Author Susan J. Farese at Upcoming Alpine Library Local Author Showcase February 3, 2024

Looking forward to sharing the story of my poetry journey at this event as one of six local authors (Jacqueline Semha Gmach, Carlette Anderson, Laura L. Engel, Krystal Casey and Melanie Ross and Susan J. Farese) at the Alpine Library, Saturday February 3rd from 10:30 am until noon. I’ll have copies of POETIC EXPRESSIONS IN NURSING: SHARING THE CARING on hand.

I’ll be speaking about poetry as a healing art, my book POETIC EXPRESSIONS IN NURSING: SHARING THE CARING, and my Haiku Workshops.

Also, I’ll be selling and signing copies of my book ~ a great gift idea for nurses (or the nurse in your life) or anyone who wants to know more about nursing!

📖✍️❤️📚🩺👩‍⚕️🎤

#sandiegoauthor #sandiegopoet #authorevent #poets #localauthorevent #alpinelibrary #sandiego #bookreading #booksigning #booksigningevent

Wildflowers at Borrego Springs

A Journey to See Wildflowers in Borrego Springs with Daytripper Tours (Video)

After a long hiatus from writing blog entries, I decided to describe my recent enjoyable and affordable “daycation” on March 13, 2023. I traveled with a Daytripper Tours group to see the gorgeous Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and colorful, blooming desert wildflowers in Borrego Springs !

I love living in California and had always wondered about those popular wildflowers at Borrego Springs!

Here’s a quick recap of my trip!

Tour travelers (approximately 50 of us) had our choice in joining the motorcoach tour from several transit stations (La Mesa, Mission Valley, University City or Escondido). I decided to take the trip from the Escondido Transit Center (the one nearest to the trip destination)! The comfortable motorcoach had large picture windows, air conditioning, reclining seats, a bathroom on board, foot rests, seat belts, and overhead storage bins.

On the way to Borrego Springs, we briefly stopped at Dudley’s Bakery in Santa Ysabel (I bought some tasty date nut raisin bread – they have many varieties and a cute gift shop area as well). Then, after arriving in Julian, another passenger and I had a delicious lunch and warm cider at the Julian Grille and separately went sightseeing and shopping downtown in Julian (no new photos were snapped by me there, I have been there, done that)!

Desert wildflowers at Borrego Springs! Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications

It was a great day trip to Borrego Springs with Day Tripper Tours – including great sights such as traveling the 18+ mile Banner Grade Highway between Julian and Borrego Springs (observing snow-covered Santa Rosa Mountains in the distance), admiring the vast desert landscape, being amazed at Artist Ricardo Breceda’s famous massive metal sculptures (we saw a few of over 100 sculptures), the Anza-Borrego Visitor’s Center, gorgeous wildflowers along Henderson Canyon Road (purple sand verbena, yellow sunflowers, white dune primrose, desert lily) and more!

Our tour guide, (Mark) as well as motor coach driver (Caroline) were superb! Mark narrated throughout the trip and gave us some interesting tidbits about the area and showed us a few videos as well. Caroline’s excellent careful driving made us feel very secure.

Check out my photos in this video from our day trip to see the beautiful Spring wildflowers at Borrego Springs (and more) in the Anza-Borrego Desert!

It was a wonderfully picturesque, scenic, active (yet tiring) day in the desert! I hope you enjoy the video (and if you haven’t, get a chance to visit Borrego Springs sometime)!

As a finale of this blog post, here is my Haiku, inspired by the trip!

My Desert Journey – A Haiku

by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications

Yellow Sunflowers – Photo by
Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications

Borrego Springs tour

Vivid, colorful flowers

Picturesque bloomers!


Metal sculptures in desert with mountains – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications

Landscape of cactus

Metal sculptures captivate

Mountains as backdrop!


Motorcoach from Daytripper Tours – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications

Delightful Spring day

Aesthetically so pleasing

Travel now complete!


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Haiku for Two at the Julian Branch Library

Susan J. Farese of SJF Communications taught her 2 hour SJF Communications “Capturing Your Creativity with Haiku” workshop on May 24th at the Julian Branch Library. Many thanks to Josh Mitchell, Branch Manager and Friends of the Julian Library for hosting the workshop.

Mark was a solo attendee that day, and we made the best of it!

We began with an interactive fun ice breaker. 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 practiced writing Haiku and had the opportunity to share our work. 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.

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

Rings of Gold 

electric yellow

round, in a black box says slow

in sunlit moonrise

– Mark

Moonrise/Yellow Light

Moon rose to the east

Yellow traffic light appeared

Serendipity

-Susan

Pacific Highlands Ranch Trail
(Photo by Susan J. Farese)

Earth and Sky

dusty clay stretches

around a corner….fading

cool clouds pressing down

-Mark

Mysterious Orange Flower
(Photo by Susan J. Farese)

Mysterious Orange Flower

Orange yellow hues

Veinlike markings encircle

A bursting flower

-Susan

Bench at Santee Lakes
(Photo by Susan J. Farese)

Bench at Santee Lakes

Bench solitude

Lonely, uninhabited

Summer pause, sit down!

-Susan

Blooming Jacarandas in May
(Photo by Susan J. Farese)

Blooming Jacarandas in May

Hues of violet

Lilac-blue and trumpet-shaped

Jacaranda tree!

A late Spring bloomer

Colorful, urban flower

Bravely blooms with awe

-Susan

For more information about attending our

Capturing Your Creativity With Haiku Workshop, click below!:

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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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Happy National Nurses Week – May 6 -12, 2022!

Time has flown since the late 1970’s when I proudly received my Nursing “cap” and “pin” at the Nightingale Ceremony at Widener University and graduating as an RN with my BSN – flashing forward eight years later when I received my Masters in Nursing at Seton Hall University! A lifetime ago, but still in my heart.

Since it is National Nurses Week May 6-12, 2022, I would like to recognize nurses and applaud them for all they do!!!

BRAVO!!!!! A heartfelt THANK YOU!

My nursing career is quite diversified. In nursing, I have worked in a variety of military and civilian clinical nursing roles (med-surg, intensive care, emergency room, recovery room, orthopedic surgery, cardiothoracic surgery step- down) as well as in nursing education/staff development, administration, research and consulting and coaching/mentoring roles.

Although I am in public relations now, I stay licensed as an RN and update my license every two years with mandatory continuing education.

I also still utilize my “nursing process” when working with my PR clients – I assess, plan, implement and evaluate. I use my keen intuition and “knowing”. I make “rounds” whether in person, in the media, on the internet, etc. I am vigilant with each client to provide personalized “care” for their publicity plan and needs.

Nursing, though, remains in my heart!

The pandemic certainly has made nurses very stressed, overworked, anxious, depressed, suffering burnout, PTSD and more. Nurses give (and give) and yet are human as well and have a major need for validation, respect, encouragement and they also need to spend time on their own self care.

Nurses also need credible focused media attention – to educate the media, politicians, health care interdisciplinary colleagues and the general public! (This is one of my passions – to recognize as well as strengthen the inclusion of and positive image of nursing in the media)!

That’s one of the reasons why I published the 2nd edition of Poetic Expressions in Nursing: Sharing the Caring in 2021. Pouring my heart out in poetry is just one creative, therapeutic, cathartic avenue to share my stories as a seasoned nurse.

I sincerely also hope that nurses find their creative passion – whether it is a visual art, writing/journaling, cooking, exercise, comedy, photography, theatre, filmmaking, crafting, etc. – get the picture???

If you are a nurse or know a nurse in your family, circle of friends or community etc., please THANK them especially this day, week, month (and forever).

As I mention in my poem “A Formula for Success” –

“When it’s all said and done, there’s no profession as diverse,

as the ART and the SCIENCE of being a NURSE”!

Feel free to leave a comment, share this post, subscribe, and/or get in touch!

In closing, here are two poems from my book Poetic Expressions in Nursing: Sharing the Caring, originally published in 1993!:

NURSES UNITE!

Nurses Unite!
Let's show the world in all its entirety
Our uniqueness, our strength

Let's proclaim our vision
And lifetime mission;
To foster health and wellness
on the reality continuum

Let's boast that it is us who can reform health!
With our own
Body of knowledge,
Identity,
Empowerment and self-governance ...

We are not the Handmaidens
Battle-axes
Angels of mercy
or
Playthings
as portrayed on the latest greeting card
or daytime soap opera or evening sitcom...

I dare us to show the world
the unparalleled significant differences
we've made in leaps and bounds...
For years and years

Let's share our compassion, empathy, humor, innovation,
how we love life and support each other


Nurses, I dare us
to unite!!!

by

Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN
in
Poetic Expressions in Nursing: Sharing the Caring (2021)

SHARING THE CARING

Let's open up our hearts and share the caring 
Merge visions, ink and syllables so daring...
Life's fragile, short and sweet, 
Grasp rhythm, pace, and beat
Catharsis of emotions we've been wearing.

We've seen it all, the panic, pain, and fears 
Of newborns to centenarians in years
From birth to life's demise 
Our "knowing" makes us wise
Yet…Prose as catalyst releases tears...

Brave and famous poets we need not be 
but writing from the heart, that sets us free 
Through poems we tell our stories
Share pain, grief, caring, glories 
Regardless of our nursing specialty.

No need to build the walls to hide 
The memories we've buried deep inside
It's good to let it go, allowing words to flow
Stand back and let the power be your guide.

by

Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN
in
Poetic Expressions in Nursing: Sharing the Caring (2021)

Over the past year, since the book was published I have been having such a wonderful time doing interviews and author events and thank everyone for their support, including purchases and reviews!

Purchase the book here, online, or at your local independent store!

Proud to be an #AlzAuthor

Happy National Nurses Week!

All the best,

Susan

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Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN Joins Alz Authors – Blog Post 2/22/2022 is Featured

On February 22, 2022, Susan became a proud member of Alz Authors, having her blog post featured along with Founding Member Marianne Sciucco, RN on the Alz Authors website.

Susan J. Farese, Author of POETIC EXPRESSIONS IN NURSING: SHARING THE CARING and Member of Alz Authors

CLICK to read the blog post: Susan J. Farese Reflects on Alzheimer’s and Nursing in Poetry

Alz Authors is a phenomenal global community of over 300 vetted authors writing about the dementias. Their goal is to raise awareness of these diseases and to spotlight carefully vetted books and blogs recommended for caregivers and others looking for knowledge and support. Each week they feature a new author/blogger on their blog and also have a podcast which features Alz Authors. For more information and resources, please visit alzauthors.com, the Alz Authors Bookstore, the Alz Authors Podcast, Alz Authors Helpful Sites, and the Alz Author’s Blog.

#alzheimers #alzauthors #alzauthor #nurse #nursing  #nursingpoetry #poetryheals #dementia #healingarts #dementiasupport #blogpost #grandma #grandmother #poem  #bookrecommendations  #authorsofinstagram #authorsoninstagram #poeticexpressionsinnursing

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/.

Keith is a Nurse Career Coach | Podcaster | Freelance Writer | Speaker | Blogger | Influencer – He helps nurses and healthcare professionals create inspired lives and careers!

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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Wood Duck

An Afternoon Birdwatching at Santee Lakes (Video)

It’s always fun to birdwatch (and get some steps walking along) at Santee Lakes! You never know what species you’ll see.

Today we saw Mallards, Snowy Egrets, a Green Heron, a Western Bluebird, Black Phoebes, Wood Ducks and a Lesser Scaup to name several!

Check out the video above!

We were pleased to see the new General Store and Snack area.

Here is the website for visiting with lots of info: https://www.santeelakes.com/

Photos and Video by SJF Communications.

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Book info

“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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