Although my mother died at the age of 50 from ALS, I’d like to think I am still learning from the lessons she taught me in her short life. In Singing Star, the poem below, I am speaking only to the sadness of missing her when I was a child. Because of her work she traveled … [Read more…]
Are you like me, procrastinating about doing spring chores? My latest excuse has been the rain. What’s the use? It’s just going to rain again, but it is spring and with spring comes more light, and with more light, I see more dirt. I finally gave up my old yellow broom when I noticed the … [Read more…]
When my husband, Dave, and I first met I lived in a duplex on “C” Street in Napa with my friend, Joan. The building was originally one house that had been converted into two apartments, an upstairs and a downstairs. Joan and I lived upstairs. Through our living-room window we had a good view of … [Read more…]
About The Party Happy New Year! I’m posting a festive poem from my recent book, Light the Way. What I love most about writing poetry is word play. The following is a quote written by Gary Silva in his endorsement of my book. He was the Napa County Poet Laureate in 2008, and he describes my word play in more poetic terms. Many poems play on the … [Read more…]
When my son, Jim, was ten years old he begged my husband, Dave, and me for a dog. I wasn’t in love with the idea, but Jim and his older brother, Chase, made up for my lack of enthusiasm. It had been five years since the death of Dave’s golden Lab, Nugget, and I was sure I never wanted another dog, but … [Read more…]
Of all things I never thought my inspiration for a poem would come from a traffic jam. A few years back I shared a ride to a California Writers Club meeting. When we ran into traffic on the road home one member or our group said, “Usually we whiz right by here. Now we can see everything including the wings on a lady bug.” How profound! Another pal … [Read more…]
Jim, Whitney, and Riley. This year we have a new father in our family, my son, Jim. Our granddaughter, Riley, is two months old and she recently went on her first beach trip! Although my father has been gone now for many years, he would have been proud of Jim and pleased to see him with his own family enjoying the ocean together. As a … [Read more…]
Thirty-five times I’ve stood reading Valentine greetings Beautiful lines with teary eyes I could have written myself if I’d taken the time This year I’ll write my own I have lots of ideas but they all sound like thirty-five years spent searching the racks as in You’re my best friend or I’m lucky to have … [Read more…]
We row the canoe slowly to get close Aim our camera at white egrets out for a stroll along the river bank They watch us warily with one eye as their reflections ripple on the water Partially camouflaged on spindly legs among reeds their eerie silhouettes haunt me This photo was taken at Conn Dam … [Read more…]
Photo of Gualala seashore by Barbara Toboni Light the Way Sunlight, morning light, daylight, moonlight, starlight Candlelight, nightlight, lamplight, low light, flashlight Lightweight, light-footed, light-headed, lighthearted, light-colored Porch light, street light, headlight, taillight, stoplight Brake light, turn light, red light, green light, yellow light Lighthouse, light show, light … [Read more…]