Truman D. Godwin
AUGUST 17, 1931– DECEMBER 4, 2020
Click here for my blog post about Truman D Godwin from Christmas, 2020.
This book is a revision of and update for one of my previous novels entitled THE TREASURE OF CHAMA VALLEY.
Secret loves, unrecognized prejudices, illogical fears, and crying needs are often hidden in human hearts and minds In each person, these feelings and emotions exist simultaneously with an untested potential for cowardice or heroism in the face of adversity. Whether an unexpected problem is major or minor makes no difference to one obsessed with these crippling attributes, the reaction will usually be weak and ineffective and quite possibly make matters worse. On the other hand, there are some who find extra strength and courage to deal heroically with circumstances that seem impossible to resolve. Whether discouraged to the point of despair or inspired to persevere, there is a story to tell for each one of them. It has been my pleasure to delve into the hearts and minds of my characters and present to my readers a variety of people and situations that will both surprise them and entertain them.
A feeling that comes upon us, usually without solicitation, and which can influence our moods and behavior in mysterious ways. They can force a change in habits, or a re-evaluation of values, or the achievement of extraordinary goals. Whether intentionally used or not, inspirations are driving forces in our lives that are always available to us in one form or another.
Tinker Carlen: An Original Cricket Tinker Carlen: An Original Cricket This is a short biography of Tinker Carlen, a guitarist and singer in the world-famous Cricket band. It is a story of the origin of the Crickets and Tinker’s involvements from the very beginning when Tinker, Buddy Holley, and other young musicians got together to “make music and entertain.” It is Tinker’s story, not a copy of anything that’s been written about the evolution of the Crickets its individual members or of their successes and failures. Some of Tinker’s life experiences are related as he remembers the challenges of pursuing a musical career Also included are many experiences of the band — some funny, some sad — as each member faces the problems of growing up and the unexpected cultural problems from people who didn’t approve of their “rock-a-billy” style of music. |
In 1937, only 30,194 Texas State residents, which was only 8.56% of eligible voters statewide, passed an amendment to the State Constitution which set the stage for a “plan” to encourage payment of ad valorem taxes which “opened the door” for future legislative control of property taxes. Over time this “foot in the door” legislation has been seized upon by State Government to modify and strengthen it by various legal and legislative maneuvers to increase the power of State Government. The consequence of this long history has been an erosion of property owners’ logical and reasonable rights to plan and participate in property ownership without dishonest and overbearing government interference in the matter of fair and honest taxation.(ad valorem means “according to value”).
The “death knell” of honesty and fairness in the matter of property taxation was dealt by the Legislature when on January 1, 1982, 254 Appraisal Districts in Texas were created, one for each County. This gave these newly unelected groups the power to set property taxes, and disallowed the properly elected County Tax Assessors and Collectors from further duty in that respect. This not only opened the door for terrible abuses by free appraisers not beholden to an electorate, it also added a hugely increased burden to taxpayers who have to divvy up MORE tax money each year to support 254 appraisal offices (buildings, furniture, equipment, and staff) throughout the state.
This book gives an accurate and unbiased analysis of the State’s continuing rip-off in property taxes. It is a State which could, just as easily, use good judgement in the matter and go to an “honest” method of property taxation. Such a straight-forward approach would promote stability in the real estate market, and relieve taxpayers of the undocumented and on-going abuses of 254 separate appraisal offices whose individual performances are not closely monitored. It would also restore some confidence in a legislature grown too cowardly to do the right thing for its constituents, and—overall—would be influential to a healthy economic mantra for the State.
I have been fortunate to have a long life that, although hard at times, has been good, productive, and adventurous. When my children asked me to do an autobiography, I had misgivings about such a difficult and comprehensive project. So I consulted my good friend, confidante, and mentor, Mr. Wiggins, and this is what he advised:
“Don’t even try it! Your life’s valleys and mountains are too many; they are too deep to explain or document with the clarity and literary expertise such a massive effort deserves. Don’t try to put the work into a particular genre. Instead, do your best to remember the results of your experiences and record some humor, some important thoughts—good or bad—some wisdom, and perhaps some practical lessons you gleaned from your experiences. Be at ease with yourself! Let your mind walk through your remembrances gently and with compassion as you share some worthwhile, perhaps inspirational, aspects of your eventful journey to longevity. You could title the work:
RUMINATIONS OF AN OLD CODGER.
Expectations
A young boy grows up during the difficult days of the Great Depression, where he faces many problems and choices that conflict with his perception of what he and other people might normally EXPECT. From his own unique experiences, and by observing people’s actions and behavior, he recognizes the anomalies inherent in EXPECTATIONS, which make life unpredictable, funny, and often interesting. His study of expectations lead him to develop a happy philosophy that makes him strong in dealing with his young years in difficult and oftentimes sad situations.
The Heritage of Luke
Upon the sudden, untimely death of her father, Amy Sinclair learns of a curse that has doomed the males of the Sinclair family for more than two hundred years. Determined to remove the threat to any children she might have someday, Amy begins a search for a woman who can remove the curse.
Amy’s Journey takes her to Haiti, into the heart of a world she never knew existed, where the ancient practice of Voodoo becomes both a dangerous threat and a promise of release from the curse of death. This gripping tale offers back-to-back chills, terrors, and surprises as Amy risks her life to find the key that will unlock the deadly secret of The Heritage of Luke.
666
Jonathan Irons has been given great power ostensibly from God. He does not want such power. He wants only to continue teaching in the small-town high school. Events force him to use the power, so, with his beautiful, self-appointed assistant, Luci, he decides to reform government, starting in Congress and continuing through a dysfunctional Supreme Court. At Jonathan’s moment of triumph, a terrorist attack on Washington, D.C. seems destined to lead to Jonathan’s downfall. Jonathan’s surge toward final victory amazes his foes and allies alike.