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

Danse Spectacle 2014

Dance Show
dimanche 29 juin, 2014

 costumes

 dressing room

 my stuff

 hi !

 view

 ready to dance

 Bérangère, Claire, Laurence, me {4 of the 10 of us}

la famille : my man, me, Cricri, Nancy, Pierre


Last year, I accomplished my dream of dancing on stage.  You can watch the video HERE.  This year was a dream come true round two !!!  Video coming soon...

Thank you DANSE PASSION for allowing me to do something I love so much.
Just read this verse this morning in my one-year Bible : "Praise his name with dancing, accompanied by tambourine and harp." -Psalm 149:3  [didn't have the tambourine or harp, but sure did dance =)]

Love Linz

answered prayer: horses

One month ago, I prayed for an opportunity to ride a horse.
You can see my journal entry here, dated August 31st.
It had been 3 years since I last rode.

God heard my prayer and responded through my friends Sandra and Jean.
They had no idea I prayed this, but God did, and He loves to bless His kids.
August 15th, Sandra invited me to go with her in a couple weeks to ride.
August 29th, we went riding !!!

 Meet Fiston and Franska.

 Meet Paul, the owner of the horses, and all around crazy cowboy.

 Wet Fiston (he's a boy).

 Me and Sandra = Happy.

 Bareback just after the rain.

 The other girls were fun, some in junior high, some in high school.

Sandra just had a baby (Gabriel - 4 months); I'm glad she's back on a horse.  So is she =).

 THIS is France.

 And this is France by horseback.

 Thankful.  It's hard to express my joy.  Thank you Jesus.

 Franska (she's a girl).

 Alert.

 Beautiful Sandra.

 Sandra, Alice, Friend and Victoire.

 And meet Bingo, a rescue dog that can outrun the horses.  He's so cute.

 Another round.

 Ready to gallop up the hill.

 Gabriel, the future Niçois cowboy.

 More of the crew.

 Jean, Sandra's husband, Gabriel's daddy.

 Me on a little walk with Ilana and Victoire.

In awe of my Creator, the One who made me, made the beauty around us, and made horses.

Do you have a dream like this?  Small?  BIG?  Have you talked to God about it?

God is not a magical genie in a bottle.  He is GOD.  He is GOOD.

 HE wants to know you.  He wants YOU to know Him.

 I'm just blown away at how He is forever faithful.  I'm rich because I have Him in my life.

This day was just a little glimpse of Heaven for me.  Your glimpse might look different.
But all in all, I believe Heaven is a reality, and I know I am going there.
I can't wait !!! Are you sure you will be there?  I hope you are.
It's going to be awesome, and I love that God gives us little previews...


like today...

...spending time with this precious family...



...and enjoying a desire of my heart, riding horses !

I'm sure you already picked up on it,
but I'm so thankful for today.
For me, yes, but I'm also glad I could share it with you.
Not just for the reason of horses, but mostly to share that I have a God who loves me and who loves you too.  I do hope you get to know Him and surrender your life to Him.  There is no greater joy I've experienced !!!

I hope you enjoyed this day with me,
Love Linz