Hello, blog friends!

I hope you had a truly wonderful Christmas. The holidays seem particularly special this year, don't they? With so much confusion in our world, each indication of peace, joy, or love is deeply appreciated. 

I've another poem to share. This week Colleen Chesebro invites us to write an Abhanga - a three stanza poem of 4 lines each, with syllables of 6-6-6-4 and with lines 2 and 3 rhyming. Participants are expected to include a seasonal word or phrase in each stanza. I've highlighted my selected words. 

I hope you enjoy this poem. It's my first attempt at this Korean structure. Thumbs up or down, it was fun to create.

I sincerely wish you a very Happy New Year.  Let's cheer in 2024 and claim it for prosperity. We deserve it, don't you agree? 
                                                                                                            ❤️  Gwen

Dear blog friends,

The holidays are upon us, and there's excitement in the air. Snow flurries swirl in our area, as shoppers rush from one store to another. Whatever your plans might be for this season, I wish you much good health and abundant joy. Don't we crave both these days?

Author Colleen Chesebro invites us to write a seasonal poem and include key words associated with this time of the year. My words are gingerbread, hot cocoa, and  The Nutcracker. 

A personal story. My daughter began taking ballet lessons around five years old and eventually danced professionally. I mention this because I've watched dozens of Nutcracker performances over the Christmas season and now live with the memories of those busy and beautiful years. 

Here's my Tanka, and with it, I send my good wishes for a blessed Holiday season. 

The Soul Whisperer's Decision involves the spiritual realm - the relationship of life and death, the tensions of good and bad, and the healing force of Love.

The story begins with Sarah Jameson walking home from a nursing shift at County Central Hospital. She normally doesn't work on Saturdays, but a fellow nurse needed help and Sarah volunteered. Tired but happy, she basks in the sunlight, chats with neighbors, and then embraces her lovely family - two young children and her dear husband. 

Minutes later, Sarah climbs into her car with the two youngsters and heads to the grocery store. At the end of the street, she sits and waits for the traffic light to turn green. When it does, she slowly edges across the street and is hit broadside by a truck. Sarah barely survives the accident, but her two young children do not. 

While comatose, Sarah travels into the heavenly world where she visits with her precious little ones. She is given a choice - to return to her husband, Jack, or remain with her children in the bliss of their celestial home. 

Jack heard the crash and ran to help, but there was nothing he could do. The heartbreaking events resurrect his struggle with PTSD from his military years in the Marines. At times he cannot distinguish between the present and the past, and he is overwhelmed by his loss. 

This accident tragically changes the lives of a young family, but surprises await. Out of the sorrow emerges unexpected blessings, profound healings, and great hope. In this story, Love conquers all. 
​

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Hello blog friends,

This week, poet Colleen Chesebro invites us to write three kimo poems. These unique Japanese poems consist of 10-7-6 syllables. She also asks that we include a kigo (seasonal) word or phrase in each poem. I've highlighted my selected words. 

It's very chilly in my part of the world, but we don't have snow. In my poem, A First Kiss, I travel through my imagination. I hope you enjoy it. 

​I hope you have a wonderful week - snow or no snow. ❤️

Hello blog friends,

It's been a very chilly week in my part of the world. The streets have grown quiet as frost covers windows. Most of us stay inside on these cold grey days. If we venture into nature, it is with caution and layers upon layers of cover. 

Colleen Chesebro invites us to think about our experience of the season and capture it in verse. My poem is a little different this week. The winds and icy conditions have prompted deeper reflection. 

I've written a simple Tanka (5-7-5-7-7) and used winter freeze as my kigo phrase. I hope you like my divergence from the norm. 

I hope you have a terrific week. If you live in the northern hemisphere, bundle up. Winter is just beginning. ❄️