SUNBEAMS
Little bits of good, offerings, and updates.
Sunbeams come to us everyday, whether they are obvious or not. Sometimes we notice them, sometimes we don't. This newsletter/email/occasional communication is my attempt to give voice to the rays of goodness that shine into the day, regardless the weather conditions.
Slouching Toward Radiance
A Day in the Life of You, Me, and God
Slouching Toward Radiance is now available in paperback and full color hardcover.
"In a voice reminiscent of Mary Oliver, Heidi invites the reader to live their life open to the infinite possibility of beauty finding them everywhere. A book to treasure.” —Liezel Graham
Spring 2022
Spring is taking its time this year to arrive in Minnesota, but the geese have returned, as have the wood ducks, phoebes, sandhill cranes, and redwing blackbirds. The beavers are back at work, and I just heard a loon the other day, so we'll get there, I think. I'm feeling a bit tired and in need of sunlight, so this will perhaps not be the most thrilling newsletter you've ever read. But, there's some news to share, so off we go.
My latest book, Slouching Toward Radiance, came out last week. The days around a book's official release into the world are a bit odd–so much has already happened, from the actual writing and editing to the book layout and design to getting the back end data to retailers so people can buy it. The last few weeks have been full with recording a bunch of podcasts [Listen to one of them with here] and giving interviews [here's one in the Country Messager], engaging in reading/conversation events with other authors and poets [view one recent one here], visiting my daughter's 4th grade classroom to talk poetry, putting together poetry displays for libraries, making sure local shops are stocked with copies, and planning and finalizing details for upcoming events. The week the book officially hit shelves (pub day was April 12), there was nothing on the calendar at all (other than my day job, of course, which tends to stick to my calendar with fierce tenacity), so I wandered around in the woods instead of doing "book stuff", which was a needed respite. Then the events started back up again. There has been a lot going on, and I’m grateful for all the collaboration and conversations that have come about as a result.
Here's a glimpse of the Earth Day reading at Glädje, (an art gallery that prioritizes local artists and Scandinavian imports) at which myself and five others shared works with a focus on the Earth and conservation-it was a lovely evening of poetry and prose.
And here are a few more things that are coming up!
Poets of Place/NEA Big Read
I will be at the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway Vistor Center in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin on Wednesday, April 27, along with the four other poets (Mike Forecki, Lee Kisling, Rosetta Peters and River Urke) of place to launch our new chapbook!
Similar to a poet laureate program, the Poets of Place program seeks to be representative of the rich and diverse cultures of poetry in the region. ArtReach St. Croix announced five St. Croix Valley poets who are serving as advocates and ambassadors for poetry and creativity in the lower St. Croix Valley for the spring of 2022.
Poets of Place is part of NEA Big Read in the St. Croix Valley--and NEA Big Read programming this year was centered around US Poet Laureate Joy Harjo's book, An American Sunrise.
Event Address: 401 N Hamilton St, St Croix Falls, WI 54024
Registration is requested, and you can do so here:
https://www.stcroixsplash.org/event/poets-of-place-chapbook-launch-party/
New Poetry Collection + Release Celebration!
My latest book of poetry, Slouching Toward Radiance, has officially been released! It's a beautiful book, especially with the addition of my friend Emily Anderson's vibrant paintings to the pages. It is a collection of nature poetry, meditations, gentle advice, and nudges toward reflection. It’s the sort of poetry that anyone can read, even people who don’t like poetry— a book that can be picked up and paged through to whatever sections fit for the day or season of life.
You can order a copy now, or if you're w/in driving distance, I'd love to see you at the launch celebration at Art Reach St. Croix.
Ongoing Reminders
12 Tiny Things has been embraced by many, and is available anywhere books are sold in paperback, ebook, and audiobook.
Teachers and Parents: We made a BINGO card so that kids and students could explore tiny things, too.
Churches: We created two simple and free downloadable resources for Advent and Christmas. It is a light touch, a gentle invitation to intentionality, simplicity and micro-spiritual practice this season. The Tiny Things Calendar works well for families and small groups. If you and/or your community would like to use them, please do!
Our 6 Week Discussion Guide for TEENS or 12 Week Discussion Guide for ADULTS are always available for free.
Join us in the Facebook Community, follow on Instagram or visit the website for more information. Use #12TinyThings on social media as you share your intentional living practices.
My other books, (Cold Spring Hallelujah, What Comes Next, Woodland Manitou and Prairie Grown) are always available as well. If you've read any of them, I've love to hear what you think - you can leave a review on Amazon or goodreads or at Barnes&Noble - because reviews (especially on Amazon) are like gold to writers because they help people find our books!
ACTION ITEMS:
Watch Women of the White Buffalo, a recently released film by Deborah Anderson about the women of Pine Ridge.
Step outside and look all the way up.
AND FINALLY:
May your late April and May be full of whatever it is you need most.