Music and News

I've finally posted the piece of music by my second born (they identify as they/them now). Sorry I never did post their original piece but you can find their cover here (with a piece of surprising news about Blue)! Gosh darn I love their version of the song, "If I Died On You" (originally by Karl Blau). The hair stands on my arms.

"Saving Lives," from Blue

 

Blue

One day away from the official launch of Blue. We will visit with our children for Canadian Thanksgiving. Thanks indeed.

Blue

 

My second poetry collection, Blue, is now available! A collection about depression, grief and the transformative power of art. 

 

My deepest gratitude to everyone who has helped in the creation of this collection, especially my two children.

 

 

 

 

[Writing this book was a dangerous and vulnerable venture (for both myself and my son), so why did I write it? 1. As Rilke wrote to his Polish translator, Witold von Hulewicz, “...our task is to stamp this provisional, perishing earth into ourselves so deeply, so painfully and passionately, that its being may rise again, 'invisibly,' in us.” 2. To prove to myself that value can come from grief, from sorrow. 3. To prove to my children that value can come from grief, from sorrow. 4. Celan: “Your mother's soul hovers ahead. / Your mother's soul helps to navigate night, reef after reef. / Your mother's soul whips on the sharks at the bow...” To try to be the mother's soul. 5. As a way of touching, being together, an intimacy, a solace. Yannis Ritsos, “I hide beyond simple things so you'll find me; / if you don't find me, you'll find the things, / you'll touch what my hand has touched, / our hand-prints will merge.” 6. To create a record, one version. To understand. To preserve. 7. Probably, also, to seal off—to create a new beginning point for myself, my children. 8. Perhaps to offer something of value to others. 9. Selfishly, to survive. 10. To strengthen my bravery, so that I (and we) might move forward.]

A Second Poetry Collection, Blue

 

I've written a book. My second. And in a way, the writing of a book is easier for me than asking for anyone to read or buy it. However, a great deal of energy goes into the making of a book and not all of the energy is mine.

To honour those people who are the subjects of the writing, to honour those who are affected directly by the writing, to honour others who suffer from depression or who love and support those who suffer from depression, to honour the writers who have already spent time with the book and endorsed it (Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer, John Sibley Williams, Emily Tristan Jones and Barton Smock), and to honour my publisher (Jean Huets) who has believed in this work, I take this moment to share with you this newest poetry collection that is forthcoming in October of this year from Circling Rivers, Blue.

Blue is a journey of grief and healing, hope and determination. It is the record of a child (my son) moving through depression toward adulthood, and a mother's love, her need to redeem that which wounds.

Closer to publication, I hope to share some audio of the poems with you and perhaps (I hope hope hope) a piece of music written by my son with the collection Blue in mind.

If you purchase (pre-order available now in U.S. and Canada!) the book, thank you. If you read the book, thank you. If you hear the book, receive the book, my deepest gratitude and tenderest understanding — in this way, we are not alone.

  

(*Cover art, Blue Heart, Kathleen Loe. If you'd like to touch base, you can reach me at thetinyleaf@gmail.com)

At Home with Disquiet

This is both a surprise to me and an honour. So much has come to pass for all of us, I'm sure, over the years, since we first met one another through blogging. There's been loneliness, friendship, death, grief, childbirth, marriage— in other words, life. So much has happened! I couldn't have imagined it!

This last year has presented me with the most amazing opportunity to work with Jean Huets of Circling Rivers to put together what has become my debut collection of poetry. I owe a debt of gratitude to Jean for her tireless efforts. (Believe me, it takes so much more work to put a book together than I ever might have suspected!) I owe a debt of gratitude to the generous writers and editors who took time from their busy lives to read and endorse this compilation. In no particular order, thank you Brian Brett, Francesca Bell, Nina Murray, Abbie Copeland and Roger Mitchell.  And I owe a debt of gratitude to you folks who listened to me here, who were kind to me, and nurtured me through a great many of life's events. I smile. I'm not even sure if anyone might be listening any more, but with the greatest thanks I introduce this little piece of myself, At Home with Disquiet.

It will officially be released on March 24th of this year, but Jean tells me it can be pre-ordered from Amazon (in the United States and in Canada) and from Barnes & Noble (in the States), if anyone is so inclined. And if not my book, please, seek out these other dynamic writers. They deserve attention.

And my goodness, I hope you are well!

(If you click the book cover you will find it at Amazon.com for pre-order and if you click here, at Amazon.ca. If anyone wants to get in touch, I can be reached at thetinyleaf@gmail.com)