Pen & Prosper Celebrates National Poetry Month

 

Of the many genres of writing that I enjoy to read, create and share, poetry is one of my favorites. I've been penning pieces since my teen years. To date, I've actually published and sold 8 titles of poetry books. 

With this being said, I excitedly welcome you to join me in celebrating National Poetry Month!

Poetry has evolved from being that boring class/subject matter that many of us were forced to study in school with archaic language and abstract ideas, folks. It has indeed evolved. It has been popularized and mainstreamed. Movies have frequently featured central characters who are poets; there are national poetry competitions; and poetry has even been included and embraced at presidential ceremonies and prestigious gatherings.

Established originally in 1996, by a proclamation from former President, Bill Clinton, National Poetry Month seeks to recognize the artistic contributions of poets and "spoken word" artists around the world.

In celebration, below are a few poems I've written, for your reading pleasure. Hope you enjoy. Please feel free to comment. Be gentle.

MS. JOYCE

Gentle

Her voice,

Gentle 

By choice,

Well-traveled

And poised,

The years

Have served her well,

She’ll gladly share her wisdom

If you sit with her

A spell,

Her wise counsel

Born of heart

And soul,

Valuable, like gold

90 years old--

A teacher

Beyond the classroom,

A cherished mother

An animal lover,

Gifted pianist,

She feeds unspoken needs

Through loving deeds,

Through planting seeds

For tomorrow’s harvest

A rich and fruitful legacy

Matriarch of her family

LOVE THY NEIGHBOR…?

Neither friend

Nor enemy--

Bound by our shared lines/ of property,

This

Our only commonality--

Regretfully,

Some days

We share forced pleasantries,

Some days 

They challenge me,

Infringe on

My sanity,

Disregard 

Respectful boundaries,

Some days

Good ones 

Seem to be

An anomaly,

Some days

They cause difficulty

To honor biblically

The mandate 

To love thy neighbor,

Heaven help me!

M.I.A. ON SUNDAY?

I don’t need a

Dwelling place

A designated space

A “sacred”

Physical building

To express the depths

Of my feelings,

To honor He

Who “dwells” in me,

My body

Is a temple

Where we meet daily, 

Intimately

Mind, heart and soul

His virtues I routinely extol,

God often speaks to me

Through nature’s beauty, imagery and divinity,

Through the pleasure I derive

From my favorite song’s melody,

His goodness

I can “taste and see”

Even when you don’t find me

 Present

At church--

Please don’t find it odd

No matter my G.P.S. location or destination

I AM always with my God...

LIFE IS LIKE A TANGO...

Life

Is like a Tango,

A never-ending dance

Seems too often

We take one step forward

And some mishap

Takes us two steps back

Stay on your toes,

Never lose your footing

Keep your balance,

Keep your joy

Thanks for reading!

Image credits: Pixabay.com

Stress Awareness Month* 6 Tips to Manage Stress

April is Stress Awareness Month. In 2025, perhaps more than ever before, stress awareness and stress management have become crucial to our quality of life and optimal health. Tariff wars, an unstable economy, rampant crime, natural disasters,  political pandemonium, threaten to rob us of our peace and sense of well-being. 

To quote one of my favorite songs from Tears For Fears, "shout, shout, let it all out, these are the things I can do without!"

I digress a bit here...

It's important to keep in mind that if properly managed, stress does not have to get the best of us; rather it can get the best “from” us. Ready to find out how? Read on. 

But before we tackle stress, let’s address what stress is.  

According to the World Health Organization, “Stress  can be defined as a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation. Stress is a natural human response that prompts us to address challenges and threats in our lives. Everyone experiences stress to some degree. The way we respond to stress, however, makes a big difference to our overall well-being."

With this in mind, here are 6 timely tips to manage the madness, and keep stress to a minimum.

1. Make an “official appointment” to do a meet and greet with a friend. 

Studies show that maintaining strong social ties with friends can improve our health and increase longevity. Get together once a week or once a month to catch up and let your hair down. One of my former college buddies and I get together each month and have lunch at the 2-fer restaurants where we combine a good deal with good conversation. Remember to treat it with importance (like you would a meeting with a client).

2. Change the way you think. 

Award-winning motivational speaker, Sporty King, offers the following rule of thumb when dealing with stress: "If you don't like the way things are, change the way you look at them." 

3. Join a nearby book club. 

Most writers are avid readers. So joining a book club can provide mental stimulation, connection with groovy people, and a much-needed recreational escape. 

4. Commune with nature. 

Visit a botanical garden, go fishing, have a picnic in the park, sit by a lake and contemplate. Or take the little ones to a ball park. Try it, you might like it!

5. Treat yourself to a deserved day of pampering at a day spa. 

Get in a manicure, pedicure, facial, or body massage. You’ll feel rewarded and less stressed. This advice applies to men as well. On a personal note here, since January of this year, I have gotten pedicures on a regular basis, and it's a wonderful way to relax. Trust me.

6. Do a "digital detox."

Step away from your computer. I repeat. Step away from your computer. Living in the digital age means that we are always "connected" and tapped into various forms of communication. Whether it's through smart phones, social media interaction, zoom meetings, etc.

Take some down-time. It's good for your mental health and can translate into greater productivity levels as well. 

IN CONCLUSION:

I hope that you apply the above techniques and principles, not just for this month, but as a way of living in times ahead.

Have a great, "peaceful" week ahead.

Thoughts? Any tips you'd like to add?

Announcements & News You Can Use* Coming In April!

 

Spring has sprung! And in a few days, we will be ushering in the month of April. As some of you may be aware, April is a month that recognizes and embraces several important themes and national events.

April, for example, is Stress Awareness Month; National Financial Literacy Month; and National Poetry Month. Accordingly, I intend to share a variety of topical blog posts and informative pieces.

If you would like to join in as a contributor, and have your work reflected here, before thousands of readers, I welcome you to send me your essays, articles and poetry as follows. Essays, reviews and articles 250-1000 words. Poetry of 1-2 pages.

SEEKING CONTRIBUTIONS 

IN HONOR OF FINANCIAL LITERACY MONTH...

• MONEY MANAGEMENT FOR WRITERS
• SAVVY SHOPPING TIPS
• INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
• BOOK PUBLISHING ON A BUDGET
• BOOK REVIEWS ON FINANCIAL TOPICS

IN HONOR OF STRESS AWARENESS MONTH...

• MEDITATION AND MINDFULNESS TIPS
• HOW TO AVOID BLOGGING BLUES
• TIPS ON LIFE/WORK BALANCE
• HOW TO MAKE TAX TIME SIMPLER

       IN HONOR OF NATIONAL POETRY MONTH...

• Poetic pieces of 1-2 pages on any theme and style

Please submit via email as a Microsoft Word attachment to: Gemsjen@yahoo.com.

Along with a photo, a brief bio, and one link to your website.

I look forward to receiving and sharing your work!

Recommended Reads For Women's History Month

 

In a popular song of former decades, Helen Reddy sang: "I am woman hear me roar!"

And though we may be deemed the "weaker sex," women are indeed a force to be reckoned with. We are trail blazers, caretakers, "help mates," political decision makers, noted authors, entertainment icons and more. Hello!

Which is why I am tickled "pink" to honor Women's History Month in March. Won’t you join me?

Here are a few fun facts you should know:

• Women's History Month was established by Congress in 1987 to recognize the collective contributions and historical impact of women through events, programs, and awareness activities.
• Women's History Month actually evolved from Women's History Week, which was expanded previously from 1981.

In a show of support and solidarity, I’d like to recommend a few reads that will inspire, inform and empower today’s woman. Coffee or favorite brew ready? Let’s dive in here.

 SAVVY BOOKS BY OR ABOUT WOMEN: 

1. Don't Sweat the Small Stuff---Kristine Carlson

If you have money or time just for a few reads to add to your list in 2025, this should be in the front running. Oddly, this was an accidental discovery. You see, I was a fan of Richard Carlson, PH. D. and his popular "Don't Sweat" series. So when I came across this book at a local thrift store, I was intrigued, so I immediately bought it. What a major score! Women will discover sage advice like that offered from a best friend. So rich with "valuable gems" that I even recommend it for gift giving.

Chapters include: bust your boredom blues, cut your friends some slack, and stop comparing yourself to the media measuring stick.

2. Simple Abundance---Sarah Ban Breathnach

Given to me by my dear friend Carol, ions of years ago, this book remains a constant source of comfort and inspiration. Sarah helps readers to become more reflective, introspective, and focused on things that really matter in the overall scheme of things. It's a must read for modern women seeking to "be more and not just buy more".

3. The Moments, The Minutes, The Hours---Jill Scott

Scott is the real deal. Whether singing soulful lyrics or penning passionate poetry, this diva keeps things real and relevant . Her poetry is just as moving as her work in the recording studio. Readers will laugh, reflect, relate to the myriad topics covered with great candor.  

4. What Every Woman Should Know About Love & Marriage---Dr. Joyce Brothers

This page turner helps to debunk a lot of myths about marriage and mating. It provides a much-needed reality check for ladies everywhere. To reinforce the "strategies" and advice offered are test studies, case studies, and years of counseling experience provided by one of the most noted female "therapists" of our times.

5. He's Just Not That Into You---Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo

Wow...where do I begin?

Have you ever tried to decipher the mixed messages men send? Like he takes your number, says he'll call and doesn't? Or he professes his love, but his actions say otherwise? Well, you'll learn how to pick up important clues, and detect valuable red flags for interacting more successfully with the opposite sex. Published many years ago, good advice never goes out of style.

In conclusion:

With spring break on the horizon, this would be a great time to discover (or re-discover) one or more of the titles shared here. Check Amazon.com or your local bookstore for availability and associated prices.

Thanks for taking this book look with me. I appreciate your time.

Your turn.

What book(s) can you recommend to add to my list? Have you read any of the above? Do tell.

5 Ways to Get Out Your Own Way & Thrive in 2025!

Howdy, readers! It's great to reconnect and embrace a new year! 

Happy belated 2025. Thank you for joining me. 

Unlike many Americans, I rarely commit to establishing new year's resolutions. The reason? I find that much like diets, they tend to lack real staying power. No matter how well-intentioned. Instead, I "commit" to purposely living a more progressive, peaceful, profitable year than the one before. I "resolve" to garner actionable lessons from everyday experiences to better position myself for where I want to be in life. And you should, too.  

Take today's post, for example. The concept was inspired by some real life experiences that evolved from event planning over the winter months. And a few observational ones from life in general.

Side note here: my mom used to always say that we can learn from every person, event or mistake, if we are receptive and open-minded.

 So, if you're on board, let's get busy. Pencils ready?

Let's examine 5 ways to survive and thrive in 2025 (in no particular order).

1. RELINQUISH THE NEED FOR PERFECTION

No doubt about it, perfection is a noble goal. But in most instances it's also unrealistic, unattainable, and exhausting. And I should know. I grew up with high expectations; which put a lot of pressure on me in the evolving years. It was also unhealthy to my mind and my body, I discovered. Trust me. No matter how brilliant, strategic, intentional, and ambitious you are, there will always be variables you simply can't control.

The weather might be unpredictable. A vendor may not deliver as promised. Something gets lost in the mail. Or other mishaps that are courtesy of Murphy's Law. Instead of striving for perfection, strive for excellence. Send that manuscript out that you've been working on seemingly forever. Polished, but perhaps not perfect.

2. DON'T FORGET THE FUN FACTOR   

While planning a big event that celebrated an important milestone in my life this year, I went to great lengths to make sure that I got everything exactly right. I agonized over all the details. I made a list and checked it twice. I rehearsed. I attempted to choose the perfect outfit. I re-thought my decisions. By the time the big day arrived, I almost lost sight of the real objective of the event. Which was to honor and enjoy the important people in my life and a new, lovely chapter being ushered in. Things, in some ways, turned out better than I expected. Which leads me to my next crucial lesson.

3. GIVE IT TO GOD

There is power in prayer. There is relief in realizing that, if we get out of our own way, and trust in a higher power, we can transform our lives. Things can turn out better than we could have ever executed on our own. We can have a happier ending than we envisioned sometimes. Believe it to achieve it. I'm living proof.

4. LOSE THE GUILT 

It's great to have a generous spirit, to make efforts to meet people's needs. To be a blessing to others. Of course, within reason. The reality is, no matter how hard we try, we're never going to please everyone. Not our editors, not our audiences, not our family members, not our friends. With this being said, be authentic. Stop apologizing. Stop trying to cater to everybody's whims and wishes. Learn to say "no" when it serves in the interest of self-preservation. Stay true to your values, your voice, your purpose. If you do, you'll live with fewer regrets and greater passion. And in the end, folks will respect you more. You'll respect you more.

5. ABANDON RELATIONSHIPS THAT NO LONGER SERVE YOU

I am loyal to a fault. In fact, many of my friends today are people I have known through grammar school and through college. I value them. But, I have also come to terms with the fact that everybody that's a part of our past does not necessarily merit being a part of our future. Hello? Sometimes relationships are not reciprocal or compatible. Or they are toxic. Or folks outgrow each other. Whether it's professional, platonic, or romantic. The bottom line? 

As Kenny Rogers would say "know when to hold 'em and when to fold 'em."  Recognize that sometimes we hold ourselves back by the things we hold on to. 

 And you can quote me on that. :-)

Thanks for reading.

Your turn, readers. 

Agree or disagree? 

How do you plan to get out of your own way in 2025?

Image credits: Pixabay.com

This Just In! I'm a Finalist in 2025...

 Greetings, Readers 

Happy belated New Year! I am interrupting my scheduled break temporarily to share a bit of good news.

Recently, I was designated as a finalist in Chicago's 3rd annual " Name That Plow" Contest. And I am geeked. The competition is fierce.

My entry was chosen, along with 49 other windy city dwellers, amid a slew of submissions.

The contest received coverage on several local news outlets, even. From the 50 finalists, the 6 entries with the highest number of votes, will receive photo opps, 15 minutes of fame and Chicago swag. How sweet it is!

For those of you in Chicago, I would love your support and your vote!

My entry is "SCOOP, THERE IT IS." You can also vote for five additional entries. 

And let me tell you, there are some great submissions being considered. The deadline is January 21, 2025.

Thanks for your time. I will keep you posted.

Here's the site for more details...and to hopefully cast your vote.

https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/streets/supp_info/chicagoshovels.html

Thanks for reading. See you in February.

Enjoy the Holidays With More Pleasure & Less Pressure

"It's the most wonderful time of the year!" "Tis the season to be jolly...!"

There's no doubt about it. The winter holidays are the most hyped, hurried, pressure-oriented, celebrated time of the year. Hands down.

For many Americans, it's a time of jubilation, wonderment, good food and good fun. For others? Well, it's a season of sadness, depression, and stress.

Memories of loved ones lost. Anticipation. Expectations. Family obligations.

Being stretched financially and physically.

It can be overwhelming indeed.

Regardless as to which category or camp you fall in, there's a way to navigate the days ahead with more pleasure and less pressure.

So, if you're on board, grab a cup of coffee or hot chocolate and let's explore a few. Shall we?

HERE ARE A FEW TIMELY STRATEGIES IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER...

1. PLAN AHEAD.

Whether it's shopping, meal planning, or cleaning, tending to the necessities in advance will save time, frustration, and sometimes money.

2. SET THE PROPER MINDSET.

Remind yourself that the holidays don't last forever. As the bible states "and this too shall pass." Doing so may give you a sense of relief and peace.

3. GIVE YOURSELF GRACE.

As my friend Karen sometimes reminds me, it's important to recognize that as humans, despite our best efforts, we may miss the mark. The turkey might taste like leather, we may forget to dust in the living room, or experience a bad hair day. Don't sweat it. Strive for excellence, not perfection. Keeping in mind that it's impossible to please everybody. Trust me; I've tried.

4. GIVE YOUR DIET THE DAY OFF!

Why torture yourself? Just don't over-indulge. Moderation is key here.

5. DELEGATE WHEN POSSIBLE.

Make it a real family affair. For example, for Thanksgiving, I hosted a "pot luck" at my house. It was delightful. Doing so gave everyone an opportunity to share their signature dish, and meant less cooking and preparation for me. It also provided for a greater diversity of side dishes and desserts. 

It works if you work it!

6. REVISE YOUR EXPECTATIONS.

Let's face it. Your family probably won't be as harmonious as the Brady bunch. Or the Partridge family. Or the fine folks in Mayberry, with Andy Griffith. True? Mine either.

That doesn't mean we can't embrace how weird and wonderful they are, and show gratitude for the beauty of our collective community. Remember, we can't choose our relatives, but we can choose how we react to them and how we opt to engage with them over the holidays.

7. DON'T DARE NEGLECT SELF-CARE!

There's great truth to the adage "you can't give from an empty cup." With all your doing, make sure to make yourself a priority as well. Hello?  Carve out a little free time and a little "me time." Treat yourself to a little gift. Meditate. Medicate. Get needed rest. Have a glass of spiced eggnog. Schedule a pedicure. Whatever gets you through! 

"We shall never pass this way again."

In conclusion...

I hope something shared today made you smile, reflect, or look forward to the reason for the season. If so, I'd love to hear from you in the comments. Thanks for stopping by.

Wishing you and yours a joyous, abundant, safe holiday season!

Pen & Prosper is slated to return around February, 2025.