gratitude – Page 2 – Prolific Pulse Blog

The leaves are falling a little at a time. Before long they will fill the walkways. And I will still be thankful, oh so very thankful for all the joys that have nipped my awareness in the butt! What a week that was!!!

Over the weekend I felt a great need to go into the world vs staying in the comfort of my own abode. Daughter and I ventured to the North Carolina Museum of Art for a paper and art event. There were a variety of schools represented along with organizations who encourage art in publishing. There were several zines being created, freebies, and just a whole lotta good, spirited energy. Afterwards we went to a sweet cafe and had breakfast for lunch, one of our favorite mother-daughter things to do. We ran some errands before giving in to a rest at home. What great fun we had! I did not work on any projects. I just had fun and relaxed. It was a lovely day with my favorite gal.

Since it is still tax season, that explains where sweetheart was. He was happy for us to go out in the lovely weather and enjoy some special time.

Sunday, we had the book launch for Social Possibilities. It was a fun event, so relaxing to be amongst wonderful people who are also poets. Win Win!!

Today, I was able to go for a tour of the Women’s Center of Wake County and take them the check from the fundraiser. They gave me a tour and I learned a lot about how they help the women in our county. What an amazing staff, with such devotion and smiles everywhere. You couldn’t help but feel the positive spirit in the building. I also learned about their needs and how the community can help. It’s a list and one that is important to pay attention to. Of course, I am thankful I am not homeless and to be honest, there were times in my life it was looking possible.

It’s a God thing. I am convinced. We are put here for a reason. Well, a funny thing happened. Awhile back I met another publisher in Raleigh. She and I met and talked shop and met again and talked some more. Small world, big world, call it what you want…we discovered that she is from an area where one of my poetry friends lives and just so happens that she was going there for a conference. So, I just got off the phone with my friend out there after they met for lunch. Turns out that the Raleigh person went to school with my friend’s husband. Isn’t that something!

When we allow ourselves outside of the comfort zone, it’s amazing what you can find.

And today, I bought a bouquet of flowers. All is well. How are you?

TTOT

Ten Things of Thankful-September 15, 2025

September 15, 2025 Lisa Tomey-Zonneveld

Are we on the edge of fall?

It seems there’s a message in the air.

Winds have calmed and sun has dozed.

Crispness fills the air.

Hello and welcome to TTOT for you and for me!

I hope you all have had a thankful week. I know mine has been full of mini and monumental moments. Today, I am a bit blog happy with so much goings on.

Saturday, we went to my first in-person NC Poetry Society meeting. I have attended online, but this was pretty cool. It was made possible by their holding it in Cary, just a little way down the road. Here’s a picture that Mari Fitz-Wynn took of us. I am in the middle, and my friend Chanah Wizenberg is on the right.

Yesterday afternoon, I set up my very first book fair table. Sweetheart was able to be with me and as we dined the lunch at the venue, we called it a “date.” It’s been a busy time for both of us, and we grab those moments with gratitude. We tried our very first smashburger and while it was good, I think I like mine juicier, but it was not too bad.

We both enjoyed the fair. As one who likes to observe my surroundings, I had a great seat which I was able to select as an early bird. If you know Hans and I, you know we like to arrive on time, if not way early. We had fun setting up tables and decorating ours. Purple is my favorite color, so we did it all up in purples.

It’s been so lovely outside that I was able to swim at the Y for one of the sessions.

It was a little brry, but the pool was heated and the little cool gave us incentive to move! I will call that a win!

I learned how to make little zines to hand out at the book fair. People who took them, really loved them. Thanks to Poet Loralee Clark (oh yes, I did put a link there) who created a video to demonstrate how to make them. They are so much fun that I may have a new project to add to my long list. I thought it was the sweetest thing that she took the time to create this video and it was just perfect. Thank you, Loralee!

The Unhoused-Yearning for Home project is coming to a close for submissions. We have had several submissions and hope to get more. We are greatly in need of cover art.

In response to a Pampered Chef party, several friends stepped up and donated to the Women’s Center of Wake County by ordering. I’ll be stopping into the center soon to take them the proceeds. I am grateful for people who stepped up to help these women. Also, I put up my birthday wish on Facebook and someone donated to it, as well. That also goes to the Women’s Center. A percentage of proceeds from Unhoused will also go to the center. I am overjoyed with the responses.

As of today, tax season part two will end in just over a month. Technically, October 25 since the extensions happened in this state, but I am calling it October 15. It just sounds better.

Well, that’s a lot a good stuff up there, doncha think? What’s your TTOT? Drop a line or two to share.

TTOT

Ten Things of Thankful-September 8, 2025

September 8, 2025 Lisa Tomey-Zonneveld

It’s TTOT and I am long past the time. A friend reminded me of the importance of sharing our thankfuls and now I feel renewed to share. 1. I am grateful for friends who remind us about what’s important. 2. I am grateful for a washer and dryer. I was recently reminded about how that’s a modern convenience that not all are so fortunate to have. I really think I would be lost without them. 3. I am grateful that my daughter has been at her position as barista for one year this past August. She is doing so well and even been in the promotional videos. She is loving it! 4. I am grateful for my friend from Australia who sends me these beautiful handmade cards. It really cheers me up. And that she has made a connection with my daughter who is our card maker. 5. I am grateful for the wonderful support from my loved ones. My husband has attended many a meeting with me, not because he’s all that interested, but because he is interested in me and us being together. That’s the sweetest. And I am thankful for him. 6. I am grateful for each day that is closer to the end of the second tax season. We have one month and seven days. 7. I am grateful for my crockpot which is cooking supper and bonus grateful for the deals I find in the grocery store. It’s a challenge and I do like a good challenge. 8. I am grateful for the pumpkin blossoms that are simply that. I know the why is because they need more room for roots, but the blossoms have been fun. Along with these, I have had two roses, one at a time, show up from the miniature rose bush, potted on the patio. And the orange mystery flowers that have come up. 9. I am grateful that my insurance covers a gym membership and that I have been able to attend the aquatic exercise programs. Plus, it also covers an exercise program that is specifically designed for my needs, for at home. 10. You. You are loving, patient, and kind.

Today is the last day I can post this and get in the link. Perhaps you could write a list and share, too. Anyways, click on this link and see the other TTOT’s.

Announcements, Book Announcements, books, poetry, Poets & Events, writing

ANNOUNCEMENT! “101 Stories of Love” by William Waldorf is Now Available!

August 22, 2025 Lisa Tomey-Zonneveld

A resonating and richly crafted collection of poems

Ready?

Then brace yourself for the symphonic rollercoaster through the landscapes of affection, loss, desire, and redemption with William Waldorf’s 101 Stories of Love. In his collection, Waldorf invites his readers to explore myriad forms of love- from whispered intimacy to the poignant ache of absence, from shared laughter in a café to the serene desolation of widowhood. The poet has juggled with varied poetic forms like sonnets, villanelles, and free verse transforming the ordinary experiences into luminous reflections, crafting verses that resonate deeply with readers of all ages. This collection is a celebration of life, memory, and enduring connections, serving as a testament to the indelible impact of love in our souls.

Thank you to Munmun Samanta for her beautiful write up for this outstanding poetry collection. Congratulations to William Waldorf!

https://www.prolificpulse.com/williamwaldorf

Stay tuned for information about the Virtual Book Launch on

Sunday, September 7 at 1 p.m. EST

Announcements, awards, Book Announcements, Celebrations, poetry

Congratulations to the Winners of the “Seesaw Quirky Poems” Competition + Here’s the Deal!

May 8, 2025 Lisa Tomey-Zonneveld

It was tough call to decide on the top three poems for the “Seesaw Quirky Poems” competition, held during National Poetry Month. Ken Tomaro, Nolcha Fox, and I came to a consensus and here are the three winners:

These three winners are placed as #1 choices.

Loralee Clark for “A Lost Umbrella”

Tina Hudak for “Atrium”

Margaret Gibbons Kiernan for “Cranked the Metals”

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the contest. The three winners will receive a paperback copy of “Seesaw – Quirky Poems” and the runners up will be provided a Kindle copy of the same.

If you would like a copy of “Seesaw – Quirky Poems” you can go to this link and find the online stores where it can be purchased. Starting today and for a week, the Kindle copy is available for .99 in the US and UK.

Find Nolcha Fox

Find Ken Tomaro