Winter’s Invitation is an opportunity to pause just as the holiday season draws us into its demands and incessant activity. These poems provide a sanctuary for quiet reflection and a resource for the high energy and excitement of the season. They are lyric and elegant with a resonance and rhythm that moves through the words. They vibrate with meaning on levels that surprise the reader with each new reading, not just at the holidays, but throughout the year. Reading the poems engages us in the deeper significance of the holidays, the light festivals and traditions, both ancient and personal, that we cherish. Their message is always one of resilience, compassion and peace.

Reviews

You’re poems take my breath away. The theme of quiet is powerful and one that I’d resonated with on a deep, deep level, my soul savors the words and images and smiles with understanding. I was struck by the message of your poems with how much I could have a far-reaching effect in my everyday life–not only as a therapist. My thanks for getting me in touch with that. It adds a different dimension to my everyday chore-oriented life. How wonderful that you have the gift of poetry. Thank you for enriching me with your gift.

– Anne Sitarz Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist

Each year I look forward to the first day of the last month, for on that day I start reading, one each day, the poems of Winter’s Invitation, and that is always be a new beginning. I learned from your poems that December is a lovely month. It carries us to the climax of the year to celebrate, to review, and to practice rituals that strengthen our souls. December renews and fills us with hope for the New Year. Your 31 poems are a daily guide to spiritual awareness. Thank you!

– Janet Ferrell Freelance Writer

I read your precious poetry when I need to re-connect. Your Christmas poetry is so beautiful. I keep it on my desk or somewhere close and read and sit with it frequently. Perhaps the Gift-Giver has smiled on me and that is where my words are again coming from…. The Gift-Giver speaks—bestows blessing. True wisdom, true blessing, and true life. Thank you for the wonderful poetry. I sit and read it over and over.

– Glenn Humphries Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist/Franciscan Brother

You’re poetry is beautiful. You’re at the heart and soul of the universe and have expressed it, as few are able to do so. Thank you so very much for sending me a copy of “A Winter Legend”. I believe that I will frame this and hang it on a wall or that I can read it to remind me that burdens, real or imagined, old or recent, can be dropped, lesson can be learned. Wisdom to feel, to sense, to know when to discard the burden–give the body, the brain, the emotions, a rest. Keep a ‘twig’ to carry to perhaps remind not to become callous/unfeeling, perhaps to also remind life may bring other burden twigs and the bundle may well become heavy again and again as we travel the road of life.

– Carolyn Williams Retired Executive Secretary

Thank you for writing Winter’s Legend. I have a feeling that each time I read it I will get more from it. Burdens I can relate to-holding on and letting go.

– Lane Leckman MD, Psychiatrist

“Magic” that you put on paper called “Epiphanies. Your words are so beautiful.

– Carol Faturik Book Club Coordinator

The poem, epiphanies, is beautiful and has a calming, peaceful and soothing effect which is very welcome. I what to take lines out of it and write them all around my kitchen.

– Grace Colvin

Thanks so very much for sharing “Epiphanies with me. Not only is it beautiful, it carries a profound message of hope–that we CAN create the world anew.

– Rev. Kathleen Fannin

Thanks so very much for sharing “Epiphanies with me. Not only is it beautiful, it carries a profound message of hope–that we CAN create the world anew.

– Mike Linver, MD

Thank you for all the candles you have lit along our way. Every year our Christmas Season is made full by your beautiful and profound writing.

– Richard Sei, DDS

Your work seems quite inspired!

– Ben Gleason Assistant Editor, Shambhala Publications, Inc.

What lovely poetry! It inspired me and I am setting up a Christmas tree which I had no intention to do until your poem arrived. Thanks for reminding me of the importance of rituals.

– Francesca Broward Concert Pianist

What a wonderful world this could be if only a few more people could look at Christmas, and other times of the year, with the thoughts and feeling you put in your poetry.

– Wilma Green