Hello, fellow Poetry Friday peeps!
It’s been a fast week! Last Saturday, I traveled to New York to spend five days with my Dad. I returned home yesterday evening! Either way, you slice it, the trip takes about 13 hours. I flew this time, but my husband and I usually drive it on the I-90. We did that the first week in April, coming back after stopping at his sister’s in Buffalo to see the Eclipse on April 8th.
But, I wanted to squeeze in a trip between our usual three-month visits, so I flew in. Even though the flights are short, It still involves 13 hours of travel! Go figure! I enjoy spending one-on-one time with my Dad. He’s a great guy and still sharp at almost 88. He does get lonely since my mom died last July.

We visited and I weeded four of this many garden beds in his large yard that backs up to a pond. He’s still in his own home and can still drive. Yet, time is precious. So, while we can make more frequent trips, we will. My sister lives an hour away and tries to see him every two weeks, as she’s still been working full time.
Anyway, I’m home and we’re getting ready to host our first visitors at the cabin for the summer season. Thus, my post will be short.
Picture Perfect Poetry Book Giveaway
Drum roll, please!!!!
Congratulations to Rose Capelli who was the randomly drawn number 3 and winner of a free copy of the recently published anthology Picture Perfect Poetry. Rose will recognize many names of those Poetry Friday peers in this ekphrastic nature poetry book! I just need to get Rose’s address and the book will be in the mail Monday! Thanks to those who participated!
New Poetry
I haven’t had much time to write new poetry lately. It’s been hard to squeeze in daily writing. I did manage to submit to another poetry magazine this week. I have lots of ideas – I just need to prioritize writing and editing time.
I was able to take some cool photos of a dragonfly at my father’s pond. He/she kept coming back to this rock below where I was standing on the shore of the pond. They were probably just sunning themselves but…..you just never know!

dragonfly hunter
breaks from eating tasty bugs
wonders about me
Β© Carol Labuzzetta, 2024
Lastly, I am adding copies of Picture Poetry Perfect to my blog (this website) to make them available for purchase from me. You'll save 20% if you buy from me. Shipping is not included but to most addresses will be $5.35, and a second paypal invoice will be sent for that. The page will offer a button that allows you to pay by Paypal.
Once I have the link up (by Monday for sure), I will post it here. If you have trouble, be sure to let me know.
Here is the link: https://theapplesinmyorchard.com/photography/
Thanks for your support!
Poetry Friday is hosted this week by Denise Krebs. She and I share a love for the aridness of the desert biome. Denise generously gives of herself in her posts. I'm always grateful when I read her blog. Thus, I was so pleased that she was able to participate in the Picture Perfect Poetry anthology! Thanks, Denise! You can check out her post today by clicking here.
Tree Frog is excited to be in this anthology. πΈ
LikeLike
Carol, thank you, thank you for your kind words, from one desert lover to the next. I love that that dragonfly may be wondering about you. All the best on your writing and editing during this busy chapter.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Denise!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your father’s pond looks like a place of peace, Carol. I hope you and he enjoyed your time together — so precious!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Patricia! Yes, we did enjoy spending our time together. He’s a good guy. I’ve enjoyed hearing his stories.
LikeLike
You are a busy woman, Carol! But I’m so glad you got to spend time again with your dad! His pond is gorgeous, as is that dragonfly. Is it wondering about you? love the query! Have a lovely rest of the week!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Linda! You are always so kind!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gorgeous reflections and moment captured in your father’s pond. I can see why he is wanting to stay in his own home! Also, I had not realised that dragonflies ate bugs! They look so harmless…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lol! Yes! I think I knew they ate bugs but they are thought to be once of the deadliest predators! Who knew?!
LikeLike
Carol, your father must have enjoyed your visit before Father’s Day. His pond area is so beautiful and peaceful. Since I love dragonflies, your photo and poem is one that I would love to add to my Poetry Parade Padlet if that is fine with you. My padlet collection will turn into a gallery of artistic expressions. Click here: https://padlet.com/cvarsalona/join-the-poetry-parade-16pbxxw6o7dl9f8z.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely fine about the haiku’s addition to the padlet, Carol! Thank you!
LikeLike
I love dragonflies. One of my favorite parts of summer is walking on trails I know have them and trying desperately to take pictures of them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved your submission on dragonflies to the anthology, Marcie! That’s why I placed it in the front of the book – you did a great job capturing that dragonfly and writing about it! You are an inspiration!
LikeLike
13 hours is a long trip! Glad you got to see your dad. His pond looks lovely.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Tabatha! I’m glad I made the trip – especially after what I wrote about today! Time is precious!
LikeLike
What special time with your dad, and his place is beautiful. Still driving at 88! Good for him, but yes, time is precious.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Karen. It has beena special time with my Dad – My mom had a “big” and “strong” personality and my Dad took a back seat to that (but never complained – he loved her so). It’s been nice to hear his stories…
LikeLike