Stephanie Burkhart's Blog, page 54

What's your favorite crayon? Crayola turns 110 this year!

Crayons have been bringing out our inner artist since we were tots and Crayola's crayons have been entertaining us since 1903.
So what makes Crayola special? I'd venture the love, care, and innovation found in every product. Crayola may be 110, but they've always been innovative and that's what made them succeed through the decades.
Binney & Smith in NYC founded the company in 1885.  Their original focus was on producing industrial pigment and supplying it to others. Soon, they began branching out. In 1904, they won a gold medal at the St. Louis world's fair for the dustless white chalk.
Binney worked with his wife, Alice, and in June 1903, they produced the first wax crayon. Alice came up with "Crayola." "Craie" in French means "chalk" and "Ola" was short for "oleaginous" or oily.
In 1926, Binney and Smith bought out the Munsell color company crayon line and added 22 new colors to their inventory.
In 1949, Crayola introduced the 48 crayon box.
In 1977, Crayola acquired Silly Putty.
In 1984, they bought Hallmark. Their current products include chalk, crayons, markers, and colored pencils.
Currently, they make 133 colors. 13 colors have been "retired," such as maize, raw umber,  thistle, and mulberry.
Crayola also renamed several colors, "Flesh" is now "peach."
Made in AmericaCrayola is headquartered in Forks Township, PA. It's a privately held company and global. Manufacturing plants are located in Forks Township, Bethlehem, PA, and Mexico City, Mexico.
You can visit the official Crayola museum called "The Crayola Experience," in Easton, PA.
Did you Know?The world's largest crayon is at "The Crayola Experience." It's 15 feet long and weights 1500 lbs.
Question: Can you guess what color the world's largest crayon is?
In 2000, Crayola asked America to vote for their favorite colors.  George W. Bush gave a shout out to "Blue Bell." Courtney Cox said hers was "red." Blue came in first, #2 was cerulean, and #3 was purple heart.
Question for you: What's your favorite Crayola color?


Author Bio: Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 dispatcher for LAPD.  Her favorite color is cerulean.
Enjoy this excerpt from "A Gentleman and a Rogue," Book 2 of The Windsor Diaries, her steampunk romance series.
The song ended and Edmund grabbed her hand, tugging her toward the nearest hallway. At first, she wanted to protest; call out for her father and defy Edmund's wishes, but then reason kicked in. She wanted -- no, needed -- answers. And, she had plenty of questions.
They entered the main wing, and passed two rooms before Edmund opened a door and dragged her inside. Books littered the shelves. The library. A beam of light from a full moon shined through the window, casting Edmund's features in sharp, contrasting shadows. He leaned against the door and crossed his arms. His eyes narrowed, giving his expression a dark, hard edge. He looked like a devil in this moment. She steeled her shoulders, ready to do battle with him.
Silence grew between them as they both set their postures. Damn Edmund. She wanted to kiss the devil senseless. Thankfully, she still had her wits.
"What are you doing with Jonas Byron?" Edmund's voice was cold and exact.
"Dancing." She surprised herself with the ease of her retort.
"Looked more like flirting to me."
"Jealous?"
A muscle twitched in his jaw. "No."
"You are a horrible liar."
"Keira, you can't trust him."
She placed her hands on her hips. "Curious, you're the second man tonight to tell me that."
"Grayson has your best interests at heart. You need to listen to him."
"He's been missing for four years." She paused, glaring at him. "Like you have. And I thought you weren't coming back."
"I'm here now, and I'm not leaving you again."
She tilted her head and laughed. Oh, yes, he'd leave her again, and she had no intention of letting her heart get broken.
Edmund lunged forward, placed his hands on her waist, and pulled her against the length of his hard, muscled body, trapping her arms between them so her hands rested on his chest. His emerald eyes flamed with desire. Her heart turned over in response. His unique scent, spice and currants, weakened her resolve. As her memories flooded through her mind, her lips ached for his.
"God, Keira, don't test me like this."

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Snippet Sunday - Feast of Candles - 99 cent contemporary romance

Hi all, I'm participating in the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday again, but this month, I'll be taking snippets from my 99 cent "spicy" contemporary romance, "Feast of Candles."



Feast of Candles
Contemporary Romance
99 cents

BLURB: Drake is going to take the biggest risk of his life all on a bottle of wine. Can he break the barriers around Lily's heart? 

This snippet: Drake & Lily meet in person.


*****


His compelling eyes riveted her to the spot as they hinted of sadness. He reached out and cupped her cheek, gently stroking her jaw with his thumb. "I'm sorry. You shouldn't be alone at Christmas."

"I'm used to the loneliness." She closed her eyes briefly, enjoying his touch far too much.

He drew close, pressing the length of his body against hers. Her pulse quickened even as a sense of caution flooded through her. She opened her eyes and placed her hand over his, while placing her other hand over his chest to stop him from drawing closer. Despite her attraction, she wasn't quite ready to allow a kiss. 


*****
Reviews:
"This is a delightful short story." - Billie Houston, Amazon Reader

"Drake's romantic gesture at the end will have you swoon!" Angela Britnell, Amazon ReaderBUY LINKS:AMAZON: http://amzn.com/B008NXELPG

Jimmy Thomas is the cover model. Sigh... I just adore Jimmy! 

Welcome Guest Author Penny Lockwood

Penny Lockwood

 STEPH: Today, Penny Lockwood, author of "Boo's Bad Day" is visiting with us. At the end of the interview, I'll have my review and there will be "find me" links for Penny. 
PENNY: Steph, thanks for hosting me.  At the end of the tour, I will pick out one commenter’s name and send an autographed copy of Boo’s Bad Day to a United States address only.  If the name I pick is someone who lives outside the U.S., I will send a PDF copy of the book.  So remember, readers, be sure to leave contact information when you comment!
If your readers missed yesterday’s post, they can catch up at http://hazelnutt.com/category/picture-book-reviewsTomorrow, I’ll be visiting with http://nancymariebell.blogspot.com
A special announcement for anyone attending the OWFI Writers’ Conference: Boo’s Bad Day will be on display at the 4RV Publishing table on May 3 and 4 at the OWFI Writers’ Conference Embassy Suites Norman, Hotel & Conference Center, 2501 Conference Drive,
 Norman, Oklahoma, 73069STEPH: I don't know much about Boo's Bad Day What's it about?
PENNY: 
Boo sneaks out of the house and discovers that freedom by himself can be scary.

Blurb:
Boo is a very bored kitten. When Timmy and his mom return home, Boo sneaks out of the house.  Boo is frightened by the noises of the big world outside of the safety of his warm home.  When Timmy coaxes Boo back into the house, Boo realizes some places are safe and some are not.


STEPH: How long did it take you to write?
PENNY: Altogether it was at least a couple of months from the time I wrote my first draft until I was ready to send it off.  Although there are very many words in a picture book, it’s important the words an author uses are just right.
STEPH: What was the inspiration behind the story?
Years ago, we had a black cat named Boo, who was an inside/outside cat.  As a teenager, he went out before an ice storm hit. Although we called him, he didn’t come back.  The next day, we heard him meowing up in a tall fir tree.  My husband tried to reach him standing on the tallest ladder we had. He couldn’t reach him, and Boo spent another night in the tree. The next morning his cries were weaker, and we called the fire department, who said they no longer got cats out of trees. We then called a friend who was a bit taller than my husband. He was able to reach Boo and get him down.  When Boo got inside, he curled in front of the wood stove and didn’t leave for a week.  Boo’s Bad Day was inspired by our cat Boo’s ice storm adventure.
STEPH: Did you have to do a lot of research?
PENNY: No research was involved, as this is a picture book about a kitten having some scary adventures outside in the snow.  We’ve always had cats, so it was easy to imagine what went through Boo’s head.
STEPH: What do you want children to take away after reading the story?
PENNY: I want them to realize how important it is to watch out for your pets and take good care of them.  A simple thing like not closing the door tightly can be a scary thing for a small kitten.  I also want them to think about places where they can be safe.
STEPH: How does the cover reflect the story?
PENNY: The cover is exactly right.  I am just thrilled with the illustrations throughout the book. Ms. Johnson couldn’t have captured Boo more perfectly.
STEPH: How long have you been writing?
PENNY: I’ve been writing since I was a child. I still have some of my “books” from when I was ten, carefully handwritten, illustrated, and bound with cardboard and ribbon.  Professionally, however, I’ve been writing and being published since 1993.
STEPH:  Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
PENNY: The best advice I can give is don’t give up!  I tried submitting my work when I was in my late teens, and since I really didn’t know what I was doing, I gave up after a few rejections. Of course, I was submitting to big name magazines as no one told me to start small and work my way up!  There are so many avenues open to writers now as self-publishing and electronic books are becoming commonplace. There is no reason why someone can’t be published if they want to see their work in print.
STEPH: Do you have an ebook reader? If so, which ones?
PENNY: I do.  I have a basic Kindle, which was my first ereader, and late 2012, I upgraded to a Kindle Fire HD.  I love being able to carry my library with me.
STEPH: Fun question: What're your favorite breakfast foods?
PENNY: I love breakfast and never miss it.  I vary my menu throughout the week:
*Cold cereal with fruit and a slice of whole wheat toast with peanut butter and honey.
*Whole wheat bagel with low fat cheese and avocado and a half grapefruit.
*Scrambled eggs with cottage cheese blended in on top of whole wheat toast slathered with avocado, topped with salso and a half grapefruit.
*On weekends, I usually make a more complicated breakfast for myself and my husband: whole wheat blueberry pancakes, whole wheat waffles, a vegetable fritta, poached eggs on whole wheat muffin with Marmite, or French toast.
*Of course, I have to have my morning cup of coffee…

STEPH's Review
 Boo's Bad Day Written by: Penny LockwoodIllustrated by: Deborah C. JohnsonISBN: 978-0-9852661-5-84RV Publishing5 Stars
Boo is a house cat on a snowy day. He wishes he could go outside and play with the other cats. When his wish comes true, will Boo's adventures lead him into trouble?
Boo's story is one young children can related to - what do when it gets boring. Boo makes several choices that will help teach young readers the value of making good and bad decisions.
The illustrations are endearing and whimsical, perfect for the story.
Overall, Boo's Bad Day is a heartwarming story with a strong lesson about making good choices. The story appeals to children between the ages of 2-6. I highly recommend this book. 

Buy Links: 4RV - http://www.4rvpublishingcatalog.com/penny-lockwood.php$8.99 includes s/h
Look inside at Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Boos-Bad-Day-Penny-Lockwood/dp/0985266155/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top$7.32 prime


About Penny: Penny Lockwood has published more than 100 articles, 75 stories, a chapbook, and her stories have been included in two anthologies. She writes for both adults and children. Her fiction has appeared in numerous genre and children’s publications, and non‑fiction work has appeared in a variety of writing, parenting, and young adult print magazines and on line publications.  She edits for MuseItUp Publishing.  Visit her web site at http:// pennylockwoodehrenkranz.yolasite.com. Her writing blog is located at http://pennylockwoodehrenkranz.blogspot.com/.
She has recently released Boo’s Bad Daywith 4RV Publishing and has three other children’s books under contract with them: Ghost for Rent, Ghost for Lunch, and Many Colored Coats. She has three romances published by MuseItUp Publishing: Love Delivery, Lady in Waiting, and Mirror, Mirror.  Her short story collection, A Past and A Future, is available through Sam’s Dot Publishing and Smashwords.

You can find Penny at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/penny.ehrenkranzTwitter: @PennyEhrenkranzLinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/pennyehrenkranz/Website: http://pennylockwoodehrenkranz.yolasite.comBlog: http://pennylockwoodehrenkanz.blogspot.com

Book Review for: Hidden Truths by Angela Britnell

Book Review for: Hidden TruthsWritten by Angela BritnellDesert Breeze PublishingISBN: 978-1-61252-266-1Avail as an ebook
4 Stars

Britnell pens a suspenseful contemporary romance with "Hidden Truths." When British author Fiona Marshall meets country singer, Blake Mayer, the sparks fly, but both have complicated issues to face if they're going to move forward with their lives.

As the story opens, Fiona seeks a place to get in touch with her roots and joins her brother and his family in Cornwall, England. The subject of her book, Nathan Rylant, sends his enforcer threatening her so she will pull her book. Fiona meets Blake when he steps into her brother's vicarage trying to escape a rainstorm. The pair hit it off, but Fiona is reluctant to discuss her problems with Blake. He's also reluctant to talk about himself. He's seeking to "discover" his music again after a rough year and divorce. As the threats increase. Fiona and Blake realize they have to face hidden truths in order to move forward with their lives, but will they come together as a couple or be forced to part?

Britnell's writing style is easy to read. Her international settings will take you on a great adventure along with the characters. The plot flows well. Blake is a true hero, noble, honest, and willing to take action. Fiona's not lacking in determination or inner strength, but her doubts about "the system" fuel some of her more questionable decisions. The supporting cast comes across as 'real' and 'honest' and will warm the reader's heart.

The novel is sophisticated for romance readers and the love scenes are mainstream and capture the sensuality of the couple. Overall, "Hidden Truths" will take you on a journey full of intrigue, suspense and love.  I highly recommend this book.

Buy Link: http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com...

National Poetry Month - meet poet Barbara Edwards

Barbara Edwards


I’m Barbara Edwards and I’m so happy to celebrate National Poetry Month with you.  In fifth grade, Mrs. Robinson assigned a poem a week to memorize and I began my love-affair with the beauty of the written word. If you gave me time, I could still recite many of those poems and tell you what they mean to me. It was a wonderful gift from a wonderful teacher. 
STEPH: How long have you been writing poetry?
BARBARA: Since I was a young girl, so it’s been a life-long love.My poems are about me, my feelings, my emotions, so I never tried to have any of them published.
STEPH:What type of poetry do you like to write? free form? villianelles? Quatrains, Sonnets, hiakus, etc...
BARBARA: Oh my, what a selection of types. Since I wrote for my pleasure, I never settled on a specific format. I did what sounded best to me. Probably free form fist my best.
STEPH: Who is your favorite poet?
BARBARA: I love Robert Frost, another New England native.
STEPH: What is your favorite poem and why?
BARBARA: Frost’s “The Road Less Traveled” is one of my favorites.  STEPH: Can you share a poem of yours or two with us? 
**copyright notice** The poems on the blog are copyrighted to the author. Do not use without permission from the author****
BARBARA So many poems, so little space. How about these?              WinnieThe damned cat died.Old age, I suppose,That mangy hair-ball.
Remember her silly kitten act?Chasing dust balls from under the bedTo scatter tatters across the rugAnd sneeze pieces clinging to her whiskers.
How many times did she drop an offeringAt my feet or on the back step?Mighty hunter of baby birds and miceAnd once a two foot long snake.
Grooming in a ray of sunlight,She’d stare contemptuously at my entranceWhen I opened the doorHer tongue a tiny pink raspberry.
A purring lump against the small of my backOn cold,  lonely nights.Her raspy tongue would lick my chinAnd tickle before I pushed her away.
So the damned cat died.And I’m putting her ragged toys,Bowl and collar into a brown bag.To dispose of. Maybe.
I’ll miss the damned cat.Much more than I ever miss you.So tomorrow I’ll get another kitten,Although I can’t think why.
Tonight there is an empty doorstep,And a cold hollow at the small of my back.And I’ll cry again, for both of you.But mostly because the damned cat died. 
Or for a change
   TRAVELER
ComeJoin me on my journeyShare a way with me
A mile, a league, a pace or twoTime matters not, I am with you.
At a twist in the pathWhere a fork split the wayHushed by the silenceMy soul heard yours sayDon’t hurt me, Don’t love me,Don’t leave me alone...The words didn’t match Your expression of stone.
With laughter, caresses, I gave gentle careFearful myself, I gave what I dare.
Confused by my feelings,Lacking a map, sign or guide,I need to move onward,Come, walk at my side.
Thanks for hosting me Stephanie. I enjoyed it. Barbara
Please visit me at www.barbaraedwards.netfor excerpts from my books,Buy links and free reads.If you like my poems, I’ll post a few more on my site.

Snippet Sunday - Feast of Candles

Hi all, I'm participating in the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday again, but this month, I'll be taking snippets from my 99 cent "spicy" contemporary romance, "Feast of Candles."



Feast of Candles
Contemporary Romance
99 cents

BLURB: Drake is going to take the biggest risk of his life all on a bottle of wine. Can he break the barriers around Lily's heart? 

This snippet: Drake & Lily meet in person.



*****

Why did it bother Lily so much to see him talking to Alexis? 

Wanting to stake her claim, she walked toward him, holding out her hand.

"Hello, I'm Lily Marquand."

A satisfied light came into his eyes. He took her hand and brushed his lips against her knuckles. Reckless warmth traveled up her arm.

"Enchante. Drake de Brettville." 


*****

Reviews:
"This is a delightful short story." - Billie Houston, Amazon Reader

"Drake's romantic gesture at the end will have you swoon!" Angela Britnell, Amazon ReaderBUY LINKS:AMAZON: http://amzn.com/B008NXELPG

Jimmy Thomas is the cover model. Sigh... I just adore Jimmy! 

Hi all, I'm participating in the Weekend Warriors Snippet...

Hi all, I'm participating in the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday again, but this month, I'll be taking snippets from my 99 cent "spicy" contemporary romance, "Feast of Candles."



Feast of Candles
Contemporary Romance
99 cents

BLURB: Drake is going to take the biggest risk of his life all on a bottle of wine. Can he break the barriers around Lily's heart? 

This snippet: Drake & Lily meet in person.


*****

Why did it bother Lily so much to see him talking to Alexis? 

Wanting to stake her claim, she walked toward him, holding out her hand.

"Hello, I'm Lily Marquand."

A satisfied light came into his eyes. He took her hand and brushed his lips against her knuckles. Reckless warmth traveled up her arm.

"Enchante. Drake de Brettville." 



*****
Reviews:
"This is a delightful short story." - Billie Houston, Amazon Reader

"Drake's romantic gesture at the end will have you swoon!" Angela Britnell, Amazon ReaderBUY LINKS:AMAZON: http://amzn.com/B008NXELPG

Jimmy Thomas is the cover model. Sigh... I just adore Jimmy! 

It's National Poetry Month - welcome poet David Russell

David Russell


STEPH: How long have you been writing poetry? 
DAVID: Since the late 60s
STEPH: What style of poetry do you like to write? 
DAVID: Free form
3. What are the themes of your poetry? 
DAVID: sensuality, politics, geology
STEPH: Who is your favorite poet? 
STEPH: Ben Okri
STEPH: What is your favorite poem.
DAVID: Coleridge's Christabel
STEPH: Share you share a poem or two of yours with us.
Seduction

He, muscles taut, off springboard thrust Resilient in buoyancy,

Slow sweep to surface, breathe.

She, lithe, with back-stroke rippling, Firm breasts cresting mild waves,
Thighs, ankles, near-straight, undulating,
Her back held spirit level,
Plane ideal Eyes closed and face serene in sensual thrall.

All there was foretaste, nuance,
All chaste - the changing rooms demure.

--------------------------
Warm evening's loose allure drew both
To unintended rendezvous,
A mutual friend's, both wished to stay away.

The place had room enough; their glances met -
Under two spells, all garments turned diaphanous;
Morning's disrobing kindled thoughts,
Fed impulses, hands touched.

One soft-shut door the cue;
Now lips met eyelids, cheeks, each other, clinched.

Her hand pressed on his crown, massaged
Through long-held breath; Tongues, lips were coiled, half-melted;
Squeeze of waist, they sank To tender press of thigh, of hips,
Drew back face to face, eyes' pools immersed:

"You're fleshed just right; a young girl's form;
Would you undress?"

"I saw you in your trunks; you're lovely; stay with me."

------------------------

Brief promenade, waists linked again,
Fast heartbeats deepened footsteps with suspense;

A whispered, tiptoed entry.

Pause for bathroom, care assuaged;
Last clothed embrace.

Heady the quivering ritual!
Each other answering,
Matching that morning's
graceful bathing strokes
Each touch of shedding nurturing the fires,
Each pull of buckle, lace, so lissom
In counterpoint iwith one soft lamp.

Aglow, with ardent youth restored,
Deep torso, shapely limbs
Emerge as sunrise, sunbathed, fresh;
Full muscles toned by swomming's lathe,
Crescendo's throbbing, Two beauties, one revealing,
Beholder and Beheld!

She, supple, haunches swung, Tights loosened, Down wardrobe obstacles!

He seized waistband elastic, swept
To open freedom, took the hand
That edged towards her bosom, up her arms
To ratify surrender, clip; asunder,
The final black cascade.

Flesh, bone and muscle interlocked
Shoulder to shoulder raised, clutched,
Borne to couch;
Breasts, armpits, cupped caress
Of tender skin over those thrusting orbs.

Now passion's tide makes each wave overlap;
Slow motion's generation;
Two sighs, one lunge, a soft rotation;
Slowing, near-stop; resume, deepening breath
Floating four full diminuendos.

A moment of near sleep; Sure premonition of fulfilment;

Now second wind's tornado
Sweeps through exhaustion's trough
With power of ether's depth beyond their bodies;
The sluicegates yield; one mighty flood In fusion melts volcanoes!

Brief satiation's lull, unveiling heavens;
With dawn's beams, morning replay,
Enhanced in fulness;
Two strengths, by first flames tempered,
With delicacy pure plumbed ocean's beds.
------------------------

On dressing gowns, warm-robed, unrobed again
To plunge into the other end
Of water's hot communion, splashing laughter.

A placid walk through petalled glades,
More smiles, more kisses;
Then wistful looks, and hints of jealousies,
And thoughts, as if to say
"Let's not detract from this perfection".

At length, fond waves and distances

David Russell
**************
The First Adventure
That shadowy entrance, subdued glint, spark of eyes!You trod all cultures with your classic graceOf posture, figure, profile
The breathy touch, so tentative,The answering squeeze
All beams and tiptoes as we trodUnspoken message: “The dream’s come true”
The curtain nearly volunteeredTo close itself.
I was poised to give the word;Fired by our kisses, you took it from my mouth
Each garment spoke surrender as it fellA flower-show of fabricsAdoring those limbs which they had covered;Warm air on new divested skinNear liquid in its heady density
Our bodies new-revealed, dreamed upA gallery of art-figures,Our mounting breath Kindled their animation in our honour
Those facing entities suffused with mutual nourishment
The rising sun the backcloth of our dual climaxThe bathing epilogueThe farewell walkA froth of blossom round our tender steps
That fleeting perfection was the purest artFramed in an idyllic memory.
David Russell

Welcome Guest Author - Poet Barri Bryan

Barri Bryan 


      STEPH:    How long have you been writing poetry?
BARRI: I began putting rhymes together when I was in the second grade. I have always loved poetry. When I was not yet three-years-old, my little brother had a baby powder can with nursery rhymes on it. My mother read them to me over and over again. I never tired of hearing them. 
STEPH: Are there any distinct themes to your poetry?
BARRI: Most of the time yes, occasionally, no. The theme of Chapter and Verse is love. Brush Country was inspired by the sights and scenes of the Brush Country of South Central Texas. Four Part Harmony has four separate and distinct themes within one
STEPH:     What forms/types of poetry do you prefer to write?
My style of writing does not lends itself to free verse. I write mostly in couplets or quatrains.  I write poetry as some individuals play the piano, by ear. The contents of the poem dictates the form, or forms. I often mix forms in a poem.  Occasionally I attempt an English sonnet. I love haikus, but I seldom attempt writing one. On the surface they seem simple, but they are extremely difficult. I have never attempted the villianelle form, but I love its strength and intensity. I think Sylvia Plath uses this form superbly. So does Elizabeth Bishop.
STEPH:    Who is your favorite poet?
BARRI: That's like asking who my favorite child is. I love Christina Rossetti's poetry. I delight in reading John Donne. I like Wallace Stevens and Algernon Charles Swinburne. I enjoy Emily Dickenson, Coventry Patmore, and Ted Hughes…
STEPH: What is your favorite poem?
BARRI: That, once more, is a difficult question to answer. If I absolutely had to select one poem, I would choose John Wilmot's Love and Life. He captures in three short verses the inability to change the past, the brevity of the moment, and the uncertainty of all tomorrows.

STEPH: Barri, can you share one of your poems with us?
BARRI: This poem is from my latest poetry book titled Four Part Harmony. It's from section two titled, Highway 35 South.


SCENERY AND SEASONS
Between McHarvey’s Auction BarnAnd the cut-off to New AlgiersLies a stretch of fallow farmland That hasn’t been planted in years.
 In summer a blazing, blistering sunTurns its crop of weeds to brown.Once a strike of August lighteningSet a fire that burned to the edge of town.
In autumn it’s a tangled maze Of undergrowth and stubble.As now-and-then a brave green sproutRises from the decaying rubble.
In winter frost cuts to the groundEvery green and growing thing,Leaving death and desolation,Until one day in early spring
New life nudges through the sodAnd changes the dismal sceneFrom gray and bleak and drearyTo a hopeful new-born green.
Oh the wonder, oh, the magicAs slowly from death and confusionWild flowers bloom and blossom In grand and glorious profusion.
Oh beauty, for all your brevityI see in your short-lived perfectionHow brief is life, how sure is deathHow splendid the hope of resurrection.

This poem is from Brush Country.


TEXAS TOWN
In the east a blazing ball of fireClimbs ever steadily higher and higher.Overhead, a jet plane soaring highCuts a vapor incision across the sky.
Up and down the awakening streetDance limpid waves of shimmering heat.Stench of garbage, smell of gas     Mix with the scent of fresh-cut grass. 
The humid air is sweltering.Catholic Church bells begin to ringAbove the din of an auto horn; Small Town Texas Sunday morn.

Love and Life
By John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester
All my past life is mine no more, The flying hours are gone,Like transitory dreams giv'n o'er,Whose images are kept in storeBy memory alone.
The time that is to come is not;How can it then be mine?The present moment's all my lot;And that, as fast as it is got,Phyllis, is only thine.
Then talk not of inconstancy,False hearts, and broken vows;If I, by miracle, can beThis live-long minute true to thee,'Tis all that Heav'n allows.
FIND BARRI AT: 
You can find a link to buy Four Part Harmony at my websitehttp://barribryan.com/
 or go to  http://www.whiskeycreekpress.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=61&products_id=971

You can find a link to buy Brush Country at my websitehttp://barribryan.com/
Or go tohttp://www.whiskeycreekpress.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=61&products_id=130

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn

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National Poetry Month - welcome poet Debra Parmley

STEPH: Welcome, Debra! How long have you been writing poetry?
DEBRA: My grandmother taught me to read before I was in school and she read poetry to me. I would make up silly little sing-song rhymes as a child. But writing poems with pen and paper didn't happen until I was a teenager.
STEPH: Are there any distinct themes to your poetry?
DEBRA: Oh yes. I've written hundreds of poems. There were a few years I wrote a poem a day.I've organized some of my early poems into a book, my first poetry collection. The collection, Twilight Dips, has a theme which begins with the individual and stretches to the world. It contains all my poems which were published in literary magazines while I was in college. I've dedicated this book to my grandmother.
STEPH: What forms/types of poetry do you prefer to write? (free form, hiakus, villianelles, quartrains, etc)
DEBRA: I prefer free form, free verse styles, though I have written in many other forms. There is a place for each. The freer forms allow me to flow into the poem, in a way the others don't.
STEPH: Who is your favorite poet?
DEBRA: Oh goodnesss it is hard to choose. Emily Dickinson was when I was in college. Today I'm not sure I could narrow it down to just one. 
5. What is your favorite poem?
If I thought the question before was hard, wow. This can change according to which day you ask me. That's the beauty of poetry. You can come to the page each day and find something different, something which speaks to you. Today I would choose 
            How do I love thee?
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.I love thee to the depth and breadth and heightMy soul can reach, when feeling out of sightFor the ends of Being and ideal Grace.I love thee to the level of every day'sMost quiet need, by sun and candlelight.I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.I love with a passion put to useIn my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.I love thee with a love I seemed to loseWith my lost saints, I love thee with the breath,Smiles, tears, of all my life! and, if God choose,I shall but love thee better after death.
by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
STEPH: Share one of your poems with us.
Here is the poem my new poetry collection is named for.



Twilight Dips
Twilight dipselegant fingersover tree topsinto shimmering lakesdeepest blueripples spreadfingers twirlingswirling symmetrycalling out to fishfrom deepest depths
fish risefish divefish matefish spawnfish diecirclescyclesfishly life.


More of my poems can be found on my website
http://www.debraparmley.com
My poetry collection will be available through Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Debra-Parmley/
and you can find me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/debra.parmley
and my Facebook fan page  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Debra-Parmley/ and on Twitter: http://twitter.com/DebraParmley
Steph, thank you so much for inviting me to visit your blog in celebration of national poetry month. It's been a joy to share my poetry with you. 
You're welcome.  Thanks for joining us, today!