The Patsy, Paperback Edition

 My book, The Patsy is now available in Amazon Bookstores. It's also available in an ebook on Amazon Kindle.

 A great mystery\suspense story with twists and turns. Just in time for your summer reading. Enjoy the read.

Blessed Litha 2020

 The sun has reached its zenith, creating the longest day, the Summer Solstice,

also known as Litha or Alban Hefin. A worshiping of the sun and all of its glory before the days become shorter on their journey toward the Winter solstice.

Litha is a day of sun worship and the Sun God Lugh. Its element is Fire and all of its radiant colors of red, yellow, orange, and gold. A time of celebrating the power of the sun and riches of the earth. Thusly,  it is associated with the male energies and solar influences. Litha is ruled by the Holly King who re-battles and slays his twin, the Oak King.

This day is a festival of the sun which represents light, sight, aspiration, enthusiasm, transformation, and regeneration. A day of homage to nature and life itself. Fire rituals are the order of the day, bonfires, candles, lanterns, and incense.  Go and celebrate the sun and nature. Bask in the light of energy, meditate in the golden glow of its fiery orb.

The fiery orb rises and the Earth bows,

Its radiant light is met with the songs of nature.

Meditate, feel its energy surge through your body and transcend your mind.

The longest day of light, blessed be--Litha!

Earth Day 2020

Behold the sky

The sea and oceans

The trees and fields

The mountains and hills

Feel their power,

Their beauty

Their sorrow

Their joy

This is Mother Earth

And we are her children,

Like the animals who roam

Praise this day 

Sing of her glory

Tell of her greatness

Blessed be,

Behold the wonders

Of Mother Earth

National Poetry Month 2020

2020 is the year of the Coronavirus, but the disease can not control your strength, passion, creativity, faith or other aspects of individualism. There is no better way to express one’s emotions, no matter what they are than through poetry. 

April 2020 will mark the 24^th anniversary of National Poetry Month established and organized by the  (February) and Women’s History Month (March), they created National Poetry Month with a launch date of April 1996 with their focus on support of poetry and poets through the increased reading of poetry, increased publication and distribution of poetry books, enhance poetry awareness through national and social media, entice teachers to bring poetry into their classrooms, and highlight the legendary and ongoing works of American Poets.

In 1998, the Academy of American Poets partnered with the American Poet & Literary Project and distributed 100,000 free poetry books across the United States during National Poetry Month. In April of this year, President Bill Clinton and the First Lady hosted the first Poetry& the Creative Mind gala featuring Poets Laureates Robert Pinsky, Rita Dove, and Robert Hass. This is now an annual event.

In 2002, the Academy of American Poets invited people to vote for the poet best suited for a commemorative postage stamp. Over 10,000 ballots were cast with the winner being Langston Hughes (February 1, 1902-May 22, 1967). The stamp was issued in 2002.

In 2006, the Academy of American Poets launched Poem-a-Day, publishing one new poem on its website, Poets.org each day during the National Poetry Month (NPM). This program is now distributed via the web, social media and email 350,000+ readers for free and syndicated by King Features.

In 2012, the Academy of American Poets launched Dear Poet, inviting students to read and write poems during NPM, of which, some are published on Poets.org. This project also assists teachers with a curriculum for using Dear Poet in their classrooms.

In addition, each year the Academy of American Poets partners with award winner designers and commission a poster for National Poetry Month. They distribute over 120,000 posters to schools, libraries, and bookstores from coast-to-coast. Individuals can also download an 8x12 copy of the poster from their PC, https://poets.org/national-poetry-month

National Poetry Month focuses on awareness and the introduction of great poems and poets. There are over 30 ways to celebrate this event. Here are my top five ways to celebrate:

Read Poetry. The best way to appreciate poetry is to read it. Great poems and poets are easy to find. Visit the poetry section of your local library. Subscribe to a literary journal, or buy a poetry collection. Browse poetry websites, and if you find a work you admire, leave a comment on your opinion. Or you can sign up for Poem-a-Day.

Write Poetry. Everyone has a little bit of a poet within him/her. It’s cathartic, it’s fun, and if you need prompts you can find one every day in April on the Poetic Asides blog. Write a poem about your favorite friend, animal or lover. Poetry has many forms Rhyming, Free verse, Ode, Haiku, and so forth, try writing a poem in different forms, or if you feel the need for free expression— chalk a poem on a sidewalk.

Experience Poetry. Poetry can be found on YouTube. Search for “poetry reading” or “poetry slam,” there you’ll find hours of performances for you viewing pleasure.

Share Poetry. To love poetry is to share it. April 30th  is Poem in Your Pocket Day, a day where you carry a favorite poem and share it throughout the day. Or, take your favorite collection and lend it to a friend. You may even want to give a book of poetry as a gift or write a collaborative poem with someone.

Publish Poetry. If you already doing the above for mentioned year-round, it may be time to take your poetry passion to the next level by getting your work published. Send your poems to a publication you love or post them online via a blog or forum (like YouTube). If you like the self-publication route, contact printers about creating a high-quality, low-cost chapbook you can give to friends and family.

Poetry is a very creative and expressive art forum. It transcends our physical bonds and is the true essence of free expression that everyone should experience. Even if you’re not a poet—celebrating National Poetry Month will be a rewarding and interesting journey.

 2020 is an exceptional year. Use good judgment, be safe and be strong.

Book Review-The Incomplete Dog Book by Dean Scott

There are many Dog Books on the market ranging from dog training to holistic care, but if you want a unique perspective from a veterinarian, with a twist of humor, then pick up a copy of The Incomplete Dog Book by Dean Scott. 

The book takes us on a journey through dog breeding and breeds with true facts and laced with satire, 

"Men don't like to neuter their males because they perceive some imagined damage to their own masculinity or display some weird level of empathy that they express nowhere else in their emotional life. This is stupid. Some people think that their female has to experience being pregnant and having a litter to be complete. This is stupid. Some people don't spay or neuter because they only have one dog and it's not around any others. This, too, is stupid."

In addition, the book is loaded with illustrations and cartoons which were created by the author, Dean Scott, who is a DVM with a practice in Florida.
 This book is an easy read with a lot of useful information for dog owners/ lovers and should not be overlooked. Readers should also explore other books by Dean Scott DVM which can be found on Amazon and in book stores.

Blessed Winter Solstice

Today we cross into the darkness and the days light is short and night prolongs its shadow marks the start of winter. On this day of the Winter Solstice(Alban Arthan), the sun's light impregnates the earth. The Sun God Mates with the Goddess of the Land conceiving new light and Mother Earth sleeps until the rebirth of light at Litha.

So as we sit under the Rowan, we mourn and let go of that which is finishing or dying, reflecting within our inner darkness and seeking the reality of rebirth of the soul, opening ourselves to a new dawn.                          
We step into the darkness under the Oak Moon. Celebration, reflection, dying and rebirth is our journey's path through the dark half of the year. It is the looking back on the year's events, triumphs and failures, letting go of things physical and spiritual that are no longer needed or wanted and the beginning of forming new ideas and desires for the coming new year.

May your journey fulfills your dreams.

Blessed Winter Solstice to all!

Happy Samhain 2019

Samhain is a druid holiday respecting the dead. It is when the veil between worlds is at its thinnest and the dead and fairies roam our world. The ancient ritual for Samhain was to light bonfires and dress in costumes to ward off the ghosts.

In today's world, Holloween was created based on this druid holiday. But for those who are still practicing druids, witches, and pagans it is time to lit your bonfires and candles, to leave and extra plate at the dinner table or food and water on your altar for the dead.

In closing, I wish you a joyous Samhain and leave you with a poem I wrote for this night.

Samhain

Light your bonfires

Strike your candles
                                  Place your water and food                                 

Pictures of the deceased,

In the light of the full moon,

In the blackness of night

As the waters still

And the trees bow

A murder swarms the skies

landing on rooftops,

The veil between worlds thin--

They await the dead,

In the moonlight
In shadows of trees
Under the wing and eyes
Of the Crow and Owl,
They come to your call
Upon this Hallow night.

@Wayne Adam

May your bonfires glow and your candles burn bright on this scared night.

Litha 2019

We've come to the gateway of Litha or Alban Hefin (Sumner Solstice) where the Holly King begins
his waxing reign into the dark of winter after defeating the Oak King who retreats into exile till the Winter Solstice.  Hence, on this celebration of "The Light of Summer," we engage in the ancient rituals of colorful and joyous festivals, women wearing wreaths of flowers and men oak leaves.

Collecting magical herbs of fern, rue, rosemary, St.Johns Wort, Mallows, foxglove, elderflowers, vervain, and yarrow are used for amulets to ward off evil and are hung in doorways for protection. Bonfires light the night sky, people dance and sing or jump through flames for good fortune, and animals are paraded around the fires to ask for protection and a good harvest.

The Solstice is associated with  Fire which symbolizes, light, transformation, and energy. Fire is the element of strength and
 protection, it leads us to the purification of  Nature and our Self.

Litha is also one of the Three Spirit Nights of the year upon which the  veil between wolds appears
thin allowing ghosts and faeries to roam among us.

This day honors the sun in all its glory, bask in its warm light and enjoy the beauty of nature on this longest day. Celebrate with song and dance, lite bonfires for good fortune and protection.

May your Litha be bright and blessed,

Wayne the Bard

Welcome the Winter Solstice 2018

The Winter Solstice comes upon us and we gather in celebrations, Alban Arthan (Celtic), Juul (Norse), Koliada (Slavic), and Yule (Germanic). Each in their own way reaching out to nature to turn the darkness to light, as we hail the return of the sun. We also share and reflect on the stories and myths of Yule, such as Nickolas, Yule goat, and the Yule log.
In Druid tradition, the Alban Arthan represents  the battle between the Oak King, or Divine Child (God of waxing Light) and the Holly King, or Dark Lord(God of waning Light), in which the Oak King wins and rules until he is defeated by the Holly King at the time of the summer solstice.

Furthermore, the cauldron of Dagda, symbolizing the promise that nature will bear fruit and care for all living beings on Earth, and Brighid, the bearer of the flame of inspiration, that penetrates the mind and soul, like the Sun that gives rebirth to the light and penetrates the darkest time of the year, reign upon the winter solstice.

Yule decorations are that of mistletoe, holly and evergreens which are displayed upon houses symbolizing that new life will return in the spring. Rituals are performed with candles to symbolize the birth of the new Sun. This is also a time of celebration, feasting, and rejoicing in the promise of a new Sun and the coming of Summer.


May the Solstice bring light to your path and your Yule be merry,

Wayne the Bard

The Patsy

Winter is upon us and there is nothing like settling down with a good book with a cup of coffee, tea, a drink and perhaps, a snack. May I suggest checking out my mystery/suspense novella--The Patsy. Available on Amazon/Kindle.

Litha 2018

We've come to the gateway of Litha or Alban Hefin (Sumner Solstice) where the Holly King begins his waxing reign into the dark of winter after defeating the Oak King who retreats into exile till the Winter Solstice.  Hence, on this celebration of "The Light of Summer," we engage in the ancient rituals of colorful and joyous festivals, women wearing wreaths of flowers and men oak leaves.

Collecting magical herbs of fern, rue, rosemary, St.Johns Wort, Mallows, foxglove, elderflowers, vervain, and yarrow are used for amulets to ward off evil and are hung in doorways for protection. Bonfires light the night sky, where people dance and sing or jump through flames for good fortune, and animals are paraded around the fires to ask for protection and a good harvest.

The Solstice is associated with  Fire which symbolizes, light, transformation, and energy. Fire is the element of strength and protection, it leads us to the purification of  Nature and our Self.

Litha is also one of the Three Spirit Nights of the year upon which the  veil between wolds appears
thin allowing ghosts and faeries to roam among us.

This day honors the sun in all its glory, bask in its warm light and enjoy the beauty of nature on this longest day. Celebrate with song and dance, lite bonfires for good fortune and protection.

May your Litha be bright and blessed,

Wayne the Bard

Renaissance 2018 Role of the Hearld

Don't miss my new article on Heralds in the latest edition of Renaissance Magazine. 
Here is an excerpt for your enjoyment:

" Throughout the Middle Ages Heralds (Heraldry) was a visual constant. From its military roots via symbols, banners, and pendants, it developed alongside Europe’s permeating medieval society. Every facet of medieval society, royalty to clergy to trades bore a herald designating rank, status, family, and profession.

            Origins and the Military

           The exact origins of Heralds are unknown, emerging around the time of the Crusades (12th century).  One of the earliest heralds was Bayeux Tapestry depicting the victory of William I, Duke of Normandy at the Battle of Hasting in 1066. Hence, its military beginnings started with symbols and colors embossed upon shields and progressed with the development of shields and armor, which were used to designate knights’ armies in battle and tournaments.

            Heraldic evolution included:

            Decorative swirling shapes on shields (C. 1066)

            First, wearing a loose-fitting surcoat worn over the hauberk with the knights own distinctive device, the first beginnings of heraldry (C. 1180)

            Increased use of plate armor for protection; smaller shield and the surcoat were reduced to a short, tight-fitting tunic called a jupon, which still displayed the knight’s coat-of-arms (C. 1360)..."

May May your days be bright and your path clear.

2018 Renaissance Love and Romance

Huzzah! Huzzah! Renaissance Magazine's edition of Love and Romance is at your local bookstore, and while your thumbing through the pages, look for my article, A Matter of Courtly Love, about the real  Ulrich von Lichtenstein (who is nothing like Keith Ledger's character in the movie, A Knights Tale).  Hence, I have included an excerpt for your enjoyment.

On the matter of courtly love, one the most obsessive affairs and excessively extravagant exploits were those of one of the middle ages most colorful characters-- Ulrich von Lichtenstein.

Born in Styria, Ulrich was a celebrated poet and jousting fanatic. Later in life, he lived a distinguished life as a lord, knight, and diplomat in his native Styria.

In 1255, Ulrich wrote his autobiography, Frauendienst-Lady’s Service. Written as a narrative poem it tells of his adventures attributed to his love for ladies;

“I’ll give my body, all my mind

and life itself to womankind
and serve them all the best I can.
And when I grow to be a man
I’ll always be their loyal thane:
though I succeed or serve in vain
I’ll not despair and never part
from them,” thus spoke my childish heart...

Whoever spoke of women’s praise
I followed, just to hear each phrase,
for it would make my heart so light
and fill me with true delight.
I heard from many a learned tongue
their excellence and honor sung;
they praised one here and praised one there,
they praised the ladies everywhere.”

May you have a blessed day,

Wayne the Bard

Hail the Winter Solstice

The winter solstice (December 21 and 22nd) is the shortest day of the year and the celebration of Alban Arthan/ Yule, which symbolize the renewal of light through the dark winter.

Alban Arthan is Welsh meaning *Light of Winter," or a poetic meaning, "Light of Arthur." It is a celebration of the return of the Divine Child, the Mabon, and the rebirth of the golden solstice Sun that will bring back the warmth, light, and life to the Earth again. This celebration is signified by the Yule log. Traditionally, logs are burned in a central fireplace, and the log must come from one's own land or be a gift, but not bought. It is ignited with a remaining piece of last year's Yule log, thus passing Light from one year to another. The log is burned slowly for 12 days in the fireplace before being extinguished and its ashes are stowed away til springtime then mixed with seeds and spread over the fields symbolizing the power of the Sun.

In Druid tradition, the Alban Arthan represents  the battle between the Oak King, or Divine Child (God of waxing Light) and the Holly King, or Dark Lord(God of waning Light), in which the Oak King wins and rules until he is defeated by the Holly King at the time of the summer solstice. Furthermore, the cauldron of Dagda, symbolizing the promise that nature will bear fruit and care for all living beings on Earth, and Brighid, the bearer of the flame of inspiration, that penetrates the mind and soul, like the Sun that gives rebirth to the light and penetrates the darkest time of the year, reign upon the winter solstice.

Yule decorations are that of mistletoe, holly and evergreens which are displayed upon houses symbolizing that new life will return in the spring. Rituals are performed with candles to symbolize the birth of the new Sun. This is also a time of celebration, feasting, and rejoicing in the promise of a new Sun and the coming of Summer.

To All Warm Blessings,

Wayne the Bard

Litha 2017

We hail to Midsummer, the Summer Solstice, also known as Litha or Alban Hefin. Where the sun reaches its zenith creating the longest day. A worship of the sun and all of its glory before the days become shorter on their journey toward the Winter Solstice.

Litha is a day of sun worship and the Sun God who's element is Fire, displayed in all its radiant colors of red, yellow, orange and gold. It's ruled by the Holly King who re-battles and slays his twin, the Oak King, and it's a time of celebrating the power of the sun and riches of the earth.

Litha should be enjoyed in the basking sun. A festival with nature and homage to life in general. No matter how you celebrate Litha, take the time to feel the power of the sun, its energy and the positive light it emits.Remember to pick your herbs today and create a bonfire or two.

Blessed Litha to All

Accolades

Every writer strives for perfection. A chance to be recognized for his/her work that they have toiled, rewritten, nit picked, edited, and sometimes stressed over.  Every writer is different in the way they handle both praise and rejection, and it doesn't make a difference whether  they are a novice or seasoned writer, so I can only speak for myself.

Recently, I submitted a short story on Hubpages, Elves-Faerys-Dwarves,Trolls,and the Thunder-Gods
I was later advised by the editorial team that my story has been elevated to one of Hubpages vertical sites, the Letter Pile, which only contains the best article, stories, etc. Of course, I was ecstatic and immediately spread the word in email and social media. I admit that I like to see my work in print (hard copy or digital) I get a feeling of accomplishment and happiness You would think after being a published writer that it would not be a big deal and I am sure for some it may not. But for me it's one of reasons that keeps me writing for with recognition come the comments of the readers which is the life blood of any writer. Knowing that you touched an emotion or reaction in somebody through your writing is in many ways beyond words.

So to those who read my story for the first time. I thank you and please comment in both the Letter Pile comment section and on this blog.

Enjoy the read.

Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day to everyone. A day to show love for those close to your heart.

Valentine's Day has it's legends since it's conception. Like a lot of our holidays, Valentine's Day started out as a pagan holiday, in this case it was the Roman festival of  fertility called Lupercalia which was held annually on February 15. Approximately around 496 Pope Gelsius I renamed to a Christian fest day called St. Valentine's Day ,named after one of the three Saint Valentines who were martyred  on February 14.

It was not until the 14th century that St. Valentine's Day became associated with love and it was Chaucer who linked this celebration with love. In 1381 Chaucer composed a poem in honor of the engagement between England's Richard I and Anne of Bohemia, in his poem The Parliament of Fowls, he linked the royal engagement, the mating of birds and St. Valentine's day together and thus love and St. Valentine's Day have been associated with each other ever since.

St. Valentine's Day evolved over the centuries and by the 18th century, gift-giving and exchanging hand made cards consisting of hearts, lace, ribbons and cupids were common in England and eventually spread to the American colonies. However, the widespread tradition of  Valentine's Day cards in the United States did not take place until 1850 when Esther A. Howland of Worcester, Mass. began mass-producing them.  Today, Valentine's Day is a big business, balloons, candy, flowers, and according to the Greeting Card Association, 25% of all cards sent each year are valentines.

And so for this celebration of love, here is a poem for the Lovely Lady D.

                  My heart has been taken by the Lovely Lady D        

                  Her voice is heard in sweet refrain
                  As she sings to me

                  Our love is one of purity
                  Cast in iron
                  And in flame

                  Our hearts entwined
                  Our love unbridled
                  Upon a fertile plane

                  Lovers forever
                 Shipmates on the sea
                 Wolves that roam together,

                My heart has been taken
                And she holds the key

               @Wayne Adam

December

December and we've  journeyed  into the dark half of the year awaiting the entrance of the winter solstice and the Cold Moon (December),  also known as the Oak Moon, Moon of Long Nights, Wolf Moon, Holly Moon, and Hunters Moon. The world changes,  days become shorter while nights longer and darker as winter hardens its grip, and Mother Earth sleeps, nestled under its blankets. It's the season enchanted by the snow, storm and tree fairies.Symbolized by the trees of  Holly and Fir as we prepare for the coming of Yule by cultivating  mistletoe.

In the darkness, we relax and reflect on the year taking guidance from the Stag, Swan, Goose, and Wolf. We reflex on our accomplishments and failures looking forward to next year and the rebirth of the sun and our new awareness of life. This is a personal and private time, traditions, good times remembered, people we love, the departed who are deeply missed, and a reevaluation of ourselves. As there is light, darkness will follow, as in nature there is a balance and in December we begin to find the balance in ourselves.



Sources:
The Healing Power of Tress
The Druid Animal Oracle

Voting Day

Stand Up
Be Counted
Speak Up
Stand Proud
Take Pride
Be American
Make a Change
Choose
 Vote.

Voting is a privilege, use it. Everyone has a chance to voice their opinion and to make a change, that's what elections are for. Those who didn't vote have no right to complain about the outcome.

Mixed Emotions at 1am

Tonight I am restless, filled with mixed emotions of sadness over the sudden loss of  my dog Skye, the empty void I am in, the love for the Lovely Lady D and her dog Cupcake, along with the sadness in the world.
 But lately, ever since Skye's death I feel a sense of uselessness, probably cause there was nothing I could have done to prevent Skye from dying. So I write this as part of my grieving process since I am a writer and although it's great prose it sill doesn't stop the loss and heartache. Now I need music to outwardly express some of my feelings and since I have this one song  running through my head, I'll play it here.

In time the sadness and heartache will end and the circle of life will be complete, but for now I play this song til the grief subsides.