Frida by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand

FRIDA won the Notable Award from the American Library Association and the silver seal of the Pura Belpre Honor Book.

It tells the story of Frida Kahlo who was a native of Mexico. Her story is told in biographical poems along with her artwork.

She had a traumatic life, which is reflected in her artwork. She had polio as a child and her right leg shriveled then she got into a horrible bus accident when she was young. The handrail pierced her hip bone and she had multiple broken bones. Then her husband had an affair with her sister and he asked her for a divorce.

She got pregnant and her baby died in the summer and then her mom died in September. Frida said she paints her pain.

She had a pet fawn and painted pictures for family and friends. One of her artworks was done on glass and the Louvre bought it: it was a self-portrait in which Frida was framed by birds and flowers.

It may be classified as a picture book but, I think it is so beautiful, it could easily be a coffee table book for children and adults to enjoy.

UNTIL TOMORROW

Poetry is such a nice way to give a voice to feelings. I wrote a lot of poetry when I lost loved ones.

My father passed away in 2002. I wrote and then read this poem at my father's funeral:

UNTIL TOMORROW
by: Kim Kasch

Letting go… is so hard for you
but this is what you have to do.

I know… my passing may be hard to face
but – remember - I’ve merely left ‘this’ place.
So when you think of me, don’t cry,
remember
my soul lives on – it cannot die.

Think of me, with a smile –
I’ll see you soon, in a while –
And then
I’ll hold you close - to my breast
until then – I merely rest.

Still, we can visit in your dreams.
Time passes quickly, or…so it seems.

Think of me: don’t say “goodbye”
Love lives on… and so do I.
I am not gone – I did not die.
Remember that and please don’t cry.

Our Father stands with me today,
I am not dead – merely away.
Remember this and be brave
My soul is not in my grave.

Soon we’ll meet at heaven’s gate,
Until then, I’ll simply wait.
Remember in your heart and head,
I am not gone – I am not dead.
I’m with the Father, just ahead.

So do not think of me in sorrow
We’ll be together – UNTIL TOMORROW

The Heart of a Shepherd by Rosanne Parry

Thursday, February 12, was the book opening for Rosanne Parry's debut book: The Heart of a Shepherd. It was held at Annie Bloom Books in Multnomah.

Rosanne talked about her journey as a writer. And about her daughter who loves to write too.



It was a fun evening and I bought the book. I'll have to do another post after I've read the book.

ANSWER TO THOUGHT FOR THURSDAY AND EARTH-FRIENDLY FRIDAY

ANSWER TO THOUGHT FOR THURSDAY: Walt Disney with 28 Oscar Awards and 48 nominations.

NOW FOR EARTH-FRIENDLY FRIDAY:

180 million Valentine’s cards are given out in the U.S. every year—and this doesn’t include those given out by children in their classrooms. About 65% of American households join in the fun by giving cards, going out to dinner, exchanging flowers or other gifts. This year why not try something different?

With Valentine's Day upon us, I thought I'd suggest an alternative florist shop for the holiday. Why not buy organic flowers?

Or, if you can't get flowers delivered in time, buy local. You'll do the Earth a favor by using less fossil fuels for flower transportation.

Consider making your own card, using recycled products: lace, ribbons or even family photos. You can take your photos to the copy shop and make color photocopies and make a collage-card.

Or, how about a quiet evening at home watching a romantic comedy? You won’t waste gas getting to an overcrowded restaurant, you’ll save a little money and probably end up being more relaxed at the end of the night.

But, whatever you do, I hope you have a Valentine's Day filled with love :)

THOUGHT FOR THURSDAY

QUESTION: What one person has won the most Oscar awards?

WORD FOR WEDNESDAY-Answer

Word: DLS

Meaning: Dirty Little Secret, according to Urban Dictionary.

WORD FOR WEDNESDAY

Well it's not really a word, it's really an acronym:

WORD: DLS

Do you know what it means? Come on, take a guess.

Pop back around 3:00 p.m. to find out if you're right or wrong.