Jittery June

Coming Soon!

Happy First Day of Summer!!!!!

It's showing here this week. We are having days on end in the 90's. You won't hear me complain. 

Many are asking when this long awaited third collection of poetry is coming. I promise it is coming! I received my printed copy to proof last week. As I started in, to make sure everything was perfect, I found it was not. There are a few minor errors that need to be fixed prior to printing and release. So I continue to work through my proofing. To all of my beta readers who are astutely proofing thank you! They say it takes a village to raise a child, well it takes one to write a book too.  I'm nervous and excited along with you!

Many have been busy with graduations, and I thank those of you who asked me to write a personalize poem for your grads. Many turn to poetry as part of their celebration. This link will take you to other poems for the graduate you may like to entertain. 

If you are in the area, come join myself, and another artist for Wenatchee Art Walk. I will be signing, selling and reading live on Facebook from my works on Friday July 7, from 5-8 pm. at The Ye Olde Bookshoppe in Wentachee at  11 Palouse St. Would love to see you!

Enjoy the rest of your month. And I look forward to seeing you soon!

Mother's May

This mother was leading her children to my bird feeders for a little snack. Awe!

Happy Beautiful May to you!

I want to thank those of you that requested signed copies of one of my books, to give as Mother's Day gifts. Books of poetry are one of the most sentimental and loving gifts a person can give. I hope she enjoys it.

I also appreciated the emails asking for a special poem to be written for your occasion. It was fun for me!

The growing interest in poetry warms my heart. According to the Academy of American Poets, 

“Poetry matters more than ever before, because we are more challenged than ever before. Poetry is the essential language that, endlessly branching, enables us to live deeply and envision what matters most.”

—Arthur Sze, Academy of American Poets Chancellor (2012– )

I have recently been asked to contribute to The Poet's Book of Advice by Z Publishing. 
"It will be composed of approximately 500 short bits of advice on all things poetry (how to write it, how to appreciate it, how to deal with rejection, etc.). The hope is to publish the book in late June, 2017." - Z Publishing.  Fun! I can't wait to read it myself.

My update for my next collection of poetry, "Simplistic Beauty" - Well we are soooooo close. There are always a million and one little details to be finished before the launch of a new book. I am anticipating a release in the next couple of months. Thank you for your patience, and all your continued questions about it's release, I so appreciate all of you. 

Would you like a new poem in your email each day? Please click on Poem A Day and sign up!

Until next time, sending you all love, good thoughts and health. 

Finished Cover Design

Hello to all.

Just a quick update because I'm receiving so many inquiries, (thank you!) The release of my third collection of poetry entitled "Simplistic Beauty" will soon be available, so stay tuned.  I'm uncertain at this point if there will be a pre-order time period or, if it will all of a sudden be available, like "Ta Da! " 

I've received so many questions and input regarding the cover.......and here it is!! As more unfolds, I will keep you posted. 

Thank you all for your continued support!

April is National Poetry Month

"National Poetry Month was inaugurated by the Academy of American Poets in 1996. Over the years, it has become the largest literary celebration in the world with schools, publishers, libraries, booksellers, and poets celebrating poetry’s vital place in our culture."

"Every April, on Poem in Your Pocket Day, people celebrate by selecting a poem, carrying it with them, and sharing it with others throughout the day at schools, bookstores, libraries, parks, workplaces, and on Twitter using the hashtag #pocketpoem." 

"Poem in Your Pocket Day was originally initiated in 2002 by the Office of the Mayor, in partnership with the New York City Departments of Cultural Affairs and Education, as part of the city’s National Poetry Month celebration. In 2008, the Academy of American Poets took the initiative to all fifty United States, encouraging individuals around the country to join in and channel their inner bard. In 2016, the League of Canadian Poets extended Poem in Your Pocket Day to Canada." - Taken from Academy of American Poets

Poem in Your Pocket Day 2017 will be held on April 27.

Academy of American Poets, has listed 30 ways to celebrate this month. Ready set go!

30 ways to celebrate national poetry month

1. Order a free National Poetry Month poster and display it at work or school.
2. Sign up for Poem-a-Day and read a poem each morning.
3. Sign up for Teach This Poem, a weekly series for teachers.
4. Memorize a poem.
5. Create an anthology of your favorite poems on Poets.org.
6. Encourage a young person to participate in the Dear Poet project.
7. Buy a book of poetry from your local bookstore.
8. Review these concrete examples of how poetry matters in the United States today.
9. Learn more about poets and poetry events in your state.
10. Ask your governor or mayor for a proclamation in support of National Poetry Month.
11. Attend a poetry reading at a local university, bookstore, cafe, or library.
12. Read a poem at an open mic. It’s a great way to meet other writers in your area and find out about your local poetry writing community.
13. Start a poetry reading group.
14. Write an exquisite corpse poem with friends.
15. Chalk a poem on the sidewalk.
16. Deepen your daily experience by reading Edward Hirsch’s essay “How to Read a Poem.”
17. Ask the United States Post Office to issue more stamps celebrating poets.
18. Recreate a poet’s favorite food or drink by following his or her recipe.
19. Read about different poetic forms.
20. Read about poems titled “poem.”
21. Watch a poetry movie. 
22. Subscribe to American Poets magazine or a small press poetry journal.
23. Watch Rachel Eliza Griffiths’s P.O.P (Poets on Poetry) videos.
24. Watch or read Carolyn Forche’s talk “Not Persuasion, But Transport: The Poetry of Witness.”
25. Read or listen to Mark Doty’s talk “Tide of Voices: Why Poetry Matters Now.”
26. Read Allen Ginsberg’s classic essay about Walt Whitman’s “Leaves of Grass.”
27. Celebrate Poem in Your Pocket Day today! The idea is simple: select a poem you love, carry it with you, then share it with coworkers, family, and friends. 
28. Sign up for a poetry class or workshop.
29. Get ready for Mother’s Day by making a card featuring a line of poetry.
30. Read the first chapter of Muriel Rukeyer’s inspiring book The Life of Poetry.

Join the fun and enjoy!

Guest Blog

I just love when people are willing to share their craft, and allow others to enjoy it as well. Bob Lam is a very talented writer and poet. Thank you Bob for always being willing to share. 

My Father's Legacy

Stranded in the shadows
Of my convictions
Unknowing,
I cast the same

Longing for the perfect balance
Brass ring
Brushing my fingertips
Yet, the ride goes on
Still struggling, straining
Hoping for the prize

Here is another Valentine poem he wrote for his one and only:

How do you always know
The moment I'm drowning
Overwhelmed

You reach out
Pulling me
From the depths
Of my imagination

Shining bright
Showing me
I am free

You, the key
Long locked away
No matter my flaws
Still you stay.

I don't know the reason
I have little to offer
At the altar
Of our love

Both absolutely beautiful!  Thank you again Bob. I would love to hear from other poets. Use the contact tab at the top, and send in your work!

Magical March

Welcome to the lucky charms of the month. Very special indeed! 

I hope that you and yours have been in good health and thriving since my last blog post.  Spring has sprung, and has raised the spirits of many a reader and writer.  Step outside and make a little sunshine. 

Last month I informed you that my manuscript was in the hands of my editor for the main edit. She has worked her magic, and it came back into my hands to further refine and adjust. Now the little gem is back in her hands for the final proofread, formatting, and final touches before printing begins. I'm very excited about this collection of poetry. It's a bit out of the norm for me, so it gives me tingles and goosebumps! Let me share with you the image of the front cover. It's still a work in progress but this will give you an idea. For those new to following me, the theme of this collection is traditional Japanese poetry.

So beautiful!!!

When the book process gets to this point things can happen rather quickly, so it shouldn't be too long before I reveal everything to you. So keep an eye out!

Many are thinking of the Irish today. So where does poetry fit in you may ask? 

As stated by Poets.org "Ireland is a country known for its rich tradition of verse, from its traditional Bardic poetry and folk songs to poetic forms like the aisling that are still used today. Rife with history and song, Irish poetry has a legacy that includes such poets as Eavan Boland, Seamus Heaney, Louis MacNeice, Paul Muldoon, Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin, and more.

An annual celebration of the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day, which occurs every March 17, is a time for celebrating Irish history and culture, and reading about great poets and poetry from the Emerald Isle."

Let us read a poem by one of Irelands poets Seamus Heaney - 1939-2013

"Anything can happen. You know how Jupiter
Will mostly wait for clouds to gather head
Before he hurls the lightning? Well, just now
He galloped his thunder cart and his horses

Across a clear blue sky. It shook the earth
And the clogged underearth, the River Styx,
The winding streams, the Atlantic shore itself.
Anything can happen, the tallest towers

Be overturned, those in high places daunted,
Those overlooked regarded. Stropped-beak Fortune
Swoops, making the air gasp, tearing the crest off one,
Setting it down bleeding on the next.

Ground gives. The heaven’s weight
Lifts up off Atlas like a kettle-lid.
Capstones shift, nothing resettles right.
Telluric ash and fire-spores boil away."

“Anything Can Happen” from District and Circle by Seamus Heaney. Copyright © 2006 by Seamus Heaney.

Lovely indeed. 

Earlier this month I participated in Wenatchee's First Friday Art Walk. As usual it was a fun gathering of artists of all kinds. I was at the Ye Olde Bookshoppe on Palouse Street, for sales and signing. Thank you to everyone who supported me! This event is always so much fun. I'd like to give special thanks to Payton. She bestowed upon me several gifts that night. A very special one was a coffee cup she drew a picture on of me. It looks just like me! She got my blue eyes, rosey cheeks, red lips, and black top spot on. Thank you Payton!

Payton's portrait of me.

Of course, you know I need to share a couple of pictures of my youngest granddaughter because she is changing so fast!

Harlow Rain, with her special hat that was handmade for her and shipped from Paris.

And we have TEETH! A whole bunch of them all at once. 

I hope you find time each day to read a little poetry, it's good for your soul. Next month is National Poetry Month, where the focus will be on daily poetry reading and sharing it with others.  I will elaborate on that soon. 

Until next time, smile, stay positive, and spread your love and joy to others. 

February Flurries

Greetings!

February continues to bless me with WINTER. I'm pretty much done with this season, I just wish it knew that. We've had BIG snow storms, leaving many confined to their homes. Is it spring yet?

Photo compliments of Craig Weeks, photographer and operator.

My manuscript is officially in the hands of my editor. Exciting! The cover design process is next. I value your feedback and suggestions. Considering the content is traditional Japanese poetry, what would catch your eye for the cover? Are you a designer? Have thoughts? Any, or all of the above, I'd love to hear from you. Use the contact tab at the top of my website to send suggestions. It would be so great to have you involved. 

And speaking of getting involved. Be brave! Submit one of your own poems to me via the contact tab, and I would love to showcase it for you.

Are you an unpublished poet? The Poetry Foundation is accepting submissions for the Emily Dickinson First Book Award. Contestants must be 40 years of age or older by February 27, 2017. There is no fee to enter. Click on this link to see submission guidelines. Again, be brave!

This month many are thinking of their loved one with romantic thoughts. Poetry is such a enchanting way to say I love you. You still have time to order and receive one of my books to give as a gift. Please use the Find My Books tab at the top of my website. 

Another valuable place to find poems is on the Poetry Foundation website.

E.E. Cummings is one of my favorite poets. Here is a love poem by him -

"love is more thicker than forget" 

love is more thicker than forget
more thinner than recall
more seldom than a wave is wet
more frequent than to fail

it is most mad and moonly
and less it shall unbe
than all the sea which only
is deeper than the sea

love is less always than to win
less never than alive
less bigger than the least begin
less littler than forgive

it is most sane and sunly
and more it cannot die
than all the sky which only
is higher than the sky

As you know my grand babies are a very big part of my life, so I always like to share a little about them when I can. 

Two of my granddaughters are down under in New Zealand for a few weeks visiting family. Here they are enjoying the heat and sunshine I wish I had.

Maizy Pepper and Tiera Genesis

There is nothing better than seeing the love of books instilled in your grandchildren. Here are my other two granddaughters having quiet reading time.

Adriannah Alyse and Harlow Rain

Harlow is getting so big! She's center of attraction wherever she goes.

I will leave you with a love poem from my collection.

Until next time, stay happy, healthy and true to yourself. 

And....... It's January!!!

Phew! How did that happen?  The best to you and yours this year!

How's everyone doing? Are you surviving the bitter cold winter? Some of you of course, are basking in the sun's heat, and I am oh so jealous! We have had sub zero temps pretty much the entire winter. The sun is blessing me today however, with a whopping 10 degree, and winds are  upwards of 30 mph.  Brrrrr

My next collection of poetry is coming along nicely. As I have mentioned before, editing is a long and time consuming process. Cover design is still forming, but we're getting there. I'm very excited to share everything with you as soon as I can! 

Here are samples of poems from the collection: 

Heavy - Senryu

Pressure to conform
I will never be enough
My spirit is crushed

Eternal - Senryu

How deep can he go
Within the process of her
To the bitter end.

As previously mentioned, this collection will be focused on various forms of Japanese poetry. 

According to Robert Penn Warren, American poet, novelist and literary critic, "The poem ... is a little myth of man's capacity of making life meaningful. And in the end, the poem is not a thing we see - it is, rather, a light by which we may be - and what we see is life."

I hope you have signed up for a poem a day via email through poetry.org. You'll love it. Many of these are from up and coming unpubished writers. 

Numerous organizations across the United States have come together to form a coalition to promote the value of poetry, bringing it to our communities for people of all ages and backgrounds.  The coalition will be launched in March 2017. Many feel the love of poetry is waning, but contrary to that believe these organizations have seen an increase of students participating in poetry recitations, readings, visiting poetry websites, in addition to using social media to share their own work. You can read more about the Historic Coalition here.

I would love to hear from you, if a certain poem has touched your heart. Feel free to use the comment section below, or the contact link at the top of my website.

Until next time, stay warm, light, beautiful and just be. 

Narrowing November

November blog update, made it in with a narrow margin! It's almost December, and the skies are looking like snow. 

I was recently asked where an educator could find information, and/or, learning lessons to teach poetry to children. The Academy of American Poets, for which I am a member, has played an integral part for over fifty years in helping teachers bring poetry into their classrooms.  They in fact developed the first Poets in the Schools program in the 1960's. Today, one may find free lesson plans and activities to help K-12 teachers bring the art of poetry into the classrooms.  Many teachers are taking advantage of incorporting poetry into their classes no matter the subject. "The poet is the conscience that makes us think critically of our past, present, and future" stated Eric Contreras Assistant Superintendent, of the NYC Department of Education, who discussed how poetry can be used in history class.  You can find information for teachers on poetry.org. 

I had a fun filled afternoon with many other talented writers at the Book Buzz signing at the Pybus Market in Wenatchee, WA. There was a great line up of various genre, and a successful day was had by all. Such a fun place to have a signing.

Of course I got in some grandchild time since you've last heard from me.

Adriannah, winning it for her team in volleyball. 

Fun creative weekend with Maizy and Tiera. Crafts, bowling, cards and games.

And my youngest grandchild Harlow Rain, gets more beautiful and sweet with each passing day.

My third collection of poetry is making progress! Poems have been selected,  it's currently being edited, and cover design will begin soon. I'm asked all the time what the title is.... wanna know? Well do ya? Wait for it, wait for it..... I can't tell you that because I don't know haha. Tossing around a few ideas and narrowing it down, but you'll know when I do. :)

Until next time may peace and happiness be with you. 

Pybus Market Local Author Buzz

It's that time of year again, for the Pybus Local Author Buzz  - Where many talented, local authors will gather together for a big blow-out buzz about books.  Please join myself, and other authors this Saturday October 22, 2016 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in Wenatchee Wa. at the beautiful Pybus Market for a multi author book signing.

Location is :

Pybus Market

3 N Worthen St

Wenatchee, WA 98801

This event has been sponsored by A Book For All Seasons located in Leavenworth WA. 

I will have both copies of my books available, "Lest We Forget Life's Passion" and "Cut Both Ways"; in addition to an anthology of erotic poetry that I participated in, entitled "SkinOnSkin" I would love to sign a copy for you! I look forward to seeing you there.

In recent news, I was interviewed by Poetry Book Club  What an honor! Please click on the link above to read the interview. They will also be showcasing my books on their site.

See you Saturday!