Happy THANKSGIVING!

Greetings!

"Life starts all over again when the air gets crisp in the fall."

~ F. Scott Fitzgerald

November is one of my favorite months. This is, mainly because Thanksgiving is a holiday very close to my heart. For me, it symbolizes the coming together of family to give thanks and stay connected in our very fragmented world.

Wishing everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving, whether you're spending it with your birth family or chosen family. May you share many blessings!

NEWS ALERT

SEPPE AND THE DOGGIE DUO

A Holiday Gift Idea

Grandmother and Granddaughter Co-Author a Heartwarming Children's Book About Friendship and Three Lovable Dogs

Poet and memoirist Diana Raab and her granddaughter, Lila del Valle, announce the publication of Seppe and the Doggie Duo: The Adventures of Seppe and Friends, a children's book they co-created.

The story follows three lovable dogs, Seppe, Rumi, and Pepper, as they set out on their very first adventure together. Along the way, the three dogs stumble through playful mishaps, uncover hidden treasures, and go out of their way to brighten the day for others in need.

Filled with humor, kindness, and teamwork, the book shows young readers the joy of exploring and celebrates how differences can bring friends closer. It is a natural fit for animal lovers, early readers, families, teachers, and librarians.

A Story Written Across Generations

“Collaborating on this book with Lila has been one of my greatest joys. She brought playfulness and fresh ideas, and together we built a world where kindness and friendship always win," said Raab.

"Delightfully illustrated, a celebration of friendship and connection. A sure hit for the early reader crowd." ~ Mary Hershey, children's author

Ages: 4-8

Click here to order

Write about your family's Thanksgiving traditions.
Write a letter to someone you love.
Write about your favorite children's book.
Write a love letter to yourself.

RECENTLY PUBLISHED WORKS

“My Good Fireman” and “Message to My Family.” Poetry Lighthouse. October 2, 2026.

“Celebrating My Survival: 25 Years Later.” Sixty and Me. October 4, 2026.

“My Grandchildren’s Eyes,” “Observation Car ,” and "Pay Phone." The RavensPerch. October 7, 2026.

"Mirrors Hold Memories." Spillwords. October 10, 2026.

"Mirrors Hold Memories." Coping Magazine. October 11, 2026.

"Writing Through the Storm: Managing Your Emotions While Writing Memoir." The Mindful Word. October 14, 2026.

"Celebrating My Survival: 25 Years Later." The Good Men Project. October 15, 2026.

An Archetype Guide for Elders." Psychology Today. October 25, 2026.

"Zen Thoughts." Superpresent. October 2026.

“Why I Write.” Women Writers Anthology. 1455 Literary Arts. October 2026.

"How Writing Can Be a Spiritual Practice." In Writing and the Sacred: An Anthology of Reflections, edited by Sarah Law. Amethyst Press. October 2026.

UPCOMING EVENTS

November 8, 2026

Sacred Circle (Women 60+)

"Finding Our Place Among Family"

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Godmothers Books

Summerland, CA

Click HERE for tickets

******

November 28, 2026

11 a.m.

BOOK LAUNCH

Seppe and The Doggie Duo

Diana Raab

and

Lila del Valle

Godmothers Books

Summerland, CA

*****

December 6, 2026

Sacred Circle (Women 60+)

"The Wisdoms We Carry"

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Godmothers Books

Summerland, CA

Click HERE for tickets

RECOMMENDED BOOK

An Unexpected Life: A Memoir by Gloria Steinem

What a pleasure to hold this book. Sadly, it was published only a few weeks after she passed in early September. She would have been thrilled to know that it made the New York Times bestseller list.

Although Gloria was twenty years older than I, her name was a huge part of my younger self. She started Ms. magazine, and an issue always sat on my nightstand.

This book was a quick, poignant read. I'm sure I'll reread. I underlined many passages. She recounts her modest upbringing with a single mother, sharing a bed with her for most of her childhood. She went on to earn a degree in government at Smith College and recounts how, in all her books, there was only one mention of women—and that was, "Women were given the vote in 1920. (p. 127). It's no wonder she spent her life fighting for women's rights, and the idea that ''herstory'' is as, if not more, important as "history."

As part of her posthumous book launch, I was honored to attend a conversation at Godmothers Books in Summerland, California, between two of her dearest friends: Victoria Jackson, the bookstore's co-owner, and Amy Richards. It felt as though Gloria was in the room with us as they shared personal stories. It was such a blessing and an event I will always hold close to my heart, especially because the store's owners consider her one of their godmothers, and a huge photo of her hangs by the entrance. Gloria even mentions the store in her book, writing that she always wanted to visit. She never got a chance, but her spirit is definitely a part of its essence.