Hello, beautiful readers! I had very little time to read this month because of the opening of school. Luckily, I chose an amazing poetry book that I could read in snippets, and I enjoyed it thoroughly!
“Use a picture. It’s worth a thousand words.” Arthur Brisbane 1911.
An image offers an opportunity to see endless possibilities depending on the viewer’s perspective. Where some might see beauty and joy, others imagine sadness and loss of hope.
In this collection, images and syllabic poetry are brought together to tell a story based on the author’s perspective. The poetry explores our human experiences such as love, happiness, hope, aging, friendship, new beginnings, dreams and loss.
The world around us is an amazing playground and source of all our essential needs as well as sensory experiences that bring wonder into our lives. What lies beyond the horizon? What surprises will we discover as a garden bursts into bloom? Where do the night creatures live?
At the end of the collection there are some longer poems celebrating memories of the author’s life of travel, teenage exploits and love of food!
My Review:
I absolutely loved this collection of poems. Not only was each poem accompanied by a stunning picture, it was also written to reach into the soul and permeate slowly. Many of the poems are written in syllabic poetry forms such as the butterfly cinquain and the Etheree. The poet is concise with her words while choosing powerful imagery to stir emotions and connection.
Some of my favorite poems were Our Legacy, Advancing Years, Sunflower Seeds, The Air, The Beacon, Hope, On the Wind, Birthdays, Is it time?, The Sunflower poems, The Future?, Life's Progression... Honestly, I could list them all. Some are layered with humor; others touch upon profound concepts that make one pause and ponder. All of them are beautiful works of art. If you enjoy poetry that makes your soul smile, I definitely recommend this book.
Have you read a great book this month? I'd love for you to share. :-)
Hello, beautiful readers! The first full week of school is behind me, and I honestly did not think I would get to this week's #TankaTuesday Weekly Poetry Challenge. Luckily, I became inspired while sitting at the beach today.
This week, Colleen Chesebro challenged us to use at least one kigo word in our syllabic poem. As Colleen explained, "A kigo is a season word used in haiku and haibun (the haiku portion)." Kigo can include seasonal words, the sky and other elements, landscape, human affairs, animals, and plants.
As I was sitting at the beach today, I sunk my feet in the sand after my second swim to the buoy and back and gazed at the clouds on the horizon. They looked like a painting where light and shadow were used to create texture. I tried to take a picture of it, but it couldn't capture the beautiful art that nature was creating.
I chose to write a haiku with a syllabic pattern of 5-7-5. Haikus contain kigo, or seasonal words. I believe I used a few words that represent kigo below. Haikus are also untitled.
Hello, beautiful readers! Today, I have the pleasure of introducing Breakfield and Burkey's newest book in their Enigma series, The Killer Enigma! If you haven't read one of their technothrillers yet, you are going to want to learn about this series.
GIVEAWAYS:
(7) epub copies of THE KILLER ENIGMA
Please leave the authors a comment below for your chance to win one of these awesome prizes!
Mystery, crime, and larceny get woven into The Killer
Enigma. There is also romance and some heartache between JJ and Jo. Their
anniversary getaway doesn’t seem to be going any better than last year’s vacation.
But they both care for each other even when JJ ticks Jo off.
She sat and watched him with those big brown eyes he
always got lost in.
“I’m sorry, Jo. I was trying to figure out the right
order to explain and messed up yet again.”
“I’m listening now since I overreacted. I’ll wait ’til
you finish. I’m sorry too.”
“Yesterday, when I rode back with Tommy, he and I had a
couple of discussions. One was about the evidence he figured I gathered, and
the other was about you. I told him our suspicions and some of what we learned
during our searches. I told him I wanted to keep you safe.”
“I know that, JJ.”
He looked at her as she ran her fingers across her mouth
and moved like locking her lips shut.
He laughed. “You’re too cute. He said he would be worried
too if he were married to such a well-known model who is drop-dead gorgeous.”
Jo appeared stunned, with her eyes wide. She covered her
mouth with a hand as a groan escaped her lips. “Oh, dear. Does everyone in town
know? You’re right. This is a problem I hadn’t even considered. Everyone has
been…”
“Tommy said he believes only he and Lily know. When he
questioned her after the attack last year, Lily inadvertently gave him a clue.
She’d feel awful if you knew she’d spilled the beans. He also suggested this
town likes us and is glad we returned for a visit. He thinks we should stay if
we can get over the mess we found.”
The authors are always willing to answer questions or
discuss The Killer Enigma:
BOOK
BLURB
Enough is Enough - JJ roars when the Paparazzi wrecked
their dinner
JJ and Jo realize
privacy doesn’t exist for them. They return to Magnolia Bluff to check on their
friends and recapture the small-town anonymity. In Magnolia Bluff, no one
suspects their fame.
They discount the status as urban legends in favor of acceptance and a quiet,
peaceful life. After all, a supermodel needs time and space to recharge between
jobs. A geek wants time to adore his wife.
· Does Magnolia Bluff hold the answers to their prayers?
· Will their desires get clouded by a hidden secret?
Past, present, and future collide in a perfect storm no one expected. JJ and Jo
take action to uncover the truth. Chief Tommy Jager likes them but feels
they’re a lightning rod for trouble and disruption.
Who will live or die to prevent the truth from being exposed? The answers may
be in the graveyard with fresh flowers on the gravestone.
What readers are saying
Literary Titan - The Killer Enigma offers a fresh perspective
on the complexities of small-town existence and the lengths individuals are
willing to go to liberate themselves from the constricting grasp of urban life.
Readers’ Favorite - Breakfield and Burkey deliver yet another
engrossing installment of the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles with The Killer
Enigma.
AUTHOR BIOS
BREAKFIELD– Charles is a data/telecom solution architect and
supports digital security, blockchain solutions, and unified communications. He
enjoys writing, studying World War II history, international travel, and
cultural exchanges. Charles’ love of wine tastings, cooking, and Harley riding
often provides writing topics.
Much of his personality
comes from his father, who served in the military for 30 years and three wars.
Charles grew up on multiple bases and in different countries. The multicultural
exposure helps him with the various character perspectives they bring to the
series. His personal ambition is to continue to teach Burkey humor.
BURKEY– Rox is a Customer Experience Specialist who works with
businesses worldwide. As a gifted speaker and accomplished listener, she
bridges the chasm between business problems and technical solutions to optimize
business productivity. She has written technology briefings and white papers
but launches into high gear when plotting our next technothriller or short
story.
As a youngster, she led
the other kids with her highly charged imagination generating new adventures
with make-believe characters as a child. She is proud of being a Girl Scout
until high school and contributed to the community as a member of a Head Start
program. Rox enjoys her family, learning, listening to people, traveling,
outdoor activities, sewing, cooking, and thinking about diversifying the
series.
They are passionate about
leveraging real technology into fictional writing. The variety of characters’
attributes from the many people who crossed their professional paths adds that
depth. Admittedly, Breakfield often asks people he meets if they thought about
being an evil cyberthug or femme fatale in their series.
Both authors have traveled to many
places around the world. These travels are pulled into stories that require
personal knowledge of specific locals. They enjoy well-rounded thrillers,
including humor, romance, intrigue, suspense, and mystery.
To follow along with the rest of the tour, please visit theAUTHORS' TOUR PAGEon the 4WillsPublishing site. If you'd like to schedule your own blog tour and have your book promoted in similar grand fashion, please clickHERE. Thanks for supporting these authors and their work!
Hello, beautiful readers! It's been a busy couple of weeks for me as I prepared for the beginning of school and then started the new school year. My first two days were exhausting but great. I have a feeling it's going to be a wonderful school year.
My son's first football game of the season was this past Friday. He played extremely well. He had four carries for 62 yards, two touchdowns, one two-point conversion, and a forced fumble! I know this has nothing to do with this prompt, but proud mama has to share. 😉
I missed last week's prompt because every day was nonstop, and here it is now Sunday, and I'm just creating a moment to get this week's #TankaTuesday Weekly Poetry Challenge prompt done. This week, Colleen Chesebro challenged us to write a poem based on this beautiful picture from Terri Webster Schrandt.
For as long as I can remember, the sunflower has been my favorite flower. Yellow and green are my favorite colors, and a sunflower has both of them. In my younger years, I battled with depression a few times, and sunflowers became my reminder to always follow the light. So, there was no way I was going to let this week pass without writing a poem. (Plus, did you know that sunflower seeds are extremely healthy for you? They reduce inflammation, improve heart health, support the immune system, and boost your energy levels.)
I chose to write a reverse cinquain. This form reverses the order of an American cinquain, making the lines follow a syllabic pattern of 2-8-6-4-2. In a traditional American cinquain, the words should create drama that builds into the fourth line with the pivot happening on line five. I decided to reverse that as well and put the drama in line two. So, I'm bending some rules. Cinquains must always have a title.
Survivor
flower
folds protectively in darkness
draws its strength from the sun
stands tall and strong
fearless
What is your favorite flower and why? I'd love to hear from you below.
There is still time to write a poem of your own. Join us here.
Hello, beautiful readers! For this week's #TankaTuesday Weekly Poetry Challenge, Colleen Chesebro has asked us to write a poem using synonyms of words wave and flow. As a beach lover, my mind immediately goes to water.
So, I decided to write a haiku. A haiku is a 3-line poem with a 5-7-5 syllabic pattern. The middle line is supposed to be a pivot where the first two lines can create one image and the last two lines can create a different image. It should also connect with nature or seasons in some way. Recently, we learned that a haiku isn't really about the syllables but about the rhythm. I tried to incorporate that as well. You can learn more about it here.
My life is about to get even busier. Next week starts back-to-school preparation. I'll be working four of the five days to teach beginning teachers and begin setting up my classroom, plus doing my part-time job on the side. The following week will be mandatory teacher planning days and the first two days of school.
The beginning of the school year is always an energy drain for me. Don't get me wrong. I love what I do and am excited to meet my new students, but the body isn't as young as it used to be. Getting back into a school routine takes an adjustment.
I still plan to be around, write poetry, participate in the RRBC Writer's Conference and Book Expo, and support my fellow authors as much as I can, but if I'm a little quieter, you'll know why. 😊
Do you want to try to create a poem with synonyms for the words wave and flow? Join us here.
In Book 2 of the Riverbend Series, Marcia Meara, author of Wake-Robin Ridge, A Boy Named Rabbit, and Harbinger, takes a look at the devastating effects of a family torn apart by a horrific tragedy, pitting brother against brother, and focusing on battling PTSD with the redemptive power of unwavering love and support.
Before, I never thought about taking a life. Not once. Now, the thought fills my mind day and night, and I wonder how I’ll hide that terrible need, As an old car swings to the shoulder, And stops.
~ Traveling Man ~
Hunter Painter’s darkest fears have shaped his offbeat personality since he was a child, crippling him in ways invisible to those unable to see past his quiet exterior. In a sleepy Florida town known for its eccentric inhabitants, he’s always been a mystery to most.
Only one person sees beyond Hunter’s quirky facade. Willow Greene, the new age herbalist who owns the local candle and potpourri shop, has secretly loved him since they were in high school. When, sixteen years later, she discovers Hunter has loved her just as long, Willow hopes her dreams are finally coming true.
Willow soon learns that Hunter fears happiness at her side isn’t in the cards for him. With her natural optimism and courage, she almost convinces him he’s wrong—that they can really have that life together they both long for—but even Willow can’t stop what Hunter knows is coming.
One by one, his worst nightmares become reality, culminating in an unthinkable tragedy, which devastates everyone it touches. Willow’s battle begins in earnest as Hunter is plunged into a bleak, guilt-ridden despair, threatening to destroy not only their love, but Hunter, himself.
Finding Hunter is the story of a lost man’s desperate struggle to make his way home again, and one woman’s unshakeable faith in him and the power of their love.
My Review:
I absolutely love Hunter! He's such a pure soul, but he has no idea how special he truly is because he lives in a world of fear and pain. Luckily, he is loved unconditionally in a way most of us may never experience. This was a fantastic addition to this series.
The author does an incredible job of diving into anxiety and depression through Hunter's words and actions. Just as powerful is Willow's journey in struggling to go on without Hunter while being determined to keep hope alive. I loved how the author used poetry to tell one storyline until the two stories merged together.
I also enjoyed seeing characters from the first book of the series. The author seamlessly created new threads of storylines for other characters that will be visited in the next book. The ending is a bit of a punch to the gut, but it makes me want to dive right into book three!
This was a wonderful story of loss, love, and resilience. If you enjoy stories that dare to dive into the struggles of life while also shining a light on the human spirit, then I highly recommend this book!
In this dazzling debut poetry collection of over 60 carefully selected poems, author Selma Martin points the way to the beauty in the everyday, the shadow of the rainbow, and the silver lining at the edge of every cloud.
Favouring lyrical forms, and revelling in rhymes and musical language, the individual poems in this collection harmonise together in symphonic splendour to form an enlightening and delightful whole.
"Be ready for Selma's poetry to play with your thoughts, and to discover your heart hiding in the shadows!" — Lynn Wielenga, madhatterpoetry.com
"In The Shadow of Rainbows is a delightful and profoundly thoughtful collection of poems. Selma Martin’s inner light radiates from every sparkling page." — Cheryl Batavia, author, Life in Inspiring Places
I have enjoyed reading this author's poetry on her blog for a while now, so I was very excited when I heard she was creating a book of her poems. I absolutely loved this collection. The author/poet has an essence about her that draws you in. Some poems create beautiful stories that weave throughout the stanzas. Many of her poems focus on nature and immerse you in the stunning world around us. Her imagery grasps you and makes you one with the poetry. Her use of alliteration, rhyme, and rhythm bring melodic music to her words. Here is a stanza from one of my favorites:
Tears of rage and anger
stain her eyelids maroon
as she rots slow like moldering topsoil
- Her Mind, poem
Other poems that I really loved are August Trio, Let Go, You Know Her, Nature's Tender Doings, Poetry, and Poseidon's Lure. The diversity of her poetry is vast, and there is something for everyone. If you enjoy surrounding yourself with powerful imagery, glimpses of life and nature, and slices of everyday life, then do yourself a favor and grab a copy of this collection of poetry. It's wonderful! :-)
From the Preface: This story is steeped in my faith which has been the subject of half of my novels. It deals with death and reconciliation with Our Father in Heaven. The plot for this tale came to me in a dream. Most of my books have been based on thoughts and concepts from my muse. I believe I know who my muse is, but that is not a topic we need to delve into at this point.
If you choose to believe differently, this story is likely not one you would accept, and that is okay. We all make our own choices that define our present and our future.
Please remember this is a work of fiction. I do not claim the experiences in this tale occurred or match our futures. Still, it is a tale of God’s love and our redemption. I hope many will agree that is a worthwhile topic to fill these pages. I have been moved by several books and television programs that explore this train of thought by talking with people who have had near-death experiences. What I have learned from those individuals led me to create this story. I hope you enjoy it and find a kernel of truth within this tale that can give you joy.
My Review:
This was a beautiful short story about what a person's experiences might be when he dies. The author blends his Christian faith into a fictional story about a man's journey into the afterlife. I loved how he created a journey through heaven that led him to reconnect with people and pets from his past. His interaction with the angels, Jesus, and "Manny" were humorous at times and very touching. I thought it quite clever and endearing when he had to face a "jury" of his peers. And I loved the choices the main character was given and his ultimate decision. This is a wonderful story of the afterlife that anyone can enjoy no matter what his/her beliefs are.
"Enter Lara Adrian's vampire world and be enchanted." --J. R. Ward "One of the best vampire series on the market!" --RT Book Reviews
Breed warrior Micah is one of the Order’s best, his reputation for cold justice and lethal skill rivaled only by that of his formidable father, Tegan. So, when a mission Micah’s leading in an off-limits area called the Deadlands goes terribly wrong, leaving him the sole survivor of an apparent Atlantean attack, he won’t rest until he has answers...and vengeance for his fallen team.
Phaedra thought it was only a dream, a hideous nightmare. Yet somehow, she had been transported from her life in Rome to a stretch of barren forest when it suddenly lit up with unearthly fire, obliterating everything in its path—including the fiercely handsome Breed warrior she’d encountered in the dream. Or so she believed, until their paths cross again and Phaedra finds herself, and her Atlantean people, at the center of Micah’s wrath.
With tensions between the Breed and the Atlanteans already edging toward war, and another powerful nemesis growing bolder by the day, uncovering the stunning truth about what happened in the Deadlands will force Micah and Phaedra to work together in an alliance forged by fate and an undeniable desire neither of them can resist.
Blood and destiny collide in Fall of Night, the newest action-packed, pulse-pounding novel in Lara Adrian's New York Times and #1 international bestselling Midnight Breed vampire romance series.
* * * * *
Jump in and discover why millions of paranormal romance fans are addicted to Lara Adrian's "strikingly original" (Booklist) series!
My Review:
Somewhere around 2010, I became heavily invested in vampire and paranormal stories. This series was one of several that I fell in love with. It's been a while since I've read one of these stories, but I fell right back into the author's world quickly. Each book is a standalone romance between a Breed and his Breedmate, but they should be read in order because the underlying plot/mission carries from one story to the next.
I loved Micah and his struggle to allow himself to let his guard down and feel something. Phaedra was a fantastic female character of strength and courage, as are all of the author's female characters. The author does a great job of switching POVs with each chapter so we can follow what each character is going through.
Both the sex scenes and fighting scenes were riveting (lol!), and the story flowed really well. (This is an adult novel, so I do not recommend it for children.) The ending felt a little rushed. I would have loved a bit more with the scene in the woods (don't want to give anything away). Still, it was a happy ending, and I love those.
I was sad to find out there is only one more story in the series. I know there is a spinoff, and I've read and enjoyed a couple of those. Still, I fall in love with characters and want to keep visiting their world. On the other hand, I can't wait to find out how it all comes to an end. There are so many things to wrap up!
‘Happiness does not depend on what you have or who you are. It relies solely on what you think.’
Have you ever felt angry? Upset? Hurt? Overwhelmed? Not up to it?
This book, with its pithy teachings based in Zen, will help you find the jewel in the inevitable mud of life rather than wallowing in that mud.
Not only does each day offer us a new start, a chance to press reset, but so does each and every breath. It’s never too late to be who you were meant to be, and your history doesn’t have to keep you trapped. And nor do you have to waste endless energy on worrying about all that the future may bring.
Written in an engaging manner, Jewel in the Mud invites you to search within and make your world the way you want it to be. It doesn’t give you strict instructions or homework, but instead, invites you to dive deeper, search further, and question your assumptions.
The book has handy thoughts for the week, and can be read in one go, weekly, or dipped into at random. In short, it has been designed to fit in with you and your needs.
Learn how to take control of your life with these Zen Musings.
My Review:
I have read other books by this author and have enjoyed them all. This one was very different. The author pulls from her experience in a Zen Buddhist Temple for thirteen years. For fifty two weeks, she shared a different Zen musing on her blog. She chose to compile them and create a book with the year's collection, and I loved it.
Each chapter covers one Zen musing/lesson. I love how she breaks it down into easy to absorb ideas. I read the book from cover to cover and have no doubt I will be reading it again. Actually, I'm pretty sure I will end up buying the physical book so I can flip through it and find the lesson I was to reread at certain moments in my life (and may even gift it to my son when he graduates from high school).
Each lesson is valuable and presents such a pure way of approaching life. I love how she starts each chapter with a statement that encompasses the lesson, explains the lesson, and then ends with the Zen saying, which truly ties it all together. As someone who has been focused on self-care for the past few years, this book truly hit home for me. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to live a life of harmony and self-love.
Have you read any of these books? Have you read any other books this month that are must reads? I'd love to hear from you.
It's a beautiful painting that immediately made me feel relaxed. The first thing I noticed was how my eyes were drawn to several parts of the painting - the cows, the swans, and the people fishing. Each seemed oblivious of the others, and that inspired my poem.
I've decided to write a tanka poem. For those who are new to syllabic poetry, a tanka poem contains 5 lines with a syllabic pattern of 5-7-5-7-7.
peaceful existence
each focused on his own space
Earth provides for all
symbiotic essences
cherish Mother Nature's gifts
What do you see when you look at this painting? I'd love to hear from you.
The imayo is comprised of four 12-syllable lines. Each line is divided into a 7-syllable and a 5-syllable section, with a hard pause (or caesura) in between. The pause will generally be represented by a comma, semi-colon, or similar punctuation.
4 lines (8 lines permissible)
12 syllables per line divided as 7-5
make a pause space between the 7 and 5 syllables
use comma, caesura or kireji (cutting word) as the pause
no rhymes
no meter
no end of line pauses – the whole should flow together as though one long sentence
The Imayo is a literal poem so do not use symbolism, allegory etc.
Part of the challenge is also writing the poem about a bird. I chose to write about a cardinal. We aren't supposed to use symbolism, but a cardinal is said to be symbolize a visit from a loved one who has passed away. So, I chose to write from the point of view of a bird contemplating his existence.
Then, just in case it doesn't fit with the rules, I wrote a second one about seagulls because they always crack me up at the beach. :-)
Hello, beautiful readers! Today, I would like to ask you to help my nephew make it to the New York City stage to perform. My nephew, who goes by the artist name Modia, is extremely talented. He has been writing and performing spoken word poetry since he was 12 years old, including competing against high school students and winning! He also plays three instruments (piano, guitar, and saxophone), creates his own music, and writes and sings his own songs.
Here is the first spoken word piece he ever performed:
Here is another one from a couple of years ago:
And here is his first released song (music, lyrics, and singing all produced by him):
So, if you have it in your heart to help an up-and-coming artist reach a bigger stage, please vote for him here. There will be two options to vote. One requires you to input your credit card, but that option is not necessary. Right under it is an option to vote for free through Facebook. Actually, both options are free, but the second one does not require a credit card.
You can vote every day, so please visit me every day and click the link and VOTE! He is currently in 5th place, so he has a real shot at this! And please share/retweet/reblog this with your online community and help me spread the word. Thank you! 💗
The temperature has been really high lately in my area. I go to the beach almost every Sunday with my friends. If the ocean cooperates, I'll swim to the buoy and back once or twice. I also tend to walk the beach for about fourteen lifeguard stations from where we "camp" to the jetty and then back. Usually, one of my friends joins me.
This past Sunday, we went for our usual walk, and it was stifling hot. Even with hats and water, the heat was getting to us. So, we made a pitstop at the fire rescue station building and sat under the cold shower station for a bit before finishing our walk. When I saw this picture, I decided to combine the two into a poem.
Colleen encouraged us to focus on imagery and to try to use the phrase "sun, sand, & sea" in our poem. I've decided to write a Double Ennead, which is a form Colleen created for the Carrot Ranch Literary Community's 99-Word Story Challenges. It consists of three stanzas, each with a 6-5-11-6-5 pattern, which equals 99 syllables.
My Sanctuary
the sun's sweltering rays
threaten to scorch me
sweat secretes out of every pore possible
and tries to cool me down
face flushes bright red
the sand absorbs the sun
each grain feels hotter
without shoes, my skin would blister and peel off
crabs burrow beneath it
searching for reprieve
the crashing waves beckon
a promised respite
thirsty skin soaks in the healing, cool waters
sun, sand, & sea...and me
inseparable
Have you ever stayed all day at the beach on a hot summer's day? Or do you prefer something a bit cooler? I'd love to hear from you.
Does the photo inspire you to write a poem? Join us here.
