
Pen & Prose
The Influence of Tennessee’s Landscape on my Poetry
My journey of writing began as a child growing up on a farm in a rural town in Tennessee as I gazed upon the beauty of a picturesque landscape that encircled me from the front porch. Gathering my notebook and pen, I headed to the edge of the porch where I dreamed and dared to pen the language of my heart to paper.
Finding Solace in Nature-Inspired Poetry
Nature has an inherent ability to calm our minds and rejuvenate our spirits. The rustling of leaves, the gentle flow of a river, the vibrant colors of a sunset, and morning’s first song—these elements of nature have a way of grounding us, and reminding us of the beauty and simplicity of life.
Song of the Dove: The Inspiration behind the Poem
The Mourning Dove is a symbol of love and comfort and is seasonally monogamous. The soothing song of the Dove is a pleasant melody to many that recognize the wistful song when it shakes against the air.
Celebrating Nature’s Winter Wonder Through Verse
Winter is a time when nature showcases its serene beauty. Winter transforms the landscape into a blanket of white. Snow has a unique magic about it and tends to bring out the childlike nature in all of us. It transforms landscapes into winter wonderlands. Take a moment to celebrate the wonders of winter.
The Journey of Tennessee’s Poet Laureate, Margaret Britton Vaughn
You write your poems and history will come…this one statement was like rain on newly planted seeds and propelled Maggi to the next level of her work. Throughout her early adulthood, Maggi continued to polish her skills by working at the The Tennessean/Banner in advertisement. From early on she had written country songs which ended up in the hands of some icons in country music at the time.
The Majestic Cedar: Nature’s Timeless Sentinel
Cedar trees, with their towering presence and aromatic wood, have long been revered in various cultures around the world. The world of cedar trees is a fascinating one and have a storied past that dates back thousands of years.
Landmark Booksellers host local authors for Dickens of a Christmas Dec. 14-15.
Join Marlene Tidwell, Author & Poet, on Sunday, December 15, 1 - 2:30 pm at Landmark Booksellers in historic Franklin, TN during the 39th Annual Dickens of a Christmas. Dickens of a Christmas recreates the time of Charles Dickens using historic downtown Franklin’s charming architecture as the backdrop. A variety of musicians, dancers and Dickens characters will fill the streets. You will not want to miss the festivities!
The Power of Gratitude
Gratitude has a solid foundation in science. Research shows that practicing gratitude can lead to numerous psychological, physical, and social benefits. Individuals who regularly practice gratitude experience higher levels of positive emotions, greater life satisfaction, and lower levels of depression and stress.
Autumn Bliss
The door to Autumn has opened wide. Colors greet us on hills and valleys, on lawns and in the park, beside the riverbank and everywhere our eye is turned.
Self-taught Painter to Acclaimed Artist: The Journey of Camille Engel
Get a glimpse into the life and journey of Internationally Acclaimed Artist Camille Engel. From her first strokes on the canvas to her first award-winning painting, Wild Roses, you will see the thread of creativity that runs through each detailed piece of art.
Write from the Heart
Amid the beams and shadows, we all walk the stairwell with cracks of the heart.
What Happened to the Whip-poor-will?
Whatever happened to the Whip-poor-will? Growing up on a farm I looked forward to the summer evenings when once again the Whip-poor-will serenaded the valley with a beautiful and unique song. It echoed through the forest and fields in a melody that punctuated the stillness of the night. Find out why the population is in decline.
September Serenade
September Serenade - September sings a special song to usher in autumn with cooler days and a waning sun. Football games, bonfires and harvest festivals scent the air. Mums and pumpkins decorate our porches as we bid goodbye to the hot days of summer. The end of one season welcomes the next one that dresses each tree in vibrant colors. Bring on the autumn shades!
Majestic Masters of the Sky: Exploring the World of Eagles
Explore the world of the Majestic Masters of the Sky. Delve into the facts of interest that qualify the eagle as being unique and distinct from other birds. Learn more about their mating habits, their diet, vision and their miraculous comeback from near extinction.
The Cradle of Time
The Cradle of Time: A Poem of nostalgia that winds its way back through the pages of time.
Walking through Frost’s woods: Discover facts about America’s favorite Poet
The first poet to read a poem at the inauguration of John F. Kennedy, the life of Robert Frost was a mix of rain and sun. Find out the back story behind the poem The Road Not Taken as you are intrigued with the life and legacy of Robert Frost.
America’s Salute
America’s Salute: a reminder of our freedoms and liberties with a poem for the 4th of July.
The Bird with Blue Feet
Get a glimpse into the uniqueness of the Blue-footed Booby and why it has captivated the human imagination for centuries. It's special characteristics of monogamous relationships, the exaggerated marching in courtship, an unusual cooling mechanism to the bright blue feet that appeals to potential partners will intrigue you and keep you reading until the last line.
Overcoming Writer’s Block
Don’t let the empty page become your final product. Discover creative ways to overcome writer’s block.
Blooms, Birds & Butterflies
Blooms, birds and butterflies list different types of flowers that will attract hummingbirds, seed birds and butterflies to create a beautiful space all summer and into the fall.