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:
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
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!
It’s always a breath of fresh air (at an altitude of 4226 ft of glorious elevation) for a visit to Julian, California, including a stop at this time at the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve!
Here’s a look at what I captured with my camera recently.
Feel free to click on each photo!
Bird Watching!
Acorn Woodpecker Photo By SJF Communications 2018
Acorn Woodpecker Photo By SJF Communications 2018
Acorn Woodpecker Photo By SJF Communications 2018
Acorn Woodpecker Photo By SJF Communications 2018
Acorn Woodpecker Photo By SJF Communications 2018
More Bird Sightings!
Western Bluebird Photo by SJF Communications 2018
Dark-Eyed Junco Pink-Sided Photo by SJF Communications 2018
Band-Tailed Pigeons Photo by SJF Communications 2018
White-Crowned Sparrow Photo by SJF Communications 2018
California Scrub Jay Photo by SJF Communications 2018
California Scrub Jay Photo by SJF Communications 2018
During the Thanksgiving Holiday, we had an enjoyable mountain getaway day trip to Julian, California. (We usually travel the less than an hour road trip from San Diego each year).
Julian is a picturesque, historic gold-mining town that exudes lots of charm!
This time, my daughter Emmy and her best friend Sydney were my traveling, shopping and dining buddies and also helped with photography.
Our day started with a delicious lunch at the Julian Grille.
Photos by SJF Communications
Afterwards we checked out the shops, enjoyed the apple pie at Mom’s Pies (oh yes, and the apple cider) and ventured to take in the autumn foliage, colorful leaves and beautiful scenery.
Of course, many photos were snapped that day and we want to share them with you! Overall a delightful day in Julian!
Hope you enjoy these photos of our spectacular crisply colorful autumn day! Click on individual photos to see more details!
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