Books

Princess Grandpa is a wonderful story about a little girl's perception of how her grandfather is truly a princess. Written with wit and clarity, the story provides a modern day grandpa with the honor he so richly deserves.

My Grandma Has Alzheimer's is a poignant view of a sweet grandma who has the debilitating disease called Alzheimer's as experienced and told by her grandchild. The book employs a sense of gentle humor and facts from the life's journey of one such grandma - Betty Rae. The hope of the author is that others will be better prepared to endure and deal with this "long goodbye" to their loved one by reading and interacting with the book.

The pictures are by an amazing artist in England. Joann Sands graciously consented to be a part of this project when first approached and the tone and design of her art compliments the issue of Alzheimer's - busy, detailed, and sometimes quite confusing.

The purchase of this book will allow a continuation of the program entitled MASABI, which allows art therapists to provide free and low-cost art therapy counseling to individuals and groups in the Northwest USA.

A tender look at grief and loss, this beautifully illustrated story of a grandma's journey to heaven, begins the dialog between adult and child about death and dying.

Imagine a class of disenchanted, turned-off teens, mostly males. Then imagine those same students feeling poorly about themselves - feeling they are dumb because they have not been told it takes time to learn a second language. Imagine adults passing through their lives and finally one sticks around to show them they are loved. They are safe. They are good. Just imagine.

Lola Carlile, art therapist and educator, deals with the sensitive issue of mental health with a humorous slant. "Are We All Crazy?" is an irreverent, but informative text that gives the reader a practical understanding of mental illness. This text is not meant to be an academic pursuit, but a general information book for those who may be struggling with mental illness or who may have a family member or friend also manifesting symptoms of mental illness. As an art therapist, Carlile includes a chapter about art therapy as well as some art directives that can be used to soothe the soul and energize the mind. Readers have commented that the book "is an easy read, yet conveys so much important information." The field of art therapy is seen on the periphery of mental health practitioners by some and Carlile's goal is to infuse the entire practice of mental health with the expressive arts and heighten awareness of mental health and, possibly, to help eradicate the stigma of mental illness. In her practice she consults with women, children, and families and is often reminded that the simplest thing can help people recover their mental equilibrium. Born in Salzburg, Austria, and raised as an Army brat, Carlile's experience both as an educator and therapist combine to allow her to speak in a common voice - one that is heard by all. She originally planned this book as an adjunct to her counseling for her clients so they could remember some of the issues and skills shared in therapy; however, once others began to read it, she realized perhaps the general population might profit from the book as well. Proceeds from the book will allow Carlile to continue delivering free and low-cost counseling to underprivileged women, children, and families in the Northwest. Yes, we are all crazy at some point in time in our lives, Carlile suggests. It is simply that most of us can usually retrieve our mental health without the assistance of doctors and pharmacies; however, there is no shame if a time comes when we are not able to do so. Then would be the time to realize how much more joyous one can be once good mental health balance is restored. Those who purchase the book will be able to contact Carlile @ masabitherapist@gmail.com for clarification or suggestions for further reading and/or services.

Lola Carlile infused her life with the love of art and when she retired from education, decided to return to the classroom to study art therapy. Little did she know the road ahead would be filled with intense challenges working with mentally ill adults with little or no sight. She tackled the challenges head on, discovering that the easy notion of using clay with these clients would not work - at least not at first. Fall in love with the characters as Carlile relates their story of struggling day to day to find peace and happiness - an experience neither the author nor the readers will soon forget.