Marc Wambolt's Blog, page 8
January 20, 2010
MARC'S MEMOS
1/20/10
The anniversary date for my chapbook, POEMS FROM THE HEART, is fast approaching. It was published on February 4, 2009. It is hard to describe the overwhelming excitement I felt that it had actually happened. I know that it will never make the best-seller list. It doesn’t matter. It was a labor of love and I am very proud of it.
I have entered some of my poems in a few of the Poetry Contests to try to showcase the book. In an effort to provide more exposure, I have decided to giveaway three copies. Please go to “FINDING BOOKS” and then select the “Giveaways” tab. Scroll down to “More Giveaways” and click on it. Now select “Recently Listed.” The giveaway is open from January 20 thru February 14. One copy will be sent to three winners selected by the GoodReads team. Good luck.
Until next time, take care! Marc
The anniversary date for my chapbook, POEMS FROM THE HEART, is fast approaching. It was published on February 4, 2009. It is hard to describe the overwhelming excitement I felt that it had actually happened. I know that it will never make the best-seller list. It doesn’t matter. It was a labor of love and I am very proud of it.
I have entered some of my poems in a few of the Poetry Contests to try to showcase the book. In an effort to provide more exposure, I have decided to giveaway three copies. Please go to “FINDING BOOKS” and then select the “Giveaways” tab. Scroll down to “More Giveaways” and click on it. Now select “Recently Listed.” The giveaway is open from January 20 thru February 14. One copy will be sent to three winners selected by the GoodReads team. Good luck.
Until next time, take care! Marc
January 10, 2010
MARC'S MEMOS
1/10/10
I just entered the Poetry Contest for February. I don’t know why. After reading the entries for the last six or seven months, I know my poems don’t stand a chance of winning. I feel like the contest is a forum for intellectuals and poems that reflect cerebral thoughts. From the comments I have read from a majority of the critics, it seems that prose and abstract thoughts rule. Every month, I hesitate to enter my style of poem but maybe someone out there might like it. Oh well, I only have one or two more poems to enter before I stop. Also, I notice that nobody seems to be reading this blog so I may be wasting my time here too. Who knows, maybe that will give me more time to read!
Until next time, take care! Marc
I just entered the Poetry Contest for February. I don’t know why. After reading the entries for the last six or seven months, I know my poems don’t stand a chance of winning. I feel like the contest is a forum for intellectuals and poems that reflect cerebral thoughts. From the comments I have read from a majority of the critics, it seems that prose and abstract thoughts rule. Every month, I hesitate to enter my style of poem but maybe someone out there might like it. Oh well, I only have one or two more poems to enter before I stop. Also, I notice that nobody seems to be reading this blog so I may be wasting my time here too. Who knows, maybe that will give me more time to read!
Until next time, take care! Marc
December 31, 2009
MARC'S MEMOS
12/31/09
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! 2009 was a great year for me. I retired on January 2nd. Then on February 1st, my daughter blessed me with a second grandchild. On February 4th, I had my chapbook published. In June, I took a two-week vacation to Alaska. In September, I went on a seven-day cruise to Mexico. In October, I spent a fun-filled weekend with my son in Las Vegas. Finally, on December 27th, I took my 2½ yr. old grandson to his first NFL football game. It was an amazing year!
It will be hard to surpass the wonderful memories of 2009. I hope 2010 will be filled with just as many new and exciting surprises. I wish you all a very happy and prosperous New Year.
Until next time, take care! Marc
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! 2009 was a great year for me. I retired on January 2nd. Then on February 1st, my daughter blessed me with a second grandchild. On February 4th, I had my chapbook published. In June, I took a two-week vacation to Alaska. In September, I went on a seven-day cruise to Mexico. In October, I spent a fun-filled weekend with my son in Las Vegas. Finally, on December 27th, I took my 2½ yr. old grandson to his first NFL football game. It was an amazing year!
It will be hard to surpass the wonderful memories of 2009. I hope 2010 will be filled with just as many new and exciting surprises. I wish you all a very happy and prosperous New Year.
Until next time, take care! Marc
December 6, 2009
MARC'S MEMOS
12/06/09
I just entered the January Poetry Contest. I chose a poem that was written about a very emotional moment for me. My daughter had been married for about six years and had been trying to get pregnant for quite some time. Without going into details, we were under the impression she may not be able to have children. I was resigned to the fact that I might not be a grandfather. This poem expresses the overwhelming joy we felt when she told us she was going to have a baby! I hope you like it.
NEW BABY
Surprise, surprise, we got the news
We all stood there and cried
But they were tears of happiness
Of tenderness and pride
I never thought I’d hear those words
But it was worth the wait
I’m circling the calendar now
For a very special date
A little baby is on its way
To come into this world
Grandpa says a little boy
Grandma thinks a girl
Whatever is in store for us
No matter pink or blue
We’re saving hugs and kisses
For the day that we meet you!
Until next time, take care, Marc
I just entered the January Poetry Contest. I chose a poem that was written about a very emotional moment for me. My daughter had been married for about six years and had been trying to get pregnant for quite some time. Without going into details, we were under the impression she may not be able to have children. I was resigned to the fact that I might not be a grandfather. This poem expresses the overwhelming joy we felt when she told us she was going to have a baby! I hope you like it.
NEW BABY
Surprise, surprise, we got the news
We all stood there and cried
But they were tears of happiness
Of tenderness and pride
I never thought I’d hear those words
But it was worth the wait
I’m circling the calendar now
For a very special date
A little baby is on its way
To come into this world
Grandpa says a little boy
Grandma thinks a girl
Whatever is in store for us
No matter pink or blue
We’re saving hugs and kisses
For the day that we meet you!
Until next time, take care, Marc
November 26, 2009
MARC'S MEMOS
11-26-2009
I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving. I had a wonderful morning with my daughter and her two children. I spent the afternoon with my son (who has no children.) Thanksgiving is a time to enjoy family and spend quality time with them, if possible. I was able to do that and I am so grateful for my situation. I am blessed with fairly good health and a loving family to celebrate these occasions. Sometimes it is hard to appreciate what you have and there is a tendency to dwell on problems or things that are not important. Today, I concentrated on my good fortune even though I am not a rich man. My wealth is not counted in dollars, it is counted in memories and I have a million!!!
Until next time, take care! Marc
I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving. I had a wonderful morning with my daughter and her two children. I spent the afternoon with my son (who has no children.) Thanksgiving is a time to enjoy family and spend quality time with them, if possible. I was able to do that and I am so grateful for my situation. I am blessed with fairly good health and a loving family to celebrate these occasions. Sometimes it is hard to appreciate what you have and there is a tendency to dwell on problems or things that are not important. Today, I concentrated on my good fortune even though I am not a rich man. My wealth is not counted in dollars, it is counted in memories and I have a million!!!
Until next time, take care! Marc
November 15, 2009
MARC'S MEMOS
11/15/09
It has been a month since I started the book I am reading and it seems it may be another month before I finish it. I have been busy and will have to find time to read. I decided to enter the December Poetry Contest. I used the poem from my last blog. I modified it for the contest. Here is my entry.
A BEAUTIFUL TRIP
Relief arrived at last, today
The summer has lost its grip
As we embarked in Canada
On a long-awaited trip
The fall was here to lift us up
Before the winter’s cold
Showing off its elegance
In crimson and in gold
On Mother Nature’s canvas
Her painter’s palette spills
The colors of the rainbow
In the valleys, on the hills
We’re heading for New England now
And it was worth the wait
It’s hard to beat the beauty of
These United States!
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
It has been a month since I started the book I am reading and it seems it may be another month before I finish it. I have been busy and will have to find time to read. I decided to enter the December Poetry Contest. I used the poem from my last blog. I modified it for the contest. Here is my entry.
A BEAUTIFUL TRIP
Relief arrived at last, today
The summer has lost its grip
As we embarked in Canada
On a long-awaited trip
The fall was here to lift us up
Before the winter’s cold
Showing off its elegance
In crimson and in gold
On Mother Nature’s canvas
Her painter’s palette spills
The colors of the rainbow
In the valleys, on the hills
We’re heading for New England now
And it was worth the wait
It’s hard to beat the beauty of
These United States!
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
October 27, 2009
MARC'S MEMOS
10-27-09
Fall is finally here and it is the signal to all Arizonans, or Zonies as we are sometimes referred to, that the dreadful summer heat is over! It is also a great time for vacation. It reminds me of an unforgettable fall cruise I took in 2006. It started in Quebec City, Canada and sailed north along the St. Lawrence River. In nine days, we visited 4 more ports in Canada and 4 in New England. An explosion of red, yellow and orange painted every port. It was an amazing display of Mother Nature at her finest. The finale was a glimpse of Lady Liberty standing tall in New York Harbor. I wrote a short poem about the trip. Here it is.
A BEAUTIFUL TRIP
Relief arrived at last, today
The summer has lost its grip
As we embarked in Canada
On Our Sea Princess trip
The fall was here to lift us up
Before the winter’s cold
Showing off its elegance
In crimson and in gold
We’re heading for New England now
And it was worth the wait
It’s hard to beat the beauty of
These United States
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
Fall is finally here and it is the signal to all Arizonans, or Zonies as we are sometimes referred to, that the dreadful summer heat is over! It is also a great time for vacation. It reminds me of an unforgettable fall cruise I took in 2006. It started in Quebec City, Canada and sailed north along the St. Lawrence River. In nine days, we visited 4 more ports in Canada and 4 in New England. An explosion of red, yellow and orange painted every port. It was an amazing display of Mother Nature at her finest. The finale was a glimpse of Lady Liberty standing tall in New York Harbor. I wrote a short poem about the trip. Here it is.
A BEAUTIFUL TRIP
Relief arrived at last, today
The summer has lost its grip
As we embarked in Canada
On Our Sea Princess trip
The fall was here to lift us up
Before the winter’s cold
Showing off its elegance
In crimson and in gold
We’re heading for New England now
And it was worth the wait
It’s hard to beat the beauty of
These United States
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
October 15, 2009
MARC'S MEMOS
10-15-09
I finally finished the book I was trying to read on my cruise. As I said, with all the fun I was having, it was hard to concentrate. Now that I am home and things have settled down, I am getting caught up on my “to do” list. I also entered November’s Poetry Contest. I realize my style of poetry is probably not sophisticated enough and is too simplistic to appeal to this group. However, I will still enter from time to time just in case something grabs them. Anyway, the contest is a fun way to see what other people write and what they think is good poetry.
Until next time, take care! Marc
I finally finished the book I was trying to read on my cruise. As I said, with all the fun I was having, it was hard to concentrate. Now that I am home and things have settled down, I am getting caught up on my “to do” list. I also entered November’s Poetry Contest. I realize my style of poetry is probably not sophisticated enough and is too simplistic to appeal to this group. However, I will still enter from time to time just in case something grabs them. Anyway, the contest is a fun way to see what other people write and what they think is good poetry.
Until next time, take care! Marc
October 7, 2009
MARC'S MEMOS
10-07-09
It has been over three weeks since my last blog post. I was in California and just couldn’t find the time to log in. I spent the first two weeks visiting my Mom and two brothers. It had been quite some time since we were all together. The third week, I went on a cruise to the Mexican Riviera. I thought I would be able to get through the book I am reading, but I was just having too much fun. Excursions to the beach and hot tubs on the ship left no time for reading. I found it was too hard to juggle a book and a margarita at the same time. Also there were too many things to do and too many distractions to concentrate. Anyway, I had a wonderful time and can’t wait to do it all again!
Until next time, take care! Marc
It has been over three weeks since my last blog post. I was in California and just couldn’t find the time to log in. I spent the first two weeks visiting my Mom and two brothers. It had been quite some time since we were all together. The third week, I went on a cruise to the Mexican Riviera. I thought I would be able to get through the book I am reading, but I was just having too much fun. Excursions to the beach and hot tubs on the ship left no time for reading. I found it was too hard to juggle a book and a margarita at the same time. Also there were too many things to do and too many distractions to concentrate. Anyway, I had a wonderful time and can’t wait to do it all again!
Until next time, take care! Marc
September 10, 2009
MARC'S MEMOS
9-10-2009
In observance of Patriot Day, the 9-11 anniversary, I will make sure I display my American flag. I clearly remember the patriotism I felt after the tragic attack on the World Trade Center. I recall a sea of red, white and blue adorning houses, large buildings and on our vehicles. Even though we were in shock and mourning the loss of life, we were showing the world our resolve and solidarity. It made me proud of our country.
Although there are many sad memories of 9-11, there are many heroes that emerged from that event. Among them was a local hero that I admired. His name was Pat Tillman. He played football for the Arizona Cardinals. After 9-11, he felt he had to do something for his country. He decided he would join the military. Even though he had a lucrative career as a professional football player, he left the NFL and millions of dollars to become a U.S. Army Ranger. He served several tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Sadly, he was killed in action in April of 2004.
He was one of many heroes that I will remember and honor on this day. Of course, the fire fighters, police and all the innocents that were connected with that tragedy will be forever in our thoughts.
Until next time, take care! Marc
In observance of Patriot Day, the 9-11 anniversary, I will make sure I display my American flag. I clearly remember the patriotism I felt after the tragic attack on the World Trade Center. I recall a sea of red, white and blue adorning houses, large buildings and on our vehicles. Even though we were in shock and mourning the loss of life, we were showing the world our resolve and solidarity. It made me proud of our country.
Although there are many sad memories of 9-11, there are many heroes that emerged from that event. Among them was a local hero that I admired. His name was Pat Tillman. He played football for the Arizona Cardinals. After 9-11, he felt he had to do something for his country. He decided he would join the military. Even though he had a lucrative career as a professional football player, he left the NFL and millions of dollars to become a U.S. Army Ranger. He served several tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Sadly, he was killed in action in April of 2004.
He was one of many heroes that I will remember and honor on this day. Of course, the fire fighters, police and all the innocents that were connected with that tragedy will be forever in our thoughts.
Until next time, take care! Marc
