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. 😊