Susan J. Farese Interviewed by Keith Carlson on The Nurse Keith Show (Podcast EPS 337)

NOTE: Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN, SJF Communications had a great discussion about Nursing, Poetry, Intuition, Creativity and more on the The Nurse Keith Show Podcast with Keith Carlson, BSN, RN, NC-BC https://nursekeith.com/episode337/.

Here is the information along with the podcast link and show notes:

On episode 337 of The Nurse Keith Show nursing and healthcare career podcast, Keith interviews nurse poet Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN, SJF Communications regarding her original book of poetry, “Poetic Expressions in Nursing…Sharing the Caring”, and how poetry and nursing are a natural and inspiring combination for the sharing of stories, feelings, memories, and experiences.

Poetic Expressions in Nursing | The Nurse Keith Show, EPS 337

The show notes are at: https://nursekeith.com/episode337

Or, check it out here: https://lnkd.in/gejWh95s

#nursekeith #nurse #nursing #nurselife #nursepractitioner #susanjfarese #sjfcommunications

Listen here!:

The show notes are at: https://nursekeith.com/episode337

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“Poetic Expressions in Nursing: Sharing the Caring” Featured on the Zevely Zone (CBS 8 & The CW San Diego)

Susan J. Farese and Jeff Zevely; Photo by Scott Hall

It’s not every day that you (or your book) are featured in a segment with Jeff Zevely of the Zevely Zone on CBS 8 and the CW San Diego (KFMB)!

That’s right! Many thanks to Feature Reporter Jeff Zevely and Photojournalist Scott Hall. Jeff interviewed me about “Poetic Expressions in Nursing: Sharing the Caring” (and the hour flew by)!

We discussed my time (eons ago) as a military nurse, glimpsed at several of my ‘vintage’ photos and I had a chance to read some of my poetry from the book.

Here is the clip:

To purchase Poetic Expressions in Nursing: Sharing the Caring as an eBook, paperback or Audiobook, here are the links:

Link for purchasing the eBook:

Link for purchasing the Paperback:

Link for purchasing the Audiobook:

Also more links here: https://books2read.com/poeticexpressionsinnursing

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“Poetic Expressions in Nursing: Sharing the Caring”

Promo for “Poetic Expressions in Nursing: Sharing the Caring”

“When it’s all said and done, there’s no profession as diverse, as the art and the science of being a nurse” -Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN

“Nursing is an incredibly enriching yet stressful profession and besides being a science, it is truly an art. This second edition of Poetic Expressions in Nursing: Sharing the Caring is dedicated to all nurses – past, present, and future. It is a celebration of nursing and a tribute to nurses, especially during this unexpected, unprecedented pandemic. Covid-19 took its toll on nurses during 2020 and hopefully the impact of stress and burnout will be lessened with time and the arts. Poetry can be a therapeutic and cathartic tool for nurses and other caring professions to deal with the angst, stressors or joys that accompany the profession“. – Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN

Originally published in 1993, Poetic Expressions in Nursing: Sharing the Caring now has a 2nd edition and is available online (eBook and paperback, and audiobook).

Poetic Expressions in Nursing: Sharing the Caring (2nd Edition) by Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN, SJF Communications

Here is the description of the book:

This exciting collection of freeform poetry with over 40 poems by Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN, is a sharing of both professional and personal thoughts and feelings. Susan is a strong advocate of the creative use of poetry to express the wonderment, frustration, dedication, and the love of nurses for their profession and their patients.

Included is a tribute poem to nurses by Mohan Chilukuri, MD and a bonus section of several of Susan’s Haiku Poems with her nature photography.

Susan invites you to share the passion and the traditions of nursing, and to explore the heart of the professional practice of nursing…sharing and caring.

Susan J. (Felice) Farese, MSN, RN, a native of NJ, received her Bachelor of Science (BSN) degree from Widener University and Masters of Science (MSN) from Seton Hall University. Her diversified nursing career includes military and civilian nursing within inpatient outpatient and academic settings- including experience as a clinician, educator, administrator, consultant, and nurse entrepreneur.

Susan is the owner of SJF Communications PR in San Diego. https://sjfcommunications.com.

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Susan-J.-Farese/e/B001K7VB6E

E-Book – extended DISCOUNTED price on Kindle eBook: $0.99!

Paperback is also available ($10.99):

Audiobook (narrated by Susan):

Ask me about discounts and giveaways! Please feel free to like, comment and share. Help me to get the word out to nursing community! Nurse have been stressed out and burned out since the pandemic.

Thanks for stopping by!

Yours in poetry!

Susan

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Nurses Week 2021 ~ “Poetic Expressions in Nursing: Sharing the Caring” eBook Discount!

Happy Nurses Week 2021 to Nurses: past, present, future and those who support them!

“When it’s all said and done, there’s no profession as diverse,
as the art and the science of being a nurse” -Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN

One week of celebration, however is not enough! It has indeed been a ‘different’ year. Who would have thought that a pandemic was looming? The stress and burnout for nurses has seemed unsurmountable at times this past year. I am hopeful for nurses to feel resilient and thrive as people receive vaccinations and stay vigilant in social distancing, handwashing, being sensible, etc. We are all too important to take life (and nurses) for granted.

“Nursing is an incredibly enriching yet stressful profession and besides being a science, it is truly an art. This second edition of Poetic Expressions in Nursing: Sharing the Caring is dedicated to all nurses – past, present, and future. It is a celebration of nursing and a tribute to nurses, especially during this unexpected, unprecedented pandemic. Covid-19 took its toll on nurses during 2020 and hopefully the impact of stress and burnout will be lessened with time and the arts. Poetry can be a therapeutic and cathartic tool for nurses and other caring professions to deal with the angst, stressors or joys that accompany the profession.” – Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN

Nurses should be celebrated for all they have done for patients and their families.

Originally published in 1993, my book Poetic Expressions in Nursing: Sharing the Caring now has a 2nd edition and is available online (eBook and paperback, and soon to be available as an audiobook).

Special promotion for Nurses Week: the eBook of Poetic Expressions in Nursing: Sharing the Caring (2nd Edition) by Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN, SJF Communications ~ has a DISCOUNTED price on Kindle eBook: $0.99 for Nurses Week and might be extended!

eBook LINK ($0.99): https://amzn.com/dp/B091D2GXNN

Paperback is also available ($12.99): https://amzn.com/dp/173697761X

Here is the description of the book:

Included is a tribute poem to nurses by Mohan Chilukuri, MD and a bonus section of several of Susan’s Haiku Poems with her nature photography.

Susan invites you to share the passion and the traditions of nursing, and to explore the heart of the professional practice of nursing…sharing and caring.

Susan is the owner of SJF Communications PR in San Diego. https://sjfcommunications.com.

My Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Susan-J.-Farese/e/B001K7VB6E

#poetry #nursingpoetry #nursepoet #Amazon #RNpoet #theartofnursing #poeticexpressionsinnursing #womenauthors

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We Captured Our Creativity With Haiku (for Workplace Wellness) at SDSU!

I was thrilled to be invited by San Diego State University Communications Professor Patricia Geist-Martin, Ph.D., to present a virtual (Zoom) shortened session of Capturing Your Creativity With Haiku to her upper level undergraduate course – COM 428 class: Communicating Workplace Wellness.

This was on December 8th, one of the last days of the Fall, 2020 semester (and of course during the current challenging pandemic).

We started with Dr. Geist-Martin introducing me, followed by my brief bio, PowerPoint presentation and photos to encourage writing. The students had the choice of writing from several different prompts i.e. one of the photos that I showed to them, the best day in your life, or worst day in your life, pandemic related stress, love, nature, seasonal, etc.

What a wonderful afternoon! It was amazing how quickly the students formed their haiku! They were so attentive, enlightening . The session was interactive via audio or adding their haiku or questions or comments to the chat area. I added some suggestions with a few haiku…

Capturing Your Creativity with Haiku

Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN, SJF Communications

SDSU COM 428 – 12.8.2020

Love is happiness

The warmth and security

everlasting comfort!

-Leah

SJF suggestion: last line can be changed to: comfort, everlast!

The cold breeze is strong,

the sun falls behind the cliffs,

winter has begun

-Natalie

Lookout the window

Snow is falling from the sky

The candle brings warmth

-Adrian

Ninety days and night

Future grown in the sunlight,

Early retirement found.

-Daniel

SJF suggestion:
Last line can be changed to: retire early? (with ? at the end)

Red nose, cooling breeze

Hot cocoa warming cold hands

Nights bring colored lights

-Melissa

Workplace wellness is

Communication together

Thanks for your effort

-Josah

SJF suggestion: 2nd line could be:
people/persons/students (either) communicating

Though we are deprived

I find myself healing with

You. Hope you stay well.

-Josah

SJF suggestion: 2^nd line can be : I find that I heal with you (7- heal is one syllable!)

SJF suggestion: 3^rd line can be: I hope you stay well

I met you thank god

gently adventurous, you are

breeze to my summer

-Alma

SJF suggestion: 2^nd line can be: gentle, adventurous you

Family is here,

sitting around the fire pit,

this is Christmas time

-Natalie

SJF suggestion: 2^nd line can be: sits around the fire pit

Morning desert light

First show the sun will put on today

Cold breeze turns to heat

– Gladys

SJF suggestion: 2^nd line can be: first show sun puts on today

Whistle of the wind,

my soul flutters through the sky,

seeking peace in mind

– Kayla

The blissful nature,

calms my wandering mind

that comforts my soul

-Taylor

SJF suggestion: 2^nd line can be: calms down my wandering mind

Staring at my love

Under a sky full of stars

Will you marry me?

-Janell

Looking out to see

Something new in my landscape

To transform my life

-Patricia

Inside is raging

Silently hoping for change

Awaken what’s lost

-Patricia

What an amazing afternoon! Thank you to Dr. Patricia Geist-Martin for inviting me and for the students for participating!

Information about our Haiku workshops: https://sjfcommunications.com/upcoming-haiku-workshops/

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Susan J. Farese Interviewed on ‘Love Conquers Alz’ Podcast – Episode #22

Here is the link to an inspiring, poignant and important interview that I was a guest on – the ‘Love Conquers Alz‘ #Podcast Episode #22 ‘On The Power of Art’. The incredibly compassionate, articulate and empathetic hosts were podcasters/filmmakers Susie Singer Carter and Kassi Crews. We recorded it on Mothers Day, 2020 and it was posted online on Wednesday, October 7, 2020.

I was so honored and it was such a pleasure for me to be a guest on the Love Conquers Alz Podcast! I know that my maternal grandmother and soulmate, Ann, (who suffered from early onset Alzheimer’s Disease and passed away in 1971) was listening from up above when I shared my tribute #poem to her, ‘Ann’s Zest Ends’ ! She passed away in 1971.

Besides reading Ann’s’ Zest Ends on Love Conquers Alz, I also read my poem “Caregiver” dedicated to all persons caring for family members or friends with dementia and other disabilities or diseases. Caregiving can be truly stressful, and caregivers need to take care of themselves so they can care for others.

Links to listen/watch:

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Vc2q0JqPtYuz7UMZCXSGL

Stitcher http://bit.ly/LCAStchr

Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/love-conquers-alz/id1492023291

Youtube https://youtu.be/WlBDM5WW6s8

✨ ✨

Zooming For Our Haiku Workshop

We had a wonderful virtual 2 hour SJF Communications Haiku workshop, ‘Capturing Your Creativity With Haiku’ via Zoom on August 29th.

Best part of it…these were my two friends, Ann Stowe and Karen De Arana, that decided to give Haiku a try! Wow, they really delivered!

We began with a review of my professional history and experience with Haiku and poetry as well as a short ice-breaker.

Next, after introductions and a review of my work with poetry, I taught my Power Point presentation about writing Haiku and shared several (16) of my nature (and other) photography photos as prompts to encourage Haiku writing. Besides the photo prompts, we had a choice to also write either about our experiences dealing with the isolation and angst of the Covid-19 pandemic or the ‘best’ or ‘worst’ day in our lives.

Everyone practiced writing Haiku and finally we had the opportunity to share our work. It was a delightful time with two fabulous ladies. They wrote some amazing Haiku!

Here’s a glimpse of our enlightened attendees written Haiku along with photo prompts we chose that day!

Joshua Tree Flowers – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications

Lying in the grass

Wind coaxing flowers to dance

Gazing at the sky!

~ Karen

Sunset Cliffs, Point Loma

Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications

Roaring waves crashing

Thundering across the cliffs

Loudly pounding shore!

~ Ann

Moon Rise & Yellow Traffic Light

Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications

All of a sudden

Moon rose at the yellow light

Serendipity!

~ Susan

Julian Leaves – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications

Autumn is now here

A kaleidoscope palette

Welcomes the season!

~Ann

Summer stirs the trees

Leaves fall as darkness chills air

Look! Vibrant colors!

~Karen

Waterfall at Tahquitz Canyon Trail

Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications

Hike in the canyon

Flowers, scents and landscapes too

Look – A waterfall!

~ Susan

Great White Egret at Santee Lakes

Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications

Waited patiently

Water serene, time just right-

The egret took fight!

~ Susan

Thoughts on Covid-19 & the Coronavirus Pandemic

(Stock Photo)

Consumed with media

Newsflash! People are dying!

Covid sucks big time.

~ Ann

Depression and angst

Weight gain and isolation

When will it all cease?

~ Karen

We celebrated with a high five!

And ended on a happy workshop note!

And when it as nearly over, I read my poems ‘Ann’s Zest Ends’ and my Haiku ‘Crisis & Hope’ aloud. I really miss doing live presentations and readings..

Come on Covid-19. Lets get this pandemic under control so we can truly be social again!

I look forward to teaching many more workshops in the future – virtual or in person!

What a terrific time!

Connecting, creating and sharing!

The next virtual workshop is:

September 5, 2020 via Zoom.

Here is the info and registration link: https://sjfcommunications.com/upcoming-haiku-workshops/

Upcoming Haiku Workshops

To schedule a Haiku Workshop, please contact SJF Communications at:

408-398-5940

sjfcommunications@gmail.com

DONATE TO OUR HAIKU WORKSHOPS!

DONATION INFORMATION:

https://fundraising.fracturedatlas.org/capturing-your-creativity-with-haiku

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A Nursing Poetry Reading (Video) – Dedicated to All Nurses for Nurse’s Week, May 6 -13, 2020

In honor of and celebrating all Nurses, especially those providing care throughout the Covid-19 pandemic

by Susan J. Farese, MSN RN, SJF Communications

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2020 by SJF Communications

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The 2019-2020 San Diego Poetry Annual is Now Available for Purchase!

The poem ‘A Light Dimmed’ by Susan J. Farese is included in the 2019-2020 San Diego Poetry Annual which is now available for purchase at a discounted rate of $15 plus shipping.

Excited to announce that my poem (in Haiku format), ‘A Light Dimmed’ about my Aunt Pam, who sadly passed away 6 months ago, is published in the Veterans section of the 2019-2020 San Diego Poetry Annual (page 294).

This is the second year that my poetry has appeared in the San Diego Poetry Annual anthology. Last year my poem ‘Flashbacked Life’ was included and I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the many live poetry readings and presentations around the San Diego area. Unfortunately, all public readings for the 2019-2020 anthology are now on hold due to the current situation with Coronavirus/Covid-19.

To purchase the 2019-2020 anthology ($15 discount price indefinitely plus shippng) here is the link!: https://sandiegopoetryannual.com/how-to-order/ For more information mail: sdeag1@gmail.com

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Coronavirus Coping & Conflict – A Poem & Video

Coronavirus Coping & Conflict

A Poem By

Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications

My poem Coronavirus, Coping & Conflict is published in the new anthology ‘Poetry in the Time of Coronavirus‘ (Edited by G. Cuddy). Featuring 150+ Poets of the World. Now available on Amazon. Proceeds from sales of the poetry anthology will benefit Partners in Health and Doctors Without Borders.

‘Coronavirus, Coping & Conflict”

by Susan J. Farese

Coronavirus, Covid-19 – a Global Pandemic

Unfathomable

We shelter in place

Quarantine. Isolate.

Hair turns colors and grows longer

Food gets scarcer

Tempers may flare (then subside)

Our kids are not themselves, we are not ourselves, our partners are not themselves

We watch news conferences (yet they STILL aren’t 6 feet apart, hands continue to touch the podium)!

Positive tests. Numbers mounting. Lack of equipment. Unsure of treatment.

Health care providers of all specialties and levels without PPE! Their lives also at risk!

Flatten the curve.

Online learning. Zoom meetings and classes. Don’t go here. Don’t go there.

Milestones missed…Proms unheard of. Graduations rescheduled. Stores closing.

Deaths mounting. Deaths looming? Unnecessary deaths!

Is this the new normal or merely the abnormal?

We wait and watch and wonder and hope…

Will this all be resolved? WHEN?

We are unaware

We are uncertain

We get anxious

We are stressed!

Why are we uncertain?

Why aren’t we aware?

Why all this stress?

Delayed preparation?

An Oxymoron!

Thus,

Quarantine. Isolate.

We shelter in PLACE!

Unfathomable.

Coronavirus, Covid-19 – A Global Pandemic!

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We ‘Zoomed’ and Captured our Creativity with Haiku!

By

Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications

A recap of our workshop w/connection, creativity and sharing!

Our 4/5/2020 Zoom class:
‘Capturing Your Creativity with Haiku’
Top – Left to Right: Bonnie, Susan, Millie
Bottom – Left to Right: Janice, Mary Jean, Lori

By

Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications

Five lovely women attended our 2 hour SJF Communications Haiku workshop, ‘Capturing Your Creativity With Haiku’ through San Diego Writer’s, Ink via Zoom on April 5th 2020. Once I figured out the system (video, sound, muting, unmuting, locking, etc.), it was a blast!

It was my first time teaching with Zoom and now I am hooked! In fact, I am planning another virtual Haiku workshop via San Diego Writer’s, Ink tentatively on June 7th from 10-12 noon. Stay tuned for details TBA.

We began with a review of my professional history and experience with Haiku and Poetry. After that, we did an interactive interesting and most of all fun ‘ice-breaker’ – getting to know each other a bit more.

Next, after introductions and a review of my work with poetry, I taught my Power Point presentation about writing Haiku and shared several (16) of my nature (and other) photography photos as prompts to encourage Haiku writing. Everyone practiced writing Haiku and finally we had the opportunity to share our work. It was a delightful time with such a lovely group of creative empowered women!

Here’s a glimpse of our enlightened attendees written Haiku along with photo prompts they chose that day!

**Anna’s Hummingbird – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications**

A simple creature

Delving into his sweetness

Bringing joy to all

– Lori

Hummingbird hornets

This Spring when hope hides from us

Kids drink from sippies

– Millie

**Snowy Egret “Bad Hair Day” – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications**

A morning outlook

Wind ruffling my feathers

What to do today

-Lori

Eager and ready

Able with wings to take flight

Planted feet instead

-Mary Jean

White feathers ruffle

Lake reflections wrinkles

The visible wind

-Bonnie

**Coachella Valley Preserve – Thousand Palms Oasis McCallum Pond**
**Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications**

New discovery

A promise of refreshment

Flies! They found this too

-Mary Jean

**Waterfall at Tahquitz Canyon Trail – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications**

Water falls steady

From granite to constant lake

Upstaged by frailty

-Mary Jean

**Joshua Tree Flowers –** **Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications**

Lupine violet

Rises above dusty green

Poking the still air

-Millie

**Coachella Valley Preserve – Thousand Palms Oasis**
**Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications**

Palm trees like bear hugs

Only my hairless arms wrap

Tomorrow your gaze clears

-Millie

**Sunset Cliffs, Point Loma**
**Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications**

Whirling eternal surf

Salty water splashes ashore

No virus in sea

-Janice

**Moon Rise & Yellow Traffic Light**
**Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications**

Stop full moon overhead

Secrets hide the dusky light

Car horn, now mundane

-Janice

Julian Leaves
**Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications**

Crunchy leaves crackle

Sun comfort through bare branches

Seasons change, do I?

-Janice

**Tahquitz Canyon Overlooking Palm Springs**
**Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications**

Puffy clouds hover

Gentle wind rustles leaves on trees

City sleeps, no danger.

-Janice

Plus, Lori and Mary Jean wrote some additional Haiku without photo prompts! Way to go!

To be deep in love

Pandemic keeps us apart

Makes me love you more

-Lori

Peeling the orange

Ripping the layers of flesh

Ahh! A squirt of scent

-Mary Jean

What a terrific time!

Connecting, creating and sharing!

Upcoming Haiku Workshops

To schedule a Haiku Workshop, please contact SJF Communications at:

408-398-5940

sjfcommunications@gmail.com

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We Captured Our Creativity With Haiku!

By

Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications

Eight women attended our 2 hour SJF Communications Haiku workshop ‘Capturing Your Creativity With Haiku’ on January 18th, 2020 at the Poway Community Library.

We began with an interactive fun ‘ice-breaker’ – getting to know each other a bit more. Next, after introductions and a review of my work with poetry, I taught my Power Point presentation about writing Haiku and shared several of my nature photography and other photos as prompts to encourage Haiku writing. Everyone practiced writing Haiku and finally we had the opportunity to share our work. It was a delightful time with such a lovely group of creative empowered women!

Here’s a glimpse of our enlightened attendees along with photo prompts and written Haiku from that day! I also contributed a few!

Workshop leader/presenter Susan J. Farese with attendees
(Back Row): Grace, Karen, Karla, Ninon, Laurie and Cheran; (Front Row): Kathy and Xochih.

1. Tahquitz Canyon Waterfall
Photo by Susan J. Farese

Water tumbles down

forest leaves reach for the ground

a cool pool, respite.

-Karen

Waterfall rushing

thundering sound breaks silence

in awe of nature

-Cheran

2. Bench at Santee Lakes
Photo by Susan J. Farese

A bench welcomes me-

have a seat and rest yourself

just breathe in and out

-Cheran

A bench beckons you

verdant grass and flowing

rest and contemplate

-Karen

Our summer is gone

and no one is sitting here

on the lonely bench

And in Japanese:

私たちの夏は去りました

そして誰もここに座っていません

孤独なベンチで

Watashitachi no natsu wa sarimashita soshite dare mo koko ni suwatte imasen kodokuna benchi de

-Grace

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

A long day has passed

amidst the busy hustle

the bright moon greets me

-Karen

When I’m coming home

showing the same shape as moon

the yellow signal!

And in Japanese

家に帰るとき

月と同じ形を示す

黄色の信号！

Ie ni kaeru toki tsuki to onaji katachi o shimesu kiiro no shingō!

-Grace

All of a sudden

moon rose, traffic light yellow-

serendipity!

-Susan

Little hummer sits

head bent prayerfully drinking-

a blessed moment!

-Cheran

5. Torrey Pines State Beach
Photo by Susan J. Farese

Earth and ocean meet

waves crash and rocks tumble down

the clouds bear witness

-Karen

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

The water glistened

fanned plumage captivating!

Great White Egret soared!

-Susan

Legs stretched, beak pointed

wings forming mushroom bellows

ready to take flight

-Cheran

Very beautiful

the open wings are such fun

The Great White Egret

And in Japanese:

非常に美しい

開いた翼はとても楽しい

白eg鳥

Hijō ni utsukushī aita tsubasa wa totemo tanoshī shiro eg tori

-Grace

Crimson foliage

flutters from the azure sky

float on silent lakes.

-Karen

Beautiful red leaves

showing us their reflection

on an Autumn lake

And in Japanese:

美しい紅葉

彼らの反射を見せて

秋の湖で

Utsukushī kōyō karera no hansha o misete akinoumi de

-Grace

8. Two Egrets at Torrey Pines State Beach
Photo by Susan J. Farese

Birds stop for a chat

beaks greeting in warm friendship

Oh glorious morn!

9. Trail at Pacific Highlands Ranch, Carmel Valley, San Diego
Photo by Susan J. Farese

Beginning right now

feeling earth beneath my feet

starting my journey

-Karla

10. Sunset Cliffs
Photo by Susan J. Farese

Jagged rocky edge

salty waves roll in and out

cares ride on the waves

-Karla

The waves foaming white

rocks sure of their position

jutting out to sea

-Cheran

The Oceans spirit

awakens my soul and heart-

quiets my deep pain

-Laurie

Rigid and solid

stone is no match for water-

time transforms all things

-Ninon

11. Joshua Tree Flowers
photo by Susan J. Farese

Purple flowers stand

along the desert valley

embracing simple

-Karla

Fields of purple blooms

swaying gently in the breeze

Mother Earth awakes!

-Ninon

Snow, ice and water

winter chill invigorates

the body and soul

-Ninon

13. Coachella Valley Preserve – Thousand Palms Oasis McCallum Pond
Photo by Susan J. Farese

A Spring desert hike

path, date palms, oasis pond

delightful surprise!

-Susan

Upcoming Haiku Workshops

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sjfcommunications@gmail.com

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Lake Poway: Osprey, Snakes, Coots & Haiku…Oh MY!

A quick visit to Lake Poway today yielded a few surprises! Once we arrived it only took a few minutes to see a ‘capture’ of a baby rattlesnake, reported to the ranger by a man fishing along the water’s edge.

Only a few minutes later, someone behind us shouted ‘he’s got a fish’! We looked up to notice just that! Perched high above on a utility pole, an osprey was holding a fish. He soon took off! The photos below show a bit of the dramatic feat!

Here’s a short #haiku (Day #4 of National Poetry Writing Month hashtag: #napowrimo)!

Perched high, above pole

The osprey held on to prey

Then it flew away!

Osprey Perched with Prey – Photo by SJF Communications

Osprey Perched with Prey – Take Off! Photo by SJF Communications

Osprey Perched with Prey – Holding On – Photo by SJF Communications

Wasn’t that osprey cool???

We walked along the water, taking in sights such as the beautiful blue sky and calm water of the Lake Poway. A few people were fishing, a few boating. Just a gorgeous afternoon.

More #Haiku

Crystal blue water

Perfect way to spend the day

Nature enriches

Entrance to Lake Poway – Photo by SJF Communications

Cormorants – Lake Poway – Photo by SJF Communications

Lake Poway – Photo by SJF Communications

Coots and a Mallard – Lake Poway – Photo by SJF Communications

Lake Poway – Photo by SJF Communications

Coot – Lake Poway – Photo by SJF Communications

Picnic Area at Lake Poway – Photo by SF Communications

Lake Poway – Photo by SJF Communications

Mallards – Lake Poway – Photo by SJF Communications

Lake Poway – Photo by SJF Communications

OH NO!!!!! We suddenly spotted this snake- rattlesnake? (or gopher snake?…it was a few feet long) – just as we walked above (and to the left) of the trail around the lake. That was enough for me! Beware, it’s SPRING and the rattlers are awakening!

Last #Haiku

I ask you…take heed

The rattlesnakes are lurking

Avoid getting bit!

Rattlesnake – Lake Poway – Photo by SJF Communications

Whew, that rattler was scary! At the end of the trip we noticed this woman who caught some trout. She allowed me to snap this photo!

Trout! Lake Poway – Photo by SJF Communications

All in all a wonderful time at Lake Poway!

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National Poetry Writing Month Day #3 ‘Thriving’ – Haiku & Photos

In honor of National Poetry Writing Month (#napowrimo) I have mastered the first few days in previous blog posts and am attempting to keep it going (with and without prompts)!

As I have stated previously, I’ve been a Mentor at San Diego State University in their Aztec Mentor Program since 2016. Mentoring has been an inspirational and enjoyable way to connect with and guide students as a role model, share wisdom and give back to one’s community.

Today, I arrived early and was waiting for my first of two mentees to join me for our biweekly in-person session.

Alas: a Haiku blossomed!

Once I returned home for the day, I walked around our general neighborhood and snapped some photos (which to me depict #artinnature #natureasart). The photos are attached below!

As the season of Spring has sprung and as nature evolves – my burgeoning Mentees have been flourishing as well! May they thrive and prosper! Thus…my tribute to them!