This book isn’t just a collection of poems, it is a structured tapestry, where each piece flows into the next, creating a grand narrative. Hidden messages lie within the words, encouraging readers to engage not just emotionally, but intellectually. Themes of time travel, cosmic forces, cryptid mysteries, and the untamed wilds of the mind make this more than poetry, it is a journey into the unknown. It is a book that can be read multiple times, each time offering a new perspective. In a world that moves too fast, where people often lose sight of the bigger picture, Of Grand Design encourages reflection. Of Grand Design taps into fundamental questions about existence, questions that have intrigued humanity for centuries. As people search for meaning in chaotic times, this book offers a reminder that there is something vast, something magnificent, beyond what we see. It is a call to adventure, not just in the physical world, but within the mind and soul.

I want readers to walk away with a sense of wonder. To feel as though they’ve journeyed through something profound and left changed. I hope my words ignite curiosity, challenge perspectives, and inspire people to see the world differently—to recognize the grand design in their own lives.

About the Author

Clayton Elgin Strickland is more than just a writer—he is a seeker, an adventurer, and a man deeply connected to the land, the sea, and the mysteries of existence. Born in Valdez, Alaska, Clayton grew up where towering mountains meet the relentless ocean, where survival requires both grit and reverence for nature. Clayton is also a proud member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Lodge, Auxiliary 1971, in Valdez, where he contributes to community initiatives and local events. He has also dedicated decades of his life to the labor movement in Alaska, serving as a Journeyman Operator for the Alaska Department of Transportation and as a committed member of Laborers' Local 71 and Local 341. His work in heavy equipment operation, infrastructure, and public service has shaped his deep understanding of Alaska’s challenges and opportunities.

Beyond his union involvement, Clayton was appointed by the Valdez City Council as a representative on the Alaska Gasoline Port Authority Board of Directors, where he helped explore energy and infrastructure solutions for the region. His passion for community growth extends to advocacy for projects such as railroad expansion, sustainable energy, and resource development, all aimed at securing a stronger future for Alaskans.

Clayton is a modern-day Renaissance man with a vast range of interests including fishing, gold mining, cosmic exploration and theories, writing, and storytelling.