Catherine Valdez

Scottsdale, Arizona

Catherine Valdez sparkles in her finest hour with a poignant and moving tribute to moving forward. A Woman In Bloom ($8.95) is a poetic masterpiece of monumental proportions. The writer of 20 years brings her audience to tears as she whimsically writes of the escapades, people and thoughts that have culminated from her own tragic life - in her search for meaning and growth. She writes The Triumph of a Spirit in her forthcoming book, Practical Wisdom (September, 1998).

"Reading Catherine's work lets the reader into a world of both pleasure and pain, and most importantly love and comfort. A great creation such as this will benefit many who believe they are not capable, creative motivated, sincere, expressive individuals." - Deborah Cosgrove, Comcare

"Excellently written, highly inspirational. Inspires the reader to remember their own issues and directs them toward positive change." - Kelley Pitts, Case Manager, Homeward Bound

"Catherine's work is a tribute to moving forward for other victims who feel helpless and hopeless. This book reminds me of the gift of one's struggle in overcoming issues; a script of Catherine's heart and beauty." - M. L. Carr, CPC, Homeward Bound

For more information email dvaldez@uswest.net

I clearly remember the day as a child when
my innocence and spirit had died. The date was July 7, 1966. We were living in the projects in South
Detroit. Mama had gone down to the basement to
retrieve some laundry. The next few hours were a
families worst nightmare. We heard Mama screaming,
"Someone killed my baby!" We all ran down the stairs
and in Mama's hands was my baby sister, Patricia Jean
Sletten. She has been sexually assaulted; and died of
brain injuries. What I didn't tell Mama was the killer
had confronted me a few hours earlier. I do remember
Mama handed me a Bible and told me to pray.
Until the day she died, Mama always had such a
strong belief in God. As I was holding the Bible, some
part of me wished I had told Mama about the killer.
In a child's mind, I blamed myself. This was the
beginning of my long journey, before I came to believe
it was not my fault.

After 36 years of hiding shame and guilt, I
stumbled across a spiritual program. These
wonderful free spirits told me I was a child of God and
deserved to be happy and my spirit could be set free!
I had condemned myself for so many years, I thought
this could be my answer. All my life I had escaped
in any safe haven I could find. I cried many tears,
but received so much love and encouragement. I
had finally found a group of people, like myself, who
had triumphed over so many difficulties in their lives.
The beautiful part is we can laugh at ourselves.
Today, like an eagle that soars over the mountain
tops, my wings can take me anywhere I want to be.
At last, I can say we triumphed together! My spirit
has been set free!

I Need My Woman To Hold

My lover has been so cold. I need my woman to hold. All these nightmares still plague me. Hey girl you live in my dreams. Your eyes cast shadows of a love I couldn't see. I
took too much now there is nothing. To many of us, men find that so hard to admit. Are we not made up of rock and steel? Here I am melting in a pit full of fire. Doing time for a
crime, I committed. Against a woman who gave me the world's desires. What can I do to
bring her back home? I put my hands together and get down on my knees. Oh! Dear God can you hear me? Take this dying heart and set it free. Women are not the only ones who bleed. She is not just the woman who lives in my dreams. She is the only woman I need. I am no longer a man who is so cold. I need my woman to hold.

How Could I Go Wrong?

Hey, babe there are a few things you will discover. This lady is not about to change her taste. She loves the way your eyes make her feel so special. One touch of your hands then she was gone. It was not just the magic in your fingers. One look at you how could she go wrong. They say in this world there are no perfect lovers. Maybe your lover is not equipped. Loving you is like there is no tomorrow. I know with you and me we are a perfect fit. All those lies about good girls going no where. No stopping me I'm not about to quit. All this talk is making me crazy. Can you hear me calling its time for us to get down? Hey, babe there are a few things I have discovered. There are not too many men like you left around. I love the way your eyes make me feel so special. One touch of your hands now I am gone. It was not just the magic in your fingers. To stay here with you how could I go wrong!