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

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

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.

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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.

Enjoy these Haiku from our Workshop….

“Capturing Your Creativity with Haiku” Workshop

Potrero Library 11/2/2024~

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

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Photos: A Visit to Hawk Watch in Ramona, CA

It was mesmerizing to see and photograph several hawks up close and personal on January 5th at Hawk Watch Ramona, thanks to the Wildlife Research Institute !

These free Hawk Watches (donations accepted as well) will continue on Saturdays throughout January and February at 10 a.m. (suggested arrival time 9:30 a.m.). The Hawk Watch lasts about 1.5-2 hours. The location is at the private Begent Ranch, 18528 Highland Valley Rd. Ramona, CA 92065.

More suggestions: Bring binoculars, cameras, wear layered clothing, and sturdy shoes. (It could get muddy and wet there)! There are chairs set up outside but you can also bring your own if you prefer. There is free parking.

There were several varieties of hawks to see up close and personal,
including the Red-Tailed Hawk(s), as well as a Peregrine Falcon, Ferruginous Hawk, White Gyrfalcon and an American Kestrel – plus several exhibitor displays inside the building and demonstrations outside, such as a net trapping and learning how the handlers work with the hawks. Each week will feature different species.

According to the WRI flyer at the event- Here is the upcoming Owl schedule:

February 2nd: Barn Owl, Great Horned Owl, Western Screech

February 16th: Barn Owl, Western Screech

February 23rd: Barn Owl, Western Screech

Here are some photos from the day!

White Gyrfalcon – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
White Gyrfalcon – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
White Gyrfalcon – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
Red-Tailed Hawk – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
Red-Tailed Hawk – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
Red-Tailed Hawk – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
Red-Tailed Hawk – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
Red-Tailed Hawk – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
Ferruginous Hawk – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
Ferruginous Hawk – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
Ferruginous Hawk – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
Peregrine Falcon – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
Peregrine Falcon – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
Peregrine Falcon – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
Peregrine Falcon – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
Peregrine Falcon – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
Red-Tailed Hawk – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
American Kestrel – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
American Kestrel – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
American Kestrel – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
American Kestrel – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications

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Close-Up Encounters at the Hawk Watch in Ramona!

We had such a spectacular, fun and educational morning (along with a large group of attendees) at the first 2019 ‘Hawk Watch’ Falconry event including a Q & A with Biologists from the Wildlife Research Institute (WRI).

Here is the Facebook Page for the Wildlife Research Institute: https://www.facebook.com/WildlifeResearchInstitute/

According to the WRI flyer at the event- Here is the upcoming Owl schedule:

January 12th: Barn Owl, Great Horned Owl, Western Screech
February 2nd: Barn Owl, Great Horned Owl, Western Screech
February 16th: Barn Owl, Western Screech
February 23rd: Barn Owl, Western Screech

Click below for a short video from our day!

Here are a few photos representing the hawks we observed!

Peregrine Falcon – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications

Red-Tailed Hawk – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications

These free Hawk Watches (donations accepted as well) will continue on Saturdays throughout January and February at 10 a.m. (suggested arrival time 9:30 a.m.) The location is at the beautiful picturesque private Begent Ranch, 18528 Highland Valley Rd. Ramona, CA 92065. Coffee and donuts were on hand (donations accepted) and afterwards hot dogs and refreshments were available for purchase.

There were also exhibitors (including reptiles on display) plus hawk related and other goods for sale.

A great day to observe and marvel at the hawks!

White Gyrfalcon – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications

American Kestrel – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications

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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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Video: A Bird Watching Visit to Santee Lakes (San Diego, California)

My husband and I recently thoroughly enjoyed an afternoon at Santee Lakes. We walked around several of the lakes for fitness and I did some incredible bird watching!

Here’s a short video:

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Torrey Pines State Beach: Dolphins & Sandpipers & Pelicans…Oh My!

I am spoiled! Living so close to the beach is one thing, but even better is the fact that we’re near Torrey Pines State Beach!

Torrey Pines State Beach is located between La Jolla and Del Mar, California and approximately 1.5 miles West of Interstate 5 at Carmel Valley Road in San Diego. Here is a cool visitors guide for Torrey Pines State Beach including parking rate information from the San Diego Tourism Authority as well as information about the Torrey Pines State Reserve. Daily rates: $10-15 Monday-Thursday; $12-20 Friday-Sunday and Holidays. Click for info on Annual Passes.

As I have stated before, #TorreyPinesStateBeach is my ‘go to’ place to walk for fitness, stroll, socialize, observe the #artinnature and #natureasart. I like to visually capture interesting images.

Here are a few images from my most recent March, 2018 visit…I also saw a whale spouting, but it was so fast I couldn’t capture it quickly enough with a photo!

The Entrance to Torrey Pines State Beach

Things Happen in Threes!

Wouldn’t you know…I glanced up and saw a pelican, dolphin and helicopter in the distance!

Things Happen in Threes!

Some images from the afternoon!

A Sandpiper Enjoying a Snack from the Ocean!

And a Classic Sandpiper Pose!

A Seagull in Flight!

Shells a Plenty!

Pelicans in Formation on Parade!

Ocean Friendship: A Pelican with a Dolphin!

Dolphin Fin!

Dolphin Swimming!

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Discovering Art in Nature at Torrey Pines State Beach

Torrey Pines State Beach (below Torrey Pines State Reserve), is one of my favorite “go to”places in San Diego.

Why? Because it is always different, each time I visit. I always seem to “see” art in nature…

The sandstone bluff rock formations and cliffs are majestic and magnificent. The amazing ocean with constantly changing tides speaks for itself. Nature abounds with animals and birds. I just marvel at the beauty. I also try bring my camera and snap away at what I see before me. Plus the extra added value of exercise as I stroll along the beach.

Last week, I spotted a few treasures which I captured photographically. I saw the blue Velella Vellela jellyfish (also called ‘by the wind sailors’ due to their resembling a sailboat), the pelicans continuously flew by back and forth in formation (although there are always a few stragglers ‘doing their own thing’), an egret graced the sand at the shoreline and then flew away (which I was fortunate to take a few photos of). Also of note, a peregrine falcon which was perched high above (several photographers had their long lenses prepped and were telling me how the falcon “Dad’ was so greedy and wouldn’t share food with his partner for her and the babies). I certainly hope this changes and those ‘babies’ thrive soon and the female gets more nourishment!

An amazing find of the day, I almost stepped upon. It was my first encounter with a juvenile eared grebe. It was sitting alone on the beach near the shoreline. Its striking orange eye captivated me. It was just sitting there…It looked healthy yet something didn’t seem “right” since it was ‘picking’ at it’s feathers every few seconds. Before I left, I called the ranger station and reported it. They arrived and said they would not be able to do anything themselves, but would call the “bird people”, I hope they did…

Pelicans on Parade

Wild Wingspan

Pelicans Flyover

Another Pelican Formation

Torrey Pines State Beach

Rocking in the Ocean

Velella Velella

Jelly on a Rock

Torrey Pines State Beach

Peregrine Falcon Mama

Egret Taking Off!

Egret Beauty!

Egret Coasting!

Egret Alignment!

Eared Grebe at Torrey Pines State Beach

Do you see art in nature? Do you enjoy breathing in the ocean air? Do you reflect on how fortunate we are to be able to see so many wonderful species and celebrate gifts of the earth? I highly encourage you to if you can.

Thanks for stopping by at SJF Communications! Please feel free to “like”, “subscribe” “comment”, and “share”!

July 18, 2016November 6, 2016 susanfarese

More Hummingbirds: Tiny Magnificent Creatures!

I continually marvel at hummingbirds…such tiny magnificent magical creatures!

Their stunning colorful beauty, their speed, their zest for the “hummingbird life”….

It beats watching the news these days. It inspires my creative spirit and hope!

I’ve combined some poetry (Haiku), video footage and photographic images just for you!

Hummingbirds: A Haiku:

Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications

1. Fluttering about

Zooming, oh, so rapidly

Marvelous colors!

2. Hummingbird magic

Unique, beautiful creatures

Don’t fly away, stay!

Here is a short video from today. See these lovely hummingbirds in action as they fly continuously over to the feeders and enjoy nectar, hover, and then dance away!