Mary Miller

"NEXT"In the award-winning comedy NEXT four women: Claire, Joan, Barbara, and Anne while sitting in a doctor's office waiting for a mammogram learn more about their breasts, their lives, and the true meaning of support AWARDS & NOTICESSamuel French Off Broadway New Play Festival, NYC, NY. Barebones Theatre, Finalist, Charlotte, NC. Love Creek Productions, Winner, NYC, NY. Breast Cancer Awareness: Piedmont Hospital, Atlanta, GA, Excela Health, Pittsburgh, PA, Southeast Georgia Health System, Brunswick, GAABOUT THE PLAYClaire the oldest of the group, sits and waits patiently as she quietly knits. Joan the youngest there for the first time, is nervous and anxiously looks to the others for advice. Barbara the sexiest is irritated by the unending attention focused in the media on a woman's breasts. And Anne, the last woman to arrive with the flattest chest of the four, is just eager and enthusiastic and relieved she's not late So, when the machine breaks down and the women decide to wait, the receptionist/nurse in her zeal seizes the moment as the perfect opportunity to educate the women on the finer points of a self-examination. It's while examining their breasts, they examine their lives and realize together they have a lot more in common than just their breasts.The play is based on true-life accounts. SETTING: A typical waiting room of a doctor's office where the characters are dressed in identical seersucker hospital gowns, waiting for a mammogram.Note: The play can be performed with only four folding chairs on a basically empty stage.CHARACTERS: CLAIRE: The oldest of the four women. She has arrived first and has been waiting the longest. (She should be at least 60+ years old.)JOAN: The youngest of the four women.BARBARA: The sexiest of the four women.ANNE: The last woman to arrive...the flattest chest of the four women.RECEPTIONIST/NURSE: A professional woman of any age.Special Thanks: To my sister in Virginia Beach who had an experience like this while waiting to get a mammogram and on her way home stopped by the side of the road to call and tell me about it.

A CHRISTMAS HOUSE is the perfect Christmas play for anyone who has ever: built a house, worried about getting old, been single, been married, experienced sibling rivalry, delivered a baby, or spent the holidays with their relatives Based on a true story, A Christmas House is a funny often poignant love story of one man's family and the house he built off the coast of Georgia. It will strike a chord with anyone who has ever undertaken the job of bringing their family together for Christmas and will touch everyone who has waited until the prime of their life to embrace their dreams. AWARDS & NOTICES"Dreams fulfilled " Waterloo Playhouse Mainstage Production, Waterloo, IA. "Funny and poignant " Island Players, St. Simons Island, GA. "Perfect Christmas Story" St. Philips Cathedral, Atlanta, GA. Finalist South Carolina's Playwrights' Conference, Beaufort, SC. Director's Lab, New York, NYABOUT THE PLAYAbigail Addison was born on Christmas Day and although it had never bothered her before, this year she was turning sixty and even though she didn't look old, every now and then she felt old. So, when Fred, her husband of thirty-five years, invites the family down to spend Christmas together in the house he's been building on an island off the coast of Georgia, she decides to surprise him by selling their old home in Atlanta and embrace a life together at the beach. It's Abigail, however, who is surprised when she gets to the beach and discovers the house is somewhat lacking ... lacking paint, lacking plaster, lacking walls. But, as each member of the family arrives, they see a different house. As they struggle to bring the walls of the house up, their individual walls begin to come down, until at last, on Christmas morning a house with no walls becomes a home.CAST OF CHARACTERS: ABIGAIL: 60 years old. Practical, assertive, charming, and gracious Abigail is the epitome of a true Southern lady. She has been married to Fred for 35 years and is the mother to their three grown daughters: Margaret, Babs and Lizbeth. For the past 20 years Abigail has worked as a real estate agent and is now considering retiring. She is dressed in an elegant suit and high heels. (Note: She should be a wonderful physical comedic actress.)FRED: 68 years old. A gentle dreamer with enthusiastic energy and endless patience, Fred is an architect who has the ability to build what he designs. He is a Navy veteran and wears an old seaman's cap to prove it, along with well-worn khaki pants and a sweaty "used to be white" tee shirt. Fred is a Southern gentleman. A man of few words but when he speaks people listen MARGARET: The oldest daughter. Margaret is single and all business, practical, pragmatic and sensible. Even though it's Christmas she's brought her briefcase to squeeze in a little work. Margaret is dressed in khaki shorts that have been pressed and a white linen shirt with a sweater tied around her neck. The only thing oddly out of place about Margaret is a hat she is wearing that covers her recently straightened hair.BABS: The middle child. Babs is the polar opposite of Margaret, she is eccentric, creative, impulsive, and spontaneous with bright red curly hair that's the envy of everyone. Babs is married and still considers herself a newlywed although she's been married to Doug for over a year. Babs is dressed in tight spandex pants with a brightly colored shirt that shows off her hair.LIZBETH: The baby sister. Lizbeth is eternally optimistic, religious, and cheery. She is often the bridge between Margaret and Babs. A peacemaker in her own right, she is married with three children of her own and eight months pregnant with her fourth Lizbeth is dressed in maternity jeans and an oversized plaid shirt that probably belongs to her husband Howard.TIME: Christmas Eve. 1989

TAKE PROPER CAREIn 1955, in Atlanta, Georgia, the line dividing blacks and whites was clearly defined unless you happened to be a nine-year-old white girl struggling to hold on to the only family you had left.AWARDS & NOTICESNational Playwriting One Act Competition, Finalist, Dubuque, IA. Little Theatre of Alexandria National One Act Playwriting Competition, Finalist, Alexandria, VA. George Kernodle One Act Playwriting Competition, Finalist, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR. ABOUT THE PLAYAfter the sudden death of her parents, a young girl nervously waits for her aunt and uncle to come take her to live with them. What she doesn't understand is why she has to go live with relatives she barely knows and can't continue to live with the woman who has practically raised her. Growing up in the segregated south in 1955 was a difficult time for everyone. But before the end of the day, this young girl will learn how hard it is to cross the color line. A line she never really knew existed before. SETTING: The stage is a kitchen, which is in the process of being packed for an impending move. It is filled with boxes that are taped shut and labeled..."Pots" "Pans" etc. The WOMAN is carefully packing all the remaining fine china and silver. The CHILD is watching and helps occasionally. The kitchen itself has seen years of wear. In the center is an old dining room table with four chairs. There is the usual refrigerator, stove and sink. The cabinets over the sink are white metal and well worn.Note: The stage can be as simple as a table with two chairs surrounded by several large cardboard boxes filled with newspapers/packing material. The beauty of the play is in the relationship of the two main characters not in an elaborate set.CHARACTERS: CHILD: An nine-year-old white girl. She is wearing a dress but is obviously uncomfortable. Her brunette hair is clean but tangled as if she had done it herself. WOMAN: An old black woman, of indeterminate age. She is dressed in a worn J.C. Penney grey uniform. Her stockings are rolled down around her knees and she wears heavy white oxford "maid" uniform shoes.ADULT CHILD - VOICE OVER: The voice of the child as an adult opens and closes the play. It is possible to cast this part as a character on stage but it is not necessary.TIME: The play takes place in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1955.PLEASE NOTE: The dialogue in TAKE PROPER CARE is written in a Southern Dialect. The use of double negatives, incorrect tenses and the deletion of words is done to reflect the sound and tone of the 1950's creating an economy of speech that was prevalent at that time. This does not mean that the characters are ignorant or that they will always speak incorrectly ... they are simply comfortable with each other and their speech reflects this.

The cast and crew of Mary Miller's award-winning comedy WAITING FOR OPRAH invite you to attend the monthly meeting of the 1st Tuesday Book Club (that meets on Thursday )AWARDS & NOTICES#1 Critics Choice, #1 Audience Favorite, FutureFest, Dayton, OH. "Smash Hit" The News, Brunswick, GA. "The Woman's Experience" Theatre Decatur, Decatur, GA. "Don't miss Waiting for Oprah " The Islander, St. Simons Is. GA. "We're all waiting for Oprah." FACT Theatre, Fairfield. IA. "Mia's Monologue" - Audition Monologues for Young Women.ABOUT THE PLAYIt's the last meeting of the 1st Tuesday Book Club (which meets on Thursday ) and Allison, Mia, Fran, Louise, and Janice are awaiting the arrival of their celebrity guest. Dressed to the nines, Janice is determined to make a good impression and thrilled at the idea of being on TV. Allison, however, is not at all convinced Oprah's arrival will do anything but disrupt their last meeting. While, Louise, a loving housewife and Oprah devotee, is convinced Oprah is the answer to all their problems. And Mia, rushing in late, is simply delighted that she hasn't missed anything yet. All the while, Fran is just waiting for a miracle to change the course of her entire life. As they wait the question of whether Oprah will come or not is ultimately not as important as what they learn about themselves and what they mean to each other.SETTING: Allison's living room. The set can be as simple as five folding chairs on an empty stage or as intricate and detailed as a full living room set. The play's focus should remain on the women and their stories rather than an elaborate set. CHARACTERS: ALLISON: Oldest in the group. She's married to Jack. No children. Sophisticated. She has money but it's not what defines her. She's more pragmatic and skeptical about Oprah's visit. She's friends with the other women but more closely drawn to Mia as the daughter she never had. LOUISE: Happily married to Ralph. She's a housewife and mother. A bit chubby with tight curly hair, the result of a bad perm. An Oprah devotee. Very enthusiastic...loves her husband, her children, her friends, the book club, and Oprah. Louise is the most excited to see Oprah and the most afraid that the book club is breaking up. She's desperate that this not be the last meeting. She's wonderfully comedic in her unbridled enthusiasm.JANICE: Recently divorced from Buddy. Mother of one girl. She is well aware of the value of money and appearances. She can be pushy and opinionated and yet she's well-meaning and vulnerable and even a bit na ve. She loves to talk and feels she is an expert on everything (although she's not). She often breaks the tension in the play with a comment or a story that is seemingly inappropriate, but she is totally unaware and thinks she's being helpful and sympathetic. She has a big heart and is wonderfully comedic in her outspoken way. FRAN: Married to George. No children. She is delighted to meet Oprah but a bit distracted and worried. She works to hide her concerns from her friends. Fran's revelation comes as a surprise to them all; but it's Fran's journey as she comes to terms with her husband that opens the women up to discuss their own problems. Fran is hiding the biggest secret and it's her story that becomes the linchpin in the play.MIA: Youngest in the group. She is single. A free spirit. She's had a tough childhood but is working hard to rise above it. She may have purple hair but she has a good head on her shoulders and she's determined to make her way in the world. Mia is a quiet listener. She has an understanding of the world greater than her years. She respects the women, especially Allison and looks up to them like surrogate mothers.Age range: Mid 20's to early 60's.TIME: The play begins at 11:30 a.m. and ends late that afternoon.

Too many people fail to take control of their lives, allowing themselves to fall victim and accept whatever happens. When you choose to dream and defy the naysayers all around you can change direction and accomplish nearly anything you set out to achieve. In Changing Direction, Mary Miller lays out 10 choices anyone can make to impact his or her dreams. By concentrating on improving the future, you become a new, happier and more energized person. Miller describes how she first seized control of her life in 1987 as a then-30-year-old twice-divorced single mother of three. She explains how she later found the fortitude and support to buck conventional wisdom and change the direction of the family business she led with her third husband, Tony. To address their biggest obstacle turnover they began encouraging people to achieve their dreams and developed the Dream Manager program, a world-renowned initiative helping employees identify dreams, set goals and work to reach a better future. Miller explains that there are few things worse than having no control. You may feel lost. You may feel desperate. You may feel despair, but it does not have to be this way. Changing Direction weaves Miller s amazing personal story of triumph and transformation with 10 practical choices you can make today in order to move from victim to victor. To get started, all you have to do is dream."

Richly illustrated in stunning full colour throughout, this new volume builds on the success of the previous edition and covers everything you need to know to get through your exams safely with the minimum of stress. Prepared in a 'no nonsense', easy-to-read fashion, Mosby's Textbook of Dental Nursing, second edition, covers the A-Z of the latest curriculum and contains an array of helpful 'pull out' boxes and other learning features to help you recall key facts. Fully updated with the latest information on legislation and professional practice - including the appropriate use of Social Media - this volume includes updated and new information on anatomy, charting, drug allergy, governance and care of minority and vulnerable groups. Prepared by leading authorities in the field, Mosby's Textbook of Dental Nursing, second edition is ideal for candidates sitting NEBDN exams, as well as serving as a ready reference for fully qualified dental nurses and therapists in the hospital, community or general practice setting. Ideal for all pre-registration nursing students Friendly, no nonsense writing style makes learning easy Stunning Gray's Anatomy artwork aids understanding of human structure and function Useful learning features include 'Terms to Learn', 'Key Points', and 'Identify and Learn' boxes Over 150 photographs further bring the subject to life! Fully updated throughout to incorporate all aspects of the NEBDN pre-registration syllabus Accompanying website includes MCQs and other helpful revision aids to help you prepare for exams Presents new information on aspects of anatomy, charting, drug allergy, minority and vulnerable groups, fire safety and security Discusses the latest guidance on the use of Social Media Downloadable image bank helps you prepare essays and assignments

Fifteen year old Jess is waiting for the world to end. Her evangelical father has packed up the family to drive to California, hoping to save as many souls as possible before the Second Coming. With her long-suffering mother and rebellious (secretly pregnant) sister, Jess hands out tracts at every break in the journey. As Jess’s belief frays, her teenage myopia evolves into awareness about her fracturing family. Selected as a Barnes & Noble Discover pick, Mary Miller’s radiant debut novel reinvigorates the literary road-trip story with wry vulnerability and savage charm.

This is the first comprehensive resource for clinical medical-surgical nursing instructors responsible for guiding students through their entire clinical rotation. Filling a huge gap in resources for instructors required to teach the medical-surgical nursing course, it contains everything the new or adjunct instructor needs to teach expertly and confidently. The guide features a week-by-week instructional plan for the clinical rotation and includes all materials necessary to effectively perform administrative leadership and supervision, assess students' knowledge and learning styles, maximize the learning process, simplify evaluation, and help ensure a smooth transition to clinical practice. The guide will serve as a welcome companion to both experienced and novice medical-nursing instructors with its week-by-week instruction guide that encompasses organizational teaching templates, teaching and learning resources, and evaluation materials. These include everything from the Adjunct Faculty Contract to the Course Syllabus to a Comprehensive Skills Checklist. Key clinical instruction materials, including PowerPoints and simulation scenarios are provided for each body system. Additionally the book contains quizzes with answers, discussion questions, and interactive student activities and exercises. Key Features: Comprises the first complete resource for successfully guiding students through their clinical rotations from start to finish Helps to allay the "fear factor" for new and adjunct clinical nursing instructors Provides a week-by-week instructional guide that includes organizational teaching templates, teaching and learning resources, and evaluation aids Includes numerous forms and templates to facilitate administrative responsibilities, student assessment, and student evaluation Key clinical information is organized by body system and includes multiple interactive teaching tools

"This guide and resource will give you all the direction and resources you need to perform in the role of a medical-surgical clinical instructorvñInstructors will discover this book takes the work out of working in the clinical area." This is the first comprehensive resource for clinical medical-surgical nursing instructors responsible for guiding students through their entire clinical rotation. Filling a huge gap in resources for instructors required to teach this course, it contains everything the new or adjunct instructor needs to teach expertly and confidently. The guide describes the role of medical-surgical instructor and provides an introduction to the clinical site. It features a week-by-week instructional plan for the clinical rotation and includes all materials necessary to effectively perform administrative leadership and supervision, assess students' knowledge and learning styles, maximize the learning process, simplify evaluation, and help ensure a smooth transition to clinical practice. Brimming with helpful information, the guide will be a welcome companion to both experienced and novice medical-nursing instructors with its organizational teaching templates, teaching and learning resources, and evaluation materials. These include a course syllabus, comprehensive skills checklist, medication guidelines, resources for patient teaching, pre-and post-conference expectations and activities; even make-up assignments for students who miss a clinical class. Clinical instruction materials such as PowerPoints and simulation scenarios,are provided. Additionally, the book contains quizzes with answers, discussion questions, critical thinking exercises, and interactive student activities. Key Features: Comprises the first complete resource for successfully guiding students through their clinical rotations from start to finish Helps to allay the "fear factor" for new and adjunct clinical nursing instructors Provides a week-by-week instructional guide that includes organizational teaching templates, teaching and learning resources, and evaluation aids Includes numerous forms and templates to facilitate administrative responsibilities, student assessment, and student evaluation Organizes key clinical information by body system and includes multiple interactive teaching tools

Fifteen-year-old Jess is on a road trip to the end of the world. Her evangelical father has packed up the family and left their Montgomery, Alabama, home behind to drive west in anticipation of the rapture, hoping to save as many souls as possible before the imminent Second Coming. With her long-suffering mother and her rebellious sister Elise, Jess hands out tracts to nonbelievers at every rest stop, Waffle House, and gas station along the way. Through sticky diners and in crowded motel pools, beneath bleached bedspreads and in the backseat of the family car, Jess and Elise whisper and squabble their way across the country. But as doomsday approaches, Jess can't seem to work up any real fear about the apocalypse when her sister's secret pregnancy and their increasingly frayed parents loom so much larger. In this fresh and razor-sharp debut novel, teenage angst and evangelical ardor make a pilgrimage across an endlessly interchangeable American landscape of highways, motels, and strip malls. Sporting a "King Jesus Returns!" t-shirt and well stocked with end-times pamphlets, Jess makes semi-earnest efforts to believe but is thwarted at every turn by a string of familiar and yet freshly rendered teenage obsessions. From "Will the world end?" to "Will I ever fall in love?" each tender worry, big and small, is brilliantly rendered with emotional weight. Mary Miller reinvents the classic American literary road-trip story, reviving its august traditions with the yearning and spiritual ennui of twenty-first-century adolescence. As the last day approaches, Jess's teenage myopia gradually gives way to a growing awareness of the painful undercurrents of her fractured family. With a deadpan humor and a savage charm that belie a deep sympathy for her characters, Miller captures the gnawing uneasiness, sexual rivalry, and escalating self-doubt of teenage life in America, where the end always seems nigh and our illusions are necessary protections against that which we can't control.

Nearly 300 entries, from accession to yoke, describe the main gods and symbols of the Aztecs, Olmecs, Zapotecs, Maya, Teotihuacanos, Mixtects and Toltecs.Introductory essays provide succinct accounts of Mesoamerican history and religion.This authoritative work is a standard reference for students, scholars and travellers.

Because of its wide scope (infertility, miscarriage, sudden infant death, abortion, release to adoption; emotional disappointments including handicapped babies, cesareans, premature or traumatic birth; and help for grieving children), this book will help parents and care-givers understand the great burden of all loss experienced. American Baby's Childbirth Educator