This collection of poems and digital art is the first collaboration between poet, Marilyn Raymond, and artist, Cathryn Wellner. Together they have created a unique way of presenting poetry and images. The book extends an intimate invitation to communicate through poems that are open and accessible and images that offer a rare glimpse into story.
Marilyn's poems, though on a wide range of topics, always have natural images, often both light and dark together - hope and loss, beauty and death, love and loneliness - and are meant to inspire connection: connection to insight; connection to trees, rivers and the animals that love them; connection to our human loves; connection to our deeper selves.
Cathryn is the creator of the series of whimsical, poignant, sometimes heart wrenching picture/micro story combinations known as Small Scale Stories: Only Slightly Off Kilter. The photographs and micro stories encourage readers to keep reaching for connection: lighthearted, passionate, heartwarming, sad, lonely, and beautiful ways to Love this Earth.
Together, Cathryn and Marilyn, have created a unique way of presenting poetry and images. This book extends an intimate invitation to communicate through poems that are intentionally written to be open and accessible and images that offer a rare glimpse into story through the eyes of another.
Retired English teacher, Denise Brownlie, describes the book this way: "Are you a brave reader? Two wise Okanagan elders offer a beautiful, challenging book. The talents of poet Marilyn Raymond and digital artist Cathryn Wellner take us to the heart of things. No fluff in this book. For example, we are invited to "Rejoice!" at the waxy gold of the Sagebrush Buttercups, thrusting their stems through all manner of trash. The authors share stories of the long journey to the healing powers of a loving community. Let's listen closely as these two perceptive fellow travellers remind us of the certainty of doubt, death, and darkness. But nothing in this lovely book is bereft of hope. After all, the golden Buttercups thrive despite the trash. My prediction? You also will be drawn in to linger on each remarkable page. Nuggets everywhere!"