Christmas I am publishing my first blog of the year 2024. 2023 has come to an end and I reflect on how it proved to be an eventful year for me. You might even say it was a year full of extremes.
The first quarter of 2023 began with an interview and the publication my third book of poetry, STILL MORE RHYMES AND REFLECTIONS. This project was completed with the help of my editor, Karin Hammond and our publisher Outskirts Press. There were some local poetry readings as well and times of more inspiration and ideas.
Here are links to a few videos from the book. The videos contain the first poem of the book "ARE" and the second video here is the last poem in the book, "END". Click on the photo of the video to view it on YouTube.
2023 was peppered with poetry readings at The Hayner Cultural Center and elsewhere, libraries, reading for children, plus more submissions to poetry contests, and of course welcomed visits with family. I've been having fun writing poems based on a single phrase. Feel free to email me one sentence or a few words to exercise my poetic muse.
But…the true highlight was near the end of 2023 with an aortic valve replacement at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.
The Cleveland Clinic is a renowned hospital that is known for their expertise in matters of the heart. My exceptional cardiologist, Dr. Hammer, diagnosed the need for it and the surgery was performed by Dr. Kapadia. This was truly a life changing event for me. It would not have happened without the help of my daughter Karin, who navigated the tedious red tape of my medical care this past year in combination with the efforts of great doctors and nurses. The successful valve replacement has changed my life for the better. For this I will always be grateful.
During my recovery I have written 36 new poems related to my experience. Here is one called EMERGENCY.
Not to sound cliché, but I now have a first-hand understanding of the words: patience and waiting. I begin 2024 with feelings of relief and gratitude for my ‘new lease on life.’
I wish you all Health, Happiness, and Prosperity in 2024. Let us all raise a glass to life!
Opmerkingen