Ongoing Contributor Diana Raab, PhD - Memoirist - Poet - Thought Leader - October Newsletter: Fight Breast Cancer and More!

 

October Newsletter "Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words."  ~ Robert Frost I always equate October with Halloween. Of course this goes all the way back to childhood. Marcel Proust wrote about “Madeleine Moments,” and I always have those when eating a chocolate bar. Madeleine moments are moments when we do something today that reminds us of something we did years ago. These types of moments also elicit wonderful poems. I’ve been in an anti-submission slump, which is why I don’t have much in the section, “Recently Published Works.” As writers know, submitting to publications takes a lot of energy and one really has to be in the mood. I’ve been writing and scribbling in my journal and walking my puppy, Rumi (copper mini poodle). October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month and as a two-time breast cancer survivor, I’d like to urge all women to make sure to get their annual mammograms. They saved me twice as my tumors were not palpable in my self-breast exams. Breast cancer also happens to men and a good friend of mine was affected. It’s more rare but possible. Any unusual symptoms should always be reported. Here's to your health!                                                                ~~~~ October Writing Prompts Write about the status of your health. Write about a medical issue that runs in your family. Write about your favorite Halloween costume as a child. Write about what you want to let go of this fall. ~~~ Recently Published Works! “The First Kiss.” (essay). Big City Lit. Summer 2025. “16 Danger Signs for Seniors to Be Aware of This National Suicide Prevention Month.” (essay). Sixty and Me. September 8, 2025. “My Grandchildren’s Eyes.” (poem). Modern Artist. September 19, 2025. "Love, Grief, and Everything In Between." Medium. September 19, 2025. “Love, Grief, and Everything In Between.” Sixty and Me. September 23, 2025. Recommended Book! Quietly Wild: Poems, Photographs, and Rituals to Mark the Seasons   by Alix Klingenberg I am not one who spends a lot of time on social media; however, I discovered Alix on IG a little while ago and have been following her with joy. This recently published book is a sheer delight which I read in one sitting. Alix’s poetry is short, sweet, and inspiring. This is an annual guide to flowing with nature’s cycles. Included in the collection are stunning photographs and thoughtful suggestions for creative seasonal practices. She refers to “fall” as the season for “Ritual of Letting Go and Calling In” (Mabon/Autumn Equinox). As an exercise, she suggests making two columns then writing down what you’d like to let go of what you want to call in. The ritual also includes lighting a candle. One of the poems in this section is called, “Autumn’s Altar” and it goes like this:   “We begin with a ritual,   on a threshold   of light and dark,   day and night.   We rest our heads on the altar   of autumn   and come back into balance with   our whole selves.” I have earmarked so many pages in this collection that resonate with me, and for good measure, I keep it on my bedside table. So wonderful and highly recommended! ~~~ https://www.dianaraab.com You’re receiving this newsletter because somewhere on this life's journey, our paths have crossed. Sign up to receive your own copy... here's more info about her writing classes! It's Autumn, one of my favorite seasons--the other is Spring... Stay as long as you like here and listen to restful music... God Bless Gabby