To say that Carl Yeatman has led a very interesting life would be an understatement. He is a country boy from Mississippi who, one could say, has a gift at "spinning a yarn" in the old Southern tradition. Nine Lives and Counting is an entertaining and compelling collection of true accounts of Carl's nine near-death experiences. As one of its early reviewers stated, "I must tell you, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this collection of stories. I was laughing at points, and my heart was racing at other times.... I can surely see that God has a purpose for your life!" -Rachael, OH This speaks to what the authors believe is the underlying theme of the book. Although Carl should have been dead nine times and counting, God, for some purpose, has delivered him time and time again. Perhaps Carl is to do something really life changing, or perhaps he is just to continue the many acts of kindness he does for others each day. Mary's illustrations are another miracle, painting a perfect introduction for each chapter--a perfect mix of art and words. Mary didn't start painting until just before this book was penned, but the timing was perfect, and the stories wouldn't be the same without them. ABOUT THE AUTHORS Carl and Barbara Yeatman grew up in small towns in Mississippi and graduated from Mississippi State University. They later married and settled in Kingwood, Texas. Barbara has been a lifetime educator and co-founder of what is now the nationally acclaimed Quest Early College High School. Carl has worked in a variety of entrepreneurial ventures, including commercial real estate, product development, mining in Arizona, searching for gold in the Philippines, and serving as founder and CEO of an oil company. They are blessed with three children and six grandchildren. After retiring, Carl and Barbara relocated to Natchez, Mississippi, a city rich in historical culture and nestled in the bluffs of the mighty Mississippi. ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR Mary Flach, Barbara's sister and illustrator, also resides in Natchez, where she is manager of Belk. A University of Mississippi graduate, she is married to Rev. Dennis Flach and blessed with two children and three grandchildren.