Marc Wambolt's Blog, page 5
October 28, 2011
MARC'S MEMOS
10-28-11
I was excited to see this recent unsolicited review of my chapbook, POEMS FROM THE HEART, on Amazon.com. It was a wonderful review and it can be found by clicking on “See all 5 customer reviews …” or on the right side of the page under “Most Recent Customer Reviews.” I am extremely proud of it. I would like to publicly acknowledge my appreciation to Rebecca Johnson of “The Rebecca Review” for her kind words and the fact that she took the time to post them. Here it is as it appears on Amazon.com.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful Expressions of Love, October 22, 2011
By
Rebecca Johnson "The Rebecca Review" (Washington State)
This review is from: Poems from the Heart (Kindle Edition)
Marc Wambolt is a gifted poet who truly loves his family and expresses this love in lovely poems that have a comforting rhythm and rhyme. Some of the poems were written for special occasions and others are written out of complete joy. Some of the topics include the birth of new babies in the family, cruise vacations, anniversaries and retirement. Marc Wambolt has also written poems about his parents. What most impressed me about this collection is the genuine expression of love the poet feels for those lucky enough to be related to him. If you are a parent or a grandparent you will really relate to these poems.
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
I was excited to see this recent unsolicited review of my chapbook, POEMS FROM THE HEART, on Amazon.com. It was a wonderful review and it can be found by clicking on “See all 5 customer reviews …” or on the right side of the page under “Most Recent Customer Reviews.” I am extremely proud of it. I would like to publicly acknowledge my appreciation to Rebecca Johnson of “The Rebecca Review” for her kind words and the fact that she took the time to post them. Here it is as it appears on Amazon.com.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful Expressions of Love, October 22, 2011
By
Rebecca Johnson "The Rebecca Review" (Washington State)
This review is from: Poems from the Heart (Kindle Edition)
Marc Wambolt is a gifted poet who truly loves his family and expresses this love in lovely poems that have a comforting rhythm and rhyme. Some of the poems were written for special occasions and others are written out of complete joy. Some of the topics include the birth of new babies in the family, cruise vacations, anniversaries and retirement. Marc Wambolt has also written poems about his parents. What most impressed me about this collection is the genuine expression of love the poet feels for those lucky enough to be related to him. If you are a parent or a grandparent you will really relate to these poems.
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
October 11, 2011
MARC'S MEMOS
10-11-11
Encouraged by my first attempt at a 30 second teaser for my chapbook POEMS FROM THE HEART, I decided I would try again to make another video.
With the Christmas holiday right around the corner, I thought I would recruit Mr. and Mrs. Claus to help me. It is 60 seconds this time. Please check it out. I hope you enjoy it!
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
Encouraged by my first attempt at a 30 second teaser for my chapbook POEMS FROM THE HEART, I decided I would try again to make another video.
With the Christmas holiday right around the corner, I thought I would recruit Mr. and Mrs. Claus to help me. It is 60 seconds this time. Please check it out. I hope you enjoy it!
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
September 10, 2011
MARC'S MEMOS
9-11-11
On the anniversary of the terrorist attack on this country, it is still hard to comprehend the scope of the tragedy that took place ten years ago today. From the actual physical devastation to the horrific impact it had on friends and families of the victims. Watching television programs that detail the event and its aftermath are still very emotional for me. I can’t imagine how traumatic it must have been to actually be affected by it directly. How difficult life must be after the loss of a mom, dad, husband, wife, son, daughter, or even a friend. I hope that those friends and families of the victims are beginning to heal as time passes. May fond memories of their loved ones replace the heartache and inspire them to move forward.
I remember how many people responded to the attack by placing an American flag in their front yard. Storefronts displayed the flag and patriotic slogans popped up everywhere. Even cars were adorned with flags and decals.
Every year, I proudly fly my American flag to commemorate the heroes and the victims of that day. It was an unbelievable and shocking tragedy, but now it has become a day to remember and never forget. Unfortunately, there is still a threat out there to our freedom and our way of life. It is a sad reality that we all have to live with.
This doesn’t deter Americans from joining together and being determined to show the world that we are strong, resilient and proud of who we are. A recent program on TV chronicled the rebuilding effort that is rising from the destruction. It is amazing to see what has already been accomplished after seeing the total annihilation of what once stood as a symbol of America’s strength and ingenuity.
These are tough economic times and recent natural disasters are making life a struggle for many Americans. We have survived 9-11 and hopefully we can get through this crisis too.
Stay strong and GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!
Until next time, take care! Marc
On the anniversary of the terrorist attack on this country, it is still hard to comprehend the scope of the tragedy that took place ten years ago today. From the actual physical devastation to the horrific impact it had on friends and families of the victims. Watching television programs that detail the event and its aftermath are still very emotional for me. I can’t imagine how traumatic it must have been to actually be affected by it directly. How difficult life must be after the loss of a mom, dad, husband, wife, son, daughter, or even a friend. I hope that those friends and families of the victims are beginning to heal as time passes. May fond memories of their loved ones replace the heartache and inspire them to move forward.
I remember how many people responded to the attack by placing an American flag in their front yard. Storefronts displayed the flag and patriotic slogans popped up everywhere. Even cars were adorned with flags and decals.
Every year, I proudly fly my American flag to commemorate the heroes and the victims of that day. It was an unbelievable and shocking tragedy, but now it has become a day to remember and never forget. Unfortunately, there is still a threat out there to our freedom and our way of life. It is a sad reality that we all have to live with.
This doesn’t deter Americans from joining together and being determined to show the world that we are strong, resilient and proud of who we are. A recent program on TV chronicled the rebuilding effort that is rising from the destruction. It is amazing to see what has already been accomplished after seeing the total annihilation of what once stood as a symbol of America’s strength and ingenuity.
These are tough economic times and recent natural disasters are making life a struggle for many Americans. We have survived 9-11 and hopefully we can get through this crisis too.
Stay strong and GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!
Until next time, take care! Marc
July 11, 2011
MARC'S MEMOS
7-11-11
I just returned from a wonderful vacation in Colorado. We flew into Denver, rented a car and headed to our destination. Our planned visit was to Rocky Mountain National Park and the little town that lies just outside the entrance. Estes Park is its name and is derived from the founder’s last name and “Park” which had the connotation of ‘Valley” at the time.
Estes Park provides a free shuttle system to navigate the town. This helps alleviate some of the traffic. There is still some congestion though as the population of this little hamlet swells during the summer. I understand that approximately two million people visit the area. This is due to the beautiful scenery everywhere you look and its proximity to Denver. The milder temperatures and clean mountain air make it a refreshing respite from the city.
We did drive the car to explore Rocky Mountain National Park. We took Trail Ridge Road that is the highest continually paved road in the U.S and made our way to the Alpine Visitor’s Center at 11,796 ft. above sea level. There was still quite a bit of snow to be seen at that altitude and it was the 4th of July!
Speaking of the 4th of July, we had an awesome view of a spectacular fireworks display over Lake Estes from a bench just outside our hotel room. It was an unforgettable ending to a very memorable day.
Estes Park is also home to the Stanley Hotel, which you may remember from the movie “The Shinning.” You can get there by boarding the free Blue-Line shuttle from the Visitor’s Center in town. Besides stopping at the hotel, it also circles Lake Estes as well and the entire loop only takes about thirty minutes before returning to the Visitor’s Center.
I highly recommend a visit to this little gem if you are ever in Colorado. It is only ten minutes from the entrance to the magnificent Rocky Mountain National Park. I will definitely go back again!
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
I just returned from a wonderful vacation in Colorado. We flew into Denver, rented a car and headed to our destination. Our planned visit was to Rocky Mountain National Park and the little town that lies just outside the entrance. Estes Park is its name and is derived from the founder’s last name and “Park” which had the connotation of ‘Valley” at the time.
Estes Park provides a free shuttle system to navigate the town. This helps alleviate some of the traffic. There is still some congestion though as the population of this little hamlet swells during the summer. I understand that approximately two million people visit the area. This is due to the beautiful scenery everywhere you look and its proximity to Denver. The milder temperatures and clean mountain air make it a refreshing respite from the city.
We did drive the car to explore Rocky Mountain National Park. We took Trail Ridge Road that is the highest continually paved road in the U.S and made our way to the Alpine Visitor’s Center at 11,796 ft. above sea level. There was still quite a bit of snow to be seen at that altitude and it was the 4th of July!
Speaking of the 4th of July, we had an awesome view of a spectacular fireworks display over Lake Estes from a bench just outside our hotel room. It was an unforgettable ending to a very memorable day.
Estes Park is also home to the Stanley Hotel, which you may remember from the movie “The Shinning.” You can get there by boarding the free Blue-Line shuttle from the Visitor’s Center in town. Besides stopping at the hotel, it also circles Lake Estes as well and the entire loop only takes about thirty minutes before returning to the Visitor’s Center.
I highly recommend a visit to this little gem if you are ever in Colorado. It is only ten minutes from the entrance to the magnificent Rocky Mountain National Park. I will definitely go back again!
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
June 11, 2011
MARC'S MEMOS
6-11-11
I just spent three days and three nights babysitting my two wonderful grandchildren. Their mother, my daughter, was in San Diego to run in the Rock-N-Roll ½ Marathon with her husband. It was the first time that we have had the grandkids for that long. Thankfully, they are very easy to take care of and are not the whiny type.
I try to make things interesting for them when they visit and I like to participate in whatever they are doing. At 4 (boy) and 2 (girl) years old, sometimes it becomes quite a task to keep up with them as they have a lot of energy. Luckily, there were two of us watching them and that made it a lot easier.
It is summer now and we are fortunate enough to have a pool. It is almost a necessity here in the desert. Both of the kids are taking swimming lessons and my grandson swims like a fish. My grand daughter is trying, but needs a little more assistance. They both love the water.
We always watch for pool toys at the end of each season and last year we got a deal on an inflatable pirate ship. Now was a good time to get it out of storage and try it out. I almost had a heart attack blowing it up, but it was worth it. They had so much fun and the pictures I took were priceless.
I am so grateful for the time I get to spend with my grandkids. It makes “Pops” a very, very happy man!
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC (POPS)
I just spent three days and three nights babysitting my two wonderful grandchildren. Their mother, my daughter, was in San Diego to run in the Rock-N-Roll ½ Marathon with her husband. It was the first time that we have had the grandkids for that long. Thankfully, they are very easy to take care of and are not the whiny type.
I try to make things interesting for them when they visit and I like to participate in whatever they are doing. At 4 (boy) and 2 (girl) years old, sometimes it becomes quite a task to keep up with them as they have a lot of energy. Luckily, there were two of us watching them and that made it a lot easier.
It is summer now and we are fortunate enough to have a pool. It is almost a necessity here in the desert. Both of the kids are taking swimming lessons and my grandson swims like a fish. My grand daughter is trying, but needs a little more assistance. They both love the water.
We always watch for pool toys at the end of each season and last year we got a deal on an inflatable pirate ship. Now was a good time to get it out of storage and try it out. I almost had a heart attack blowing it up, but it was worth it. They had so much fun and the pictures I took were priceless.
I am so grateful for the time I get to spend with my grandkids. It makes “Pops” a very, very happy man!
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC (POPS)
May 11, 2011
MARC'S MEMOS
5-11-11
In an attempt to make my 'GoodReads Profile Page' a little more interesting, I decided I would try to make a short video since there was a space on it that provided for one. With all the wonderful computer programs and easy to follow instructions, I thought that it wouldn't be a problem. So, I began my big production.
Fast forward weeks later. Not happy with the results, I gave up on my original idea and settled on a "30 Second Teaser." I guess that's what they call it. Anyway, after muddling through the process, I finally settled on a version with only basic information. Anyway, it will have to do for now. Please, check it out.
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
In an attempt to make my 'GoodReads Profile Page' a little more interesting, I decided I would try to make a short video since there was a space on it that provided for one. With all the wonderful computer programs and easy to follow instructions, I thought that it wouldn't be a problem. So, I began my big production.
Fast forward weeks later. Not happy with the results, I gave up on my original idea and settled on a "30 Second Teaser." I guess that's what they call it. Anyway, after muddling through the process, I finally settled on a version with only basic information. Anyway, it will have to do for now. Please, check it out.
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
May 1, 2011
MARC'S MEMOS
5-1-11
Way back when I started this blog, it was a weekly piece that in my mind had great promise. I used it as a way to introduce myself to GoodReads members while being an active participant in different groups I thought I might enjoy. As time passed, my blog became a bi-weekly venture but I still continued to attempt to include something pertinent. Now, it seems my blog has become a scattered thought that appears only once a month.
Unfortunately, I don't think anyone has noticed. However, I will take this opportunity to thank the few that have stopped by to view my postings. I still intend to keep writing this blog and hope that I will have more time in the future to do so. Meanwhile, I hope you will come back again to check it out.
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
Way back when I started this blog, it was a weekly piece that in my mind had great promise. I used it as a way to introduce myself to GoodReads members while being an active participant in different groups I thought I might enjoy. As time passed, my blog became a bi-weekly venture but I still continued to attempt to include something pertinent. Now, it seems my blog has become a scattered thought that appears only once a month.
Unfortunately, I don't think anyone has noticed. However, I will take this opportunity to thank the few that have stopped by to view my postings. I still intend to keep writing this blog and hope that I will have more time in the future to do so. Meanwhile, I hope you will come back again to check it out.
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
April 1, 2011
MARC'S MEMOS
4-1-11
Traditionally, April 1st would be a great time for an April Fool's joke or prank. Not having much luck pulling off a good one in the past, I decided not to attempt one now. Instead, I chose to write about how beautiful it is here is the southwest desert and how enjoyable the weather is this time of year. It rivals the fall weather that we crave so much after enduring the long and brutal heat of the summer.
Along with the spectacular blooms of flowering cactuses and the native Palo Verde trees comes Opening Day for Major League baseball. Yesterday, many of the teams made their season debut. However, today is the beginning for my hometown team, the Diamondbacks.
As a kid growing up in Southern California, I was a big fan of the Dodgers in the early sixties. It was so exciting back then following my “heroes” while listening to the game on the radio. I don’t remember much coverage on T.V. until your team made it to the playoffs. Most regular broadcast games were east coast teams.
Anyway, a lot of our spare time was devoted to actually playing baseball out in the street. Almost everyday after school, we would round up the neighborhood kids and play until someone was called in for dinner. That usually ended the game. We also had fun trading baseball cards. I think they came 7 or 8 cards in a pack (with bubble gum) and were 3 packs for 10 cents at the store. That, of course, was a long time ago. I could go on reminiscing, but maybe in another blog. Meanwhile, GO DIAMONDBACKS!!!
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
Traditionally, April 1st would be a great time for an April Fool's joke or prank. Not having much luck pulling off a good one in the past, I decided not to attempt one now. Instead, I chose to write about how beautiful it is here is the southwest desert and how enjoyable the weather is this time of year. It rivals the fall weather that we crave so much after enduring the long and brutal heat of the summer.
Along with the spectacular blooms of flowering cactuses and the native Palo Verde trees comes Opening Day for Major League baseball. Yesterday, many of the teams made their season debut. However, today is the beginning for my hometown team, the Diamondbacks.
As a kid growing up in Southern California, I was a big fan of the Dodgers in the early sixties. It was so exciting back then following my “heroes” while listening to the game on the radio. I don’t remember much coverage on T.V. until your team made it to the playoffs. Most regular broadcast games were east coast teams.
Anyway, a lot of our spare time was devoted to actually playing baseball out in the street. Almost everyday after school, we would round up the neighborhood kids and play until someone was called in for dinner. That usually ended the game. We also had fun trading baseball cards. I think they came 7 or 8 cards in a pack (with bubble gum) and were 3 packs for 10 cents at the store. That, of course, was a long time ago. I could go on reminiscing, but maybe in another blog. Meanwhile, GO DIAMONDBACKS!!!
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
March 1, 2011
MARC'S MEMOS
3-1-11
I just returned from a wonderful vacation. It was a 10-day cruise to the Caribbean. We visited St. Thomas, St. Lucia, St. Kitts, Antigua and Barbados. It was paradise times five. I am very fortunate to be able to travel to these beautiful places. I realize that not everyone has the good fortune to do so, especially in this economy, and I am truly grateful.
We spent most of our time swimming and relaxing in the sun at the beaches. The weather was perfect and the water was incredible. Growing up on the west coast where the Pacific Ocean never got warmer than about 64 degrees, this was heaven. Indeed, the Caribbean seems to be heaven on earth!
As usual, the time flew by way too fast. Before we knew it, we were on the airplane again and heading back to reality. I am already looking forward to my next adventure.
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
I just returned from a wonderful vacation. It was a 10-day cruise to the Caribbean. We visited St. Thomas, St. Lucia, St. Kitts, Antigua and Barbados. It was paradise times five. I am very fortunate to be able to travel to these beautiful places. I realize that not everyone has the good fortune to do so, especially in this economy, and I am truly grateful.
We spent most of our time swimming and relaxing in the sun at the beaches. The weather was perfect and the water was incredible. Growing up on the west coast where the Pacific Ocean never got warmer than about 64 degrees, this was heaven. Indeed, the Caribbean seems to be heaven on earth!
As usual, the time flew by way too fast. Before we knew it, we were on the airplane again and heading back to reality. I am already looking forward to my next adventure.
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
February 7, 2011
MARC'S MEMOS
2-7-11
Once again, it has been quite a while since my last blog. It is amazing how time flies. The holidays and day-to-day activities keep you so busy. Before you know it, a couple of weeks have passed and you wonder how you managed to get so far behind. I find it harder and harder to keep up with my “Things To Do” list and am still trying to finish the book I started in October.
Meanwhile, I did run across a short poem that I wanted to include in my blog. Since this is a site dedicated to reading books and I am a member of the Poetry Group, I felt it was appropriate. Here it is.
A BOOK
by Emily Dickinson
There is no frigate like a book
To take us lands away,
Nor any coursers like a page
Of prancing poetry.
This traverse may the poorest take
Without oppress of toll;
How frugal is the chariot
That bears a human soul!
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
Once again, it has been quite a while since my last blog. It is amazing how time flies. The holidays and day-to-day activities keep you so busy. Before you know it, a couple of weeks have passed and you wonder how you managed to get so far behind. I find it harder and harder to keep up with my “Things To Do” list and am still trying to finish the book I started in October.
Meanwhile, I did run across a short poem that I wanted to include in my blog. Since this is a site dedicated to reading books and I am a member of the Poetry Group, I felt it was appropriate. Here it is.
A BOOK
by Emily Dickinson
There is no frigate like a book
To take us lands away,
Nor any coursers like a page
Of prancing poetry.
This traverse may the poorest take
Without oppress of toll;
How frugal is the chariot
That bears a human soul!
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
