Author: Liz
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The Bookmark: October
The author reflects on a variety of books read, including classics and contemporary works, noting themes of love, loss, and life’s complexities. Key titles include “Frankenstein,” exploring the dangers of unchecked ambition, and “Salt to the Sea,” depicting the horrors of war. Each book offers profound insights, inviting deeper contemplation.
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I Died For Beauty
I died for beauty—but was scarceAdjusted to the TombWhen One who died for Truth was lainIn an adjoining Room—He questioned softly “Why I failed?””For Beauty,” I replied—”And I—for Truth—Themself are One—We Brethren are,” He said—And so, as Kinsman, met a-Night—We talked between the Rooms—Until the Moss had reached our lips—And covered up—our names— by Emily…
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The Big Picture is Made of Small Moments
The Artist in His Studio, Rembrandt, 1626 Here I am at the page. I am sitting on my bare front porch, facing gray-green mountains with white peaks and a blue sky above. A breeze brushes past. I had decided I wouldn’t write anything today. I didn’t feel so good. It took so long to get…
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Poets on Poetry
I do love quotes! Here are some from poets about poetry, along with a few thoughts on what the quote means to me. To be a poet is a condition, not a profession. — Robert Graves Maybe poetry is like the common cold. Every so often we ‘catch’ it and write a poem. Poetry is…
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6 Anthropomorphism Stories
Author’s Note: Shady Hollow is a tale of woodland creatures, and from time to time the contemplative reader may pause to wonder precidsely how a town funtions with foxes and rabbits as tenants of the same building, or how a mouse and a moose can chat eye to eye. Keep in mind, gentle reader, that…
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The Bookmark: September
Blossoming Almond Branch in a Glass with a Book, Vincent van Gogh,1888, oil on canvas, Arles, France. It’s the end of September and time to review the current reads. I slowed way down and finished only two books this month, but I certainly enjoyed them. I hope they sound interesting to you and you give…
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The Beauty of Discipline
In January of 2026, one reader commented that her word of the year was ‘discipline.’ This post is for you, W., and for me, as you will see. Discipline is training that develops self-control, obedience, or order, and it can also mean a specific branch of knowledge or study. (Merriam-Webster) It carries overtones of punishment…
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Autumnal Reading Inspirations and Recommendations
Make a large cup of tea and get comfortable. We are going to talk about fall reading! Since September is considered ‘the other new year’, now is a good time to reassess your reading life and to choose some books with intention and anticipation. Autumnal books have atmosphere and awaken a feeling of nostalgia, decay,…
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How Can I Write in Times Like These?
Writers often discredit their work. The ‘real’ world is falling to pieces, whether politically, emotionally, financially or whatever. Bigger things should be done than sitting quietly at a desk writing words that may or may not ever be read. I have never heard someone say, How can I knit in times like these? Or how…
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Harvest Song
Riding down the country road, nothing’s lonely asa dirty pickup truck, a creaking saddleand wind blowing;nothing’s empty asover the open plaina desert skysifting the sand;nothing’s sadder thanwandering trails,always searchingthe golden fieldsfor a dream;you’ll only hearthe warm autumn sunturning the grain to gold,the song of the saddleand old days rememberedwhen you are lonesome, too;searching the skywhen…