#TankaTuesday #WDYS #PoetryChallenge

Image credit; Salva Jamm Unsplash

A Connection

Just One
treasured moment
when silence spoke to him
and I stood muted by his art
thinking
how colors merged in the water
each stroke – a masterpiece
one connection –
same dream.
© Balroop Singh

Thanks to Yvette and Colleen for the inspiration to write syllabic poetry. The challenge this week is to focus on one impactful day. I chose to write a butterfly cinquain – 2-4-6-8-2-8-6-4-2.

Thank you Sadje for the challenge to respond to the image #Whatdoyousee – 307

Thank you for reading my poetry.

Many thanks to all those blogger buddies who have pre-ordered my new release – Beyond the Fetters.

#NewRelease: Beyond the Fetters

I am delighted to share this info with you. My new book – Beyond the Fetters (A Novel) will be released on October 1, 2025.

This is an ambitious project, dear to my heart as I’ve been working on it for almost seven years.

Book Blurb:

Some babies are born with invisible fetters. They may strut about in their homes with wishes of flying high, but their wings never grow, and if they do, they are clipped by the diktats of traditions. Such stories remain within the hearts of girls, as their lips are sealed by cultural compulsions. 

Earthy is one such girl, but her determination to break free could never be vanquished. She yearns to grow up again, to feel the sunshine that filters through the arms of her parents, to soak in the showers of harmony, to giggle with abandon and swirl with her dreams.

The sudden, untimely demise of her father rips her whole world apart, and the little joys of childhood vanish. From emotional deluge to resilience and detachment, she treads the paths of her life, struggling to rise above the average.

Dolly’s freedom takes her away from her family, and her choices boomerang. Imperceptible fetters follow her in the garb of love that she chooses. Should we pay attention to Grandma’s wise words – “We are tied to our destiny?” ‘Beyond the Fetters’ explores the possibilities of girls looking beyond their so-called destiny.

I look forward to the support of all my readers and buddies. Thank you.

For poetry, hang out with  Hues Of Hope 
All the posts on my blog are created by me and are protected by copyright. It is strictly prohibited to use them to train AI technologies.

Welcome my guest Lauren Scott #NewRelease

I am pleased to welcome Lauren Scott, (my author buddy) with her new release: ‘More than Coffee: Memories in Verse and Prose.’ I’ve already read this delightful book and enjoyed it. There is something for everybody in the moments that have been shared in this book.

Book Blurb:

From the early woes of childhood and teen years, this collection of stories and poems paints a picture of young dreams and fears. But as adulthood sets in, these dreams and fears change. More than Coffee touches on love and loss, nature and endurance, marriage and parenting. In these memories, humor diffuses fear and taking risks proves to be a powerful method in boosting self-confidence. Through it all, whether in the wilderness near a sparkling lake or in the comfort of home, there’s nothing like a good cup of coffee. A poignant and reflective collection of verse and prose that is best enjoyed sipping your favorite coffee roast.

Excerpt:

Red Lipstick

With childlike fascination,
I leaned against the door frame
watching her apply a little
powder to her nose,
a touch of red to her lips.
No more, no less. She was flawless.
Then our eyes locked –
an unspoken connection.
Questions never-ending,
I gently tucked her wisdom
in a safe space where I could
draw from it easily.
I’d love to share tales
of life she’s missing.
Perhaps, again someday.
© Lauren Scott

My Review:

More than Coffee: Memories in Verse and Prose by Lauren Scott is a heart-warming memoir that captures lovely moments of childhood, of parents’ love, of attachments, of campfires and hiking with the love of her life. The blissful moments come alive as Scott revels in the good times, letting nostalgia transport her into a time machine, to watch the reel unfold like “pictures on a camera roll.” She talks about the value of some priceless gifts that are handed down from one generation to another; she takes pride in the stories that such “gems” tell to evoke fond memories of parents. Only the happy times have been shared in this book.

Written in a simple and straight-forward style, Lauren’s poetry is realistic. ‘To My Babies’ tugged at my heart and I am sure all mothers can relate to this charming poem. Fragrant memories of “Earthquake Cake” made me smile. ‘Simple Existence’ is thought-provoking and made me pause to comprehend the depth of words that dance across “desert dunes and boundless oceans.” ‘Forever Steady’ too gives you a reflective message to take a breather, look at the magical wilderness of nature and see how “delightfully birds sing and trees welcome our company.”

I loved this book and finished it within an hour. If you value relationships and family bonding, this book is for you. I gave it five shimmering stars.

Meet the Author/Poet:

Lauren has authored two collections of poetry: New Day, New Dreams(2013) and Finding a Balance (2015). In the last couple of years, she began exploring memories from her past, penning them into short memoirs. She lives in Northern California with her husband, Matthew, and their lovable canine, Copper; they have two adult children. Family has been an aspect of life she has always held dear. From her experiences over three decades: raising a family, grieving through loss, finding joy in the smallest things, and the many backpacking and camping adventures, her writing takes a magical path of its own. 

The marvelous wild world that surrounds her: the smell of the woods, the sound of a babbling brook, and the chorus of birds never disappoint in providing inspiration. Recent backpacking trips with Matthew along the California coast and Sierra Nevada have stirred up thoughts to write about love, lost friendship, family, and the possibility that anything can happen. Hikes along the Paper Mill Creek remind her that life is fragile. From trout hatchlings to swallowtail butterflies, Lauren is marveled at how the world is interconnected and that every living thing matters. She is a poet, short memoir writer, and nature lover who hopes her readers will find a little nugget of delight, comfort, or understanding in her poetry and stories – some detail that resonates with them beyond her words. 

Purchasing Links:

US: Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/22a75vhj

UK: Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/xat7wru

BLOG: https://baydreamerwrites.com/

 Thank you for your lovely support. Please share this post at your favorite social networks.

Balroop Singh.

 

Tina Lost in a Crowd #NewRelease by Miriam Hurdle

Please welcome my blogger friend Miriam who has released a new book for children. Over to you Miriam.

Hi Balroop, I’m thankful for your generosity to host my Book Release Tour and allow me to share my process from pen to publication with your readers.

The Making of Tina Lost in a Crowd, Part 3

The Ideas and Messages of the Story

Did you like Aesop’s Fables? I did when I was a child. When I read them to my students, they would shout with me at the end of the fable “the moral of the lesson is…”

Other than Aesop’s Fable, most of the children’s book don’t spell out the lessons. In fact, even when the story has a message for children, it doesn’t need to make it loud and clear. The children are reading the story to have fun.

There are ideas and messages in Tina Lost in a Crowd: Tina took part in decision making for the summer activities such as swimming and a sleepover. She asked permission to invite her friend to go to the concert. She made a right decision when she and Erica got lost in a crowd which was a safety issue.

Children are smart, they read for fun, and they learn the messages on their own term. It would be interesting to have a discussion with the children after they read a book.

Book Blurb:

Tina invited her friend Erica to attend a popular Tchaikovsky’s Spectacular concert on a summer evening with her parents. During the intermission, her dad left the seat to buy some snacks. Tina and Erica followed him wanting to use the restroom. The shoving crowd pushed them away, and they lost sight of him. It would be impossible to fight through the 18,000 people to find him or go back to Tina’s mom. What would the girls do? 

This story tells about what happened to Tina and Erica after they got lost. Children can adapt to the learning from different situations they may observe or encounter. Adults could have discussions with the children about the situations to help them develop problem-solving skills.

Purchase Links:

Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B091M586M7

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w?ean=2940162309741

Here is My Review:

‘Tina Lost in a Crowd’ by Miriam Hurdle is a cute little, heart-warming story of two girls who get lost while they are following their dad. Two friends Tina and Erica are excited when they get an opportunity to go to a concert at the Hollywood Bowl. During intermission, they get up to go to the restroom and can’t find Mr. Tyler, Tina’s dad. Do they get scared? How do they handle the situation? 

Well-illustrated and written in a simple style, the story conveys some subtle messages to children as well as parents. Mrs. Tyler is a loving mom and plans a number of activities for the summer, she agrees to invite Erica and understands her daughter so well. Tina is a calm and confident girl and could inspire many. She knows what to do when lost. I could connect with her, as I too got lost in a similar situation but wasn’t as wise as Tina!

I would recommend this book to all the parents of young children who wish to raise responsible children.

— Balroop Singh

Meet the Author:

Miriam Hurdle is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). She published four children’s books at twenty-six years old. Her poetry collection received the Solo “Medalist Winner” for the New Apple Summer eBook Award and achieved bestseller status on Amazon.

Miriam writes poetry, short stories, memoir, and children’s books. She earned a Doctor of Education from the University of La Verne in California. After two years of rehabilitation counseling, fifteen years of public-school teaching and ten years in school district administration, she retired and enjoys life with her husband in southern California, and the visits to her daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughters in Oregon. When not writing, she engages in blogging, gardening, photography, and traveling.

Contact Links:

Blog Amazon Twitter Goodreads Facebook

Thank you for your support. Please share this post at your favorite networks.

Magical Whispers #NewRelease

Click to look inside

I wait for whispers; they regale my muse. Whispers that can be heard by our heart, whispers that ride on the breeze to dispel darkness and ignite hope. I’m sure you would hear them through these poems if you read slowly.

‘Magical Whispers’ would transport you to an island of serenity; beseech you to tread softly on the velvety carpet of nature to feel the ethereal beauty around you. The jigsaw of life would melt and merge as you dive into the warmth of words.

In this book, my poems focus on whispers of Mother Nature, whispers that are subtle but speak louder than words and breathe a quiet message.

Each day reminds us
It’s the symphony of surroundings
That whisper life into us.

Purchase links:
US
UK DE FR ES IT NL JP BR CA MX AU IN

Thank you to all the author buddies and blogger friends who are spreading the word by sharing the Magical Whispers at their blogs.

Balroop Singh.