The Write Voice Continues To Speak / Susan Hornbach

All The Best In 2011

2011-01-02T17:14:00.000-08:00

I just want to wish everyone a wonderful New Year. I hope your writing endeavors reach new horizons, Your relationsships find joy and friendship, and your personal lives find peace.

I've been away from my blog for quite a while, but I assure you all, I will be back when I am able. Happy writing and God Bless.

The Muse On Line Conference

2011-01-02T16:09:00.000-08:00

The 2011 Muse on Line Conference will be October 10-16. Register Now. Make Lea happy, and register early. It’s the best conference anywhere, in my opinion.

You're able to go in and out of classrooms with ease. You never have to leave the comfort of your home, office, or computer domain, wherever that may be. This writing conference offers a treasure-trove of information for writers. No other conference anywhere, will allow you the convenience of taking a multitude of classes in such a short period of time.

No traveling time. No dashing from one class to another. You won’t be worn out from running to catch the next lecture or assignment. No, here you will be able to come in and out of the classrooms 24 hours a day. Read at your leisure, write and do your assignments at your convenience, speak to others, converse with presenters, make lots of new friends, and learn much more than you would if you signed up for numerous conferences at brick and mortar type buildings.

Also, live chats for those who wish to attend. Publishers are on hand and will accept a pitch for your latest book if you qualify. What more could anyone ask for? Not only is this a writer’s delight in a wealth of information, but it’s all free! That’s right It’s Free.

So come on, sign up! You won’t be sorry. Also you will be connected with the Muse on Line Writer’s Group throughout the year, where writers connect, and share their knowledge with each other.

When Lea Schizas and Carolyn Howard-Johnson present everyone with the lists of workshops and chats that they will be able to sign up for in September, believe me, you will think it is Christmas morning, and Santa brought you the sleigh load. Don’t wait, get excited! Sign up early.

The Final Inspection

2011-01-02T13:29:00.000-08:00

Peter A. Hornbach writes thought provoking poetry that seeks to lift the veil from the nature of reality, and the social world. His poetry bestows upon the reader intellectual food for thought and an element of expressive emotion. He has served in the United States Army, 10th Mountain Division/Afghanistan 2003/04. He is a Commercial Diver, and is presently working on his degree in Anthropology. Peter started writing at a very young age. He is the author of “The Final Inspection” featured on The Home Make-Over TV Show.

The Final Inspection

A soldier died and stood before God, as must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining, just as brightly as his brass.

The Lord said, “Soldier, how shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek, to my church have you been true?”

The soldier squared his shoulders and said, “No Lord I guess I ain’t,
Cause those of us that carry guns, can’t always be a saint.

I’ve had to work most Sundays, at times my talk was tough,
And sometimes I was violent, cause this world is awfully rough,

But I never took a dime that wasn’t mine to keep,
Although I worked a lot of overtime, when the bills just got too steep.

I know I don’t deserve a place among the people here,
They never wanted me around, except to calm their fears.

But if you have a place for me, it needn’t be so grand,
I never had or expected much, but if you don’t I’ll understand.

And there was a silence around the throne, where saints had often trod,
As the soldier waited for the judgment of his mighty God.

Suddenly the Lord said, “Step forward soldier! You’ve borne your burdens well,
Walk peacefully on heaven’s streets, you’ve done your time in hell.”

Peter Alexander Hornbach
All Rights reserved, Copyright 2002.

Charles

2011-01-02T13:27:00.000-08:00

"Charles" is a poem written about an MIA in Viet Nam, an American Soldier for which Elizabeth Kate Hornbach the author, wears a bracelet bearing his name. Charles is missing, but not forgotten. Elizabeth holds a degree in professional writing, and has done missionary work in a number of places throughout the world.

CHARLES

You were left to die
A caged animal
Withered and broken
A folded flag your only thanks

Scratched and faded
Your memory adorns my wrist
Letters etched into cold metal
Vanishing with time

In the jungle your bones remain
Decaying on enemy soil
Tossed aside and forgotten
Just another name on a wall

A vibrant red turned pink
Provokes a somber thought
Your blood is the crimson carpet
On which I freely walk

Elizabeth kate Hornbach Copyright 2000
All Rights Reserved

Bag Full of Books

2010-04-20T15:03:00.000-07:00

I thought it fitting to tell you why this site’s URL is titled “Bag Full of Books 4 Kids”.

A long time ago, well not too long ago or I’ll be giving away my age… Oh, what the heck! Way back when my kids were rambunctious little rascals, I read lots of books to them.

I started reading to them the day they came home from the hospital. I would count on their fingers and flash cards in front of them. You couldn’t buy flash cards then, at least I never saw any in the stores. I made my own. We continued flash cards in the highchair, and clear up until they started reading at the ripe old age of 2-1/2 for my daughter and 3 years for my son.

My kids thought that flash cards and workbooks were treats that were given when they were well behaved. Workbook time was their reward in the middle of the day. We would put on stickers, read opposites, find colors, draw letters, write stories, make puppet shows, and write the scripts.

Reading for my children was as familiar as walking and breathing to them. Reading was part of their life from the beginning. There were people who criticized me for introducing reading at such an early age. I had a doctor tell me that all I was doing was exhausting my self. I felt that was wrong advice. I think children are thirsty to learn. Learning, when put in an attractive way is fun for kids.

I was sitting on a school bus waiting to leave for a school trip one morning. My son was about 4-1/2. He asked my daughter who was about 6 at the time, [first grade] “what does the word disappointment mean?” To my surprise she answered, “Disappointment means when school closes on Friday, I have to wait until it opens again on Monday. That’s what disappointment is.”

Children love school when they can be successful. Being able to read with ease gives a child the confidence to move through his/her class with out stress. They will feel as though they have a grip on things, and any challenge that faces them will probably be something they are ready to tackle.

Early reading in my opinion gives children the tools to deal with whatever comes along in school. If they can read they can comprehend. If they can comprehend, they can learn. If they can learn, the world is their oyster. I think to nourish the mind is as important as nourishing the body. One works with the other. Enlightened little minds help to make healthy little bodies.

We always had a bag full of books. We had library cards that allowed us 12 books each. Every night after bath time, we took turns reading to each other. No matter where we went, doctor’s office, dentist, dance, T ball, picnics, whatever, people would say here she comes with her kids and her bag full of books. We even took them to church with us. It made for happier kids.

My children are grown now and they are both writers in their own right. Their reading habits have stayed with them, and I’m sure reading will always be a large part of their lives. I attribute their reading habits/skills to early intervention.

Sharing my children’s reading experiences with you is my pleasure, and through all I have experienced in my life, raising my children was my most rewarding job of all.

I hope in your travels with your kids, a bag full of books will always be an accessory.

Music by Andrea Bocelli and The Mormon Tabernacle Choir

2010-04-19T10:41:00.000-07:00

Andrea Bocelli and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir
singing the Lords Prayer

Feel free to pass this one on...

This is absolutely beautiful!

If you wish, you can copy and paste the link below into your browser address window

http://bit.ly/5awyVd

Tiny Angel, By Nancy Carty Lepri

2010-01-29T13:39:00.000-08:00

Please welcome Nancy Carty Lepri to The Write Voice Continues to Speak. Nancy is the author of a new book, Tiny Angel, published by Guardian Angel Publishing Company. Below you will find the many reviews written for this wonderful and unique book for middle grade children. Read, enjoy, and please make Nancy feel at home here on the Write Voice, by leaving her a comment.

From the Heart of Dixie.....
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Tiny Angel by Nancy Carty Lepri

In a day and age when chapter books for tweens can sometimes be more hype than substance, Nancy Carty Lepri's Tiny Angel is a breath of fresh air. When ten-year-old Macy Carver's dad is transferred to a new town, Macy leaves behind everything she knew even her best friend. Suddenly she is the new kid on the block and is the recipient of cruel bullying. Then, she receives an unexpectant heavenly visitor - her guardian angel Jody.

There are numerous positive lessons children can learn from Tiny Angel.

1. The gift of compassion - Macy's keen discernment helps her look beyond herself and extend friendship to Tommy, a needy boy in her school.

2. Another perspective - Macy gives readers another view from her pew. She is able, through the help of her guardian angel Jody, to see beyond herself.

3. Generosity - Macy could have been selfish and kept the award money she won from the spelling bee competition, but instead she sees a need greater than herself and donates her money to help those in need.

4. Convictions - Macy's life reflects her heart of mercy for the underdog while continuing to stand up for what you believe in even if it means being rejected.

5. Educational - Children will hone their spelling skills when they attend the spelling bees with Macy and her friends.

6. Faith - Little hearts will grow in their faith when they fall in love with Macy's guardian angel Jody and learn that only faith can devour fear.

Macy isn't some goody-two-shoes. Ms. Lepri pulls back the curtain and allows us to see Macy's struggles.

I think Tiny Angel should be read in elementary schools everywhere. It would open up dialogue about bullying and how devastating it can be to an individual and teach students the lost art of compassion.

If you want a great book with some character building lessons tucked in every chapter for the children in your life, you will want to get a copy of Tiny Angel.You can purchase Tiny Angel by Nancy Carti Lepri at http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/tiny-angel.htm . While you are there, you may want to look around at some of their other amazing books.
Posted by Dixieland57 at 8:54 PM 4 comments
Labels: Guardian Angel Publishing, Tiny Angel, Nancy Carty Lepri

"Things aren't looking too bright at the moment for 8-year old Macy. She's just moved into a new place, left her best friend behind, and in her new school there's a bully who makes her life miserable every chance he can get. But just when things can't seem to get any worse, she receives a visit from a special little friend: her very own guardian angel! This little angel is witty and has an attitude, and does her best to infuse Macy with strength and confidence. Finally an opportunity comes for Macy to prove herself at a bee spelling competition... Will she go for it and show everyone what she's made of, or succumb to her fear of success?
"Tiny Angel is a well-written, delightful story that will entertain middle-grade girls. Macy, with all her doubts and insecurities, is a character young girls 8 and up will identify with. The story has a good message--there comes a time when we have to be bold and act in order to achieve our dreams--but it is not preachy; it's simply a good story about school, friends, being oneself, and achieving one's full potential. Highly recommended." --Mayra Calvani, Mayra's Secret Bookcase
National Latino Books Examiner; The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In Tiny Angel, Macy suffers from an angst of childhood that many of us go through; being the new kid in school. Not only does she suffer from that, but the miserable day to day teasing she gets from the school bully, not knowing anyone in the new town she had to move to and her own personal insecurities.
To her rescue comes a tiny angel...it's so funny when the angel whizzes by and knocks the bully out of the chair...and then...well, you have to read the rest of the story.
This book is written in a wonderfully whimsical way, and Ms Lepri does not talk down to the target audience.
Ms. Lepri took me back to my own childhood and made me wish I had had my own angel to protect me.
I highly recommend this book for young and old alike.
Erin Collins, Author, Shadow Walk: The Gathering~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

With the help of her guardian angel, Macy discovers the importance of true friendship and having faith in yourself. Tiny Angel by Nancy Carty Lepri is a delightful story that will inspire and entertain.
- Cheryl C. Malandrinos, The Children's & Teens' Book Connection
"Mucking though the world of growing pains and pre-teen anxiety, we all wished for someone to give us a hint that we were worthy and everything would be okay. With Tiny Angles, Nancy Lepri has given new girl in school, Macy her very own guardian angel. In turn, Macy helps her new friends, Tomas, Susan, and even mean old Kenny, realize they're going to be okay, as well. Ms. Lepri has created an endearing story that will be in instant favorite of every child who reads it, and touch the heart of every parent who remembers."
Sheryl Hames Torres, author of "Fate's Little Trick" and "Enigma"
Tiny Angel

I recently had the privilege of reading a soon-to-be-published book by Nancy Carty Lepri called Tiny Angel.It was bad enough that Macy had to move away from her best friend, whose letters showed she had quickly found another best friend.
Attending school in a new town where she had no friends at all and became a victim of the class bully was worse. And it didn't help that her teacher was pushing her to participate in a major spelling bee, which would make her seem like a nerd to everyone.
To top it all off, the tiny angel who unexpectedly showed up might turn out to be more of a problem than a help.
How could Macy ever make some friends and have a normal life?
Kids can easily identify with Macy's troubles and the touch of supernatural influence makes Tiny Angel more than just another book about problems in school. I think young readers will love this book.
Posted by author Janet Ann Collins
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Title: Tiny Angel, Author: Nancy Carty Lepri
ISBN: 13: 978-1-935137-94-8
Pages: 100
Tiny Angel captured my attention right from the first page. I laughed, cried and cheered Macy on to the final page.
The story is told through 8-year-old Macy’s eyes. Nancy Carty Lepri uses language and expressions that would be common to the 8 to 12 year old age group.
Macy learns she has a guardian angel named Jody. Jody helps Macy transition into her new school and helps her understand the true meaning of friendship.
This is a truly a heart-warming story of friendship, doing the right thing, and discovering confidence within ourselves. I am sure, that like me, you’ll be looking for a sequel.
Rosemary Reagan Hall
Author of The Adventures With Lamb E Boy series~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Tiny Angel"
By Nancy Carty Lepri

Macy Carver isn't happy about her move from Massachusetts to North Carolina and leaving familiar surroundings. Her worst fears are realized as the kids in school taunt and tease her--especially Kenny, the class bully. And when her old best friend stops writing her, she's as miserable as an eight-year-old can be.
Macy is saved by a strange, buzzing ball of pink, which dives at Kenny and makes him fall. The brightly lit little creature is only visible to Macy. Back home, odd things happen and Macy is visited by her guardian angel, Jody, a happy little being with a busy schedule (always off to aerobics classes or shopping) and a penchant for cool clothes, always pink. After hearing lectures on how to handle bullies and having Jody pop up at embarrassing times, Macy wishes her odd little angel would go away. But as Jody points out, guardian angels are for life, around whenever you need them.
Tomas is also picked on a lot because he comes from Mexico, is poor and 'different'. His problems make Macy's seem not so bad and they become good friends. Susan, the most popular girl in her grade, befriends Macy and invites her to her house after school, along with three other girls who don't like Macy.
Jody, in wacky ways as only the funny little angel can, shows Macy how good she has it, while Susan, the popular girl, is lonely with an overworked mother and no father. Macy asks Jody about getting angels for Tomas and Susan but Jody points out that it's Macy's job to do that by telling them to ask for one.
The annual Spelling Bee arrives and Macy, an excellent speller, gets scared and doesn't want to take part. Tomas talks her into it and she wins first place. Tomas and Susan are runner-up winners and the three are scheduled to represent their school in the state finals. Now Macy is terrified and her stomach flutters and churns, but friends like Tomas and an often annoying angel, convince her that she has to do it.
At the contest, she meets Karen, a girl from the mountains, called a 'hillbilly' by some, with eleven brothers and sisters and two families living in one small house. Yet, Karen is a happy girl in spite of her poverty.
Macy, Tomas and Karen end up as finalists at the contest. Once the final contest begins Macy loses her fear and begins to enjoy it, spelling each word correctly. Then she gets the most amazing idea. Jody, who can read her mind, is so proud.
What Macy does changes both her life and that of her friends. It also fills her parents with pride. It gives her confidence to shrug off Kenny's insults and makes her classmates willing to accept her. And all because a tiny pink angel named Jody heard her silent plea for help.
Nancy Lepri has captured the essence of what so many children suffer from their peers in school and demonstrates remarkable outlets for overcoming fear and gaining confidence in oneself. This book is a must read for both kids and their parents.
Mallie Pelosi author of "...And the Whippoorwill Sang"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Interview of Nancy Carty Lepri
Children's Author of "Tiny Angel"
with J. Aday KennedyNancy Carty Lepri
Blog Address: http://nancycl.webs.com/apps/blog /
Website Address: http://nancycl.webs.com/ /
Email: nancy.lepri@yahoo.com
Bio:
Nancy Carty Lepri is a North Carolina transplant having been born and raised in Massachusetts. Two years after her marriage to Art Lepri, they, along with their three-month-old daughter, Danielle, moved to FL where they lived for six years until transferring to LA for five years. Moving back to MA, they settled on Cape Cod where Nancy worked as an editorial assistant for a publisher, and continued her studies.
Nancy earned an AA degree in Visual Art from Cape Cod Community College, and a BA in Liberal Studies, with a concentration in writing, from Western New England College.
She is also a certified editor.
Before completing her degrees, she freelanced as a reporter for several local newspapers.
After moving to NC in 1995, Nancy continued freelancing for local, national and international trade magazines, taught online writing and art courses, illustrated children’s books, started, but not completed, four mainstream novels, and wrote her children’s chapter book, “Tiny Angel.”
... Interview ...
Aday: How long have you been writing and submitting picture books?
Nancy: This is actually the first children’s book I have written. I have illustrated several over the years, though I started writing “Tiny Angel” before I left MA in 1995, but other things got in the way of completing and submitting this manuscript.
Aday: I read at your site that you are hoping this will evolve into a series. Will each book follow the same theme or will they change? How many books are you planning on writing?
Nancy: I plan to write a book for each child characterized in “Tiny Angel” giving me three additional books, which I may expand on further if I find the books are well accepted. Each child has their own differences and problems, and I want to touch on all of them. And, each child will also have their own guardian angel to guide them as well as maybe frustrate them, but they will learn a valuable lesson from them as well as gain much-needed confidence.
Aday: What will be your method(s) for promoting/marketing Tiny Angel?
Nancy: I have set up three blogs to promote my book, and they are mentioned on Facebook, Goodreads, JacketFlap and MySpace. I plan to contact a few local schools as well as my library to promote Macy’s story.
Truthfully, having mostly been on the other end of publishing dealing with editing and such, I never realized marketing and promoting was so much work!
My main focus is on writing my next book in the series, and I’ll need to carve out some time to do in-depth research, but if you have any suggestions, I’m open to them!
Aday: Do you plan to illustrate all the books you write? How would you react to a publisher that wanted to use a different artist?
Nancy: I would like to illustrate all my books if possible. I had a bit of a challenge with “Tiny Angel” for I went through an emotionally hard time, having just lost my dear mother, and it seemed like I had an “artist block”.
But my main concern is getting my story out there, so if a publisher suggested another artist for my book, I’d say, “Go for it.”
While I find illustrations are helpful, they have to enhance the text, not detract from it, and I’d want the best illustrations possible. If I was to go with another artist, I’d be thrilled to work with and meet someone else.
Aday: Where besides your blog and website can we see your illustrations?
Nancy: At this point the only other places my illustrations are available are on my Facebook page and JacketFlap.com. I’d be more than happy to submit to other venues, but I’d need to research to find where they would be accepted.
Aday: What advice would you give someone that writes and illustrates their own work?
Nancy: I’d say NEVER GIVE UP! Believe in yourself too. Find a good critique group. I have been working with several authors for many years and they have helped me get through the writing angst. I couldn’t have accomplished all I have without their guidance and candor, and I am very thankful for their advice.
Also, you have to develop a thick skin. Writing and illustrating is so personal—you’re trying to sell a part of your heart and soul—and not everyone is going to like or accept what you do. Try not to take it personally, and realize everyone has different tastes, likes and ideas. If you get rejected, keep trying. There IS a publisher out there who will take a chance on you and give you the break you’re looking for. I could paper my office with all the rejection slips I’ve gotten, but you only need one acceptance.
Aday: How does your writing and illustrating process unfold? (do you write the entire book first? Draw and write simultaneously? Draw enough to get a visual of the characters?)
Nancy: I started writing “Tiny Angel” many years ago, as I mentioned above, and left it and went back to it many times. I’ve also rewritten it many times, which drove me crazy, but I remember one of my college professors commenting, “It’s not the writing that’s hard, it’s the rewriting and rewriting and rewriting.” You get the picture.
I also made the mistake of writing by the “seat of my pants” …sitting down and writing without any plan or outline, which caused a lot of chaos in my work. My first draft was too long and too involved and I could have made several books out of that draft, but I’ve since acknowledged I need to plot out my story before I sit down to write it.
With regard to illustrating…my wonderful publisher had seen my previous work and gave me the go-ahead to illustrate “Tiny Angel”. As I mentioned, it was a difficult time for me and I came up with several illustrations, none of which satisfied me, but we finally decided on a finished product. If I hadn’t been filled with grief, I probably would have completed an illustration for every chapter. Hopefully with my next book, I will have gotten my drawing muse back!
But to answer your question…the writing come first, then the illustrations are completed after the text is done and approved.
Aday: Good luck with Tiny Angel. I wish you success with the series.
Nancy: Thank you so very much! I am excited to have had the opportunity to have this book published. The story is very close to my heart, and I have dedicated this book to my mother, Emily Carty. She instilled the love of reading in me at a very young age as well as the desire to write. This is my tribute to her.

Tiny Angel by Nancy Carty Lepri January 15, 2010 Filed under Chapbook for Tweens, Guardian Angel Publishing, Tween fiction, children's books Tags: book reviews, books for girls, books that teach a lesson, books that teach children a lesson, Chapbooks for Tweens, Chapter books, children's books, Guardian Angel Publishing, Nancy Carty Lepri, Tiny Angel, Tween fiction Macy Carver is the new kid in town and she sure isn’t happy about it. With her father being transferred from Massachusetts to North Carolina, Macy left her best friend and all that she loved behind to start over in a new school where she is made fun of and bullied. But when a flash of light announces the appearance of her guardian angel, Jody, things start looking up for Macy, and with Jody’s encouragement, Macy finds a way to fit in and make some true friends.A fun and inspiring chapbook for tweens, Tiny Angel by Nancy Carty Lepri will quickly become your child’s favorite. In this engaging story, your tween will learn how to appreciate their talents, disarm bullies, and the importance of meaningful friendships.I love the unique aspect of Macy having a guardian angel who encourages and helps her along her journey through the challenging transition from the school and the best friend she lost to truly coming into her own at her new school and making new friends. And while Jody encouraged Macy, she also motivated her to think of others.I would have liked to learn a tiny bit more about Kenny the bully, just so we had an idea why he acted the way he did, but not having this knowledge didn’t take anything away from the story.As someone who was teased from the day she entered school until the day she left, I sympathized with Macy’s, and her friend Tomas’s, plight of always being picked on for one reason or another. While the messages in Tiny Angel are timeless, I also like how Lepri gave a contemporary feel to the story by having one of the characters being left alone at home each day after school while her divorced mother was off working. The insight into Susan’s character was something very special.I would definitely recommend this book for your tween. Tiny Angel is an engaging and compelling story whose timeless messages will stay with your tween long after she’s read the last page.Rating: · Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. · ISBN-10: 1935137948 · ISBN-13: 978-1935137948 · SRP: $8.95 Reviewed By Cheryl Maladrinos for The Childrens and Teens Book Connection

Poetry Month

2010-01-21T20:51:00.000-08:00

For the month of January I will be posting poetry from various poets. I invite you to stop by often. I will be posting something new every few days. Click preveiw first, then click post comment.

Great Aunt Louise

2010-01-21T08:52:00.000-08:00

Nancy Carty Lepri, author of the children's book "Tiny Angel", has expressed in this poem, her connection of love to a family member who has departed from her life, but left her with abundant gifts of strength, courage, love, and joy. Any of us who experience a connection of this magnitude with a loved one, will never be without them in their passing. Love lives on forever!

Great Aunt Louise

You came into my heart one day like an angel from above,
Giving me your sunshine and an abundance of your love.

Your heart was always so genuine, and pure as new fallen snow,
For you offered love and goodness, wherever you would go.

No one could be more proud than I, to be your great niece,
For you have instilled in me much more than your love and peace.

You have given me acceptance, along life’s rocky road,
And shown that you have faith in me, no matter what my load.

Whatever I may do or feel, to you I did no wrong,
You were my champion in everything; the one who made me strong.

Whatever I've accomplished in life, however small or worth praise,
I know it’s mostly due to you, for you’ve shown me by your ways.

To be the person I need to be, and care not what others may say,
But to be the best that I can be, loving others along the way.

I know where I may go in life, that you will be by my side,
To protect me and watch over me, and always be my guide.

I’m not the only one, who felt about you the way I do,
For you have touched so many lives, many others loved you too.

To everyone you’ve ever met, you’ve given a piece of your heart,
And made their lives so rich and full with the love you did impart.

Though we may weep and feel the pain that you are now gone,
You wouldn’t want any sadness; you’d want us to carry on.

Through your life you have done your deeds, and taught us not to fear,
And to realize that we’ll all be reunited with those that we hold dear.

So until that day we meet again, you will always be in my heart.

Nancy Carty Lepri

Words

2010-01-19T20:38:00.000-08:00

Kathy Stemke, a retired teacher, children’s author, and dancer, has been writing poetry most of her life. Her poems have been published in several anthologies and in The Abandon Towers Ezine. Her poem, “An Empty Stage,” was voted in the top ten in the 2009 Predators and Editors Poll.You can sign up on her blog: http://educationtipster.blogspot.com/

WORDS

Every word has a certain destiny.
Some, dark and cancerous, destroy you.
Others, thieves, rob your serenity.

Carefully calculated, deceptive words
do harm, righteous on the outside,
inside they have a heart of fear.

Filter words of separation and elitism,
words that divide nations and people.
prejudice always brings death.

God's eternal words have a destiny.
they soften the dry, stony places.
They heal your innermost hurts and fears.

Peaceful words bring tranquility.
Encouraging words bring confidence.
Merciful words bring forgiveness.

Stop each word before it leaves your lips,
inspect it, replace it if necessary,
then release it to its certain destiny!

Kathy Stemke

Life Is Like A Flower

2010-01-18T20:35:00.000-08:00

These words are dedicated to all of those we love, and hold dear in our hearts.

LIFE IS LIKE A FLOWER

Life is like a flower; it begins with a small but significant blossom.
As the sprout begins to grow, it is still but scanty and fragile,
And its progress is set to flow.
The rain must fall upon it, and the sunshine makes it grow.
And after nature’s nurturing, its petals form in beauty,
And paint the world in a blossoming colored show.
We find its vivid beauty is a spectacle of hues.
They bring joy to those that love them, and keep them in their view.
Then before our eyes take notice, its life begins to slow.
And so, as we all do know, beauty will be fleeting,
And its brilliance there will go.
A stage of wilting leaves, and the petals one by one,
Floating through the air, as if on an angels pray.
But when the flower is gone and winter sets its snow,
One will always remember the beauty it has brought,
We’ll think of its graceful elegance in the summer suns of past.
We’ll remember to which its loveliness helped our hearts to unmask.
When we are sad and seeking our old friend,
And thinking of the one we love,
And remembering all the times when,
They shared with us in life’s tasks.
We’ll think of them as flowers that brought beauty to our lives,
And know that someday soon we will see them all again.

Susan Hornbach
Copyright 2007
All Rights Reserved

Lessons of Life

2010-01-17T20:28:00.000-08:00

This is a beautiful poem sent to me by Connie Arnold today. Please click on her links at the bottom. Connie has written two inspirational books of poetry. She has also written a children's book, to be published by Guardian Angel Publishing Company. I think there not be one of us, who could not relate to this poem.

Lessons of Life

Although we enjoy sunshine,
We know there must be rain,
And though we long for pleasure,
At times in life there’s pain.
The chaos of the world
May lead us to despair,
To wonder why bad things occur
And feel that life’s not fair.

We yearn to find more joy,
To never suffer sorrow,
But though today the clouds may come
There’s hope for a brighter tomorrow.
The lessons of each day,
If they are to be learned,
Can lead us to the joy and peace
For which our hearts have yearned.

When we in faith seek God,
Who has all things in control,
Healing and strength can flow to us,
Shining beauty into each soul.

Connie Arnold, 2009

http://www.conniearnold.webs.com/
http://conniearnold.blogspot.com/
http://www.childrenbooks.webs.com/

911

2010-01-14T20:21:00.000-08:00

This is a poem written by Tracey M. Cox, post 911 in 2001. Tracey is a Member of the Muse Board Group and the Guardian Angel group. She sent this poem to me, and after I dryed my tears, I thought it well worth posting.

911

I wear this ribbon upon my chest.
Close to my heart to show the rest.

That I won't forget the ones who were lost.
They paid with their lives, the ultimate cost.

It's for the cries of thousands without a sound.
And for the cries of a country when the buildings came down.

To show that when the dust settled and cleared.
A faint song is what you could hear.

As the days pass the song does grow.
You can see it hear it wherever you go.

The bells around the world for freedom ring.
Voices can be heard for freedom they sing.

For once America is a country united we stand.
The song rings out from a freedom land.

So for the people from the tragedy of a Tuesday morn
You didn't die in vain, our country was reborn.

Tracey M. Cox (2001)

Oh God, I Do Not Understand

2010-01-13T20:08:00.000-08:00

There has been an Earthquake in Haiti measuring more than a 7 on the Richter scale. The devastation there is horrid. Tremors are still tormenting the people there. We ask all who visit here to join our pray chain for the victims, and also for Nicole Weaver's family and friends who still reside there. Nicole has written a poem to express her overwhelming emotions toward this disaster. I am more than happy to post it here for her today. Donations to Earthquake victims: http://www.lambifund.org/ /

Oh God, I Do Not Understand

Oh God, I love you with all my heart!
But please explain the reason for such devastation

Oh God, please explain why so many innocent people
are dead, others trapped in a rubble

Oh, God I will never cease to keep you first in my life,
but I am totally unglued with the pain and suffering of my native people

Oh God, how am I supposed to go on?
when will the pain in my heart cease?

Nicole Weaver
Children's Author
http://outskirtspress.com/nicoleweaver
http://www.authorsden.com/nicoleweaver
http://www.jacketflap.com/basket
Freelance writer
http://associatedcontent.com/nicoleweaver
http://readyabletolearnfrenchspanish.blogspot.com/

Thanks Dad

2010-01-12T20:02:00.000-08:00

Kathy Stemke, a retired teacher, children’s author, and dancer, has been writing poetry most of her life. Her poems have been published in several anthologies and in The Abandon Towers Ezine. Her poem, “An Empty Stage,” was voted in the top ten in the 2009 Predators and Editors Poll.You can sign up on her blog: http://educationtipster.blogspot.com/

THANKS DAD

His sanctuary’s found at sea
With nature he is one

He sails the wind on silent waves
His spirit is free

Eyes bluer than the bluest ocean
Gaze, lost in thought

He ponders unfulfilled dreams
Questions the success of his life

If only he knew
How I feel

Shakespeare, Einstein, Da Vinci, Bach,

Dad,
Their merits are meaningless and trite
when compared to you.

kathy Stemke

legacy of Love

2010-01-10T19:53:00.000-08:00

These are lyrics to a song, written by Dixie phillips, in honor of a loved one who has passed. Dixie's ability to stir emotion has emerged in her beautiful rendition of love.

phillips4him@omnitelcom.com

Legacy of Love

You’ve left us for a while.

We’ll miss your lovely smile.

But death cannot erase

Sweet memories that too place.

Although you’ve gone away,

In my heart you’ll always stay

Our gift from God above – Our legacy of love.

Your work on earth is done.

Life’s final war you’ve won.

This one thing we know.

You’ve left “footprints” in our souls.

We’ll keep marching on.

We’ll keep singing all your songs.

Until we reach Heaven above to see our legacy of love.

Your legacy of love with us will remain.

Echoing the truths your life did proclaim.

The torch has now been passed – We raise it unashamed.

You’re with Christ above and Christ is here with me.

We’re really not apart; there’s just a veil between.

You will always be etched in our memory – our legacy of love.

I see the “SON” in your eyes,

Dixie Phillips

In Christ My Hiding Place

2010-01-08T19:43:00.000-08:00

Kathy Stemke, a retired teacher, children’s author, and dancer, has been writing poetry most of her life. Her poems have been published in several anthologies and in The Abandon Towers Ezine. Her poem, “An Empty Stage,” was voted in the top ten in the 2009 Predators and Editors Poll.You can sign up on her blog: http://educationtipster.blogspot.com /

In Christ, My Hiding Place

You are my living space,
My breathing air.
You are in me, I am in You
In Christ, my hiding place.

You are my safe harbor
I rest in your mercy
I float in your embrace
Safe in Christ, my hiding place.

You are my hope, my vision
My destiny is in your hands
Your mysteries unfold to me
Inspired in Christ, my hiding place.

You are my anointing
The life giving oil that flows,
And heals broken hearts
Empowered in Christ, my hiding place.

You are my joy
I surrender and dance
I live to praise You,
Complete in Christ, my hiding place.

kathy Stemke

A Mother's Wish

2010-01-06T19:26:00.000-08:00

Nicole Weaver is the author of the trilingual book "Marie and Her Friend the Sea Turtle"; she also writes poetry and short stories.
Check out her works at: http://www.authorsden.com/nicoleweaver
Also on her blog: http://readyabletolearnfrenchspanish.blogspot.com /

A Mother's wish

Son, daughter I shall be to you
what the marrow is to your bones.
I will nourish you with my love
for I wish you length of life.

Son, daughter till you are
twenty and one I will pray
to God that day by day your
steps may he guide.

Son, daughter may in my absence
wisdom becomes your best friend,
for common sense will keep
you out of harm's way.

Son, daughter though sometimes
you will heed the advice of fools,
I know you will indeed find ways to succeed.

Son, daughter never, ever give up.
For wherever life's journey takes you,
I will remain by your side
forever and ever

Nicole Weaver

Writer's Relief, Free Newsletter, Lots to Learn Here

2009-12-07T11:35:00.000-08:00

Welcome Kathy Stemke

2009-11-28T10:55:00.000-08:00

Today I welcome Kathy Stemke to The Write Voice Continues to Speak. She is the author of Moving Through All Seven Days, an intriguing, and educational book for children, ages 3 to 7. Please feel free to read her reviews, and be sure to take a peek at her new trailer.

Illustrator: Tony Glisson
Publisher: Action Alley Education

Reviewer: karen Cioffi {May 22, 2009}

Moving Through All Seven Days is a wonderful way to teach young children the days of the week. The days move forward with playful activities, "Slipping, sliding, spin and play, Fun on Sunday, that's the way."

Reading and exercise-what a combination! With bold and colorful illustrations it is sure to hold any child's attention.

As an added feature, Moving Through All Seven Days includes an activity and learning section with: In class activities, spelling the days of the week, rhyming words, coloring pages, and more. This is sure to be a hit in any preschool or lower grade classroom. Moving Through All Seven Days is also a great way to teach the days of the week to your own little ones before they start school. I'll be reading it to my 3-year-old grandson!

Karen Cioffi
Co-Author of Day's End Lullaby
http://www.dkvwriting4u.com/
http://karenandrobyn.blogspot.com/

Reviewer: Margaret Fieland

This book is full of lively rhymes, clever illustrations, and engaging activities sure to be fun for all the kids in your class--or out of it. I knew I was hooked when I found myself filling in the missing letters on the Complete Each Word activity.

Kathy Stemke, can I be in your class? pretty please?

Margaret Fieland
Author/Educator
http://www.margaretfieland.com/

Reviewer: Rae Pica

kathy Stemke's Moving Through All Seven Days offers a multifaceted approach to movement in the classroom that also offers a healthy dose of the language arts!

Rae Pica
Education Consultant
Early Childhood Physical Activity
http://www.movingandlearning.com/
http://www.bamradionetwork.com/

Reviewer: Donna McDine

Move and groove along with the whimsical characters of Moving Through All Seven Days as they slip, twirl, and glide you through the days of the week. An activities resource to help reinforce the learning process of spelling the days of the week is a welcome bonus. It provides an ingenious way of getting the children up from behind their desks to experience learning through movement.

Children's author, Kathy Stemke brilliantly blends lyrical rhyme and the learning process in a fun and educational twist. Along with the vibrant illustrations created by Tony Glisson, Moving Through All Seven Days is a must have for preschool and kindergarten classrooms, and no home library would be complete without it.

Tho learn more about Kathy visit her at:
http://kathstemke.weebly.com/ and http://educationtipster.blogspot.com/

Donna M. McDine for the National Writing for Children Center. Donna's publishing credits include over 25 print and e-zine publications and is the Marketing Manager at Stories for Children Magazine. She placed 12th in the 77th Annual Writer's Digest Writing Competition in the category Children's/Young Adult Fiction and recently signed her first book contract with Guardian Angel Publishing. She is also a member of the SCBWI and Musing our Children. To learn more about Donna's writing career, visit her at http://www.donnamcdine.com/ . Sign her guestbook and receive her FREE e-book, "Write What Inspires You! Author Interviews."

Reviewer: Versana Polidore

kathy, you have a winner. Each rhyme is short, easy to learn, and fun. I teach Pre-K for the local school district. Our "teaching time" is so limited in Pre-K for scheduling reasons. What caught my attention is that a teacher could quickly do a daily "story board" and the kids would GET it. At higher-grade levels this material could be easily used in center stations for independent work that students would be interested in doing. WAY TO GO!

Versana Polidore
Thomas Gibbs Elementary School
Classroom Teacher

About the Author:

Author/Educator, Kathy Stemke, has a B.S. from Southern Connecticut State University and Covenant Life Seminary, and graduate coursework from Columbia University. As a freelance writer Kathy has published several articles and is a contributing editor for The National Writing for Children Center. Sign up for her free monthly newsletter, Movement and Rhythm, on her blog. http://educationtipster.blogspot.com/ Moving Through All Seven Days, Her first e-book, is now available on lulu http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/moving-through-all-seven-days/7386965#. Trouble on Earth Day is slated to come out in 2009.

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Pen Perfect Associates: Marketing 4 UR Writing

2009-11-25T09:51:00.000-08:00

Pen Perfect Associates: Marketing 4 UR Writing