<p>The backdrops for these tales are sparse rural lands from the Alleghenies to the deserts of the West. Farmers gangsters meth cookers miners cafe workers lovers and dreamers. And the animals that cross their paths mysterious and wild.</p><p>Addiction neglect and conflict combust ignited by the slim flickers of self-pride humor and hope that yet linger. But what haunts is tenacious and unwavering. And otherwise wretched;</p>