Dear Daisy, Theme Song and Author Path

Theme Song, "Dear Daisy" composed by Hiroshi Takatani
(video features final instrumental version)
June 2010, the song, "Dear Daisy" was born.


Based on the book Dear Daisy by Jane Marla Ver Dow

Though the years they may change us
Some things in life forever remain
Like those years we spent together
Living life its joys and pain

You taught me all 'bout honesty
How the truth would set me free
Like a teacher you inspired me
Each day beneath that Cherry tree

(Chorus)
Now "Dear Daisy" as I write this letter
Though eyes can't see I know you're there
I feel your presence surround me
Your angel wings as they brush my hair


Your smile my summer mornin' Sun
Your wisdom my guide no end
Your actions more than words spoken
Showed me I had a special friend

(Chorus)
Now "Dear Daisy" as I write this letter
Though eyes can't see I know you're there
I feel your presence surround me
Your angel wings as they brush my hair

(Bridge)
Say everything now there's a reason
Not in ours but in God's time
A path our lasting friendship
Enough love to last a lifetime

(Chorus)
Now "Dear Daisy" as I write this letter
Though eyes can't see I know you're there
I feel your presence surround me
Your angel wings as they brush my hair
"Dear Daisy"

© Buddy Sutton June 09 2010
Additional Lyrics Jane Marla Ver Dow


To all I met on my summer festival Dear Daisy book signing path...thank-you for your purchases, but mostly I thank you for the joy and support you brought to my life. Sharing stories, laughs, and connecting with you has made all the difference.

Sincerely, Author, Jane Marla VerDow

Author Volunteers Time for Summer Read Program

Williamson Free Public Library offers Summer Read Program

Calendar of Events at Williamson Free Public Library for July, 2010.


Press Release

On Monday, July 12 from 2-4 pm, local author and storyteller Jane VerDow will present a writer’s workshop for teens at the Williamson Free Public Library. A Williamson native and author of the nonfiction memoir Dear Daisy, Jane will discuss the opportunities for self-publishing and self promotion today and will provide advice and insight into developing a writer's own voice.

This event will be fully participatory, so if you have a laptop, bring it!

Jane will be on hand again on Monday, July 19 from 2-4 pm for a follow-up round table discussion. Teens are invited to bring their work to the library and get advice and feedback. This is your chance to learn from a professional!

These programs are free, and open to teens ages 13-18.

For more information, please call the library at (315) 589-2048.

Dear Daisy Autographed Copies / Rising Sparrow Press. Also available at Artisans' Loft Pultneyville and Independent Bookstores

Autographed copies of Dear Daisy available through the Author. Email Author for Autographed Copy: jverdow@rochester.rr.com


Dear Daisy is featured and available for purchase at the Gallery of Artisans' Loft, The Landing at Pultneyville, NY

Upcoming Events Historic Pultneyville Homecoming July 17-18, 2010


Independent Bookstores that carry Dear Daisy:

Village Bookmarket, Main Street, Palmyra, New York Blog/Upcoming Events

Books Etc., Main Street, Macedon, NY


What readers are saying about Dear Daisy:

"I am reading "Dear Daisy" right now. From the start, Jane's writing style challenges the reader to really put themselves in the shoes of "little Janie". The words flow as if written by the author's thoughts themselves, not by hand. Very interesting approach, different, and actually quite refreshing.

The book's presentation itself is beautiful-hardcover with gold lettering. I love a print that will look nice in my glass pane built ins!" ~Seth C. Burgess/Wayne County Life

"Something about the way you make words into thought patterns, almost as if I were thinking them instead of reading them. They just seem to float effortlessly off the page. Beautiful." ~Armelle/France

"It took me six days to read it. It will take me a lifetime to understand." ~Frank (Beekeeper)/Rochester

"Dear Daisy is a mesmerizing account of Jane's early years growing up with Daisy, the person who most touched her life while growing up on her family farm" ~Nanette P. Hance/Artisan's Loft, The Landing at Pultneyville


"I couldn't put my book down" "Profoundly written"

"I plan to read Dear Daisy again. Fabulous"

"I could sense Daisy near" "Thought provoking"

"More than a book to read, an experience" "Courageous"

"Engaging and thoughtful; direct, truthful and honest"

"I love the short story format" "A trip down memory lane"

"I Loved it" "A keeper"



A nonfiction, spiritual memoir, Dear Daisy is the storyteller's journal recording footsteps on her life path from days long ago shared with her friend, Daisy (1960's) to the 911 aftermath. Sharing humor, vision, dreams, heartbreaks and challenges, Jane Marla VerDow has written a compelling account that both entertains and challenges one's soulful reflection. Written in a unique style the author refers to as "language layers", Dear Daisy has been described by readers as "enchanting", " profoundly written", and "courageous."

Born and raised on a fruit farm in Williamson, Jane is a storyteller by nature inspired by local stories, history, and nature's mysteries and gifts. The author invites the reader into the world and relationship between an illiterate migrant woman sharing her wisdom with a boss man’s child under cherry and apple trees during the early 1960's. Daisy, an Angel on Earth years later mystically reappears an Angel from Heaven to guide the grown child on her pathway back Home. Dear Daisy is dedicated by the author to her friend,Daisy whose warmth taught her love, whose gift of patience taught her to search for patience with others, and whose soul taught her strength equal to compassion.

Dear Daisy is the author's first novel inspired by and dedicated to her "adopted Grandmother". Recent years she has devoted her time to writing nonfiction and publishing her works through Rising Sparrow Press, established 2003 by the author in the spirit and tradition of Early American Literature. Hardcover bound, 384 pages, Dear Daisy was designed by Rising Sparrow Press to reflect a book of the era in pre dustcover style, book layout, short storytelling format, time era language and values.

For additional information about the author and upcoming writings and books: www.risingsparrowpress.com or enjoy the author's blogs www.storytellersandwriters.blogspot.com and www.lakeontarioshoreline.blogspot.com

Author Bio:
Jane Marla VerDow is a Farmer by roots, Teacher by degree, Physical Therapist by credentials, and Author by passion.
Recent years Jane has devoted her time to writing nonfiction and publishing her works through Rising Sparrow Press (est. 2003 by the author) in the spirit and tradition of Early American Literature.


Upcoming Author Events:

Book Signings and Festivals Author Tour

Dear Daisy is making a 10% contribution for all sales 2010 to HIV/AIDS Orphaned Children of Uganda / Love Is The Answer.

Love Is The Answer Information:


Purchase Autographed Copy : email Author jverdow@rochester.rr.com

Ordering direct through Author saves you shipping costs


Jane Marla VerDow
Rising Sparrow Press

Support for Sparrows

Once upon a time...a little one made a promise to her friend, Daisy...and this week a step is taken. 10% of book sales of Dear Daisy, Author Jane Marla VerDow from Williamson Apple Blossom Festival (May 12th, 14th-16th/"Books in Blossom" theme) will be forwarded to the orphaned children of Uganda. May their homes be safe and may their dreams come true.

Announced May 18th, 2010, Rising Sparrow Press supports sparrows and has decided to extend this 10% contribution for all Dear Daisy books sales this year.

"Not one sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it". ~Matthew 10:29


Dear Daisy is making a 10% contribution for all sales 2010 to Love Is The Answer.

Love Is The Answer Information:
http://loveistheanswer.ca/

Most recent news from Uganda/Catherine Koch blog posting at Love Is The Answer:
Uganda Flooding and the Children


Details on Dear Daisy

Autographed Books are Available through the Author:

Email: jverdow@rochester.rr.com

Purchase Direct from Rising Sparrow Press/Author for autographed copies.

Rising Sparrow Press if purchased direct thru Author pays book rate postage for orders in USA

Library of Congress Cataloging Number: 2004091496
Ver Dow, Jane Marla
Dear Daisy : a novel / Jane Marla Ver Dow
First Printing June 2004
Hardcover 384 pages
ISBN 1-932878-03-3
1. Spiritual -- Nonfiction. I. Title.
$ 27.95
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2
Printed in the United States of America

Conversion Update Number :
ISBN-13 Conversion # : 978-1-932878-03-5




Dear Daisy, nonfiction, reads as life is presented day- to-day and by seasons. The author, a gifted storyteller invites the reader into the world and relationship between a Migrant Woman sharing her wisdom with a boss man’s child under cherry and apple trees during the early 1960's. Daisy, an Angel on Earth years later mystically reappears an Angel from Heaven to guide the grown child on her pathway back Home.

Dear Daisy tells a story 2000 years old yet reminds us how challenges continue to play out and that we each contribute to writing the story.

As the story begins, the author caught in a personal struggle of survival under conditions felt oppressive, writes to Daisy. As the reflective search for self and path unfolds, the 9-11-01 story strikes as a Holy War between extremists of Nations. Before the dust settles, 10-28-01 brings world chaos personal. Living the assault aftermath, the author struggles to forgive and declares through writing an Epistle as part of her emancipation pathway that violence as a rightful expression and worship of God is not the God of her faith.


To read what readers are saying about Dear Daisy
http://www.risingsparrowpress.com/readers.htm


To receive an author signed copy email author: jverdow@rochester.rr.com with mailing details and to specify name if you wish.
Hardcover price: $27.95 (plus tax)

Rising Sparrow Press Project / Facebook

Publishing / the business side of Books.

Since Founding Rising Sparrow Press, December 2003 I have spent many hours learning and expanding my view of marketing or design or gathering resources or legwork-footsteps meeting people local and World-wide.

All of the computer technical information was a combination of self-taught then application (holding my breath hoping it worked) and targeted help by my computer mentor when I was lost forest-trees vision impaired. Net Results

Then - add the last 10 years of computer growth, expansion of what's possible. I started when F-functions had to be hand selected and computers took up entire desk surfaces. Yes, paper had been invented. I wrote 10 years not 1000, unless my computer keyboard is acting up. That you could always count on...computers acting up...like mine had a mind of it's own or it needed to prove superiority over me.

Computers led me to take astrology more serious. Trust me...if Mercury is Retrograde do not, I repeat DO NOT react when your computer acts funny. It is supposed to then...its written in the stars. And whatever you do, Don't go to buy a new one until Mercury gets out of its Retrograde mood.

I started with a website developed by an expert (my mentor and her connections) smart enough to know I was not gifted in computer language and format.

Born (2004): http://www.risingsparrowpress.com/

I learned Frontpage so that I could manage the site through the host.
I loved this for the frequency that I could add content, edit content, add resources, and to change my mind without involving head offices or The National Guard to control computer created chaos that I could create back during the learning stages. Either I have gotten better with computers or they have made it less possible to mess up. I hope both is true.

Next came blogs. I started with Blogger (easiest at the time and free).

Set-up specifically for Dear Daisy book and publishing: Storytellers and Writers, this blog.

To separate writing and storytelling from other interests I set-up:
http://lakeontarioshoreline.blogspot.com/ . That blog contains the most "how-to" information or examples of the photo restoration I've done/do.

I write specific to Rising Sparrow Press / Publishing through blog on Typepad (first free,then I started a small fee account, now I need to update that account-I left it parked there by ownership of the domain name). I will be returning to that blog for specific publishing information-resources during year, 2010.

http://recordfootsteps.typepad.com/record_footsteps_in_publi/

Social Networking entered the possibilities. I connected via (1)Forum of like-minded, goal directed, mission seeking individuals and participated in an every-growing list of teleconferences and organized efforts for social networking and marketing. I'll set it to be a goal to update a list of resources I have found most helpful and will offer it on original website http://www.risingsparrowpress.com/ . I am also developing e-books so this would be a great place to offer those and detailed information.

Also there on the original website http://www.risingsparrowpress.com/ listings of great Resources. People have told me they have gotten lost there. For no other reason than an example of writing/publishing, look at the Writer's Project during New Deal Period when then, too we were rebuilding America: http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wpaintro/wpahome.html . To get there if entering from RSP website (not above direct link) click on Resources located on RSP Homepage.

RSP entered the World of Twitter (2009)...Yes, I Tweet.

Set-up YouTube for media-video development and for platform with the ultimate goal book trailers and...film-making/producing. In process, always. http://www.youtubecom/JaneMarlaVerDow


Continuing on this path, RSP developed Facebook Page most recent.
If interested, click on my Facebook link-badge on this or Lakeshore blog. Join if you wish...free.

So the question has circled back then evolved to become: How to Preserve the Message of Rising Sparrow Press; the message RSP was founded upon; the message statement written through words of book, Dear Daisy,2004?

Competing with all this...writing next books and daily bread making and life.

This was my next step...

Networking - Communications - Living the Golden Rule/Business

my New Page listed/linked on Facebook.

"Starting this Page as a place to social network encouraging others to join in. One rule: The Golden Rule. Place posts of you/your business/your gifts that serve others. Place posts that you have found to ease your path that could benefit others"

Those were the starting words I chose to represent the Golden Rule (my perspective). Written late night and tired, I vow to go back to expand ideas/thoughts/discussion if anyone is struggling with how they interpret the Golden Rule to participate. There is a discussion board set-up there, so feel free to supply your thoughts,ideas, suggestions.

Established this platform...

because I believe, as I wrote in Dear Daisy...

what was once a question I asked there, now through Rising Sparrow Press becomes a statement...

"...one candle and candles united in purpose create the World’s path of creation..." ~ Jane Marla VerDow (Dear Daisy)

I believe this. My intent and purpose; to prove by living it that my belief is true.

I invite others to join me.

Jane Marla VerDow

(Janie)

Keep Your Eyes on the Prize

Rising Sparrow Press and Author, Jane Marla VerDow remembers...Daisy

By her presence she taught in Dr. King's positive peace army for human dignity and rightful place as one of God's children...

In Honor and in Faith, Happy Valentine's Day, Daisy.

I thank God more eyes have seen the Glory...

that Black History Month now reflects more a shared Black history; a long Black day in USA history.

Still, better days to come as sameness becomes more the message and heart to embrace.

Back when, my heart once believed love would overpower hatred; prejudice would weaken once hearts and minds could focus on sameness in God's eyes, that we each have a place in God's heart and purpose.

Today, in honor of our shared history...I still believe.




For more videos on Civil Rights Movement, Songs of the Civil Rights Movement, Black History Month, History go to
http://www.youtube.com/user/JaneMarlaVerDow

Click on Playlists / History

Encore




Thank you to all who came before...and inspired...led...through song and heart, honored your God most through nonviolence.

Janie


Dear Daisy, the first born of Rising Sparrow Press

Dear Daisy - Rising Sparrow

Is a book while it is being written, a book? Does the one that has been written have an ending? Where does the next chapter, or story, or book begin - where does the last end?

Dear Daisy I chose not to write in set chapters, or at least not to designate or separate thoughts in such an arbitrary or concrete structured way.

Near ending Dear Daisy I wrote: "Where this story began is where the story now ends. The place of heart and pondering what was and what will be."

Same words could open Rising Sparrow, the next.

"I remember music had nurtured my heart during the separation, in the aftermath, near the time of my walk to the Lake, and each snare on my path. My Soul needed music. Music was healing to my heart, gave me some sense of ground, a dream to dream not knowing what would be, a desire to continue and to meet the next day rather than just get there, and also a wish for the other." (Dear Daisy)

Same path, same truths today writing and editing Rising Sparrow with music playing, filling the gaps between words still just thoughts fighting, competing, then freeing to flow onto page as heart also connects. The space between notes-music and words-story, so much the same. Honoring the space is all it takes. Honoring the time gap, filling that space, holding that space, then letting go and trusting. (Rising Sparrow)

I remembered Daisy's first efforts to let me know that she was near, back where these words started. The flowerpot. Funny how even the distance Heaven to Earth is not too great a distance to offer support and love yet, on Earth support is claimed as rescuing and is unreal. Daisy taught me what real support feels like. I've learned after too many steps taken what I knew in the first place; that it aint got nothing to do with peoples telling you that they want to be supportive or that they are being supportive. "Whin dey bes, dey jus' be." My heart knows that much and always did. Now I remember. (Dear Daisy)

Now I remember.

I rediscovered the Truth that my heart has always known. Love has two sides; one when times and paths are shared, the other those times of letting go and we each showed our heart and love for eachother and moved on the best we knew...

Replaying the time and challenge with time always having final say I accepted time was in control but still wonder days heavy disheartened why life takes what life had once given and why limits of this life prevent people who love from sharing pathways. (Dear Daisy)

Nothing about love, the beauty-tragedy or plan of fate-destiny, has changed the script for my yearning heart. (Rising Sparrow)

In this healing place I "awoke" to a hand in my left hand and felt my heart-mind shift back to the awareness of time-heart realities. I felt the losses. I felt the time and distance between. I sensed time then, now, then endless where time holds no meaning. Sensing the depth of this touch in this moment was reaching I sensed a shift happening as my heart questioned, "what if". In this feeling of total Spiritual calm I returned to solid ground and thought, (I know this touch). I remembered feeling this touch and this energy three other times in my life, relationships with others I treasure. One was the touch of the one I'm no longer walking with. Once was the one from another place and time who I rarely speak of but the one my heart remembers when I sense peace and the life vibration energy World or when I speak deep from spiritual heart. The third, my hand was little and held Daisy's hand. I know this touch.

Was this a cruel reminder of these three losses now playing at a deeper level? Was this healing communicating energy felt through my left palm the message I had long waited for and traveled all those footsteps searching?...

I continued on my path, sensing with faith and time God would someday reveal. Only this I knew for sure, I was on my path. My heart was leading the way and each time before one hand had not replaced the other. I know each touch uniquely. Each has taught me a part of my Soulful heart; mostly the part of letting go and going on despite the hardships on that road and the promise of a new day long coming. Each hold their own path of heart and always will. (Dear Daisy)

My right hand? That one is in the Hands of God. (Dear Daisy - Rising Sparrow)

Even with broken heart and injured wing I knew not even a sparrow falls to Earth....Trusting I had heard the message of my heart's echo my attention shifted to the background music in the room. I recognized the song. My heart knew all the verses, especially the Negro Spiritual version. The words etched upon my heart.

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound,
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost but now I am found,
was blind but now I see

The Earth shall sooth, his arm like snow
The sun forbears to shine
But God who brought me here below
will be forever mine

Through many dangers, toils, and snares
I have already come
'Twas grace that brought me here thus far
And grace will lead me home

(Dear Daisy)


So Truth remains truth, my own at least this day, February 14th, Valentine's Day, 2010. My three loves, I'll always love you. The Rising Sparrow promise from my heart. Happy Valentine's Heart Day.

As for me...this day...to Transition into more writing here on this blog from Dear Daisy to Rising Sparrow. The next...


Love,
Janie

http://storytellersandwriters.blogspot.com/2010/02/rising-sparrow.html

http://storytellersandwriters.blogspot.com/2010/02/keep-your-eyes-on-prize.html

or back to Home on this blog: http://storytellersandwriters.blogspot.com

Orchard Songs

Recently I spent a few days stepping back into my orchards, especially the one I've come to know as my deer sanctuary. Named for the apples that remain there on the ground after frost and harvest time and for the deer who find them, but mostly for how content my heart feels in that shared space.

So for that and no other reason, I decided to share an older post on this blog. A time remembered in my thoughts or a reminder to you, the reader, to from time to time, take a step back. Read an older post on this trail...for maybe that time, like this time is heart shared and only separated by this abstract concept called, time.


The beginning….
Songs of the orchard played in my mind as words appeared on paper.
I thought of Daisy and her home with Jim…

Nearing the ending…
At the depth of my heart I knew the Truth of my singing the folk songs in the orchards with the wind…

As I wrote…
Songs of days long ago lived then gone, never outgrown, continued to play in my head and I hummed along as words appeared on paper…



Songs of the orchard…closest I’ve ever found to poetry; truly, the inspiration for such…
words playing on canvas.

Winds blow then fade. One moment of time changes the world, or at least our perception.

There standing, sitting, being, holding her space-filling her space; Daisy.
Learned lesson, the one that came to me just watching Daisy, no words; she needed none:
Just hold your space-fill your space. Her message, so clear to me now.


So truth told, I learned about blank space in writing from her, and from holding my space while the winds did their own game. Filled in the space between with orchard songs. Daisy by nature didn’t use many words. The gaps between allowed me to just be, there with her.

So I learned most about words by time spent in listening and waiting. Let them be. Give them space and respect. Honor the life rhythm of each and every. Together, they find their own place and share.

Blank space in writing is where you, the reader comes…to sit and be.

Blank space, that’s where all the “what ifs” live.





From somewhere deep within, there was a voice calling me home. I had to listen. When a child of any age hears that voice, there’s no denying it, least not to yourself, especially when the call becomes a whisper.
Jane Marla Ver Dow
Dear Daisy, 2004



Let your heart guide you. It whispers, so listen closely.
~ The Land Before Time

I remember and heal 10-28

As individuals and as churches, we have need to determine if our mission is to light candles and to keep candles lit, or to blow candles out. I still believe that one candle and that candles united in purpose create the World’s path of creation and life, or can be used to ignite the fire of destruction. If we seek Peace, whether the War is between Nations or the War is between peoples, our own stone and our own flame is really all that any of us have control over.

- Jane Marla VerDow




Dear Daisy, 2004

As the story begins, the author caught in a personal struggle of survival under conditions felt oppressive, writes to Daisy. As the reflective search for self and path unfolds, the 9-11-01 story strikes as a Holy War between extremists of Nations. Before the dust settles, 10-28-01 brings world chaos personal. Living the aftermath, the author struggles to forgive and declares through writing an Epistle as part of her emancipation pathway that violence as a rightful expression and worship of God is not the God of her faith.

http://www.risingsparrowpress.com/announce.htm

Dear Daisy Website

Rising Sparrow Press and Author Jane Marla VerDow

Announce

Author VerDow Dear Daisy Website

Features on New Website
Author Comments
Book Order Information
Dear Daisy Book Excerpts
Book Publishing Special Announcements
Read Old and New Dear Daisy Posts
that have appeared on this blog story tellers and writers
This blog Search: Dear Daisy

Purchase Signed by Author First Editions

information also available
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Author on Twitter :
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Whats Your Smooshed PBJ Sandwich

"Definition of" : Smooshed Peanut Butter-Jelly Sandwich (PBJ)

Anything that triggers one to think of people, places, environments when/where they were most content and filled with abundance, heart and soul.

Now, there are peanut butter sandwiches that are well, just OK.

Then PBJ sandwiches that rank based upon specific jellies. Variety is good but my mind memory is Grape.

But there is a truth lost down the ages that I'll share now with you: the distinguishing feature that makes a PBJ a true Smooshed PBJ in my opinion is the temperature of the sandwich.

For best results place sandwich in shade of tree (around 6:30 AM). Now remember you do want some heat getting to that sandwich so yes, place sandwich on west side of tree (if the sun rises from the east where you live) but make sure that the limbs and branches over-hanging are not so thick that sandwich can't find light of day.

Remember, you are not the only creature wanting that sandwich, so be sure to place in top rolled down brown paper bag (modern could be zip lock if you're into plastic) to deter ants or bigger.

If all works to plan, that sandwich you placed 6:30 will be perfect temperature and smooshedness by 9:30 AM. Worst case 10 AM. No accidental or intentional stomping on required.

If you aren't up by 6:30 to place your own sandwich...you're outta luck.

Science behind process: Bread becomes a sponge when PB and J become PBJ.
(I knew this by the time I was 2 but I think it was later also covered in one of my logic or algebra classes.)

So, my early morning hearing a bird tweet led to thought and blog post (here) Monday, October 19, 2009 9:43 AM. Title: Morning Tweeters and Orchard Talks. Search Key words: orchard //orchard talks

That then led to this blog post, What's Your Smooshed PBJ Sandwich

That leads me to circle back to the question (now nearing lunchtime): What's Your Smooshed PBJ Sandwich?


Shared with you here because I feel sorry for the "outta luck" statement above, I'll share a link. And more to the true reason, I believe in and try to live by, Lifting As We Climb.

On my walk out to the orchards (now apple...seasons change, Smooshed PBJ Sandwiches don't), I found another author. So additional link, similar logic, shared interest in serendipity included here: http://serendipitouslyrich.com/book/


Content in this blog also referenced Lifting As We Climb. See older post of Author, Jane Marla VerDow,this blog. Lifting As We Climb Post date: Monday, March 26, 2007
Blog Search Keywords: lifting // climb // lifting as we climb //Daisy // Dear Daisy

Note: If you use key word, Lift the published post on Pooh Bear appears. That's one of my favorite (me) posts on this blog.

Author: Jane Marla VerDow, Dear Daisy copyright ©2004; Independent Publishing: Rising Sparrow Press, est. 2003. Visit Author Website http://www.risingsparrowpress.com/ to learn more about author’s upcoming titles or for writing and self-publishing resources. Also find Hard to Find Resources on history, travel, rare/old book finds, and arts/literature. Enjoy following Blogs: http://www.storytellersandwriters.blogspot.com/ and http://lakeontarioshoreline.blogspot.com/

Morning Tweeters and Orchard Talks

Sun was up this morning when I woke. Never rise willingly without the sun sparking my awakening. Unwillingly is taken care of by Jordash since he first came to live with me as a puppy. No need for an alarm clock.

This Sun pattern is not new to me. I've always used the Sun this way...or it plays me this way. I haven't yet figured which is truth.

I wake fast, but also its true I'm a slow riser. Seems more true a statement with adding on years. Brain slower, body slower, no matter...same truth. Real truth...I think somedays I wake more aware of what can impact a day, the negatives life can deliver, and at least some days, the energy it takes to laugh at or walk past or work through seems a bit much for the asking. Some days, ...many, not true. That blessing I guard with my dreams and faith and gratitude.

Self-aware of all the above, and also true, I heard a bird chirp this morning first thing...a tweet from Twitter. Wise Insight followed before my mind had time to start another thought. Must be the news had reached many birds, for many by now were up and tweeting. Hard to keep walk-sleeping when birds have another plan for the day. This morning in particular being a Monday morning, I thought I'd ease into my planned for the week. Not the same plan of birds. Not this morning when I heard the song of the sparrow and song of the eagle within also sung by tweeters. So this morning I engaged, just for the good enough reason, because. I thank you, tweeters.

All above same truth when I was little, I reminded me. Next, days back when floated in competing with my next thought, NOW, must get something done list (ego-mind). Like I said, I'm a slow riser so I followed the path leading to...picking cherries and trying to get out to the orchards to make my daily bread. Translated into kid language, earn my bike or transistor AM/FM radio. Even then, money was just a part of the plan motivator for me. What I mean to say, the motivator that kicked in when my energy was fully engaged, usually along towards 10 AM. Early bird in that regard, I'm not. I knew mid morning smooshed peanut butter and jelly sandwiches didn't happen until at earliest 9:30 AM. No rush really needed before that.

Daisy, back then was my time to get moving to get to work motivator. I knew Jim and Daisy would be out there sunrise, at least by 6:30. Catching those first sparrow and eagle songs for sure. Knowing this much, that spark would get my heart up full speed and would carry my legs faster. The real mission for me, to get to the orchards for our first morning "hellos" and sit down orchard talks. The money just sort of came along. End of season, I always found myself in a store buying what I had dreamed of having.

So where did all this early rising, bird singing, thought engaging lead? Stay tuned for next posts on this blog and www.lakeontarioshoreline.blogspot.com My mind is sorting at the moment at least five more to come. That is if they don't all smoosh together like that peanut butter and jelly sandwich I'm re-dreaming about.




To "hear" Replays of bird songs that captured my attention this early morning:
http://www.theblessingsbook.com/ blessings is the message but so much more into links

and another tweeting about publishing/early promotion pathways and suggestions
http://presalemastery.com/

for link to http://www.twitter.com/


Author: Jane Marla VerDow, Dear Daisy copyright ©2004; Independent Publishing: Rising Sparrow Press, est. 2003.
Visit Author Website http://www.risingsparrowpress.com/ to learn more about author’s upcoming titles or for writing and self-publishing resources. Also find Hard to Find Resources on history, travel, rare/old book finds, and arts/literature.

Words to Keep a Soul Alive

To know what you prefer instead of humbly saying Amen to what the world tells you you ought to prefer, is to have kept your soul alive. ~Robert Louis Stevenson

The Heart Remembers

Today, this 911 we come together to remember our World's Family members...may we always reflect on our challenge as the survivors...

As individuals and as churches, we have need to determine if our mission is to light candles and to keep candles lit, or to blow candles out. I still believe that one candle and that candles united in purpose create the World’s path of creation and life, or can be used to ignite the fire of destruction. If we seek Peace, whether the War is between Nations or the War is between peoples, our own stone and our own flame is really all that any of us have control over.

- Jane Marla VerDow







Dear Daisy, 2004


As the story begins, the author caught in a personal struggle of survival under conditions felt oppressive, writes to Daisy. As the reflective search for self and path unfolds, the 9-11-01 story strikes as a Holy War between extremists of Nations. Before the dust settles, 10-28-01 brings world chaos personal. Living the aftermath, the author struggles to forgive and declares through writing an Epistle as part of her emancipation pathway that violence as a rightful expression and worship of God is not the God of her faith.

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Book of Lives and Legacies

Author Jane Marla VerDow honors Candaisy "Daisy" Mitchell in the National Women's Hall of Fame, Book of Lives and Legacies.

On this day, January 21, 2008, the day we set aside to honor Martin Luther King, Jr. and to remember his "I Have A Dream" speech, the Civil Rights Acts, the marches and protests for civil liberties and freedoms, I would like to honor the woman who first taught me about "Dr King".

Our shared story is told in Dear Daisy, my first novel inspired by and dedicated to my "adopted Grandmother". The Lake Ontario Shoreline of Upstate New York is the place I call home and where my heart will always center to the farm, this place God gave me to connect each harvest season with Daisy. I will forever be grateful for this relationship and for the wisdom Daisy shared with a "boss man's" child under cherry and apple trees. It will always be etched upon my heart that Daisy, my Angel friend on Earth 1959 through the 60's, years later mystically reappeared my Angel from Heaven to guide this grown child on her pathway back Home.

A quote from Dear Daisy expresses best why Daisy is honored in the NWHF Book of Lives and Legacies...
"I hoped the World would sense the role Black Grandmothers play today, and especially the role Colored Grandmothers played in the transition from "slave" or "free slave" to soil and fruits; each day establishing roots and opportunity branches children and children's children know today. This would be my dream. My heart pictured Daisy's rightful time to speak, an "illiterate" adopted Colored Grandmother, a poor migrant traveler rich in Soul and Spirit bridging generations and color divide, a leader in Dr. King's positive peace army."

She will forever be known to myself, friends and family by her less formal name, "Daisy". She didn't need a civil rights movement. Her presence, love and compassion told all there was to learn. Daisy used the canvas life gave her and planted seeds in fertile ground; hearts.

Daisy, my friend, Love Always,

"Miz Jane"
(Jane Marla VerDow)

Spiritual Inspiration

Daisy, my Spiritual Mentor

My faith was born under the cherry or apple tree. As a child, Daisy was my teacher. She could teach about God by a smile, the way she held out her hand, how she listened to my stories, by her patience, and by the strength of her character and Spirit.
As a child, I understood nature, sensed how life should be, accepted what it wasn't on most days, placed hope in tomorrow by living today, and trusted my instinct to know right from wrong and direction.
She taught by her compassion and gentleness to judge fairly or not at all, by her tolerance I learned to look for the good in people, and that the best way to teach was by being or reaching for the best within myself. Daisy as my friend, I sensed early on that we are all God's children; that more makes us the same than different and the contents of a person's heart measures Soul and worth.


Excerpt from Dear Daisy

(2/14/2001)

...I do realize that others hold preconceived visions of Justice that may not be my own and realize that some may be disappointed by the terms of this settlement. I chose this path as it reflects another source of my belief structure that guides my life and is based upon influences I hold dear to my heart. How fitting that this personal level of resolution would occur during this month of February as we celebrate our bonds through contributions of Black culture that I lived so closely with and my heart was nurtured by during my early years.

The motto of the National Association of Colored Woman, “Lifting As We Climb” expresses most closely my own beliefs and guides in word what my heart attempts in action for daily living. Perhaps my sharing this additional detail with you will help to further clarify the Justice path I chose.

From Twentieth Century Negro Literature, 1902
“And so lifting as we climb, onward and upward we go, struggling and striving and hoping that the buds and blossoms of our desires will burst into glorious fruition ere long. With courage born of success in the past, with a keen sense of responsibility, which we must continue to assume, we look forward to the future, large with promise and hope. Seeking no favors because of our color or patronage because of our needs, we knock at the bar of justice and ask for an equal chance.”

God be with us on our pathways of Peace and Justice,
Jane


Dedication
This work is dedicated with all my love to Daisy.
Her warmth taught me love, her gift of patience taught me to search my heart for patience with others, her Soul taught me strength equal to compassion, and through her love and guidance I learned to reach for my World.

Every blade of grass has its Angel that bends over and whispers, "Grow, grow." -The Talmud


Dear Daisy,
with all my love,

'Mis Jane

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Pooh Bear

The next chapter...

Times falling between the living it and the "day job", next chapters and next books competed for my time and begged me to follow.

My Earth walking companion, a true loyal friend, my editor for those spur of the moment read it outloud checks whether happening day or late-early hours of dark; "So Levi,...how's this sound?"...

While I was writing Dear Daisy he had grown to be 14 years old. I could count on him mostly to vote positive, though there were times he yawned or the worst, if I was well into the story and he didn't bother to lift his head off his pillow or doggie bed. Just a look, one eye open...that answered all I had asked. My four paw companion would move on after Dear Daisy was written and bound...a loss I could have lived many more years without feeling....and as I lived it...I couldn't help but notice that his passing...well, let's just say, for all the losses...I have never felt anything to feel more like the end of a chapter.

Levi
"Levi Strauss"; "lit'l Lee"; "Eeyore"


So I swore "never again"...and life answered by pulling me forward...distractions and reminders of reasons why you are here have a funny way of doing that...

Then there came the next dog character...

Bear
and the next story...

so I chose to live it...to follow...just to see where this one would take me.

I stumbled upon this yesterday during my daily research the internet time for publishing; seeing what is rare and old and catching up to the just written new in the literary world. Yes...I am a blog reader, and an internet scanner, but not to confuse you...and mostly to assure myself that I haven't become a modern techie of this century...I settle upon just a few...

Here's one you don't stumble upon everyday...and let me assure you, as a writer, after reading this
I am taking special interest in my box of Crayolas...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6635575.stm

Janie



"THE OLD GREY DONKEY, Eeyore, stood by himself in a thistly corner of the forest, his front feet well apart, his head on one side, and thought about things. Sometimes he thought sadly to himself, "Why?" and sometimes he thought, "Wherefore?" and sometimes he thought, "Inasmuch as which?" -and sometimes he didn't quite know what he was thinking about. So when Winnie-the-Pooh came stumbling along, Eeyore was very glad to be able to stop thinking for a little, in order to say "How do you do?"..."

From Chapter Four, In Which, Eeyore Loses a Tail and Pooh Finds One, The Complete Tales of Winnie-the-Pooh, A.A. Milne with Decorations by Ernest H. Shepard/Winnie-the-Pooh, copyright 1926 by E. P. Dutton & Co., Inc./Presentation copyright 1994 by Dutton Children's Books.

The Heart Knows

From somewhere deep within, there was a voice calling me home. I had to listen. When a child of any age hears that voice, there’s no denying it, least not to yourself, especially when the call becomes a whisper.

Jane Marla Ver Dow
Dear Daisy, 2004




Let your heart guide you. It whispers, so listen closely.
~ The Land Before Time

Full Circle

My message to me, the author, I wrote then shared with others, the readers of Dear Daisy…

live your life…be who you are…do not be afraid…have faith…move past…do not let others hold you back or to deliver you where you do not wish to follow…see the mirror God reflects through water…take pleasure in life…have fun…receive God’s abundance…it is all designed for you…become the child you were created to be and are…return to who you once were, the child of hope and dreams…be one with God and Nature…record your footsteps…build your dreams…feed your soul…and live your life through your Spirit, simple...be one with God…sharing God’s abundance through your gifts as given from Heaven…and so you will give back on Earth…feed your timeless eternal soul, preserve and replenish the Earth tho’ life measured in seconds and days…stay true to the discovery…on your path remain...it was designed and written for you.


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Seasons of a writer's heart

And so, I opened my heart to my heart’s desire, to write.

Honoring those who were teaching me by their example;
their stories of seasons of living

then life-death and choice each step along the path…

And my own life, teaching me, too…

Truth of transitions...
keep it simple and if it is not an absolute “yes” then it is a definite “no”,
and “follow your heart”.

Two lines came to mind.

Peace be my winter. I pray. I hope.
I write somehow to make it so.


Then these words came next…in a time of heart then locked between Winter and Spring.
Much like the Winter-Spring of this season change of 2007,
in a place along the Southern Shoreline of Lake Ontario.


Written April, 2005

(an excerpt attached here...)


Peace Be My Winter

Peace be my winter
The one today.
Even more so
that one tomorrow.

I do wish for gentle snows to fall
Enough to cover.
Quiet, break silence
footsteps crunching the frozen
Just enough to tell me life is still
Around me.

Seasons told by trees and color of land,
Birds flocking and overhead skies,
The waves or none like glass
Early morning or nights
on Lake Ontario.

Thaws to new beginnings
Buds bloom apple and peach
the locals call favorite
Mine, too.

Leave buds of Maple and Oak
One day just popping
On some schedule,
secret, mystery to all
save One and Mother.

If I noticed.

(Summer season omitted here)

The reds of Maples
And the Sycamores
That’s how Upstate
called home is known
In times, named Autumn.

(and some of Autumn lost here on page as well)

Sleep or wake dream
My Soul at home
Snuggled in
under blanket of comfort,
in a place called home.

Next Season or Next Place to be...
Along the southern Shoreline of Lake Ontario.

-Janie