Poetry and Prose by #1 Amazon Bestselling Author of Nature Speaks of Love and Sorrow, Co-Author of #1 Amazon Bestseller, Wounds I Healed: The Poetry of Strong Women, and Jan/Feb 2022 Spillwords Press Author of the Month
I am elated and honored to share with you that I was voted as the Spillwords Press Author of the Month of January and February!
I am deeply grateful to Dagmara K and the entire team at Spillwords for supporting my work; and deeply grateful to each of you for being here, supporting me, and being such wonderful friends. It is because of each of you that I am here today. You inspire me, and I appreciate each of you very much. Thank you!
rhythm and sound walking along the ground, I stumbled, and fell
happenings like this tout a specific rhythm
and sound, like walking amongst the clouds
what confused me most then, was not knowing —
love is derived from within
took quite a few more stumbles, and tumbles
among the trees, the leaves, and
all of the misery
to notice, the hand was always there, even when on the ground
At home this month, I’ve been continuing to stay vigilant about the pandemic, which simply means that I am home often. The paradox about this reality is that the State of Oregon recently announced that they will be lifting the mask mandate by the end of March.
The news about lifting the mask mandate fills me with excitement and anxiety, which is very normal as these two emotions are closely related to each other. I also know wearing a mask is an individual choice, and I will continue to wear my mask until I choose differently.
Exciting news came by way of my oldest son Justin this month, as I learned that he has been placed at Mercedes Benz for his second and last University internship. Justin is extremely excited, and I am as proud as a parent can be.
The team and I have also just recently produced theSpring Term schedule of classes, which is always a lot of work, and is an exciting time in the department. Lastly, I’ve been preparing to welcome our new hire to the team, which will occur in about two weeks.
All in all, it’s been super busy, and, yep, super fun.
As you all know, I’ve been contemplating compiling and publishing a debut poetry book for some time.
When I learned about Ingrid Wilson’s new endeavor withExperiments in Fiction, which you can read more about here, it felt like the perfect opportunity and partnership.
Ingrid and I have signed an agreement, which means that sometime this fall/winter my debut poetry book will be available. I will keep you all updated as this moves forward.
I am so excited!
A Spillwords Nomination & A Poem
I was elated to find out Saturday that I was nominated for Author of the Month at Spillwords Press. If you have a moment, I would be honored if you would go here and cast your vote. Thank you!
Voting is open through Monday, February 28.
dreams encapsulate me a cocoon risen from the sea as I stare at the stars pleasingly
layers of pain & grief fall away as I float with clouds in sorrows of the past drowned
I’ve been reflecting upon and contemplating the concept of Spark the past two weeks. The concept arose organically within the team about two weeks ago.
In theyouth developmental literature, Spark is associated with the Thriving theoretical framework. In short, developing a youth’s spark is positively correlated with thriving indicators and outcomes.
The above referenced article is decent, and here is a short two pagetheoretical framework, which includes the definition of spark listed below, developed by my graduate school advisor, Mary E. Arnold.
“A spark is a passion for a self- identified interest or skill, or a capacity that metaphorically lights a fire in a young person’s life, providing energy, joy, purpose, and direction” —Mary E. Arnold
Pragmatically, it simply means that when a person is ignited and excited from within, they feel better, and are more engaged and empowered.
It’s a very important practice to develop this kind of excitement on teams and within organizations. Actually it’s important for each of us as human beings on this planet to make sure our spark is always ignited, which is why I wanted to write about it this month.
If you have a spark and know what it is, amazing; if not, you can develop it at any time, and if your spark has dwindled, which happens, you can also reignite it at any time.
Spark is not a static concept, following a linear trajectory. Passion and excitement wax and wane, and they also change directions; and, that is okay. What’s most important is to always fuel our passion for life; and when that passion wanes, to reimagine and reignite it.
I felt impelled to write here that I stand with the citizens of Ukraine, and vehemently oppose the actions Russia is taking. Strength and power come through peace and love, not through war and violence. The latter are the products of egotism and narcissism, the former, of beauty and solidarity.
My love, blessings, and prayers for safety go out to everyone in Ukraine.
Alright, that’s all for this month.
Sending you all love, and wishing you a beautifully blessed March.
I am so pleased to announce that my poem, running through the flowers, is now available at MasticadoresIndia. Another big thank you to Terveen Gill, and the team at MasticadoresIndia for their continued support, and for publishing this piece.
running through the flowers
the road unfolds along a dirt abode, where travelers come together seeking shelter
from the storm
rising with the sun, learning more in the afternoon glow, hints of colors so…
I would be honored if youwould go here, and read the rest of my poem. Thank you!
I am so pleased to announce that my poem, still breathing you in…, is now available at MasticadoresUSA. A big thank you to Gabriela Marie Milton, and the team at MasticadoresUSA for their continued support, and for publishing this piece.
still breathing you in…
the last time I saw you, Coltrane was spinning, and there was this feeling, a rose in your hair, cunning, and fair
while music billowed out, raspy, deep sounds filtering throughout, and…
I would be honored if youwould go here, and read the rest of my poem. Thank you!
There was a time when sandalwood dawned the day, I remember the blood and sweat, and all the fallen decay.
The night was darker than anyone’s remembrance of our plight. It was as if the sea had crested over the town, leaving in its wake, no sound.
A tinkling in the air was all that was left.
A regard for fairy’s, we used to jest.
In between the tall trees, and the grassy leaves, we spent the summer in midnight’s dream; and, just when I thought darkness might envelop the entire world, a kiss from you sent me toward the light, unfurled.
Emerging from beyond the dream, did we; as stars rained down, and we caught love, watching it bourgeon like the sun.
Do you remember, hon?
It was our first starry night, two lovers underneath a canopy of brilliance, their life barely begun.
Develop. Inspire. Transform. 