A Beautiful Poem Written By My Mom and Updates From More Miles to Go...
Today, Laura shares a work of poetry from her mom, “Departures.”
IN THIS ISSUE OF MORE MILES TO GO...:
Laura’s Idle Chatter: A Poem Written By My Mom “Departures”
Shop Talk: The State of My Publishing Career
Bodywork: More Uses for Rosemary Essential Oil
Letter from the Editor
LAURA’S IDLE CHATTER: ABOUT “DEPARTURES”
It has occurred to me lately that discussing my losses makes some people uncomfortable. We are all afraid to lose, is my guess, and my life as of the last several years (more like over a decade now that I’m thinking about it) has been overshadowed by loss. I have now lost both my parents, as you may or may not know, and the loss of them and the aftermath of losing them has been so profound that, on many days, the pain feels almost unbearable. So, needless to say, I’m not much fun at picnics or parties.
With that said, I began this website to honor both my parents: my mother’s love of the written word, her artistry, and my father’s love of motors. But after almost a year, this platform has become more than that for me. This space has now become a mission, a new business venture, and a place to be creative and work myself out amid the chaos that has become my life—and so I thank you, dear reader, for braving this ride with me.
My mother will be gone one year on July 11. And my mother and I share the same loving heart. And I know this may sound odd if you don’t know us, but we are so infinitely alike and entwined that I do feel she continues to live on through me in many ways.
Today, I wanted to honor the one year of my mother’s passing by sharing a work of her poetry and, most importantly, her own words about “Departures.”
In my mother’s words, she has said of her poetic work, “In my poetry, I have chosen to be open, to live life itself, whatever it may bring; joys, sorrows, triumphs, failures, suffering, comfort and certainly, always, change.” And so therein lies her message to me, to you, and to all of us, dear reader. Life is and always will be about change.
With this, I give you “Departures.”
Departures The day is quiet Except for the bending of the oak’s crisp leaves I imagine a long surf today On a distant shore Where a raging sea wears pebbles up and down. Soon, night will gather around me This day has been smiles and frowns. As dusk appears now above a sultry sky With all its sublimity of stars Deepened lines trace my forehead and although beauty is all around me tonight, I am alone on earth. ~Donna Turner
SHOP TALK: THE STATE OF MY PUBLISHING CAREER
This week, I received notice that one of my short romantic stories, “Fresh Start,” will be featured in a new online romance magazine called Micromance Magazine out here on Substack. The editor has invited me to be in their inaugural issue, and this was welcome news, indeed. If you are with me on Facebook, I will be sure to share this story, as well as to hopefully provide a link in the next issue here if it’s available by then. I have many other short stories pending, so hopefully, I’ll have a growing list to share!
In other news, I am currently developing, editing, and publishing a book for my brother called “Beyond the Bridge: The 10 Things I’ve Learned From a Lifetime of Disability.” This work is a short book of his memoirs and experiences of being compromised from the waist down. It’s still in the developing stages, but we hope to have it ready to roll out in the early to late fall. With any luck!
When my brother’s book is complete, I plan to begin the querying process for my large work of fiction. It is my understanding that finding an agent is a numbers game; enticing an agent is a nearly impossible task, and so I am readying myself for a long and arduous process. Regardless, this is the book of my heart, and many of my friends on Instagram are receiving publishing deals, so the prospect is a live one.
BODYWORK: MORE USES FOR ROSEMARY ESSENTIAL OIL
In a past issue of More Miles to Go... I wrote about inhaling Rosemary Essential Oil for use as a quick stress-buster. But there’s more. According to my Young Living manual (Essential Oil Pocket Reference), a drop of Rosemary Essential Oil into the palms and inhaled will help keep your mind sharp. This is also true according to studies.
British scientists suggest that inhaling Rosemary Essential Oil can enhance prospective memory, the portion of the brain used to record time-sensitive tasks like important meetings or scheduled phone calls, by 75 percent. Young Living stresses the use of therapeutic-grade essential oils, but rosemary is everywhere these days. So, if you need a brain booster, do give this a try.
A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR:
Thank you again for subscribing to More Miles to Go... I appreciate your time and interest in my writing work and wellness philosophy. The comments are open. If you’d like to support me, please click on the little heart “like” button below, or feel free to leave me a comment. I want to know you and would love to hear from my readers. As always, I value your feedback as well as your precious time. See you down the road in mid-August!
Laugh and Be Well,
Laura
I've got your back, girl!
I so love this, Laura, and admire your honesty. Isn't it ironic how we don't want to be vulnerable but find kindred souls when we do? You are so fortunate to carry you mother's words forward.