Carol Calkins
23
HeartPoems
Filed under: HeartPoems | Tags: | September 23rd, 2013
I’m so excited to introduce you to HeartPoems which were inspired by a friend who had a wonderful idea for someone who was turning 50. She sent out small cards and envelops to dozens of people so they could write a short note of best wishes for the birthday celebration. I wrote an original poem. Soon after I began inserting special poems on cards into greeting cards. The response from those who received them was wonderful! Thus, the idea for HeartPoems was born. Given individually or the entire set will touch the hearts of those you hold dear. The set of 24 beautifully designed cards with inspiring poems are a wonderful gift for any reason and all seasons. With the holidays coming up, this would make the perfect gift for someone special. Just go to the link at the top of the page to learn more about HeartPoems.
11
Feeling Great!
Filed under: Poetry | Tags: | August 11th, 2013
The past four plus months have been filled with healing, getting stronger and more balance in my life. I discovered after my eye surgeries that I had a foggy brain, was tired most of the time, and just didn’t feel that great. I found an amazing doctor also trained in nutrition who specializes in treating cases like mine. What I discovered was that I had sensitivities to some foods – gluten, dairy, and eggs. So I changed what I thought was already healthy eating habits and stopped eating these and a few other foods. It took a few weeks, but I gradually started feeling better and gaining my energy back, and my clarity of thought returned. One of the side effects for me is that I also dropped roughly 20 pounds. Right now I feel better than I did 10 years ago and my energy is awesome. It’s wonderful to be feeling great again. Summer has been filled with more visits from relatives than I can ever remember. Fun for sure, but I’m looking forward to a little more peace and quiet around the house. Anyway, I have something new on the horizon that I hope to have ready very soon. They are beautiful cards, a collection of 24 poems, called HeartPoems. More information to follow soon! Blessings to all of you until next time.
10
See Clearly Again!
Filed under: Poetry | Tags: | March 10th, 2013
Well, it has been an interesting 3 months. I went in for Glaucoma surgery because my pressure was too high and in less than a month I had 3 surgeries and almost lost the sight in my eye. Talk about gaining a perspective on what’s really important in life. I feel truly blessed and in the middle of my worse pain (headache, dizziness, and nausea) right after the 2nd surgery, a poem came to me, and with the help of a dear friend, it was put to paper the day after my 3rd surgery. I have included the poem See Clearly Again and feel so blessed that I have vision in my eye and it is getting clearer and clearer everyday. I’m still hoping my energy level returns soon too! My most difficult day was on January 4th, which is interesting because I later realized that it was the 23rd Anniversary of my Mother’s death. She was an extraordinary person who always seemed to make everyone around her happier and better people. To me she was really an Earth Angel because of the way she touched the hearts of others in a caring and loving manner. The world is a better place because she lived, loved, and laughed. Then on January 5th my second granddaughter was born. What a joy she is in our lives. Her mother, father, older sister, grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins absolutely adore her. So in the worst of times a beautiful baby girl was born and after my 3rd surgery on January 7th my vision has gotten progressively better. I am very thankful and filled with gratitude today and have a greater appreciation for the many gifts given to me in life. I send hopes for a happy and healthy 2013 for everyone. Mine is getting better and better everyday.
See Clearly Again
Went in
Saw clearly
Pressure too high
Had to fix soon
Not lose sight in my eye
First surgery went well
Soon go back to work
Suddenly pressure began to rise
Thought second surgery was wise
Intense pain and headaches
Nausea and dizziness
World became blurry
Sickest feeling I can recall
Pressure had skyrocketed
Out of control
Help me please make this go away
Settled down with more meds
Couldn’t keep them all straight
Third surgery scheduled
Can hardly wait
Get the culprit out
Stop the headaches and pain
Hopefully soon
See clearly again
January 8, 2013
© 2013 Carol Calkins, PhD
All Rights Reserved
25
Thankful for
Each one of you
Blessings
So deep and true
Hand in hand
As peace and love
Grows and expands
Dear to us
In our hearts
Now and in the past
What’s meant to be
Better world
We can see
In our special way
Gathered here
Thanksgiving Day
21
Dark kNight
Filed under: Dark kNight, Poetry | Tags: | July 21st, 2012
It is difficult to put into words how the tragedy of July 20, 2012 in Aurora, Colorado feels to those of us who were touched. My family and loved ones are thankfully all safe. However, I pass that theater nearly everyday driving home from work. I work at the university where the shooter was an intern and working on his PhD. I know people who know people who were shot and at this point have either been released from hospitals or are still patients in hospitals. The son of a friend went to that theater with his girlfriend, but they were sold out so they went to another theater to see the movie. Thank God! So many of us feel the sadness for the families of those precious lives that were lost as a result of this senseless act. Our prayers are with them and the victims being treated in area hospitals and those being counseled due to the trauma. My hope is that this will never happen again to anyone anywhere. I was compelled to write a poem to honor those who have been impacted by this tragedy.
Dark Night
Dark Night
Anticipation
Can’t wait
See the view
Suddenly
Can’t see, can hear
Chaos confusion
Shed a tear
Evening out
Turn to terror
Tragedy
Beyond belief
Some survive
Others hurt
Precious souls
Lost their lives
Dark Night
Quiet now
Not a sound
Sadness profound
July 20, 2012
© 2012 Carol Calkins, PhD
All Rights Reserved
24
Bring Poetry to Heart Launches Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Filed under: Book Release, Poetry | Tags: | June 24th, 2012
Wednesday, June 27, 2012 is the Launch Date for my 5th book, Bring Poetry to Heart. I have dedicated this book to my wonderful husband Mike who helped me open my heart to the infinite possibilities in life. We celebrate our 25th Wedding Anniversary in October. Below are some wonderful endorsements of the book as well as a poem from the book.
Always remember to let your heart be open to the magnificence that surrounds you!
“Carol Calkins has a gift with words in expressing true feelings of love, loss, and life. I felt that many of these poems were written for me.” – Lorena Fisher, Nordicg Designs
“Carol Calkins has done it again! Another book of poetry from her heart to your heart. She eloquently writes to capture the essence of love and loss. Bring Poetry to Heart is another winner.” – Lisa Shultz, Author and Coach, www.LisaJShultz.com
“Again Carol Calkins has channeled her own love and light into another fantastic poetry book. I love her poem from 1988 in her own handwriting as an introduction to this thoughtful collection that fits love in every form. Congratulations Carol for following your heart and thanks for sharing your gifts with the world.” – Betsy Wiersma, Founder CampExperience™
“I showed the two poems Carol wrote, Stand by Your Side and Woman of Grace, to my wife, my sister and father. We all loved them and felt that they reflect thoughts we have of my mother. The first poem really reflects the pain that is felt as they are passing away and the second is a great eulogy. Thank you so much for sharing these with us, they are beautiful remembrances of my mom.” – David Turnquist, Associate Vice Chancellor for Facilities Management, University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus
Flowering Heart
Flowering Heart
May seem small at the start
Brilliance and light
Are just out of sight
As it grows and expands
Like an ornamental fan
Blooming full with radiance
Splendor bright with happiness
Beauty deep within
Seen by all around
Intensity spreads out
Love expresses as it surrounds
Connection with life is clear
Conveys to those who are near
Touches each being a gentle swirl
Communicates glory of the world
Flowering Heart
May seem small at the start
Brilliance and light
Are just out of sight
Inspired by cover artwork by Jalynn Dorow
Bring Poetry to Heart
June 12, 2010
© 2010 Carol Calkins, PhD
All Rights Reserved
16
Thank Goodness for June
Filed under: Poetry | Tags: | June 16th, 2012
May was a difficult month with a lot of losses. Many touched my heart, but one in particular affected me even more profoundly. Sandy Dahl, the wife of Jason Dahl, Pilot of Flight 93 that crashed in a field in Pennsylvania on 9-11, passed away in her sleep. She was in her early 50′s and it was a shock to all who knew her personally or knew of her. Sandy and I had never met, but had spoken on the phone and communicated via emails. She graciously, last summer, agreed to read my book Bring Poetry to Freedom, 10th Anniversary Tribute to 9-11 and endorsed the book. I’m still moved by her gesture to support me in this manner. With her passing, I felt overwhelmed and knew I needed to write a poem in her honor, which is below. I also updated the book with a special dedication to Sandy and added her poem. It’s interesting that Sandy left this world in a manner that brings forth the same feelings I have about 9-11. Once again it reminds me that everyday and every moment is precious so live it fully with joy and happiness. Be grateful and make sure your loved ones know how much they mean to you. I will always be thankful to Sandy for opening her heart and soul to me and befriending me as she did. She will always live in my heart and in the hearts of so many others.
A Brave Woman
A Brave Woman
Hero in own right
Of service to all
Now said goodnight
Lived through tragedy
Pain deep inside
Always so caring
To the world a bright light
Befriended each person
Who crossed her path
No matter circumstances
Shared love and enhanced
Soul of pure goodness
Kindness inspiring
Precious being amongst us
Blessed her family and friends
Gone to her beloved
Spirit is at ease
A very Brave Woman
Finally she’s at peace
Bring Poetry to All
May 26, 2012
© 2012 Carol Calkins, PhD
All Rights Reserved
15
Spring is in the Air
Filed under: Book Release, Poetry | Tags: | April 15th, 2012
The last few months have passed by quickly and much of my time has been spent either working at my job at the university or with family. My granddaughter is growing and learning at such a rapid pace; it is truly amazing. I’ve been compiling poems for my next book Bring Poetry to Heart, which I plan to launch in May. The focus of the book is on emotions and how they convey deep and intense feelings that individuals experience throughout their lives. It includes three sections: Love, Loss, and Life, which speaks to transitions and changes we all experience at one time or another. I’m definitely looking forward to sharing it with everyone.
I’m also writing more and more poems about nature and feel that book will be ready to launch later in 2012. Below is a poem for your enjoyment.
Have a glorious Spring and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Spring is in the Air
Spring is in the Air
Flowers blossoming everywhere
Colors on display
Magnificent array
New creations all around
Nature flourishes and abounds
Gaze at the beauty of the sky
Touch and feel growth of life
Awaken to exquisite sights
Vibrant visions do delight
Energize each special being
Knowledge of a brand new season
Longing for warmer days
More time to go outside and play
Excitement to finally be here
Enjoy and be without a care
Spring is in the Air
Surrounded by splendor everywhere
Happy to be alive
Watching nature grow and thrive
May 8, 2011
© 2011 Carol Calkins, PhD
All Rights Reserved
26
Feel Like a Butterfly
Filed under: Poetry | Tags: | February 26th, 2012
It’s been an interesting few months with my focus on many other things besides my poetry. Although I’ve written during this time period, I feel as though I’ve been in a cocoon allowing myself to be okay with just flowing along peacefully. That’s not to say I haven’t been busy with family, work, reading, working out and meditating, but I’ve definitely been more in the present and not always seeking the future. Then during the past week I decided it was time to give attention to my next book that I’d like to launch in late spring - Bring Poetry to Heart. So I Feel Like a Butterfly breaking out of my cocoon. My plan is to have 3 sections and at this point I’m calling them - Love, Loss, and Life. I already have a beautiful painting for the cover and I’m working with an illustrator as well.
My granddaughter is walking around everywhere and she is truly one of the most wonderful gifts in my life. I wrote the poem – Holding My Grandchild about some of the feelings you get when you are around these special ones in your life. I highly recommend being a grandparent, but for those of you with young children, don’t rush it. I have so much fun being around her and playing with her. I’m truly blessed everytime I see her. It’s also fantastic to have my daughter and son-in-law around because they are extraordinary people. And while I’m mentioning family, my husband is awesome. We went to the dinner theater last night and had a wonderful time. Hard to believe that this year is our 25th Wedding Anniversary because it feels like time has flashed by and yet I have a sense of eternity about our life together.
Until next time, blessings to you and those you love!
Holding My Grandchild
Holding My Grandchild
Snug on my chest
Watching her sleep
Hearing her breathe
Can’t even imagine
Greater moment of peace
Hearts beating together
True sense of ease
Gentle her face
Softness her skin
Smallness of features
New life just begin
Beauty so moving
Connection unbound
Sharing contentment
Love that’s profound
Generations unspoken
Spanning decades of time
Past, present and future
Souls united as one
Bring Poetry to Heart
February 19, 2012
© 2012 Carol Calkins, PhD
All Rights Reserved
8
Here’s to a Wonderful 2012
Filed under: Book Release, Poetry | Tags: | January 8th, 2012
The month of December was filled with contrast. It was exciting that my 4th book Bring Poetry to Spirit was launched and I received great feedback on it. At the same time, the first few weeks of the month I was physically under the weather, which made everything I did a huge effort. The good news is that I was well by Christmas and New Year’s and was able to have a fabulous time celebrating with my family including on New Year’s Eve celebrating my granddaughter’s 1st Birthday. She is truly amazing and one of the great gifts in my life.
Well, I’ve been asked by several people what my New Year’s Resolution or Goals are for 2012. The first is clear to me after having nearly 3 weeks of being under the weather in December, my focus for 2012 and into the future is on Health and being as conscientious about doing all the things I need to do for my physical health as well as all the key aspects of my overall health (emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical). I will continue my daily meditation, which is such an integral part of my life. Second, I have had several readers of my poetry say you need to spread the word; more people need to see your wonderful poetry. So in 2012, I will be making more contacts and develop additional strategies to get my poetry in front of a larger population of people. As one friend said, you need to get your poetry out to the world. A huge goal, but why dream small when Dreaming Big can make a massive positive impact on so many more people. I’m ready to do more speaking and take my workshop 5 Hearts to Writing Poetry on the road as one way to get the word out. Third, I serenditiously had a keyboard come into my life and have always wanted to write music. I’ve had several people ask me if I’m going to turn some of my poems into songs. So I plan to refresh my skills (I played piano when I was younger). It’s time to begin my journey of writing music and lyrics (using my poetry as the basis of the lyrics). Finally, my family and friends will continue to be high on my priority list. They give me such fantastic joy every day of my life. I am truly blessed.
So to all of you here’s to a Wonderful 2012 and I look forward to hearing from you about your thoughts and ideas to make our lives and this world a better place.
Best Wishes,
Carol
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