D.M. Denton's Blog, page 30
December 31, 2013
Candles and Continuation
“How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a weary world.”
~ William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice
As I heated up some soup for my lunch at work on this last day of 2013, I became very sad listening to a conversation that happens far too often – begun by someone ranting about how those who receive welfare or depend on social security or receive any kind of assistance are undermining what he/she has or might have or should have.
Why is there any reason to feel threatened by the safety nets or safe guards that attempt to alleviate poverty and injustice, create better working conditions, ensure education and healthcare for all, and offer help to those who have been caught in cycles of addiction or abuse or any number of “but for the grace of God …” situations?
Does it not serve all to try to lift up those who have fallen on bad times even when it might be because of their own behavior or choices? If starving children are fed, does it matter that someone out there is “too lazy to work”? If another life is helped to reach its highest and happiest potential, does it not give the world and every one of us who live in it more not less? Greed has never made the world richer in its heart; judgment has never cleared the conscience of the soul. Is compassion not the creativity each of us has to offer?
“Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.”
~ Buddha
Neither is the quality of any one life diminished by the benefits another receives.
“When we are generous in welcoming people and sharing something with them—some food, a place in our homes, our time—not only do we no longer remain poor: we are enriched. I am well aware that when someone needing food knocks at your door, you always find a way of sharing food; as the proverb says, one can always ‘add more water to the beans’! Is it possible to add more water to the beans?…Always?…And you do so with love, demonstrating that true riches consist not in materials things, but in the heart!”
~ Pope Francis
Below is a re-post from last year, with heartfelt thanks to all who have followed my reflections, supported my writing and artwork, and lit the way for me and others to live and create in the best way possible.
I wish you all abundant blessings for the New Year
and far, far beyond!
May you and yours and all you love flourish and grow
and find comfort in continuation …
Copyright 2012 by DM Denton
The year
even as
it’s dying
grows
into another.
©Artwork and writing, unless otherwise indicated, are the property of Diane M Denton. Please request permission to reproduce or post elsewhere with a link back to bardessdmdenton. Thank you.
December 22, 2013
‘Tis the Season
The snow has come early, silently covering leaves never raked but left to nourish or suffocate the ground on which the future stands.
Deeper and deeper, it’s all hidden for now.
This season for gathering is not crowded here in the quiet company of snow.
Looking back to the place called home, candles are lit to welcome without letting in. Although the passing of possibilities might, at least, enter dreams in the night.
Photograph & Painting Copyrighted by DM Denton 2013
The light comes up and notices a Cardinal heart-red against the idea that winter is colorless - also challenged by berries clinging to the bareness of branches.
Copyright 2013 by DM Denton
‘Tis the season for standing still. All growing needs a rest.
The rain is falling now, warm and then icy, washing away the cleanliness of snow, which is already missed. I hear it will return before too long.
Nature has decided some trees have stood long enough. They will be missed, but have been cleared away for a new outlook.
This is winter before it is Christmas. This is hope after it has given up.
Copyright Diane’s Mom 2013
Wishing all
a warm and wonderous
Winter Solstice and Holiday season
however you celebrate and enjoy!
December 11, 2013
Repost: The Conscience of Christmas
Really hoped to come up withsome new, but with one thing and another, including a sick kitty – who is thankfully much better now – I will share this one again (written after the Newtown, Connecticut tragedy last year), which fits in with the spirit of sorrow and hope with the passing of Nelson Mandela. This post could just as well be titled “The Conscience of Anytime.” Peace.
The weather isn’t frightful
as the snow falls on cue,
just following its heart
that longs for innocence
in a world where it is
all too brief.
The cold creates a warmth of
knowing we must come in
from the harsh winds that blow
humanity to shame
and haunt its soul for right
to be done.
The season cannot change what
happened to children who
did not doubt tomorrow
and to all those who did,
their smiles lost in tears
not in vain.
For as long as winter turns
from darkness to cast light
on a softer view through
the narrowing window
of how to make amends,
we must try.
Blessings of the season to all.
Prayers for non-violence to prevail
in the New Year and beyond.
Copyright 2012 DM Denton
©Artwork and writing, unless otherwise indicated, are the property of Diane M Denton. Please request permission to reproduce or post elsewhere with a link back to bardessdmdenton. Thank you.
December 7, 2013
Two Highly Recommended Poetry Collections
New Day, New Dreams by Lauren Scott
Highly recommended to touch your heart, move your spirit, and make you cry and smile.
Lauren Scott is a talented poet who explores her observations, thoughts, emotions, sensuality and spirituality in a variety of forms and through beautiful word play, deep feeling, wit and even playfulness. She offers poetry from her moments and memories; its subjects range from her love for her parents, sisters, husband, children and beloved dog, to reflections on rainy days and Mondays, sunrises, aging, walking through nature and along beaches, and even coffee–and that doesn’t begin to cover it all! This is a collection of verse that is grateful, optimistic, romantic, nostalgic, inspirational, motivational and amusing, by a poet who writes from the heart and a sense of what is truly important in life. I have followed Lauren’s blog for some time now and this special book just confirms my suspicions: she is always writing poems and although ‘Inspiration has its own timing/and it’s not always perfectly aligning’, she rarely lets her muse slip away unexploited.
Silence Happens, Little Thoughts of Nature, Peace, Freedom & Love by Martin Shone
A beautiful book of quiet poetry
The “little thoughts of life, nature, peace, freedom and love” in this collection are like whispers in the ear, not from any human source but from the sensory and spiritual rhythms of nature and the Universe. The title is perfect, for this is as close as words can be to silence, happening as they will, without any intellectualizing or reaching for meaning. This is a miniature book of Zen that anyone can practice just by reading it through or opening it randomly to be calmed, connected to the intuition, and reminded that beauty, peace and love are always available. It offers a place in which to be safe and encouraged. The reflections in this book are hypnotic—even as one reads, like closing the eyes and breathing in their promptings to observe, experience, imagine and believe. Martin Shone is a poet who knows that …
“Poetry doesn’t have to be words
Poetry can be your dreams
your memories
your future
Poetry lives within your soul
Poetry is you”
Silence Happens is a lovely book to … treasure for its spontaneity, simplicity, sublimity and, not least, the quietness of its poetry.
If you are gift-giving this (or any) time of year, please consider books, whether poetry, fiction or non-fiction, in print or e-reader versions. They offer escape, adventure, knowledge, romance, inspiration, soul and heart-stirring. And, something I think is most essential: quiet time … certainly time well spent!
Copyright 2012 DM Denton
November 29, 2013
Free Kindle Download ‘The Snow White Gift’!
The Snow White Gift ,
can be downloaded FREE TODAY, November 29th!
Copyright 2013 by DM Denton
In Depression-weary times, a little girl’s wish for a special doll touches a stoic heart. Through sacrifice and pure intent, giving her what she wants for Christmas results in disappointment but eventually confirms that love and patience can work magic.
Thank you to Christine, Ina and Francina for their kind reviews of the story:
Whatever Diane Denton writes, she simply draws the reader all the way in and invites him/her to be right there in the midst of the story, and this delightful heartwarming short story, The Snow White Gift, is no exception. Diane’s writing is warm, gentle and beautifully descriptive. Her books are simply a delight to be with and are very difficult to put down; she leaves the reader wanting more and more.
Christine Moran, journeyintopoetry
In this lovely Christmas story, all revolves around giving and the true value of kindness. Diane’s writing, with every detail vivid and adding to the surprising plot, is always a joy to read.
Ina Schroders-Zeeders, inaweblogisback
The Snow White Gift by Diane Denton is a compelling, moving , touching and beautiful fictional short story set around Christmas in Depression-weary times. Personally I think this is a story everyone should read for its all about the art of giving. Unconditional giving, from the heart without asking anything back in return. Willing to set our own wishes aside to be able to give to another person. I can highly recommend this wondrous and excellent written story to you! I read all the pages in one breath.
Francina Hartstra, Seasonspoetry
I hope you will accept this little gift from
All Things That Matter Press and myself
and enjoy!
Check out other All Things That Matter Press Kindle Shorts available FREE TODAY!
And if you come to this post after November 29th, The Snow White Gift and all
All Things That Matter Press Kindle-Shorts are only $.99!
Reminder: if you don’t have a Kindle device, you can download to your computer, smartphone or tablet. Get the FREE Kindle app .
©Artwork and writing, unless otherwise indicated, are the property of Diane M Denton. Please request permission to reproduce or post elsewhere with a link back to
bardessdmdenton
. Thank you.
November 27, 2013
Repost: Thanks Given
Copyright 2012 by Diane’s Mom, June
Snapdragons still bloom
wintery chills loom
pumpkins for taking
pies in the making
sunshine falls brightly
forgotten nightly
shadows stretch designs
all nature resigns
arresting in growth
a mutual oath
leaves fallen in faith
barrenness awaits
beyond the ending
hope is transcending.
Thanks are now given
for earth and heaven.
Note: The painting was done by my mom, June, on a ceramic tile and is part of our autumn decorations.
Happy Thanksgiving to my US friends and Blessings to all!
And as a special thank you, my new holiday short story,
The Snow White Gift
is available on Kindle for FREE download
this Friday, November 29th!
©Artwork and writing, unless otherwise indicated, are the property of Diane M Denton. Please request permission to reproduce or post elsewhere with a link back to bardessdmdenton. Thank you.
November 22, 2013
Contemplation on Saint Cecilia – Feast Day: November 22nd
The martyred Saint Cecilia (2nd Century) is the patron saint of music, musicians, and poetry.
I am reposting my prose-poem below in honor of Saint Cecilia’s Feast Day, which is today, November 22nd. I won’t share any gruesome story about her death and matrydom, just that as she was dying she sang to God. It is also written that as the musicians played at her wedding she “sang in her heart to the Lord” … and that she listened to the voices of angels.
I give thanks for all the arts, including music and poetry.
If music was a light, it would sound brighter in the dark. Like the glow around the moon, it would fade to illuminate the stars.
If music was composed of rays, it would lift the mist from the world, until its brilliance played across the skies not silenced by the clouds.
If music was a mirror, it would reflect each soul that listened.
If music was eternity, it would be heard beyond all breathing, accompanied by the heartstrings of the angels, never to be broken.
If music was silence, it would be for our ears to hear nothing but its calling us to paradise.
Copyright 2012 by DM Denton
If you wish to read more about Saint Cecilia please check out her listing on Wikipedia.
©Artwork and writing, unless otherwise indicated, are the property of Diane M Denton. Please request permission to reproduce or post elsewhere with a link back to bardessdmdenton. Thank you.
November 12, 2013
The Snow White Gift
We had the first snowfall last night, so how appropriate that the illustrated story I wrote for All Things That Matter Press’ Holiday Kindle Shorts became available on amazon.com today for $.99 (£0.77 at amazon.uk)!
The Snow White Gift is based on a real story from my mom’s youth.
In Depression-weary times, a little girl’s wish for a special doll touches a stoic heart. Through sacrifice and pure intent, giving her what she wants results in disappointment but eventually confirms that love and patience can work magic.
Copyright 2013 by DM Denton
By the way, you can read this story without a Kindle device. Just download the FREE Kindle app to your computer, smartphone or tablet.
Although this story was specifically written for the upcoming holidays, it is relevant at any time:
For it is in giving that we receive. ― St. Francis of Assisi
©Artwork and writing, unless otherwise indicated, are the property of Diane M Denton. Please request permission to reproduce or post elsewhere with a link back to
bardessdmdenton
. Thank you.
November 10, 2013
Stolen Fruit
Illustration on a Wooden Stool Top.
Copyright 2013 by DM Denton
Will the fruit
be wasted?
Fully ripened,
hanging heavy,
unpicked;
but not unchosen.
Blackbird, blackbird
bowing to temptation;
tasting before
the deer,
sudden snows or decomposition
steal it from sight.
©Artwork and writing, unless otherwise indicated, are the property of Diane M Denton. Please request permission to reproduce or post elsewhere with a link back to
bardessdmdenton
. Thank you.
October 30, 2013
Win an E-Book Copy of A House Near Luccoli
A novel of musical intrigue & intimacy in 17th century Genoa
I wanted to give my blog followers and visitors a chance to win a KINDLE or NOOK Book copy of my literary Historical Fiction, A House Near Luccoli.
All you have to do is LIKE the Facebook Page and you will be entered into a drawing. If the page reaches the next milestone of 250 LIKES, there will be two lucky winners!
If you already have a copy of the novel - and with the Holiday Season fast approaching - remember Kindle and NOOK Books may be given as gifts.
Thanks in advance and GOOD LUCK!
And thank you to those who have already supported me in this way – and a friendly reminder that if you have read the novel and haven’t written a review for it, I would really appreciate if you could post one on Amazon, Goodreads (if you are a member), and at barnesandnoble.com. Reviews really help a book’s exposure.
Old View of Genoa, where A House Near Luccoli takes place.
Happy Halloween!
Copyright 2012 by Diane’s Mom, June
