*** WINNERS ARE LISTED ON THE RAFFLECOPTER AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE!***
I am pleased to announce that I have recently published my forth poetry book, Colored Highlights and Drifting Shadows ~ Friendship's Moments, with a gorgeous cover design by BushMaid Design.
Friendship is full of highlights and shadows. Sometimes it is bright and joyful as we learn, build trust, grow, and laugh together. Other times it is dark and confusing as we get hurt, question, change and sometimes even break apart.
In many ways, friendship changes who we are - the way we view the world, how we live, what we reach for, and who we trust. It is a reminder of our fallen nature - It is an even greater reminder that we are not meant to walk alone.
This book of poetry, quotes, and scripture explores both the joys and pains bound in friendship, and seeks to share many of the lessons we learn from each other.
Prize Package #1:
1 signed copy of Colored Highlights and Drifting Shadows ~ Friendship's Moments + 1 signed copy of Writers' Colors and Dreams + a Notebook and a wooden pencil + A two dragon necklace
Prize Package #2:
1 signed copy of Colored Highlights and Drifting Shadows ~ Friendship's Moments + 1 signed copy of Writers' Colors and Dreams + a Scaled-pattern notebook + a Turquoise coffee mug
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I also am giving away prizes on my Clay Page - ZA's Clay Critters on Facebook, if you'd like to head over there and take a look around.
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What others are saying about this book:
"This collection of poetry on friendship took some time for me to finish. It was not because it was difficult to understand, but because there was so much of it that brought back memories for me. Friendship is one of those things that is deep enough on an emotional level that it can leave you full at its peak or empty at its transition. Ophelia seems to have captured much of what is experienced in friendship with the words written here. Rightly named, 'Colored Highlights and Drifting Shadows - Friendship's Moments' uses rhyme and other literary tools to express what many of us may feel but don't know exactly how to say. Ophelia takes us on a journey through the many terrains that friendships take, including the valleys of indifference and betrayal, the mountain peaks of comradery and the climb in between. I have enjoyed her ability to weave words in such a way that conveys a strong message with simplicity, but I believe that this book will most likely sit on my desk where I can read from it often."
"This collection of intimate poetry explores the ups and downs of friendship in a way that made me think back through my own life, my own friendships, to see and feel the value and lessons in each one. Ophelia does a wonderful job of painting pictures with her words, bringing to life the emotions she is feeling, and walking the reader through them with her. Her foundation in her faith makes her poems even more endearing and life-like. She clearly and effectively illustrates how our friendships on earth reflect the friend we have in Jesus, and how our broken selves and broken friends complicate our relationships. Her words are moving and lovely, and able to make this non-poetry reader interested in the power of verse."
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thank you for visiting my blog and checking out my books!
This giveaway closes on May 19th at midnight - winners will be announced shortly thereafter.
~Ophelia - Marie Flowers
Oooh, great question for the blog comments! I think the most important lesson I've learnt about friendship is that a true friendship can't exist without honesty and authenticity. Eventually whatever façade a person puts up will come down, and it breaks trust and hurts hearts. Authenticity is something I now greatly value, and try never to take for granted. :)
ReplyDelete*Smiles* ;) The whole post/book is friendship themed - might as well make the comments the same.
DeleteI really liked your blog post on being authentic. :) It's a very important aspect of friendship.
Friendship is special. You have to know you will be honest with each other and back each other when needed. Also to know when you shouldn't get involved
ReplyDelete*Nods* Very true. :)
DeleteThat first prize package may be the most beautiful thing I've ever seen, lol.
ReplyDeleteAs far as that question... hmm, I'm not sure. Maybe, as cliche as this might sound, that true friends love you no matter what. You don't have to hide or change who you are. With your best friends, you can just be you, the good parts and the bad. :)
Alexa
thessalexa.blogspot.com
*Amused grin* I'm glad you approve. ;) I had a lot of fun trying to get just the right prizes together - I'm quite pleased with the results. ;)
Delete*Smiles* Yes - it's such a blessing to have friends who love you no matter what, and with whom you can be yourself. :)
The most important thing I learned about friendship?
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't last forever, so don't treat it like it does. Enjoy every part of every moment...don't overanalyze it, but be aware of everything that is said, done, and felt. So you can still have the memories even when you can't still have the person anymore.
*Nods* Often times friendship doesn't last forever. It's good to live in such a way that we treasure the time and memories as we go along.
DeleteI think one of the most important things I've learned about friendship is that you always need to let them know,not just with words but also with actions, that you're always going to be there with/for them to the end of the line no matter what happens, be it good or bad. Because friendship is a lifetime commitment and a special treasure which should always be guarded and never taken lightly.
ReplyDeleteYes! It's so important to let friends know that your'e going to be there for them. :)
DeleteI think the most important thing is honesty. I've been lied to by close friends, and it almost shattered me.
ReplyDeleteAlso, to repeat what AngelGirl said, it is a lifetime commitment and should not be taken lightly.
*Nods* Honesty is very important, as is commitment to each other. :)
DeleteI'm so sad! I tried to comment earlier, but for some reason it didn't go through! I know it's late, but here is what I've learned about friendships recently:
ReplyDeleteThe shallow, weak friendships will be washed away by the summer monsoons OR they will take in the great amounts of water and grow, digging deeper roots that will make the friendship stronger in the end.
And I agree with Elizabeth, honesty means a lot to me and my friends :)
You're not late, Riah. ;) This giveaway has 9 days left. <3
DeleteGood, poetic thoughts. :D
~ZA