Bookstore

Welcome to the Bookstore

Pandemic Blues: Poems and Prose 2020 - 2023

A collection of poetry, prose, letters, and photographs during the outbreak of COVID-19 in the United States. A time of lockdowns and long walks, isolation and virtual friendships, chalk art, and free libraries. Between impeachments, infections, and insurrections, there was a lot to be blue about.

I was immediately drawn into Kayla’s words and experiences. This book showed me I wasn’t alone in my pandemic blues, and Kayla was able to put words to many of the same thoughts and feelings I had. A great read, with engaging photos. Highly recommend! - Kate



Through the rollercoaster of emotions that was the COVID-19 pandemic. Kayla Garnet Rose captures the essence of those times with her beautiful collection of poetry, prose, letters, and photographs. Reading this book felt like revisiting a period of lockdowns, long walks, and virtual friendships. It beautifully encapsulates the sense of isolation and the moments of connection we find in unexpected places, like chalk art and free libraries.


What I loved most about this book is how it resonates with the collective experience of living through such a tumultuous time - the impeachment, infections, and insurrections. Kayla Garnet Rose's words provide a sense of comfort, reminding us that we were not alone in our pandemic blues. As a 27-year-old woman, I found solace in the pages of this book, knowing that others felt the same way I did during those challenging days. It's a poignant reminder of our shared humanity, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to reflect on the past and find hope for the future.



Sappho’s Delights: Poems 1984 - 1997

A delicious collection of feminist and lesbian poetry that chronicles the adventures of a young baby crone as she crosses the country and discovers home.

These tasty morsels span almost a decade. From coming out as bisexual during high school in Maryland, a frisky four years of college in Connecticut (with an interim in zesty California), a healing year in Northern Idaho, participating on the Global Walk for a Livable World (where she walked from Los Angeles to Flagstaff, Arizona), living as a lesbian separatist, as well as opening the feminist bookstore in Santa Cruz, California.

Friends, lovers, cats, and companions are celebrated through poems, haiku, songs, ramblings, and even some blues. Dip your toes into the honey!


Tendrils of Belief: Poems 1997 - 2006 

Picks up the adventures of our Baby Crone five years after Sappho’s Delights. No longer a maiden, she embraces motherhood, becomes a gay divorce, and moves from retail therapy to hypnotherapy. Spanning almost a decade, here is more scrumptious food for thought, nuggets to savor and relish. Inspired by Adrienne Rich’s, On Lies Secrets, and Silence, these tender tales continue a quest into a deeper knowing of self, family, and community. Prayers, meditations, affirmations, and some lamentations.


Changing Woman: Poems 2007 - 2016

Kayla used to be a priestess of Aphrodite, but she was such a bitch - all those lessons in love, including jealousy, heartache, misery, and despair. Now she is the Priestess of Laphrodite, Goddess of the Belly laugh. Laughter is the best medicine, but as far as Kayla was concerned, it's also the best lube. Reflecting a time of questing and questioning for our Baby Crone, she changes careers, discovers online dating, and fuels her passion for blogging. 



Coming in October:

The Beautiful Unknown: Retreat Poems and Prose 2009 - 2020

After being partnered with a transgendered person for six years, our Baby Crone finds she braves the turbulent waters of online dating between taking sojourns along the California coast. These poems, prayers, meditations, and love spells were woven at various silent writer’s retreats along the California Coast, including Mission San Antonio, Point Reyes, and The New Calmodese Hermitage in Big Sur.

or Laphrodite's Mini Mindfulness Meditations

Baby Crone's Tarot Playbook offers seventy-eight short practices for that tarot on-the-go feeling. Rich, full-color images accompany the guided meditations to create a synthesis of right-brain and left-brain activity by combining potent imagery with meaningful words. Whether you flip to a random page for a quick hit, spend an hour using an image as a writing prompt in your journal, or dedicate yourself to delving deep into the meaning and symbolism of each piece, this is a treasure trove of accessible wisdom.



Laphrodite's Guide to Mindful Menopause 
or the Adventures of a Baby Crone

An enchanting collection of midlife musings, moon magic, and meditations for mindful menopause. Over the last three years, menopause has brought me to my knees. In this humbled position, I offer anecdotes, potential antidotes, and some not-so-common advice.

According to the Mayo Clinic, menopause is experienced by over 3 million women a year in the United States alone. What makes this book different is viewing menopause as a time of incredible spiritual growth and creativity, rather than just a physical experience that needs a special diet or more exercise.

The book offers concrete tools such as guided visualizations, meditations, and rituals to honor this significant passage in a woman's life. Rather than a dry reference book, it includes humorous stories, inspiring poetry, and juicy practices to experience mindful menopause. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I love the artwork and how it goes along with the readings. It was empowering, and beautiful, giving an honest portrayal of the fem experience. Highly recommend! - Kaileigh Otsuka

Journey Through the Tarot
An Integrated System for Holistic Healing

A comparison of traditional Tarot cards to modern-day decks demonstrates how the Tarot is an integrated tool for holistic health that offers insights for personal growth and transformation through the use of symbols, archetypes, and allegories.

"This book is a true gem for both experienced tarot readers and beginners. Unlike a standard guide to tarot card meanings, this small and very readable volume adds a lot of context to tarot as a historical divination tool that adapts itself to modern-day readers. A delightful and informative book!" - Lana Tyehimba Touched by Tarot

Journey Through the Tarot is a gem for anyone looking to delve into the world of Tarot, and as a tarot-loving woman, I can't recommend it enough. This book goes beyond the basics and takes you on a deep exploration of the Tarot's power for holistic health and personal growth.

What sets this book apart is its thoughtful comparison of the traditional Rider-Waite deck to modern decks. It beautifully illustrates how the Tarot can be a versatile tool, using archetypes, symbols, and allegories to offer insights into various aspects of our lives.

As someone relatively new to Tarot, I appreciated the simplicity with which the author explains the system. It's not just about fortune-telling; it's about tapping into wisdom for healing on multiple levels - physical, emotional, energetic, intellectual, and spiritual.

The historical context and the insights into how to gain information from the cards make this book an excellent resource for both beginners and more experienced readers. The in-depth examination of the Major Arcana and Minor Arcana, considering elements, numerology, and their potential for holistic healing, was truly eye-opening.

If you're looking to embark on a meaningful journey of self-discovery and holistic healing through the Tarot, this book is a fantastic guide. It's well-written, insightful, and has become a valuable addition to my Tarot collection. Thank you, Kayla!


Written and Illustrated by Nona Kayla

Ernesto has been bullied for having a large birthmark on his face. He goes to Grandma for some comfort and words of calm advice. Grandma tells him a story of her own adventures about being different. She sets off on an adventure one day, with her faithful companion, June E. Purr. They overcome storms, blockages, and unusual encounters. Along the way, she meets a helpful pant, a special animal, and a personal guide who all help to build feelings of confidence, resourcefulness, and self-esteem.

Wonderful absolutely wonderful. Historically time and patterns repeat like the ancient art of storytelling, sitting around the campfire or the evening fireplace with full bellies and listening to the storyteller ( the elders), it’s a love message of I believe in you and I unconditionally love you too... The receding pandemic has highlighted these truths of connection. This delightful book should be read to not only children, teens, and young adults but also middle-aged adults too who want to remember dear loved ones or want to find a heart grandmother or grandfather, remember to seek and you shall receive ... Mother Earth is plentiful.. thank you Kayla Nona - Janice Carr


This is a wonderful book for young and old alike. I thoroughly loved the message and the uplifting storyline. Great book. - Justice


F is for Family
Baby Katharine’s Alphabet Adventures

A special ABC to celebrate alternative, extended, blended, and birth families! 

Welcome to the world, Katharine,
How wonderful you will be!
Because you are the blossom,
Of the most amazing family tree!




The Adventures of Baby Moon
Written and Illustrated by Nona Kayla

Join Claire de la Lune in the Adventures of Baby Moon. A charming illustrated children's book filled with pleasing watercolors, perfect for reading at storytime, bedtime, or any time. Claire discovers the seasons, connects with family and friends, and yes, even helps to save the day.



Kayla Rose has crafted a charming little story-poem for young children, richly illustrated in her unique style. Fun to read and share.



Vibrissae
A Collection of Cats, Facts, and Whiskers

Inspired by the Santa Cruz Museum of Art And History's exhibit on local collectors, this book was a collaboration between a mother and daughter. Kayla Rose, a crazy cat lady at heart, has collected over a hundred cat whiskers that she found around the house over two decades from a medley of family pets. She wrote the poem to honor all the past, present, and future cats who bring joy into their lives. 


Kayla and Amber Rose are wise in the ways of cats. No subtlety escapes their eyes. Full of humor and insight, this small book reveals much in its short pages. Well worth the time.