Poetry

Perhaps you saw my post on Instagram or Facebook a few weeks ago...
Six of my poems were published!  In a real book!  With an ISBN and everything!

My friend, Amery, had a dream to one day publish a book of art, photography and poetry.  Well, she did it, and in my hand above, I'm holding her dream come true!  It's pretty cool to have been a part of this process.  She emailed me many years ago, asking if I had any poetry that might work with the theme of love gained or lost.  I sent her some, and she liked what she read!

I met Amery on a trip to China in 2007.  We went with an organization called Walking on Water.  We went to teach Chinese University students how to surf.  It was pretty incredible.  We also were able to share how God had transformed each of our lives and were able to share the gospel with a few of the students.  A rare and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.  Here's a picture of us girls below (there were also 5 guys on the trip, not pictured).

Amery is the first one in the line-up (then me, Kristen, Tammy and Renae).  We are all southern California surfer girls messing around with the locals' hats that they wear while gardening =).  They got a kick out of us tall white girls.

But... this trip is the not the reason for the blog post.  It's this beautiful book of poetry!  I invite you to consider buying this book.  It's not a money-maker for her.  All proceeds go back into the production costs, which she advanced herself.

Here's what Amery writes about the book:

"We Have Loved" is a collection of twenty-one poems and photos about love. The photos were taken in various locations, spanning 3 continents and into Oceania. Hand-drawn illustrations embellish the 46 pages. The paper is medium weight. "We Have Loved" is 8.5 inches tall by 5.5 inches wide. An acknowledgments page, poetry/photography index and biography page are included.

The contributors include three poets, one photographer and one illustrator. Each word grouping, font type, illustration position, photo selection, printed space and blank space was thoughtfully planned. As you ponder our pages, we hope you feel among friends in your pursuit of love. Vulnerability and resilience are prevailing themes.

This book idea came to me ten years ago. I contacted about 20 friends, asking if they had an interest in publishing. Five of us caught the vision. I wanted this project to be like a quilt. Old articles pieced together to make something meaningful and beautiful. This final product is a dream come true. 

--Amery

A gift for someone?  A fun coffee table book to browse?  Reading material for the loo?  Bragging rights that you know me, a famous published poet?  (<---Hehe!)

It only ships within the United States, so if you live in the US of A, you're in luck!!!
I do hope one, or two, or many of you buy this book.  I know you'll enjoy it.  Also, it will really encourage and bless Amery! 

Buy it here on Etsy!

Thanks for reading the blog.
Love Linz

Grandma & Grandpa (Day 5)

I hope you are all enjoying the daily documentation of events with Grandpa Tim and Grandma Kathy!  I'm enjoying keeping you up-to-date.  Day 5 (July 8th) was another fun one : mellow morning, lunch at a restaurant with Tonton Seb and a beach dinner picnic at the Mediterranean Sea with the whole gang.  We are thankful.

My mom looked at me the other day, and said, "Every once in a while I stop and think, 'We're on the French Riviera!"  So glad they came to experience summer with us.

A sleepy girl.  Grandma and Grandpa are keeping her nice and worn out.  Dang, she's looking so huge in her stroller!

A visit to the guitar shop with Grandpa.

And can't forget the pictures with the Harley Davidsons.

And a red one.  Daphné calls all motorcycles "moto" with a very cute little French girl accent.  My parents are getting a kick out of her.

Afternoon nap time.  Mommy and baby are both wiped.  I look gigantic, and she looks so cute and tiny.

Tonio wanted to join, but we hogged the whole bed.

 

Sitting like a big girl in Mamie's beach chair.

The grandparents in the water.

You think they're brothers?

I love this little angel!

 

Living in a dream right now.  My parents are here!!!  Pinch me.

Daddy with his water girl.

There were nice little ankle high waves.  Ha!

Papi, Mamie, Daphné, Grandpa and Grandma.

Grandpa Tim shuttling the water princess around (and not having any fun... enter sarcastic tone).

Nothing like picnics at the beach.  Look at those proud grandparents!  Daphné and her subjects.

She's officially 18 months-old, and she's taking a couple steps here and there... finally!

She loves her Gang-gang and Gang-gang (she uses the same word for both right now.... it's SO cute!)

She knows the word "cookie" AND she knows how to open the cookie box.

Grandpa Tim in his happy place at the sea with one of his little princesses (we can't forget Eisley and Rowyn).

Bliss.

And story time with Gang-gang before bed =).

When it all boils down, family is just the best!  I thank God for blessing me with such an amazing family, the blood ones and the married-in ones ;).

Love Linz

a little photo round up

If you are a daily blog follower, thanks... and you've probably noticed I've been a bit more active over here =).  I'm trying.  I find it a much more peaceful place to share pictures.

Here are some recent random photos.  My next post will be on the 14th, and you'll see why ;)

The Euro has started, and Nice is absolutely crazy today with Polish and Northern Ireland fans!

Enjoying some sun.

Playing with Astor's cups.

And trying out his stroller.

More fun in the water.

Heeeeeey!

Daphné's top 3 favorite book before bedtime : JD's Boots, Goodnight Moon, and Llama Llama Red Pajama.

Reading 2 books from her Uncle Tanner and Auntie Sarah : Love you Forever and Scuffy the Tugboat.  These were the two that they also donated to the NICU where Daphné's little cousin Eisley spent most of her life before she died.  Thank you guys.  These are really special gifts to remember Eisley.

Studying how to get into mischief... ha!

This was after a Mamie/Papi play session.  She plays hard with them!

And this is just a regular night.

Funny little bean.

Another night.

She wedged herself between our pillows.

Don't worry... she doesn't stay here (I cannot sleep with her next to me - ha!).

This is where she ends up and sleeps the night.  As you can see, I take lots of sleeping pictures.  They're just so sweet, AND I actually have my hands free to do it ;).

Don't forget to check back on the 14th, which is Tuesday.

Love Linz