ROAM
That magic word travel! Come… travel on a magic carpet across mountaintops from the Andes to the Himalayas. Swoop across Tanzania’s Serengeti plain. Huddle with New Mexico shamans. Wind along ancient pilgrim paths in Spain. Surround yourself with turtles.
Culled from their visits to over a hundred countries, the authors share seven journeys they deem the best of the best. Each dramatic story crosshatches themes of history, ritual, sublime panoramas, primitive spaces, high-wire adventure, and reflective ruminations of mind and heart. The narrative invites the reader to share festal meals, anxious moments, and zany episodes that bring laughter and wonder to this theater of travel.
An extraordinary book that exemplifies the distinction between traveler and tourist. Puts forth essential questions provoked by travel, with oft-poetic descriptions.
— Dr. Jeffrey Dunbar,
Professor of Liberal Arts and Teacher Education (Bethany College, WV; retired)
Vicarious travel experiences afforded through vivid and reflective narratives.
— Ashley Ellington Brown,
Author of the multiple-award-winning guide A Beautiful Morning
Authors Eileen Curtis and Pat Williams are spirit-pilgrims with rich stories to share. Their paths present a powerful study in contrasts: Ancient, yet modern; fast-moving yet steeped in a spiritual stillness that is rarely seen (or written about) in today’s hectic society. And the best part of all? It feels like they’ve taken you by the hand and invited you to join them on their journey. My advice: Take their hand. Read this book. Join these two spiritual adventurers as they traverse the globe and explore deep (but refreshingly simple) pieces of universal wisdom that actually belong to all of us.”
— Kristin Taylor,
Award-winning author, journalist, editor
and former White House communications strategist
CHAMBER TALES
Chamber Tales: A Memoir of Commerce, Community and Stunning Forces of Change is a dynamic entry into the world of chambers of commerce. Author Eileen Curtis was one of the longest-serving chamber execs in the country, holding the position of president of the Dulles Regional Chamber for twenty-three years. Her book uniquely chronicles the transformation of a region from agricultural light-weight to two of the wealthiest counties in the country. It takes readers through paradigm-shifting changes, starting with the commercial internet that began in her own back yard.
Here you find headliner tales such as Virginia’s 9/11, the Great Recession, the almost-didn’t happen saga of the Metro’s Silver Line, the front-line efforts dealing with immigration, and her chamber’s pivotal role in that unfolding. People figure large in these tales, which often pull at the heartstrings. Here are real-life dramas that pass through a chamber’s doors and are the backbone of these chamber tales.
Curtis has a long list of professional credits, including being named as Virginia’s Chamber Executive of the Year. Her book which has gained an international audience, inspired comments from Virginia’s then Governor McAuliffe, DC Board of Trade President Jim Dinegar, and Dr. Gerald Gordon, President of Fairfax County Economic Development Authority.