Winter Blog 2021/2022

And zippy do da! …months have passed, and now we are fully into winter, wishing our way out of it. We’ve had a particularly brutal winter, with way minus degrees, and 4-5 feet of snow that is still here. I’m all done, and as I said last blog, looking for somewhere warmer to live!

How are you all doing? For those who have brought me into their personal life, I want to say I’m honored, and you know my heart is with you, your families, and all that you are going through! Keep strong, everything’s going to be OK.

I appreciate all the positive feedback from teachers who are incorporating poetry into the classroom. You asked for it, so here is another lesson that can be used in the classroom, in real life or virtual.

Ok I must admit the snow is a little pretty as long as I don’t have to be out in it. I’ve read many great winter poems from you all, and I appreciate you sharing. I will share one of mine now with you.

Snow Blanket - Haiku

Brown covered in white

Quiet, sleepy, no movement 

Snow covers all sin

And that right there is the beauty of snow, it has the ability to clean, and make everything fresh, if only for a little bit.

There are many great snow poems at poets.org by VERY talented writers. I took this directly from the website of Poets.org

Snow Poems

As winter grows colder and snow settles in many cities, read these poems from Poets.org: 

“River Snow” by Mark Van Doren
“Grace” by Joy Harjo
“January” by Helen Hunt Jackson
“A January Dandelion” by George Marion McClellan
“Thaw” by Lola Ridge
“The First Snow” by Philip M. Raskin
“The Snow Man” by Wallace Stevens
“First Snow” by Arthur Sze

This is our area. Beautiful but too cold!

brrrrrrrrr

Ok, I think you can now see why I’m waiting for spring!

I’ve been asked if you can get signed copies of any three of my books to give as gifts for Valentines Day for your special person. YES, but time is running out, shipping is taking so very long these days, so if this is something you’d like, use the contact tab at the top of this website, and let me know ASAP.

You guys are the best truly. You’ve stuck with me for almost 8 years now supporting my writing, and connecting with me on social media. The friendship, and support does not go unnoticed , I so appreciate you!

I keep getting asked if I have another book in the works. To be honest, I don’t know. Writing a book is actually the easiest part, then promoting, and keeping up with it once it’s out is where the work begins. Sales, and all activity with my first 3 books is booming, and keeping me so busy.

That is not to say I don’t have another one in me. I have a few ideas, but the tough part is finding the time to do it justice.

If you are not following me on Instagram, twitter, or Facebook please do, I keep things more up to date there.

Until next time, stay warm, safe, healthy, and keep reading.

Fall Blog 2021

Did I say FALL?! Not sure about you, but I’m not ready. It possibly could be time for me to move to an area where I can wear my fave clothes all year round. That would be tank top, shorts, and flip-flops, or really… barefoot.

I have been thoroughly enjoying summer, gathering with family, and friends, for long overdue time together. We’ve done a little bit of everything; wine tasting, family camp trips, motorcycle riding, hanging at the lake, having grandchildren over, and enjoying our 100 + degree weather that has held steady the majority of the summer. We did however, (as usual) lose 3 weeks of summer due to hazardous air quality from wild fires. It became necessary to stay indoors. BUT we are back at it again, and it appears we will have a long warm fall. Yippee!

If you don’t follow me on Instagram please do, the link is at the bottom of my website. To celebrate hitting 3000 followers, (it’s more than that now, but I’m behind) I am hosting a giveaway for the U.S. only. So hop on over there, so you can participate!

I’m honored by all your support on all social media platforms, you guys rock!

I’ve also been told I don’t share enough about me personally on those sites, so I can do that here to make you happy! It’s a little harder to do on the others, and keep the aesthetics. So you asked for it!

Following you will find snapshots of our fun busy summer. :)

Very large outside party at one of our wineries. Dancing, and all kinds of fun.

First go round with grandkid visits. Harlow Rain. We did it all, color, sidewalk paint, hot tub, jet skiing, and NAP.

That’s me she’s drawing :) I’m so skinny lol

Next go round with the next grandkid visit. Maizy Pepper, and Tiera Genesis. Two of the best people I’ve ever met. xo

So this is the first time I’ve had grandkids drive themselves to visit me. They usually are accompanied by their parents. They live 2 hours away, showed up in their Subaru, and proceeded to take one of my cars out lol They took a long drive, but they did come back!

We spent an afternoon teaching them the family card game (Canasta) which has been passed down for at least 6 generations that I know of. Hmmmmm somebody is showing their cards, I should have paid attention to that when we played lol

Went to the lake for some jet skiing and well, lets just say teenagers have no fear!

Sun bathing beauties xo

It can be hard to find events near you, where you can enjoy poetry. It’s been a little more difficult all the way around with the pandemic. So I want to share a link with you, where you can locate events near you, hopefully anyway. If you live in a very rural area as I do, usually the closest event is 2 hours away, but HERE IS THE LINK.

It’s been awhile since I’ve showcased any of your poems, so let’s get them coming in, and I will share several on my next blog, so you have a bit of time. Why don’t we focus on micro poetry. That will take the pressure off of you, not feeling like you need to write a long prose. Sound good? Cool, looking forward to it.

Until next time, love to you all, stay safe, happy, healthy, and keep reading.

Summer Blog 2021

Well Hello to Everyone!

Long time no talk, time has been slipping away from me. I hope everyone is coming out on the good end of this pandemic, and hasn’t been to severely affected.

Now that school is out, (although hasn’t it been out for a year? ) I’ve been asked by several parents to recommend summer reading material for their children.

So here is a list for children, and, YA novels in verse, and books by poets for young readers to help bring more poetry into the home. “Poems can spark a lifelong love of reading, and buying poetry books is one of the best ways to directly support poets and poetry.” American Academy of Poets

Hard-Boiled Bugs For Breakfast

Amber & Clay

The One Thing You’d Save

Beyond Discoveries from the outer reaches of space

This Poem is a Nest

You can also order signed copies of all three of my books from me, just use the contact tab at the top of the page or hit me up on one of my social media platforms. Books are the perfect gift for any occasion. I will personalize them for you, if you are giving as gifts.

On a personal note, after a year and a half, i’ve been able to do a little wine tasting, camping, motorcyling, and visit family. Here are a few picture highlights.

Good wine, good friends and good music.

Glamping and loving it.

Motorcycle trip to the ocean

Finally after being married almost a year and a half I got to spend time with my in-laws.

And now to leave you will a little poem, with advice we would all do well to heed.

Have a terrific summer, and we shall meet again in the fall. I’m always here however if you need to reach out. :)

Until next time, sending all my love.

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.