Highlights from Haiku Workshop at the Escondido Library

Susan J. Farese of SJF Communications taught her 2 hour “Capturing Your Creativity with Haiku” workshop at the Escondido Library on February 27, 2025. Many thanks to Principal Librarian, Adult Services Azar Katouzian for hosting/coordinating the workshop and for her photos.

Thanks as always to all of the participants for attending, interacting and sharing their work!

Left to right:
Debbie, Jessica, Susan, Debi, Pamela, Rudy and Oliver
Photos by Azar Katouzian; Collage by SJF Communications

We began with an interactive fun ice breaker – getting to know each other.

After introductions and a review of her published work, Susan taught her Power Point presentation about writing Haiku and shared her nature photography as prompts to encourage Haiku writing. We all practiced writing Haiku and had the opportunity to share our work. As always, it was a great discussion and we equally had so much to say about the creative process and the parallels with Haiku poetry and visual arts.

Enjoy these Haiku from Susan’s nature photography prompts….

“Capturing Your Creativity with Haiku” Workshop

Escondido Library 2/27/2025

Sunset Cliffs – Photo by Susan J. Farese

Little waves be small

but will always strike truly

As us humans be

by Oliver (age 9)!

~

Mist above white waves

Rumbling sea below the rocks

People, perched above!

by Susan


Hummingbird – Photo by Susan J. Farese

Little hummingbird

Will fly faster peacefully

When the flowers bloom.

by Oliver

~

Master of the flight

Protective of its life space

Drinker of nectar

by Debi


Rocks at Torrey Pines State Beach- Photo by Susan J. Farese

Small pebbles might fall

still they keep their own balance

And strong in sunlight.

by Oliver


Sunset – Photo by Susan J. Farese

The blood-red night sky

Conjured from the depths of hell

Message from Hades

by Debi


Moon Rise and Yellow Traffic Light – Photo by Susan J. Farese

Captured by the Moon

Saw the signal to slow down

Thank you, universe

by Pamela


Carlsbad Flower Field – Photo by Susan J. Farese

I can find comfort

In a crowd of wild flowers

But not with people

by Pamela

~

Beautiful flowers

Delicate, colored petals

Waving in the breeze

by Debbie


Julian Leaves – Photo by Susan J. Farese

Crispy, rustling leaves

A potpourri of colors

Waiting for a rake

by Debbie


Great White Egret at Santee Lakes- Photo by Susan J. Farese

Susan (great white egret)

Ivory plunge

Contemplating the nest step

Great white egret soars!


Jacaranda Tree- Photo by Susan J. Farese

Jacaranda trees

Bloom but once annually

Purple hues unite!

by Susan


More Haiku Inspired by the workshop

My hesitant breath

Fear, my mountain Everest

Eyes open I jump.

by Rudy

~

Ruffles, the dog

Morning you are there

Hungry you seek attention

Soft coat ruffles hand.

by Rudy

~

Colors red and blue

Visit me and leave fast

Dreams of flying now.

by Rudy


Heavy

Blanket of darkness

Feels like a heavy blanket

Covering my soul

by Debi

~

Broken

Pieces of my heart

Shattering to the cruel Earth

I lie here, broken.

by Debi

~

Soaring, easy flight

Masters of the ancient sky

Behold, my dragon

by Debi


Writing in silence

Hum of imagination

Words vibrate inside

by Pamela


It’s 80 degrees

Doesn’t feel like wintertime

in Escondido

by Debbie

~

Pickle Ball has rules

Don’t volley in the kitchen

Or you’ll lose the point

by Debbie

~

Montessori School

Wonderful community

Of special people

by Debbie


Waikoloa

Warm sun, gently breaking waves

Me, fully relaxed

by Jessica

~

Sea turtle swimming

In the warm afternoon sun

So oblivious

by Jessica

~

With snorkel and mask

Sea turtles and rainbow fish

Such a sparkling world

by Jessica


For more information or to book a workshop (Individual or Group) with Susan:
Information LINK: https://sjfcommunications.com/haiku-workshops/
Or, Email info@sjfcommunications.com or sjfcommunications@gmail.com.

Creativity Blossomed at Haiku Workshop at the Potrero Library

Susan J. Farese of SJF Communications taught her 2 hour “Capturing Your Creativity with Haiku” workshop at the Escondido Library on November 2, 2024. 

Many thanks to Branch Manager Berlyne Arteaga for hosting/coordinating the November 2, 2024 workshop and for her photos of the group.

Thanks as always to all of the participants for attending, interacting and sharing their work!

Left to right:
Phyllis, Susan, Lollie, Jan and June

Photos by Berlyne Arteaga and Susan J. Farese;
Collage by SJF Communications

We began with an interactive fun ice breaker – getting to know each other.

After introductions and a review of her published work, Susan taught her Power Point presentation about writing Haiku and shared her nature photography as prompts to encourage Haiku writing. We all practiced writing Haiku and had the opportunity to share our work. As always, it was a great discussion and we equally had so much to say about the creative process and the parallels with Haiku poetry and visual arts.

Enjoy these Haiku from our Workshop….

“Capturing Your Creativity with Haiku” Workshop

Potrero Library 11/2/2024~

Hummingbird – Photo by Susan J. Farese

Jet roars past my nose

Wings blurring beyond man’s sight

Hummingbird visit

by Jan


Carlsbad Flower Fields – Photo by Susan J. Farese

Rainbow colors bloom

Mother Earth’s message to all

Spring is here again

by Jan


Coyote Chorus

Many voices sing off-key

Winters chill soft breath

~

Morning light fades dark

Cocooned warmth – feel hot breath

Open eyes – dog nose!

~

Innocence tumbles

Heart bleeds love lost in one blow

Domestic Abuse

by Jan


Winter

The coldest season

Animals hibernating

Snow on mountain tops

by June


People

People are funny

People run, walk, laugh, cry, talk

Also fat, skinny

by Phyllis


For more information or to book a workshop (Individual or Group) with Susan:
Information LINK: https://sjfcommunications.com/haiku-workshops/
Or, Email info@sjfcommunications.com or sjfcommunications@gmail.com.

Rose Week Haiku Workshop at the Del Mar Library!

Susan J. Farese of SJF Communications taught her 2 hour SJF Communications “Capturing Your Creativity with Haiku” workshop during Rose Week on May 10th at the Del Mar Branch of the San Diego County Library System. Many thanks to Polly, Branch Manager and Friends of the Library for hosting the workshop.

We began with an interactive fun ice breaker – getting to know each other.

After introductions and a review of her published work (with Haiku and other forms of poetry), Susan taught her Power Point presentation about writing Haiku and shared nature photography, including several photos of roses and flowers, plus other nature photos as prompts to encourage Haiku writing. We all practiced writing Haiku and had the opportunity to share our work. One woman had to leave early so she didn’t contribute a poem. It was a great discussion and we equally had so much to say about the creative process and the parallels with Haiku poetry and visual arts.

Here is a glimpse of us, along with the photo prompts and written Haiku for the afternoon.

Anna’s Hummingbird Feeding (Photo by Susan J. Farese)

Aroma beckons

Vibrating and fluttering

Delightful humming!

-Marilyn

Bold Flower and Butterfly (Photo by Susan J. Farese)

Vivid fuschia bed

Black and orange butterfly

Rests! Summer respite!

-Susan

Moon Rise and Yellow Traffic Light (Photo by Susan J. Farese)

All of a sudden

Yellow traffic light appears

Inviting moon shine!

-Susan

Julian Leaves – (Photo

Julian Leaves – (Photo by Susan J Farese)

Crunchy country sounds

A potpourri of color

Autumn leaves do fall!

-Susan

Elizabeth chose one of her photos on her phone of a beautiful rose, Here is her Haiku:

Spring spiral petals

Fragrant blooms fill twilight mist

Paint to sunset rose!

-Elizabeth

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‘Creative Ideas | Dynamic Results’!

A Quick Visit: San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center Loop Trail

I had some free time and took advantage of a wonderful mini-escape to nature!

Here’s a short video to recap my time strolling throughout the mile long, double loop, ADA accessible San Elijo Nature Center Loop Trail  (Located off of Interstate #5 a bit West on Manchester Blvd. in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California). There are several benches along the route to sit back, reflect and ‘take it all in’.

There’s a bit of restoration and dredging (thus, disruption of the bird habitats) happening these days, complete with large cranes, so I didn’t spot as many species as usual.

Feel free to read more about the San Elijo Nature Center plus, some info about the  San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy

 

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Bird Watching & Photography at Lake Hodges, Escondido, CA

 

A great morning hike and “Birding with a Camera” at Lake Hodges, Bernardo Bay Staging Area, at the San Dieguito River Park Trail

with

Senior Ranger Dave Hekel and Krisztina Sheeff, KS Nature Photography.

Here’s a short video to recap the morning…

Disclaimer: I am still learning….Birds (and butterflies) were moving QUICKLY and I am quite new at using the Manual settings on my camera! So…my shots aren’t the most focused…

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Cloudy & Chilly Day Bird Watching (& Haiku)- San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy

A chilly cloudy day with some cool sightings at the San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center​, San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy with a #Haiku.

Photos and Haiku by Susan Farese​, SJF Communications

Ode to Bird Watching!

Bird Watching is FUN!

Challenging and exciting

(But pay attention)!

All of a sudden

One might grace with their presence

And poof…they fly past!

Camera in hand

Mastering all the settings

Stay still – just don’t move!

Nothing like photos

Displaying what you’ve captured

I LOVE BIRD WATCHING!

Here are some photos – feel free to click on each one!

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Butterflies on Parade – Haiku & Photos: San Diego Zoo Safari Park

I have been delighted with some great perks and benefits with my Keepers Club Membership  at the  San Diego Zoo Safari Park! 

We visited a great new exhibit, “Butterfly Jungle” at the Safari Park in Escondido, California the other day…

Please note: The Butterfly Jungle is only open now through April 15th from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

A few words to the wise! Be prepared to wait! This is a very popular exhibit! (For an extra fee of $20 you can move up in line).

Once you’re inside, they will allow you to marvel at and photograph these lovely colorful butterflies.

What a hoot! The butterflies love bright colors, so feel free to wear them! They will gladly land on you! You’ll chuckle with delight!

It’s a blast!

Here’s my #Haiku to kick off National Poetry Writing Month (#NaPoWriMo) and Global Poetry Writing Month (#glopowrimo):

Haiku: Sweet Butterflies

by

SJF Communications

 

Fickle flutterers

Quick, vividly colorful

Dainty butterflies

They might land on you

If so, they invite your grin

Butterflies marvel!

Oh…another important note (per the ambassadors): No touching the butterflies or taking them out of the area with you!

These sweet creatures are endangered, so there will be several ‘exit stations’ where the Safari Park Ambassadors will have you “turn around’ and  ‘shake it out’ to ensure that no butterflies are resting on your clothes, backpacks, hats, etc!

It’s all worth it though! Although there was an elusive few that flew so quickly that by the time I had my camera ready they were gone!

I am looking forward to going again soon! Hurry, the exhibit closes on April 15th!

Check out these photos and feel free to click on each one for more detail!

Paper Kite – Photo by SJF Communications

 

Postman – Photo by SJF Communications

Rusty-Tipped Page – Photo by SJF Communications

 

Giant Owl – Photo by SJF Communications

Giant Owl – Photo by SJF Communications

 

Giant Owl – Photo by SJF Communications

 

 

Giant Owls – Photo by SJF Communications

 

Flowers that invite butterflies to visit! – Photo by SJF Communications

More flowers that invite butterflies to visit! – Photo by SJF Communications

 Click here for info about the:

 San Diego Safari Park

 San Diego Zoo

 

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Aha! A Monarch Butterfly Visits Us!

 

Welcome to Our Balcony in San Diego, Sir or Ms. Monarch!*

 

A Magnificent Beauty Arrives!

I had just sat down  looking out at our 2nd floor balcony, when all of a sudden, a beautiful Monarch butterfly visited!

I grabbed my Nikon Coolpix L830 and put it on the “close up” setting and snapped away!

This post will be super short and sweet..

-Just a way to share how gorgeous this colorful butterfly was!

Enjoy these photos, feel free to like, comment and share this post link.

Beauty in nature abounds, we just need to look for it, spot it and savor the beauty of it!

Enjoy!

 

p.s. (*I didn’t get a chance to determine if it was a male (black spot on hind wing) or female (no black spot)!

(Check out http://www.monarchbutterflygarden.net for more info)

 

3-monarch2

4-monarch1

Funny thing is, I just bought those two plants a few days ago and haven’t even planted them yet!

2-monarchinflight

Lucky enough to catch the butterfly in flight, although a bit blurred!

1-monarch4

Hope your day is as delightful as this butterfly’s has been!