OLD REMNANTS-NEW BUDS chronicles Katharine Stone Ayers' early traumatic life and later transformational journey towards healing and greater freedom. Through the support and compassion of loved ones, pets, relatives, friends, therapists, professionals, nature and her spiritual path, Katharine learned that it is possible to heal from devastating childhood experiences and become more integrated and whole. She welcomes us to open to the notion that we can learn to embrace more joy, love and Presence. Modern brain research shows that early life trauma and neglect change the brain and fragment us, making it more difficult to know who we are and align with our authentic selves. Coping skills can be compromised, as well as the ability to focus and maintain loving and supportive relationships. Early life trauma can cause intermittent or chronic depression, or cause one to acquiesce, become resigned, shame based or forget to care for ourselves. In this book of poetry, prose and art, we learn that we don't have to be victimized by our past or stuck in old and limiting patterns. Katharine shows us that it is possible to move from struggle to ease, from limited beliefs and concepts, self-defeating habits and behaviors to greater ease and freedom.