Memorable March

Top of the month to you! Well, a bit of a slide towards the middle actually, but nonetheless March! This month I'm going to put your memory to work in learning how to write a structured poem.

I'm proud to say, that I am working with a few budding poets in terms of putting their glorious thoughts, and words into form.  One form that seems to be very intriguing with many, is a French style called a Triolet. It happens to be one of my favorites, and it reminds me of a chorus of a song, since it has repeating verses. It's also quite simple to put together.  Are you ready?! Lets do it.

The French Triolet form is made up of 8 verses, each having 8 syllables per line. Lines 1, is repeated in lines 4 and 7. Line 2 is repeated in line 8. So in essence you only write 5 verses.  The topic can be whatever you wish. 

I wrote a Triolet this morning that we can use as an example, entitled "He Gives"

1. Our memories, and happenstance. 
2.
3.
4. Our memories, and happenstance.
5.
6.
7. Our memories, and happenstance.
8.

So here you can see I only wrote one verse, but was able to use it in 3 of the lines in the poem. Let's move on to the second verse.

1.
2. He looks at me, and takes a chance. 
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8. He looks at me, and takes a chance.

So there we used our second verse in 2 places. This verse normally rhymes with the first one, but doesn't necessarily have to. 

 Then comes our stand alone verse.

1.
2.
3. His heart to mine, my soul to his. 
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Now we will move to our coupled verses that ordinarily rhyme, but again, this is not a hard and fast rule. 

1.
2.
3.
4.
5. When skies are gray, he paints them pink.
6. So better days, are here I think. 
7.
8.

When writing a Triolet this is exactly the process I go through. Now let's put it all together.

"He Gives"

1. Our memories, and happenstance.
2. He looks at me, and takes a chance.
3. His heart to mine, my soul to his.
4. Our memories, and happenstance.
5. When skies are gray, he paints them pink.
6. So better days, are here I think.
7. Our memories, and happenstance.
8. He looks at me, and takes a chance.

I would LOVE if you would give this a try and send me your poems!

The best to you, and as always thank you for all of your eagerness, and support.

Fabulous February

.... and that is just what it has proved to be so far. I'm trying not to get too excited, but it's been in the high 30's, low 40's, and our snow is melting! Dreaming of spring and summer.

In honor of Black History Month, which is February, poets.org is celebrating, not only this month, but all year long, literary works by both classic, and contemporary poets. Here you can find essay's, lessons for teachers, important books, and letters from classic African American poets. Join me in forever learning and broadening your horizons. 

In a much more well known vein, this month is known for sweethearts. Poetry is long noted for romantic ideations. Whether you are looking for a gift, or words to write the perfect card, poetry is always a good choice.  What better way to express your passion, tenderness, and love. You still have time to pick up a copy of one of my books to give to your special someone. Please click on this link for quick access to my collections of poetry. 

The best to you all, and thank you again for your support!

January Promises

Hello Friends!

Have you made all your promises to yourself as to how much better you're going to make this year?

Here is my wish for you.

To help you keep the thought of reading, and poetry in your hearts and minds, take a look at the New Years poetry to read about new beginnings. 

Every year I make a goal for myself as to how many books I'm going to read. If you are involved with Goodreads, they have a challenge you can participate in. You compete against yourself, but you can also see what your friends goals are. It's fun! Give it a try. 

So many books, so little time. I usually have four books going at all times. One for fun, (Mysteries) one poetry by another author of course, one for self improvement, and one classic. What are your goals? If you need a little help in finding books, Goodreads is a great place, and here is a link to the Most Anticipated books for the first half of 2018. 

There has been some crazy weather across the United States, so I hope you have safe travels wherever you're going.  My mom used to say that "snow covers all sin". It's beautiful where I am right now.

Photo by Craig P. Weeks

Until next time, be safe, happy and finding yourself living your dream. 

Delectible December

Hello to my readership, and all poetry lovers out there. 

This is a busy month for many of you, spending time with family and friends, and eating all kinds of naughty delectable goodies. What a great time for leggings :)))

I want to thank you very much for your continued support, and all of the books you've purchased for gifts! I hope they all arrive on time. 

Speaking of giving, did you know that James Patterson, (Best Selling Author) for 3 years in a row, has given a bonus to many independent booksellers in the total amount of $350,000?! He's committed to putting books in the hands of readers. You can read the entire article here. 

Have you heard of the CDC Poetry Project? According the Poetry & Writers Daily News, Poets Sarah Freligh, and Amy Lemmon have started this project in response to the Trump administrations, request to the CDC to not use certain words in their communication.  They have invited poets to submit poems using all of the banned words such as fetus, evidenced-based medication etc. 

If you are looking for poems to fit the season, you may find a few you like here. Grab a hot cup of tea, and settle in for a few good reads. 

On a personal note, I am enjoying the coziness of my home, communicating with my readers, and loving all the requests for signed books. Future events will be coming, as soon as we can get through some of this winter weather. 

Until next time, enjoy and stay warm!

Natural November

The natural beauty of this month, with its miraculous display of color, makes a person immediately grateful for sight, and the ability to take it all in. Let us never take anything for granted. 

A big thank you to all that came out for my launch of Simplistic Beauty!  It was great to see family, old friends, my loyal readership, along with new faces. I appreciate all of your support so very much. We had a little wine, conversation, signing, and readings. Best part is I brought 4 people to tears that were touched by various poems I read. Now for me, that's what it's all about. Thank you!

Are you interested in the goings on in the poetry world, news, events, new artists? Harriet is a literary blog about poetry and related news. It's one of my favorite reads. 

I was asked the other day by a reader if I had any poems they could use for Thanksgiving. Although I don't, here is a link for you to find what you're looking for, to use as Thanksgiving poems.

Short and sweet this month, I wish you all the very best until next time. If you haven't had the chance to pick up your copy of Simplistic Beauty, or my other two books, here's a link for you to do so. Poetry by P.S. Rowland

Simplistic Beauty Book Release

Looking forward to seeing you there! Come have a glass of wine, visit, pick up a book, and enjoy the reading. See you soon!

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!