Five Ways to Thrive in 2025

Posted on by Joanne Guidoccio

On Wednesdays, I share posts, fables, songs, poems, quotations, TEDx Talks, cartoons, and books that have inspired and motivated me on my writing journey. I hope these posts will give writers, artists, and other creatives a mid-week boost.

A long-time fan of bestselling author Claire Cook, I look forward to reading her monthly newsletter. Here are five tips she shared in the January 2025 newsletter:

Focus on the positive. Even during challenging and complicated and uncertain times, there’s so much beauty and kindness and fun out there. Don’t let the ugly stuff block your view.

Know when to let it go. Can you make a positive impact here? Can you add value? Can you change anything? If not, let it go. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Or even the big stuff. Save your energy for the places where you can make a difference.

Stop trying to fix other people. (It took me forever to learn this one!) Just let them be who they are, instead of trying to turn them into who you’d prefer them to be. It will free up a ton of time and everybody will be so much happier. It doesn’t work anyway—it really is true that you can only change yourself.

Go get it. Figure out who you really are. Focus on the life you really want and then create it. What brings you joy? What makes you feel alive? What makes you laugh? What holds your focus as the hours slip away? Quit making excuses and use that energy to make it happen instead.

Take one step. When you’re struggling and/or procrastinating, just take a single step in the direction you want to go. As the characters in The Wildwater Walking Club series know so well, even big changes happen one step at a time.

BONUS TIP: Just say no to drama. Challenging family dynamics? Toxic work situations? Fake friends who take advantage of your people-pleasing tendencies? Those of us who grew up in chaos can sometimes be attracted to drama like that proverbial moth to a flame. All that drama can feel normal to us. It takes two to tango, so don’t engage in the drama and see how much simpler and calmer your life gets.

Virtual Book Tour: These Are Not My Words

Posted on by Joanne Guidoccio

I’m happy to welcome professor and poet Donovan Hufnagle. Today, he shares his new poetry collection, These Are Not My Words (I Just Wrote Them).

Blurb

Echoing Chuck Palahniuk’s statement. “Nothing of me is original. I am the combined effort of everyone I’ve ever known,” this collection explores identity. These poems drift down rivers of old, using histories private and public and visit people that I love and loathe. Through heroes and villains, music and cartoons, literature and comics, science and wonder, and shadow and light, each poem canals the various channels of self and invention. As in the poem, “Credentials,” “I am a collage of memories and unicorn stickers…[by] those that have witnessed and been witnessed.”

Excerpt

Refurbished

Susan taught me that poetic energy lies
between the lines, white noise scratching
and clawing between images, ideas,
things…

And like a poem,
the chair was molded by my Tio’s hands,
an antique wooden upholstered desk chair.

My Tio moved from Durango, Mexico
to Forth Worth in 1955.

He became a mason and wood worker.

He bricked the stockyards

He built the signs

He died in 2005.

Now,
matted. Worn. Faded floral design. Wood
scarred like healing flesh.

The arms torn, ratted by the heft of his arms
and the stress of the days. The foam peeks
out.

The brass upholstery tacks rusted. I count
1000 of them. With each,
I mallet a fork-tongue driver under its head.
A tap, tap, tapping until it sinks beneath the tack,
until the tack springs from its place.
I couldn’t help but think of a woodpecker.
A tap, tap, tapping into Post Oak,
a rhythm…each scrap of wood falling to the ground
until a home is formed.
Until each piece of wood like the tacks removed
shelter something new.

I remove the staples, the foam, the fabric,
the upholstery straps
until it’s bones.
I sand and stain
until its bones shine.

I layer and wrap its bones with upholstery straps,
foam, fabric, staples and tacks.
New tacks, Brass medallions
adorning the whole, but holding it
all together—
its bones
its memories,
its energy.

Author Bio and Links

Donovan Hufnagle is a husband, a father of three, and a professor of English and Humanities. He moved from Southern California to Prescott, Arizona to Fort Worth, Texas. He has five poetry collections: These Are Not My Words (I Just Wrote Them), Raw Flesh Flash: The Incomplete, Unfinished Documenting Of, The Sunshine Special, Shoebox, and 30 Days of 19. Other recent writings have appeared in Tempered Runes Press, Solum Literary Press, Poetry Box, Beyond Words, Wingless Dreamer, Subprimal Poetry Art, Americana Popular Culture Magazine, Shufpoetry, Kitty Litter Press, Carbon Culture, Amarillo Bay, Borderlands, Tattoo Highway, The New York Quarterly, Rougarou, and others.

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Amazon Buy Link

Giveaway

One randomly chosen winner via Rafflecopter will win a $25 Amazon/Barnes & Noble gift card. Find out more here.

Follow the author on the rest of his Goddess Fish tour here.

Book Blast: Where is Love?

Posted on by Joanne Guidoccio

I’m happy to welcome author Annie Caboose. Today, Annie shares her first children’s book, Where is Love?

Blurb

While walking in the garden one day, Annie, a curious little ant from Hillsville, meets a single poppy flower called Love. They become instant friends, sharing stories, laughing and talking for hours on end. Then one autumn day Annie goes to visit Love, but Love is not there. Remembering the rhyme that Love told her, she sets off on an adventure to find Love.

Love is with you every day.
Love is never far away.
Go search, go find and then you’ll see
All the places Love can be.

But don’t forget to look within
For often, that’s where Love begins.

May Annie’s story inspire anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved being, to look and perhaps still find them within their lives and within themselves.

Excerpt

Author Bio and Links

Annie, a.k.a. the Caboose, is the youngest of nine children. Her loving mother read her lots of children’s stories, including some she wrote herself. Inspired by her mom, Annie wrote her first book, Where is Love? She resides on a lake in the beautiful Okanagan Valley, fascinated by the many birds that live there too.

Website | Amazon | Instagram

Giveaway

Annie Caboose will be awarding a $10 Amazon/Barnes & Noble gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Find out more here.

Follow Annie on the rest of her Goddess Fish tour here.



Honoring President Carter

Posted on by Joanne Guidoccio

Earlier today, President Carter passed away at the age of 100. He served as the 39th President of the United States from 1977 to 1981 and is widely regarded for his unwavering commitment to human rights, environmental issues, and international diplomacy. His key achievements include brokering the Camp David Accords, establishing the Department of Education and Department of Energy, and signing the Panama Canal Treaties.

His post-presidency is not just celebrated in the United States, but across the globe. In 1982, he founded the Carter Center. The Center’s work has included overseeing more than 100 elections in 40 countries, mediating conflicts, and leading the fight against diseases such as guinea worm disease. His hands-on approach to humanitarian work, including building houses with Habitat for Humanity well into his nineties, has inspired people worldwide.

He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, a testament to his global impact and recognition. His efforts in promoting peace and human rights were acknowledged on the world stage. A prolific author, he released more than 25 books touching on his beliefs in God, country, and kindness.

My favorite quotations from President Carter…

America did not invent human rights. In a very real sense . . . human rights invented America.

My faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I can, whenever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have to try to make a difference.

Failure is a reality; we all fail at times, and it’s painful when we do. But it’s better to fail while striving for something wonderful, challenging, adventurous, and uncertain than to say, “I don’t want to try because I may not succeed completely.”

Like music and art, love of nature is a common language that can transcend political or social boundaries.

When people are intimidated about having their own opinions, oppression is at hand.

We must adjust to changing times and still hold to unchanging principles.

What are the things that you can’t see that are important? I would say justice, truth, humility, service, compassion, love. They’re the guiding lights of a life.

You only have to have two loves in your life…for God and for the person in front of you at any particular time.

We should live our lives as though Christ was coming this afternoon.

God always answers prayers. Sometimes it’s “yes.” Sometimes the answer is “no.” Sometimes it’s “you gotta be kidding.”

Movie Review: A Complete Unknown

Posted on by Joanne Guidoccio

Timothée Chalamet inhabits the character of Bob Dylan, providing us with an intimate look at the rock icon during his breakthrough period (1961 – 1965). Having spent the pandemic years preparing for this performance, Chalamet hits all the right notes. He does his own singing and guitar- and harmonic-playing and succeeds in channeling Dylan’s rebellious spirit and opportunism. It is not surprising that Chalamet has been nominated for a Golden Globe.

The film opens with Bob Dylan landing in New York at the age of 19 with a guitar and a rucksack. His first task was to visit his musical idol, Woody Guthrie (Scoot McNary), at Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital. We are immediately locked into the story and watch Dylan play a song to Guthrie while folk legend Pete Seeger (Edward Norton) sits nearby. What follows is a quick trajectory to fame for Dylan.

Edward Norton received a Supporting Actor nomination for his excellent portrayal of Pete Seger. Norton shines as he plays against type: an activist and soft-natured father figure to Dylan. Like Chalamet, Norton does his own singing and also plays the banjo.

The supporting cast includes Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez and Elle Fanning as Sylvie Russo, Dylan’s first girlfriend in New York. Barbaro delivers an incredible performance as Dylan’s musical rival and occasional lover. She sees through Dylan’s façade and calls him out for his rudeness. Fanning’s Sylvie evokes our sympathy as we watch her experience a rollercoaster of emotions throughout the film. A scene that tugs at the heartstrings: Joan Baez and Bob Dylan perform the tune “It Ain’t Me Babe” at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival while Sylvie watches.

Spanning over two hours, this well-paced film captivates with its seamless blend of musical performances, intimate moments, and historical context. However, I would have appreciated more insights into Dylan’s early days as Robert Zimmerman in Minnesota, beyond the glimpses offered through scrapbooks. The film has inspired me to read more about 1960s folk music and revisit the iconic tunes that became anthems for the civil rights and anti-war movements.

A strong contender in this year’s award season, A Complete Unknown is a must-see film.


A Timely Message

Posted on by Joanne Guidoccio

On Wednesdays, I share posts, fables, songs, poems, quotations, TEDx Talks, cartoons, and books that have inspired and motivated me on my writing journey. I hope these posts will give writers, artists, and other creatives a mid-week boost.

A long-time fan of bestselling authors and coaches Marc and Angel Chernoff, I look forward to reading their emails and blog posts. Here’s an excerpt from a recent post:

Ever feel a little overwhelmed? Or really overwhelmed?

This quick read is for YOU…

Once upon a time there was a man who had been lost in the desert for three whole days without water. Just as he was about to collapse, he saw what appeared to be a lake a few hundred yards in front of him. “Could it be? Or is it just a mirage?” he thought to himself.

With the last bit of strength he could muster, he staggered toward the lake and quickly learned that his prayers had been answered: it was no mirage — it was indeed a large spring-fed lake full of more fresh water than he could ever drink in his lifetime. Yet while he was practically dying of thirst, he couldn’t bring himself to drink the water. He simply stood by the water’s edge and stared down at it.

There was a passerby riding on a camel from a nearby desert town who was watching the man’s bizarre behavior. She got off her camel, walked up to the thirsty man and asked, “Why don’t you have a drink, sir?”

He looked up at the woman with an exhausted, distraught expression on his face and tears welling up in his eyes. “I think I’m dying of thirst,” he said, “But there is way too much water here in this lake to drink. No matter what I do, I can’t possibly finish it all.”

The passerby smiled softly, bent down, scooped some water up with her hands, lifted it to the man’s mouth and said, “Sir, your opportunity right now, and as you move forward throughout the rest of your life, is to understand that you don’t have to drink the whole lake to quench your thirst. You can simply take one sip — just one small sip… and then another if you choose. Focus only on the mouthful in front of you, and most of your anxiety, fear, and overwhelm about the rest will gradually fade.”

Note: I highly recommend subscribing to Marc & Angel’s website.

Blurb Blitz: The Brave Prince in the Enchanted Forest

Posted on by Joanne Guidoccio

I’m happy to welcome author Beverly Brown. Today, Beverly shares her new release, The Brave Prince in the Enchanted Forest.

Blurb

In the heart of a lush, beautiful serene forest, where butterflies, birds and bees freely dance in the gently breeze, a magical tale unfolds. Meet Prince, a majestic Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, who loves this serene place that they call The Enchanted Forest. As the appointed guardian of this homeland by the beautiful Forest Fairy Princess Jenna Joy, Prince learns things about himself, makes new friends and protects the sanctity of the forest. This story is a heartwarming tale of courage, friendship and the beauty of nature. Follow Prince’s pawprints as he navigates his way through the forest and you will be immersed into a world of wonder and joy. You will be enchanted and reminded of all the magic and extraordinary powers that lie within the hearts of our loyal, furry companions.

Excerpt

In recognition of the Cavalier’s promise, Princess Jenna Joy placed a golden crown with red jewels, a symbol not only of royalty but also of untapped magical powers, atop his little head. She named him Prince, in honor of becoming the first leader of the forest.

At that time, a bolt of energy went through Prince’s body.

He felt different.

He felt special.

He felt more responsible.

He even felt taller.

Author Bio and Links

Beverly Brown is an author who has a passion for storytelling. With a 20-year career as a Human Resources Leader, she has honed her understanding of people and their unique stories – a skill she brings to her writing, infusing her tales with warmth, empathy, and insight.

Beyond the pages of writing and outside the corporate world, Beverly is a culinary enthusiast who finds joy in cooking and sharing meals with her family in Atlanta, Georgia.

She is an avid traveler, seeking inspiration in the diverse cultures and landscapes she encounters, and a dedicated gardener, nurturing her plants with the same care she pours into her storytelling. As a lifelong learner, Beverly is constantly seeking new knowledge and experiences, whether in her professional field or her personal pursuits.

Beverly is a certified Pet Grief Counselor and uses those skills to support families in managing the grief cycle of their beloved family pet. Through her Facebook group Paws in Paradise Support Group, she is helping to build another community where members support each other with compassion and understanding.

Her writing reflects this curiosity, offering readers stories that are as enriching as they are enchanting. Drawing inspiration from her personal experiences with her own fur babies, her stories are a testament to the gentle nature and loyal spirit of these charming canines.

Website | YouTube | Facebook | Facebook Group Support Page | Instagram |

Amazon Buy Link | Barnes & Noble Buy Link

Giveaway

Beverly Brown will be awarding a $15 Amazon/Barnes & Noble gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Find out more here.

Follow Beverly on the rest of her Goddess Fish tour here.