This morning, I woke up to a wonderful gift: Esther Chilton’s review of my poetry collection, Ancient Voices: Poems About Ancient Egypt. Please visit Esther’s website to read it. Thank you!
If you’re a regular visitor, you’re likely aware that Esther has just released her debut children’s book, which I recently read and reviewed. Please check it out! It’s a delightful book for children aged 5 to 7. It would make a great birthday or holiday gift. Hint, hint!
Weather
Thankfully, our weather has cooled down a little. We’re getting monsoon wind and temperatures without the rain (so far). The wind brings dust devils (small funnel clouds), sandstorms, and microbursts, which can be damaging. One year, a strong microburst cracked the window in our study. A few months ago, a dust devil blew into the house through an open window and exited out the window of my daughter’s bedroom, blowing off the sunscreen. Thank goodness the windows were open. Otherwise, the glass would’ve broken. The frame on the sunscreen bent a little, but I was able to pound it out and hang it again. But it sounded like a bomb going off when that thing traveled through.
Gardening
I’ve been harvesting ripe figs from my fig trees every day. They taste so fresh and sweet straight from the tree. Insects and birds will eat them if I don’t pick them right away. Nothing touches the tree or the green figs, but the ripe ones are soft and easy to attack. I have two lemons on my young tree that haven’t ripened yet. My orange and lime trees haven’t started producing yet. I covered my grapevines with bird netting to prevent the cattle from snacking on the tender green leaves. I don’t expect to get grapes for a long time. My cherry tree saplings look pathetic. The drought is turning the leaves brown, no matter how much I water. I found a small poplar sapling in the backyard that I’m watering and nurturing. The cattle have been munching on my old poplar tree at night, so I erected a wire fence around it.
Bat Rescue
My husband rescued a bat from the water trough. Our bats are small, and we typically see them only at night. He placed it in a tree and apparently survived, because it wasn’t there when he checked later. I’m sure the bat discovered the figs and is one of the culprits taking advantage of a free meal.
T.G.I.F! I have to run errands in town today. I hope your day is fun, exciting, and a great start to a wonderful weekend. Summer (or winter in the Southern hemisphere) is almost over! (If it’s night where you are, I hope you sleep well and have beautiful dreams.)
Author, Ancient Voices: Poems About Ancient Egypt (2025) – #1 Amazon New Release in African Poetry, History of Egypt, History of Africa, History of North Africa. #1 Amazon Best Seller in History of Egypt and History of North Africa
Author,Haiku for the Midnight Hour(2024) – #1 Amazon New Release in Japanese Poetry & Haiku, Haiku & Japanese Poetry, and 90-Minute Teen & Young Adult Short Reads. #1 Amazon Best Seller in Japanese Poetry & Haiku
Author, Lunar Gazing Haiku(2024) – #1 Amazon New Release in Asian and Contemporary Poetry, Japanese Poetry & Haiku, 45-Minute Teen & Young Adult Short Reads, Poetry for Teens & Young Adults, and Haiku & Japanese Poetry
When I knelt down to Copper’s level, my heart melted. His amber, soul-searching eyes told me all I needed to know.
I recalled sitting at the table, perusing a Labrador rescue website. A lab sporting a copper-colored coat stood out like a citrine crystal in a bowl of black diamonds. I had to meet the handsome fellow.
So, on a late winter March day in 2012, my family drove to Oakland to meet Copper. A woman was fostering him in her small apartment. He had a gentle demeanor, and after a walk around the block and some play time, I was ready to take him home. My son and I were excited to welcome Copper into our lives. But my husband and daughter were hesitant to adopt another dog so soon. Would we be replacing Lucky Girl, our black lab mix, who passed just four months earlier?
Despite telling the woman we needed time to make a decision, only three days later, we found ourselves signing the adoption papers. Copper effortlessly jumped into the back of our car for a ride to his new home. We heard that the best way to get past the grief of losing a pet is to get a new one, and that’s what we did. Lucky Girl would always be in our hearts. But after many conversations, we felt the timing was right. I, especially, couldn’t shake the feeling that Copper was meant to be our next canine friend.
From the hugs, cuddles, and games of fetch, Copper learned to trust us. And so, he became family. For thirteen years, he gave us unconditional love. He crossed over the rainbow bridge this past March. It is serendipitous to know that he came into our lives in March and left our earthly world also in March – the month of new beginnings. He was a bright light in our lives that will shine eternally. This is the power of our dogs or any pet. They leave a positive, long-lasting imprint on our souls.
Poems from the Book
Whatever the Shape
Some walk on four legs
some walk on two
some purr with joy
some bark for a toy
some wear feathers for style
some wag tails for a treat
whatever the shape
the love is sweet
from a heart that gives all.
~
Will You? (an excerpt)
Will you remember us when you cross the rainbow bridge
where grass stays emerald green high upon the tallest ridge?
Will you wait for us
when our time arrives
to be a family once again
filling the hole in our lives?…
BIO:
Lauren Scott is a poet, and writer of fiction, memoir, and children’s books. She enjoys small-town living in Northern California with her husband, Matt. They have a wonderful relationship with their son and daughter who are adulting and enjoying life out of state. Lauren has authored three collections of poetry: New Day, New Dreams (2013), Finding a Balance (2015), and Ever So Gently (2023). In 2021, she released her memoir, More than Coffeein verse and prose. In 2024, her first children’s book, Cora’s Quest, was released. Lauren’s writing has been published in many anthologies, and she is a monthly contributor on Gobblers at Masticadores, an online literary site. Her work has also been featured at Spillwords Press, also an online literary site, where she was voted Author of the Month in May 2023, Publication of the Month in October 2024, and Publication of the Month in June 2025. Lauren discovers writing inspiration from family, her connection with nature, and the simple things in life. To learn more about Lauren’s work and books, please visit her contact links below:
King Copper: Our Dog’s Life in Poetry by Lauren Scott (2025). Available on Amazon.
This book made me cry, and I’m not ashamed to admit it. As I read these endearing poems, written in tribute to a beloved dog, I couldn’t help but remember my special pets that have crossed over the Rainbow Bridge.
Copper was a fortunate dog. Adopted into a warm and loving home, he gave unconditional love and protection in return. He will always hold a special place in his family’s heart. The book includes numerous personal photos that reflect this love.
This collection of poetry is sure to touch your heart, as it touched mine. I give it five stars.
Other News
My daughter was in a fender bender but is, thankfully, okay. It could’ve been much worse. She ended up leasing a Kia hybrid for two years since the front end of her VW was totaled. She and her boyfriend are moving to Galveston Island in October, so the timing couldn’t have been worse.
On the positive side, she has already landed a Christmas singing gig in Houston and secured other work. Unfortunately, we will probably have to cancel our trip to Lake Tahoe in September.
Free Range Cattle
The heat has been almost unbearable (120 degrees at my husband’s workplace). I called the Sheriff’s office the other day to report that one of the cattle was down in the field across the road. I watched him through the binoculars for over two hours. At one point, he tried to get up but couldn’t, so I wasn’t sure if he was sick, injured, or suffering from the heat. About an hour later, he stood up but didn’t move, and then lay down again. Later, when another steer arrived and the sun was going down, he finally got up and wandered off. I thought he would come get water, but he didn’t. But the cattle have started coming during the night, when it’s much cooler.
I never saw the rancher that night, but I saw him a few days before, hauling a dead steer in the back of his truck with a red tag on its ankle. I don’t know if it got hit by a vehicle or if it died from the heat. But it made me very angry when I saw that steer suffering out in the field.
The week of the full moon, all the animals were acting crazy. The cattle were irritable and restless. One night, they stood across the road and bellowed and bawled, as if in pain. Then the coyotes started howling under the full moon, and it was really freaking me out. I stayed outdoors until 9:00 that night, filling the water tubs and making sure everybody was okay. That sounds crazy, but with the heat and thirst, the animals get more aggressive and unruly. One evening, the cattle were galloping down the road like a herd of horses, trying to get to water. It reminded me of the old Westerns, when cattle herds would smell water and stampede to reach the river.
Roadrunners
One evening, a roadrunner started hanging around when I was spraying my anti-rodent essential oils under the hood of my car. He kept looking at me as if he wanted something, so I spoke to him and waited for him to run off. Instead, he followed me up onto the porch and was running around and bleating at me, like he was hungry. I gave him a mini meatball (we feed these to the curve-billed thrashers that hang around on the porch), but that’s not what he wanted. I thought maybe he was looking for the dove’s nest, so I shooed him off the porch. He came up on the porch again and continued approaching me, bleating at me and becoming increasingly aggressive. I noticed how thick his beak is and how raggedy and prehistoric he looked. And frankly, he was scaring me because he wouldn’t leave me alone. I shooed him off the porch again, and this time he ran off to the area where we usually put out birdseed. Since I had already fed the birds, I didn’t put out more seed. There were lots of quail over there, and they would’ve run him off anyway. The next day, I discovered that we actually have two roadrunners living in our yard, probably a male and a female, and it was this new one that was harassing me. When it saw me the next day, it started bleating, too, but it ran off with the other roadrunner.
Writing Project Complete
I finished the work on my children’s middle-grade mystery novel, The Mystery of the Pink Poodle, uploaded the files to Kindle Direct Publishing yesterday, and ordered the paperback proof. I might have to tweak the back cover a little on the paperback, but otherwise, I am done! I always liked the story, and as I continued editing it, I fell in love with it all over again. I just hope other people, especially kids, will like it as much as I do! But I’ll be posting more about it.
Haiku
Haiku
You drove me away
With your mind games and silence.
What more can I say?
~
My Kentucky Boy –
Gone too long and far away –
Just a memory.
~
Is the bond broken?
Pieces of my heart blow West,
Feathers in a storm.
~
Thank you so much for visiting! Stay safe, stay cool, and drink plenty of fluids.
Author, Ancient Voices: Poems About Ancient Egypt (2025) – #1 Amazon New Release in African Poetry, History of Egypt, History of Africa, History of North Africa. #1 Amazon Best Seller in History of Egypt and History of North Africa
Author, Haiku for the Midnight Hour (2024) – #1 Amazon New Release in Japanese Poetry & Haiku, Haiku & Japanese Poetry, and 90-Minute Teen & Young Adult Short Reads. #1 Amazon Best Seller in Japanese Poetry & Haiku
Author, Lunar Gazing Haiku(2024) – #1 Amazon New Release in Asian and Contemporary Poetry, Japanese Poetry & Haiku, 45-Minute Teen & Young Adult Short Reads, Poetry for Teens & Young Adults, and Haiku & Japanese Poetry
“Dawn Pisturino’s Ancient Voices: Poems About Ancient Egypt is a beautiful meditation on love, grief, dedication, and cosmic order told through the imagined voices of a people who are both long dead yet frighteningly familiar. These lyrical poetry are not historical reenactments but emotional resurrections. From the banks of the Nile to Ra’s sacred journey across the night sky, Pisturino provides the reader with a beautiful glimpse into the heart of ancient Egyptian spirituality and family life, infused with reverence and silent awe.
“Pisturino’s poetry “To A Beloved Husband” uses the voice of a mourning wife waiting at the Nile’s edge, hovering between the earthly and the divine. The poem’s emotional depth stems from physical loss and mythic intimacy. The wife’s need is expressed not just in her sadness, but also in her use of Egyptian cosmology—her husband’s ba and ka, her daughter’s burial with “the finest gold,” and the ever-watchful gods. These ancient laments reverberate with modern sorrow.
“In “First Hour” the poem becomes more epic in depth. We follow Ra’s night trek through the Duat, which is a deeply symbolic journey through darkness, chaos, and ultimately rejuvenation. Pisturino exhibits a wonderful grasp of the myth’s structure and meaning while creating evocative imagery: the “blood-stained horizon,” the “Sacred Baboons,” the “fiery cobras,” and the Seba Gate that seals behind him. These are dynamic, ritualistic reenactments that bring amazement and fear.
“Pisturino tells us that the ancients understood longing, love, and heritage. They left behind hieroglyphs and tombs, but also a human need to be remembered and connected. Ancient Voices, a poetic tapestry that is both personal and legendary, brings the spiritual world of Ancient Egypt to life, making it feel curiously and movingly familiar.”
A KU read
When Secrets Bloom
Patricia is a Romanian author living in South Africa who has written several books about her native land. Her latest novel, When Secrets Bloom, promises to be an intriguing historical read. Learn more about Patricia and her books HERE.
Amazon Blurb
“Transylvania, 1463
“Some secrets heal. Others kill.
“Kate Webber, a 28-year-old Saxon healer, has long walked the line between reverence and suspicion. Trained in the healing arts under the guidance of Lord Vlad Dracula, she has learned that skill alone cannot protect a woman in a city ruled by fear. Her marriage to the powerful but secretive Magyar promised stability, yet left her silenced and watched. On a bitter Advent night, when a mother and her newborn face death, Kate defies her husband’s command and steps into danger — for life, not reputation.
“When Kate succeeds, the city notices. Some with awe. Others with fury. The town physician, threatened by her talent and humiliated by her success, seizes his moment. And as rumors flare into accusations, old alliances stir. Iancu, Kate’s childhood friend and now captain of the Militia, comes to her aid during the perilous birth — rekindling memories of freedom, laughter, and trust, before marriage shackled her to duty.
“Back in her workshop, a girl appears, pleading for a love potion. But Margit brings more than need. She leads a mob. Elsewhere in the city, Moise, a Jewish apprentice at the printing press, notices a cloaked figure drifting across the square: a Shaman whose presence draws whispers of Magyar’s hidden dealings. When a rare manuscript disappears from the press Moise begins to uncover a darker purpose: a sought-after book. On the day of execution Kate performs a final act of defiance, she saves another child, while Moise is framed for more than he could have ever imagined.
“Kate and Moise’s fates, as well as the map’s legacy, unfold as some secrets must be read not in books, but in the hearts of those who hide them.”
*** “Kate is a fictional character, yet through her eyes When Secrets Bloom offers a vivid, textured glimpse into 15th-century life in Kronstadt, Transylvania (today Brasov). From the daily rhythms of a fortress ruled by Saxon and Szekler men to the endearing hopes of Vlach and Jewish communities; from the quiet power women wield behind closed doors to the looming shadow of the Church and to whispered fears of plague and heresy, this novel immerses the reader fully in a world both beautiful and brutal. The presence of Vlad the Impaler’s memory — observed not through myth but through Kate’s wary, intimate lens — adds a haunting tension to the tale. It’s the kind of historical fiction that doesn’t just tell a story, it transports you into its bones.
“Fans of rousing historical fiction with a feminist bent will find much to love in When Secrets Bloom.
“Read When Secrets Bloom if you enjoyed reading The Stone Witch of Florence by Anna Rasche or Eleanore of Avignon by Elizabeth Delozier.”
~
AugustHaiku
I love you so much –
But you’re a ghost in my life –
Resurrect for me
~
peach-colored moonrise
cattle bellow in the field
flies swarm – no mercy
~
How many times, dear,
Can I fall in love with you?
Love’s potent poison.
~
hot, steamy nightfall
august sweat and raw desire
autumn calls too soon
~
troubled spirits moan
as they wander through the night
no release for them
~
people come and go
once they decide to leave you
what more can you do
~
Well, it’s official!
Halloween candy and decorations are on display.
All Hallows’ Eve is on its way!
Make today a historic day!
Dawn Pisturino
Author,Ancient Voices: Poems About Ancient Egypt(2025) – #1 Amazon New Release in African Poetry, History of Egypt, History of Africa, History of North Africa. #1 Amazon Best Seller in History of Egypt and History of North Africa
Author, Haiku for the Midnight Hour(2024) – #1 Amazon New Release in Japanese Poetry & Haiku, Haiku & Japanese Poetry, and 90-Minute Teen & Young Adult Short Reads. #1 Amazon Best Seller in Japanese Poetry & Haiku
Author, Lunar Gazing Haiku(2024) – #1 Amazon New Release in Asian and Contemporary Poetry, Japanese Poetry & Haiku, 45-Minute Teen & Young Adult Short Reads, Poetry for Teens & Young Adults, and Haiku & Japanese Poetry
I’m thrilled to share that my book promotion for Social Possibilities: Poetic Voices of Hope (the Kindle version is currently on sale for $0.99) has been published today on Happiness Between Tails. Thank you, Da’al, for publishing it and promoting this beautiful book (published by Prolific Pulse Press)! If you’re looking for a hefty dose of positivity, this book will serve your needs. My poem, “Common Ground,” is included.
Alex Diaz-Granados, author of several books, surprised me with a fabulous, in-depth 5-star review of my Halloween collection, Haiku for the Midnight Hour, which is available on Amazon.com.
“In this chilling collection, Dawn Pisturino transforms the traditional haiku—known for its nature-inspired clarity—into something shadow-drenched and uncanny. Ghosts, forgotten houses, and spectral whispers populate these verses, each one a tiny flash of horror. Ideal for fans of Halloween, the supernatural, or quiet moments alone in the dark. Think Stephen King distilled into seventeen syllables.”
He wrote a beautiful blog post about the book here:
Alex is best known for his Jim Garraty stories. Reunion: A Story is on my TBR list.
Such wonderful blogs to visit! Such fabulous books to read!
Have a fun-filled, thought-provoking day!
Dawn Pisturino
Author, Ancient Voices: Poems About Ancient Egypt (2025) – #1 Amazon New Release in African Poetry, History of Egypt, History of Africa, History of North Africa. #1 Amazon Best Seller in History of Egypt and History of North Africa
Author, Haiku for the Midnight Hour(2024) – #1 Amazon New Release in Japanese Poetry & Haiku, Haiku & Japanese Poetry, and 90-Minute Teen & Young Adult Short Reads. #1 Amazon Best Seller in Japanese Poetry & Haiku
Author, Lunar Gazing Haiku(2024) – #1 Amazon New Release in Asian and Contemporary Poetry, Japanese Poetry & Haiku, 45-Minute Teen & Young Adult Short Reads, Poetry for Teens & Young Adults, and Haiku & Japanese Poetry
The Secret Dragon by Esther Moonstomp AKA Esther Chilton (2025). Available on Amazon.com.
Amazon Blurb
“When Saffy discovers a dragon statue at the bottom of her garden, her boring summer holiday becomes full of excitement. The statue is a real dragon called Lily.
“She’s from the magical world of Mandoreum, a place that’s in danger and in need of Saffy’s help.
“There are clues to solve, a wicked witch to battle and secrets to be kept at all costs. Will Saffy be able to save Mandoreum before it’s too late?“
My Review
This is such a charming book! The story transported me back to my childhood, and it’s exactly the sort of fantasy I would’ve read to my daughter when she was little. The adventure contains all the best elements of the Harry Potter and Narnia series. I became so entranced with the story that I felt disappointed when the book ended. I wanted to read more!
I highly recommend this book – and the series – and give it five stars. For ages 5 – 7.
My husband and I attended the county Board of Supervisors meeting on Monday. I spoke about water issues, and he talked about financial matters. Two other people also spoke about water. One lady displayed graphs showing that our water table has dropped. A man who has lived in Oregon and California shared his experiences with water wells, including his personal well going dry in Southern Oregon, and wells in Napa Valley, California, that brought up saltwater. This is serious stuff, and if you live in an area with water issues (California, Nevada, and Arizona come to mind), don’t let your state and local politicians skirt around it. Our U.S. House Representative was also in the audience, for which I was grateful.
When I attended real estate school in Sedona in 2005, the school’s owner lectured us not to worry about water because the federal government would supply it. Anybody with two gray cells to rub together knows that isn’t true. The government can’t provide what it doesn’t have, whether it’s money or natural resources. And that gentleman, who was also a financial planner, was later sued by his clients.
I’m proud to say that I passed the state real estate exam! But I decided to continue my career in nursing. Taking care of people is more rewarding than chasing after things.
Wherever you decide to live, choose a place with plenty of water. Land without water is worthless.
Thanks for visiting!
Stay safe and cool.
Dawn Pisturino
Author, Ancient Voices: Poems About Ancient Egypt (2025) – #1 Amazon New Release in African Poetry, History of Egypt, History of Africa, History of North Africa. #1 Amazon Best Seller in History of Egypt and History of North Africa
Author, Haiku for the Midnight Hour (2024) – #1 Amazon New Release in Japanese Poetry & Haiku, Haiku & Japanese Poetry, and 90-Minute Teen & Young Adult Short Reads. #1 Amazon Best Seller in Japanese Poetry & Haiku
Author, Lunar Gazing Haiku(2024) – #1 Amazon New Release in Asian and Contemporary Poetry, Japanese Poetry & Haiku, 45-Minute Teen & Young Adult Short Reads, Poetry for Teens & Young Adults, and Haiku & Japanese Poetry
I’m pleased to share that my short story, “Old Sins,” has been published today on Gobblers & Masticadores. Thank you, Manuela Timofte, for publishing it! Please visit Gobblers, like, subscribe, and share. Thank you!
Old Sins
by Dawn Pisturino
“‘Old sins cast long shadows,’” Mrs. Collins quoted from a shabby sofa as she added a stitch to her knitting. Her curious remark piqued my interest.
“Do tell,” I said, picking up my cup of tea from a scratched coffee table. “I assume this has something to do with Geraldine’s premature infant.”
“Naturally. She never was right in the head, you know. Not enough oxygen, the doctor said. And she wasn’t premature at all. That’s the story Miss Geraldine put out to explain the timing of the birth.”
“But didn’t her husband, Reggie, serve in Afghanistan? I thought she got pregnant right after his return.”
Mrs. Collins pursed her lips in disapproval. “No! Miss Geraldine was already pregnant before he arrived home. By a couple of months, I’d say.”
“Oh, that does change things. Did Reggie ever find out?”
“Not until they sent the child away to a special school. Rumors began to fly, and the name of Miss Geraldine’s lover emerged.”
“Do I dare ask who he was?”
Putting her knitting down on her lap, Mrs. Collins cast frightened eyes around the room as if conspirators were hiding in the cupboards. “Sir James Cottingwood.”
My teacup trembled in my hand. Sir James! How well she remembered the handsome gentleman in the stylish suite who accosted her in the hallway of his manor twenty years ago when she had called on her schoolmate, Geraldine, during the Christmas holiday break.
“He molested his own niece? I can’t believe it.”
“Miss Geraldine never confirmed it, but Mister Reggie believed it and left her. After all, the child does resemble Sir James. Not a bit of Mister Reggie in her!”
“Poor child. After I married Lionel and moved to London, Geraldine and I lost touch. She never re-married, I guess.”
The retired housekeeper offered me a biscuit. “No. She never did. After Mister Reggie left, she couldn’t afford to care for the child on her own. She moved back into Cottingwood Manor, which she inherited from Sir James when he died last year. Rowena—that’s the child’s name—is all grown up now. As pretty as a picture, too.” Mrs. Collins tapped a finger against her forehead. “But not very bright. She has a child’s mentality. It’s been very hard on Miss Geraldine.”
“I hear there was an investigation into Sir James’ death. How did he die. . .”
Please click HERE to read the rest of the story. Thanks!
A bull snake crawled into a jumble of old wire and netting that I had lying around and got caught. He was jammed in so tight, he couldn’t move. His tail was hanging out, and when I flipped his tail and poked him with a stick, he seemed dead. But when my husband tried to pull him out, he suddenly woke up and kept pushing forward. My husband removed as much wire and netting as he could, and the snake finally crawled out. He didn’t seem injured at all, for which we were grateful, but we scratched our heads trying to figure out why he crawled in there in the first place.
Free Range Cattle
A couple of cattle discovered my old poplar tree in the backyard. They wanted to snack on the big, juicy green leaves. As soon as I saw them meandering that way, I ran into the backyard and shooed them away from the tree. Instead of running off, like they normally do, they only moved back a few feet and stared at me. I kept saying “no, no,” and they kept staring at me and refused to leave. They were determined to eat that tree, and I was just as determined that they weren’t. I kept moving closer to them, and they kept stepping back, but they wouldn’t leave! I finally picked up a branch that they had broken off the tree and shook it at them, and they tore off across the backyard. Then I had a good laugh because it was so funny. Watering the cattle only raised our summer water bill by about $15.00, so that was a big relief.
Birds
Our third batch of baby doves left the nest, and the mama is sitting on her fourth clutch of eggs. I feel sorry for her because the wind has been terrible. The other day, multiple dust devils blew through the front porch, knocking all the chairs off. I checked on her, and she was okay, but it must be hard for her to endure the heat and wind. The nest is protected by a screen so other birds can’t see her and attack the nest, but that doesn’t always work.
We have a big roadrunner that hangs out in the yard. The quail always chase him off, though, because he uses his long beak to hunt for eggs and small babies. The ravens have been in the neighbor’s trees looking for baby birds and eggs. Sometimes, they leave body parts from dead rabbits in our birdbaths. Although people like to think of birds as symbols of beauty and innocence, they can be downright mean and bloodthirsty. I’ve seen ravens and hawks do horrible things to other birds.
Have a blessed day!
Dawn Pisturino
Author, Ancient Voices: Poems About Ancient Egypt (2025) – #1 Amazon New Release in African Poetry, History of Egypt, History of Africa, History of North Africa. #1 Amazon Best Seller in History of Egypt and History of North Africa
Author, Haiku for the Midnight Hour(2024) – #1 Amazon New Release in Japanese Poetry & Haiku, Haiku & Japanese Poetry, and 90-Minute Teen & Young Adult Short Reads. #1 Amazon Best Seller in Japanese Poetry & Haiku
Author, Lunar Gazing Haiku(2024) – #1 Amazon New Release in Asian and Contemporary Poetry, Japanese Poetry & Haiku, 45-Minute Teen & Young Adult Short Reads, Poetry for Teens & Young Adults, and Haiku & Japanese Poetry
As I’ve mentioned several times, I’m not blogging much right now because I’m finishing the edits on my children’s book. I’ve typed roughly 150 pages into Atticus and nearly finished the first round of editing. Then I’ll go through the whole book and do the second round of editing and keep on editing until I get it as perfect as I can. I do extra research as needed. The real bugger is figuring out how much historical information to include so that kids don’t get overwhelmed and delivering as much action as appropriate to keep them from getting bored. Writing for kids is a whole lot different than writing for adults.
My target date for the Amazon release is October 1st.
Water
The state of Arizona is in bad shape right now. We’re in a severe drought that’s not expected to let up any time soon. Arizona State University just released a report that our groundwater is disappearing — so much that the City of Phoenix is slowly sinking. Lake Powell is so depleted, experts are worried that the hydroelectric generation at Glen Canyon Dam will be impaired. Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam face a similar risk. The Colorado River Water Allocation comes up again in 2026, which affects numerous states. I expect each state to receive a smaller share of water from the Colorado River, and stricter conservation guidelines to be put into place.
On Monday, August 4th, I will attend the county Board of Supervisors meeting, where I plan to speak about local water issues.
Wildfire
The Dragon Bravo Fire, currently raging on the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, has burned over 111,000 acres, is only 9% contained, and has been named one of the largest wildfires in Arizona history. Due to drought and fire risk, property owners all across Arizona are losing their home insurance.
If you were planning on visiting Arizona this summer, I would avoid the Grand Canyon. In fact, summer is the worst time to visit Arizona.
Thanks for visiting!
Have a safe and happy day!
Dawn Pisturino
Author, Ancient Voices: Poems About Ancient Egypt (2025) – #1 Amazon New Release in African Poetry, History of Egypt, History of Africa, History of North Africa. #1 Amazon Best Seller in History of Egypt and History of North Africa
Author, Haiku for the Midnight Hour (2024) – #1 Amazon New Release in Japanese Poetry & Haiku, Haiku & Japanese Poetry, and 90-Minute Teen & Young Adult Short Reads. #1 Amazon Best Seller in Japanese Poetry & Haiku
Author, Lunar Gazing Haiku(2024) – #1 Amazon New Release in Asian and Contemporary Poetry, Japanese Poetry & Haiku, 45-Minute Teen & Young Adult Short Reads, Poetry for Teens & Young Adults, and Haiku & Japanese Poetry
(Graphic created on Canva by Dawn Pisturino. Photos courtesy of Esther Chilton.)
I’m so excited this morning to welcome Esther Chilton as part of the blog tour for her new children’s book, The Secret Dragon. Esther writes a lovely blog, where she posts writing prompts and interesting photos of trips she’s taken around the world. I hope you’ll stop by.
Let me hand it over to you, Esther!
I’m delighted to be featured on Dawn’s blog today. She’s kindly agreed to be part of my blog tour for my new children’s book for 5-7 year olds. It’s called The Secret Dragon and is the first in the Saffy’s Secret Quest series. Publication day is 28th July, but the book is available for pre-order. Here’s a little bit more about it:
The blurb
When Saffy discovers a dragon statue at the bottom of her garden, her boring summer holiday becomes full of excitement.
The statue is a real dragon called Lily. She’s from the magical world of Mandoreum, a place that’s in danger and in need of Saffy’s help.
There are clues to solve, a wicked witch to battle, and secrets to be kept at all costs. Will Saffy be able to save Mandoreum before it’s too late?
Extract:
“Saffy sprinted to the bottom of the garden as fast as she could. Her boots squelched through the mud, and tiny twigs scratched at her hair. She looked in the direction of the bench. There was definitely something there, and it was becoming clearer and clearer with every step she took. ‘I think it’s a miniature statue,’ she muttered under her breath.
“A rumble of thunder suddenly shook the ground. Saffy stopped, shivering. Clouds scuttled across the sky and blocked out the sun.
“She looked from the sky and back down to the statue. It had gone! Perhaps it had fallen off. She peered around the back of the bench. The statue wasn’t there. She searched under the flowerpots and amongst the bright green bushes, parting the long leaves. Some shiny stones caught her eye. She turned them over. There was nothing there. Her shoulders slumped. It had been a statue, she knew it had, and statues couldn’t move.”
Author bio:
Esther has been a freelance writer for over twenty years, regularly writing articles and short stories for magazines and newspapers such as Writers’ Forum, Writing Magazine,The Guardian, Best of British, The Cat, This England, Yours, and The People’s Friend.
Winner of several competitions, including those run by Writing Magazine and The Global Short Story Contest, she has also had the privilege of judging writing competitions and relished being given the role of head judge of the Writers’ Forum monthly short story competition.
Esther loves writing but equally enjoys helping others, which she achieves in her role as a tutor for The Writers Bureau. She also runs their monthly writing club, Let’s Write.
She has had two how-to books on writing published as well as two collections of short stories. Her first children’s book is coming out in July, where she writes under the name of Esther Moonstomp.
I hope this post will put you in a magical mood for Hump Wednesday! And, if you spot any dragons, please take lots of photos!
Dawn Pisturino
Author, Ancient Voices: Poems About Ancient Egypt (2025) – #1 Amazon New Release in African Poetry, History of Egypt, History of Africa, History of North Africa. #1 Amazon Best Seller in History of Egypt and History of North Africa
Author, Haiku for the Midnight Hour(2024) – #1 Amazon New Release in Japanese Poetry & Haiku, Haiku & Japanese Poetry, and 90-Minute Teen & Young Adult Short Reads. #1 Amazon Best Seller in Japanese Poetry & Haiku
Author, Lunar Gazing Haiku (2024) – #1 Amazon New Release in Asian and Contemporary Poetry, Japanese Poetry & Haiku, 45-Minute Teen & Young Adult Short Reads, Poetry for Teens & Young Adults, and Haiku & Japanese Poetry
Please click HERE to read the rest of the poem. Thank you!
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Library of Alexandria
I had the bright idea of sending copies of my book, Ancient Voices: Poems about Ancient Egypt, to the Library of Alexandria in Alexandria, Egypt. I thought the postage would be prohibitive, but the cost was very reasonable. I don’t expect to hear anything from them.
What I’m Working on Right Now
My priority right now is finishing my middle-grade children’s mystery novel. I’m about halfway through the editing process. What’s boring is all the typing. I use Atticus and manually type everything into the program because it prevents glitches.
I’m fulfilling my commitment to Gobblers & Masticadores to provide a short story or poem every month. My August contribution is a short story called “Old Sins.”
I’m not writing or submitting much poetry right now because my children’s book takes priority.
I’m cleaning out my bookcases, reading books I haven’t read, and donating the ones I don’t want to a local charity.
The weather has been quite hot, so I’m working in the yard and taking walks as the heat permits. I like to sit out on the porch with the dog and read in the evening. That’s our summer ritual. But sometimes, it’s too hot even to do that without getting super dehydrated and sick.
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Please note that I’m not a publisher, editor, or writing consultant. I can only share my personal story and my writing journey. There are tons of resources on the Internet to help you write and get started with the traditional and/or self-publishing process. Doing your own research will help you grow as a writer.
Coming Wednesday: Welcoming Author Esther Chilton on the blog tour for her new children’s book.
Ciao!
Dawn Pisturino
Author, Ancient Voices: Poems About Ancient Egypt (2025) – #1 Amazon New Release in African Poetry, History of Egypt, History of Africa, History of North Africa. #1 Amazon Best Seller in History of Egypt and History of North Africa
Author, Haiku for the Midnight Hour(2024) – #1 Amazon New Release in Japanese Poetry & Haiku, Haiku & Japanese Poetry, and 90-Minute Teen & Young Adult Short Reads. #1 Amazon Best Seller in Japanese Poetry & Haiku
Author, Lunar Gazing Haiku(2024) – #1 Amazon New Release in Asian and Contemporary Poetry, Japanese Poetry & Haiku, 45-Minute Teen & Young Adult Short Reads, Poetry for Teens & Young Adults, and Haiku & Japanese Poetry
When Freya emailed me and told me she had read and reviewedAncient Voices: Poems About AncientEgypt, I was as happy as a clam. When I read her review on Amazon and Goodreads, I felt ecstatic because Freya truly captured what I was trying to achieve with the book. Thank you, Freya, from the bottom of my heart, for your insightful and rewarding review!
“I have always found Egyptian mythology fascinating but have never been able to get a hold on the ancient culture with its numerous deities. All that has changed now I’ve read this collection! Throughout this book the focus is always on finding the light and restoring order out of chaos. Pisturino uses different kinds of poetry to really get inside the heads of ordinary ancient Egyptians and Pharaohs and Queens and also the gods and goddesses themselves. Through this incredible collection the poet presents the ancient culture in an understandable way without diluting the spiritual aspect of Egyptian worship. I found myself caught up in the praise of these deities. This collection is uplifting and inspiring and opens the door to understanding the reverence the Egyptians had for their gods. At the end is a series of 12 poems detailing Ra’s journey in the underworld and all the trials he has to face there before he can rise once more with the sun. Each hour of his journey is explained beforehand by the poet and there’s also a glossary of terms so that if you’re unfamiliar with this aspect of ancient myth you can understand the subsequent poems. This is my favourite collection of poems by Pisturino so far!”
“The English word Wednesday is derived from Old English and means “Wodan’s day.” The Germanic god Wodan is also known as Odin, the Norse all-father of the gods.
“In most languages with Latin origins, the day is named after the god and planet Mercury.
Middle English – Wodnesday or Wednesday or Wednesdai
Old English – Wōdnesdæg – Woden’s day
Latin – dies Mercurii – Day of Mercury
Ancient Greek – hemera Hermu – Day of Hermes”
Hooray for Hump Day!
Dawn Pisturino
Author, Ancient Voices: Poems About Ancient Egypt (2025) – #1 Amazon New Release in African Poetry, History of Egypt, History of Africa, History of North Africa. #1 Amazon Best Seller in History of Egypt and History of North Africa
Author, Haiku for the Midnight Hour(2024) – #1 Amazon New Release in Japanese Poetry & Haiku, Haiku & Japanese Poetry, and 90-Minute Teen & Young Adult Short Reads. #1 Amazon Best Seller in Japanese Poetry & Haiku
Author, Lunar Gazing Haiku(2024) – #1 Amazon New Release in Asian and Contemporary Poetry, Japanese Poetry & Haiku, 45-Minute Teen & Young Adult Short Reads, Poetry for Teens & Young Adults, and Haiku & Japanese Poetry
Dawn Pisturino's Blog 