August/September

Well it appears most of us made it through the numerous wildfires in the state of Washington, Oregon, and California . Here in Washington we just received our first non smoke days in a long time. It feels so good to breathe! My heart goes out to those less fortunate, I’m so sorry for your loss.

In the past I have given links for teachers to help with curriculum in terms of teaching poems. We are in trying times for teachers, parents, and students. Several recently asked about the links I have posted in the past. I will re-share now. Teach a Poem has numerous lessons you can use. I hope this is helpful to you.

Also September 15- October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month. Many of the libraries are putting together activities, and giving ideas to teachers in how to apply this in “the classroom” . Here is an excerpt from North Central Washington Libraies:

NCW Libraries is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month!

“Every year from September 15 to October 15, we celebrate the varied contributions of Latinx and Hispanic individuals to the United States. 

NCW Libraries will be highlighting Latinx authors, illustrators and creators through a series of blog posts, social media content, book recommendations, a take-home craft kit, and more. 

Check out www.ncwlibraries.org throughout the month to find information and resources about Fiestas Patrias and other independence days, Latinx experiences, as well as information and suggestions for Latinx books and authors. 

NCW Libraries is committed to celebrating and representing the diversity of our communities. Our celebrations of Hispanic Heritage Month is one part of our systematic effort to include and highlight diverse authors, voices, and experiences in our regular programs, services, and collections. “

Teachers and parents, can look into activities in your areas to find ways to incorporate this into lessons plans.

I hope all of you are getting by, staying positive and living life the best you can. Until next time, keep spreading the love.

June/July

Hello in crazy crazy times!

I do hope this finds you, and yours healthy, and keeping sane during these very trying times.

Some of you have asked about the newest forms of poetry I’ve been writing, called an Elfchen. It’s a German form of poetry. Elfchen in German means “wee eleven” .

An “Elfchen” is basically a short poem consisting of exactly 11 words in a specific format of words per line. Row 1, one word, Row 2, two words, Row 3, three words, Row 4, four words, and Row 5, one word.

As far as content:

Row 1 = A thought, an object, a color, a smell or the like.
Row 2 =What does the word from the first row do?
Row 3 =Where or how is the word of row 1 ?
Row 4 =What do you mean?
Row 5 =Conclusion: What results from all this? What is the outcome?

So let’s put it to work - Here is one I wrote recently

Elfchen

Barefoot
Energizes me
Between my toes
I walk and play
Happy

Give it a try!

Until next time, be happy, safe, and healthy.

April/May - April National Poetry Month

Hello hello!

These moments are crazy times, not only for our nation, but worldwide. I do hope that you, and yours are staying safe, and healthy. My heart goes out to those of you, who are being severely affected.

In a time of negativity and fear, let me remind you of the joys we do have. The art of poetry being one. April is National Poetry Month. Here are 30 ways you can celebrate and enjoy.

As stated by The Academy of American Poets, “National Poetry Month in April is a special occasion to celebrate the importance of poets and poetry in our culture. In this time of uncertainty and great concern, we can rely on poems to offer wisdom, uplifting ideas, and language that prompts reflection that can help us slow down and center mentally, emotionally, spiritually. As so many are teaching and working from home, we’ve adapted this list to help you celebrate National Poetry Month 2020 at home and in the virtual classroom.” Let’s find joy in a few precious ways we can.

Also this month holds the very fun activity of “Poem in Your Pocket Day” Poet.org explains it best when they state, “Poem in Your Pocket Day takes place every year on a day in National Poetry Month. On this day, select a poem, carry it with you, and share it with others at schools, bookstores, libraries, parks, workplaces, street corners, and on social media using the hashtag #pocketpoem. The 2020 Poem in Your Pocket Day will take place on Thursday, April 30.

Poem in Your Pocket Day was initiated in April 2002 by the Office of the Mayor in New York City, in partnership with the city's Departments of Cultural Affairs and Education. In 2008, the Academy of American Poets took the initiative to all fifty United States, encouraging individuals around the country to participate. In 2016, the League of Canadian Poets extended Poem in Your Pocket Day to Canada.”

Please stay home, stay safe, and crack open a book or two.

Until next time, xo

February/March

Hello all you romantic poets, and writers -

Wow, thank you for all of your submissions! There is a tight knit group of you, who are doing wonderful things, and sharing your art to the world. Good for you. I appreciate you, and all of your efforts. Keep on going peeps!

Here is a great poem by Bob Lam

Broken Chains
I owe nothing
Paid for 18 year
No more accusations
They mean nothing now
I'm your reflection
Who you could have been

Bravo to you! Really loved this one.

I am shipping signed copies, with personal notes to many of you for the upcoming holiday. You still have time to order online, or from me, if you chose to do so. Thanks!

I ran across a website that was an interesting way to read the news. Poets Reading The News Its journalism in verse. Kind of fun, take a look.

Wishing you all the best, and leaving you with love, until next time.

November/December

Hello, Hello!

This comes to you on a very nice sunny, 50 degree winter day. What what?! This is very unusual for us here in Eastern WA. but I’ll take it, and I’ll take it all winter long, but I know that’s wishful thinking.

In my last blog we discussed Hispanic Heritage Month, and selected poems. I hope you found a few favorites.

This month let’s celebrate Native American Heritage Month. 

We can honor Native American writers with this selection of poems from Poets.org. 

“The Hunter’s Wooing” by Ruth Muskrat Bronson
“From the Desire Field” by Natalie Diaz
“Grace” by Joy Harjo

“Compass” by Joan Naviyuk Kane
“The Reservation” by Adrian C. Louis

“A Benign Self-Portrait” by N. Scott Momaday

“Autumn” by Alexander Posey

“Smuggling Cherokee” by Kim Shuck
“Ȟe Sápa, Five” by Layli Long Soldier

“What an Indian Thought When He Saw the Comet” 

        by Tso-le-oh-woh

“Carrying Our Words” by Ofelia Zepeda

Recently I was asked to assist local teachers in sharing, and instilling the love of poetry with, and in, a group of students. Helping with this was made easier by sharing this link with educators which provides material for teachers so they can incorporate these lessons into the classroom. Thanks for asking!

Here is an excerpt from Poetry.org:

“Since Robert Frost encouraged our founder Marie Bullock to “get poetry into the high schools” in the 1960s, we’ve been assisting teachers in bringing poetry into the classroom. Here you’ll find poetry lesson plans, poems for kids and for teens, essays about teaching, a calendar of teaching resources for the school year, a glossary of poetry terms, and more. And our lesson plans, most of which are aligned with the Common Core, have been reviewed by our Educator in Residence with an eye toward developing skills of perception and imagination.”

From now, until December 15th, all 3 of my books are on sale for $10.00, AND, with free shipping. This is the perfect time to stock up for the upcoming holiday gift giving. This sale comes from my allotted inventory used for book signings, so I can autograph, and write whatever special note you’d like. This sale, and free shipping is for U.S. only. Contact me, and take advantage of this great deal!

Thank you all ever so much, for your continued support, in purchasing my books, sharing my work, and supporting all my social media platforms. Without you, there is no me. So thank you!

I leave you with this cozy, little romantic Diddy ..

Until next time, be happy, true to yourself, and full of love.

September/October

Tada! And it’s fall.

I hope all of you thoroughly enjoyed your summers, (for those of you on the other side of the world, your winter!)

I want to jump right in with a very big THANK YOU for all your support. The post office doesn’t ask anymore what’s in the packages. I am humbled, and grateful to you for all the signed copies I send out weekly. xo

Typically these go out Friday, so if you still haven’t received your signed copy, or you’d like to give one as a gift, hit me up!

In the poetry world, September 15-October 15, is Hispanic Heritage Month. Browse this beautiful collection, full of rich poetry tradition.

Let’s play a little trivia.

1) What poet wrote the following lines?

”FROM fairest creatures we desire increase,
That thereby beauty's rose might never die.”

I’ll give you 5 minutes to think. No googling!…. time ticking…. still waiting :)… OK time’s up.

William Shakespeare wrote these lines in his first sonnet:

FROM fairest creatures we desire increase,
That thereby beauty's rose might never die,
But as the riper should by time decease,
His tender heir might bear his memory;
But thou, contracted to thine own bright eyes,
Feed'st thy light's flame with self-substantial fuel,
Making a famine where abundance lies,
Thyself thy foe, to thy sweet self too cruel.
Thout that are now the world's fresh ornament
And only herald to the gaudy spring,
Within thine own bud buriest thy content
And, tender churl, mak'st waste in niggarding.
Pity the world, or else this glutton be,
To eat the world's due, by the grave and thee.

Nothing like Shakespeare xo

Taking submissions for my next blog, to feature YOUR work. Send them in!

On a personal note, since none of my grandchildren live very close, I have been on a mission to spend time with all of them before the snow flies. 3 out of 5 visits in. There is nothing better than grandchildren!

I leave you with a season changing Haiku. Until next time, be happy, content, and full of love.

July/August Blog

Hello, Hello, Hello!

How’s life? Having a great summer? How ‘s your writing going? Are you finding the time to work your passion? I truly hope so. I have to admit, mine has slipped a bit this summer, but that’s OK, as I was probably an overachiever anyway.

Thank you so much for the kind messages you leave me here through the contact tab. I greatly appreciate it. Such kind words, and in some area’s tips to make things better. Thank you!

Also, thank you for all of your purchases! Many, many of my books went out this summer for gifts, summer beach reads, and book clubs! Awesome! I so appreciate all of your continued support.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to purchase one of my books, but would like to, you may do so right from my website, or, Amazon, Barnes & Noble online, iTunes, and Google Play . Or if you’d like a signed copy, use the contact tab above, with your request, and I’d be happy to get it on its way. You choose!

I found a new website to share with you, that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed. It’s Poetry Daily. It’s an anthology of contemporary poetry, taken, from various, books, magazines, and journals. New poem everyday! They partner with the George Mason University. It’s almost your one stop read, and knowledge for poetry. Daily poem, news about poetry from across the world, book features, and what’s hot off the press. In addition to searching archives, and links to follow them on other social media platforms. Enjoy!

Hey, hey! I have two brave souls this month that are willing to share their writing. First one is by Dhebi DeWitz. Author of The Messenger Within. Wonderful enlightening book, if you haven’t read it yet, please do so! Please enjoy one of her Haiku’s. Love it!

Deviled eggs beware,
one-by-one they disappear.
I eat them with joy.

Yay Dhebi! Love that one.

My second guest writer is Craig Weeks. He’s one of my closest friends, and had a large role in the writing of my last two books. Please enjoy one of his pieces.

Throughout life’s seasons,
everyone’s relationship
has ups and downs.
We work, because we have
always danced in the rain,
or took shelter together.

Truly, a romantic at heart, and very talented writer. Thank you Craig!

Thank you for reading, and I hope you, and yours are well. I leave you with this wish of health.

Haiku

Sprinkled rays of health.
Infuse, and seep through my skin.
Eyes closed and resting.

Until next time, much love.

May/June Blog

Happy summer!!

Guess what today is? Are you thinking? I’ll give you a couple more minutes. Figure it out? No? Well, 200 years ago today, Walt Whitman was born. He’s always been one of my favorite poets. Organizations across the world are celebrating his work. Click this Walt Whitman link to learn more about this iconic man, and read many of his poems, and essays.

I would like to honor, and showcase a new poet, who obviously has a natural born talent. Please enjoy the following three poems written by Dhebi DeWitz. Her love of the Japanese style form, Haiku has intrigued her enough to give it a try, and she did brilliantly.

Warm sun shining down
Spending time doing nothing
I sit and day dream.

Mari Haiku:
Lying on the deck
Mari snaps at sky-raisins.
Silly dog who eats flies.

Firefly Haiku:
Full moon shining down
fireflies begin their dance
magic fills the air

Thank you Dhebi, for being brave, putting yourself out there, and allowing me to share.

This truly is a beautiful time of year! My yard is bursting with color.

One rose bush in a row of 20! I can’t stop looking :)

You know how I love my grandkids, well, I just had a 5 day visit from my youngest granddaughter, Harlow Rain, who will be 3 next month. What a sweet, sweet girl. We had so much fun, so much love to give.

I continue to ship signed copies of my books weekly. Thank you for all your support. You can use the contact tab at the top of my website, or contact me on any of my social media platforms to request signed copies. Such great gift ideas!

Which is your favorite?

Oh I almost forgot! I’m a birdie mommy, they are so cute! (Finally, not so much at the beginning)

She built her nest on top of a supporting beam of my deck, at the bottom of my stairs to the yard. I can hardly go down the stairs, or into my yard without both mom, and dad freaking out.. They look close to being able to fly the coop.

Have a wonderful May, and June. I hope you are all doing well. Keep the love of the written word close to your heart, and thank you again for your continued support! See you on social media until next time!

April National Poetry Month

It’s that’s time again!

Follow this link to find out about activities this month, and enrich your appreciation for the poetic written word.

February/March

Little buck in my yard next to the deck.

Peekaboo!

Hello Everyone! Welcome to “almost spring” for most of us. We’ve sprung forward like many States did, but we had quite the snowfall just yesterday. It’s coming, it’s coming, I know it’s coming!

First I want to THANK YOU for all of the Haiga poems you sent my way! They were fantastic. Big question though? Why are you so reluctant to let me share them here? Come on, let’s get brave. You can do it! Because you ARE doing it! The next thing you know, I will be buying one of YOUR books. Keep up the good work.

Once again I was blessed with little ones in my house, twice, since I’ve last talked to you.

Little Miss Harlow Rain.

Mmmm she made the best brownie cupcakes. Only problem with this is grandma had 12 in one day. Yikes! Sugar coma.

If any of you are in Oregon you may be interested in attending the 2019 Association of Writers, and Writing Programs (AWP) Conference and Bookfair. This is being held March 27 - 30th, where you can meet the Chancellors, listen to readings, other panels, and pick up your free 2019 National Poetry Month poster, along with copies of American Poets magazine. Click on the link above for further details. I hope some of you can make it!

Speaking of National Poetry Month, yep, that’s right, it’s next month. There are many activities planned for the month, as outlined by Poetry.org, including my favorite, “Poem in Your Pocket Day” which is April 18th. Click on the link above, to see all possibilities, and to see if there are activities taking place in your area. I can’t wait to see how you participated.

Biggest of thanks for all your support, with my books, and interaction with my social media accounts. I can’t thank you enough for all your do, and your enthusiasm when it comes to writing, and poetry.

I get asked often about signed copies. YES, I can do that for you. I have allotted shipments just for that purpose. So use the contact tab above on my website, or send me a message on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, and we’ll work out the details.

I leave you with a poem, words to contemplate, and wishing the best for you all.