Tag: haiku Saturday

Finally, Something Good
So another big week in the news. But this time, we could pry our eyes from the train wreck that has become the norm and celebrate some good news. I don’t even have to say who got engaged for everyone to know what good news I am talking about. And you don’t have to be a Swiftie or Chief’s fan to appreciate this engagement. I don’t have any friendships bracelets and didn’t go to her concert, but I can appreciate the power and influence of a woman who has found a way to do what she loves and still tries to spread good around the world. She does not forget about all the people who work to create the universe she lives in. She has gone up against people who have tried to take ownership of her work, and, frankly, outsmarted them. When she’s not busy building an empire, she remembers to share what she has with the communities around the world that welcome her. Really, other than having a few friends try to get her in trouble with their messy lives, she pretty much just spreads happiness wherever she goes. And she likes cats. The other half of this news story goes to a man who is also really good at his job, and for someone whose hometown team is a rival of his team, that’s hard to admit. He has proven that he is more than just a jock. He demonstrates family loyalty by working with his brother and praising his parents, not to mention being a devoted uncle. He lifts his girlfriend up and lets her work shine. He even learned something new so he could participate in what she likes and literally put himself on stage for the world to see. Even though all the Dads, Brads, and Chads are not happy that their golden boy has allowed the women into their private club, he has not only welcomed the women, he holds the door open for them. Many people complain about this good news and some even mock it. All the other news of the week reminds us that we live in a world where hatred is honored, where belittling others is encouraged, where seeking power is the goal. All the people who follow that path will never be able to appreciate the simple joy of two people falling in love and wanting to get married, even when they live on a stage for the world to see. At a time when the news tends to make me angry, this news was a pleasant read, and I say congratulations to the happy couple (who remained nameless).
8/18

after midnight rain
morning sun highlights puddles
freshly washed world
8/20

greeting each other
both welcoming the new day
peaceful morning walks
8/23

when the clouds roll in
morning sun pushed aside
day calls for muffins
8/26

sun sent wake-up call
enjoying morning stretches
soaking up the rays
8/30

living on the edge
unable to take next step
rooted to this spot
August 31, 2025

good news, haiga, haiku, haiku Saturday, Walks with Zephyr
Hanging with Friends
I love going to a friend’s place and talking about books. It’s even better when friends share books with me. I get the same feeling when I go to an independent bookstore. Denver almost lost a beloved indie this summer, but happily The Bookies was able to find a new owner and stay open. Sue Lubeck opened this literary treasure in 1972 and ownership transferred to Nicole Sullivan in 2021 after Lubeck died. The newest owner, Kirstin Gulling, is living out a dream many of us have of giving up “grown-up” work – for her being a lawyer – to opening a little bookstore. Go ahead a sigh, you know you want to. I had been to The Bookies at its current location under previous ownership and knew how the furniture was arranged and where the different genres were located. When I went this time it was like going into the neighbor’s house with new neighbors. The layout of the furniture was different, but I still knew we were going to be friends. The books may not be in the same places, but they are still there. When you get a new book from an indie, it feels like you’re getting a book from a friend. An independent bookstore is the best place to go when you are feeling tired and overwhelmed with corporate America and everything in the news. It represents hope for the future. A place where people want to be helpful, kind, and well-read. I can’t remember ever walking into an indie and not being met with a smile from someone ready to welcome me. On this particular visit it was even better because a debut author was there to share her new book. Being at an author event is the ultimate friendship ritual. Everyone gathers around to hear from someone who is sharing something so personal (writing a book is being willing to put your heart out there for everyone to see). The smiles are contagious. I hope Abby White’s new book D.J. Rosenbaum Becomes the G.O.A.T. finds many new friends and leads to many more books from Abby. When it was time to leave the store, something difficult for me to do, I had Abby’s new book tucked under my arm and happy to have made a new friend. I’ll be back soon, The Bookies.
8/6

setting sun’s waning light
still pushing through smoky clouds
scorching day closing
8/9

lookout on duty
keeping eye out for danger
bright spot of color
8/13

mornings together
devoted friend by my side
there’s nothing better
8/14

day is winding down
soft hues lighten evening walk
last gift from above
8/16

just waiting to play
me and my ball will be here
ready when you are
August 16, 2025

Abby White, books, haiga, haiku, haiku Saturday, independent bookstores, reading, The Bookies
Annotating Life
I’m reading a book. That in itself is not newsworthy. I read a lot of books. But this book is different. This book came out last November and I had planned on reading it right away but life got in the way. Ann Patchett, one of my favorites, went back to a book she had published in 2001, Bel Canto, and annotated it. Her handwritten notes are in the margins and words are crossed out or underlined throughout. It’s like being in a critique group with Ann Patchett herself. She points out times when she overwrote and less would have been better, when she used the same word too many times in a short period, when sentences should have been reworked, and when she made mistakes with the topic. I especially love the added personal notes when she loved something or used her own life to add elements to the storytelling. I have already learned from her mistakes in my own writing and find myself cutting out words when fewer will suffice. But writing aside, what I love most about reading this is the idea of looking back on our lives and being able to critique ourselves. How often would less words have served a situation better? When did we repeat ourselves, in action or words, and not for the better? How did we feel when we misunderstood something and only learned the truth later? Everyone is guilty of indiscretions like these, but Patchett also reminds us to take notice of the things we not only got right, but did so amazingly well. Really look at the times when we added something positive to a situation. The missteps are easy to see, but take the time to accept the victories. They are there, too.
7/10

under speckled sky
stuffing shaken from dog toy
splendid summer day
7/12

hidden behind clouds
concealed sunlight staying strong
still seeks to shine down
7/15

little thin on top
even the trees have to ask
time for leaf implants?
7/17

sunshine from above
is all it takes to flourish
no matter the base
7/19

lounging together
in the coolness of the shade
best buds united
July 19, 2025

Ann Patchett, books, change, haiga, haiku, haiku Saturday, Parnassus Books, reading, scbwi, wondering
Living With Purpose
Lately I’ve been feeling like I’m constantly fighting against the current of society rather than embracing life and really living in this world. This restless feeling got me to pick up a book off my TBR (to be read) pile that had been waiting for the perfect moment to be read. Now was that moment. The book by Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde is called How We Learn to Be Brave – Decisive Moments in Life and Faith. I am still reading so can’t give you a review of the whole book, but the first three chapters shared great messages. Chapter one is about deciding to go. In this chapter Budde reminds the reader that taking a leap into the unknown is often scary, but when done with purpose when we feel summoned to go, can lead to amazing things. She referenced something called a “Lifequake.” This is something so big it changes our meaning, direction, or purpose. I experienced a Lifequake when I made the difficult decision to leave teaching. I knew I was giving up something I had worked hard for and had poured my whole self into, but I also knew education had changed so much and wasn’t something I wanted to continue making my family sacrifice for. It took a couple of years to really feel like I had an identity separate from that of teacher. The second chapter is about deciding to stay. This decision is often seen as no action, but sometimes staying can be harder than going. This can refer to relationships (friends, family, and romantic), location, jobs, etc. Staying is capable of providing stability when that is what is needed. Budde wrote that “choosing stability in an area can give those who depend on us opportunity to thrive and grow.” She did not mean we are expected to sacrifice ourselves for someone else’s happiness, but when we make the choice to stay for ourselves, we might find we are the ones thriving and growing, When we stay we have to commit; we have to be all in, even if just for a set amount of time. When I left teaching, I made the decision only a few months after the year started. I considered leaving mid-year because it was such a bad situation for me. My children told me to consider the entire class and if my being there helped just a couple kids, then I should stay for the rest of the school year. I could immediately picture the faces of the students that relied on me to continue their personal education journey and knew staying was the right thing. That meant I had to be all in though. I know some of the adults will say I wasn’t all in, but for the kids I was. I set the end date and then buckled down to finish the year with them. The third chapter is about deciding to start. For me, this chapter was about putting the first two chapters together. Sometimes we need to stay and get ready for going. As I ended one part of my life by leaving education, I had to start preparing for the next step. I used the rest of the year to think about how I wanted the next part of living to look like. It’s been three years now that I can’t call myself a teacher anymore, and that took some adjustment. In this quieter phase of my life, I now call myself a writer. I made that decision to start and have been learning and practicing and working on my craft. And for anyone else who is walking this path as well, it does not take finding an agent or editor and getting a book deal to call yourself a writer, it just takes putting ideas down on paper (or screen). For me, I’ve made the decision to start living with purpose.
4/24

raised for confinement
like animals at the zoo
flowers in a vase
4/26

books divided by type
sign of too many waiting
yet drawn back for more
4/27

sneaks across the path
wrapping soft arms around us
foggy morning walk
5/2

winter’s last holdout
defiantly standing tall
waving bare branches
5/3

after snowy months
before sweltering season
perfect lilac days
May 3, 2025

books, change, haiga, haiku, haiku Saturday, Walks with Zephyr
To All the Women
So I finished a book this week. Nothing new there. But this one really had me thinking because it’s about an issue that still isn’t solved. Not only is it not solved, but has taken steps backwards with the new political scene. The book is By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult and is told in dual POV and timeline. One character is a woman who lived during Shakespeare’s time. She wants to write plays but is forbidden because she is a woman. Throughout the course of the story, and it’s a long one, she experiences highs and lows, all at the whims of the men who are in control. The second storyline is also about a woman but is told in modern times. She also wants to write plays but has found women writers are not produced as often, or even close, as men writers. She is even told at one point that women stories are not as believable to the audience. If you have read a Picoult story, you already know she can write and her stories are believable. My issue is not with her. My issue is with the silencing of women. We are seeing this with our government right now as it erases references to anything to do with our accomplishments throughout history, our medical needs, our contributions to society. This is a giant step backwards. I find myself closing my circle of people because I take it personally that someone would rather vote for a corrupt man than a qualified woman. We should not need a month to acknowledge women because our worth and value should be a given. Rather than sink with despair over the state of things, I choose to sing my praise for all the women in my life. I hear you and hope you continue making the world a better place. I’m sorry this was more political than normal, but sometimes the timing of a book stirs up some emotions. I think I’ll read one of my fluff books on my TBR shelf next.
3/12

water flowing by
around the icy snow banks
captures attention
3/15

ready for action
morning stretches completed
waiting for play time
3/18

oh thief of my heart
looks so sweet and innocent
till the claws come out
3/20

something is wrong here
even I know trees grow up
score one for the wind
3/22

greetings all around
birds calling out as we pass
spring songs brighten mood
March 22, 2025

books, haiga, haiku, haiku Saturday, reading, women
Here’s to all the Women
Today is International Women’s Day (and my daughter’s birthday). A day to celebrate all the achievements made by women and to promote gender equality. This year this day seems even more important. It would be easy to slip into outrage over the lack of equality going on all around us for everybody not a member of the select group in charge, but instead, lets focus on how great women are. I did a quick internet search and found women are responsible for so many things. Interestingly, a lot of those items are useful, everyday things that make life a little better for everyone. Things like car heaters (Margaret A. Wilcox), dishwashers (Josephine Cochran), electric refrigerators (Florence Parpart), and fire escapes (Anna Connelly). It just goes to show that women are really good at solving problems and helping everyone out. What women have contributed to medicine, science, technology, and the arts could make this a really long post. If nothing else, anyone enjoying a cold beer this weekend can thank women living almost seven thousand years ago for creating it. For centuries only women were allowed to drink beer and operate breweries. So make sure you raise a glass to women today. And happy birthday to one of my favorite women.
2/16

frost covered morning
layered over prickly branch
for sparkly bed head
2/18

just a dog walking
wrapped in his favorite jacket
giving warmth to all
2/22

a girl and her dog
making tracks in the fresh snow
enjoying blue skies
2/24

always a good day
when the trail is freshly groomed
for me and my dog
3/5

unknown rocky path
to secret places below
hidden deep beneath
3/8

enjoying the day
by napping through the morning
big plans for later
March 8, 2025

haiga, haiku, haiku Saturday, women
Buckle up for Some Reading
I think I found the perfect reading spot. Imagine sitting in your chair, slightly leaning back, the lights are dim except for the little reading light above your head, somebody coming to you to offer a drink and snack, a tray to place your refreshments, the hum of an engine to drown out any chatter that may be happening near by, and you crack open a new book. You can pretend there isn’t a crying baby three rows behind you or the person next to you isn’t hogging the arm rest. But starting a book at the beginning of a trip while trapped on a plane so nothing else can pull you away is the best. I came prepared with two new books. Picking those two was difficult, but now I can just sit back and relax. The start of a trip is like the start of a book. You are still filled with all the hope and excitement of what may happen over the next several days. Your things are still neatly organized in your bags, clothes are fresh and clean, snacks have not been overeaten. In other words, things are still perfect. Whatever happens later is not your problem right now. You can just sit back and read to your hearts content. The plane provides a reading cocoon. There will be time to read during the trip, hopefully, but other things will be pulling for your attention. It could be family or friends, interesting sights, business obligations, the waves of the ocean, or any number of things that stand between you and your book. But these few hours stuck in one place are a treat worth savoring. When the plane touches down at your destination and you stow your book away again, just remember you still get to fly back home. If you’re lucky, your book might even bring back the aroma of a day at the beach.

What I brought to read: Ban This Book by Alan Gratz. This is a topic close to my heart. Books should be shared, read, discussed, written, but never banned. The kids in this fiction book make be believe their should be a kid advisory group helping those in charge. I think everyone has forgotten to ask the people they are trying to protect how they feel and think. There are far worse things kids are being exposed to that nobody seems to care about.

State of Wonder by Ann Patchett. This author is a favorite of mine, both her fiction and nonfiction, but I definitely was happy to be traveling someplace I didn’t need to take shots and a regimen of medication just to stay alive. Patchett writes slow stories that give you time to reflect and imagine yourself right in the middle of things. I really don’t think I’m cut out for the insect-invested Amazon, but I love seeing what happens next for Dr. Marina Singh.

What I bought and read there: The Beach House on Amelia Island by Hope Holloway. I saw this book at an indie book store on Amelia Island and thought it sounded like a fun, fluff read at the beach, and it was. It reminded me of some of the lighter stuff on Netflix. Some family drama, some romance, and a little bit of mystery. Nothing too heavy. I love finding something local to read while away from home.
2/5

asking sun for help
basking in the warmth it gives
on frosty mornings
2/8

with each crashing wave
breaking against sandy beach
sun raises me up
2/11

resting on a log
time for some turtle yoga
stretching out those toes
2/15

all is right again
those who traveled far away
back where they belong
February 15, 2025

beach, books, haiga, haiku Saturday, joyful, reading
Reading Era
I just finished reading two books that, together, sum up life. The first one was Wellness by Nathan Hill. This book has a lot of great reviews and everyone loved it. It even had Oprah’s stamp of approval. But I had to force myself to read it at times. It had stories of depressing childhoods, family drama, marriage struggles, social media wars, and even scientific studies. It basically covered most elements of life. The writing was good and the plots were creative in the way they came together, but it was a tad heavy. The second book, She Doesn’t Have a Clue by Jenny Elder Moke was a lighthearted rom-com, murder mystery. It was funny and punny in the most delightful way. I loved curling up with a blanket and my cats during the dark days of January to escape into the ridiculousness of this story. I don’t see Oprah slapping her sticker on this one. The lack of sticker is what got me thinking. Why is it that the heavier the topic the more awards something gets, books or movies? Isn’t life stressful enough? Don’t we all crave laughter, fun, and happiness? I read across genres and age categories. I get a solid mix between heaviness and lightness. I must confess, I enjoy the feeling I get from reading fun books more. I will still read the thought-provoking ones, but I don’t want to have to hide my love for what’s fun. Society seems to look down on beach reads, comedies, and rom-coms in favor of the “more meaningful” books, but after the January we just had, I’m tired of deep thinking. I’m off to find another book to make me laugh.
1/19

winter bites my nose
exposed between scarf and hat
alone on the trail
1/29

streaks of warm color
breaks up all the winter white
heats us from above
1/31

month of frigid days
another January
ready for new month
2/1

a lot to be said
for staying indoors, but please
less talking right now
February 1, 2025

books, haiga, haiku, haiku Saturday, joyful, reading, Walks with Zephyr, winter
Happy With a Book
I just started reading a YA (young adult) book called Being Mary Bennet by J.C. Peterson. The main character is a high school senior named Marnie who in addition to having all the awkwardness of a 17- year-old is happiest in the library reading. None of this is especially original, but when Marnie’s friend calls her a Mary Bennet in a not good way, I took notice. What’s wrong with Mary Bennet? I had to get out my old copy of Pride and Prejudice to place this Bennet sister. I remembered Jane as the oldest and prettiest, Elizabeth as the one who was too proud to admit her feelings for the dashing Mr. Darcy, and Lydia as the troublemaker younger sister. The youngest sister was Kitty who needed to be redirected from the bad influences of Lydia. But what was Mary’s story? Then I remembered. Mary was the bookish one and often considered the boring sister. In most movie adaptations, Mary is a minor character. The typical overlooked middle child. As a middle child who is often reading, I am a little offended at this stereotype. Reading should not be seen as a boring habit or something that makes a person boring. I read across most genres (still not brave enough to read horror) and find that gives me more knowledge of things I may never experience first hand. I can appreciate multiple points of view and, because I read books for all ages, I can relate to people outside my age bracket. Choosing a life with less drama and appreciating a good book does not make a person boring just happier. I’ll keep reading to see how Marnie shakes this stereotype because I have faith that she will, but I think she’ll still keep reading. And so will I.
1/6

living with regret
didn’t leave when had the chance
shivers in the cold
1/8

best of both worlds
longing for blue summer days
finding joy in snow
1/11

found good spot to lie
stretched out by the fireplace
may be her till spring
1/15

when it’s cold outside
hanging out inside might be
most excellent idea
1/18

waiting for a change
warm days, brown land soon to end
arctic air blows in
January 18, 2025

books, haiga, haiku, haiku Saturday, reading
A Year of Reading
With the end of 2024 came my results for my reading challenge. I set a goal of reading 60 books in 2024 and ended up reading 90 books. They covered a wide range of genres. I read a couple of picture books that caught my attention. The Accidental Hero – A Mostly True Wombat Story by Laura Roettiger (Debbie Palen illustrated) was a sweet little story about a not so sweet big fire in Australia. The Ofrenda That We Built by Jolene Gutierrez and Shaian Gutierrez (Gabby Zapata illustrated) taught me about the Day of the Dead and family traditions. Both great picture books but very different. My favorite books to read are in the middle grade category. These are books for kids between 8 and 12 years old. Some of the national authors like Kathrine Applegate, Kate DiCamillo, Erin Entrada Kelly, and Lynne Kelly did not disappoint, but some local authors treated me to some great reads as well. I always love Boulder author Claudia Mills and savored her multi-generational book The Last Apple Tree. The last two books in the Book Scavenger series by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman did not let me down for some fun kid-lit adventures. This year I even read some YA (young adult books). Another local author, Ellen O’Clover, entertained me with her awkward summer after high school of self discovery book The Someday Daughter. And I discovered an author who shares the same last name as me, but we don’t seem to be related. Better than the Movies by Lynn Painter gave the same good vibes as all those high school movies from the 80’s. I did read adult books, and lots of them. I proved that I will read just about anything and love to see different ways authors are creative. A few favorite authors from my year of reading include: Ann Napolitano (Hello Beautiful and Dear Edward), Amor Towles (The Lincoln Highway and Table for Two), Ann Patchett (everything fiction and non fiction), Chris Whitaker (All the Colors of the Dark) and even Steven King (On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft). Overall it was a great year to get lost in a book. My TBR (to be read) stack is ready to kick of 2025. First up is Wellness by Nathan Hill, a gift from my son. Happy reading everyone.
1/1/25

clear path to a new year
might be icy in some spots
slow and steady steps
1/2/25

clean slate for a new year
blank page to begin again
ready to leave mark
1/3/25

devoted to you
watching every move you make
a treat would be nice
1/4/25

before dinner walks
always better with a friend
enjoying the day
January 4, 2025

books, haiga, haiku, haiku Saturday, reading, TBR