Snowflake Nippon

Moons of Nippon

The Breath of the Gods

In "The Breath of the Gods," Sidney McCall weaves a richly textured narrative that explores the intersection of human aspiration and the divine. Set against a backdrop of mythical landscapes and philosophical inquiries, McCall's prose is both lyrical and thought-provoking, challenging readers to consider humanity's relationship with the supernatural. The novel employs a unique structure, alternating between contemporary characters and their ancient counterparts, emphasizing timeless themes of fate, ambition, and existential questioning. This novel resonates with echoes of classical literature while remaining firmly rooted in modern sensibilities, making it a compelling read for those fascinated by the interplay of myth and reality. Sidney McCall, an acclaimed author and a scholar of comparative mythology, draws on extensive research and personal experiences shaped by diverse cultural narratives. His background in anthropology and his travels through ancient civilizations inform the depth and authenticity of his characters and settings. Having witnessed the ways in which myths serve as mirrors for societal values and individual struggles, McCall aims to illuminate these connections through his storytelling, inviting audiences to reflect on their own beliefs and aspirations. I highly recommend "The Breath of the Gods" to readers who appreciate profound narratives that provoke introspection. McCall's ability to blend mythological elements with contemporary relevance creates an engaging reading experience, sparking dialogue around what it means to seek purpose in a world intertwined with both the divine and the mortal. This novel stands as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the infinite avenues of human experience.

The Complete Plant Selection Guide for Landscape Design

This book is a quick and easy-to-use reference guide for choosing plant material for landscape designs. This reference manual includes comprehensive lists with search criteria for each of the major plant groups, including trees, shrubs, groundcovers, perennials, vines, grasses, and ferns. These plant groups contain hundreds of specific species, varieties, and cultivars that are readily available in the marketplace from the major production nurseries. Landscape architects, designers, contractors, or anyone who designs with plants, can easily choose plants that will work on their site. The book is technical enough for the professional, yet simple enough to be used by the layperson. Both botanical and common names are used and an extensive amount of cultural and environmental information is presented. While many other books of this kind give only basic information such as sun/shade, height/width, there are so many as 30 specific categories for each plant group. The categories cover such important criteria as light and soil requirements, zone hardiness, height and width, pest and disease susceptibility, urban tolerance, and tolerance to salt and drought. The lists also include many criteria often overlooked such as growth rates, overall messiness, root systems, minimal fall clean up, maintenance levels, soil PH and landscape value/use, and many visual characteristics such as texture, foliage color and fall colors, bloom colors and seasons, shapes and forms, attractive bark and foliage and more. There is also a candid Pros & Cons section covering some realistic considerations for each of the plant species groups.