"I Write As the Birds Sing" - Gene Stratton-Porter

I write as the birds sing, because I must, and usually from the same source of inspiration.

Gene Stratton-Porter

I've been reading a lot of Gene Statton-Porter books lately. My ultimate favourite is Laddie; it's such a wonderful and happy book.

Have you read any of her books? Which is your favourite?

May Day

"You are as welcome as the flowers in May."

-  Charles MacKlin

I love it when May finally comes. It makes me so happy. Wouldn't it be so lovely if people still kept up the tradition of secretly putting baskets of flowers on the doors of friends and neighbours to surprise them with a bit of springtime cheer?

One of my favourite books is Jack and Jill by Louisa May Alcott. It gives such a fun picture of what life was life for young folks long ago. One of my favourite parts is when the children in it are getting May baskets ready to give to others~

“I think it would be a good plan to hang some baskets on the doors of other people who don't expect or often have any. I'll do it if you can spare some of these, we have so many. Give me only one, and let the others go to old Mrs. Tucker, and the little Irish girl who has been sick so long, and lame Neddy, and Daddy Munson. It would please and surprise them so. Will we?” asked Ed, in that persuasive voice of his.

All agreed at once, and several people were made very happy by a bit of spring left at their doors by the May elves who haunted the town that night playing all sorts of pranks. Such a twanging of bells and rapping of knockers; such a scampering of feet in the dark; such droll collisions as boys came racing round corners, or girls ran into one another's arms as they crept up and down steps on the sly; such laughing, whistling, flying about of flowers and friendly feeling—it was almost a pity that May-day did not come oftener.

Happy May day, friends! Let's spend this month bringing sunshine and cheer to those around us...even if it's as simple as a flower.

Looking Forward to This Spring...

I know spring's been here for a month now, but it's sure taken a while to feel like it. Now that the trees are leafing out and the birds are singing more, I'm happily feeling that spring has come more earnestly at last. *throws petals all over the place*

Any thing particularly exciting you're looking forward to in the months of spring? I'm excited for....

...working in the garden. I'm so happy to see a the little green babies coming up. This year I'm trying lots of zinnias. Pictures to come if they're a success. 😊 What's your favourite flower?

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... The Stealthmaster's Shadow, by Hope Ann

It’s ten confounded years since the war ended.

Ten years since the Prince won the war and pardoned the rebels.

And left.

The Prince left, but lasting peace never had a chance to begin.

As a Stealthmaster, Verus is determined to complete the task the Prince left, whatever the cost. Traitors, needlessly vague governors, and threatening rumors are all part of a standard mission. Verus will bring peace to what is left of the world, one city and village at a time. According to the governor’s daughter, the war was never about a physical peace in the first place, but what does she or any of the other Followers know? They weren’t there during the war.

They didn’t see the horrors Tauscher spread over the land or the scars that will never fade.

Commandeering the task of a former soldier, Verus presents himself to the governor of Nerva. Eventually he’ll need to undermine the man, but even Stealthmasters need money, and a mission to discover the owner of a misshapen slipper shouldn’t be difficult.

Until the ambassador from Zahavia appears.

Suddenly face to face with nightmares from the past, Verus struggles to help those plunged into danger, from the governor’s newest prisoner to a serving lad to an infuriating woman he’s taken to calling princess. Fleeing will only make the enemy stronger. But staying…

Staying could doom them all.

*don't mind my screaming* 'Cause how could I not be excited about the next installment in the Legends of Light series? This is going to be epic! I'm off the walls for this one! Not sure if I can wait until June 1st. 😆 Though of course it is up for pre-order now...

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..."Midnight Sun" by the Gothard Sisters 🎻

From what I've seen/listened to of the Gothard Sister's new album, this one is destined to be my favourite of theirs. It's just... so beautiful. Thankfully I only have to wait until May 4th for this one. I'm already listening to the clips of the songs on repeat. 

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...reading more poems.

I always have loved reading poetry, but this year it's beauty has become deeper and more special to me. I hope to read a whole book of poetry if possible. 🕮

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Well, that's happening for me this spring. How about you? What activities and/or new releases are you looking forward for?

Blessings, 

S. F.

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PS. Wait! Don't go yet! You need some writer humor for the day. You'll only understand this if you've been there. It's so brilliant I had to share. It had me laughing to the point of tears because of how relatable and hilarious it is. 😉

Poetry Leaves #2 - "I Wrote My Name in Dust"

"I Wrote My Name in Dust"

by S. F.

I wrote my name in dust.

Such will happen when you try to hide

From who you are.

When you turn from the world

Because it can't see.

I wrote my name in dust.

That's what happens when you try coming back

To what you were.

When you can't anymore

Try to hide.

I wrote my name in dust.

It happened when I did my best

To peal away the lies.

When I wanted again to be clean

And be a hero.

I wrote my name in dust.

As I feared what would happen,

Letting the filth cover what I was.

When the world would turn on me

And forget.

I wrote my name in dust.

And let what was destined to happen...happen.

For dust will fall

When the time keeps passing

And dying.

And all will turn to dust.

A Time to Change • ONWARD

Notice anything new? 😁
Perhaps a new name and a gorgeous new design? Feast your eyes on it for a while, then come back here, for I have some 'splaining to do. *elevator music....doodeedoodeedoodeedoodee.......*
You back now? Good. Ain't it bee-yoooou-tiful? It was done by my fantabulous sister Les and I simply love it!

image from the Internet

And the name? Well, you see, I liked "On Solid Ground" and all. But I've felt for a while now the I wanted to change and move forward, or onward, dare I say. (Sorry, couldn't resist the pun.) I wanted to have a purpose to this blog and a name that fit it. I thought about it for a long time, and finally came to something. That is, I want to encourage others to have joy on the journey. For life is the great adventure and we'll have our ups and downs, so I want to do my part to take joy in every moment and help my fellow sojourners to do the same. Thus the name "Onward". Let's go onward together.

As a note, I'll probably just be here off and on like I have been in the past, but I'll be here all the same. Thanks for taking the time to read!

Signing off,
S. F.