I read this collection of poems by blogger and author Colin Chappell as part of my celebration of National Poetry Month in April. As Colin describes his book, it is… “A little book for when you have a little time with some little writings, which may produce some little thoughts.” And producing thoughts based on … Continue reading “JUST THINKING: A Review”
Published in 2017 by Dewit O. Woldu and Irvin Bromall, this “composite story” reflects refugees’ experiences in seeking asylum in the USA. Woldu relays the story of “Natsnet” who journeyed from Eritrea to Saudi Arabia, then finally to Florida. The book is a personal ethnography dealing with abuse of human rights and the “burdens that … Continue reading “FACES OF OPPRESSION AND THE PRICE OF JUSTICE, A Woman’s Journey from Eritrea to Saudi Arabia and Then The United States: A Review”
On this first day of April, National Poetry Month, I have some personal goals and plans to celebrate poetry. I began with a trip to a primary school located across from my subdivision where I volunteer in the library and have been helping students write in Mrs. Villarreal’s bilingual first-grade class. We finished our spotlight … Continue reading “POETRY MONTH IMPORTANT DATES”
It is Friday again, and time for First Line Fridays. Today’s first line is from blogging friend, Colin Chappell’s and CarolynShelton’s Odessa Chronicles, which I plan to start tonight. Introduction We’re Going to be in a Book! “There was a familiar whoosh-whoosh sound as Odessa flew down from her roof beam, and landed on the floor … Continue reading “FIRST LINE FRIDAYS: A Preview”
Today I finished Joyce Carol Oates’, The Man Without a Shadow (to be reviewed on this blog soon). This marks the halfway mark another blogger and I took on together to read a book beginning with each letter of the alphabet (not counting “A,” “An,” and “The.”). We have both decided to take a break … Continue reading “HALFWAY FINISHED: The Alphabet Challenge”
The last time I did one of these was April 15th. I could blame it on the end of the semester; I could blame it on having back and foot trouble and having to schedule doctor’s visits and “down times,” but I guess I’d better “‘fess up” and tell the truth–I have been incredibly lazy. … Continue reading “SUNDAY (EVENING) POST”
Inspired by National Poetry Month, I have been reading more poetry than I have in many years. These few quotes about poetry are worth sharing: “Poetry is what Milton saw when he went blind.” Don Marquis, creator of Archie and Mehitibel “Poetry comes fine, spun from a mind at peace.” Ovid “Poetry is the record of the best … Continue reading “READING OUTSIDE ONE’S USUAL GENRE’”
I have made my own, personal book challenge, to read all of Anne Lamott’s writings. Those who have been inspired, uplifted, comforted, challenged or angered by her essays will automatically understand why I would want to do this. For readers new to Lamott, your challenge/mission (“should you accept it”) is to try one book of … Continue reading “THE ANNE LAMOTT MINI-CHALLENGE”
Oftentimes, a story within a story spins a fascinating tale, as the present day protagonist peels layer after layer from a secret or unknown mystery that affects her as she searches and researches. Avery Stafford, a purely fictional character,is perplexed by family inconsistencies and strange clues her Grandma Judy’s Alzheimer’s-affected mind drops from time to … Continue reading “BEFORE WE WERE YOURS by Lisa Wingate: A Review”
This past week was a busy one with doctor’s appointments, a couple of tests (hoops to jump through for insurance coverage of a back procedure I badly need), and readying my Advanced Writing class for Spring Break and the Argument/Research papers that are due on the 21st of March. Therefore, I had a minimum amount … Continue reading “SUNDAY (EVENING) POST”
