Celebrating the Heart-land Poems By Linda Lee
Celebrating the Heart-land Linda Lee
To My Parents, Robert and LaVon Shropshire, whose love and support helped shape my heart.
Copyright 2009 by Linda Lee (Konichek) All Rights Reserved, including the right of reproduction in part or in whole in any form. JERICHO PRODUCTIONS S.101 W.34628 Hwy LO Eagle, WI 53119 Phone: 262-594-3667 www.jerichocreekfarms.com Printed in the United States of America ISBN 978-0-9842153-0-0
Cover art: “ Twilight Run” by Tom Shropshire, private collection, used with permission of the owner. Book layout and design by Wendy Konichek
Preface
I think the seeds for this book, CELEBRATING THE HEART-LAND, were planted a few years ago at the first open poetry reading to be held at the Alice Baker Library, in Eagle. Thanks to the internet, one of the poets, who read, was a talented young man from India. As we talked, afterward, he explained that he had lived in Wisconsin for three years, while in training. He referred to one of my poems about the farm, and stated earnestly, “You are blessed to live here.” I have thought of those words so often while choosing theme and title, as well as the poetry and photos for this book. I hope I have succeeded in capturing the spirit of the Midwest, especially in Wisconsin, and some of its people who have been part of my life and heart for all these years. There are those who look down on people who show emotions and put their heart first, but it is still at the core of life in the Midwest, and reflects its real values. Maybe it isn’t easy to reach out to others, or stay in touch with what your heart tells you, but I would not want to live any other way. Listen to your own “Heart-land” and it will always tell you what really matters.
Linda Lee
Acknowledgements My grateful acknowledgement of the following publications in which some of these poems first appeared. WISCONSIN POETS’ CALENDAR, FREE VERSE, WRITE AWAY, WISCONSIN HORSEMEN’S NEWS, MORAB PERSPECTIVE AND WHERE WOMAN ENDS, HORSE BEGINS. See each poem for actual credit. My thanks to the artists and photographers who have so graciously consented to let me use their awesome work to illustrate my poems in such a grand manner; see Biographies and contact information under KINDRED SPIRITS, in the back of the book. Special thanks to my very gifted and talented writing teachers, each summer at School of the Arts in Rhinelander, who teach from their hearts, as well as their heads: Ellen Kort, Laurel Yourke, Barbara Fitz Vroman, Chris DeSmet, Laurel Mills, Mary Sue Koeppel, and Marshall Cook. Love and thanks to poet and friend, Barb Cranford, whom I first met at School of the Arts, and whose “Back to the Woods” poetry workshops have kept so many of us writing and reading poetry throughout the year. Love and thanks, also, to the wonderful women poets in Barb’s workshops, whose suggestions and encouragement are invaluable; many of these poems were born with all of them in attendance: Linda Aschbrenner, Grace Bushman, Barb Cranford, Julie Eger, Deb Johnston, Mary Lou Judy, Jeanette Lindelof, Lou Roach, Kris Rued-Clark, Lilas Smith, Sue Twiggs, and Gloria Zager. Other friends and family members, whose input and encouragement have always been there for me are: “The Aunts,” my parents, brother, Tom, nieces, Vicki and Gina, many cousins, especially Diane and Mary Rose, and heart-friends, Betty, Carol, Carolyn, Debbie, Eleanor, Janet, Judi, Kathy, Marcia, Mara, Tyler. My heart is full of love and thanks when I think of you. The many wonderful poets I have met at the School of the Arts, in the Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets, and at poetry readings in the state. My family, for putting up with my eccentricities, and writing deadlines, and most of all, my daughter, Wendy, without whom, neither of my books would be here; your patience and incredible creative gifts were never appreciated more. If I forgot anyone, I hope you will understand, running a little bit behind, as usual!
Celebrating the Heart-land Seasons of the Heart Ways of a Muse
15
April
17
The Creek Speaks
19
Spring
21
Shedding Season
23
Rivers
25
Baling the Last Cut
27
Dream Door
29
Autumn
31
Fog
33
Great Divide
35
Pumpkin
37
Black Hat
39
Sylvan Woman
41
Christmas Spirit
43
Christmas Tree
45
The Glow of Christmas
47
Winter Sorcery
49
Winter
51
Equus-The Heart’s Passion First Love
55
Moonstruck
57
Lady Godiva
59
Chores Late At Night
61
Strength
63
Stallion
65
Equus-The Heart’s Passion Responsibility
67
Foal
69
Foundation Mare
71
Stallion of Darkness
73
Without Wings
75
People and Pets Deep in My Heart Bertha’s Specials
79
The Aunts
81
Aunt Donna’s Jam
83
My Movie Star Aunt
85
Love Connection
87
Big Sister
89
On The Rocks
91
“Impossible Dreams”
93
My Best Friend
95
Gifted
97
Thanks Dad
99
Wisconsin Farmer
101
Torey
103
Molly
105
Goldens
107
Places My Heart Treasures School of the Arts
111
Slide Show
113
My Brother’s Legacy
115
Exploring the Island
117
Aphrodite Visits My Living Room
119
The Heart Grieves Five Pictures
123
Smoke Rings
125
What Can I Say?
127
Command Performance
129
Let Evening Come
131
Grief
133
Monuments
135
The Tree
137
Moving to the Light
139
The Heart Ponders What Really Matters
143
Your Grand Plan
145
Selling the Piano
147
Fortune Cookie
149
Hunger
151
Homeless
153
Shades of Happiness
155
Faith
157
Gifts
159
Past Midnight
161
The Need
163
Absolutes
165
Preface
7
Acknowledgements
8
Kindred Spirits
167
About the Author
Back Cover
Seasons of the Heart
“ … gifts wrapped in rainbows, tied with dried grasses …”
Photo By: Tyler
Photo By: Tyler
FOG This morning I steer a pirate ship through sea-smoke and murky waters; phantom fingers clutch her sides, then slide off, leave streaks. Lights are swallowed up in shrouds of rimy vapor. Adrift, without compass, moon, or stars, I pilot my ghostly galleon forward, rub bleary eyes that peer and strain for that first sight of land.
APPEARED IN FREE VERSE, 2009, AND WISCONSIN FELLOWSHIP OF POET’S CALENDAR, 2010
Seasons 33
EquusThe Heart’s Passion
E L P “ … suddenly, I am riding Pegasus, M right into my childhood dreams.” A S “ The Three Graces” Photo By: Clare Plehn
SH Say Sarina with Jericho’s Morning Rocket.
Photo By: Tyler
FOAL The wonder of it all… almost a year of waiting a week of sleepless nights Finally this the mare presents one tiny perfect hoof encased in an iridescent bubble as magical as those we blew through childhood’s wands We wait breathless for one more miniature hoof Next the milky sphere reveals a baby nose, nostrils already flaring trying to breathe Like an axed tree the mare drops In one convulsive heave the bubble bursts expelling a flawless foal Its little whinny is answered by a low encouraging nicker of love We are awed to silence… miracles take place in a stable
APPEARED IN WHERE WOMAN ENDS, HORSE BEGINS, 2003
Equus 69
Ta-ket, Taco 7-4-71 to 6-3-06
Photos By: Pam O’Connell, Lu Ann and Linda Lee
FOUNDATION MARE For twenty-five summers, her broad, patient back carried our hopes and dreams; she taught us all she knew, showed us what we needed to learn before we asked. In 4-H she was one of the smallest horses, with a heart so big that she carried her young riders to the top; they won walls of colorful ribbons, most of them blue. Her sire, of noble Arabian heritage traced to Bedouin pride, gave her a sculpted head and big eyes of liquid amber, with flared nostrils that drank the wind, filled her lungs with power. Her dam traced to the legendary Vermont horse, Justin Morgan, whose blood still gives his breed the vigor and strength to survive winter ice storms, summer drought, every challenge. We all rode her on the trails, savored the scent of piney earth oiled leather and horse. Her sturdy legs never faltered, kept going, no matter how far we went, how long we stayed out. We raced her, discovered her love of speed, need to win. In barrel racing, her control helped beat the clock, brought her top scores, against long-legged horses, some right off the track. Team penning was even more fun. She excited the old cowboys, twisting and turning with precision, never losing even the most wily, bucking cows and calves…made it all look easy. In our small barn, she gave us five miracle foals, each one so beautiful and perfect, we were blessed, moved to tears; three daughters and two sons strengthened our herd. As an old mare, she never quit working, cared for the weaned foals, taught them to find the best grass, enjoy the warm sun. At thirty-five, she had to leave us, cross the “Rainbow Bridge.” Missing her today, I walked out to the herd, and there I saw, her legacy in most of them—beautiful tossing heads, flying manes, powerful bodies, magnificent spirits. She’ll never really leave us.
Taco:In memoriam. APPEARED IN WISCONSIN HORSEMEN’S NEWS, 2006 AND MORAB PERSPECTIVE, 2006
Equus 71
S
E L P AM
People and Pets Deep in My Heart
The Olson Family -1959
S
E L P AM
“ … wonder women, who encircled us with a golden lasso of love, that kept us safe…”
Tessie, Donna, Melva, La Von and Lonnie
Donna, Lonnie, Lin, Tessie, La Von and Elizabeth.
“THE AUNTS” Mom had seven sisters. We cousins have always called them, “The Aunts.” They were at each of our births, wonder women, who encircled us with a golden lasso of love that kept us safe… No matter what we needed, “The Aunts” were there; they came to coo and fuss over new babies, bring food and hugs to funerals, attended every milestone.
“The Aunts” made each family event a noisy, happy party, shared jokes, gave lots and lots of advice best of all, brought special presents, wrapped in hugs.
“The Aunts” grew up washing dishes and waiting tables in Grandma’s restaurant; they were bound to help, took over the work, even in someone else’s kitchen.
“The Aunts” potluck dishes could win awards at any county fair; they always brought extra, always helped serve, and left a spotless kitchen and recipes behind. As carpenter’s daughters, “The Aunts” could pound a nail, paint a wall, build a shelf. Working right alongside the men, they rebuilt the lake cottage, then taught us to swim and bait a hook.
“The Aunts” were always good sports, never too proud or too old to wear the craziest home-made Halloween costumes or to dance the fastest dance with little kids, or each other, at wedding receptions. There was no money for “The Aunts” to go to college, so they read great books, attended seminars, plays, symphonies, honed fine minds, always asked “Why?” searched for truth, lived their creeds.
“The Aunts” eagerly shared whatever we brought to them- a wriggly face-licking-puppy, a fistful of wildflowers, a neat rock with fossils, our best report card, new friends, fresh-picked berries, a fat toad. Now we’ve become parents, aunts, uncles. Some of “The Aunts” have passed on, but the golden lasso remains, has expanded to encircle all those we love. How can we ever live up to their heroic deeds? They would always expect us to try, so we will...try!
People & Pets 81
Ellen Kort, heart-friend, poet and teacher.
“IMPOSSIBLE DREAMS” This tiny Don Quixote boldly strides forth, wielding a crumpled sword of startling words and jeweled images. We are compelled to follow. Courage unwavering, she tilts at windmills… ignorance, doubt, fear. Vision clear, she moves on, slashes new paths. Like Sancho and Dulcinea, we trail behind, fearful, wanting so much to believe… This persistent knight gently guides us onward, until at last, we canembrace our own quest; begin to trust ourselves; tentatively reach for a star.
*To Ellen Kort, gifted poet and teacher, upon ending her four-year appointment as Wisconsin’s first Poet Laureate.
People & Pets 93
Tyler with Remey.
Photo By: Tyler
GOLDENS Most people who have Golden Retrievers refer to them simply as, “Goldens.� That single word really captures everything that makes them special. They are rare, offer a devotion beyond price often learn things without being taught, are compelled to bring toys, slippers, unlimited love any time you ask or whenever they sense you need it; they always know. To see a Golden, in the late afternoon sun, is better than looking at real gold coins; a precious gift, it turns us into misers.
People & Pets 107
Places My Heart Treasures
“ … the old lodge offers weathered grace; I breathe in the pungent welcome of the north …”
S
E L P AM
Photo By: Vicki
Photo By: Mary
SCHOOL OF THE ARTS Kindred spirits everywhere sharing caring old/young tall/small thin/robust shy/bold many muses many voices artists all minds expanding flexing soaring; old/young tall/small thin/robust shy/bold enlightened teachers on their own journeys minds expanding flexing soaring fulfilling ourselves as never before; enlightened teachers on their own journeys inspiring guiding pushing sharing caring fulfilling ourselves as never before joy tears hope passion all of us growing; old/young tall/small thin/robust shy/bold many muses many voices artists all minds expanding flexing soaring kindred spirits everywhere sharing caring.
Places 111
Photos By: Tyler and Linda Lee
SLIDE SHOW My daughter chose to move four hours north. thirty years younger, she makes the trip with ease, can’t see why I don’t visit often. Half-way there my knees and back complain, my eyes want a nap, I’m hungry, and other needs press. But there is this… a private slide show of northwoods beauty; the click of each mile brings up a new frame. Bright purple and yellow wildflowers wave; jade-green sturdy pines stand proud behind graceful white birch. The sky offers spectacular, multi-hued back drops. Sometimes, a delicate, spotted fawn leaps up from a hidden bed, tucked deep in shadowy ferns I feel wealthy, privileged, sitting in my box seat. I wouldn’t want to miss this show. Maybe I will visit more often.
PRESENTED IN THE WFOP POETS’ CALENDAR, 2005
Places 113
The Heart Grieves
“After too much bright sun burns flesh, assaults eyes, let evening come …”
S
E L P M A
Photo By: Tyler
Photo By: Tyler
MONUMENTS I planted five trees in their memory: my first brother, a cousin, and three dear friendseach one cut from life by cancer’s saw way too soon The trees had to be perfect: for Jim, a clump of silvered birch, proud sentinels of the Northwoods; for Tod, an aspen, leaves rippling laughter, in the summer wind; for Romain, a willow, with its circle of arms to enfold friends and family; for George, an oak, slow-growing, strong, dependable, roots sunk deep; finally, for Eunice, my proud, colorful heart-friend, a Fall Fiesta Sugar Maple. The trees are all growing, living memorials, but tears still roll down my cheeks, to a pool deep inside.
Grieves 135
The Heart Ponders
“ … Sunday school kids ...collected drab cocoons,… knew that very soon yellow-and-black butterflies would appear.”
S
E L P AM
Photo By: Chuck Lindelof
Photo By: Tyler
WHAT REALLY MATTERS May my heart always be open to little moments: the lush scent of morning coffee, so rich I can taste it before it meets my tongue; my dog’s shape, curled nearby, while I write…a quiet soul-mate, loving presence; a happy thrill, unexpected touching, as your voice flows across telephone wires to me; a crisp day in early September, the Maple’s gift, one scarlet leaf, shimmering in grass, still green; wispy ghosts of steam hovering, haunting the creek on sharp, frosted mornings; the sudden warmth, downy softness, when I bury frost-bitten fingers in my horse’s winter coat. May I always take time to savor, give thanks.
Ponders 143
Linda riding Jericho’s Mr. Chauvinist and Wendy.
E L P M A S
Photo By: Tyler
THE NEED I ponder was it there from the start that deepest part of me reserved for Equus? Were my first squalling cries cries of need? Other little girls played house I played horse If I couldn’t have a horse I would be one I was a wild stallion sniffing danger in the wind tossing my thick auburn mane jumping any fence in my way I galloped through childhood dreaming always dreaming of a horse of my own Decades passed The longing was only slightly displaced by marriage teaching Then you came my daughter Your dreams mirrored mine but were more determined focused You got your horse We became horse breeders One horse founded a magnificent herd Watching the frolicking foals from my window my soul is finally full Thank you
APPEARED IN WHERE WOMAN ENDS‌ HORSE BEGINS
Ponders 163
Kindred Spirits Vicki Johnson- For many years, my niece, Vicki, has been taking photos of her family’s Island on Trude Lake just outside of Mercer, Wisconsin. Her favorite photos are of the sunsets over the lake, and the loons; she has won several contests as an amateur photographer. She has also been an enthusiastic audience and reader, of my poems and book, in their beginning stages. Wendy Konichek- My daughter, Wendy, has been instrumental in making my dreams of owning and breeding horses come true. She spent many hours of her childhood at my craft store, LINDA’S HOUSE OF CRAFTS in Waukesha, and developed a multitude of creative talents including woodburning, ceramics and painting; most of her 4-H projects won blue and championship ribbons and went to the State Fair. In recent years, she has found a natural medium on the computer, combining her early art/craft training with the latest in computer technology. In the past few years, she has designed prize-winning websites, catalogs, newsletters, show programs, and books, as well as promotional materials for a variety of people, and is now launching Jericho Productions, an affordable design company, to help artists, writers, and horse businesses, as well as other small businesses create a network presence and quality promotional materials, in full color, at costs that make it available to all. In 2003, Wendy designed and published my first poetry chapbook, WHERE WOMAN ENDS, HORSE BEGINS, in a Gift Edition for women who love horses; it is still selling well, and can be ordered through our farm website. Collaborating with Wendy on my first full-length poetry book, CELEBRATING THE HEART-LAND, has been a truly inspirational experience, and each day my admiration for her talent and incredible ability to share and enhance my dreams, has grown to genuine awe. She was able to envision what I wanted, almost before I asked. This book is as much her book, and her work of art, as it is mine, and I will always be grateful and proud. You can contact her through our website, www.jerichocreekfarms.com Chuck Lindelof- I met Chuck through his wife, Jeanette, who is a fellowpoet and friend. Chuck has been a passionate photographer from boyhood. He always carries his digital camera in his car, and can be a bit of a hazard when he slams on the brakes and jumps from the car to photograph turtles, wildflowers, or just about anything special in nature that he spots on the road. He also loves taking photos of the birds and flowers in Jeanette’s huge garden. But as a retired Grandpa, his favorite subjects are his grandchildren. This year, Chuck finally entered two photography contests, and he won first in one and honorable mention in the other. You can reach Chuck at his email chuckles@wctc.net I am honored to include his butterfly photos in the book.
Kindred Spirits Bridget Lockridge- We were blessed to find another gifted equine photographer, in Bridget, who agreed to be the official show photographer for us, when our scheduled photographer was injured in 2004. Since then Bridget and her camera have given us many more excellent photos, recording timeless moments with our horses. Her motto is ”Capturing the moment of a lifetime, one click at a time.” The photo of Taco’s son, our powerful Morab stallion, Jericho’s Mr. Sterling “Nacho”, is one we’ve hoped to get for a long time. You can see more of Bridget’s photos at www.imagesbylockridge.com Pam O’Connell- Pam began her career as an equine photographer about the same time we began our breeding operation in 1986. Her skill with the camera has given us countless beautiful photos of our horses, especially stallions and foals. The photos in this book for the poem, “Stallion,” and the collage of photos of our foundation mare, Taco, are some of our favorites. Taco was thirty-two when these photos were taken, and we are so grateful to have them, as she crossed the “Rainbow Bridge,” three years later. You can contact Pam at pamandkp@hotmail.com Clare Plehn- Amateur photographer, Clare Plehn, took many photographs of our horses in the early years of our breeding business. But the all time favorite, and one that has become associated with our farm, is one that she calls “The Three Graces.” The young Morabs in her photo are Jericho’s Mr. Liberty, Jericho’s Royal Ashlin, and Jericho’s Lady Kathleen. We are grateful to Clare for this rare photo of our young horses running. La Von Shropshire- my mother, has, not only enriched my life with her paintings, but she was the one who helped my brother, Tom, become an artist, thus making me doubly blessed. In 1961, at the Wisconsin State Fair, La Von discovered abstract and non-objective paintings; her love and fascination with this type of painting grew from that. She took several night classes and finally joined the Allis Chalmer’s Art Club. The bi-monthly critique sessions and demonstration lectures gave her “the best art education of her life.” “My paintings are my way of sharing my feelings, to create beauty for others, …Non-objective means you don’t have to try to understand a painting, you just have to feel it, and respond to its mood, composition, color, or theme….” Her paintings have been favorably compared to Georgia O’ Keefe and Jackson Pollack, and I am privileged to have two of them in my collection.
Kindred Spirits Tom Shropshire- my brother, refers to his style of painting as “Traditional with a Twist” because his work often includes an unexpected element of fantasy, myth or whimsy. An artist from the age of fourteen, he has won numerous awards during his career, and his paintings are included in many private and corporate collections, as well as museums and Native American Tribal Centers. You can see many more of his paintings and purchase them at his website, www.shropshireart.com which was produced and designed by Wendy Konichek, or at his blog, http://tomshropshire.blogspot.com His email is happy@wi.rr.com Tyler- my niece, by choice, came to live at the farm many years ago. As an art major in college, she was often called an artist in reference to her paintings and drawings. Now, as a self-taught, amateur photographer, Tyler finds it hard to believe that she receives the title, “artist,” for her photography, as well. She started her life as a photographer, mostly to help us out, by taking photos of the horses, at birth. She soon learned that it takes special skills to photograph equines successfully, and was pleased to discover that she had developed a real feeling for it. She was given a professional camera for her birthday, and her skill increased. She started taking photos of farm life, and began to record the natural beauty of the land, especially the seasons, and she also photographed weddings and family events. Tyler has been amazed at how these photos have given her a way to connect with others. They also gave new purpose and joy to her life, as she helped people become aware of the beauty in things they might otherwise overlook each day. When I started looking for the right photographs to accompany my poems, I was absolutely amazed to find that, in most cases, Tyler’s photographic muse walked hand-in-hand with my poetry muse; I am absolutely thrilled that CELEBRATING THE HEARTLAND will enable her to share her photographic art with others, alongside my poems. Gina Tuchel- my niece has been photographing and videoing the family, as long as I can remember. She has a natural gift, and does an especially good job photographing children. Her photos have enriched my life and provide a colorful record of our family. Tom Kivlan Voss- Recently, I visited the Almont Gallery in Waukesha and was delighted to discover the photographic art of Tom Voss. Tom has the gift of highlighting rare moments in nature and capturing them forever. He says there are surprises around every corner, when it comes to nature and wildlife. He has only been a photographer for about seven years, but has already won many awards and his photos have been featured on the cover of any number of magazines. You can contact Tom at tvoss@wi.rr.com or view his splendid photography at the Almont Gallery, 342 West Main Street, Waukesha, 262-542-1522
Also by Linda Konichek
WHERE WOMAN ENDS … HORSE BEGINS Chapbook Gift Edition of poetry for people who love horses.
“ I love your chapbook of poems—beautiful! I’ve shared it with another horse-woman friend, she loves it too … I’m so glad your journey of words continues…” Ellen Kort, Wisconsin’s first Poet Laureate, gifted writer, teacher, and public speaker Linda, I absolutely love your poems, especially the one about foaling …” Grace Bushman, poet,
“...Your poems are moving and deeply felt; the images put the reader right at the scenes, and will put horse people there with you …” Barbara Cranford, artist and poet Your chapbook of poems rates a full page of praise and compliments-cover painting, all the photographs, the printing, the page about the poet … I enjoyed meeting Miss Emma and Angela, Kindred spirits always recognize each other, ‘Foal’ is beautiful, too, with your perfect ending sentence… ‘Goodbye My Heart Companion’ is so YOU … echoes your devotion and dedication to horses… ‘The Great Divide’ includes humor for married readers … I’m honored to have an autographed copy of your first chapbook and look forward to the same honor with your first novel!” Eleanor Tobias, artist and friend “...Your poems call to me and I come. I’m re-reading them for the third time. Each time I read them, they grow richer, strike a new chord...Your words in ‘The Need’ … my thoughts fly to my wanting a horse as a child … I never did get my horse or learn to ride, but I’m content with that, because I now have Grandkids who ride and a daughter-in-law, and I have my poetry about horses … I absolutely love your poem ‘Foal’. The description of birthing is so fine … Again, in ‘Goodbye My Heart Companion’, you say it so well. Your poem exudes unadulterated love. I love the images, the feeling of freedom …” Mara Ptacek, artist and poet,
1 book $6.50 3 or more books $6.00 each Plus postage. To order your copy visit: www.jerichocreekfarms.com Or mail to: Jericho Productions S.101 W.34628 Hwy LO Eagle, WI 53119
About the Author Linda Lee: Former teacher, textbook author, and entrepreneur, Linda Lee (Konichek) has loved poetry, horses, and Wisconsin’s lifestyle, from childhood. Twenty-five years ago, her family moved to a lovely 114 acre farm in Eagle, where she and her daughter breed Morab horses (a cross between the Morgan and Arabian horse); they established Jericho Creek Farm I in 1986. Over the past twenty-four years they have produced more than eighty beautiful Morab foals and now stand several Morab and Morgan stallions, and one Egyptian-Arabian stallion. Today, the family farm is run by Linda, who works with mares and foals and promotion, and daughter, Wendy, who trains and shows horses, and gives lessons to people of all ages and abilities. In 2009, Wendy plans to establish The Horse-Power Healing Center, for children and adults with special needs, as part of her riding academy, Jericho Creek Farm II. Special friend, Carolyn Harris, operates a sister farm, Jericho Creek West, in Lincoln, California, near Sacramento. The men of the family, Norm and Jamie, work the fifty-acre hay field and try to keep up with the never-ending maintenance of the farm, along with their regular jobs. Son, Matthew, and his wife, Galina Shelepov, “Master of Sport” in Dressage, operate Legacy Dressage Center, in Burlington, Wisconsin. In 2000, Linda attended the School of the Arts in Rhinelander, for the first time, where several gifted teachers helped her to begin writing poetry and her first novel. Her poems are inspired by the beauty of Wisconsin’s changing seasons and the every day miracles of life on the farm, as well as the many special people who comprise a large circle of friends and family. Her first gift-edition chapbook of horse poetry, for women who love horses, WHERE WOMAN ENDS-HORSE BEGINS, was published in 2003. It was well-received by the “horse community,” and is in its fourth printing. In addition, Linda contributes farm articles regularly to several equine publications, including WISCONSIN HORSEMEN’S NEWS and the MORAB PERSPECTIVE. CELEBRATING THE HEART-LAND, Linda’s first full length book of poetry, is Linda’s tribute to life and values in the Midwest. It also gives her a chance to showcase some of her friends and family and the kindred spirits who enrich every moment of her day.
www.jerichocreekfarms.com $25.00