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

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

Bring Poetry to Spirit is in the final stages of editing and I’m targeting a Launch Day of Monday. December 12, 2011. When I began my journey of writing poetry nearly 2 years ago, I would have an occasional poem come through, which was more spiritual in nature. Periodically, there would be waves of poems that felt more spiritually based.  Each time this occurred, I’d put them into a special notebook.  The result became my soon to be published 4th book, Bring Poetry to Spirit. When I put the book together and re-read all the poems to determine the section titles, I found myself feeling amazed by what I read.  I’ve always known there was a deep connection between everyone and everything in the universe, and found these poems were my way to express the true sense of that spiritual essence, the oneness we are all a part of.  The book examines various circumstances: what keeps us going even during the most emotionally painful of times; what happens when we have a glimpse of something new and different that may enhance our lives and the lives of those around us; what occurs when we take action that opens up a whole new realm of possibilities; and how in the quiet and core of our being, moments of complete peace and knowingness can manifest.  In looking at these aspects, the four major sections of the book evolved: Struggle, Insight, Awakening, and Enlightenment.   Interestingly, this book also ties some of my family past and present together in an interesting way.  The book is dedicated to my daughter who is the brightest and most beautiful soul I know and the best daughter, wife, mother and friend anyone could ever have.  Some of her photographs from when she traveled abroad are included in the book and capture the essence of people throughout the world.  The cover art was created by my ex-husband and definitely conveys the spirituality and oneness that Bring Poetry to Spirit is intended to capture.  My hope is that when you get an opportunity to read my 4th book, you will take the time to let me know if any of the poems had a special meaning for you.  Until next time, enjoy life!