Robert O. Morris
Warrior, Wanderer, Seeker, Dad
I began to put my life-long dream of writing into action when I had already entered my sixties; although I have now successfully published two books, with more in the pipeline, I cannot yet bring myself to say that I am an ‘author’. Perhaps, God willing, if I live long enough to bring those planned books to fruition, and if I can develop a significant following of readers, someday I might consider myself an author; however, for the moment, I see myself simply as a highly fortunate human being, who has been privileged to experience numerous rare pursuits, in many faraway places, and who is simply deeply motivated to share some of his stories.
When I wrote my memoirs, “Fighting Windmills; A Quixotic Odyssey,” my primary purpose was to create for my family and friends a lasting record of my rather unconventional life choices; foremost within that motivation was my fervent desire that my children would better understand their father’s raison d’etre. For me, the writing of my life’s story was not an act of ego or self-aggrandisement, it was purely and simply a labor of love for other human beings, both for those I know and cherish, as well as for those still unknown.
With my new novella, “The Georgian Beekeeper,” my motivation was pretty much the same; I wrote it as a tribute to my beloved Georgian family, and to the Georgian people, for whom I have developed so much admiration and respect. The specific inspiration for this book was my wife’s paternal grandmother, an extraordinary human being who passed away 8 years ago; Ksenia was truly a remarkable woman and family matriarch, who lived an exceptional life during incredibly challenging times, i.e. 20th century Georgia under the weight of Soviet rule. Having had the privilege to meet this incredible woman prior to her passing, and having been so impressed with the details and accomplishments of her life, I felt that I simply had to tell her wonderful story.
I would be honored if you would read my stories. My hope is to inspire a series of emotional responses from you, a warm feeling of love, a tear of joy or of sad remembrance, and the overriding recognition that the universe which we share is truly full of wonder. I hope that you will choose to read my books, and that they will bring you joy.
The Georgian Beekeeper
“The bee is more honored than other animals, not because she labors, but because she labors for others.”
St. John Chrysostom
The Georgian Beekeeper (Paperback)
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The title of this novella speaks of the Beekeeper, but the spirit that seeps from these pages is that of labors, of life and of love, where the symbolism of the bee itself speaks starkly. Toggling back and forth between different worlds, the reader will be provoked to examine different realms, both physical and metaphysical, while enlightening one of times and troubles little known to most. The tales plotted within this novella have been woven deliberately to have the reader exploring perseverance through difficulty from more angles than one may have thought possible in 100 pages.
As you delve into the stories of those living through war-torn and politically turbulent times in nations thousands of miles away and decades apart, you’ll develop a sense of being with the characters that you encounter, and in the times that they live. Despite the propensity to convey the downtrodden and defeatist attitudes that could have prevailed through difficult times, the stories that rise from these pages speak to strength in self, in family, and in love, where the proudest displays of character shine brightly. In a world where we are faced with new seemingly unique challenges daily, we’re reminded throughout these pages that our challenges may not be as unusual as they seem, and that our own stories still can be. This read will inspire a renewed sense of conviction to “bee-like" labor for the things and the people that matter at the core, a determination to separate oneself from the ‘extra’ and appreciate the ‘essential’.
THE UNSIGNED PAPERBACK COPY OF THE BOOK IS AVAILABLE ON AMAZON. DIGITAL/EBOOK VERSIONs are AVAILABLE ON KINDLE and iBooks. PLEASE SELECT DESIRED OPTION BELOW.
Fighting Windmills: A Quixotic Odyssey
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Fighting Windmills: A Quixotic Odyssey (Paperback)
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“Fighting Windmills” is the story of a modern-day Don Quixote, whose adventures are revealed as you march side by side with the author on his life’s journey, one that has truly been to the beat of a different drum. His adventures as a CIA Operations Officer during pivotal times in our country’s recent history, an Army ‘Green Beret’, an International Business Executive, and Entrepreneur, are chock full of life, laughter, love and the lessons learned along the way.
This is a story about life as seen through the eyes of a romantic idealist, and the quixotic odyssey which evolves; as Webster defines, “quixotic” implies “extravagantly chivalrous or romantic, impractical, impulsive and often rashly unpredictable”, which aptly describes the saga herein. This is a unique story of intrigue and normality, of success and failure, of love and the loss of it, of the perpetual seeking of wisdom and the occasional departure from sound judgment. In essence, it is a fundamental story of the human experience.
THE UNSIGNED PAPERBACK COPY OF THE BOOK IS AVAILABLE ON AMAZON. DIGITAL/EBOOK VERSION is AVAILABLE ON KINDLE. PLEASE SELECT DESIRED OPTION BELOW.
Bio
In retrospect, I suppose that my memoirs were aptly named in that I have truly lived “a quixotic odyssey.”
I was born in Connecticut, and raised in a small town in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, but I have lived much of my life outside of the USA. My older daughter was born in Paris, my son in Bloemfontein, South Africa, and I met my wife in Tbilisi, Georgia.
My education has been under the tutelage of the Sisters of Charity in my formative years, by talented and inspiring teachers during my prep school years in New England, and by the Jesuit and lay professors at Georgetown University. My athletic pursuits ran parallel to academics, especially in football, where my inherent traits and abilities seemed to blossom.
My multi-faceted “career” has been spent as a US Army Special Forces Officer, a CIA Operations Officer, an International Business Executive, a Hotel Owner/Innkeeper, Sales Director, Consultant and Entrepreneur. Like a kid in a candy store, I seem to have always had the impulsive tendency to “try new flavors.”
The greatest blessings of my life have been my devoted parents and siblings, my wonderful loving wife, and my three remarkably talented children. I have also been blessed with innumerable friends from all corners of the globe, who have endowed me with camaraderie and wisdom.
All in all, despite some occasional times of challenge or despair, I must admit that I have been one lucky guy.
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Purchase 2 autographed books (1 copy of Fighting Windmills; A Quixotic Odyssey, plus 1 copy of The Georgian Beekeeper), to be shipped together via USPS Priority Mail, all for only $39.50.