Pendant Watch (An Open-Field Haiku)

By Joyce Jacobo [Author’s Note: I decided to invest in a new watch after my digital one basically fell apart a while back. On a whim, I wound up getting a pendant watch, and it kind of made me realize how long it had been since I’d physically worked with the type of clock that

A Moonlit Lore Gathering (Poem)

By Joyce Jacobo [Author’s Note: This piece was inspired by the fact there is apparently a group of people somewhere around my area who love to gather and hold a contest to spin their own folktales once a year, somewhere out in the desert. In addition, I just love the way stories can grow, get

Sweet Words from a Reader (A Haiku)

By Joyce Jacobo [Author’s Note: One of my favorite things about being a writer is the way a written work can brighten the lives of other people. This haiku is based off a comment from someone who was very generous in their praise, and it has stuck with me ever since then. On that note,

Windy Reflections (A Poem)

By Joyce Jacobo [Author’s Note: Inspired by the fact that it’s so easy to envy others, when everyone is actually amazing in their own ways.] There are times when I envy the wind—                     swift                      wild                   forceful        invisible         yet free             to explore                  here             and there                         quiet              and able                 to enjoy            the scenery        

“Seeing Double” by Sadje from Keep It Alive

A Short Book Review of The Cat Who Saved Books by Sōsuke Natsukawa

I love books and cats, so you might imagine my absolute joy at coming across Sōsuke Natsukawa’s The Cat Who Saved Books. The story focuses on a high school boy named Rintaro who tends to shy away from most social interactions in favor of reading at his grandfather’s bookshop, where he basically lives. However, when

Night Sky Petunias (A Poem)

By Joyce Jacobo [Author’s Note: Based on a type of petunias bought as a Mother’s Day present. Learning about the wide variety of flowers that exist throughout the world is always an eye-opening experience, but Night Sky Petunias are now among my favorites. They are truly cosmic blooms.] I am glad to make your acquaintance—

“To All The Women and Men Who Mother Me” by Cindy Georgakas of Unique Times

Ode to Kalimbas (A Poem)

By Joyce Jacobo [Author’s Note: I picked up a respect for music boxes and snow globes from my mother, who still loves collecting them whenever there are any room on my parents’ shelves to hold them. Their melodies have followed me over the years at odd moments. As such, it was wonderful to learn about

Journal Entry #46 – Happy Mother’s Day and Flowers (An Annual Lesson)

Happy Mother’s Day! I hope everyone is having a great celebration with their loved ones, and that the weather is nice to enjoy this springtime occasion. This year for my own mom, we went to the garden center at Home Depot for some petunias and other flowers suitable for our warmer climate. She wanted blooms