Carew Papritz, also known as The Cowboy Philosopher, is the author of the multi-award winning book The Legacy Letters. Though fictional, The Legacy Letters has won acclaim as a life lessons book for all generations, gaining the distinction of being the only book in publishing history to win awards in both fiction and non-fiction categories. A Renaissance Man in an age that lauds the specialist, The Huffington Post says Papritz "intrigues and enlightens, charms and catalyzes change for every reader."

As part of his many innovative and adventurous first-ever book signings, Carew truly lives his book’s central message to “live life to the fullest” while signing books on top of volcanoes and horses. These events and other YouTube videos, such as the “I Love to Read” series and his annual literacy-driven charity event, “The Great Book Balloon Launch,” inspire kids and adults to rediscover the joy of reading! Proceeds of the summer’s sales of The Legacy Letters went to the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Proceeds from his recent “First-Ever Book Signing while Stomping Grapes” went to the Seattle Children’s Hospital. Other charities include Reading is Fundamental and the Military Mama’s Network.

The Legacy Letters: his wife, his children, his final gift, Carew Papritz

Smashwords online ebook store

Carewtube

Walden Pond, Henry David Thoreau

Taft-Hartley Act

The Holdovers, (2023)

The Sopranos, (1999 - 2007)

All the Star Trek series

Ted Lasso, (2020 - )

National Thank You Letter Writing Day (on Kelly Clarkson Show)

Project Gratitude

I Love to Read series on YouTube

William Shakespeare

Frankenstein, Mary Shelley

Ernest Hemingway, Author

The Crucible, Arthur Miller, playwright

Hamilton, (Aug. 6, 2015 - Present) Lin Manuel Miranda

Steve Jobs, Co-creator of Apple Computer

The Grove, earth friendly home products

Frank Lloyd Wright, Taliesen, David’s House, Architectural Digest

Sierra Vista Public Library, Arizona

Vietnam Memorial, Washington, D.C.

The Lincoln Memorial, Washington D.C.

Stone Cold, Sarah Humphrys

The Bible

Natey and Katy: At the Movies podcast, Website

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

Christmas in Connecticut (1945)

The Bishop’s Wife (1947)

Any of the versions of A Christmas Carol

Turner Classic Movies, TCM.com

It Happened on Fifth Avenue (1947) Available on TCM, Plex, and Tubi

The Man Who Came to Dinner (1941) Available on TCM

Remember the Night (1940)

Coming soon: Classic Cinema with the Sage Sisters

Ray Hartjen is a writer and musician who lives in Pleasanton, California, where he and his wife, Lori, raised their adult children, Olivia and Raymond.

In a professional career that has spanned parts of five decades, Ray has pivoted on many occasions, from investment banking to pharmaceuticals, from consumer electronics to SaaS software. One constant throughout his career path, however, has been storytelling.

In the past, Ray has been a frequent source for quotes from the national media on both the consumer electronics and retail industries. Additionally, as a contributor to a number of online outlets and platforms, including his rayhartjen.com site, he has spun his fair share of yarn on topics as far ranging as sports — primarily football, hockey and auto racing — and business, particularly revenue team functions like sales and marketing. Ray’s previous work includes being the coauthor of Immaculate: How the Steelers Saved Pittsburgh, published in 2022 by Morgan James Publishing and available at all major booksellers.

Diagnosed with multiple myeloma in March of 2019, Ray is a cancer fighter every day of the week that ends in a ‘y.’ And, with the soundtrack of life playing continuously in his head, Ray also performs and records with his two-piece acoustic band, the Chronic Padres.

A native of Texas, Ray holds an undergraduate degree from Eastern Kentucky University and an MBA from the University of Washington.

As one always to welcome a chat with others, especially fellow cancer patients, please feel free to connect with Ray at www.rayhartjen.com, on Twitter @RayHartjen, via email at rayhartjen@gmail.com, or via voice or text at (925) 895-5441.

Website, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X (Twitter), YouTube

Immaculate: How the Steelers Saved Pittsburgh Tom O’Lenic and Ray Hartjen

Me, Myself, and My Multiple Myeloma: A Behind-the-Scenes Look For Patients, Caregivers, & Allies Ray Hartjen

The Indy 500: 30 Days in May Hal Higdon

Scholastic Publishers

International Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation

Cinema Therapy with Alan Seawright and Jonathan Decker on YouTube

Ted Lasso TV series seasons 1 - 3 (2020 - 2023) on Apple+

Franklin Covey Leadership Organization

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People: 30 Anniversary Edition Stephen R. Covey