Say Merry Christmas with Literature
by Cynthia E. Jones

December, 2003

Make reading part of your traditions and celebrations...

Have you started your Holiday shopping for this Christmas Season? May I make a few suggestions for anyone young or old? Why not give a book or poem? You can even write a poem yourself! If your special someone enjoys putting pen to paper, they may like a journal. There are a beautiful assortment of styles at your local book stores. Find one that reflects their character and make a little entry inside. This will surely make a personal and touching gift.

You may want to try your local Library and gain a library card. This is a fun gift for yourself! Take your friend for a holiday lunch and stop by your local library. Encourage your friend to apply for their own library card as well. While you are there check out a special book for your child or spouse. If your child does not have their own library card, now is a great time to sign them up! This would make a cute stocking stuffer! Find out the opening times for your Library. It is a possibility that your Library will have special hours during the Holidays, allowing you to keep your book or books a little longer. You may also find postings for holiday poetry contests. These are great for the entire family and a joy to hear the literature being read aloud.

You can also take this time to go through those boxes and closets with all of your stored books. You probably have several in great condition! Perhaps you have finished them. While you prepare to make more needed storage room, why not share your books with others. You may want to consider donating a few of your books to your local book drives. Another gift idea would be two or three books, similar in size and topic, stacked one on the other and tied with a beautiful ribbon. This always makes a charming gift. Don't forget to add your card! A home made card is a wonderful touch. Take a moment and write a few words to your loved one. You will be surprised how quickly a short verse will form.

The kids will be home for winter break during this month. If you would like to give them something to do or something you both can share together, here is a great link for Christmas!
Traditional Christmas Stories and Poems, has several online reads for you and your family to enjoy. Grab a hot cocoa and check it out! You can read 'Night Before Christmas', 'The Twelve Days of Christmas', 'Christmas Bells', 'The Three Kings', 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas', 'Some Children See Him', 'The Nativity', 'Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus', 'The Gift of the Magi', 'The Little Match-Seller'

• Great Christmas Titles!

• "The Gift of the Magi"
• "Yes, Virginia There is a Santa Claus"
• "Nativity Poems"
• "Nativity" (for children)
• "How The Grinch Stole Christmas"
• "The Bells of Christmas"
• "The Twelve Days of Christmas" (A Pop-up Celebration)
• "The Night Before Christmas"

Happy Holidays to you and your family!

Thanksgiving
by Cynthia E.  Jones

November, 2003

A time for harvest and celebrating what the earth has given us...

It is impossible for me to approach November and write a single word without mention of Thanksgiving. A time for family, memories and stating our appreciation for the people and things we are most grateful. A time for harvest and celebrating what the earth has given us. It is a time that we remember to thank God for so many blessings.

My celebrations come with hope that our Country will be wise, filled with people who are diverse, accepting and understanding to one another. My family and I will celebrate Thanksgiving by sitting around a table that is filled with our favorite dishes. We will be thankful to have that table and the food on it and a place to lay our heads. We will be thankful to have one another. We will break bread together, a meal prepared with love and a prayer will be sent to the heavens. Our grace will include our thanks for our Freedom and the prices that have been paid by all.  We will pray for those less fortunate and ask that our family will have another year together. We know that the coming year may bring turmoil, debt, goodbyes, illness, worry, fear, needless arguments and what ever else is presented to us. However, when Thanksgiving rolls around, we will do the same finding good reasons to praise the heavens.

As the time drew near for me to work on my article, I began searching for holiday poems and short stories. I found a few pages of holiday reading material to share with you.  One site in particular will provide you with thought provoking words on the first Thanksgiving.  When you visit "Teaching About Thanksgiving" you will also find The Plymouth Thanksgiving Story, A Thanksgiving Prayer, Recipes, Story of The Corn Husk Doll and much more reading related to Thanksgiving. There are other links added for your reading pleasure. I had a great time finding and reading these articles on our American Holiday. As my writing comes to a close, I leave you with this thought...Thanksgiving really is a holiday for the World.  After all, in essence we are celebrating peace, kindred ship and the blessings of our daily lives.  Are these not ramifications for a World's Thanksgiving?

• Thanksgiving Related Reads

• Pilgrim Daughter
• The First Thanksgiving
• Plymouth: Its History and People
• Indian Aid and A Blessed Thanksgiving

May you and yours know peace and harmony with a wonderful November. Many blessings to your family this Thanksgiving.

A Season for Poe
by Cynthia E. Jones

October, 2003

'The leaves will begin their descend, as the wind
wails through the trees, reminding us, it's season's end...'

It is October and the ninth day of Fall.  Autumn is brisk, bringing the perfect kind of evenings for a chiller of a tale.  There is something about October that reminds me of Edgar Allen Poe and his tales of the dark places in his mind.  Maybe it's the pumpkins we light and sit along our step to ward off the evil that may pass by on All Hollow's Eve.  It could be that I have become accustom to ghost stories and haunts during this time of year.  It is a season celebrated, with different views on faith and the after life. In my part of the world, it is a season when life becomes dormant and prepares for the winter to come. While you cradle something warm in your hands, let's share one man's season.

My copy of 'The Poe Reader' was found at Barnes&Noble located in Erie, PA. Isn't that just perfect? I searched online for a book store that carried the same title. My exact copy was not found. However, I did find 'The Tales of Poe'. There are many titles available with an assortment of his writings. I am positive you will find one perfect for you. In The Poe Reader I found his writings divided into sections containing 4 Tales of Deduction, 7 Satires & Occasional Writings, 7 Tales of the Imagination, 9 Poems including 'The Raven' and 'Lenore'. 'The Rationale of Verse' provides informative tips on creating verse. Crowning words for any writer, beginner or established. To name a few of the titles listed in this book are 'The Mystery of Marie Roget', 'Diddlings', 'Berenice' and 'Ligeia'. Also included are the following Tales of Suspense which are perfectly suitable for any October evening in partnership of course with Poe's dark and elusive poetry.

• Tales of Suspense

• The Black Cat
• The Fall of the House of Usher
• The Pit and the Pendulum
• The Masque of the Red Death
• The Cask of Amontillado
• The Tell-Tale Hear
• Hop-Frog
• King Pest

My fascination did not begin by opening 'The Poe Reader'. His dark writings were introduced to me long ago and opened my own Pandora's box for this style of writing. Poe and his words have aspired me and my desire to write, his movement so impelled mine. In search of more information about my life long impetus, I found the Poe Museum online with the following facts.

• Facts about Edgar Allen Poe

• He was born January 18, 1809
• His Mother died when he was 3 years old.
• He was raised by a wealthy family but lived a poor life.
• He served 2 years in the United States Army.
• He attended the U.S. Military Academy West Point.
• He married his cousin.

His death is a bizarre tale similar to his art. During a train trip from Virginia to New York, Poe left the train for no apparent reason and was lost for approximately one week. When Poe was finally found he was severely ill and taken to the hospital where he died. He was 40 years old.

Sadly, a season's end.

One Hundred Seventy One Pages
by Cynthia E. Jones

September, 2003

Within this small number of pages, contains a story with a large impact. As I hold the hardcover book, I feel the binding crease and trace over the lettering on the edge. Title reads 'The Bridges of Madison County' by Robert James Waller.

The author begins in 1989 by introducing us to the main characters and how his story finds him. Right away he introduces us to Carolyn and Michael, the children of Francesca and Richard Johnson.  They find their Mother's journals along with other evidence of her time spent with Robert Kincaid.

We are then taken back to August 8, 1965. There is an old green Chevrolet pickup truck containing knapsacks, rolls of film some fresh fruit and clothing. Photographer Robert Kincaid leaves for Madison County, Iowa from Bellingham, Washington. It would be his job for the following days to photograph the covered bridges in Madison County. While working his craft he would meet Francesca. Robert and Francesca would begin a relationship that physically lasted days but will spiritually last beyond their deaths.

Richard and their children go to the Illinois State fair to show Carolyn's prize steer for 4-H, leaving Francesca alone for a few days. Looking forward to the quiet baths, the radio on her favorite station and no slamming of the screen door, Francesca waves good bye to her family. While her family are gone, without prediction or planning, Francesca will find remnants of her soul that have been safely tucked away. There will be moments, hours and days she will not want end. There will be decisions to be made. Her choices will bring wonderment along with heart wrenching pain and tears of torment.

The author speaks of how writing this book altered his perspective to world views and what is possible of human relationships. It had the same impression on me. What could be a travesty is set to such gentle explanation, one can not hope for anything more then happiness for Francesca. We are left with wondering of Robert Kincaid and his life as a photographer for National Geographic. No real evidence is found to express this man's art with exception of Francesca's keep sakes. Even so, the author continually flirts with the suggestion of this being a true story.

See you in October when we will celebrate a season for Edgar Allen Poe!

A Place of Literature
by Cynthia Jones

August, 2003

Are you looking for some reading material online?

Here is a link to a reader's and writer's portal, LITDOTORG or Lit.Org. This site is great for finding writings and to post your own. I was busy finding material for my article, but found many avenues I can not wait to revisit and participate with.

Another wonderful aspect of this site, when you do find a read, you can easily select "Print This Story". You then are given a printable version to print and take with you. This is exactly what I did this week while preparing my article for LitKorner. This little feature is key when we do not have much time. Perhaps we can not read the article in it's entirety while online or we would like something to take with us to the beach. I found a few reads to take with me and would like to share them with you now.

Read the following pieces of work in their entirety at Lit.Org by doing a search with the poem or story title.

Poetry Selections

'Forbidden' by Liz aka TrueGenius... A beautiful descriptive love poem of something maybe not always excepted by society. As I read this piece, the author gave me a clear sight of their love, but with an imaginations eye, one could place herself or himself in this poem with any forbidden love.

'Peace In Heaven' by Jeannie Simpson aka Jeannie45... This poem caught my attention by it's title. It seems I am always in search of a little peace. I also felt the lighter side of the author and the thought of taking things easy with no worry, peace may be right around the corner. The author writes with a determined peace of mind and impresses that on the reader.

Short Story Selections

'Sunday Tea' by Andrew MacDonald aka strangedaze... Again, my choice was from the title Sunday Tea, but soon realized this story had much more going on then a delicate Sunday anything. There is cursing but a mighty twist to make this short story a recommended read.

'To Dance the Darkness' by Jenny Blair aka Lemon... This is a delicate read about the fae. A gentle piece that could be read as a lullaby to ease any fears of the dark. The author takes us to a place that may only exist in one's mind. The description and detail of such a place could only come from one who has actually visited there.

It certainly presents a challenge finding family safe material to share online and I liked the fact that Lit.Org will not accept pornographic material, erotica, etc. On Sunday nights two authors are chosen and given the same story starter to do a Write Off! With an onsite dictionary, random readings, newsletter, interviews, contests and forums, there is plenty to do at this site... A Writing Scene exists with agents listed and writing tips, you can add your site to the listing or search the many wonderful resources.

You can also find books on writing and writing software. I found myself intrigued and wanting to sign up for their mailing list which is separate from their free membership. You can enjoy this site fully without becoming a member or being on any mailing list, however, to post you must be a member.

My favorite part of this site is the 'Print This Story'; link to print and take the literature with me when I log off line. Lit.Org was a definite bookmark for me and I will certainly return.

Until next time, be safe and find some cool literature to read on your hot summer days.

Summer Time
by Cynthia Jones

July, 2003

Welcome to LitKorner and its first snippets about the literary world and creative writing.

So, I thought it would be ideal to start about Summer, since it is July... And we are all looking for some ways to catch a few rays with our families.

Nor should you get lost alone in a room with a book. Make some lemonade, grab your book, a blanket and make a family day outside! As I thought about what to review, the idea came to me to share with you what we have been reading at home. Our family has plans of being in the water along with camping as much as possible this season. Perhaps these will not make the more serious literature list, but they are fun, and just right for summer. Pick one or all of them up from your local news and magazine stand, book store or find them online at Amazon.com.

'Camping Life' - We brought this one home to get ideas of some new gear we might need. I found great articles, one to mention is 'Astronomy' by Dave Kelly. I think everyone enjoys being under the night sky on a clear night. This article made me hunger for those evenings, sitting with family, no tv, no computer, just us and nature. There are quit a few articles for those who enjoy this state of mind.

'Soundings' - In our issue we found a 'Safety Special' article with tips on how to run in rough water, being seen - flares vs. flashlights, and equipment to save your life. There are listings of waterfront real estate along with classifieds listing watercraft for sale.

Motor boating - Filled with fun articles displaying different sized and styled water crafts, great deals on supplies and accessories for your boat, along with safety tips and gear.

"KOA Directory" - This one is a must have if you are an avid camper. We would be lost without our directory. We find complete details of what to expect at our next location. The price to expect for tent, camper or kabin and if they have kabin or lodge facilities. We have contact information so that a quick call answers any concerns. It is always best to check when you are bringing your pets as we do. Each state has its own map and highlighted KOA camp sites with full description. Also, tips and fun ideas to make your camping experience a good one. This magazine is found at KOA camp sites.

POETRY
While visiting Poetry Galore, I found a topic that just hit the spot! My topic of choice is 'Sea and Space'. Let us begin with 'Sunset' by Bernard Howe. What a lovely array of words. I began reading and found myself in spirit right there on the water. 'Awe struck with this splendor the sun sets on the Ocean' You can read Bernard's poem in its entirety at Poetry Galore. A few others I found relating to my choice of topic are 'Ships Of White' by Joe A. Decker, Jr. and 'My Own Little Star' by Bernard Howe. Sit a spell with USA Patriotism! What an excellent way to be inspired and celebrate the 4th of July! You may want to submit your own works to these listings. Both are featuring Poem of the Month and maybe your poem will be the one!

HOT DEALS FOR SUMMER!
At Booksamillion.com you can find some great deals on reads for your summer! "White Death" (Hardcover) by Clive Cussler $16.98 and the pick of Oprah Winfrey's Book Club, "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck (Paperback) $8.64 (Hardcover) $18.90.

PERSONAL READS
Recently our family made a few choices to include in our summer readings. My daughter being the Harry Potter fan that she is, chose the new 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix' (Hardcover) by J.K. Rowling for $16.19. My personal picks were 'Self Matters' by Phillip C. McGraw (Hardcover) $16.76 and 'Living History' by Hillary Rodham Clinton (Hardcover) $17.64. I am very excited about reading these books and you can expect to see future reviews on all 3, right here in the 'LitKorner' at NetNacs!