I would like to invite you to join me on an imaginary journey to the ancient country of Persia, now known as Iran, the home of the poet Rumi. We will suspend any assumptions we may have developed while viewing the country as an Islamic Republic or dictatorship and focus on its ancient and rich culture.

The vignettes that comprise Patterns on a Prayer Rug recall some of my experiences while living in the country for fifteen years, but have no particular theme. They do, however, focus on happenings which shaped my intellectual landscape regarding Iran and the Iranian people.

Imagination is the mind’s unlimited creative eye—Katherine Navarro Storytelling is ageless. Motivated by imagination and keen observation, writers absorb life experiences to store for future retrieval. Each memory becomes part of a story bearing the stamp of the writer’s unique style. Insight, Hindsight & Flights of Fancy, is a collection of short stories by Shadow of the Mountain Writers Guild, a diverse group of published literary artists. With each story you will share adventure, tragedy, love and humor meeting multiple characters that will make you laugh, cry, and rejoice in the author’s portrayal of the human condition. This book is your invitation to take a Flight of Fancy.

From the author’s difficult childhood in Arkansas, to his travels and his narrow escape from Iran, to raising a multi-cultural family and finding success in academia and business, The Pepper Tree Kingdom shows us that it is possible to discover love, purpose, friendship and even joy in unexpected places.