Words from the Heart

This quote, "All poetry is prayer," is credited to Samuel Beckett. For me, no truer statement has been made! November begins the annual 30 Poems in November fundraiser for Center for New Americans (CNA). With all the wars, natural and manmade disasters around the world, our numbers at CNA are growing. Grants from both private and governmental organizations keep us afloat, but it is the donations to our fundraising that allows us to offer technology in the classrooms and assistance for various special projects that arise during the year.  This year, I have decided to write a poetic prayer each day in November. I will then put them in a book and publish them. I will send a signed copy of the book to all those who contribute to my efforts. In addition, once the book is live on Amazon, I will donate the royalties to CNA. I pray that you will find it in your heart to donate.  Here is the link:  Language of All People – Center for New Americans (cnam.org) Thank you all in advan...

A few weeks ago, I joined many of my friends as a septuagenarian.  I honestly find it difficult to believe that many years have come and gone, but I am ever grateful for being here! This year, my word for the year was reflect. There has been a lot to reflect on this year. In my reflections, I have had the opportunity to share with my oldest granddaughter some of the wisdom or life hacks that have come my way.  I thought I would share them with all of you, as well.  First and foremost – be true to yourself! Never let others talk you out of being YOU! Don’t give up on your dreams. You may not get there immediately, but you WILL get there if you keep focused on what they are.  Look both ways more than once before crossing the street, at stop signs, red lights, and railroad tracks. Never assume that the other people will stop. Try not to be reactionary. Think before you speak, make decisions, or act on something that is happening.  Make your bed every day....

By the authority vested in me as nobody in particular, but somebody special to many, I declare today to be Friend Remembrance Day! After hearing about the death of yet another friend, one I had lost touch with over the years, I thought I would create a space to remember those who left this time and space, especially for those who never got to say goodbye before they journeyed on beyond the stars. Dear Ones - know you are loved beyond measure and missed more than words can convey. Blessings!  

 Today, I have the honor of sharing a guest post with the author of I Can't Wait to Love You Forever, Patricia Eckerman Ambas.  I highly recommend this book both for the content and the illustrations. I wished I had a copy of it way back when I was raising my girls. Patricia is a talented writer. I hope you enjoy her post. Grandchildren Connections Grandparents are powerful forces. The ones who can be the second parents, but more of the love and fun, and less of the discipline. Not even close to being a grandmother yet, I consider myself close to the source of what grandchildren want (as a beloved and loving granddaughter myself) and raising three children who have a close connection with both sets of grandparents. I have two tips to share with you that can begin to cultivate a stronger relationship with your grandchildren.  One of the reasons I’m sharing on this topic is that I’m finding some of my biggest book fans are grandparents. They love buying my books for their g...

How I wish I could have had a book like this when I was raising my four daughters! I Can't Wait to Love You Forever by Patricia Eckerman Ambas is a delightful and heartwarming story of how a wise mother helps her child prepare for the birth of their sibling.  Eckerman does a superb job of showing just how games and positive reinforcement can teach children to deal with situations that, for the child, can be confusing, scary, or sad.  In addition, Amira Daaboul's illustrations make this book come alive! Her soft colors and gentle portraits of mother and child bring a feeling of peace and harmony. My favorite page was the last of the story. No spoilers...you will simply need to read the book to understand why! I highly recommend I Can't Wait to Love You Forever for anyone expecting an additional child in their family. This book will become a treasure in your home library! ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Patricia Eckerman Ambas loves sharing stories - everything is a story waiting to ...

  As a child, I struggled to read aloud. I read fine silently, but when asked to share what I read, I had a difficult time articulating the story. If I read aloud without the ability to isolate words, the page looked like a jumble of letters. This was embarrassing, especially when the teacher told the class that I was an obstinate, lazy child! Back in the late 50's and early 60's, special education was not part of the school curriculum. Children with learning difficulties or, as I like to say, different abilities, either acted out and became behavioral problems or became invisible and hoped no one would notice them. I was the latter. Thankfully, I had a sixth-grade teacher, Sr. Ralph, who saw my talent for painting pictures with words and encouraged me to read and write. I read everything I put my hands on and taught myself how to share what I read.  During our poetry celebration, one of my poems was placed on the wall. Sister Superior commented on its beautiful images. I...

Sitting here in the early morning hours of the first day of 2023, I will begin by reflecting on last year's words - toast and savor. (This year, my word is "reflect!")  Last year when I hit the Word of the Year generator , I was not happy with my "inspirational" word - toast. For the first time, I hit the generator again. The second time, I got "hope." More like it, I thought. But then, as often happens when I need to pause and think about things, I was led to check the etymology of "toast," which I was thinking of in the noun form, not the verb form.    The etymology states, "toast - a call to drink to someone's health," 1690s (but said by Steele, 1709, to date to the reign of Charles II)." With the pandemic still raging, what better thing to do than to wish someone good health?    During 2022, I found that I "toasted" often and with great sincerity. Many family members and friends battled with health issues. I h...