Hello dear blog friends,

It's #TankaTuesday and poet Colleen Chesebro has a very different prompt for us today. She invites us to find our spirit animal by taking this quiz. After doing so, we're instructed to craft a syllabic poem with some of the identified traits.

It turns out that my spirit animal, according to this quiz, is a bear. At first I was surprised but upon reflection, it fit. I was a single mom with four kids for many years. And I spent my career in higher education, overseeing all things related to student behavior. I was the "mom" who sat bedside to sick or hurt kids, until the real mom arrived. And the "mom" who interfaced with the police, town officials, FBI, and more. Looking back, I have no idea how I managed as I did. But, I think bear fits me. 😊 

Maybe you'd like to share your spirit animal? If you're like me, the quiz will open an unexpected door - to an animal friend you've known all along. 

Have a wonderful week! 

​Hello blog friends,

I'm super excited to announce a new release by Vera Day. When Did We Lose Sylvia? is the first cozy mystery  of the Tulip, Texas, cozy mystery trilogy. The tiny town of Tulip is based on Vera's real-life town, which she playfully says is more like a stop sign at an intersection.
 
In her own words, Vera explains:

     I live in the most darling area south of Eastland, Texas. The craftsman-style  houses, the wildflowers, the chickens and cows, plus friendly neighbors (and one HUGE red bull) give a sense of being grounded. There are literary-poetic folks here, humorous folks, too, and a feed-n-seed that acts as a community watering hole. My favorite house is a pink house off Main Street, and you bet it makes an appearance in When Did We Lose Sylvia? 
     I wrote horror under the name Priscilla Bettis for several years but felt a Divine nudge to transition to Christian fiction. So, can a former horror author make the transition to cozy mysteries? I hope readers give my new book a chance and see.

I've just begun reading When Did We Lose Sylvia, and I'm mesmerized by Vera's writing. Bravo, Vera!  

​​Southern humor, faith, and murder intersect in the tiny town of Tulip, Texas.
 
Betty Bell is a famous poet, or at least a local celebrity, in the tiny town of Tulip, Texas. Gossip runs amok when a Goth teenager, Sylvia Smith, and her elderly grandfather arrive. Even worse, they’ve moved into the creepy, old Sanchez place on the outskirts of town.
 
Betty volunteers to teach a summer poetry class to restless Tulip teens. Soon, the kids are expressing themselves in stellar stanzas and heart-rending rhymes. But what was supposed to be a summer of ministering to the teens becomes a season of sleuthing when one of Betty’s students, the spooky Sylvia, goes missing.
 
When Sylvia turns up dead, suspicions point to Sylvia’s reclusive grandfather. Deputy Miller is a good man and excellent investigator, but after a second death shakes the small town, Betty is convinced the deputy is after the wrong suspect. Betty, her left-brained husband Larry, and her quirky friend Flora must use haunting haikus, couplet clues, and lots of prayer to track down the real killer.

AUTHOR BIO:
Vera Day is an avid reader and a joyful writer. After decades coasting along as a lukewarm
Christian, and after a few more years of writing in a secular genre under a different pen name, she experienced a series of events that can only be described as epiphanic… in the God sense, not the light bulb sense, though that also applies.
 
Now Vera Day writes in a new genre, the faith-inspired cozy mystery.
 
Vera lives in small-town Texas with her two-legged and four-legged family members. Her
neighbor is a cow, but as far as neighbors go, Daisy is a good ’un!
 
When Did We Lose Sylvia? is Vera’s first cozy mystery novel.
 
Vera is a member of the The Well Read Fish Christian fiction book review team.
Connect with Vera: https://twitter.com/VeraDayAuthor
​

Hello blog friends,

I've a new poem to share. This week Colleen Chesebro challenged followers to stretch a bit and write an Acrostic poem. I had never heard of this form before reading Colleen's post. Just in case it is new to you as well, Colleen explained that Acrostic poems are ones in which a word is spelled out vertically, and each letter becomes the first letter of each line.

She instructed us to choose one of these words: magical, charm, specter, fantasy, conjure, unicorn, imagination, oracle or malevolence. I decided to go with FANTASY. Additionally, she asked that we use a syllable count of 8, 9, or 10 syllables per line. 

My poem has 7 lines, and each line has 9 syllables.

​Whew! I did it, and I hope you like it. 

Have a great day, my friends. 😊

Hello blog friends,

The high desert of Arizona is abloom and even the weeds are celebrating. This past weekend, I worked in the garden a bit and then enjoyed handfuls of fresh strawberries. It was a delight.

Today master poet Colleen Chesebro invites followers to write a syllabic poem with synonyms of WORK and PLAY. My contribution relates to my strawberry patch and uses opposites of rainfall/sunshine and buried/released -- both capturing work and play. I hope you like the tanka.  

Have a wonderful week and enjoy Spring's celebration! ❤️

Hello blog friends,

I've another poem to share. Writer Colleen Chesebro posted a beautiful spring photo by Terri Webster Schrandt for her Tanka Tuesday prompt. She's invited us to follow our inspiration with a poem. 

My response is a simple tanka (5-7-5-7-7). I hope you enjoy it.

If you'd like to participate in Colleen's weekly challenge, click here to be linked to her website. You'll find lots of helpful resources and meet some great poet friends. 

I hope spring shines brightly in your area. Be well and laugh often. ❤️

Having grown up in the desert, the above photo caught my attention. There's a strange beauty to the vast areas of sand, but there's also threat.

My father built a dune buggy before such vehicles existed. And with it, he'd take us back into the sand dunes and the deserted Chocolate mountains. I've several stories of rattlesnakes, badgers, and tarantulas. And I've vivid memories of sunburns and blisters on bare feet. 

If you've a moment, check out Dan's challenge. You might find memories that prompt a story or poem. I'd love to read your share. 😊

Hello blog friends!

I'm participating in author Dan Antion's Third Annual Thursday Doors Writing Challenge. Dan invited photographers, who follow his Thursday Doors posts, to submit photos for this challenge. Writers were asked to study the photos and when inspired to create a poem or story. 

I've written two poems, each a two-stanza Tanka. Both deal with time.

​The first is a response to Sherry Felix's photo. 

Susan Rushton's photo inspired my second set of Tankas. 

If you are a writer and and would like to join in the fun, you can view the doors on the ​TDWC page.  Be sure to leave a link to your post in a comment on that same page.

Have a wonderful week! 😊

Hello blog friends,

I've another poem for you. This week Colleen Chesebro invites participants to write a tanka poem (5-7-5-7-7 syllables). My poem focuses on time - that which we carry with us and that which is celebrated. I hope you like it.

Have a wonderful week, dear friends, hopefully with plenty of reasons to celebrate! 

Hello blog friends,

It's another beautiful day in the Prescott, AZ area, and I'm prompted to share a story. Below are photos of the local pronghorn (sometimes referred to as antelopes) and Watson Lake. Almost every day I see both. If ever I feel overwhelmed by life's challenges, I go outside and hike. The splendor of the area never fails to calm whatever might be worrying me. 

Prescott is known for its outdoor enthusiasts - and artists. Photographers abound, as do painters, and writers. Since Sunday was World Book Day, the Prescott Area Arts and Humanities Council invited its authors to share their work at the Thumb Butte Book Festival. I happily participated.

It's exciting to be among people who love what they do. I met many writers, came home with new books to read, and invitations to join local forums. It was a long but very heartwarming day.

Most of us have sheltered since Covid reared its ugly head. It still haunts but less rigorously. This event was the first I've attended since the drama began. It was wonderful to be with fellow writers and share experiences. But, there was one encounter that remains unforgettable.

A group of four children wove in and out of the displays. I had chocolates on my table. They'd pause and stare, and I'd tell them to take as much as they wanted. The eldest child picked up Letting Go Into Perfect Love and studied it. I looked for parents but saw none. Later the children returned. Again, they stared at the chocolate, and I encouraged them to take as much as they wanted. Again, the eldest focused on Letting Go. Finally, I asked her how old she was.

"Thirteen," the young girl replied. I told her that her mother might like that book. "I don't have a mother!" She snapped. I explained that the book covered difficult topics. She straightened and said, "You have noooo idea what my life has been." And looking into her red-rimmed eyes, I offered the book as a gift, to her surprise and gratitude.

This child reminded me of a comment by writer Simon Van Booy. "Actually, years mean nothing. It's what's inside them." 

I hope "what's inside" your life brings you joy. Let's celebrate the moments and help others do the same. Certainly, you are a source of joy for me.❤️

Hello blog friends, I've some wonderful news to share.

Five writers - Vera Day, Mae Clair, Joan Hall, Staci Troilo, and I - have partnered to provide reviews of contemporary Christian fiction every Wednesday. Vera conceived of this project, invited fellow writers, and created a website​ for the reviews. Today is the launch!

I invite you to visit The Well Read Fish and if our effort interests you, please follow. 

From cozy mystery and fantasy to suspense and thriller, we review books that spark our interest. Maybe you've a favorite you'd like to suggest for review? We'd love to hear from you.    

Hello blog friends,

Today poet Colleen Chesbro celebrates her 65th birthday with an invitation. She asks that we create a poem of 65 syllables or 65 words. All participants must also name their new construct. 

I've created a poem of fifteen lines and 65 syllables (1-2-3-4-5-6-7-9-7-6-5-4-3-2-1). It's similar to a Double Inverted Nonet, so I'm calling it an Adjusted Nonet. 😊 

Happy Birthday, Colleen. I hope it is special in all ways. ❤️

​Hello, blog friends!

I'm excited to announce the publication of D.L. Finn's latest book: In The Tree's Shadow. My pre-order arrives today, and I can't wait to dive into the stories!

Most of you know Denise through her wonderful blog and her multi-genre books. She's a writer who believes there's magic in nature and helps all of us experience the same. Recently she shared that she collects rocks, teacups, coffee mugs, wind chimes, books, and record albums. It seems that her world is a storybook re-creation.

Welcome, Denise, and congratulations on In The Tree's Shadow! 
​

CONTACT LINKS:
​Twitter     Bookbub     Facebook     Instagram     Pinterest     D.L. Finn blog     Amazon Page

BIO:
​D. L. Finn is an independent California local who encourages everyone to embrace their inner child. She was born and raised in the foggy Bay Area, but in 1990 she relocated with her husband, kids, dogs, and cats to Nevada City, in the Sierra foothills. She immersed herself in reading all types of books but especially loved romance, horror, and fantasy. She always treasured creating her own reality on paper. Finally, surrounded by towering pines, oaks, and cedars, her creativity was nurtured until it bloomed. Her creations include children’s books, adult fiction, a unique autobiography, and poetry. She continues on her adventure with an open invitation to all readers to join her. 
​

Have a fantastic week! ❤️

Hello blog friends, I've another poem to share.

This week poet Colleen Chesebro invites participants to create a shadorma (3-5-3-3-7-5) to celebrate her birthday. As part of this challenge, she asks that we use three or four of the following words (my selections are in bold): scale, fish, month, soup, smile, sticks, slave, property, songs, bushes, rock, disease, shade, clouds, giants, spring, grape, books, polish, wing, approval, comparison, walk, front, or hot.  

​I hope you like it. Happy Birthday, Colleen! 

Have a wonderful week enjoying plenty of embraces. ❤️

Hello, dear blog friends!

​I've a personal story to share. Last week my husband turned 81, and though that's not a milestone, it was a reminder to enjoy our beautiful world. My gift was a trip to the Grand Canyon via a train ride from Williams, AZ. It was an amazing journey, a bucket list adventure for sure.

One of the things we learned on this trip was that the Canyon is over two billion years old. That's not eternity, but from a human perspective, it's pretty close. Looking into the vast cavernous area, I couldn't help but reflect on our beautiful planet. I suspect every visitor at its rim does the same. 

While on this trip, I never heard one word about politics, the looming financial crisis, the embattled cities … nothing. Every person beamed, chatted about happy topics, took photos, and basked in the sunlight. I think nature calms the soul and redirects it to Love. And for that reason, I believe we need to retreat into nature's embrace now and then. Don't you agree?

Standing at the Canyon edge, I had the overwhelming thought that our universe pulses with Creator Love and somehow we are part of that creative effort. If love begets love, then by our actions we help shape our world. We're not bystanders, we're creators - with a small "c." What a humbling yet powerful thought. 😊

Hello dear blog friends,

Each week writer Colleen Chesebro offers a poetry prompt and invites a response. This week she asks us to share the view outside your window through a syllabic poem.

Every morning, I awaken when it is still dark outside. The silence feeds my soul. Around 6:00 A.M., Mountain Standard Time, the sun peeks over the mountains. Some days, like today, it hides in the clouds, but just as often it rises in full glory. I enjoy watching the sunrise through my window, as I suspect you do as well. ❤️

My poem is a simple haiku. If the grandeur of the rising sun is a prelude for what awaits us, we've much to celebrate. Have a wonderful day.   

Hello blog friends,

Author Marcia Meara invited me to #GuestDayTuesday. She's a wonderful hostess and dear friend. I hope you'll stop by to say hello. If you've yet to read one of her books, I highly recommend them all. Currently, I'm deep into the Wake-Robin Ridge series. A young character, Rabbit, has captured my heart. He will yours as well.  ❤️

​Have a wonderful day! 

Hello, dear blog friends. It's #TankaTuesday, and I've another poem to share. Writer Colleen Chesebro invites us to write an Ekphrastic poem, using Claude Monet's beautiful painting below. As always, the poems need to be in a syllabic form.

Imagining Spring and with Monet's painting in mind, I've crafted a Butterfly Cinquain with the pattern of 2-4-6-8-2-8-6-4-2. I hope you enjoy it. I also hope signs of Spring are everywhere present in your part of the world. 💚

Hello blog friends, it's #TankaTuesday, and I've another poem to share. 

Writer Colleen Chesebro's prompt for this week is to use synonyms for the words spring and green. She asks that we create a syllabic poem according to the Word Craft guidelines. My response is a tanka, 5-7-5-7-7 syllables. I hope you enjoy it, and also hope you'll share your spring poem. 

Have a wonderful week and stay warm, laugh much. ❤️

Hello blog friends. 

Of recent I've thought about how writing changes us - the word-crafting, the research, the humbling process of marketing. I hope you'll walk with me as I try to explain. 
​
If we look back through the years, I suspect we'll all discover a naiver version of ourselves. We've grown because we've dared to share our imaginations and aspirations. 

Some, like my sons, climb mountains. Others embark on a pilgrimage. My friend hikes the Camino de Santiago, and he's on his sixth journey now. Whatever our path, life draws us forward. It is for this reason, that I read with a sense of awe for all the hours upon hours writers put into their books. 

I'm much behind on my Kindle, but I've committed to dive deep and lighten its weight. Presently, I'm focused on the Wake Robin Ridge series. Marcia Meara is a gifted writer, and I'm entranced by her stories. 

I'm also reading a nonfiction book -- Secrets of the Light. Brinkley writes of his realizations after three Near Death Experiences. Though most of us have not had a NDE, there's a good chance we've come close. Many of us have touched mystery through our personal struggles and wondered why. Why me? Why now? Why … ?

Doesn't that question, why, in all its various forms, drive many of us to write? Reading Meara's series, I'm mindful of her characters' questions and answers, and as I read, I discover my own. Do you have a similar experience? 

Have a wonderful week, my friends. I hope to focus on your books soon, if I haven't already done so. Happy reading and writing! ❤️