Reach Higher

Colleen Keller Breuning shares her busy life as she balances work and home responsibilities during Writer’s Choice Week. Recently, she completed her Quickbooks ProAdvisor Certification and is preparing for Thanksgiving in Florida. With upcoming foot surgery, Colleen manages holiday decorating challenges, while expressing gratitude for family and upcoming celebrations.

Autumn Hush

Colleen’s poem celebrates the beauty of autumn, highlighting the vibrant colors and serene experiences of the season. Reflecting on a recent day spent with her mother, she expresses gratitude for their bond and her mother’s good health. Colleen encourages readers to appreciate the autumn scenery around them.

California Dreams

The poem reflects the author’s fond memories of California, particularly Napa Valley, San Francisco, San Diego, and the moments spent with loved ones. The vibrant imagery captures the allure of the state, evoking a longing to revisit amid the busyness of life. The poem beautifully encapsulates the essence of California dreams.

Checkmate

The poem “Checkmate” depicts a power struggle between the White King and the Black Queen, symbolized through a chess game. The author, Colleen Keller Breuning, shares personal experiences and reflections after a trip to Florida. The piece was inspired by a chess picture and references the Queen’s Gambit series. The author also expresses gratitude for family blessings.

Pink Flamingos

The poet muses on the attention-seeking nature of pink flamingos, inspired by a trip to see them in the wild. The whimsical rhyming series captures their vibrant beauty, set against a backdrop of tangerine skies. The poet’s personal connection and upcoming travel plans add a warm, relatable touch to the lighthearted composition.

Sunshine

The content is about the author’s anticipation of a family visit to Florida, particularly to surprise her grandkids. The author reflects on her grandchildren’s personalities and expresses nostalgia for their growth. She shares her excitement and love for her family, emphasizing the upcoming trip and the joy it will bring.

I Love You in Three Languages

The content describes memorable experiences in Paris, Rome, and at home, expressing love and gratitude for the author’s husband. Despite recent challenges, the author reflects on the blessings in life, especially her loving partner. The piece is dedicated to the husband, expressing deep appreciation for their journey together.

Ship Without A Sail

The post reflects the author’s emotional exhaustion after attending a cousin’s funeral. The poem “Ship Without a Sail” symbolizes feeling lost and directionless. Despite the hardships, the author emphasizes the importance of loving deeply and living life to the fullest as a form of sage advice for coping with life’s difficulties.

Sound Man

The poem “Sound Man” pays tribute to the late Steve Crumbacker, a cherished cousin renowned for his multifaceted talents. The author reminisces about shared childhood memories and highlights Steve’s roles as a Nascar photographer, musician, and sound engineer. The profound impact of music on Steve’s life is emphasized, along with his affectionate and mischievous nature. The author expresses deep love and condolences, encapsulating the sentiment that “Music will wash away all your sorrow.”

Passion of the Soul

The poem “Passion of the Soul” expresses love, hope, and strength in relationships. The author reflects on the joy of having a caring partner and the precious moments with their grandchildren. After a busy trip, she encourages readers to take time to honor Memorial Day. The post also fulfills bonus challenges by incorporating Latin phrases and song titles.