stole our lives together. I may be alone

(grief turns to anger)

but I'll see them in hell even if it means I can't see you in heaven. Ohmygod Samuel, I miss you!

To read more about Completely Loyal to Me and the other projects on our slate visit our website.

Website

#diversityandinclusion #lbgtqcommunity #womeninfinance#womeninfilmandtelevision #nativeamerican#nativeamericaninfilm #veterans #TheresaChaze#Kaleodoscopefilmandtelevision

Theresa Chaze: Come make some good trouble with us

 

If you believe that diversity and inclusion should become so commonplace that they are no longer remarkable, join our mission. Those who work in film and televsion has the means to make this possible. Join our team to make original projects that tell tales about how when we face our fears we become our best selves.

https://youtu.be/WHD9zwedx6Q?si=CMHFLV9lOMWGU2aQ

#supportingdiversity #inclusion #film #television #women #NativeAmericans #IndigeousPeople #veterans #TheresaChaze #KaleidoscopeFilmandTelevision #Michigan #Oklahomas

Theresa Chaze: unabashed troublemaker

For most of her life, people have been telling her not to try or to give up. They said her goals were impossible--that she couldn't possibly make any of them happen. But what they were really saying was that they were afraid to try or were afraid she would succeed. If you believe you can't, then you can't; yet if you are certain you can, you can find or make a way to reach your goals. Theresa Pachesny Chaze Film & Television Producer • Writer • Director Email: Tirgana@yahoo.com Website: kaleidoscopefilmandtelevision.com

Veterans can't go back and make a brand new start but they can start from now and make a brand new end

Veterans are people—not political agendas. They served our nation, and many now face life-altering challenges without the support they’ve earned. I am the Creator and Executive Producer of Horses and Heroes, a veteran-based documentary TV series combining equine therapy and peer support to help veterans heal and move forward. The series will consist of 16 episodes (18 broadcast hours) and feature 10 veterans, including two public figures, while employing veterans both on and off camera. We are seeking a corporate partner aligned with supporting veterans and reaching the 18–49-year-old demographic. Our presenting partner would receive prominent brand integration, audience engagement opportunities, and exclusive access to unaired content, while directly supporting nonprofit equine therapy centers that serve veterans at no cost. If this aligns with your mission, buy our shirts and recommend others do the same. Thank you for your time, Theresa Pachesny Chaze Creator & Executive Producer, Horses and Heroes Website #veterans #hiringveterans #documentaryTVseries #equinetherapy #HorsesandHeroes #TheresaChaze

New Veteran Based TV Tells Veterans' Stories

Veterans are people who deserve to be treated as heroes, not political agendas. They have earned the help and support that they need. Horses and Heroes will tell veterans' stories as they work together to learn new coping skills for their physical and emotional challenges. We will also be hiring veterans for the jobs in front of and behind the cameras, while supporting the equine centers that have veteran programs. To learn more, visit our website. https://www.kaleidoscopefilmandtelevision.com/horsesandheroes #veterans #equinetherapy #jobs #ptsd #HorsesandHeroes #TheresaChaze #Army #Airforce #Navy #Marines #CoastGuard #militarysupport

Veterans: Do they need your support?

Product Placement and Integration benefits brands and projects

 Effective promotion and marketing campaigns remain the keystone for every company’s success. This is especially true during financially challenging times. The expenses are necessary to reach the customers, but finding the money in the budget can be a challenge.  It places the company in a chicken-and-egg situation.   The innovative knows how to get the biggest bang for their bucks.

Product placement is an old-school promotion and marketing technique that, when updated and used properly, outshines traditional and more expensive campaigns. During the early days of television, companies were the sole sponsors of individual TV series.  The brands were so intertwined that they became synonymous with each other.  The Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom is only one example.  Mutual of Omaha was featured in the title and the hosts promoted the brand within the series.  The increasing production costs made this business model unsustainable, thus establishing the current trend of separating content from advertising.  However, instead of being abandoned, cross-branding transformed into a combination of the two techniques.  This hybrid methodology maximizes the financial benefits for the production by expanding the number of brands embedded into it, while lowering advertising costs and maximizing the longevity of the promotion for each sponsor.

Both models have their benefits and their challenges. With only one sponsor, the full financial weight falls on it, yet the promotional benefits also dramatically increase.  Frequently, the brands become permanently intertwined with the reputation of each, reflecting on the other.   Being able to attract a specific demographic is an additional benefit of this business model. The content organically lures the audience, who find the topic, genre, or personality involved interesting, which gives the sponsor direct access to those it is trying to reach.   Once embedded in the project, the brand continues to be promoted whenever and wherever the project is viewed without additional cost to the sponsor.  Once produced, the connection becomes locked.  Nothing can be added or subtracted without altering the project itself

 

With the separation of the content and advertising, the financial obligations for the sponsor have been lower, but the benefits have also dramatically decreased.  Instead of being an equal partner with the series, the brand becomes only one in the crowd.  Targeted purchases of commercial time do increase the possibility of reaching a specific demographic; however, the cost for such commercial buys increases the cost of each ad.  Network rate cards vary in terms according to the market size, day part, how far in advance the airtime is bought, and the flexibility of the placements.  The more specific the terms, the higher the price tag will be.  The current norm focuses on day part and venue rather than content.  It is little different than throwing spaghetti at a wall and seeing what sticks. Additionally, the separation of content makes the ad buy a one-and-done.  The ad will air according to the terms of the contract and will not air again until another contract for more airtime has been signed and paid for

The hybrid model combines the best aspects of both.  It has the permanence of embedding brands and the cost-effectiveness of the current business model.  Embedding brands manifests in two forms, placement and integration.  The primary difference between the two is the involvement and interaction between the on-screen talent and the brand.   The more interaction between the two, the greater the exposure and the higher the cost.  Placement refers to the product being placed within the set design in such a way that it receives screentime, but without direct interaction with the characters.   Integration refers to products that involve active interaction or usage of the brand name on screen as the characters use or positively speak about the product. 

In the 1984 Ghostbusters, Bill Murray and Sigourney Weaver had a scene in front of her refrigerator.  For nearly thirty seconds of the scene, a Coke has been placed on a shelf between them.  They don’t look at it or refer to it, yet it has a notable presence in the scene. More recently, in the series Yellowstone, Marlboro circumvented the legal restrictions against on-air advertising of tobacco and smoking products.  In several scenes, the character Beth opened a Marlboro box, took out a cigarette, and smoked it.  Nothing was said about the brand.  It was just a matter of course that Beth smoked.  However, instead of concealing the brand, the name received screen time.

Timing is another primary difference in the promotional models.  Cross-branding placement has longevity and permanence; however, its benefits are delayed until the release of the project.  Purchasing airtime within commercial breaks has immediacy of exposure, yet a short shelf life. The rate card for each also radically differs. The cost for placement is based on length of screentime in seconds, active/passive presentation, actress/actor involved, and the genre.  Whether an Indie or studio project, an A-list talent will garner a higher rate per second.  However, in order to accommodate the two-minute commercial breaks, ads have been limited to standardized lengths of 15, 30, 45, 60, and 120 seconds. The rate cards base their fees on the rating of the program; the higher the rating the more costly the placement will be.

 

Never Can Say Good-bye’s production team will reinvent the definitions of innovation, moxie, and creativity as they place and integrate brands within the project.  It will feature products that are normally overlooked, while offering traditional sponsors a fresh perspective on how their products or brands will appear on the screen.  Although the genre of paranormal-thrillers attracts the 18–49-year-old demographic, by supporting age, gender, and ethnic diversity, Never Can Say Good-bye will broaden and enhance that target base. Thereby, it will expand the sponsors’ promotional reach beyond expectations.

 

By combining brands, Never Can Say Good-bye will give the scenes a real-world feel. In addition to being placed or integrated into the scenes, the name of the brand will be used whenever possible. For example, in the scenes within the cars, a radio station will be playing in the background.  The station will be identified by its call letters. Depending on the length of the scene, from one to two thirty-second commercials will air for any family-friendly product.  There will also be a running joke about how the supporting character, Amanda, is trying to win a radio contest.  She is more than capable of buying her own, but she tells others that it tastes better when she wins it.  Her attempts to call in are frequently thwarted by others.  These details will be added in the final script. 

A motorized wheelchair will be used by Amanda, who is well-respected in her community.  She will be seen using it in and outside her home.  In addition, it will also have screen time as it is used on various terrains, including city streets/sidewalks, college campus, and a cemetery.  Extras of various ages, genders, and ethnicities will be seen using them.  However, the budget line only includes the screentime in which Amanda is featured.  The scenes with the extras will be considered bonuses.  The sponsor will be expected to provide the necessary motorized wheelchairs that will be donated to non-profits after the production; the sponsor will receive the tax deduction.

For a complete list of placement opportunities available through the contact information on the website.  

Website

Wiccan Ritual Opens a Door to the Past

 

He slowly walked out of her reach. "I'm sorry."

 

“For what?” Shawn Michael demanded, stepping off the main path. He was quickly followed by Damien MacNab, Richard Connell,  and Keith Connell. “Explain yourself, boy!”

 

“I told you!” Keith volunteered, pointing at Shannon and Michael. “I told you they were together.”

 

Shannon Marie's gaze quickly darted from her father to the smirking Keith. Anger rose within. “Papa. Whatever he told you,” she jutted her chin in Keith's direction, “is a lie.”

 

“Shut up girl!” Richard snapped, sauntering into the glade. “He said you were together.”

 

“Harlot!” Keith smugly pointed at her; the condescension in his voice matched his father. “Just like your Seanhair!”

 

Shawn Michael snapped around; his left hand reaching for the dagger at his belt. “Richard, shut your bastard up!” The warning hung in the air between them, threatening to become more than a verbal battle.

 

“Michael?” Always the gentleman, Damien squared his shoulders and composed himself. With relaxed, yet directed long strides, he quickly crossed the distance between himself and his son. Damien reached out slightly and tilted his head so that their matching deep hazel eyes met. “Why were the two of you here together?”

 

“Father, we always come to honor Bridget.” Michael’s gaze did not waver.

 

Shannon was suddenly aware of how alike in manner and appearance they were. Without Damien’s beard, it was like the men were looking in mirror reflections of themselves; one towards the past and the other toward the future. Both were warriors; but whereas Damien had aged into a statesman, Michael still had the temperament and the physical stamina of a warrior and a hunter. Although their eyes were the same shape and color. Damien’s held wisdom. Michael’s were those of a seer who saw other times and places.

 

“I would never dishonor you or myself.” Michael continued. “Nor would I betray her father’s trust.” He turned toward Shawn. “Sir, your daughter and I have been friends for as long as I can remember. You never questioned us before. Why would you doubt us now?”

 

“We always have been together since we were children. Rachael and Scott used to come with us.” Shannon Marie interceded. “Since Scott was sent to the monastery, Rachael does not come anymore. Michael and I promise to always remember them to Bridget. We are honor-bound. Rachael gave me her offering.” She pulled the coins from her pocket.

 

“Pagan—“

 

“Shut up!” Shawn Michael snapped, cutting off Richard. The anger in his voice was sharper than the blade at his belt. “My daughter does not lie.”

 

“Neither does my”--

 

“Your son?” Richard cut Damien off. “Are you dishonoring your legit heirs by acknowledging your bastard?”

 

Shawn Michael crossed the few yards between himself and Shannon Marie. His voice softened when he spoke to her, yet the anger, which was only inches away, remained directed at the Connells. “Little Elf, what oath did you give.”

 

“The four of us made a blood oath on Bridget’s altar to be each other’s defenders and protectors.” Michael quickly answered, stepping toward the father and daughter pair. “We are one in her name.”

 

“Yes, Papa. It is true.” Shannon Marie looked up into her father’s eyes, trying to get him to understand how she felt about Michael without her being forced to put it into words. They were more than friends, yet they both knew that was all it would ever be. How could she speak what her heart felt in front of all of them when she could not say it out loud to the person who meant the most?  Angrily she looked at the Connells.

 

Arrogantly,  Keith stood beside his father,  his arms folded across his

chest. She hated him the most for his pretense. His parentage was no better than Michael’s, yet he presented himself as a son of rank.

“But it’s none of their concern. Michael is honorable. Neither of us would do anything to disgrace ourselves or our families.” She pointed at Keith. “He cannot say the same.”

 

"There was nothing more?" Damien demanded, stepping back and scratching his graying beard.

 

“Nothing worth speaking of.” Michael whispered and turned toward the altar. “I-we-it doesn’t matter. We have done nothing to shame ourselves or our families.”

 

Damien’s voice softened as he stepped around Michael and lifted his chin as if he were a small boy instead of a nearly grown man. “Speak the words of your heart.”

 

“I can’t Father. I don’t have the right.” Michael turned away and walked back to Bridget's altar. He stood there with his back to them all.

 

Damien's gaze followed his son, but his eyes quickly moved on to the stone formation that honored The Horned One, Cernuous. Scratching his beard, he seemed to be seeking an answer from the God. He blinked and shifted his weight to look at Shawn Michael. He slightly nodded. “Your daughter is an honorable young woman. So is my son. I believe both of them.”

 

Without hesitating, Shawn Michael returned the gesture. He faltered for a moment as if he were choosing his words carefully. “The Clans have their ways for good or bad. They cannot be changed. At least not from the inside. But not all of us are from the inside. Shannon Marie’s Seanhair is not of the Clans. When I married her daughter, we created a new tradition that was not quite Clan, not quite de Medici. I agree to release my claims to my wife’s family possessions. I gave her my family's name. As with the Clans’ traditions, my eldest daughter and her husband would inherit the clan title and honors...but Madam de Medici would name her heir. Do you understand?”

 

Shannon Marie did not. There was no reason for Papa to be speaking about the family business. Especially not now. Besides, Damien was Papa’s best friend. He knew all this already. None of it was a secret.

 

Damien slowly nodded his head.

 

Shawn Michael continued. “Some traditions can be broken without reproach. Others only bent. But some traditions cannot be broken. My daughter is of honorable blood. She deserves all her birthrights. Not everyone will accept Jacqueline De Medici's decisions and choices. They will try to take by force what they can’t have by law.”

 

“Strong friends and family alliances are shelter in such storms.” Damien interjected. “An honorable family, we would fight to the death to protect their own whether by blood or marriage. I speak for MacNab Clan and all our kin and all our kin’s kin when I say we are such an honorable family.”

 

“We have an agreement!” The elder Connell angrily barked.

 

“And it will be kept!” Shawn Michael matched his tone as he snapped around. “To bring peace between our clan, my eldest daughter and heir will marry yours. I will keep my word as long as you honor your end of the bargain. Shannon Marie has been and will be Madam de Medici's heir.”

 

“That wasn’t the agreement!” Connell growled advancing on Shawn Michael. "The estates go to the husband of the eldest daughter if there is no legit male heir. My son is entitled--"

 

“To the small estate, my father shall bestow on me.” Shawn Michael cut him off. “And the title.”

 

“Only you and yours thought that there was more. The rest knew the lay of the land.” Damien added, standing beside Shawn. “You were a fool to expect otherwise.”

 

“Tradition is tradition.” The elder Connell snarled. “Eldest child--legitimate child,” he corrected himself, “inherits the family title and property.”

 

Shannon Marie knew there was more to his meaning than his words conveyed. They were talking about clan agreements and marriage as if they were interchangeable. But Seanhair taught her that she would always have the right to choose with whom she shared her bed. Did not her older sister have the same right? Again she had the strange feeling of not being alone within herself--it felt as if a stranger was also looking out of her eyes and hearing as she heard.

 

This was important. Alyssa knew it was a turning point. A path had been chosen, yet she knew not what the options were. Nor was it her right to decide. Something had been just set in motion.

 

Shannon felt the stranger within her. From the beyond, words from another place echoed within her—“To another place to the other time take me back to the beginning of this crime. Let me see and understand the unfolding of this karmic plan. Show me now in this light how to make this wrong a right.”

 

Fear suddenly overwhelmed her. Shannon did not understand why this moment was so important. Why were Damien and Papa talking formally as if they were at court? They were friends. Always. For as long as she could remember, they had spoken openly as brothers. She looked at Michael; he was closed off to her. She wanted to reach out to Papa; she couldn't force her feet to move the few steps between them.

 

“I give you my word.” Damien continued, “The MacNab Clan honors the traditions of the other clans' families. We will respect the understanding between the Cullen clan and Madam de Medici.”

 

Shawn Michael slowly nodded.

 

Damien MacNab returned the gesture. “I'll make the arrangements with Laird MacDonald to make the first announcement.” He turned toward Bridget’s altar. “Michael, come here.”

 

Michael immediately bowed in reverence to Bridget and returned to his father’s side. Damien leaned forward and whispered into his ear. For a moment, Michael stepped back, looking first at Bridget’s altar and then at Shannon.

 

Damien stepped closer and continued to speak in a voice so low it did not carry across the field. As he finished, Michael slowly nodded but said nothing.

 

Shannon Marie saw regret and sadness in his eyes. Their eyes met briefly. Michael turned away and looked at Bridget’s altar. It was like he was mourning part of himself. Disappointment and grief radiated from him.

Available in paperback and as Kindle on Amazon.

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#paranormalthriller #karmicromance #Notforourselves #TheresaChaze #wiccan #pagan #reincarnation #rituals #pastlives