Literary

Fiction Nook
Reported by FoxY

The Fiction Theme for July was to choose a nursery rhyme and rewrite it into a story. A special thank you to everyone who took the time to read the stories and send in your votes.

Congratulations to our winners!!

FIRST PLACE
Ladybird, Ladybird, Kayla & Me by Christina Smith aka Stina

SECOND PLACE
I Bid Thee Farewell by Julie A Strickland aka FoxY

THIRD PLACE
Hare Monkey by WinterWolf
John & Jane by Litha Sonner


Whimsical Nook
Reported by Orca

Come and see what lighthearted tales and poems we have for you this month! But a warning....it's only for the young at heart! *g*


Nonfiction Nook
Reported by Christina

Being as it is summer in the northern hemisphere and for most of our members, this month members reflected on summertime memories. Come join the fun and lose yourself in summer memories.


Poetry Nook
Reported by FoxY

During June, the poetry theme was to write a poem inspired by the opening line of the book, "What Once We Loved" by Jane Kirkpatrick:

Whipped-cream clouds danced across a stage of blue before an audience of oak.

A special thank you to everyone who took the time to read all the poems and to cast your votes.

Congratulations to our winners!

First Place -Each Day Begins Anew by Julie A Strickland aka FoxY

Second Place - The Giftby Kesia aka Nasty Angel

Third Place - Nature's Delight by Litha Sonner

Honorable Mention - Nature's Secret by Loretta Jacobs aka Silveressence

Honorable Mention - Untitled by Linda J Vaughan


Challenge Nook
Reported by Christina

Imaging you are walking down the corridor of a seemingly empty building - how would you feel? What would you see? This month members shared their own perceptions of what they saw in their minds. And the results were interesting. Also included in the challenge were ten words to be incorporated in their tales.


Continuing Story Nook
Reported by Christina

"The Continuing Story this month saw us trek to the Australian outback, in "Secrets". A lot of fun, with plenty of imaginations, twists and turns as the girls took us on a wonderful journey. We invite you to stop by and take a look, immerse yourself into a tale of mystery, suspense and secrets. But most of all, enjoy the ride!


Celebrations & Comfort Nook
Reported by Broken Angel

I would like to thank everyone who submitted this month. I know all of our Sisters here appreciate your thoughts and sentiments on their pages. Please keep on submitting ladies! Have a wonderful August.

Until next month, Happy Reading,
FoxY, Delana, Carol, Christina, Orca, and Broken Angel


SPOTLIGHT AUTHOR OF THE MONTH

Brennie has been a long time member of the Literary Garden, and always completes her required assignments in a variety of nooks. She is a valued asset to our literary family.

Please take a moment and read her interview and learn a little more about our beautiful Brennie.

Brennie
Brenda Barnhart
BrennieLit@aol.com
www.brenniesdreamscape.com

1. What is your favorite Literary Garden Nook and why?

Gosh a tough one – I love a few, but I think I’ll say the Challenge Nook, because many of the challenges presented to date have been the most stimulating for me. I feel they’ve caused me to reach the deepest within myself, and the result has been what my own favorites of my writings are personally. In addition, the Challenge Nook is where I seem to be learning the most about different writing styles, i.e. double haiku poems, diamante poems, and so on. So it’s very stimulating for me both intellectually and emotionally.

2. What do you like best about being a member of the Garden?

When I first joined, it was to keep myself stimulated to write, but I’ve discovered it’s much more than that. It’s a community of women that share the same passion for writing that I do. I appreciate this because it’s not something I have in common with the other people in my daily life, and at times that can get lonely. Writing can be a lonely art, but being in this Garden puts a lot of joy into it and I love that!

3. Do you believe "the pen is mightier than the sword?" Why?

Absolutely! Words, oh the power of words! Whether spoken, read or even thought in one’s mind, they can uplift, they can tear you down. The sword wounds the body, but words can wound the heart, the mind, the self-esteem. NOW, words can also HEAL. No sword can do that.

4. If you had the chance to speak on international television and your speech had to be about you, what would you tell the world?

Had to be about ME? Darn… ok let me think… I would say, “go to www.brennies........!” haahaa Seriously, I think I would want to tell them the power that their thoughts and intentions (and words) have on their lives, and that this could give them some control over their happiness. And since it would have to be about me, I would start by saying, “I have discovered the secret of life!”

5. Do you have any pets?

Why yes, thanks for asking! I have a beautiful cat named Butter! She’s 14 years old. She’s my sweet lil ol’ lady and I love her dearly! She’s very intelligent and I am her world! If I stub my toe or hurt myself (or even spill water all over my desk and make a noise) she comes running to me to see if I’m ok (I wonder if it’s to help?) I would love to know what she is thinking. She’s going to live forever, because I can’t live without her.

6. When life gets you down, who can make you laugh?

Hmm… I love watching stand up comedy. George Lopez’ stand up brings me to tears.

7. Do you collect anything? If so, care to share?

It used to be lambies, but lately it’s been the letter “B” at my office. I work in construction, so sign companies bring 3-d samplings of B’s for me to keep (like exterior building signs). :O)

8. Can you tell us one thing about yourself that we might find surprising?

A few times now, when in public places, all the noises around me suddenly combined and sounded like angelic choir, like I went into an altered state (but still fully awake and wondering what the heck it was and feeling wierd). Wait, you said surprising, not crazy? heehee

9. What is your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?

Sit and watch and listen to the rain.

10. Who or what inspires you to write?

Love! All aspects of love - Longing for it, being in the joy of it, loving someone so much it hurts. The passion, the pain, the joy. Love is my muse.

Thank you for this honor – it’s been fun answering these questions! I love reading these every month and never expected to be selected myself. :O) ~Brennie