March Blog 2021

Hello all my lovely readers, fellow writers, and artists!

How is everyone? Spring has sprung, and I think we’re all feeling hopeful about a better year to come.

I want to start by thanking you for your loyalty, and increasing support. Without someone to read, and appreciate it, well, it just isn’t as much fun to write, so thank you!

Guess what April is? YEP! National Poetry Month. 30 days of pure joy celebrating each day with many forms of poetry. Let’s hear it for the art of writing!

poets.org gives us a great resource in order to do just that. Click this link for creative options!

As most of you know April will also include “Poem in Your Pocket Day”

Many of you have been with me long enough to know what that is, but for you new ones, here’s the deal.

poets.org says it the best when they state:

“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.”

Ways to Participate

It's easy to participate in Poem in Your Pocket Day from a safe distance. Here are some ideas of how you might get involved:

• Select a poem and share it on social media using the hashtag #pocketpoem.

• Print a poem from the Poem in Your Pocket Day PDF and draw an image from the poem in the white space, or use the instructions on pages 59-60 of the PDF to make an origami swan.

• Record a video of yourself reading a poem, then share it on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, or another social media platform you use.

• Email a poem to your friends, family, neighbors, or local government leaders.

• Schedule a video chat and read a poem to your loved ones.

• Add a poem to your email footer.

• Read a poem out loud from your porch, window, backyard or outdoor space.

For all things poetry, poets.org is a great resource for your personal use, history, and teacher lessons that can be used in the classroom, or virtually.

So please join me next month in this beautiful celebration of the art we love.

The following poem will describe my love for poetry.

Until next time my friends, read on.

January Blog 2021

Well the new year is finally here, and I’m sure we’re all looking forward to a better one than 2020!

Thinking of all of you, and hoping you’re navigating these difficult times without too much distress.

As it appears we are still for the most part , nested in at home, I’d like to give you a list of a few poetry books I think you’d enjoy:

Inward, by Yung Pueblo

Petals of the Moon, by C. Churchill

101 Famous Poems, by Roy J. Cook

Milk and Honey, by Rupi Kaur

Realities of Life, by Donald W. Grant

You can find all of these on Amazon, or other online bookstores. I sure miss going into a brick and motar bookstore !

The romantic month of February is fast approaching. Are you prepared? You still have time to order, and give the gift of poetry to your loved one. If you would like to give a special signed copy of any one of my books, please use the contact tab here on my website to let me know, and I’ll get it out soon to you. Special pricing till the end of February, $10.00 each, or $20 for all three, (that’s one for free!) plus shipping.

A little something special for the love of your life.

I’ve received a lot of feedback from teachers that “Teach This Poem” is a hit, and helping with the online schooling at this time. So here is another one for you!

I would like to showcase more of your work, so PLEASE, send up to 3 poems for me to share for you.

Thank you for your continued support, in commenting, supporting me on all my social media, and of course book sales. I so appreciate each and everyone of you!

Here are a couple of love poems for you for inspiration. :)

Until next time, stay safe, be happy, breathe, and read!

October/November

Hello to my readership!

I do hope you are all coping as best you can during these troubled times, focusing, and being grateful for the good you can find in everyday life, inspite of the circumstances.

So many of you are teaching children from home, and I’d like to give you a poetry lesson that perhaps you can incorporate into their learning.

Following is a poem the Academy of American Poets has used on their website as one of many lessons for teachers to utilize .

Our House

Sophie Cabot Black

As the leaves turn their backs on us
And the lilac gives over to dusk, nothing
Is ever certain, not even the house, stubborn

In twilight as it outlasts the grove
It was wrestled from. Those left behind,
The oak and ancient elm, lean against each other

As if in consent. Out of dirt, out of
Some small mistake, comes the seedling;
It too has learned to watch, as we walk in and out

Of what wilderness was, and will again become,
As we enter our home, the way we enter love
Returning from elsewhere to call out
Each other’s names, pulling the door closed behind us.

Use this link to find the step by step instructions that go along with it to engage your students.

Some of you are asking for special pricing on my books for the upcoming gift giving season, and holidays, to include signed copies. I can do that!

Regular cost of my books are $15.00 each. Till the end of February, I will lower the price to $10 each, or $25 for a bundle of all three, including S&H, and my signature, within the United States only. These special priced books will come from my personal stock, normally used for events. These prices will not be available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble online, iTunes, or Google Play. To order with special pricing, please use the “contact” tab on this website with your requests.

I will leave you with a couple of poems. Until next time, be happy, stay grateful, and keep reading.

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.