Optimistic October

Hello, and happy beautiful fall colors to you!

I have a busy month ahead of me. On October 10th, from 4:00 - 7:30 p.m. I will be at the Ye Olde Bookshoppe in Wenatchee for their weekly open mic poetry session. I will have all 3 of my books available, and would love to sign one for you. There will be others reading their work as well. Come join the fun!

To follow this event, is the official launch of my third book Simplistic Beauty, Japanese Poetry. This will be held at our beautiful local winery Rockwall Cellars, on November 4th. Again, I will have all 3 of my books available to you, but the focus will be on Simplistic Beauty. I will talk a little bit about Japanese poetry, and its structure, as well, as read, and sign for you. Come have a glass of wine and enjoy the culture, and art of poetry. 

Did you know that September 15 - October 15, is Hispanic Heritage Month? In honor of this poets.org has showcased a selection of essays and poems, including videos of the first Latino poet laureate of the United States, Juan Felipe Herrera. Beautiful reads.

That's it for now, I hope to see you at both, if not one of my events.

Until next time, grab a book, blanket, and a cup of cocoa and settle in. 

Simplistic September

Happy Fall to all!

I sit here talking to you, wearing jeans and a sweater, for the first time this season. Fall has quickly hit our area, and I can't say that I'm ready. However, cooler weather means less outdoor activities, and more inside time. This gives me more time for my writing, in addition to all the planning that's going into the physical launch for my third collection of poetry Simplistic Beauty.

The launch of Simplistic Beauty will take place on November 4, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at our beautiful, local winery, Rockwall Cellars, located at 110 Nichols Rd Omak WA.  Save the date!  Come join me for a glass of wine, chat, reading, and an autographed copy of my book. Hope to see you there!

I recently had a conversation with a reader about the increased spotlight for poetry in the news.  This art form is alive and well. Poetry Daily News is a great site to keep up on the goings on of poetry, in addition to learning about poetry apps, (yes there's an app for that!) poetry reading, novelty items, and education. It's a great site, I hope you enjoy it.  Another informative site, loaded with information for both readers and writers is Poets & Writers. One of my personal favorites. 

Before the weather changed, we were able to have a great family camping trip for four days in the sun, and sand.  It was during the time of the solar eclipse, what an amazing experience!

Lots of family, lots of fun!

Grandma (me) taking two of the babies for a walk.

Photo compliments of Rachel Fewkes

Wishing you, and yours all the best, and my continued appreciation to all of you!

Simplistic Beauty Is Available To You Now

Drumroll please! Ta Da!  We made it. 

My third collection of poetry Simplistic Beauty is now available at Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, Google Play, iTunes, and can be ordered from your local bookstore around the world. 

For my local readers, I am waiting for my shipment of books allotted for signings/launch, and for those of you who want signed copies. I am currently planning with several local venues for the book launch, and first signings of Simplistic Beauty, so stay tuned.  For those of you not in the area that have asked me about getting a signed copy mailed to you, please use the "Contact" tab, and we can make arrangements. 

Thank you all for your continued support, encouragement, patience and enthusiasm for this release. You guys rock!

Simplistic Beauty brings together a rich collection of poems in traditional Japanese forms, to include Haiku, Senryu and Tanka. Poetry continues to be an everyday, living part of the Japanese culture, loved and cherished by its people.

Absolute August

And it is! It's absolutely here, arriving with a vengeance, as we are in triple digits here, with no end in sight. 

I had a wonderful evening at the Wenatchee Art Walk. We had a nice gathering of people, and Conner and I both read several of our pieces. Very enjoyable! Thank you to all that came out to see us. 

I've had a lot of grandma time recently, and we've had so much fun! My oldest grandchild turned 21 last week. Wow!

Tiera and Maizy have grandma's love of books

Tiera, Maizy, Adriannah. Fun day at the lake.

Grandma's sweetie Harlow Rain

I had the privilege of taking a week long motorcycle trip to Banff Alberta, and Lake Louise. Perfect weather, lots of fun, laughs, and beautiful sights.

Craig, myself and Brian, at Lake Louise.

Up close and personal!

Just a little goofing off and illegal activity :)

All trips include going to every Harley store available. 

Are you looking for poetry events for August? Click on the link to see if there is something near you. You can also google events near you, or contact your local information centers or libraries. 

Simplistic Beauty, my next poetry book will be released next month! It will be available on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, Google Play and iTunes. You may also have your local bookstores order it for you. Finally getting there! As soon as it is available I will make an announcement. Thank you for your patience, and your eagerness!

Have a safe, happy and enjoyable August!

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.