From My Window
Like artists around the world, Rochester, Minnesota artists are creating art in support of Ukraine.” In support of the war-ravaged country, I created this doodle art picture, “Stand with Ukraine.” The picture hangs with my 22 other doodle art pictures in the Parkside Gallery at Charter House, a Mayo Clinic retirement community. Thanks to Mayo Clinic Chaplain Rachael Hanson and Charter House for supporting the people of Ukraine. When we stand with Ukraine, we stand for freedom, human dignity, and peace.
Photo by Leslie Wallenfeldt
Doodle art is a major part of my life. When I start a doodle, I never know how it’s going to turn out. I’ve learned I can never do the same doodle again because it loses its spontaneity. After I’ve finished a picture, I set it on a chair and look at it for a few days. If I like the picture, I frame it and hang it in my studio. If I’m disappointed in a picture I discard it. Still, I learn something from every picture I create. (You could call me Mrs. Doodle.) I donated these pictures to the church auction.
Photo by Kathy Meyer, R.N.
Photo by Kathy Meyer, R.N.
Though I’m a poor outdoor gardener, I’m good at growing houseplants. A kind friend gave me cuttings from her Rochester ivy plant. Originally developed as ground cover by Holm & Olson, now gone, the ivy has extra-pointy leaves. Years ago, when my husband and I were engaged, I flew from Great Neck, Long Island to Rochester, MN to visit his family. Their house was covered with Rochester ivy and the green leaves against the white clapboard siding were charming. My Rochester ivy is flourishing.
Photo by Kathy Meyer, R.N.
Book Business
Sales of my latest book, Daisy a Day: Hope for a Grieving Heart, are off to a strong start. The book contains short readings for each day of the year—practical tips, glimmers of hope, and forward steps on your healing path. The eye-catching cover was designed by New York City designer Rebecca Lown, www.rebeccalowndesign.com. A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, Lown specializes in book covers.
My next book, First Steps, First Snow will be officially released on September 13th. The cover and illustrations are by talented watercolor artist Carol Hill Quirk. Most of the illustrations are double-page ones, and kids will enjoy searching for nocturnal animals. The narrative, a rhyming poem I wrote years ago, was originally published in the American Poetry Anthology. The Amazon blurb describes the book well.
Whether it’s changing seasons, changing scenes, or observing wildlife, nature adds wonder to our lives. First Steps, First Snow (based on a true story), describes a magical walk in the woods on a winter night. The poem guides readers on the walk and encourages the observation of nature. Watercolor illustrations show nocturnal animals that live in forests. At the end, the two children and the animals are all snug and sound asleep—a perfect bedtime story for readers of all ages.
Reviews
Read it! https://www.netgalley.com/book/251957/review/348067. This excerpt is from a reader’s detailed review.
WOW, I am the first person to write a review about this inspirational and short book about dealing with grief work after losing many loved ones—one right after another—in my case. I found this book to be helpful as a guide. I could also relate to this author, who has also lost several ones close together in time. She says sometimes we get “grief brain.” That is explained by easily misplacing things. This book has many helpful tips. They are broken up into small chunks of information. I will recommend this book to those who have experienced a sudden loss of a loved one. Karen Murphy, Five out of five stars.
Photo by Kathy Meyer, R.N.
Daisy A Day and First Steps, First Snow are available from Amazon. If you preorder books, the price usually remains the same and doesn’t reflect rising costs. Bulk orders are available from the publisher, http://www.writelife.com or by calling Terri Leidich at 1-678-316-4150. Get a jump on your holiday shopping. Instead of cards, give grieving friends Daisy A Day. They will appreciate your caring.
Quote of the Month
President Vladimir Zelensky of Ukraine prays for peace. With this thought in mind, I chose this quote: Mankind must remember that peace is not God’s gift to his creatures; peace is our gift to each other.Elie Wiesel, Romanian-born American, author of 57 books, professor, Nobel laureate, and holocaust survivor.