Dear Diana,


"I acknowledge my feeling and gratitude for life by praising the world and whoever made all these things."

~ Mary Oliver



Those who know me well know that November is my favorite month of the year. I love November, because I think of it as the month of gratitude. I believe that there is always room for gratitude in our lives. Studies have shown that those who are grateful are happier in general. If you look around, you will see this to be true.


Being grateful is more of a habit than anything. You can feel gratitude but if you don't express it, it does not have the same impact. Even as someone who is grateful, I have to remember to express it more. It's easy when someone does something for you, like hold open a door or pick up something you drop, but it's harder when it's not an immediate action that solicits a response. I sometimes have to remind myself to thank those people who I love for just being there and being present.


I love having Thanksgiving dinners for my family as a gesture of my gratitude for them. I'm also grateful for any projects that I'm involved in. Currently, I've been thinking and writing a lot about aging. My father died at the age I am now, but my mother is still going strong at 94. Being in the last chapter of our lives gives us much to ponder about. We reminisce about the past and wonder about the future, and how we will die. I also wonder about my legacy, and what my children, grandchildren, and the universe will remember about my time here.


These wonderings and journal jottings have inspired me to create and edit an anthology called, "Women in a Golden State." I'm blessed to partner with California's Gunpowder Press and Chryss Yost. If you are a poet or writer of micro-essays, and over the age of 60, please consider making a contribution. Please see details below.


CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Women in a Golden State (an anthology)

(For California poets/writers only)


Gunpowder Press is accepting poems (including brief prose poems or micro-

essays) from women aged 60 and older for a forthcoming anthology on women in

the Golden State. Our experiences are as unique as our state's landscapes.

California is a state filled with muses, native or newcomer, named after a mythical

queen.


In an environment that is rapidly changing, how has California helped to shape our relationships and perspectives? How do we use our voices to rise above challenges, deal with signs of aging, cope with loss, mentor our daughters, and guide younger generations? 


Submissions are accepted until December 31, 2024. Contributors selected for

publication will receive two copies of the published anthology and a contributor

discount on additional copies. 


How to Submit: Send up to 1-3 poems or micro-essays (up to 300 words

each), each as its own document (you will be uploading 1-3 documents). Word.doc or .docx format preferred. Previously unpublished work is strongly preferred. If

previously published, contributor is responsible for securing permission to reprint.

Please include a brief bio of 100 words or less. Contributors must be current

California residents who will be 60 or older as of December 31, 2024. There is no

fee to submit; please submit only once.


For more information: Click here

NOVEMBER Writing Prompts


  • Write about a memorable Thanksgiving.
  • Write about what you are most grateful for.
  • Write about an uplifting book you read recently.
  • Write about a friend you are very grateful for.
RECENTLY PUBLISHED WORKS


"The Transformative Power of a Breast Cancer Diagnosis." (article) Psychology Today. October 1, 2024.


"Wanting." (poem) Pineberry Literary Journal. October 1, 2024.


"My Experience as an Intuitive Empath." (essay) Lobster Salad and Champagne. October 4, 2024.


"Zen Thoughts," and "Lonely Death." (poems) Quail Bell Magazine. October 4, 2024.


"How Writing Help Me Survive Breast Cancer." (article) Sixty and Me. October 7, 2024.


"How Writing Help Me Survive Breast Cancer." (article) Medium. October 7, 2024.


"The Art of Storytelling." (article) Boomer Magazine. October 8, 2024.


"The Transformative Power of a Breast Cancer Diagnosis." (article) The Good Men Project.

October 10, 2024.


"No Plans for Tomorrow." (poem) Dark Winter Literary. October 17, 2024.

UPCOMING APPEARANCES

November 3, 2024

12:00 p.m. — 2:00 p.m.

Writing Workshop

“Day of the Dead: Remembrance of Loved Ones”

Mystic Journey Bookstore

2923 Main Street

Santa Monica, CA


Click here to register


*****


December 8, 2024

2:00 p.m. — 4:00 p.m.

Santa Barbara Public Library Local Author Book Festival

Michael Towbes Library Plaza

40 East Anapamu Street

Santa Barbara, CA


*****


December 13, 2024

5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Writing Workshop/Discussion

"Hummingbird: Connecting with Your Ancestors"

Clementine Carter Wines

Tasting Room

388 Bell Street

Los Alamos, CA 93440

RSVP: diana@dianaraab.com

RECOMMENDED BOOK
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In Praise of Late Wonder by Lee Herrick (poetry)


This latest and touching collection by the Poet Laureate of California is a gem. I’m proud to see that it was published by California Press, Gunpowder Press. I had the honor of meeting Herrick when he came to my hometown for a reading. I was struck by his warmth and wonder, and his poignant reading.


It’s been said that most writers and poets have themes running through most of their work. Some might call them obsessions or fascinations. In Herrick’s case, his poetry continues along the lines of his previous work, focusing on his openness, personal reflections, and inquiries into the mysteries of his adoption from Korea. His search and wonder has become his lifelong mission. The fascination appeals to those who were adopted and even those who were not, as Herrick's transparency brings any reader in and transports them on his journey.


Herrick exposes his innermost feelings, posing questions which he may never receive answers to. But, the mere inquiry seems to bring him comfort as he becomes a father himself. He often mentions his yearning to read his Korean birth mother’s memoir, even decades after his adoption by a prominent California family. As a reader, you want to help him find her. In addition, his tender words inspire wonder about all of our beginnings and how we become who we are. The nature/nurture discussion continues to fascinate.


The book is creatively put together, combining micro-nonfiction and poetry—a beautiful blending of the genres. The collection could have also been called, “A Love Letter to My Adopted Mother.” Thre are so many beautiful and touching poems and passages.

MY DAILY OM WRITING COURSES
Top-selling course!


Write. Heal. Transform:
A Magical Memoir-Writing Course

To register: Click here

An exclusive course!

Therapeutic Writing


To register: Click here


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