Welcome to Galactic Axia

The following photos are from previous events.

*************************************

Sunday

December 21, 2008

Jim Laughter

and

Carolyn Steele

for a special book signing for

HEROES AT HOME

at

Sears

21st and Yale

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Well, you just wouldn't think that a Sears store would be the hottest place in town for a book signing,would you? Especially with people out shopping for that last minute gift for that certain someone special that just has to have that surprise chainsaw or leaf blower. But today we learned the rest of the story. We hope you do too.....

My friend and fellow Tulsa NightWriter, Carolyn Steele is a talented writerand public speaker that has created the perfect book to help families preserve the stories that are so often lost in time. This bookshows youhow to not only document yourfamily history, but also how topreserve it inaformat that can be passed down from generation to generation.

Carolyn Steele is available for presentationsto church, genealogy, library, writer and reader groups. She is an award-winning writer that combines her love of history, writing, and genealogy to inspire othersto preserve the legacy of theirpast, looking forward to a bright future.

If you have questions about Carolyn's book or presentation, please email her by clicking on her picture. If you'd like to visit her website, click on the picture of her book. Clever, huh...?

As I said, you wouldn't think that a Sears store would be a great place to sell books. Buttoday, Carolyn Steele, author of Preserving Family Legends for Future Generations and I met some surprisingly astute shoppers while doing a charity book signing for Heroes at Home, a wonderful non-profit organization that supports injuredmilitary men and women after times of combat trauma. Sears has always been known for theirsupport of our nation's military, so every year they team up with Heroes at Hometo build wheelchair ramps, elevators, and other remodeling projects in veteran's homes when the call of our nation brings them home injured. Carolyn and I were proud to do our part,albeit only a minor contribution. God bless our military and their families.

You'll notice that these first two pictures have the same young man in them. Brandon picked up a copy of Escape to Destiny because he loves good fiction and wanted something to read that would fire his imagination. But Brandon also hasa bigheart, so instead ofusing his own money to buy a video game or something elsefor himself, he returned to our tables and bought a copy of Carolyn's book, PreservingFamily Legends for Future Generations for his mother Sheila whowasn't with them today.Way to go, Brandon! That's the Christmasspirit.

Walter Gonzalez, a Sears associate. When the Sears folks learned that Carolyn and I were donating the profits from our books to Heroes at Home, they turned out to greet us, say hello, and purchase our books. These are the people that make Sears the great company that it is.

John and Lois Stalcup picking up a copy of Escape to Destiny for mother Liz. At first reluctant to have their picture taken, aren't they a lovely couple? Thanks John and Lois for supporting Heroes at Home.

This is Sheri with Carolyn. Sheri is one of the managers at Sears, so her day was busy, busy, busy. But Sheri still took the time to buy a copy of Preserving Family Legendsto support Heroes at Home.

What a lovely smile Patricia has...!And she loves to read. Well, she's off to a right start with this one. Enjoy the journey....!

I'm sorry I forgot to get this couple's name, but they were shopping for something special for their nephew, Michael Loeza. I hope Michael's smile is as big as theirs when he checks his Christmas stocking.Thanks, folks for supporting our military.

Our final picture of the day is of a true American Hero. Chuck is an ex-Marine that served two tours of duty in Vietnam and lived to tell about it. So in true military style, Chuck purchased both Escape to Destiny and Preserving Family Legends for Future Generations in support of Heros at Home. Thanks Chuck.... You're my hero.

*************************************

Saturday

December 20, 2008

Jim Laughter

at

Borders Bookstore

8015 S.Yale

Tulsa, Oklahoma

918-494-2665

Brad Gruen and Scott, events managers

I sure had a Merry time at Borders Bookstore this chill Saturday afternoon where I met a whole bunch of new folks, and even ran into a few others that I'd seen before. As always, the management and staff of Borders were wonderful and professional, and made this day one to cherish.

This is Rebecca's mom. She said she was looking for a good book to get her daughter interested in reading again. What better way than to start her out on a series that she can grow up with? Merry Christmas, Rebecca...

Meredith and Dad making good use of a Saturday afternoon together. I was amazed at how many wonderful young people were in the store, and that stopped by the table to say hello and to chat. None were any brighter than this young reader. Is it possible that she'll be the first woman President? Hmmmmmm....

Johnny Ledterman is going to have a pleasant surprise in his Christmas stocking. I think I took this picture just asJohnny's wifewas calling Santa to tell him she already found Escape to Destiny at a local store.....

This young man is just an example of the fine caliber of young people I met at Borders today. Just look at this bright, intelligent young man. Chris is the future, and his decision to read good, clean fiction is a testament to his good upbringing. Be sure to email me, Chris. I'm looking forward to hearing from you....

Rylee absolutely made my day...! Look at that smile...! I have a feeling there's a little bit of mischief lurking in there somewhere. Even so, what a sweetheart....!

Rylee..... Rylee...... Rylee...... Rylee......

This lovely lady was inBorders shopping for her twograndsons, Dalton and Devon. I wonder which one will get to readit first? No, I think I know the answer to that.... Grandma will......!

This is Sherri, and she was shopping for herself, treating herself to a good book. It's going to be cold this week, Sherri. A good book, a hot cup of tea, warm socks...! What more could any one ask?

And my final picture of the day, Matthew's mom and dad. I can't express how much I appreciate parents that care about what their children read. It's so easy to just let a kid run loose, but when parents take an interest, the kids just have to turn out good. Way to go, mom and dad...

Well, that was my day at Borders, so I want to thank Brad and Scott and the rest oftheircrew for making my day one to remember. Borders is a wonderful store, and the stores in Tulsa are the best Borders stores I've ever been in. They have a marvelousselection of all the latestbooks, a second-to-none coffee shop, and a peaceful place you can relax, drink a cup of joe, and look at books to your heart's content. I think I'll move in there after the holidays.....!

******************************

Saturday

December 13, 2008

Jim Laughter

at

Books-A-Million

7404 S. Olympia Ave

Tulsa, OK

918-447-2702

I spent a very pleasant afternoon at Books-A-Million's newest store, located at 7404 S. Olympia Avenue in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This three-hour gig turned into a six-hour pleasure cruise where I met a number of marvelous and interesting people. I managed to capture a few of them with my camera, but a few got away...!

This is Misty, the store manager. Although the storewas very busy, andshe was running around like that proverbial headless chicken, she managed to retain her smile, good attitude, and friendly nature, which was reflected by her entire staff. Great job, Misty!

Robin greeted every customer that came through the door with a smile and a product pamphlet, including my little flyer. But more important, Robin is a 5th grade teacher (one of my personal heroes) at Glenpool Elementary School. Robin picked up a copy of Escape to Destiny to share with her class. I'm going to try to visit her class after the first of the year. Wish me luck..!

A loving grandmother (sorry, I didn't catch her name) picking up a gift for grandson, Grant Davis. She said Grant doesn't read much, so she was looking for something good to get him interested in something besides video games. Good choice, Grandma....

You're not going to take my picture, are you? My hair, my hair! But I got a good picture, and Fred gets a good book in his stocking this year. Windblown hair, lovely smile, good book. What more can you ask for?

This is Bill Ferguson, another school teacher. You meet only the best people in bookstores.....

This lovely smiling lady is Mrs. Sullivan, picking up a copy of Escape to Destiny for her son, Carl. She said Carl wants to be a Navy Seal, Green Beret, and a fighter pilot. Now there's a boy with a dream....

This intellegent little guy is Pasha. His family is originally from the Ukraine. Mom managed to slip out of the picture, and dad stayed behind the camera, but Pasha's smile and enthusiasm made up the difference. Be sure to email me, Pasha.

Franchesca....! Whatcan I say about Franchesca? Have you ever seen alovlier smile orhappy face?

Franchesca, Franchesca, Franchesca......

Dad and son Maximillian shopping at Books-A-Million, picking up a book for Max and brother Kurt. Dad and I had a very pleasant conversation about just about everything, and Max is sharp and intelligent. I can't express how happy I am that parents take their children to bookstores and encourage them to read and to think instead of just play video games. After all, these kids are the future of America. Great job, dad... Enjoy the book, guys....

"I'm picking this up for my sister-in-law, Angela," said this lovely, smiling lady. There's an old question that asks, "Do you know the difference between an in-law and an outlaw?" The answer is, outlaws are wanted.... I have a feeling these sisters-in-law love being with each other. I hope you both enjoy the book.

By the way, the young lady to the rightin the picture is Rene, another Books-A-Million employee that greeted customers as the came in. Her smile is infectious and it wore off on me. Igrinned so much my jaw ached. Rene is also an aspiring writer. Send me those chapters, Rene.....

Mom picking up Escape to Destiny for her 12-year olddaughter, Jaycie. I didn't notice that she wasn't holding up the book (which we all know is required for good photo journalism) but her happy smile and wonderful conversation was enough to make my day. Merry Christmas, Jaycie....

This bright young man is Jabu, and that's his family in the background. The last thing I heard him say as he was leaving the store was, "I finally have a good book to read." Now there's a kid with good taste..... Enjoy the book, and rememberto email me. I'm counting on you, Jabu....

And my final picture of the day is of Stephanie, another Books-A-Million employee who picked up Escape to Destiny for her son, Devin. I wonder if this is a Christmas stocking stuffer? And I wonder if I'm spoiling the surprise by posting it here? I hope so!!!! Might as well give it to him now, Mom.... The cat is out of the bag. I know, I have a bigggggg mouth.....!

Special Note: On the Tuesday following this event, I received the following email from Stephanie.

Dear Mr. Laughter:

My name is Stephanie. We met the other evening at my place of employment, Books-A-Million in Tulsa, where you were holding a book signing event. I had you autograph a copy to my son, Devin.

I convinced him (bribed him, actually) to let me read Escape to Destiny first, as I wanted to get a feel for it in order to be able to properly recommend it while I am at work during this Christmas season. Also, I tend to want to REALLY know what my kids are reading. (I've read all the Harry Potter series, also, as well as the Dragon series by Christopher Paolini)

I wanted to let you know that, as a reader, I quite enjoyed Escape to Destiny. Although I usually tend to go with murder, mayhem, mystery and magic, this was a very good read. The pace was good and the background information was satisfyingand realistic without being overly done.

As a mother, I feel that this book is very well written for its targeted age bracket. The action is well described and exciting without being overly violent. Also, I feel that the story line is an encouragement to young readers to get their education and to chase their dreams, even if it means overcoming hardship and seemingly impossible situations.

I'll be giving the book to my son immediately, and he has agreed to e-mail you with his opinion when he has finished it. I thank you for taking the time to speak with me . Feel free to use this correspondence, or any portion of it,as an endorsement of your book (omitting my full last name, should you post it on your website). Also, should you have time, forward this to Mr. Bretthauer and give him my regards. The two of you have done a wonderful job on this first book and I look forward to the second one.

Sincerely,

Stephanie
Tulsa, OK

Those are some of the pictures I was able to snap during my afternoon at Books-A-Million's newest store. It's a great place to shop and just hang out. They have a great Joe Muggs coffee shop with all kinds of goodies, and they have a very comfortable sitting area where you can relax, drink a latte, and peruse books. I can't think of a better place to spend an hour. Thank you Misty and staff.....

*************************************

Sunday

December 21, 2008

Jim Laughter

and

Carolyn Steele

for a special book signing for

HEROES AT HOME

at

Sears

21st and Yale

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Well, you just wouldn't think that a Sears store would be the hottest place in town for a book signing,would you? Especially with people out shopping for that last minute gift for that certain someone special that just has to have that surprise chainsaw or leaf blower. But today we learned the rest of the story. We hope you do too.....

My friend and fellow Tulsa NightWriter, Carolyn Steele is a talented writerand public speaker that has created the perfect book to help families preserve the stories that are so often lost in time. This bookshows youhow to not only document yourfamily history, but also how topreserve it inaformat that can be passed down from generation to generation.

Carolyn Steele is available for presentationsto church, genealogy, library, writer and reader groups. She is an award-winning writer that combines her love of history, writing, and genealogy to inspire othersto preserve the legacy of theirpast, looking forward to a bright future.

If you have questions about Carolyn's book or presentation, please email her by clicking on her picture. If you'd like to visit her website, click on the picture of her book. Clever, huh...?

As I said, you wouldn't think that a Sears store would be a great place to sell books. Buttoday, Carolyn Steele, author of Preserving Family Legends for Future Generations and I met some surprisingly astute shoppers while doing a charity book signing for Heroes at Home, a wonderful non-profit organization that supports injuredmilitary men and women after times of combat trauma. Sears has always been known for theirsupport of our nation's military, so every year they team up with Heroes at Hometo build wheelchair ramps, elevators, and other remodeling projects in veteran's homes when the call of our nation brings them home injured. Carolyn and I were proud to do our part,albeit only a minor contribution. God bless our military and their families.

You'll notice that these first two pictures have the same young man in them. Brandon picked up a copy of Escape to Destiny because he loves good fiction and wanted something to read that would fire his imagination. But Brandon also hasa bigheart, so instead ofusing his own money to buy a video game or something elsefor himself, he returned to our tables and bought a copy of Carolyn's book, PreservingFamily Legends for Future Generations for his mother Sheila whowasn't with them today.Way to go, Brandon! That's the Christmasspirit.

Walter Gonzalez, a Sears associate. When the Sears folks learned that Carolyn and I were donating the profits from our books to Heroes at Home, they turned out to greet us, say hello, and purchase our books. These are the people that make Sears the great company that it is.

John and Lois Stalcup picking up a copy of Escape to Destiny for mother Liz. At first reluctant to have their picture taken, aren't they a lovely couple? Thanks John and Lois for supporting Heroes at Home.

This is Sheri with Carolyn. Sheri is one of the managers at Sears, so her day was busy, busy, busy. But Sheri still took the time to buy a copy of Preserving Family Legendsto support Heroes at Home.

What a lovely smile Patricia has...!And she loves to read. Well, she's off to a right start with this one. Enjoy the journey....!

I'm sorry I forgot to get this couple's name, but they were shopping for something special for their nephew, Michael Loeza. I hope Michael's smile is as big as theirs when he checks his Christmas stocking.Thanks, folks for supporting our military.

Our final picture of the day is of a true American Hero. Chuck is an ex-Marine that served two tours of duty in Vietnam and lived to tell about it. So in true military style, Chuck purchased both Escape to Destiny and Preserving Family Legends for Future Generations in support of Heros at Home. Thanks Chuck.... You're my hero.

*************************************

Saturday

December 20, 2008

Jim Laughter

at

Borders Bookstore

8015 S.Yale

Tulsa, Oklahoma

918-494-2665

Brad Gruen and Scott, events managers

I sure had a Merry time at Borders Bookstore this chill Saturday afternoon where I met a whole bunch of new folks, and even ran into a few others that I'd seen before. As always, the management and staff of Borders were wonderful and professional, and made this day one to cherish.

This is Rebecca's mom. She said she was looking for a good book to get her daughter interested in reading again. What better way than to start her out on a series that she can grow up with? Merry Christmas, Rebecca...

Meredith and Dad making good use of a Saturday afternoon together. I was amazed at how many wonderful young people were in the store, and that stopped by the table to say hello and to chat. None were any brighter than this young reader. Is it possible that she'll be the first woman President? Hmmmmmm....

Johnny Ledterman is going to have a pleasant surprise in his Christmas stocking. I think I took this picture just asJohnny's wifewas calling Santa to tell him she already found Escape to Destiny at a local store.....

This young man is just an example of the fine caliber of young people I met at Borders today. Just look at this bright, intelligent young man. Chris is the future, and his decision to read good, clean fiction is a testament to his good upbringing. Be sure to email me, Chris. I'm looking forward to hearing from you....

Rylee absolutely made my day...! Look at that smile...! I have a feeling there's a little bit of mischief lurking in there somewhere. Even so, what a sweetheart....!

Rylee..... Rylee...... Rylee...... Rylee......

This lovely lady was inBorders shopping for her twograndsons, Dalton and Devon. I wonder which one will get to readit first? No, I think I know the answer to that.... Grandma will......!

This is Sherri, and she was shopping for herself, treating herself to a good book. It's going to be cold this week, Sherri. A good book, a hot cup of tea, warm socks...! What more could any one ask?

And my final picture of the day, Matthew's mom and dad. I can't express how much I appreciate parents that care about what their children read. It's so easy to just let a kid run loose, but when parents take an interest, the kids just have to turn out good. Way to go, mom and dad...

Well, that was my day at Borders, so I want to thank Brad and Scott and the rest oftheircrew for making my day one to remember. Borders is a wonderful store, and the stores in Tulsa are the best Borders stores I've ever been in. They have a marvelousselection of all the latestbooks, a second-to-none coffee shop, and a peaceful place you can relax, drink a cup of joe, and look at books to your heart's content. I think I'll move in there after the holidays.....!

******************************

Saturday

December 13, 2008

Jim Laughter

at

Books-A-Million

7404 S. Olympia Ave

Tulsa, OK

918-447-2702

I spent a very pleasant afternoon at Books-A-Million's newest store, located at 7404 S. Olympia Avenue in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This three-hour gig turned into a six-hour pleasure cruise where I met a number of marvelous and interesting people. I managed to capture a few of them with my camera, but a few got away...!

This is Misty, the store manager. Although the storewas very busy, andshe was running around like that proverbial headless chicken, she managed to retain her smile, good attitude, and friendly nature, which was reflected by her entire staff. Great job, Misty!

Robin greeted every customer that came through the door with a smile and a product pamphlet, including my little flyer. But more important, Robin is a 5th grade teacher (one of my personal heroes) at Glenpool Elementary School. Robin picked up a copy of Escape to Destiny to share with her class. I'm going to try to visit her class after the first of the year. Wish me luck..!

A loving grandmother (sorry, I didn't catch her name) picking up a gift for grandson, Grant Davis. She said Grant doesn't read much, so she was looking for something good to get him interested in something besides video games. Good choice, Grandma....

You're not going to take my picture, are you? My hair, my hair! But I got a good picture, and Fred gets a good book in his stocking this year. Windblown hair, lovely smile, good book. What more can you ask for?

This is Bill Ferguson, another school teacher. You meet only the best people in bookstores.....

This lovely smiling lady is Mrs. Sullivan, picking up a copy of Escape to Destiny for her son, Carl. She said Carl wants to be a Navy Seal, Green Beret, and a fighter pilot. Now there's a boy with a dream....

This intellegent little guy is Pasha. His family is originally from the Ukraine. Mom managed to slip out of the picture, and dad stayed behind the camera, but Pasha's smile and enthusiasm made up the difference. Be sure to email me, Pasha.

Franchesca....! Whatcan I say about Franchesca? Have you ever seen alovlier smile orhappy face?

Franchesca, Franchesca, Franchesca......

Dad and son Maximillian shopping at Books-A-Million, picking up a book for Max and brother Kurt. Dad and I had a very pleasant conversation about just about everything, and Max is sharp and intelligent. I can't express how happy I am that parents take their children to bookstores and encourage them to read and to think instead of just play video games. After all, these kids are the future of America. Great job, dad... Enjoy the book, guys....

"I'm picking this up for my sister-in-law, Angela," said this lovely, smiling lady. There's an old question that asks, "Do you know the difference between an in-law and an outlaw?" The answer is, outlaws are wanted.... I have a feeling these sisters-in-law love being with each other. I hope you both enjoy the book.

By the way, the young lady to the rightin the picture is Rene, another Books-A-Million employee that greeted customers as the came in. Her smile is infectious and it wore off on me. Igrinned so much my jaw ached. Rene is also an aspiring writer. Send me those chapters, Rene.....

This bright young man is Jabu, and that's his family in the background. The last thing I heard him say as he was leaving the store was, "I finally have a good book to read." Now there's a kid with good taste..... Enjoy the book, and rememberto email me. I'm counting on you, Jabu....

December 6, 2008

Victor J. Bretthauer

at

Page Turner's

Port Angeles, Washington

Wounded, but not out of the fight! It's a good thing Victor is a south paw...

Page Turner's bookstore in Port Angeles --a small community bookstore with a big heart.

This is Angela Jones. Her main purpose in buying Escape to Destiny was because she wanted a good, clean adventure for her young son. Neither will be disappointed... Merry Christmas Angela and son.

December 6, 2008

Victor J. Bretthauer

at

Page Turner's

Port Angeles, Washington

Wounded, but not out of the fight! It's a good thing Victor is a south paw...

Page Turner's bookstore in Port Angeles --a small community bookstore with a big heart.

This is Angela Jones. Her main purpose in buying Escape to Destiny was because she wanted a good, clean adventure for her young son. Neither will be disappointed... Merry Christmas Angela and son.

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