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. 

Adriannah, winning it for her team in volleyball. 

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

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.

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. 

Posted on November 22, 2016 .

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!

 

 

Posted on October 19, 2016 .

Guest Post - Poetry by Rob Lam

Dedicated to those of you going through challenging times. May this help.
                   

The Hole
   

Black skies
   Pouring rain
   Expose my soul
   Shed my skin
   Reinventing
   Your illusion

Posted on October 5, 2016 .

Septembers Sunshine

Hello readers and writers;

Evenings are getting cooler but the warmth and love from the sun still caress our souls here in Eastern WA. Summer is coming to an end, but activities in life and work continue to keep me busy. 

A couple of weeks ago as previously mentioned, I participated in Wenatchee's First Friday, at The Wenatchee Book Company.  It delivered a fun filled evening with wonderful people, and new found friends. I shared the spotlight with another author, Julie Zielinnski, and artist, Donnie Johnson. If you've never attended the Wenatchee First Friday Art Walk, you're missing out. Check it out soon!

 

P.S. Rowland and Julie Zielinski

P.S. Rowland and Julie Zielinski

I also managed to get in a motorcycle trip over the holiday weekend, to enjoy wine tasting in Canada, traveling from Osoyoos to Kelowna B.C. 

Of course my post would not be complete (haha) without a picture of my latest grandchild, and how quickly she is growing!

Miss Harlow Rain - Love her CRAZY hair.

Miss Harlow Rain - Love her CRAZY hair.

 

Many of you have asked if I would be hosting a signing, for the Erotic Anthology I was recently published in, entitled SkinOnSkin. Unfortunately no; I won't be receiving stock to have on hand for this purpose since I was not the author who put the collection together. However, I'd be happy to sign your copy once you've purchased on Amazon. Contact me via this website and I'd be happy to sign your copy if possible. Thank you!

Recently I had a conversation, and was asked by another writer how important I felt "form" was when writing poetry. Answer: That's up to you, there are no rules, it's your art. In older times it was more prevalent, and now it is much less so. However, if you're learning, and want to improve your craft, writing in form can be very beneficial. There's an excellent article by Rebecca Hazleton entitled Why Write in Form  I think you'll find this very helpful.

This month we have a special treat from Rob Lam, a very talented writer/poet. Thank you for your submission. I'd love to hear from other writers who'd like to see their work showcased here.

Untitled

Heart, mind, body

Delicately balanced

No master, no slave

Each yearning for Truth

 

Joy, sorrow, love, pain

From birth to death

None are excused

From the Human condition

 

Our purpose to illuminate

The One Consciousness

The Heavenly Host

The One Human

 

Unselfish

Knowing, touching, feeling

An unseen world

In True Balance

 

Unconditional Love

 

As fall progresses may you enjoy the abundance of beauty all around you in living color.  

Until next time, be happy!

 

 

 

 

Posted on September 20, 2016 .

Wenatchee's First Friday Art Walk

Hello Everyone - 

I was asked to participate once again in Wenatchee's First Friday Art Walk. Pop in and see me. I would love to visit, and sign a book for you! Another author Julie Zielinski will be joining me. 

I will be at Wenatchee Book Co. 11 Palouse St. Wenatchee WA. on September 2, 2016 From 5:00 - 8:00 P.M. See you then!

Posted on August 31, 2016 .

Erotic Anthology

I was asked to submit a few of my poems for consideration for an anthology back in 2013. I'm excited to announce, several of my poems have been selected to be published in this soon to be released collection entitled "SkinOnSkin An Anthology of Erotic Poetry" It will be released on September 5, 2016! You may pre-order now!

SkinOnSkin An Anthology of Erotic Poetry

 

Posted on August 22, 2016 .

Jazzy July

Hello!

I hope this blog update finds you all happy, sassy, and well. 

Last month we talked about goals. I hope you set a few, and were a little more realistic and strict with yourself than I was. The editing process is long and tedious, and yet rewarding in the end. I've received so much positive feedback, and good direction from other editors. Moving forward!

The current news in my craft is that  poetry is trending in contemporary art. Love this! A piece of picture art can tell such a beautiful story. This falls in line with the form of Japanese poetry I have currently been crafting - Haiga.

Haiga is a style of visual art that incorporates the haiku form. Traditionally this form combines calligraphy with paintings. In more modern times, artists are often incorporating photography and graphic design. I see a book of Haiga in my future writings. 

Amongst my goal oriented writers life, I managed to fit in a little fun. My newest grandchild is growing by leaps and bounds.

Harlow Rain

Harlow Rain

I had a little summer fun already with my other granddaughters, boating, biking and roasting marshmallows. 

My mini me biker babe Adriannah

My mini me biker babe Adriannah

Goof balls Maizy Pepper, and Tiera Genesis

Goof balls Maizy Pepper, and Tiera Genesis

I hope you too are enjoying your summer, life, and your loved ones. Cherish it all!  Until next time, read, write and be happy. 

 

 

 

Posted on August 3, 2016 .

Jumping June

Greetings!

I'm jumping right in, setting goals in terms of writing, and fitting it in around the rest of my life for the upcoming busy summer months.

I've scheduled the morning hours at my desk to edit until the editing is done! I will then start editing again, until I am satisfied. At that  point my manuscript will be sent to my editor for further editing.  Do you get the point? Writing involves a lot of editing! 
I will unplug from all electronic devices except my Mac, which of course I need to work. No social media, no phone calls, no messaging - just editing. 

What are your thoughts focused on this month? What do you hope to achieve?  What are your goals?
1) Define them/Write them down.
2) When are you going to achieve them?
3) How are you going to achieve them?

Let me know of all your accomplishments.

I apologize for not making an appearance at Art in the Park this past weekend as advertised! I was called out of town to watch my 5th grandchild enter the world. I'd like to thank you all for your support of my booth, and book sales even though I was missing!

June 14, 2016 on her mothers birthday, Harlow Rain blessed us. Weighing in at 8lbs, and 20" long. 

She loves her grandma, and I love her!

She loves her grandma, and I love her!

Big sister Adriannah, so in awe of Harlow

Big sister Adriannah, so in awe of Harlow

I hope each and every one of you are expanding your horizons, spreading your wings with poetry.  A daily dose is always good for the soul. If you follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or Instagram, you can read poetry daily.  Links to my social media are located at the bottom on the main "Welcome" page of this website.  Follow me!

There's an app for that! The Poetry Foundation has an app for your daily dose as well. 

Stay focused on your goals.

Stay focused on your goals.

Wishing you all, the very best! Keep those pages turning!

Posted on June 21, 2016 .

Art In The Park - June 17, 18, 2016

Hello All!

The 42nd annual Art in the Park is right around the corner. June, 17, 18, 2016

I will be participating in this event, at Omak Civic League Park, sponsored by Omak Kiwanis and Artists’ of the Okanogan. Art in the Park will showcase the best contemporary fine art and craft from around the Pacific Northwest. 

Approximately 100 artists will fill the Civic League Park, downtown Omak’s premiere outdoor venue with an outdoor art exhibition that has been a community event for 42 years. Artists are selected on the basis of quality, originality, and craftsmanship by a panel of jurors. 

I will have special event pricing for my books, and of course autographed! Pop on down, say "hey", and enjoy the events!

Look forward to seeing you!

Posted on June 2, 2016 .

Poems Submitted by Bob Lam

I.
I wish you could see me
The golden haired Prince
Shining in the light
Of the morning sun

II.
I wish you could see me
Grown to manhood
Brightly illuminated
By the noon day sun

III.
Now you see me
Battered and bruised
Shadows playing
In the fading sun

--------------------------------

 

My mind, my enemy,
waging war.
My heart, my champion,
hero of my soul.
Devious mind
firing its' arrows.
Pain, sorrow,
and loss.
The heart never wavers,
shielded by hope, kindness,
and love.
The struggle eternal,
the war wages on.
My mind, my enemy
My heart, my guardian
My soul.

 

Thank you Bob for being so brave!

Posted on May 26, 2016 .