Workshop

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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.

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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.

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.

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

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

I met you thank god

 gently adventurous, you are

 breeze to my summer

-Alma

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

Family is here,

sitting around the fire pit,

this is Christmas time

-Natalie

SJF suggestion: 2nd 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: 2nd 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: 2nd 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/

Thanks for stopping by!

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SJF Communications 
‘Creative Ideas | Dynamic Results’!

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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 Donate now at Fractured Atlas!

Thanks for stopping by!

Feel free to subscribe, like, comment & share!

Like this post?

Contact SJF Communications for your PR/Marketing/Writing

Social Media/Photography, or Coaching Needs!

SJF Communications – ‘Creative Ideas | Dynamic Results’!

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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

Thanks for stopping by!

Feel free to subscribe, like, comment & share!

Like this post?

Contact SJF Communications for your PR/Marketing/Writing

Social Media/Photography, or Coaching Needs!

SJF Communications – ‘Creative Ideas | Dynamic Results’!

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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

4. Anna’s Hummingbird Feasting
Photo by Susan J. Farese

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

7. Autumn
Photo Credit: Unknown

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

12. Snow!
Photo credit: Unknown

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

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

408-398-5940

sjfcommunications@gmail.com

Thanks for stopping by!

Feel free to subscribe, like, comment & share!

Like this post?

Contact SJF Communications for your PR/Marketing/Writing

Social Media/Photography, or Coaching Needs!

SJF Communications – ‘Creative Ideas | Dynamic Results’!

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Capturing your Creativity: Haiku Poetry with Susan J. Farese 4/7/18 at San Diego Writers Ink

Please join me at my next SJF Communications Workshop:

‘Capturing your Creativity:  Haiku Poetry’

with Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications

Saturday, April 7, 2018 – 2:30 – 4:30 pm (All levels welcome)

at San Diego Writers Ink

Arts District Liberty Station

2730 Historic Decatur Road, San Diego 92106

#202-204, Barracks 16, 2nd floor above Women’s Museum

Hope to see you at this engaging, non-traditional, interactive (and hopefully fun) journey “Capturing your Creativity with Haiku”- for the fun and health of it.

$30 (members); $36 (nonmembers)

Here is the link to register!

http://www.sandiegowriters.org/17050-2/  

 

Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications

Bio for Susan J. Farese

Bring your open mind, active imagination, sense of humor, zest for life, quest for fun while learning and willingness to participate. Satisfaction? Poetically guaranteed!

We will chat about Haiku as a Japanese poetry form with ease of use, explore the benefits and value of Haiku as a cathartic, therapeutic, stress management tool and actively participate in several creative Haiku opportunities and challenges!

Here’s one for you:

Exploring Haiku…

Like Hummingbirds during Spring

Resurfaced, renewed

Registration Link: http://www.sandiegowriters.org/