So honored to be featured on Linda’s Book Blog today in “Staying In with Sheree K. Nielsen” with my inspirational essay collection, Ocean Rhythms Kindred Spirits. Read the entire essay on Linda’s site.
Today, on this brisk autumn day in the Midwest, I’d like to share a story from Ocean Rhythms Kindred Spirits about my family heritage titled “Uncle Willie’s Farm”. The essay recounts memories of my first and only visit to the family farm. It’s by far, one of my favorites.
“Grateful for this experience with my family, I understand a little better this place called Uncle Willie’s farm. I can only envision the playground this farm provided for my mother when she was a young girl full of dreams.
I have come full circle with my heritage. As the noonday warms me from the inside out, an overwhelming feeling fills my body. My throat starts to close an tears well in my eyes. Generations have passed, yet I feel the spirits of those that came before me. I am walking on precious ground. Oh, how I wished I had been around during that era, even just for a day.”
“The ornament of a house, is the friends who frequent it.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Hope you enjoyed the excerpt. I welcome any comments below. I’ll be at Main Street Books on November 3 from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. signing copies, and doing a giveaway. If you liked this sneak peak, my book is available on Amazon, and your local bookstore Main Street Books.
Spot and Craig, photo copyright by Jason Belport
It’s book release day for Ocean Rhythms Kindred Spirits – An Emerson-Inspired Essay Collection on Travel, Nature, Family and Pets, and I couldn’t be more excited. In the coming days, there will be giveaways for free books and Starbucks gift cards.
Writing this book was a labor of love. It was a difficult decision which essays to include in the book. That’s where Trina Sotira came in. An early content editor, she organized the book into sections for me, advising what worked, and what didn’t. Although, I removed some of my favorite essays, there’s always another book to be penned.
So here’s a sneak peak at one of the best days in my life, the inspirational individuals, and special friends I met that unforgettable day.
This excerpt is taken from “The Dolphin’s Dance”.
“Following a second morning dive, Big Sister revved her engine, and steered a course to our afternoon site – The Wreck of the Kissimmee, a Cayman energy tugboat well past her prime, deliberately sunk in 1982 to aid in the reef system. As the boat killed her engine near the northern shore, we recognized a familiar face portside.
Spot had returned for an encore. I clapped my hands in delight. The dolphin patiently waited at the surface for our group to re-enter the ocean’s warm embrace.
We dropped quickly to the sea bottom, where visibility was excellent – as far as one’s eye could see. While exploring the wreck’s nooks and crannies, Spot lingered in the sand flats close by.”
If you enjoyed the sneak peak, you can order the book here or request it at one of your local bookstores. Ocean Rhythms Kindred Spirits includes complementary photographs and Emerson quotes for each essay.
Peace, love and sand dollars,
Sheree
Good morning everyone! I hope our neighbors due south are staying safe in preparation for hurricane Florence.
Today I’ll be sharing an excerpt from “Life on the Wall”, my diving adventure with friend Sheila and divemaster Zam, about the first time I cast a gaze on Bloody Bay Wall in the Cayman Islands.
Hope you enjoy!
“Keeping the wall as my visual landmark, I fin-kick and swim downward. Pressure builds in my ear canals. Pinching my nose with my thumb and forefinger, my cheeks puff as I force an exhale, clearing my ears.
I check my depth gauge, which now reads seventy-eight feet. Glancing to my right, I study the blue abyss. An immense Caribbean reef shark, sleek and gray, appears unexpectedly out of the chasm. I inhale deeply from my regulator, and hold my breath — an action forbidden in scuba diving. I quickly remember to exhale.”
“The lover of nature is he whose inward and outward senses are truly adjusted to each other, who has retained the spirit of infancy even into the era of mankind.”
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Peace, love and sand dollars,
Sheree
I missed my blog post Tuesday due to the launch of my children’s book, Midnight, the One-Eyed Cat. For that I apologize.
I’ve decided to focus on family for this next excerpt from Ocean Rhythms Kindred Spirits – An Emerson-Inspired Essay Collection on Travel, Nature, Family and Pets. More specifically, my Dad Joe who passed almost 30 years ago, and the comaraderie of friends. Some friends I am still close with today…my LTF’s (or long time friends).
The title of this essay is called “The Fix-It Man”, and anyone who knew my dad quickly realized he could fix just about anything. The excerpt takes place in my first home. It’s about all the people that stepped up and took part in doing chores, readying it for my first husband and I to live in. The scene takes place after everyone is tired from a day’s work, and the evening begins to wind down.
It’s my favorite scene. I can still remember it to this day.
“The Fix-It Man”
“Upon closer inspection, I noticed a one-inch ring of barbeque smeared around the perimeter of Dad’s mouth. His sticky fingers grasped the ribs as he sunk his teeth into the meat, causing the sauce to drip, drip, drip onto the paper plate. I couldn’t tell if Chris was chuckling at my Dad’s infant-in-a-highchair look or at what he was saying. My father rather enjoyed laughing at his own jokes.
Later, as the bright tangerine sun touched down on the horizon, one by one, my friends garnered seats on the porch. Gathered around Dad like fireflies to a mid-summer night sky, they chuckled as he spun tale after tale, all the while savoring his scrumptious barbeque — pausing only to lick his fingers and tilt back a beer.”
I hope you enjoyed a little sneak peak from Ocean Rhythms Kindred Spirits. I’ll be posting another teaser on Saturday.
Me an Dad at Silver Springs, Florida – photo by Mom
If you love the beach, nature, the ocean, pets, wild dolphins, sharks and family heritage, you can get your copy of Ocean Rhythms Kindred Spirits here.
For now, peace out, love and sand dollars,
Sheree
I read a message on author/illustrator’s Sandy Gingras’ Facebook page who I’ve recently become acquainted. She mentioned how people are missing the point of beach life – simplicity.
A beach girl at heart, trapped in the Midwest, I can identify with her. All I’ve ever wished for is a little cottage by the sea. I’d be happy with a one room home to call my own – as long as I could spend my time outside with nature, the waves, the sand, and the sea.
But for now, I’m limited to beachy vacations to the South and Great Lakes regions.
As a writer, I get caught up in trying to check things off my daily ‘to do’ list, and often miss the little things in life happening right before my eyes – like the white-bellied plump squirrel munching on organic banana chips I’ve scattered for her on the deck rails. Or the black banded pennant dragonfly fluttering above scores of pastel lavender and eggplant-hued Cleomes in my garden.
When I take time to slow down, I notice the small things in life.
Yesterday, I eyed a Momma bunny in our backyard foraging bits of dried grass, meticulously moving the straw-like material from an old nest to a fresh one, in preparation for a blessed event! She allowed me within a foot of her presence. Nesting grass was tightly gripped in her mouth. I was overwhelmed by her beauty.
Inside the house, Miss Adeline, our Manx cat, was leaping windowsill to windowsill, vocalizing about her bunny friend, and dreaming about a future bunny buffet!
It’s these times when I slow down, my ideas and creative juices flow.
With that said, for those of you who love to travel, revel at nature, and spend time with family and pets – you might just like my upcoming book – Ocean Rhythms, Kindred Spirits – An Emerson-Inspired Essay Collection on Travel, Nature, Family and Pets. It’s due to be published this summer by Ocean Spirit Photography. To accompany the essays, photographs will be at the end of each story. Cover reveal coming soon!
Have I started marketing yet? Not really. This is the first mention of the book.
Am I worried about marketing? Maybe. (Ha – who am I kidding – Yes!)
In the big scheme of things, I think it will all work out.
But for June 21, the beginning of Summer Solstice, I need to soak in the playfulness of the squirrels and the cardinals prancing about the deck rails, and listen to the words of Sandy Gingras —
“Take time to breathe”
Peace out, and love,
Sheree
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I received a package over the Christmas holidays – my two contributor copies of the women’s anthology, SHIFTS – An Anthology of Women’s Growth Through Change.
The book’s editors, Trina Sotira and Michelle Duster, asked me to submit photographs for the front and back cover.
I selected scenes that reminded me of shifts in my life – the raw beauty of the ocean, flora, fauna or any other photography that came to mind. Then I narrowed it down to my favorites. One of which was the The Glass Window Bridge – an unforgettable natural phenom I will not forget.
The Glass Window Bridge situated along Queen’s Highway near Gregorytown, is Eleuthera’s thinnest stretch of land – a mere 30 feet across. The man-made bridge replaced the naturally formed bridge of rock destroyed by a hurricane. Vistas of the rock formations are breathtaking, as well as the contrast between the aquamarine waters of the Caribbean and the indigo blue color of the Atlantic Ocean.
Over the weekend, I started reading SHIFTS, and was prompted to send an email to Trina. Bits and pieces too personal were left out. Here’s the edited email.
—–
Trina,
Just wanted to tell you how much your book has touched me.
This morning I woke up with my heart in my throat. My first thought was to reach for my bible, which usually calms me down.
For whatever reason, I didn’t reach for my bible. I opened up Shifts, and read three essays from the Self-Worth section – yours, The Slope, and the Last Christmas.
Just reading these essays, calmed me down and took away the anxiety. A couple of women came to mind that probably would love the book, too.
I guess as women we all go through trying times in our life. I just love the book. I know I promised to blog about it, but haven’t been really motivated these weeks to accomplish writerly things.
Sheree
———-
And just like the contrast of the color of water near The Glass Window Bridge, and the ever changing tides, this books reminds me of the challenges and choices women through on their journey doing ‘life’.
I urge you, if you haven’t picked up SHIFTS, buy it.
On Sunday July 14, Donna Volkennant, Marcia Gaye. Lynn Obermoeller, and I made the trek to Columbia, Missouri for the Well Versed Literary Works 2013 Book Launch. Well Versed is the literary anthology for the Columbia Chapter of Missouri Writer’s Guild. The four of us were contributing writers.
About a 90-minute drive one way, we shared stories on how we met our husbands, and talked about many topics. The conversation was easy, like smooth butterscotch sauce flowing in slow-motion over homemade vanilla ice cream. It seemed as if we’d know each other for years.
And before you knew it, I was pulling into the driveway of the Unity Center in Columbia.
We arrived early, so I foraged a few snacks for my gurgling tummy, grabbed a bottle of water, and settled in for readings from the anthology’s authors.
Lynn Obermoeller read her essay “I Don’t Remember” about a day in seventh grade she had little memory of (except that it was picture day, and the dress she wore was baby poop-colored with paisley stripes).
I read my essay “Breakfast With the Queen” about Midnight, our butter-eating black cat and her morning breakfast ritual. Two of my poems were in the book. One poem recalled a snow-white day in winter. The other poem was a kindergarten memory that scarred me for life.
Eva Ridenour’s poem titled “Dust” was laugh-out-loud funny.
Suzanne Norton’s poem “Rupture”, an emotional poem about birth and rebirth, had me on the edge of my seat.
I noticed something about myself while listening to the book’s authors reading their selected works.
My breathing slowed.
My body relaxed.
My mind was open. Open to the artistic and imaginative use of words.
Words. Smart, sassy, funny and raw.
Each writer – a prolific artist.
Each author, vulnerable.
And I enjoyed myself.
One of the lucky ones, I’m proud to say “I’m a writer and loving it”. Although writers are many, we’re a close-knit group of individuals – spanning the globe. Connected by email, facebook and twitter — writers know no boundaries.
It’s kind of a weird thing how tight knit we are. I can’t really explain it, unless of course, you’re a writer.
So here’s to Linda Fisher for doing a fine job as Managing Editor for Well Versed Literary Works 2013. The authors well represented the anthology.
Looking forward to next year’s event.
Lynne, Marcia, Donna, me, Linda
Updated July 16, 2013
Well, I fought the good fight. The Midlife Collage weekly contest for July 8 is over. Sadly, I didn’t win but apparently was tied for first according to the editor’s comments on Monday July 15. Here’s the link to the winner’s circle, where I it appears I ran neck-in-neck with the winner. http://midlifecollage.com/winner-circle/
One thing I did learn about myself and my character. I worked hard to market myself, and I think I did a pretty good job of it. Makes me feel good.
When I do publish my inspirational essay and poetry collection with lyrical introductory photos of nature, family and beach scenes, I feel confident my voice will be heard via social media. During the contest, I relied heavily on facebook and twitter. My longtime friends, writers, and even newfound buddies came through for me giving me thumbs up, penning high quality comments, and even writing closing arguments.
So here’s to social media.
Maybe I am learning a thing or two.
Our guest author today is Mary Horner, author of “Strengthen Your Nonfiction Writing”.
Those leaving a comment on my blog about Mary’s interview will be entered in a book giveaway of “Strengthen Your Nonfiction Writing.” I’ll announce the winner on Wednesday March 13.
Not only is Mary a talented writer and teacher, she is also a wonderful friend. So without further hesitation – Mary Horner.
Question – I understand you’re an award winning journalist who teaches communications at St. Charles Community College in St. Peters, and St. Louis Community College in Wildwood, Missouri. What compelled you to become a teacher?
I was a writer first, but I believe that most writers are teachers by the nature of the work. It seemed like a natural progression, and teaching has helped me understand the importance of knowing your audience, and that there are many different perspectives. What I consider a simple statement may have different meanings to different people. I try to be as clear as possible, but it’s always a challenge. Teaching has helped me learn how to defend my decisions and work, and keeps me on my toes. There’s nothing like immediate reactions.
Question – When did you first fall in love with writing?
In the sixth grade, when I won first place in an essay contest sponsored by the St. Charles City-County Library District titled “What the library means to me.” My (better-at-math) friend won second place, so it gave me a sense that writing was a valuable skill. I attended the awards ceremony and had to read it out loud to a group that went beyond my classmates, including grown-ups and everything! Heady stuff for a sixth grader!
Question – What inspired you to write Strengthen Your Non-fiction Writing? What would you like readers to take away from your book?
I actually started writing it as advice to a friend who needed to write an article, and I kept thinking of more and more information! I think that’s why it has a casual, friendly tone that makes it easy to read. I wanted it be the opposite of the books that make writing sound harder than it has to be.
What I’d like them to take away from the book the idea that although I believe writing is both an art and a craft, there are many ways to improve your writing using simple techniques. I wanted this to be a resource that readers could use immediately to solve some of their writing dilemmas.
Question – What advice do you have for new writers?
Never give up. Your writing has value in ways you may not yet realize.
Question – Mary, we all know you’re a wonderful teacher and a published author, but what great novel do you have in the works?
I’m working on a book I wrote several years ago about a young woman’s fight to save a historic mansion. The story as I’ve written it seems disjointed, so I’m trying to make it the protagonist’s story without going off on tangents. I have a tendency to tell everyone’s back story.
Question – And finally, as Anne Lamott once said in her book “bird’ by bird” (I ask this in all my authors interviews), it’s important to have a moral position in life. What is your moral position?
There is no “they.” There’s only “us.”
___________
Wow! Great interview Mary. Thank you for sharing.
You can learn more about Mary on her blog writRteachR where she discusses all things editorial, including writing, publishing, authors and books. Also, follow the publishing process for “Strengthen Your Nonfiction Writing,” a new book by Mary Horner.
Strengthen Your Nonfiction Writing is on facebook!
The winner of the book giveaway “Strengthen your Nonfiction Writing” is Kim.
Kim I’ll be emailing you to confirm your win.
Mary will need your physical address to mail the book.
Congratulations and thanks for commenting!
I had the privilege of sharing my essay “Three Red Ribbons” at O’Fallon Christian Church on One Sunday, February 12, 2012.
Pastor Tim invited me to read my testimony of finding faith and how I arrived at that point in my life. He thought it was interesting how the essay fit perfectly with his sermon. I assured him it was a “God thing.” He agreed.
Many friends and church members stepped forward and mentioned the essay touched their hearts.
Thanks to my Long Time Friend Tina Solomon, Pastor Tim and the congregation of O’Fallon Christian Church. I am proud to be a part of this very special family.
Sheree's Warm Fuzzies 