Writeful

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Thursday, February 13, 2025

Reston Reading Series – February 23

 

On Sunday, February 23, I’ll be one of the featured readers reading from Faraway Tables at the Reston Reading Series hosted by Nathan Leslie at Reston’s Used Book Shop in Reston, Virginia. This event will bring together writers and readers for an intimate literary evening. I’m excited to share some of my favorite poems from the collection.

Learn more here


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Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Faraway Tables Poetic Book Tour: Review from Impressions in Ink

The third stop on the Faraway Tables Poetic Book Tour brings a heartfelt review from Annette at Impressions in Ink. In her thoughtful analysis, Annette praises the collection’s ability to balance vivid sensory detail with emotional depth, highlighting the courage it takes to embrace life’s ongoing transitions.

Annette notes the collection is divided into four sections: Savor, Ache, Enough, and More (or Less), with an Epilogue featuring the final poem, Taste.” She highlights several standout poems, each evoking a unique blend of reflection and emotion:

  • “Patience,” the collection’s opening poem, creates a sensory experience with its vivid imagery:
    “Milky mist rolls along marshy grounds.”
    Annette describes it as a poem that immerses readers in the sights, smells, and feelings of an early morning ritual.

  • “Renovate,” the first poem in the Ache section, stands out for its rhythm and emotional resonance, blending frustration with hope for the future.

  • Moments,” from the Enough section, reflects on the weight and significance of memories:
    “How can I pin down moments,
    select them, give them weight,
    anchor those greatest hits, I wonder.”

  • “Taste,” the final poem, captures the ritual of making tea, resonating with Annette as a tea lover. She describes it as a fitting conclusion to the collection.

Annette’s review highlights the balance of sensory imagery and emotional reflection that makes Faraway Tables a rewarding read. Her thoughtful insights make this another meaningful stop on the Poetic Book Tour.

Read the full review here: Impressions in Ink.

Stay tuned for more reviews as the Faraway Tables Poetic Book Tour continues!

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Thursday, February 06, 2025

Faraway Tables Poetic Book Tour: Five-Star Review from The Reading Bud

 

The second stop on the Faraway Tables Poetic Book Tour brings a glowing five-star review from The Reading Bud. This thoughtful review dives into the heart of the collection, celebrating its ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.

The review describes Faraway Tables as “an exquisite collection of poems that takes the reader on a heartfelt journey through life’s quiet moments, grand explorations, and poignant reflections.” It highlights the balance between introspection and storytelling, showing how each poem resonates deeply.

Some standout moments from the review include:

  • The everyday beauty of “Patience,” which celebrates the ritual of brewing coffee:
    “These beans have traveled across four years,
    across the globe from Indonesia to our home…”

  • The intimate musings of “Embracing Hermithood,” reflecting on pandemic-induced isolation.

  • “Moments,” which juxtaposes daily life with the joy of cherished memories:
    “How can I pin down moments,
    select them, give them weight,
    anchor those greatest hits…”

The reviewer notes the vivid imagery and emotional depth throughout the collection, calling it “accessible and profound” and likening the experience to “a conversation with a wise and witty friend.”

I’m grateful for this generous review and thrilled to see Faraway Tables resonate with readers. Read the full review here: The Reading Bud.

Stay tuned as the Faraway Tables Poetic Book Tour continues!






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Monday, February 03, 2025

Featured at The Hot L Poets Series on February 9

I’m honored to be a featured reader at The Hot L Poets Series on Sunday, February 9! This monthly series brings together poets and poetry lovers for an evening of readings, discussion, and literary camaraderie.

I’ll be reading from Faraway Tables and sharing the stage with another featured poet. The event is free to attend and includes an open mic session for those who want to share their own work.

Join us for a great night of poetry!

📍 Event details: Hot L Poets Series

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