Stephanie Burkhart's Blog, page 40

Welcome to National Library Week! #nlw14 #liveschange

My selfie at the library

When I was a kid growing up in the '70's, I loved going to the Library. The Manchester (NH) Library had 3 or 4 floors and not just books, but albums, paintings, and flags. My favorite books had to do with space, dinosaurs, or the Hardy Boys. Years later, I still love libraries, but I find I'm hanging at the Castaic, CA Library with my boys.
14-18 APR 2014 is National Library Week this year. The week was first sponsored in 1958 by the ALA (American Library Association) because young kids back then were listening to too much radio, watching too much TV, and playing musical instruments. Go figure! (Those young people are probably our grandparents, now) I chuckle because you could say the same things today.  Judy BlumeThis year's honorary chair was one of my favorite authors growing up: Judy Blume. My favorite book of hers was "Are You There, God, it's me, Margaret," and the book was so timely, dealing with issues I was struggling with, too. It's a book that still appeals to young readers today because the same pre-teen issues are still there. I loved how easy Blume's books were easy to read, too. Her writing is crisp, concise, and honest.
This year's theme is "Lives Change @ Your Library." And they do. Learning is knowledge and knowledge is empowers the reader to forge a better life for themselves.
Libraries have changed since the '70's. They offer ebooks, audio books, and DVD's. They still have books and magazines, but most of the card catalogs are gone, replaced with computers that can look up books in a flash. Libraries still host author readings, but now offer arts and crafts, games, and science shows.
A great online place to discover library activities is here: http://www.pinterest.com/librarygirl6/school-library-activities/In fact Pinterest has several boards that feature library activities.  
When I was a kid, I had a paper with a metallic insert as my library card. Now my boys have a plastic card! Libraries will always be needed – the challenge is their ability to change and adapt to modern technology.

So, how has the library changed my life? I got to visit space, discover the past, and solve mysteries with the Hardy Boys. I had the opportunity to explore different places without ever leaving living room. Reading books from the library expanded my mind and made me believe I could do anything I set my mind to. The library nurtured my love of culture and of different cultures. It taught me to respect others and take responsibility for my books. The library made me believe I could write my own books.

My co-worker, Amy Tariq is a big supporter of libraries.  This is what she had to say:

I was raised by books and by extension, libraries. This really isn’t an overstatement. One of my earliest memories is of visiting the Los Angeles Central Library (before the 1986 fire) and reading a biography of Marie Curie, narrated by a talking test tube. Amy TariqSchool breaks were spent in various local libraries watching movies, making arts and crafts, and reading. Libraries taught me about worlds far away from my home, stretched my imagination, and indulged all manner of questions. I checked out dozens of Babysitters’ Club and Sweet Valley Twins books, needlework books written by hippies, historical fiction, and genetics textbooks. The library didn’t judge.After the rebuilding of the Central Library, I found cozy nooks all over the place. There’s a magazine just about chili peppers! Who knew? Audio tapes for actors to learn foreign accents beckoned to me as I passed to get to the sci-fi. And there was a new space called TeenScape.TeenScape was designed for teens with multiple copies of LA Unified School District required reading, scholarship guides, Clifs Notes, graphic novels, and computers with internet access! In 1994! The librarians were kind and kept children and adults out. There was a weekly improvisational acting workshop run by one of the librarian’s husbands. A small group of us promptly moved in, took over the computer sign in sheet and started kicking the little kids back to the children’s dept across the hall ourselves. I spent more waking hours at TeenScape than at my house that summer. I also met my current fiancé. We’re getting married at the Los Angeles Central Library, in front of TeenScape.Over the years, as adult responsibilities and the event of e-readers, I’ve declined my library usage, but I am a huge cheerleader for libraries against the constant threat of budget cuts. My best friend is a librarian. I’ve visited local libraries when traveling. I proudly carry a library card and always will.Steph: That is so cool that you and your fiancé are getting married at the library! Thanks for sharing your story, Sweetie. 
QUESTION FOR ALL:  Do you still go to your library? Give your library a shout out and tell me what you like about it! What was the last book you got at the library?
For more about National Library Week visit: http://ala.orghttp://www.atyourlibrary.org/national-library-week
Author Bio: Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 Dispatcher for LAPD. She's published with Desert Breeze, 4RV Publishing and Victory Tales Press. She adores chocolate, loves coffee, and is never without a book.
WEBSITE:http://www.stephanieburkhart.com
TWITTER:http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBur...
GOOD READS:http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4031660.Stephanie_Burkhart
YOU TUBE CHANNEL:http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?feature=mhee
PINTEREST:http://pinterest.com/sgburkhart/

Snippet Sunday: 99 cent romance: A Polish Heart, contemporary romance, #snippetsunday

Hi all, I'm participating in the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday. This month, I'll be taking snippets from my sweet contemporary/inspirational Romance: A Polish Heart. You can find the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday list at:



This snippet:  Darrin has a proposal. 


*****

"Well, since I have your father's approval, I'd like to explore this between us." He waved a finger back and forth between them.She arched an eyebrow, "This?""This chemistry, this spark between us."
Her expressive eyes narrowed in concern. "Darrin, you are leaving next Saturday, right before Easter. I think we should keep 'this' - she paused and used two fingers on each hand to make quotes when she said the word 'this' - on a friends - only basis." "I've been giving that some thought."****
A Polish Heart takes place leading up to Easter in Warsaw, Poland.  Can Sofia's faith give Darrin his heart back? 

Reviews:
5 Stars, Reader Lady, Amazon Reviewer: "This is an excellent read."
5 Stars, Billie Houston, Amazon Reviewer: " I loved this warm-hearted tale. Ms. Burkhart has a talent for wrapping drama around ordinary people and spinning a touching love story."
5 Stars, Tara Manderino, Amazon Reviewer: Sofia and Darrin's story was a heartwarming one. A totally enjoyable read." 
****Link to You Tube Video:  http://youtu.be/lC6_397PerU


BUY LINKS:
AMAZON:http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007AS29AO
BARNES & NOBLE:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-polish-heart-stephanie-burkhart/1111503774?ean=2940033247875
SMASHWORDS:http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/164429

FIND ME ON THE WEB AT:
WEBSITE:
http://www.stephanieburkhart.com
TWITTER:
http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart
FACEBOOK: 
https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBur...

GOOD READS:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4031660.Stephanie_Burkhart
YOU TUBE CHANNEL:
http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?f...
PINTEREST:

http://pinterest.com/sgburkhart/

Welcome Guest Poet: Linda Swift #poetry #npm

STEPH: Linda, it's great to have you here on the blog. How long have you been writing poetry?

LINDA: I first wrote poems when I was ten. Don't ask how long ago that was! And at that time I can recall reading one to the entire church membership at Sunday morning service celebrating Children's Day. I also read for a group of my mother's grownup relatives who had invited me to lunch to share my poems. I've written poems sporadically throughout my life and I'm currently putting together a collection of my poems spanning several forms and subjects which I am aptly calling "A Potpourri of Poems."

STEPH: Do you have a favorite poetry style?

LINDA: I like and write a variety of styles. Among my favorites are sonnets, ballads, and haiku, but overall I'd say lyric poetry--rhymed or unrhymed-- is my choice. I currently have two published poetry books at Amazon. One is prose poetry about flawed characters and puzzling events in the Bible titled Humanly Speaking: Conversations With God.  The other is a collection of haiku  arranged by four seasons titled Song of Every Season. Both books are beautifully illustrated and available in print ($11.99) and ebook ($1.49)

STEPH: Who is your favorite poet?

LINDA: Emily Dickinson because her poems contain so much in so few words. But Edna St. Vincent Millay is a close second. Then there's Sara Teasdale, Robert Frost, Henry W. Longfellow and so many more from the past. My favorites, as you can see, are poets who write simple, understandable poems about ordinary people and things but their words touch me.

STEPH: What is their favorite poem of yours and why?

LINDA: Oh, dear, how can I choose a favorite of Emily Dickinson when there are so many I love? Without titles, I will just mention first lines of a couple.  "Hope is the thing with feathers…" and  "Success is counted sweetest…"   And for Edna St. Vincent Millay it is her short poem that begins "My candle burns at both ends…" that is so memorable to me.

STEPH: What is your poem about?
LINDA: Moonflower is about love with an image of nature in the background. I have many more poems that include autumn, my favorite time of year (and season when I am most creative and have written the most poems). But we are romance writers and it is spring so I have chosen a poem which includes both.  The poem doesn't have a deep meaning; it is just a moment caught in time by a word picture that I hope will speak to your heart.

 Thanks for inviting me to participate in your celebration of Poetry Month. It's always a pleasure to share my poems with old friends and new.



MOONFLOWER
We stand together in the night
Shadowed by the gnarled old tree
Spreading its blooms of silver-white
To form a scented canopy.
A soft warm wind
Throws a blossom in my hair
And you stay my reaching hand
With a whispered, "Leave it there.
It's a moonflower for a moongirl,
Playing hide-and-seek with moonlight."
Silver silence fills our moonworld,
Two moonlovers in the night.


Bio:
Linda Swift and her husband divide their time between their native state Kentucky and Florida, stopping en route to visit their children in Nashville. She currently has thirteen books available in ebook and print, with seven short stories in ebook only. These include poetry, contemporary, historical, and speculative fiction. Linda invites you to visit her website for more information.
http://lindaswift.net/

Links to:

Song of Every Season
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_nos...

Humanly Speaking: Conversations With God
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_nos...

Goddess Fish Book Blast - Knight in the Forest of the Pons by Joshua Heights #booktour

Knight in the Forest of the PonsByJoshua Heights
NOTE: THE BOOK IS FREE ON AMAZON FOR THE DURATION OF THE TOUR.
ABOUT THE BOOK:   

Prepare yourself for a magnificent journey… Nassor Wickem, leader of the Knights of Sperenza, has been in many battles, with two headed dragons, with beasts that creep and crawl, and with fierce lions who have pierced his flesh in death brawls.  But after learning that his beautiful daughter has been stricken by a terrible brain syndrome, his body trembled and his nerves shook like never before.  The brave Knight, hell-bent on slaying and saving the day, tries everything he can to cure his daughter.  However, with the help of a mysterious Shaman, he quickly comes to terms that in this battle, love, not the sword, is the weapon of choice.
ENJOY THIS EXCERPT:
As Lily peacefully slept, deep inside her brain, the shadowy monster from Lake Chandra found itself a comfortable place that was hidden deep within the Pons and nestled quietly and mysteriously with intent. While the neurologist explained further about the port wine stain, the parents listened. A device known as a Pulse Dye Laser had been used, very successfully, to remove the stain, but it could take numerous surgeries to get to that point. “Surgery!” gasped Muriel beginning to cry. 
“Nassor, please take Lily and put her in her crib.” 
Muriel said to Nassor. He softly lay Lily down and covered her. She squirmed briefly,made a few squeaks, but fell back into a deep, peaceful sleep. Sitting up in her bed, Muriel looked intently at the doctor and with doe-like eyes said, “Surgery? Doctor, what are you saying?”
 “The procedure is invasive. Surgery is such a broad term. I didn’t mean to frighten you.” “Well you did.” whispered Muriel reaching for her husband’s hand.
ABOUT THE GIVEAWAY: 
Joshua will be awarding a $25 Amazon gift card and a digital copy of the book to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour, so leave a comment about the book blurb, the excerpt, or ask Joshua about the inspiration behind the book. Remember to leave your email in the comment and the more you enter the better your chances of winning.  
The tour dates can be found here:   http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2014/02/book-blast-night-in-forest-of-pons-by.html
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Joshua Heights is a professional chef and a passionate writer. His first work TEAR AVENGER soon went to number one in the thriller genre of the e-book world. Next, a burst of heartfelt poems filled the pages ofLOVE , MARRIAGE,FRIENDSHIP, HATE. His latest release , a super novella entitled, KNIGHT IN THE FOREST OF THE PONS is an epic journey into spirituality , oneness and love. In the creative stage is a screenplay , bearing the name NANO TATTOO, a nail-biting sci-fi thriller. It comes to life soon and is currently charming the curators of JUNTOBOX FILMS. 

http://joshuaheights.comhttps://www.facebook.com/officialjosh... https://twitter.com/joshuaheights http://www.pinterest.com/joshuaheights/

Snippet Sunday: 99 cent spring/Easter romance: A Polish Heart #8sunday #snippetsunday #99centebook

Hi all, I'm participating in the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday. This month, I'll be taking snippets from my sweet contemporary/inspirational Romance: A Polish Heart. You can find the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday list at:



This snippet:  In this snippet, Darrin and Sofia are shopping.


*****

"Papa also wants me to buy a bottle of his favorite vodka so he can share it with you.""Really?""Interestingly, you have his approval.""How did that happen?""I suspect he was very impressed with the fact you opened the door for me last night.""I was just being a gentleman.""Papa says there aren't very many gentlemen left in the world."
****
A Polish Heart takes place leading up to Easter in Warsaw, Poland.  Can Sofia's faith give Darrin his heart back? 

Reviews:
5 Stars, Reader Lady, Amazon Reviewer: "This is an excellent read."
5 Stars, Billie Houston, Amazon Reviewer: " I loved this warm-hearted tale. Ms. Burkhart has a talent for wrapping drama around ordinary people and spinning a touching love story."
5 Stars, Tara Manderino, Amazon Reviewer: Sofia and Darrin's story was a heartwarming one. A totally enjoyable read." 
****Link to You Tube Video:  http://youtu.be/lC6_397PerU


BUY LINKS:
AMAZON:http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007AS29AO
BARNES & NOBLE:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-polish-heart-stephanie-burkhart/1111503774?ean=2940033247875
SMASHWORDS:http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/164429

FIND ME ON THE WEB AT:
WEBSITE:
http://www.stephanieburkhart.com
TWITTER:
http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart
FACEBOOK: 
https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBur...

GOOD READS:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4031660.Stephanie_Burkhart
YOU TUBE CHANNEL:
http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?f...
PINTEREST:

http://pinterest.com/sgburkhart/

Walk to End Alzheimer's - APR 14 Update #alzheimers

I recently attended a conference at work and stopped by a booth for Alzheimer's awareness. I can't say there was anything that really grabbed my attention – I knew it affected millions of Americans, especially in their older years. It's a disorder that's touched everyone's lives one way or another, even mine.
I glanced at the literature at the table, asked a couple of questions, then spied a flyer: Walk to End Alzheimer's. I love to walk. I can't really describe how I felt – empowered, maybe? My gut was telling me to help so I picked up the flyer and after a few days of mulling over the feasibility of such a daunting undertaking I formed a team.
I asked a bunch of ladies at work if they were interested and wanted to join. They were very enthusiastic and jumped right on board.
It feels good to be helping such a worthy cause and everyone on the team has had Alzheimer's touch their lives. My team is the "Forget Me Nots" and I'd like to give a shout out to the ladies on the team: Jessie Loya, Debi Tinker, Lori Powell, D'Arcy Schroeder, Deby Herdrich and Seanean Durden. We'll be walking 5K on Sep 20th, 2014 in Santa Clarita, CA. Our individual goal is $100.00 and our team goal is $2000.00.
Our first group fundraiser will be a bake sale at the Valley Communications Dispatch Center in LA on 15 April.
I know most people reading the blog can't come out to LA to support our first group effort, but if you would consider supporting the team with a monetary donation, it would be most appreciated. Any amount is welcomed.
If you donate over $50.00, I'll send you a print book from my backlog: Victorian Scoundrel, The Hungarian, or The Faberge Secret, along with a Lori Powell original book bag.

My next team update will be on 10 MAY here on my blog. So far the team has raised $75.00.
Here's a link to our team page on Alz.org if you'd like to donate:http://act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk2014/CA-CaliforniaSouthland?team_id=204372&pg=team&fr_id=4950
Again, thanks so much. This endeavor is a big thing for all of us. It's a little scary, too, but knowing that we've helped, even a little, means a lot to us.
Just a little about Alzheimer's:
** Wear purple to show your support for Alzheimer's.
** Alzheimer's is a common form of dementia over 65.
** Age is the primary risk for developing Alzheimer's.
** Dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning.
** For dementia, 2 or more mental functions must be impaired. They include: memory, language skills, visual perception, the ability to focus and pay attention, and the ability to reason and solve problems.
** Some people with dementia can't control their emotions, resulting in delusions. The most common is a strong belief, without proof, that someone is stealing from them.
For more info visit: Alz.org

Author Bio: Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 dispatcher with LAPD. She's also a romance and children's author published with 4RV Publishing, Desert Breeze, and Victory Tales Press. She's married, is addicted to coffee, adores chocolate, and a chauffer to her boy's busy schedule.

99 Cent Easter Romance: A Polish Heart, Character Interview w/Darrin #easterstory

Let's welcome Darrin Riverton from "A Polish Heart" to the blog, today.  Darrin, you're a successful architect, so why did you want to go Poland?
DARRIN: I love designing buildings, but as far as my life was concerned, I felt like I was stuck in a rut and going through the motions. My family and friends didn't want the same things out of life that I did, and I thought getting away might do me some good.
Question: What was the job opportunity presented to you in Poland?
DARRIN: They're building the National Stadium, a 56,000 seat football (soccer) stadium and my job is to review the plans and inspect the facility to ensure its being built to standard.
Question: How does Sofia fit in?
DARRIN: She's the translator the company has assigned me, for which I'm very grateful. I've had no exposure to Poland, it's customs, or their languages.
Question: What about Sofia to do you find attractive?
DARRIN: She's very patient and down-to-Earth. She has to be patient since I need to understand how her company does business, and she doesn't put on airs. She works hard and takes pride in her work. I admire her for that. It takes talent to translate different languages. Not only that, she has very long, curly hair that takes my breath away. She's a breath of fresh air.

Question: Easter is just around the corner. Does Sofia and her family do anything different that appeals to you?
DARRIN: Sofia's Easter is centered around the family. They prep meals and have a Priest bless their basket with the food. The foods they prepare are traditional; bread, ham, eggs, butter, etc. It's a very family orientated holiday. Watching Sofia interact with her family made me realize I want the same things.
Question: Do you have Easter plans?
DARRIN: I had plans, but if Sofia's family will have me, I'd love to stay in Poland.
ENJOY THIS EXCERPT:
The train came to his stop. He walked up the stairs and found Sofia waiting for him, her auburn highlights shining in the sunlight. Her face glowed like a rare gem."Hi.""Hi, yourself," she replied. The warmth of her smile echoed in her voice.Darrin fell in step beside her and pointed to a busy market square filled with retail shops.
"So, why do you want a prepaid phone?" she asked. Her chocolate eyes sparkled up at him."Well, I want something local so you don't have to make an international call to reach me.""Me?""I'd like for you to be able to call me, and I thought it would be smart to put the construction company's number in there as well.""All right. " She paused. "Do you like veal?""I do.""Mama's making breaded veal chops for dinner. She wants me to stop by the local market for a fresh loaf of bread and vegetables. Do you like peppers and corn?""Yep.""Papa also wants me to buy a bottle of his favorite vodka so he can share it with you.""Really?""Interestingly, you have his approval."REVIEWS:
5 Stars, "A totally enjoyable read," Tara Manderino, Amazon Reader5 Stars, "I loved this heart warming tale," Billie Houston, Amazon Reader4 Stars, "An enjoyable story," Taurian511, Amazon Reader.
Link to You Tube Video:  http://youtu.be/lC6_397PerU

BUY LINKS:
AMAZON:http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007AS29AO
BARNES & NOBLE:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-polish-heart-stephanie-burkhart/1111503774?ean=2940033247875
SMASHWORDS:http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/164429

FIND ME ON THE WEB AT:WEBSITE:http://www.stephanieburkhart.com
TWITTER:http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBur...
GOOD READS:http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4031660.Stephanie_Burkhart
YOU TUBE CHANNEL:http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?f...

http://pinterest.com/sgburkhart/
Author Bio: Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 dispatcher for LAPD. She writes romance and children's stories and is published with 4RV Publishing, Victory Tales Press, and Desert Breeze Publishing. She loves chocolate, adores coffee, and never gets enough sleep! 

Styles of Poetry - Sonnets and Kyrielles #poetrymonth

I thought I'd share some of poems and some different styles of poetry with you in celebration of National Poetry Month.

Poem #1 - The Storm
This is meant to be a tradititional "Shakespearen" Sonnet. I wrote it in 1986 and it was published in my high school literary magazine, "The Oracle." There are a lot of thunder/lightning storms in New England and I often enjoyed just watching them from my window.




The Storm
by: S. Burkhart 

All around me the wind is blowing
As raindrops hit the ground, they prance.
Down in front of me, the river is rapidly flowing
Everywhere I turn, bushes and trees dance.

As I stand here the storm calls to me
And I, compelled, can not turn away.
Nature says let her be
But I know her tempest will end by day.

The darkness surrounds me, the biting wind
The wet, the damp… is all around
And I wonder, have I sinned?
As lighting and the trees fall to the ground.

The Storm surrounds me, causes me to turn,
The Storm engulfs me, causes my passions to burn.

Poem #2 - The Spell of the Sea was Forever
A Kyrielle is a French form of rhyming poetry. It is written in quatrains (a quatrain is a stanza with 4 lines).

 Each quatrain contains a repeating line or phrase known as a "refrain."
 Each line is 8 syllables.
 There are no limits to the quatrains, but the minimum is 3.
 Rhyme pattern is up to the poet.

The Spell of the Sea was Forever
By: S. Burkhart

Sad, I stood on the shore today.
The swift waves lapped on the bay.
I clutched my heart wanting better.
The spell of the sea was forever.

On the horizon was a boat.
In a bottle floated a note.
I closed my eyes wanting better.
The spell of the sea was forever.

His kisses were a fickle thing.
Sea salt, coral and brine, dolphins sing.
Magic, earth and air spin wetter.
The spell of the sea was forever.

He left me empty, hallow, raw,
My heart heals under nature’s law.
Bewitching beauty bittersweet.
The spell of the sea was forever.

Question: Which do you prefer sonnets or kyrielles? 

April is National Poetry Month! Let's have fun #poetrymonth

Welcome to National Poetry Month! Throughout the month, I'll be sharing some of my favorite poems along with my favorite poets and poems from several authors including Linda Swift, Melissa Keir, and Joan Leotta, so sit back, get comfortable, and enjoy the poetic word play!


Robert Frost
Robert Frost is one of my favorite poets. He's mainly known for setting his writings in rural New England (and that's why he appeals to me), but he was born in San Francisco, California on 26 March 1874. When Robert was 11, his father died of tuberculosis and his family moved to Massachusetts.
He attended college on and off, never earning a degree. In 1894, he sold his first poem, "My Butterfly, An Elegy" for $15.00.  Frost as a young manHe married Elinor Miriam White in 1895. Tragedy stalked Frost and his family. His younger sister, Jeannie, was committed to a mental hospital in 1920. In 1947, his daughter, Irma, was also committed to a mental hospital. Frost often suffered from depression. He had six kids, but only 2 outlived him. In 1940, one of his sons (Carol) committed suicide. His wife developed breast cancer and died in 1938.
Yet in the face of all this heartbreak, Frost developed his poetic style and became an accomplished poet, winning his first Pulitzer Prize in 1924. He went on to win four Pulitzers during his lifetime.
Robert Frost spoke to his readers using an honest voice as he depicted the actions of ordinary men. He could write about a wide range of human experiences, capturing a conversational style that appealed to many. My favorite is "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening."
I love how his words paint a very visual scene and growing up in New England, I can close my eyes and use my other senses to depict the poem. I especially liked his use of repletion to drive home his themes.
Stopping by Woods on a Snowy EveningBy: Robert Frost
Whose woods these are I think I know.   His house is in the village though;   He will not see me stopping here   To watch his woods fill up with snow.   
My little horse must think it queer   To stop without a farmhouse near   Between the woods and frozen lake   The darkest evening of the year.   
He gives his harness bells a shake   To ask if there is some mistake.   The only other sound’s the sweep   Of easy wind and downy flake.   
The woods are lovely, dark and deep,   But I have promises to keep,   And miles to go before I sleep,   And miles to go before I sleep.

Question for you: Who is your favorite poet?  Why?
Author Bio: Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 dispatcher for LAPD. She's published with Desert Breeze, 4RV, and Victory Tales Press. She loves coffee, adores chocolate, and writing poetry.

Snippet Sunday - 99 Cent Easter Romance: A Polish Heart #snippetsunday

Hi all, I'm participating in the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday. This month, I'll be taking snippets from my sweet contemporary/inspirational Romance: A Polish Heart. You can find the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday list at:



This snippet:  Darrin wants to spend time with Sofia. 

*****
"Have dinner with me tonight." It was bold, yes, but this might be his only chance to get to know her.She raised an eyebrow. Perhaps that didn't sound right. It sounded too demanding – something his father would say – and he was not his father."I'm sorry, will you have dinner with me tonight?" His voice was soft and gentle.
Sofia paused, "I'm quite tempted, but what about your work?"****
A Polish Heart takes place leading up to Easter in Warsaw, Poland.  Can Sofia's faith give Darrin his heart back? 

Reviews:
5 Stars, Reader Lady, Amazon Reviewer: "This is an excellent read."
5 Stars, Billie Houston, Amazon Reviewer: " I loved this warm-hearted tale. Ms. Burkhart has a talent for wrapping drama around ordinary people and spinning a touching love story."
5 Stars, Tara Manderino, Amazon Reviewer: Sofia and Darrin's story was a heartwarming one. A totally enjoyable read." 
****Link to You Tube Video:  http://youtu.be/lC6_397PerU


BUY LINKS:
AMAZON:http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007AS29AO
BARNES & NOBLE:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-polish-heart-stephanie-burkhart/1111503774?ean=2940033247875
SMASHWORDS:http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/164429

FIND ME ON THE WEB AT:
WEBSITE:
http://www.stephanieburkhart.com
TWITTER:
http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart
FACEBOOK: 
https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBur...

GOOD READS:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4031660.Stephanie_Burkhart
YOU TUBE CHANNEL:
http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?f...
PINTEREST:

http://pinterest.com/sgburkhart/