Blog Archives
Grief is Unpredictable
OMG! Oh My Grief-ness is a heartfelt and introspective exploration of grief, intricately detailing the multifaceted ways in which individuals experience loss. Why was this an important book for you to write?
OMG! Oh My Grief-ness was a significant book to create as I noticed many people in my surroundings were experiencing grief. In the United States, every state is ranked based on depression levels, with Tennessee having the highest percentage and Hawaii the lowest. Recognizing grief is the initial stage in addressing personalized grieving processes. Failure to acknowledge grief leads to misinformation, resulting in delayed recovery and prolonged grief stages for both individuals and families.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
One of the most challenging aspects of composing OMG! Oh My Grief-ness was addressing the topic of my parents and acknowledging the solitary nature of personalized grief when not adequately addressed. Expressing my feelings about my parents was particularly difficult due to their absence. Coming to terms with this reality is a struggle that many of us face.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Some concepts highlighted in this book focus on the transformation of cultural, physical, and social dimensions in our lives, which can become unrecognizable to both us and others. The book emphasizes the importance of embracing these changes, adapting to new norms, and finding acceptance while navigating through the journey of grief.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about the grief process?
While there are six popular misconceptions noted about grief, I feel the misconception that “grief never reappears after enough time passes” is common. The expectations of grief are not concrete and are more times than not unpredictable.
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Honoring My Life Through Poetry
In Little River of Amazements, you invite readers to explore the human experience through your collection of poems featuring a variety of themes from travel to faith and religion. What inspired you to share this collection of poetry?
As I began to work on this collection of new and selected poems, at the urging of my wonderful editor, Diane Frank, of Blue Light Press, I realized it was different from compiling my earlier poetry books. It was constructing a life in poems, a creation of a personal mythology. It took me a long time to complete it – more than three years. Fifty pages are new poems – the others are from my previous collections. I love doing readings from this book because it feels that I am honoring my life, the people, the experiences, the learnings that are its center. And I think much of it relates to universal experience.
Of all the topics you write about in your poems, what is the one that resonates most with you? Do you have a favorite selection?
I can’t really choose one. Several themes unite the poems in this book and run through my life: the sacredness of nature and of the body, the lives of women in history — ancient, medieval, contemporary, the emergence of voice from deep silence and the spiritual silence we grow into, a lifetime search for meaning. My favorite poem in the book is a sequence of poems called “In the Margins of the Pages.” It originally appeared in my book The Illuminations from 2006 and came out of a study of the the Book of Kells, an eighth century illuminated manuscript on display in the library of Trinity College, Dublin. I loved responding to the medieval drawings with a woman’s interpretation. It pulls together so many of the themes that weave throughout all my poems – Celtic and medieval culture, architecture, symbolism, sexuality, interpretations of Christianity, visual art, immanence in nature.
I have also written some wonderful love poems.
What is one thing you hope readers are able to take away from your collection?
I began writing poetry as a response to life and a search for personal illumination. I hope my poems inspire others on their journey and touch people with beauty through the music of language.
Can fans look forward to more poetry from you soon? What are you currently working on?
I am always writing poems and making books. My challenge is to create beauty in new ways. That’s what I am working on.
I will end with a quote from poet Nicholas Gulig: In my experience, poetry, at its best, breathes life into communities because poetry is, in essence, a deeply communal act.
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OMG! Oh My Grief-ness
OMG! Oh My Grief-ness by C. Terry Morris is a heartfelt and introspective exploration of grief, intricately detailing the multifaceted ways in which individuals experience loss. Morris eloquently draws on personal experiences, cultural reflections, and a deep understanding of the grieving process to present a guide that is as comforting as it is informative. The book’s structure, divided into thoughtful sections addressing the physical, cognitive, and spiritual aspects of grief, creates a comprehensive roadmap for those navigating the often overwhelming emotions associated with loss.
One of the standout aspects of Morris’s writing is her ability to communicate the deeply personal nature of grief. She emphasizes that grief is unique to each individual, much like a fingerprint, which resonated with me throughout the book. She discusses the different categories of grief, from anticipatory to complicated, making it clear that no two experiences are identical. This analogy is powerful because it validates the solitary nature of grieving while also offering solace by acknowledging that others share in this deeply personal journey. Morris’s approach is both compassionate and practical, which makes this book particularly effective. The blend of anecdotal insights with researched information, such as the stages of grief provided by the American Cancer Society, allows the reader to feel supported both emotionally and intellectually. I found her discussion on the “GrIef-ness” and the “I” factor particularly insightful. By focusing on self-care and the importance of acknowledging one’s own needs during the grieving process, Morris provides a crucial reminder that caring for oneself is not selfish but necessary. Morris skillfully navigates the complexities of how different cultures and beliefs influence the grieving process, offering readers various perspectives that might align with their own experiences. The integration of spirituality into the discussion of grief feels natural and offers an additional avenue of comfort for readers who find solace in their faith.
OMG! Oh My Grief-ness is an essential read for anyone grappling with loss, whether recent or lingering. Morris’s compassionate tone, combined with her insightful reflections, makes this book not just a guide, but a companion through the grieving process. I would highly recommend this book to those who are dealing with grief, as well as to therapists, counselors, and anyone supporting someone through loss. It’s a book that understands the deep, personal pain of grief and offers a path toward healing that feels both personal and universal.
Pages: 72
Little River of Amazements: New and Selected Poems
Little River of Amazements is a captivating poetry collection that delves into a diverse range of themes, from the intimate dynamics of family to the boundless horizons of travel. Mary Kay Rummel’s poems invite readers to contemplate the complexities of the human experience. Her exploration of spirituality, particularly in pieces like “Life is Losing and Reinvention,” is both compelling and relatable, offering a candid perspective on faith and religion.
Rummel’s keen observation of the natural world is evident throughout the collection. Her ability to capture the essence of her surroundings is truly remarkable, as showcased in “Seven Ways to Change the Names of the Days.” The warmth and nostalgia in her portrayal of her deep connection with her grandmother add a poignant layer to the collection. These evocative poems stir memories of time spent with loved ones, creating a sense of intimacy between the reader and the author.
The author’s mastery of language is undeniable. Rummel crafts intricate sentence structures and employs vivid imagery, creating a truly immersive reading experience. Her poetry is both inspiring and challenging, encouraging readers to view the world through a fresh lens. Ordinary experiences are transformed into extraordinary poetic moments through her skillful use of language.
For those with a wanderlust spirit, Rummel’s travel poems offer a vicarious adventure. Her words transport readers to distant lands, inviting them to share in her experiences and insights. Through her poetry, one can almost feel the sun on their skin, the wind in their hair, and the wonder of new cultures. Little River of Amazements by Mary Kay Rummel is an invitation to view the world through the lens of the author. Rummel’s work is a testament to the power of language to evoke emotion, inspire thought, and broaden perspectives. Her ability to find beauty and meaning in the ordinary is a gift she generously shares with her readers.
Pages: 236 | ISBN : 978-1421835570
The Lilacs I Once Knew: Friddie’s Poems
The Lilacs I Once Knew: Friddie’s Poems is a captivating poetry collection with a compelling backstory. Roni Rosenthal meticulously restored and translated these works to share Friddie’s tale with the world—an account of a talented Romanian poet unjustly imprisoned during the war and communist era.
Each poem in the collection breathes life into Friddie’s emotions, evoking a spectrum of feelings such as hope, love, betrayal, and misery. One of the most poignant sections depicts Friddie’s journey of healing and self-forgiveness. Her profound words create a sense of shared healing with the reader. Through her reflections and vivid contrasts of nature and war, readers gain a renewed appreciation for life. The collection’s variety of rhyming patterns and unique structural elements keep readers engaged and curious throughout. Roni Rosenthal’s translation skillfully preserves the original message and rhythm of the poems, ensuring their impact remains intact. The book’s design complements Friddie’s touching words beautifully. Impactful images, quotes, and photos of Friddie and her family are thoughtfully placed throughout the book, enhancing the emotional resonance of each section and bringing Friddie’s story to life.
The Lilacs I Once Knew is heartbreaking, promising, and beautiful. It honors the memory of one of the many victims of inhumanity and serves as a testament to the enduring power of poetry and resilience.
Pages: 167 | ASIN : B0D9RK929F
Are You Ready?: How to Build a Legacy to Die For
In Are You Ready? How to Build a Legacy to Die For, Dr. Kimberly Harms masterfully explores the profound concept of legacy through a blend of personal stories and practical guidance, aiming to inspire readers to lead lives of deep meaning. Across its chapters, Harms delves into themes such as love, resilience, hard work, faith, and preparation for death, all richly interwoven with her own experiences and those who have significantly impacted her life. Each chapter opens with motivational quotes and closes with actionable steps, rendering the book both reflective and pragmatic.
The book excels in personalizing the often abstract concept of legacy. Harms employs relatable narratives and vivid examples to animate the themes, fostering a connection between the reader and her journey, along with the valuable lessons she shares. The abundance of advice and stories in each chapter provides a wealth of insights. The later sections, which focus on preparing for death, are crucial and offer profound insights, providing readers with valuable guidance on this important topic. Dr. Harms writes with a heartfelt, conversational tone that readily engages the reader, making complex topics accessible and relatable. The practical tips concluding each chapter are particularly beneficial, providing clear guidance on how to apply the lessons to one’s own life. While the book covers a wide array of topics, from managing personal relationships to meticulous planning for one’s end-of-life affairs, it maintains a cohesive narrative centered on the importance of building a meaningful legacy.
Are You Ready? How to Build a Legacy to Die For is a compelling read that prompts readers to ponder deeply the legacy they wish to leave. It combines motivational discourse with practical planning, serving as a valuable resource for anyone aiming to enrich their life and the lives of those around them. It adeptly balances inspirational content with practical advice, though it occasionally grapples with pacing and density.
Pages: 302 | ASIN : B0CHG23HD5
Helping the Next Generation
Are You Ready? How to Build a Legacy to Die For combines real-life stories with practical, actionable advice for readers to use when planning for their own deaths and estates. What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
I wrote this book after suffering the loss of my mother and son to suicide and my husband to a broken heart after the death of our son. Since, hopefully, I am the next in line to go in my family, I wanted to research and work to make sure my children and grandchildren were emotionally prepared for my death. After quizzing my family and friends about their feelings about death and their preparedness for their own death, I believe that most of us are not prepared. By getting ready for the time when we will no longer be in this world, setting our survivors up for success, and minimizing the conflict, complicated grief, and aggravation (when they have to get rid of our stuff or can’t find our important papers) they suffer, we can show our love to them beyond the grave.
I found part three, “The Death Prepper’s Workbook,” especially meaningful in drawing attention to the discussions that need to be had. Have you considered expanding this into a stand-alone workbook to help others with planning for the future? If so, what else would you include to help readers with this process?
Actually, I have already written a stand-alone workbook and will be presenting a seminar to my church next week. I hope to get two versions, one secular and one faith-based, soon. With the workbook, I want to include envelopes to hold our birth certificates, marriage certificates, titles, etc., so that everything will be in one place. Our children will thank us!!!
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Are You Ready? How to Build a Legacy to Die For?
I hope that readers understand that we all have a purpose in life: helping the next generation to succeed and thrive when we are gone.
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Part One encourages us to focus our lives on building positive legacies such as love, peace, trust, education, and hard work. We will meet incredible people who have lived lives full of hope and resilience and have passed these traits on through multiple generations.
Part Two examines the process of death itself and asks the question: “Is death a grim or gentle reaper?” The fascinating research on near death experiences and life after death is explored with the understanding that this topic yields different beliefs.
Part Three is a workbook to help us prepare our loved ones for a life lived without us. It includes a complete checklist and discussion of traditional legacy documents such as a will, health care directive, and password record as well as an emotional life insurance plan to psychologically help our loved ones survive and thrive in a time when we are no longer
physically present with them. The workbook includes handy templates to encourage us to write legacy letters, reconciliation letters, and even a letter to help our survivors understand the mourning process.
Don’t wait to get ready. Our graduation from life comes unexpectedly. This book will help you be prepared to graduate with honors.
What’s your legacy?
Are You Ready? How to Build a Legacy to Die For
Are You Ready? by Kimberly Harms delves into the profound subject of living life meaningfully and preparing responsibly for its inevitable end. The book blends motivating personal stories with practical advice, encouraging readers to aim high while ensuring they leave as little burden as possible on others. For example, it shares anecdotes like that of Louise and Big Al, who supported their daughter’s theatrical ambitions and a consistently cheerful and efficient Northwest Airlines porter.
The narrative also includes Harms’ experiences, adding a personal and emotional layer to the book. She shares the sorrow of losing relatives to suicide yet draws strength from these tragedies to foster personal growth and resilience. This personal connection humanizes the broader topics discussed and enhances the book’s impact on its readers. Harms addresses the often taboo topics of death and preparation with clarity and logic, arguing for acceptance over fear.
The book is structured to guide readers through various preparations like decluttering, writing wills, and having crucial family discussions. Such content is designed to inform and prompt action, making the book a practical guide for those looking to organize their affairs. Interwoven with these practical elements are stories of extraordinary individuals and diverse themes, including art, mentorship, and healthcare directives. One particularly memorable story is that of Reme, who survived the Rwandan genocide by hiding in a tiny wood bin for nearly three months. These narratives add depth and a wide range of emotional and experiential layers to the book.
Are You Ready? is a compelling mixture of life-affirming stories and essential life-planning advice. It educates its readers on significant, often overlooked aspects of life preparation, from understanding the differences between wakes and funerals to embracing the full spectrum of human experiences. Kimberly Harms’ work is a commendable resource for anyone looking to enrich their life’s journey and prepare thoughtfully for its conclusion.
Pages: 302 | ASIN : B0CHG23HD5
