Hi, everyone! I hope you’ve had a great start to the new week.
Today I’m happy to introduce a lovely lady who also happens to be a wonderful poet and writer. She has a new release, a poetry book called, Songs of Heartstrings. Please help me welcome, Author, Miriam Hurdle.
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About the Author
Miriam Hurdle is an Amazon Best-Selling Author. She writes poetry, flash fiction, short stories, and memoir. Her poems are included in Letters to Gaia, Whispers and Echoes Issue 2, Whispers and Echoes Issue 3, Outcast, and More Words.
She is passionate about poetry and her favorite poets are Robert Frost with his poems “The Road Not Taken,” and Linda Pastan with her poem “To a Daughter Leaving Home.”
Music has rooted in her life. Being a soloist as a teenager led her to taking voice lessons and to have ongoing singing engagements. She continues to sing soprano in choral groups. Lyrics have a major influence in the natural flow of her melodic writing. She writes memoir in the form of poetry.
Along with her brother, she took photos when the films were black and white. Photography is still her enjoyable hobby. Drawing and painting were fun activities as a child. Her favorite was to draw a Japanese girl with big eyes, long hair, small lips and chin. She resumed drawing and watercolor painting several years ago. In her poetry collection, photos and paintings are included to illustrate the poems.
She earned a Doctorate 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.
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From the Author
My garden is a sanctuary to me. I love to have my morning coffee in the garden, walking around to appreciate the flowers, plants, butterflies and birds. A baby hummingbird was born in my garden in June 2018. He spent the winter in my garden while the parents flew south for several weeks. My husband and I travel frequently. The moments in nature near and far touch deep in my heart and soul and inspire my thoughts and words.
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From Amazon
Human beings have the will power to travel through an exhausting journey, win a tough battle, and heal a deep wound. Strength from hope keeps us going until the light at the end of the tunnel is in sight and striving until the storm is over.
Songs of Heartstrings plays the melancholy tune of the suffering and transcending to the melody of serenity and peace. It is a road traveled with optimism, hope and appreciation amid heartache circumstances and an unpredictable cancer. It also celebrates true love and fulfilling relationships.
Hurdle in her poetry collection includes nine themes: Songs of Nature, Songs of Dissonance, Songs of Physical Healing, Songs of Marriage, Songs of Parenthood, Songs of Tribute, Songs of Reflections, Songs of Challenge, and Songs of Inspiration. Each of these themes covers various aspects of her life experience. Many poems are illustrated with her photos and watercolor paintings.
The poems in this collection are inspiring to the mind, heart and spirit. The readers will echo with these experiences.
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Poem from Songs of Nature
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Hibiscus
Hibiscus flowers,
red and yellow.
They bloom today,
wither tomorrow.
Their colors are
cheerfully bright,
velvety petals
thin with energy.
Yet they live
only for one day.
Wrinkles appear on
faces soon to be next.
Sigh! What a pity!
Why not stay?
They have no worry,
nature was made.
When they’re alive,
they live fully.
Give them all,
for Creator’s glory!
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Poem from Songs of Inspiration
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Solitude
Everywhere, I hear noises and voices,
I quickly answer and respond.
Every day, I receive demands and comments,
I rush to comply and improvise.
Every hour, I see needs and pleas,
I passionately lend my ears.
The momentum is like a snowball,
where to stop, no idea at all.
Once in a while, I unplug myself
to be away from the
noises and voices,
demands and comments,
needs and pleas,
and land myself in solitude,
where I could attend my voice and
the voice from above, to
reacquaint my inner self,
refresh my private thoughts,
re-lubricate my soul,
rejuvenate my energy,
reignite my spirit, so to
return to the world, and
be of better service.
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My Review:
Songs of Heartstrings by Miriam Hurdle is a lovely collection of freestyle poetry written from the heart.
The book is divided into nine sections of songs that cover much of what the author has gone through in life, from getting married and giving birth, to losing a parent and surviving cancer. Reading this book felt very intimate at times, because it seemed the author’s heart and soul went into writing it. At the start of each section the author shares quotes which I liked. I also enjoyed the photographs and drawings that she shared with some of the poems.
I had many favorite poems but “Mom and Dad” is at the top of my list. I loved it, because it reminded me so much of my own parents.
A wonderful poetry book by Miriam Hurdle.
Connect with Miriam on Social Media:
Contact the Author:
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Miriam-Hurdle/e/B07K2MCSVW?ref=dbs_p_ebk_r00_abau_000000
Website: https://theshowersofblessings.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mhurdle112
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miriam.hurdle.1
Links to Purchase the Book:
Amazon Universal Link: http://smarturl.it/SongsofHeartstrings
Amazon UK Link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07K1S47W9
Amazon.com Link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K1S47W9
Thank you for stopping by and for your support!
Congratulations, on your new release, Miriam! What a great review. Thanks for sharing a couple of your lovely poems with us today. Solitude touched a chord with me. Thanks for hosting Miriam today, Vashti. Have a great week!
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It’s a pleasure to host, Miriam. She’s a lovely person and talented poet. Thanks for stopping by and supporting her, Soooz! I hope you’re enjoying the week. 😀 xo
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Thank you so much, Soooz for stopping by and comment.
When I was a kid, my mom bought live chicken, slit the neck, drained the blood and I helped pluck the feathers. One time, my mom didn’t cut the chicken’s neck deep enough to kill it, the chicken was running around splashing the blood everywhere in the kitchen. I think I know what a mad or panicky person is like “running around like a chicken with its head chopped off.”
I need my quiet time as often as possible. I truly appreciate your liking of Solitude. Have a wonderful week. 🙂
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Oh my God! That was a horror story, Miriam. I’ll never hear the phrase, ‘Running like a chicken with its head cut off” without thinking of your story. \ :O /
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I know, Vashti, the image was so vivid that I remember the movement of the poor chicken.
BTW, if you have time, I would appreciate you post the review on Amazon. I’m excited for your 3rd installment of the angel series. I love the gentleness and human-like stories.
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I posted the review to Amazon. You should be able to see it later today. 🙂
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Thank you very much, Vashti. 🙂
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Thank you, Vashti, for hosting me. Your review of my poetry book is fabulous. I’m glad you could relate to the poem “Mom and Dad.” I think we both are thankful to have parents who cared for each other and that we learn how to care for people.
I’m with my daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter. It’s wonderful to see how much she’s learned since I saw her seven weeks ago. 🙂
Have a wonderful week ahead. I’ll be back tomorrow. ❤
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You’re very welcome, Miriam. It’s my pleasure showcasing your work here. Enjoy the time with your family and have a safe trip home. ❤ xo
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I’m having a great time with my granddaughter and delighted to hear her saying many words and hum some tunes. I made the correction of the names of your books. ❤ xox
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I’m so happy you had a great time with your granddaughter. Thank you! 😀
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Yes, I did. I read a Mad Woman on the plane and have 20% to finish, review will follow!! 🙂
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Reblogged this on The Showers of Blessings and commented:
I’m excited Author of “Son of Lilith” and “Son of Serpent” Vashti Quiroz-Vega has me as Featured Author on her blog. She did a fabulous review of my poetry book. Her post also featured two of the poems. Please head over to read the entire post and find out about her books.
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Thanks for reblogging, Miriam. It’s actually, The Fall of Lilith and Son of the Serpent. 🙂
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Thank you, Vashti, I’ll make the correction on my post. 🙂
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I really enjoyed your poems, Miriam. “Solitude” struck a chord with this line: re-lubricate my soul. That is what nature is to me. I’m looking forward to reading your poetry and should have it read by Poetry Month:) “A Road Less Taken” is also one of my favorite poems. I have a print of it in the living room:) Thanks for hosting Vashti!
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Hi Denise! I know you’re a nature lover, so I thought you might like Miriam’s poems. Thanks for stopping by! 😀 xo
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Thank you so much for stopping by, Denise. I’m sure we all are so busy just with our writing and rewriting and writing alone. I remember how tired I was when editing my poetry book, and decided to take a break for a few days, just playing computer games!!
Good to hear that we have common favorite. It is a thought provoking poem.
I bought The Button. I’m going home on Thursday after spending a week with my granddaughter in Portland, OR.
Thank you for reading my book, hope you find some poems you like. ❤ ❤
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A lovely new release which is on my TBR shelf waiting to go. Enjoyed reading this about Miriam and the review too Vashti. 🙂
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I’m happy you enjoyed the post, Marje. Thanks for stopping by and for the reblog! 😀 xo
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You’re welcome Vashti. 🙂
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Hi Marje, good to see you here and comment. Thank you for sharing this post also. I appreciate you have my book on your TBR list. I have quite a few also. ❤
It's lovely to have Vashti hosting me. I read Son of the Serpent. I have The Fall of LIlith, but have read it yet. I also downloaded Memoir of a Mad Woman. 🙂
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Thank you very much, Miriam! ❤ xo
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You’re welcome, Vashti. ❤
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Reblogged this on M J Mallon YA/Paranormal Author and commented:
Vashti’s review and author interview of Miriam Hurdle’s new release. #recommended
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Congratulations, Miriam! Your poetry is beautiful. Thanks for the terrific review, Vashti! ❤
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It was my pleasure to review Miriam’s book and host her here. Thanks for your support, Jill. ❤ xo
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Thank you so much, Jill for your kind comment. I appreciate Vashti’s fabulous review and her generosity of hosting me. 🙂
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Lovely review!
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Thank you, Norah! 😀 I appreciate your visit and comment. Thanks for the support.
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Hi Norah, thank you so much for stopping by and I appreciate your comment! 🙂
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My pleasure, Miriam.
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Much appreciated, Norah.
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How cool to combine your own photos and watercolor paintings with your poetry. The “Songs of Marriage” section . . . sounds romantic.:-) Best of luck to Miriam on this new release!
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Hi Priscilla! It is a great idea. I always felt that poetry, art and music go well together. Every section has something special. Thanks for your comment and visit. I appreciate you. 😀 xo
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Thank you very much, Priscilla. I think it’s the way I do my blog posts. I usually have photos or other artwork as visuals for my writing. I decided to do the same for my poetry book.
I’m glad you like the section of “Songs of Marriage.” I read those poems to my husband and he likes them a lot!
I appreciate your wishes, Priscilla! ❤
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Fabulous review to share, Vashti. It’s lovely to see Miriam and her beautiful poetry featured here. Thanks so much for sharing. Bravo to Miriam. 🙂
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Thank you, Natalie! I enjoyed reading the poems and looking at the pictures and drawings. Thank you for bringing your lovely and positive presence to my blog it’s always a treat. ❤
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Thank you so much, Natalie for your visit and your lovely comment. I appreciate your support. ❤
I'm honored to be featured here on Vashti's blog. She has a wonderful review of my book. 🙂
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A big congratulations to Miriam. I absolutely adore her new book cover! The poems she chose to share are great! I have this book on my Kindle. But, right now, Lilith has my attention. 🙂 Thanks, Vashti!
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Yay! Wonderful news, Jan! Thank you so much for reading my book. I hope you’re enjoying it. Thanks for stopping by and for your support. You just made my day! 😀 ❤
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Thank you, Jan for your support of my blog tour and got my book. I know, I have Lilith and The Mad Woman. I appreciate your liking of the poems. 🙂 ❤
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How lovely to see Miriam here, Vashti, with two lovely poems.
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Thank you for stopping by, Robbie, and your kind comment. I’m so glad to be featured by Vashti. 🙂
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I’m happy to have her here, Robbie. Thanks for the visit. 😀 xo
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Nice to learn more about you, Miriam.
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Thank you so much for your visit and kind comment. 🙂
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Thanks for stopping by, Craig! 😀 xo
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Hi, Vashti. Delighted to find Miriam Hurdle and her beautiful poetry collection Songs of the Heartstrings featured on your blog today! Sharing…
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Thank you, Bette for your kind comment and your support. I’m glad to see you here. 🙂
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Hi, Bette! I’m happy to feature Miriam and her work here. Thanks so much for stopping by. ❤
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What a wonderful review for Miriam’s book Vashti. I loved it too. ❤ Congrats Miriam! xxx
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Thank you so much, Debby for your support and comment. It’s kind of VAshti to review my book and feature me here. ❤
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Thank you for visiting and for your lovely comment, Debby! ❤ xo
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Nice to see Miriam here. Your review of her poetry is indeed inspiring Vashti! Thanks for sharing.
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Thank you so much Balroop for stopping by and comment. Vashti has a fabulous review of my poetry. ❤
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Hi, Balroop! Thanks for stopping by and for your awesome comment. ❤
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Both these poems are beautiful and Miriam has so much talent. A lovely review Vashti and I am sure Miriam will be so encouraged.
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Thank you, Julie for your support. Congratulations to you for being the Spotlight Author this month. Thank you for supporting my blog tour. I have been visiting my granddaughter. I must catch up and get your book. I love the book cover. 🙂
I appreciate Vashti hosting me here and has a great review of my poetry.
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I just bought your book, Julie. There are many medical professionals in my husband’s family. I’d love to read your book.
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Hello, Julie! Thank you for visiting and for the lovely comment. ❤
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Really loved the poem you shared and it is sooo true. We do need to escape more often then not, from the hussle and bussle of every day life to refresh our minds and return as more productive and positive citizens.
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Hi, Cleo! Yes, we can all use a mental break from time to time. I’m glad you enjoyed the poems. Thanks for stopping by. ❤ xo
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Thank you for your kind comment, Cleopatra. I’m glad you can relate to the poem. It would be nice if we could do it from time to time.
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I had the same reaction to Miriam’s book, Vashti, a feeling that it was a personal intimate peek into her life. Beautiful poems throughout. 🙂
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Thank you so much, Diana, for your lovely comment. I appreciate your review. It surprised me when Sally found your review!! ❤ ❤
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I think Sally has elves helping her find reviews. She’s quick!
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Yes, I think so, Diana! ❤
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Vashti, thank you so much for such a lovely introduction to Miriam.😀
Miriam, I am in awe of all the arts in your life – that is a gift indeed! I love the idea of a memoir in poetry and Solitude resonates with me (and I’m sure many) particularly. How often haven’t I felt that :
‘The momentum is like a snowball,
where to stop, no idea at all.’
You do right to unplug, re-enegise, for yourself and others! Best of luck with your book!😀
Happy Weekend to you both! 🌺
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