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Returning to Center: A Collection of Stories, Vignettes and Thoughts
These stories recount the search for a center within. A place of respite from turmoil and uncertainty. A place from where we can make sense and come to terms with all which confronts us. You'll come upon at least one mystic, and many varieties of masters. You'll find some hidden away, and some right there in front of your nose. They might be soldiers, business men, martial artists, drop outs or saviors, or just overworked people trying to cope with reality while reaching for awareness and peace. You'll see how they change, and what changes them, and though not easily expressed in words, you may come to understand why, and how they have such profound impact on who and whatsoever they encounter.
229 pages, Paperback
Published July 16, 2018
2 people want to read
About the author
Billy Ironcrane
7 books1 followerA lifelong explorer of life's experiences and unending surprises, Billy Ironcrane was raised in inner city Philadelphia during the 1950's and 60's. There he partook in the revolutionary currents of change, protest, activism, and idealism which characterized the era. While a teen, he spent summers on the Jersey coast hawking newspapers, tossing burgers and exploring places like Atlantic City where he encountered flea circuses, Gene Krupa hanging between sets at the Steel Pier, petrified mermaids and the fabulously wealthy promenading the boardwalk at night flashing mink stoles, diamonds, tuxes and studded canes. Atlantic City dubbed itself, “The World’s Playground.” All the stuff of dreams as he returned to Mrs. J’s boarding house where he slept for ten bucks a week, sharing space with his grandfather, Polish immigrants working the summer trade, and the ever present legion of cats.
He departed the inner city pushing blindly into the unknown never to return. To be static would have been terminal, as it proved to be for many of his mates. In the decades following, he pursued new awarenesses, trekked mountains, explored Zen, became a soldier, raised a family, bridged the corporate jungle, then lived on wits and ingenuity until the muse of the 60's again tapped his shoulder, ordering, "Time to shift gears, Billy."
His stories re-visit ancient times, extracting from their myths and legends new reckonings and insights into a modern world where many of the same challenges seem to have become our norm.
He departed the inner city pushing blindly into the unknown never to return. To be static would have been terminal, as it proved to be for many of his mates. In the decades following, he pursued new awarenesses, trekked mountains, explored Zen, became a soldier, raised a family, bridged the corporate jungle, then lived on wits and ingenuity until the muse of the 60's again tapped his shoulder, ordering, "Time to shift gears, Billy."
His stories re-visit ancient times, extracting from their myths and legends new reckonings and insights into a modern world where many of the same challenges seem to have become our norm.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
July 3, 2023
In a set of stories that seem to mostly cluster around his sensei, Billy Ironcrane seems to write about the martial arts experiences that shaped him and others in Returning to Center. Some of the writings reveal great advice from a seasoned teacher, inspire wholeness with natural elements, and contain meaningful vignettes that impart wisdom. Readers learn the meaning of “one hand clapping” and understand the author’s gratefulness for the Christmases he shared with his exhausted, hard-working parents over their bakery. The pieces convey honor and the value of perception, and some of them seem to have roots in Asian lore.
In reading Billy Ironcrane’s words, we get to know his mentor intimately, especially while reading about the reoccurring way he handled challenges in martial arts. The stories are told in first and third person, but it always feels as though the author is closely narrating the events as they unfold. During the experiences, the protagonist usually uses inner power and strength to find an awareness that left him more balanced. Some of the writings seem completely fictional, but they have truth at the core and a lesson, like how to overcome a bully, for the reader. “Crap Eaters” provides some whimsical moments, but a discerning reader will see more in the story. Although the subject is the same, a list of experiences has transformed the individual, and the lessons may help mold the reader, too. People who study martial arts and value the teachings will enjoy reading Returning to Center.
In reading Billy Ironcrane’s words, we get to know his mentor intimately, especially while reading about the reoccurring way he handled challenges in martial arts. The stories are told in first and third person, but it always feels as though the author is closely narrating the events as they unfold. During the experiences, the protagonist usually uses inner power and strength to find an awareness that left him more balanced. Some of the writings seem completely fictional, but they have truth at the core and a lesson, like how to overcome a bully, for the reader. “Crap Eaters” provides some whimsical moments, but a discerning reader will see more in the story. Although the subject is the same, a list of experiences has transformed the individual, and the lessons may help mold the reader, too. People who study martial arts and value the teachings will enjoy reading Returning to Center.
Displaying 1 of 1 review