Discover the Magic of Storytelling - Author T.K. Banner
Dive into enchanting worlds through captivating books and articles.
Discover the Magic of Storytelling - Author T.K. Banner
Dive into enchanting worlds through captivating books and articles.
ICONIC WOMEN OF MESQUITE
MARIE ALVEY
PINK CHRISTMAS LADIES
PINK CHRISTMAS LADIES
Our quest to highlight iconic ladies residing in Mesquite and the surrounding Moapa Valley and Arizona Strip begins with our current Ms. Senior Mesquite, Marie Alvey.
Marie embodies everything associated with a beauty queen: grace, compassion, and sincerity. She has a genuine desire to connect with the residents of Mesquite and to help whenever she can. Her immediate plans include representing Nevada at the Ms. Senior America Nationals in Atlantic City, New Jersey, October 4–9.
One of her many talents is storytelling through quilting. At the Ms. Senior Mesquite Pageant, she made a memorable entrance on a motorcycle, using her quilts to share stories of family, heritage, and resilience. She continues to display these quilts throughout the community, keeping alive the lessons and memories sewn into them.
Marie is the epitome of the expression: “Do not judge a book by its cover.” Marie is radiant, exuberant, and joyful. One might assume her life has been perfect, yet her journey has been marked by heartbreaking loss—trials that shaped her strength and resilience. Her 42-year-old son, a successful union worker, he passed away unexpectedly. Not long after, her sister passed away from breast cancer and Marie was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma at just 62. Before her sister’s passing.
How does one endure such trauma? Marie credits her mentor—her 94-year-old mother—whose wisdom still guides her: “Always count your blessings” and “Everything happens for a reason.” Her mother’s steady outlook gave Marie the strength to endure hardships while maintaining gratitude and hope. Family means everything to Marie and she is so grateful for all their love and support.
Born in a small Utah town, Marie later moved to Las Vegas, a leap that pushed her out of her comfort zone. In a twist of fate, after leaving a job, a friend recommended her for a banking position the very same day—a field in which she had no prior experience. She quickly excelled, training hundreds of bankers, teaching them the power of goal-setting, and mentoring them in their careers. For 24 years, she built a respected life in Las Vegas before beginning her next chapter in Mesquite.
In August 2024, she moved to Mesquite and soon after entered the Ms. Senior Mesquite Pageant, winning the crown in April 2025. The experience taught her lessons in perseverance, preparation, and grace under judgment. Most importantly, it helped her let go of society’s notions about aging. Marie embraces the aging process as a time to share wisdom and inspire younger generations. One of her guiding principles: “Always remember to do the best we can.”
PINK CHRISTMAS LADIES
PINK CHRISTMAS LADIES
PINK CHRISTMAS LADIES
TWO WOMEN TAKE ON THE CANCER BATTLE IN MESQUITE
Kirsten Pearson 47 and Amanda Beas 38 work tirelessly to help families of victims suffering from cancer. Both with steady jobs and families, are certified global educators, handing out pamphlets and educating residents about the importance of early detection of breast cancer. Kirsten and her husband have been together for 25 years and have 3 boys – one in college, another in high school and the youngest in middle school. All 3 are involved in sports. “I wouldn’t be able to accomplish any of what I do without my husband and his support,” Kirsten said.
“But its Amanda who is the “rockstar of our projects!” Kirsten stated. With her husband working out of town, she manages to look after her 4 boys, also involved in sports. “We both work around what our kids are doing and get it done.” Kirsten added.
These women are also involved with the Know Your Lemons Foundation whose mission is a world where women and men feel empowered with knowledge and confidence to report breast changes and participate when screening is available. These two actions will improve breast health and reduce deaths from the disease.
Kirsten’s journey with cancer prevention began with her immediate family: two of her aunts had breast cancer, and Kirsten herself was diagnosed in 2016. She was fortunate to have had strong mother, who encouraged her to be independent. Kirsten was ingrained to believe she could take care of herself. She began working in the pharmaceutical field in 1996.
Amanda was raised by a single mother, who was also a role model who taught her to be independent.
Both women give credit to the Pink Christmas foundation in Cedar City which was founded in 2009. Kirsten and Amanda decided to expand the benevolence of this organization, bringing it to Mesquite in 2016. “We realized that we can’t pay back what people have done for us so we are paying it forward.” Kirsten said. A mutual friend who loved Christmas, and whose favorite color was pink, had succumbed to breast cancer.
The Pink Christmas Nevada events began in 2020 during COVID. The women were able to raise money even though everyone was under quarantine. They were able to sell raffle tickets.
With the help of Brian and Robert Wurston, the women spearheaded the yearly golf tournaments at Falcon Ridge Golf Course. Brian’s wife was diagnosed with cancer and Rob suggested that Falcon Ridge would be a great location for the golf tournaments. The first golf tournament was held in 2022.
For five years these women have hosted these fundraisers using the monies raised to help cancer victims. Each year, they choose a recipient and last year had 5 of them, each of them receiving $9,500! One former recipient was Beth Clapinger which led to the women networking with the Warrior Women.
Pink buckets are distributed from late September through November throughout Mesquite to collect donations. “We are hoping to include Moapa High School along with Virgin Valley High School in this year’s campaign. It will be a contest to see which one raises the most money.”
Fundraisers, handing out pamphlets, organizations discussions about early detection of breast cancer, are just a few of what these courageous women do to raise awareness in the community of Mesquite. “We are not celebrating that we had 5 recipients last year. We should be celebrating when there are none. How we perceive what we have accomplished is not the same as how the victims perceive it. We feel that we are not doing enough while our recipients are overjoyed with our help. But we have pride in what we have don with what we have.”
Kirsten and Amanda are still striving to get the word out about early detection, wanting the city to get more involved in their efforts. One of their goals is finding a facility for their organization. “We don’t want to pay a heavy rent space as that takes money away from our recipients.”
These two women are indeed worthy of recognition.As a skilled ghostwriter, I'll help you bring your book, ebook, or memoir to life. I'll capture your voice and tell your story in a way that engages readers and leaves a lasting impact.
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PINK CHRISTMAS LADIES
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I will be on the lookout to interview more influential women in Mesquite. These women will be featured in the Women's Musem. There are so many women who are dedicated to putting Mesquite on the map. Steve Dudrow is instrumental in finding such women and has them on his podcasts. These women need to be recognized for all they have accomplished!
Upcoming events
Join us and meet the Author!
Discover T.K. Banner
Meet the Author
T.K. Banner is a passionate writer from British Columbia. With years of experience in education, she brings a unique perspective to her storytelling that captivates readers.
She has been in the field of education most of her adult life, as a teacher of all grades, Sociology Professor for twenty years, director of an Independent Study Program, helping adults earn their diploma.
She won many awards, including being recognized for initiating a girl power group, developing innovative career strategies, and her work for United Way, helping parolees find employment. She has worked with various Indian Reservations, homeless shelters, and the Cal-Works program at a local college.
Terri suffered a major loss after moving to Paradise California, where she lost everything in the Campfire of 2018. Since then she embarked on new career as an author, writing about her experiences. She continues to write a variety of articles for magazines, and currently is a reporter for a newspaper. She is very active, attending exercise classes, and has joined many clubs since her move to Mesquite, Nevada in January, 2025.
This is where you will learn about me - the person behind the books! Step into my fantasy and sometimes realistic world of books, articles, podcasts, and blog posts. Words have the power to transport us, to transcend us from our mundane world.
My blog posts are comprised of observations and comments on daily life. It is my hope that you interact with this website. As it is my passion to use my writing as a tool to help others, I hope this website will be the conduit to do so. Namaste, my readers.
WRITINGS/BOOKS
I've got class! Published by Heartshine Press, LLC, Jean Voice Dart, Owner/Publisher
I've got class - Kindle Edition Published by Heartshine Press, LLC, Jean Voice Dart, Owner/Publisher
I've got class - Kindle Edition Published by Heartshine Press, LLC, Jean Voice Dart, Owner/Publisher
It is never too late to learn a new skill, take a class, and leave your comfort zone. Yes, I know this can be frightening, for some of you, but what is even more alarming is seeing yourself twenty or thirty years down the road, thinking, "I wonder what would have happened if..."
By registering for the wrong college class, T.K. Banner emb
It is never too late to learn a new skill, take a class, and leave your comfort zone. Yes, I know this can be frightening, for some of you, but what is even more alarming is seeing yourself twenty or thirty years down the road, thinking, "I wonder what would have happened if..."
By registering for the wrong college class, T.K. Banner embarked on a learning and teaching journey she had never imagined possible. In the book, I’ve Get Class!, Terri shares life-shifting memories from her college days and multiple teaching and learning opportunities. This book is much more than a compilation of recollections. Each chapter includes her personal stories, "Points to Ponder," and "Helpful Hints" that open doors to understanding and inspire women to move forward through difficult situations. Let Terri be your navigator, as she shares her inspiring journey and how-to roadmap for women at the crossroads, ready for a new adventure.
I've got class - Kindle Edition Published by Heartshine Press, LLC, Jean Voice Dart, Owner/Publisher
I've got class - Kindle Edition Published by Heartshine Press, LLC, Jean Voice Dart, Owner/Publisher
I've got class - Kindle Edition Published by Heartshine Press, LLC, Jean Voice Dart, Owner/Publisher
It is never too late to learn a new skill, take a class, and leave your comfort zone. Yes, I know this can be frightening, for some of you, but what is even more alarming is seeing yourself twenty or thirty years down the road, thinking, "I wonder what would have happened if..."
-T.K. Banner, Author of I've Got Class!
By registering for th
It is never too late to learn a new skill, take a class, and leave your comfort zone. Yes, I know this can be frightening, for some of you, but what is even more alarming is seeing yourself twenty or thirty years down the road, thinking, "I wonder what would have happened if..."
-T.K. Banner, Author of I've Got Class!
By registering for the wrong college class, T.K. Banner embarked on a learning and teaching journey she had never imagined possible. In the book, I've Get Class! Terri shares life-shifting memories from her college days and multiple teaching and learning opportunities. This book is much more than a compilation of recollections. Each chapter includes her personal stories, "Points to Ponder," and "Helpful Hints" that open doors to understanding and inspire women to move forward through difficult situations. Let Terri be your navigator, as she shares her inspiring journey and how-to roadmap for women at the crossroads, ready for a new adventure.
You've got class! Published by Heartshine Press, LLC, Jean Voice Dart, Owner/Publisher
I've got class - Kindle Edition Published by Heartshine Press, LLC, Jean Voice Dart, Owner/Publisher
You've got class! Published by Heartshine Press, LLC, Jean Voice Dart, Owner/Publisher
You’ve Got Class is a partnering goal planning journal and workbook. It provides sixty daily gratitude questions, sixty probing and goal-planning chapter questions, twenty progress sheets, and twenty additional journal pages for deeper insights. These tools motivate, inspire, and assist the reader in achieving their next steps to success.
Best Friends
Smoldering Embers of Paradise
You've got class! Published by Heartshine Press, LLC, Jean Voice Dart, Owner/Publisher
In 1986, an elderly, newly-widowed Fannie Wilson is thinking, as she often is, of how lucky she had been, despite enduring overwhelming challenges. Fingering the necklace she always wore—the twin of the one her great friend and platonic love of her life, Julia, had worn—she sits down at her typewriter, ready to reminisce about a well-liv
In 1986, an elderly, newly-widowed Fannie Wilson is thinking, as she often is, of how lucky she had been, despite enduring overwhelming challenges. Fingering the necklace she always wore—the twin of the one her great friend and platonic love of her life, Julia, had worn—she sits down at her typewriter, ready to reminisce about a well-lived life.
For three months, she relives the memories of her friendship, memories that transcended over four decades: the glamorous twenties, the Great Depression of the thirties, the war decade of the forties, and the postwar decade of the fifties.
From opposite sides of the country the two friends fought for justice for working women, abandoned and abducted children, and against discrimination. From losing everything in the Great Crash, they gained everything.
Smoldering Embers of Paradise
Smoldering Embers of Paradise
Smoldering Embers of Paradise
“Smoldering Ashes Of Paradise” is the sequel to “Phoenix Rising From the Ashes.” It takes the reader on the continued journey of transformation. It is a poignant story of how the author and other victims cope with catastrophe. All of us, at one time or another face daunting challenges in our lives, and it is how we meet them that determ
“Smoldering Ashes Of Paradise” is the sequel to “Phoenix Rising From the Ashes.” It takes the reader on the continued journey of transformation. It is a poignant story of how the author and other victims cope with catastrophe. All of us, at one time or another face daunting challenges in our lives, and it is how we meet them that determines our ability to be transformed by them. The Paradise Fire is remembered as a catastrophe that destroyed an entire town, but as survivors, we must not remember the fire as destroying us.
Redemption for Gertrude
Smoldering Embers of Paradise
Smoldering Embers of Paradise
A daughter finds clues to her mother's horrendous past in the attic. After confronting her, the mother retreats to her room and relives her life through flashbacks. The author takes the reader back to the aftermath of WWI when Anti-Semistism was rampant. Gertrude came of age during this time and her hatred of Jews was cemented by the beli
A daughter finds clues to her mother's horrendous past in the attic. After confronting her, the mother retreats to her room and relives her life through flashbacks. The author takes the reader back to the aftermath of WWI when Anti-Semistism was rampant. Gertrude came of age during this time and her hatred of Jews was cemented by the beliefs of her family, the community, and especially her mentor, Herr Friesen who groomed her to join the supporters of The Thule Society which was formed to get rid of all the unworthy people from the country to make it great once again. Gertrude becomes an integral part of Hitler's inner circle but soon realizes she cannot condone what was transpiring. She unknowingly marries a Jew and falls in love with his uncle who fathers her child. Now she is a target for the Nazis and with the help of her husband's uncle, escapes, taking on a new identity. After living in a small village she relocates to America where she raises her daughter. But the memories of the evil deeds she had done never leave her. After describing her life to her daughter, the question remains, will there be redemption for her?
Phoenix Rising from the Ashes Kindle Edition
Untie the Not in Cannot: Releasing the Beliefs of Victimhood
Phoenix Rising from the Ashes Kindle Edition
It isn’t what happens to us that causes distress; it is how we react to distress that affects us.
Beyond Coping -Phoenix rising from the Ashes is an unforgettable memoir of one woman’s incredible journey of hope, devastation, and recovery. It is an inspiration for those who are confronted with tragedy in their lives.
This story takes the
It isn’t what happens to us that causes distress; it is how we react to distress that affects us.
Beyond Coping -Phoenix rising from the Ashes is an unforgettable memoir of one woman’s incredible journey of hope, devastation, and recovery. It is an inspiration for those who are confronted with tragedy in their lives.
This story takes the reader to the dream of Paradise, only to have it go up in flames a few months later. The author relies on her own inner strength, the strength of her friend who survived the fire with her, the emotional support of her fiancé, and various spiritual books to take her beyond coping and to being completely transformed. Her mother, living in Canada, was her strongest ally, constantly encouraging her to believe in herself.
Phoenix Rising from the Ashes Paperback
Untie the Not in Cannot: Releasing the Beliefs of Victimhood
Phoenix Rising from the Ashes Kindle Edition
It isn’t what happens to us that causes distress; it is how we react to distress that affects us.
Beyond Coping -Phoenix rising from the Ashes is an unforgettable memoir of one woman’s incredible journey of hope, devastation, and recovery. It is an inspiration for those who are confronted with tragedy in their lives.
This story takes the
It isn’t what happens to us that causes distress; it is how we react to distress that affects us.
Beyond Coping -Phoenix rising from the Ashes is an unforgettable memoir of one woman’s incredible journey of hope, devastation, and recovery. It is an inspiration for those who are confronted with tragedy in their lives.
This story takes the reader to the dream of Paradise, only to have it go up in flames a few months later. The author relies on her own inner strength, the strength of her friend who survived the fire with her, the emotional support of her fiancé, and various spiritual books to take her beyond coping and to being completely transformed. Her mother, living in Canada, was her strongest ally, constantly encouraging her to believe in herself.
Untie the Not in Cannot: Releasing the Beliefs of Victimhood
Untie the Not in Cannot: Releasing the Beliefs of Victimhood
Untie the Not in Cannot: Releasing the Beliefs of Victimhood
You can reject negative programming that keeps you a victim of your past. It is your birthright to live with confidence and freedom when you learn to let go of the thoughts that bind you.Through extensive interviews and a case study, the author examines our socialization and indoctrination into society and how we are domesticated to beli
You can reject negative programming that keeps you a victim of your past. It is your birthright to live with confidence and freedom when you learn to let go of the thoughts that bind you.Through extensive interviews and a case study, the author examines our socialization and indoctrination into society and how we are domesticated to believe we cannot be all that we are meant to be. Some of the key agents of socialization include family and especially the education system wherein teachers play a crucial role in influencing our youth. We need to chip away at these negative layers to discover the potential that is in each and every one of us. Now, more than ever, with most of us in isolation, we need to discover the Golden Buddha inside of us.
New Release - August 2025
New Release - August 2025
Untie the Not in Cannot: Releasing the Beliefs of Victimhood
Laura DI Franco of Brave Healer Productions has brought together twenty -two distinguished authors to share their experiences with trauma and stress followed by the tools they used to work through the stress. This self -help book is a must for anyone facing stress in their lives. Laura Di Franco has published over twenty bestselling books.
MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR
The Full Story
Her biggest passion is helping women achieve their passion for life, to break free of all the doubts they cling to that stop them from recognizing their own worth. She didn’t return to school until she was forty, and with the help of the counselors and professors, she was able to graduate valedictorian in her master’s Program. She went on to get her teaching degree and a certificate in special education training. She had adopted two teenage boys with fetal alcohol syndrome, so she was able to understand what the students in her classes needed.
After the Camp Fire in 2018, which took everything from her, she worked in Medford, Oregon with students with special needs, until the pandemic.
She now resides near Palm Springs, where she continues to write and counsel women.
Her years of teaching Sociology made her aware of the injustices in our world. Out of that awareness came “Best Friends – A Compass and the True North” an historical novel examining our country during four turbulent decades, through the letters of two best friends. Her second historical novel "Redemption for Getrude" is now published.
Her latest book "I've Got Class - from college to the classroom and beyond - is a collection of her memoirs. It includes helpful hints and points to ponder for ther readers. It will be published within a couple of months.
Currently she is working on a philosophical book about the Stoics.
She writes articles for local magazines and was featured on the cover of one in May. Her article in that magazine was entitled “I had to lose everything to gain everything.” She belongs to the local Writer’s Club, and is co-president of Readers Ink, a local book club. Because of her passion for helping young girls, AAUW became the perfect outlet for her to encourage female students to succeed.
She recently became co-president of The Golden Seniors Social Club, where she arranges events and speakers to motivate those who feel isolated. She continues to do podcasts about thriving during retiirement, and does several speaking engagements.
She is a very spiritual person who can be found going on nature walks, and meditating by the waterfalls.
CONTACT
Questions or Comments?
You can send me a message or ask me a general question using this form.
I will do my best to get back to you soon!
T.K. Banner Author
Mesquite, NV, USA
