Hello blog friends,

Poet Colleen Chesebro has a new Ekphrastic prompt. She asks that we use the painting below by artist John Singer Sargent as inspiration for a syllabic poem. She adds, "Remember... don't just describe the woman... we can all see her. Like all of us, this woman has a story. Write THAT poem..."

I've written a simple tanka (5-7-5-7-7) and suggested a story. I wonder if you have a similar one after studying the painting. Do let me know. It's fun to hear how each of us perceives a work of art. 

I hope you have a fantastic weekend. ❤️

Hello blog friends.

Today D.L. Finn features my new book REDEMPTION on her beautiful website, and I'm super excited. Denise is not only an award-winning writer, she's also a dear friend. On this second day of the book tour, she shares her thoughts and my comments here. Maybe you'd like to add your own? 

Denise is a prolific writer and has more than a dozen books on Amazon's shelves. Her tomes include poetry and novels of various genres. Much of her writing is inspired by the forests in and around the Sierra foothills of Northern California where she lives. If you enjoy natural beauty, you'll love her work. 

Three of Denise's recent books are featured below--The Angels & Evildwels Series. If you haven't read them yet, I encourage you to find the time. You won't be disappointed. Just click on the image to travel to Amazon.  

Have a wonderful day, and thank you for celebrating with me. ❤️​

Dear blog friends,

It's been heartbreaking to watch the details of the recent derailment of a train in the little town of East Palestine, Ohio. For those who are unaware, this train was loaded with toxic chemicals, and the fumes from those burning chemicals now permeate the air. It affects all life -- little children, adults, beloved animals, wild animals, the fish in the river... all life.

I've written a short syllabic poem entitled To Breathe, which I share below. My prayers accompany it. No one should be afraid of the air they breathe. ❤️

Dear blog friends, 

It's Tanka Tuesday and poet Colleen Chesebro has a new prompt. She invites us to write a syllabic poem using synonyms for the words change and grow. We cannot use the two prompt words in the poem. Sounds like fun, right? 

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

Have a wonderful week, dear friends. I look forward to reading your poem, if you're inclined to share. 😊

Hello blog friends,

I've some good news to share. But first a confession - I'm an avowed introvert, especially when it comes to marketing. I'd hide, if I could. That admitted, my friends at Voice of Indie pulled me out of my cave and invited me to their podcast on Wednesday. We'll talk about my new book, REDEMPTION. If you have interest, the link is below. 

REDEMPTION, A Father's Fatal Decision is a story of forgiveness, intertwined in a suspense thriller. The theme travels through family secrets to the final resolution of the turmoil. A brother and sister team solve the mystery of their father's hidden life, and in so doing, they discover the meaning of redemption.

Maybe of interest? If so, please join us.
​ 
Enjoy your week, dear friends, and HAPPY VALENTINES DAY! ❤️
​

​https://www.blogtalkradio.com/voiceofindie1/2023/02/16/voice-of-indie-episode-133

​a simple tanka, inspired by Redemption

Hello blog friends,

​It's poetry time...

This week poet Colleen Chesebro offers a beautiful photo prompt created by photographer Terri Webster Schrandt.  My response is a simple tanka (syllables of 5-7-5-7-7). The rose and Valentine's Day are my inspiration. 

Won't you join in the fun? I'd love to read your poem. ❤️

Have a wonderful week!

Hello blog friends!

I'm excited to share that poet Colleen Chesebro invited me to participate in her Meet The Poet feature. Colleen is well-known for her beautiful syllabic poetry and has multiple published collections. Through her tireless efforts, she has mentored and inspired novice poets across the planet. Her reach truly extends into the hearts of poetry lovers everywhere.

If you'd like to visit Colleen's post and her interview with me, here's the link. I hope to see you there.

​Have a wonderful week. 😊