As I mentioned in my last post, I’m focusing on my book to honor Copper, our senior puppy who received angel wings in March, while also trying to visit you. This has been my mindset for the week, but I’m pulling my hair out because of glitches. Third time’s a charm, they say, and Life is NOT about throwing in the towel!
Anyway, one of the posts I had the pleasure of visiting was Vicki’s, and it truly intrigued me. Please pop over to her lovely sight for inspiration and enlightenment: https://victoriaponders.com/2025/04/28/echoes/. She was originally inspired by Lori’s post: https://loripohlmanwriter.com/2025/04/25/polished-maple-tables/in which I also visited, feeling the same rush of inspiration. They both spotlighted the following poem and the concept of writing our own version:
Where I’m From By George Ella Lyon
I am from clothespins, from Clorox and carbon-tetrachloride. I am from the dirt under the back porch. (Black, glistening it tasted like beets.) I am from the forsythia bush, the Dutch elm whose long gone limbs I remember as if they were my own. I am from fudge and eyeglasses, from Imogene and Alafair. I’m from the know-it -alls and the pass -it -ons, from perk up and pipe down. I’m from He restoreth my soul with cottonball lamb and ten verses I can say myself. I’m from Artemus and Billie’s Branch, fried corn and strong coffee. From the finger my grandfather lost to the auger the eye my father shut to keep his sight. Under my bed was a dress box spilling old pictures. a sift of lost faces to drift beneath my dreams. I am from those moments — snapped before I budded — leaf-fall from the family tree
To read more information and for helpful tools in writing your poem, please visit Vicki and Lori’s wonderful posts. And now, I offer you my version. I didn’t use Lori’s template, but I ran with the concept. Thoughts appeared one after the other, so mine is a bit lengthy, but I don’t feel like cutting anything out just yet. Subtle rhymes also slid their way in, and I’m unsure if they were supposed to. Nonetheless…
I am from
I am from my mom’s emotions that had a mind of their own so wild at times emulating a summer storm I am from my dad’s humor where smiles bloomed but his temper too in my less patient moods
I am from flower petals I did not plant Mom’s were nurtured – my thumbs weren’t green yet the petals’ beauty is always seen I am from butter, sugar (granulated and brown), vanilla, baking powder and soda, and nuts, yes, sometimes this is the case, and chocolate chips in their tantalizing ways
I am from the moon in her mystery The sun in his radiance The lake in its serenity
I am from the well-liked and the shunned the self-doubt lodged on my shoulders the redwoods standing tall I am from planned and spontaneity clarity and ambiguity
I am from the Big Bear cabin on the corner from laps and splashes in Orange County pools I am from “When you have children, you’ll understand” I am from two sanctuaries for finding God to discovering faith near mountains and sand
I am from me unique, quirky, strong, kind, a used-to-be people-pleaser the third of three daughters I am from knowledge still pouring in like a flood of surging waters I am from gratitude for every little blessing from those I love, from being loved I am.
Hello Everyone, we had a wonderful weekend away and I’ll share some photos later. But today, I want to thank Manuela Timofte, Editor of Gobblers at Masticadores, for publishing my poem “In Darkness there is Light.” A wonderful surprise on this first day of April. ❤️
Nighttime falls inside the doors of the beautiful hotel an experience to tuck away in my memory box Many sprint here and there following their agendas in the midst of mild chaos – some scrambling from point A to point B wondering what happens next or maybe they’ll discover a cozy spot like mine with a small, round table and chair in my private slice of darkness
An unexpected power outage doesn’t stop me Who doesn’t wish for a little light, but functioning without it… bring on the adventure!
As I look around in blackness and listen, words flutter nearby…
You can read the full poem by clicking on the link below:
I hope you’ll consider following Gobblers at Masticadores to immerse yourself into evocative worlds of poetry. And if you missed my original post of this poem, you can read it here.
Thanks for stopping by, and I wish you a great day and joyful new month! 💖
My hubby and I are going away for the weekend, returning home later Sunday. It’s been a while since we were able to get away, even for a few nights. So we’ll celebrate our 36th, his 65th, my 64th, and our 13 years with Copper Boy! January, February, and March brought a whirlwind of emotions. I’ll be offline while away, and confession time: I am so behind in reading blogs, but I look forward to visiting your blogs next week.
About March 27th…
Today marks the day when Copper came into our lives in 2012 – his adoption day, his gotcha day! Today marks 3 1/2 weeks since he left our earthly world. And though our hearts still ache from missing him (look at this face), we celebrate his life and the 13 years we all had together. 🤎
Photo credit to my daughter – a younger Copper
“You will always be in our hearts, Copper, you handsome boy.” ❤️
Thank you for staying with me during this time of grief from when our 14 1/2 year old puppycrossed over the rainbow bridge on March 3rd. We will see him in the next life. 🌈
I want to leave you with another poem for Spring, another oldie, from my memoir: More than Coffee: memories in verse and prose:
Her Offerings
Harmony lives in each flow of a breeze In each gentle embrace of evergreens The clear blue enchantingly shields Let nothing stay concealed.
Blooms tender their affable smile Leaves listen in for awhile Birdsong soothes the whirling mind A landscape perfectly designed.
Nature’s lessons are plentiful Shall our choices be flexible? We are not ignorant to her offerings Receive them for relief of suffering.
A painting of beauty and brilliance Mesmerizing even in distance Can you deny the splendid view? Allow serenity to fall into you.
I hope my poem gives you a spring in your step and helps you to appreciate Nature’s offerings, and I’m turning off comments for the sake of time. Yours and mine! 🙂 I will miss our connection and interaction, but I will see you next week. Until then, enjoy the upcoming weekend and each day, for each day is a gift. I appreciate you all so much! ❤️
There’s a lot happening in this post today, so I will start by thanking my friend, Dawn Pisturino, for nominating me for the Sunshine Blogger Award. I haven’t seen awards for over a decade, from when I first joined this amazing community. I’m grateful that Dawn thought of me. I like to think that my blog does spread sunshine, although sometimes, life throws curve balls, which is why this month hasn’t been a good example. Anyway, thank you so much, Dawn!Time won’t allow me to follow through with this lovely award, but I am grateful for your kindness! 🙏
Then yesterday I was surprised with another award! Should I play the lottery? 😃 My good friend, Ernie from The Dawghouse, recently created an awesome award called “Dawghouse Choice Pawsome Blog Award.” When I posted several times this month about our beloved dog, Copper, passing on March 3rd, Ernie was touched. So, please click on the following link to read his post that brought tears for me: https://dawgydaddyresponds.org/2025/03/24/dawghouse-choice/ Thank you, Ernie! Now I’m touched by your kindness! 🙏
Photo credit to Ernie!
If you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Dawn or Ernie, I encourage you to pay their sites a visit. They’re both amazing writers and have so much to offer to this warm blogging community. I’m honored to know them both. ❤️ https://dawnpisturino.wordpress.com/ & https://dawgydaddyresponds.org.
Copper’s passing took over my creativty this month, with the exception of my last two posts. Writing helped me move through the grief, and as a result, a book is taking shape. A collection of poetry not only about Copper when he was with us, the joy he brought us, but also about grieving. My wish is that my words will help others in a similar situation. All of my energy has been poured into this unexpected but therapeutic project. More info. to come as I make progress.
A happy, young Copper years ago. 🧡
So, I missed writing about the new season that has arrived, Spring. Instead of a new poem, I’m sharing an oldiethat expresses the transition between winter and spring. I hope you enjoy!
A Cup of Spring
Miss Spring sips her tea as we anticipate her arrival. She says, “Be patient, for soon I will bring you colors so pleasing and new life, delightful. But first, Mr. Winter must finish acting out his scene.
Previously published in my memoir: More than Coffee: Memories in Verse and Prose
And lastly, this is out of the norm for me, but since this month has been anything but normal, a song came to mind because it’s fitting for today:
Did you guess? Yes! Light 64 candles for yours truly! Here’s my version (not Beatles worthy), but worthy for my day:
Sixty-Four Candles on the Carrot Cake
Another year has buzzed by like jets in the big blue. I repeat, “Where does the time go?” I know some of you join me in wondering too. Memories transport me through the last twelve months where I walked with smiles, tears followed when due. This body doesn’t feel old, age is just a number, but it yawns a bit, and yet, gratitude rests in my heart for more than complaints justify. He’s older by one year so we’re both climbing the ladder. We still give each other cards in spite of any gray hair and nice to know there’s a perk in one more year with Medicare! I’m not afraid to say the numbers; every laugh line has been well-earned. I’m thankful for my roots, for perseverance, and for my bones that continue to hang in there! So, light those candles, extinguisher on the sidelines, Cheers to another year of life, my husband – best friend, my daughter and son, all of my family, my friends, despite hurdles on the path, I have won, so bring on the fun!
My son made this delicious carrot cake (my fave) a few years ago.
My husband’s birthday was last month and Copper ‘gave him a card’ and also landed in several photos. I will miss my Copper Boy as I celebrate another year of life. Love you, Copper! Life can be bittersweet. ❤️😢
Well, thank you for being here today, and for reading this long post! Thank you for lending me support throughout my blogging journey. Thank you for being you! Have a wonderful day! ❤️💫🎉🥂
On March 7th, Brian from https://writingfromtheheartwithbrian.com/ wrote a post that will bring a smile. He talks about the wonder of children’s books and how they show us what is “right and good in the world, and what is real.” Brian was kind enough to include my book, Cora’s Quest, but because of Copper’s passing, I wasn’t in the mindset to share. My heart still aches, but today is a better day to reblog.
Thanks again, Brian, for including Cora and your amazing review in your inspiring post. I’m so grateful, and I hope the students in your wife’s class love reading about Cora too! 🙏
I’m sharing Brian’s review below, but please click on the blog link to read his full post. Other children’s literature is mentioned that will evoke great memories.
Looking for a little courage
For example, when police investigations into the New Orleans truck attack that killed 15 people and the Tesla Cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas dominated the news in January, I found myself reading fellow blogger Lauren Scott’s children’s book Cora’s Quest. (Lauren can be found on her blog, Baydreamer Writes.)
In Scott’s wonderful little book, fawn Cora gets separated on a wooded trail from her ma and pa. When she looks up from investigating a fuzzy caterpillar, her parents are gone. She starts to worry about being in the big forest all alone. Of course it gets scary. The tree branches look like they’re reaching out to grab her. Have you been in the woods in the dark? It can be a scary place. She can feel her tummy rumble and fear “trickle from her nose to her hooves.” I was right there with her.
Despite everything, she stands firm and reminds herself that “My body may be small, but my courage is big.”
When she thinks she can’t bear it anymore, her parents come from behind a bush. Of course, the three kiss and celebrate. They hurry home to feast on apples and acorns. If we ever needed a reminder to be courageous in the world, now is the time. Everyday some new problem comes out of the woodwork and the world seems minutes from calamity. Despite it all, little Cora shows us the way. “My body may be small, but my courage is big.”
What a great reminder. I can’t think of better advice. Yes, you go Cora! Lauren’s writing is touching and the colorful images by her illustrator Chris Mendez jump off the page. It’s perfect for young kids and the young-at-heart like myself. Be sure to check it out.
And if you don’t know Brian, check out his blog! He’s a wonderful writer who shares his thoughts and experiences in a way that entertains and engages, and usually prompts a giggle!
Thanks for stopping by, and I wish you a wonderful Friday and weekend! ❤️🙏
I finally finished the last 5-star reviews of two incredible books. I hope you enjoy!
To purchase your copy, click on Buy on Amazon.
Whenever I immerse myself in a book by Diana Peach, I always fall deeply into the exciting worlds and believable characters. She is the author who converted me years ago into reading fantasy. Her beautiful prose parallels with diving into a C. S. Lewis classic. Tale of the Seasons’ Weaver is an enchanting and spellbinding story full of remarkable imagination. I was easily drawn into the extraordinary imagery from the first chapter. One sample of Peach’s magical writing is, “The sky joined into a conspiracy with the wind and thickened with charcoal clouds that piled on each other’s back.”
Erith, the protagonist, resides between two worlds. She is half mortal human and half possessing charmed blood. Because of these qualities, she feels as if she doesn’t belong in either world. But the complication lies with her mother bestowing her the title of seasons’ weaver. Erith must weave her first tapestry ode to spring. However, self-doubt clings to her like static electricity, and she remains hesitant to use her magical powers. Not to mention, she faces a multitude of obstacles. A massive hindrance being the Winter King who takes revenge on the human race. He suppresses the season of spring because of human hunters who harmed the enchanted forest.
The reader joins Erith on her quest, meeting a variety of magical creatures, some better to avoid such as water demons in the night, while others that fascinate like galiwhigs. Many entertaining characters, both good and evil, play a significant role in her growth, and Peach even adds a touch of romance to entice.
Will Erith be able to push aside her self-doubt in order to prevent the demise of all humans? Will the four seasons remain everlasting? I encourage you to discover the answers by reading this tale that I highly recommend!
To purchase your copy, click on image.
Reading The Garden of Love by Manuela Timofte is like sitting by a waterfall, allowing its ballad to calm your mind. My initial thought after the first few pages was, I need this now. The U.S. is spinning out of control in a myriad of ways. The world is doing the same. So, reading Timofte’s book was like enjoying one spectacular exhale, releasing all stress.
In the foreword she writes, “In our real garden, we may prefer certain flowers and try to eradicate certain weeds, but the flowers and weeds inside us define us as people and the life we lead.” Her hope with this book is that “we find the flowers we like, and the lines that resonate with us, and that they give us color, fragrance, understanding, and lots of love.” I discovered the flowers, the lines, I saw the color, inhaled the fragrance, realized understanding, and felt the love.
Timofte reminds us that we are all diverse, not only physically, but also in thoughts, emotions, and experiences. And no matter what, “we are brought here on earth to learn the lessons of love…true happiness does not lie in a job, money, religion, or political placards. It was and is all the time within us.”
There is so much of what she writes that I know in mind and heart but let slip aside as I trudge through my own agenda. It takes little effort to forget about love, and that we can’t take money and possessions with us when we leave this beautiful planet. I, too, am reminded that while some of these make life more exciting and comfortable, the bottom line is to live life knowing that our stay here on earth is temporary, but to leave without regrets – a mission that can be difficult to implement. So, I encourage you to grab a copy and a cup of tea or your preferred beverage and allow yourself that one spectacular exhale as you turn the pages. Highly recommended!
I’m also sharing a poem for you to ponder when you leave here:
Your Link
The link you grasp may be small But still, you will not fall With the firmest grip, hold on tight It’s not about fight or flight Just seizing the chain is vital No one is above you or entitled Whether the link is large or small Hold your head up high; stand tall! We all matter, the bottom line Our beliefs, emotions, goals in life We all matter of equal degree This is truth…not hyperbole!
I’m thrilled that my poem, “One Decision that is Yours Alone” is published on Gobblers by Masticadores today! A Huge Thanks to Manuela Timofte for sharing my work each month. I’m honored to be among so many talented writers.
One Decision that is Yours Alone
I see the tears rolling, slowly, but with purpose. Will you let me dry them? Your invisible scars are as visible as words of anguish in your eyes. But there is no room for shame even though time swiftly moves while memories remain.
No, you don’t know me well, and I can’t relate to the nightmare that stole your self-worth, and we haven’t exchanged a friendly conversation over tea, but you can trust me. I only wish you kindness in your unfair moments of nothingness.
Please click here or on the link below to read the full poem and to support this wonderful literary site. Thank you! 🙏
When I opened my email this morning, I was surprised to find this exciting note from Dagmara at Spillwords Press (photo above courtesy of Spillwords):
Dear Writers,
We hope this message finds you well. We’re reaching out to share some exciting news—your outstanding pieces have garnered nominations in one or more categories for the 2025 Spillwords Press Awards.
Congratulations to all on this well-deserved recognition, and we eagerly anticipate celebrating the winners throughout February.
Voting is officially scheduled from January 26th to January 31st on our voting page: https://spillwords.com/vote/.
We encourage you to share this link with your family, friends, and supporters, as their votes can make all the difference.
Please note, that registration and/or login are prerequisites for casting your votes.
The Author of the Year award winner will be prominently featured on the sidebar of Spillwords.com for the entire following month. Additionally, all winners will be showcased in a special publication on Spillwords.com.
Below, you’ll find the complete list of nominations:
SPILLWORDS PRESS AWARDS NOMINATIONS:
AUTHOR OF THE YEAR
Dawn Pisturino Ash Douglas Antonia Wang Lisa H. Owens Melissa Lemay Teodora Vamvu Ernie Stricsek Lou Storey Sanu Sharma Gabriella Balcom Joseph L.M. Sturm Michael McCarthy James Nelli
PUBLICATION OF THE YEAR (POETIC)
This World is Yours by Michael L. Utley Tapestry of Dreams by Ginny M. Jones Haunt by Emma Wells Empty Lines by Smitha V In Your Face by Ximena Escobar Black Flies by David Estringel Song of Soul by Suman Pokhrel Isn’t It a Pity? by Daedalus Chaos Worn Slap Out by Joni Caggiano Sentimental Ebb by Aurora Kastanias Birth Dance by SR Inciardi Treats Only, Please! by Lauren Scott Ethereal Encounter in the Night’s Embrace by Yasmin Hemmat A Squirrel’s Front Teeth Never Stop Growing by Barbara Harris Leonhard
PUBLICATION OF THE YEAR (NON-POETIC)
Miriam and Her 13,149 Days by Janete Cabral The Grand Adventure by Jim Bartlett The Seagull by Patricia Furstenberg Precious Moments by Valli Henry-Boldini A Christmas Heckler by John Christopher Moccona With Two Sugars by Sarah Kelleher Dunker Church by Robert Walton One Life to Live by Lise Rowlandson Kaivopuisto by S. Anand Adrift by Julie London Tasseography by Dominic Rivron Murmurs by June Hunter New Beginnings by Lisa Rivers Kiesling The Night My Daughter Never Came Home by Diana Burns PUBLICATION OF THE YEAR (INTERNATIONAL)
Willow! In an Ocean of Green! by Thaddeus Hutyra Namalowałeś… by Danuta Czerwińska Murawska No te Olvides de Mi by Francisco Bravo Cabrera The Apple Tree of Paradise by Marian Dziwisz El Primero by José A Gómez Rzeka by Mirosława Stojak Summer Haiku by Maurizio Brancaleoni Ay! Pobre Corazon by Nancy E. Campos Boquiblando by Alexis Soto Ramírez Gli Alberi di Gaza by Francesco Abate Soli by Natalia Castelluccio Coś do Powiedzenia by Katarzyna Koziorowska Significar Ninguna Vez by Romulaizer Pardo Złoty Ryngraf Nieba by Katarzyna Dominik
Best of luck to all nominees! We express our heartfelt gratitude for your exceptional collaboration and participation.
I’m not only thrilled that my poem from Halloween last year, “Treats Only, Please!” is nominated for Publication of the Year for 2025 (after winning Publication of the Month for October 2024), but I’m honored to stand beside so many talented authors. There are several categories to vote in, so I hope you take the time to sign in and vote! Voting begins today, January 26th, and will end on January 31st.A Huge Thanks to Dagmara and her amazing team at Spillwords for continuing to share my work. It’s a privilege to be a part of her wonderful literary community. ❤️🙏
Now as promised from my previous post, I’m sharing my first group of book reviews that I gave 5 stars. Please note that the length of my reviews is irrelevant. All of these books are different but highly recommended, so my thoughts vary on each…
The one thing Pete Springer knew post high school graduation was that he wasn’t going to college. He worked several odd jobs, but then through his dad’s friend, Springer found himself working in a position that developed into a rewarding experience. He was doing something that mattered, which motivated him to consider college again, only this time with a goal in mind.
After reading the first few pages, it didn’t take me long to learn that Springer was a caring and dedicated elementary school teacher. The kind that all parents wish for their children. They Call Me Mom reads like a memoir of how becoming an educator impacted his life in a positive way, as well as the positive difference he made in his students’ lives. Readers are guided on a journey spanning over three decades of his career. Springer offers sage advice to new teachers beginning from setting up the classroom to the importance of getting to know the students. “The obvious question is, how does one go about connecting with students? Well, it starts on the first day of school.” Working with parents and creating teamwork among staff and administrators is also paramount in obtaining trust.
Springer’s memories made me laugh, and some tugged at my heart. His personal goal was to be the best he could be for each classroom ranging from second grade to sixth grade. Some of Springer’s former students stay in contact with him too, which is telling in itself. And it wasn’t all about the curriculum – so much more goes into teaching than simply following a textbook. Through his anecdotes, he talks about the joys, challenges, and rewards of a profession that should be valued to the highest degree. Springer’s compassionate character evokes memories of my high school choir teacher, Mr. Perry, who encouraged me to step out of my singing comfort zone. Because of his support, I was able to realize my dream at the time.
I highly recommend They Call Me Mom as a tool for new teachers, and for current teachers to be reminded of the valuable reason they chose their career in the first place. Parents will also gain more insight, finding this book extremely useful. For those of us who don’t work in education, Springer’s book speaks to creating healthy relationships which is inspiring and can be applied to everyday life. I have a much deeper appreciation for teachers after reading this account of a fulfilling teaching career.
Vicki Atkinson’s book is an honest and emotional memoir about living with her mom, Sue, who was plagued with mental health and addiction issues. Sue’s moods would shift from joyful to rage in no time, causing confusion and pain to anyone nearby. Vicki disclosed only the truth, no sugarcoating any situation, and even inserted humor at times. In the midst of chaos and after she moved out from her mother’s house, she remained concerned about her disabled sister, Lisa, who landed on the receiving end of their mother’s manipulation and abuse.
How Vicki met each challenging moment with resilience, compassion, and strength was absolutely amazing to discover. She uncovered the means for coping while also providing us a glimpse of the good side of Sue…her fun, entertaining qualities, and empathetic heart that advocated for others. I found this perspective to be heartwarming and inspirational. Vicki became a licensed counselor, so I’m sure living with her mom’s unstable personality offered insight for her future to counsel others. This book truly demonstrates what it means to love and forgive, and to stay strong in turbulent times. Highly recommended!
When Balroop Singh’s husband unexpectedly passed away, she turned to writing poetry to provide a place for her grief to exist. Just One Goodbye is Singh’s invitation to join her on a journey that will make your heart ache. I can’t pretend to know how she feels because I haven’t experienced the loss of my husband. However, I can understand a love so strong, and a husband who became my best friend that even imagining a world without him is unimaginable.
Singh begins the collection with “A Journey through Grief” in which she speaks of how the tears flowed when she wrote these poems, and how they flowed again when she re-read them to edit. After reading the first poem “Just One Goodbye” I knew her collection was going to be heart-tugging and emotional…
…I look at the door wishing it could open one more time I yearn for one more smile One more hug I promise I’ll let you go Just let me say goodbye
The love and bond shared between Singh and her husband was profound, so Singh’s grief is intense. When a loved one passes suddenly, especially a spouse, how does one make sense of such a heartbreaking moment? Sorrow takes the spotlight in the beginning, but as I turned the pages, I began to see a slight ray of hope. Singh begins to write about a future without her husband, expressing that such a feat is possible, though the grieving will never end. The shift in Singh’s writing from sorrow to hope is encouraging for all of us who will have to say ‘good-bye’ to a loved one at some time in our lives.
I have always admired Singh’s beautiful poetry, and this collection was a continuation of her brilliant writing talent. I’m only saddened that the subject matter was painful for her, but I hope that as time passes, grief will loosen its grip, and writing will continue to provide comfort. I highly recommend this powerful poetry collection.
Celebrating Poetry by Cindy Georgakas is a companion guide to her successful debut book, Re-Create and Celebrate, but this collection of conversational poems can easily be read alone. While immersing myself into her beautiful writing, I felt as though she and I were chatting over a cup of coffee in my home about the ups and downs life has delivered. In a world where tragedy appears to be never-ending, the inspiration and motivation found in each poem is warmly welcomed. On the other hand, Georgakas dips into vulnerability and authenticity that we all can relate to; no words are minced, a fine detail of her writing that I love. I suggest you keep this book nearby for easy access on your coffee table or nightstand. Many poems also speak to the healing magic of nature which resonates with me because of my love for hiking, camping, and backpacking.
Even though we’ve heard it before, Georgakas reiterates: “Be who you are. Everyone else is taken.” And in “Be the Tree: We are pods in the tree of life: our stories will not go untold. From ashes we are to ashes we must go, as we take root, trusting with all our might.”
Celebrating Poetry inspires and touches souls, whether they feel whole or broken. Many poems resonate, remind, and enlighten, but I’m spotlighting one that really stands out:
The Insidious Mind
The mind is so insidious. We thrash our inner world to pieces, judging, critiquing, berating ourselves to a bloody pulp.
It’s no wonder the world is full of hatred and ugliness when we can’t even treat ourselves kindly.
Self-doubt reflected becomes too painful to feel, so, we wear a mask of false bravado, hoping no one will see our fractured parts.
This inner war invading our world is the culprit of hiding our greatness, turning us inside out, free for the taking.
Bring it to light, remember this is the job of the mind and not who you are. Release these demons so you can be free.
Don’t let these words live rent free in your head, you deserve better than these lies and deception they’ll have you believe. Be your own best friend, evict them with no further notice, so you can get the show on the road and take your power back.
As a matter of fact, this poem should be read and processed by everyone. Then maybe the never-ending tragedy would finally reach its expiration date. An empowering and lovely poetry collection highly recommended.
Sesi Says Goodbye to Granny is a beautiful mother-son collaboration by Robbie and Michael Cheadle. Together they have written a delightful story about Sesi, an elephant calf, who is worried about the matriarch leaving the herd. Young Sesi questions that if her treasured Granny leaves, who will guide and take care of her family? In this charming tale, we learn about African Bush Elephants and are pleasantly entertained with exquisite images and artwork by Robbie Cheadle. I bought the paperback and was captivated by the vivid colors and stunning visuals with each turn of a page. My fascination with elephants began years ago, so it was interesting to learn more about the magnificent animals. Sesi’s adventure is a real treat for children; I can only imagine the curiosity and excitement a child would feel, but honestly, her story is for all ages because of the educational element. If you wonder about Granny and the future of the herd like Sesi does, then you’ll need to purchase your copy, and I highly recommend that you do!
I know I’ve packed a lot into this one post, but with my family and work, time won’t allow me to post or blog every day. So, your takeaways today are to VOTE at Spillwords Press by simply clicking on the link above and signing in. If I am honored to receive your vote then I thank you in advance. Most of all, I encourage you to support the wonderful authors whose writing enriches all of our lives.
And now you have more books to read! You can click on the titles that will gently carry you over to Amazon to purchase your copy. I wouldn’t be a normal author if I didn’t include a plug for my book too, so here it is. 🙂 Click on the image below to purchase your copy of Cora’s Quest (a children’s book that will be enjoyed by kids from 2-92!) And remember that reviews are like hugs, so if you enjoy any books here or in general, please consider sharing a review on Amazon and/or Goodreads. No rules apply: short or long, it doesn’t matter. Your time and support are appreciated by all Indie Authors. ❤️
Lastly, I am so grateful that you chose to visit me in your busy blogging schedule. I know it’s hard to keep up, so thank you! And I wish you a great day and week ahead!
Baydreamer Writes ~ Lauren Scott, Author 