Tag: poetry

Book Announcements, Podcasts

Poet Talk with Kim Dower

Lisa Tomey-Zonneveld

It was such a pleasure to meet with Kim Dower and discuss her upcoming release: “What She Wants: Poems on Obsession, Desire, Despair, Euphoria” Now Available! “Obsessive love has never been so much fun! What She Wants: Poems on Obsession, Desire, Despair, Euphoria is a powerful tribute to the intensity of obsessive love, told through the trademark humor and heartbreak of bestselling poet Kim Dower.” “Following the commercial and literary success of her bestselling poetry collection, I Wore This Dress Today for You, Mom: Poems on Motherhood, Kim Dower delivers What She Wants: Poems on Obsession, Desire, Despair, Euphoria—turning her keen eye, vibrant imagination, trademark insight, and humor to the intensity of obsessive love. These steamy and provocative poems, combining humor and heartache, run through the four phases of Limerence, the state of being infatuated or obsessed with another person: Infatuation, Crystallization, Deterioration, and Ecstatic Release. From the opening poem, “She’ll do anything for food,” to the sexy title poem, “What She Wants,” the painfully funny, “His Other Girlfriend,” to the longing in “Visiting Baudelaire,” and the sad, sweet final poem, “Fish’s Lament,” Kim Dower captures the essence of what it means to be stuck on someone—even on a squirrel! Her eclectic, growing readership will savor these poems that can be read in one sitting, like a story with an arc, or separately, each one recalling the moment of falling in or out of love, the moment our hearts skipped a beat.” ⁠https://redhen.org/book_author/kim-dower/

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Announcements, poetry, TTOT

Ten Things of Thankful-January 13, 2025

Lisa Tomey-Zonneveld
Photo by Raul Kou017eenevski on Pexels.com

Happy TTOT Time! So many things to be thankful for…Let’s do this!

  1. Another birthday! This time it was for my sweetheart. We had a home celebration with a favorite meal. He had cheesecake at work, so nothing made at home. But…there’s always ice cream!
  2. Workshop time! We had an interesting Poetry Workshop at the Garden of Neuro. Chyrel Jackson and I taught it. The theme was “Social commentary from the perspective of community, race, rage, social injustice.” We are writing a group poem as a result.
  3. Projects that find a way to getting done. Whew and I sent another book to the press.
  4. Cardinal spotted! I don’t see them often and never have seen one on the porch, but there was a fat one looking for dinner, just hopping around the porch. He didn’t like what I had to offer. I suppose the squirrels will.
  5. Sister memories. Speaking of cardinals. Cardinals are symbolic-in our family-of memories about my nephews Michael and Keith. Both were Saint Louis Cardinals fans, big time. My sister, who passed away a few years ago in January, received a cardinal painting from my great niece, who painted it.

7. As a family, we participated in the Angel Card Project for Christmas. We expanded this, now to other occasions. As many of you know, daughter makes cards. She has been sending more cards for special occasions, such as if someone is sick and needs cheering. And now, she seems to have become the sympathy card sender. She decided to make some sympathy cards awhile back and now she’s being asked. It’s a great feeling to know that someone might smile when they receive a card. I am happy that daughter has found this hobby.

8. Glimpses of heaven. A friend shared their testimony about how they had a near death experience and how they were told, from the other side, that what they would take with them, what the memories would be, would be the love. Love is the one thing that you would remember and take with you. It really got me to thinking about how the soul is simply full of love moments.

9. Flowers and a sweet exchange. My sweetheart loves flowers. It’s understandable, since his father established a tulip bulb business in Mount Airy, NC after years of traveling from their home in the Netherlands. Sweetie doesn’t really feel comfortable picking out flowers for me, but since he would like me to enjoy them, he makes sure I can get some when I get a notion. My go to place is usually Trader Joe’s. I was there last week, picking out a bouquet, and a lady probably my age struck up a conversation with me. She was selecting a bouquet for herself. She was so sweet and telling me about her relationship with her ex and how she preferred the flowers over him. ha-ha All through the store, I kept running into her and she always smiled. I just found this to be a joyful moment.

10. You! What’s your thankful this week? Please share. Oh, and this is coming up! I will be one of the presenters. 🙂

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Announcements, Book Announcements, poetry

Congratulations to Zaneta Varnado Johns!

Lisa Tomey-Zonneveld

Check out the new addition to Encore! Zaneta Varnado Johns entered her latest poetry collection, “Encore” in the American Writing Awards and received the Finalist Badge!

Finalist: 2024 American Writing Awards

Internationally recognized poet and author Zaneta Varnado Johns is back, fueled by passion, purpose, and steady acclaim. She is spiritually grounded, filled with love, appreciation and awe. In response to the loud applause garnered by her two previous poetry collections, Johns presents Encore: A Collection of Poetry. Featuring ninety-nine select poems, Encore is a gift from the author’s heart. In the book’s Dedication, Johns states, “For every relative, friend, poet, and organizational leader who pushed, prodded, nudged, and encouraged me: this one’s for you. I titled this book to acknowledge your applause. I heard it. I loved it. I responded. This is your encore-from my heart to yours.” Some poems, previously featured globally in anthologies, make an encore appearance in this collection.

Take your seat and prepare to be enchanted by Encore’s stellar performance. Encore begins with romantic musings and essences sparked by the poet’s life and thoughtful interpretations of the lives of others. Poetic threads are woven through lyrics inspired by favored locales. From Hawaii to Boston’s Cape Cod, Colorado to Greece, Johns writes as she marvels at her surroundings and experiences. Her compassion for people is beautifully expressed either as poetic observations or unique tributes found in the chapter titled, “In Awe.” The heartwarming “Joy in Her Swing” celebrates the resilience of five-year-old Azaria whose mother and grandmother passed away within three years of each other, entrusting her care to her grandmother’s devoted selfless childhood friend. Johns’ prose poem, “She Speaks for Me,” is a masterpiece showcasing renowned African and African American women poets who persuade her writing.

Johns has a lot to say about the human condition. Some poems are concise while others are grouped in the chapters titled “Rants and Spiels” or “Keynotes.” She passionately addresses hunger, gun violence, women’s empowerment, and prejudice, among other contemporary issues. Anyone with a heart will be stirred by “Hunger, a Global Tragedy” and “It Has to Stop,” two poignant poems illuminating the realities of hunger and the poet’s gut-wrenching reaction to yet another senseless school shooting. Johns is a personal figure in “Not Eclipsed” and “Life as a Breeze,” expressions concerning skin color and prejudice.

Johns imparts the spirit of Hawaii’s aloha in Encore’s message. “My Walk Along the Ocean” and “Blessed Life” are examples of poems reflecting tranquil moments of immense gratitude. Encore’s expressions are accompanied by complementary images and quotes-the poet’s signature accent found in her two previous collections. With Encore, Zaneta Varnado Johns leaves an indelible mark with every word and artistic rendering.

Congratulations to Zan!

You can check it out on ProlificPulse.com It’s front-page news!!