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Magic Realized: and Other Poems on the Human Spirit – Louis Alan Swartz

Angela12 Comments

 

As someone who is not a huge fan of poetry, I once again found much joy, comfort, and peace in the poetry of Louis Alan Swartz. There is something here for everyone; and by everyone, I truly mean everyone. This is volume two to the book of poems titled Constructed of Magic. You can find that book here: Constructed of Magic paperback book

On to Magic Realized, and look at this beautiful cover!

Magic Realized Cover Image

As no two people will read the same poem in the same way, or take away the same meaning, it can be difficult to express what these poems mean to me. Surely they will mean something different to you? Of course they will; your experiences are different than mine! That is what makes poetry so meaningful, and important.

Some of my favorites?

He Loves. The things a man sees and experiences at different points throughout a day, and how they bring him joy, and love.

When We Played with Wooden Toys. A reminder of times much simpler, more than they could ever be now. Don’t we all want to go back, just one more time?

Street Scene. The bare honesty that we can only truly get from a child.

He Never Began to Live. Relatable. Seen this more times than I care to remember.

Drawing Out the Magnificence. Everyone should be required to read this. A little understanding and empathy goes a long way.

Creations. This poem made me feel warmth; I could picture, smell, and feel every description as if I were experiencing it right at that moment.

There are so many beautiful poems here, on life, love, living, family, and relationships. How to love, live, and let go when necessary.

Do you write or read poetry? Who is your favorite?

Where Are You Going To Wear That Outfit?

Angela2 Comments

There is a third “ware”, but is generally not used any longer, so I just decided to leave it out of this post. But back in the day, before retail stores were on every corner, people used to go door-to-door to sell their wares.

Now, I have also seen people use we’re when they should have used where, but since that is so far beyond even being related to where, I will discuss that in another post as well.

So what exactly are these two words? One is a verb, and one is an adverb. You can wear something, which is an action, or verb. You can wear a frown, you can wear a jacket, and you can wear your hat.

But you cannot where you hat. Unless if you lost your hat. Then you need to know where your hat is. Where is an adverb. Where is a destination, a place, or somewhere you want to be.

B&O 9-18-2015

Anymore, or Any More? Which One To Use, and When To Use It!

Angela3 Comments

The lovely English language has several words that can be written two ways, and mean two different things, when used properly, in two different ways. (Yes; more comma-abuse by yours-truly!)

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Anymore, or any more? Awhile, or a while?

Anymore is considered a misspelling by many readers, writers, and editors. Most feel that any more is only interchangeable with any longer, and that anymore is an adjective that should never be used. Because they feel it is not a real word.  As a note, when I am reading something and see this, it doesn’t make me cringe.  When I am editing and see it, I change it to any more.

Awhile should only be used when it can be substituted with ‘for a while’, and still make sense.

“We waited awhile before getting our table.” or “We waited for a while before getting our table.”

This is considered an adverb.

The word ‘while’ can be used as a noun, and in this case you need to say ‘a while’, and not ‘awhile’.

“I just talked to him a while ago.” Saying “I just talked to him for a while ago,” does not make sense. This lets you know it is a noun in this sentence, and not an adverb.

I think most difficult English language situations can be figured out by substituting the word/phrase that is in question, and see if it still makes sense.

What ones trip you up?

No, I Do Not JUST Read Books!

Angela6 Comments

books and opinions quote 4-25-15

It is so much more than that. I learn things, and I share the things I learn with others.

I get to experience places and things that otherwise would be off limits to me.

I get to encourage and support new authors, when they feel like giving up, and setting their work on fire.

I get to edit books, and help authors present their best work possible.

There is no such thing as too many books, or reading too much.

If you believe there is, you will never understand what you are missing.

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What’s Keeping Me Busy Right Now

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I am currently reading, for my own pleasure, “An Irish Country Wedding” by Patrick Taylor, M.D. This is one of several books in his Irish series, and the 5th one I am reading, out of 10 currently in the series. Patrick Taylor is a licensed Medical Doctor, retired, as well as a former Professor.

Patrick Taylor, M.D.
Patrick Taylor, M.D.

These are great stories about 2 Doctors who live and work in the Irish town of Ballybucklebo. They are set in the 1950’s and further on, depending on the story you are reading. There is a lot of back story information about the political issues that have happened in Ireland since the 1930’s, and it lends a good deal to the story without being overwhelming.

An Irish Country Wedding

It does not take long into the first story of this series to fall in love with the Doctors, their housekeeper Kinky Kincaid, and all the various characters throughout the quaint village of Ballybucklebo. If you are a fan of all things Irish, the political history of Ireland, or like stories that accurately reference medical terms and issues, while teaching you something at the same time, I would highly recommend you give Patrick Taylor’s books a try!

I am also in the process of editing one book that I am nearly finished with, and should be starting on another book editing job tomorrow. I am really loving getting to be on this side of the literary world, while helping authors publish the best possible story they can!

Are you reading anything at the moment that you can’t put down?

Friday Fun Facts!

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Sir Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle KStJ, DL

Born: May 22, 1859

Died: July 7, 1930

Wrote: The Sherlock Holmes Mysteries

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Mr. Doyle was a Scottish Physician as well as a writer. Most famously known for writing Sherlock Holmes, he wrote 60 mysteries that centered around Sherlock and Watson. He was married twice; his first wife dying of tuberculosis. He had a total of 5 children.

Quote: Once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth.

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