Welcome to the RAVE REVIEWS BOOK CLUB Springtime Book & Block Party!
This stop is being brought to you from Plano, Texas
What I’m giving away on this stop:
One (1) $5.00 Amazon Gift Card
One (1) $10.00 iTunes Gift Card
Two (2) Copies of Discovery – Poetry and Art eBook
Number of winners for this stop – Four (4)
For a Chance to win, please leave a comment on this post.
And, I’d be thrilled if you’d share it on Social Media.
I cannot tell you how excited I am to bring to you the Poetry and Art book, Discovery, in eBook format!
First and foremost, I want to thank Jan Hawke for her hard work formatting the artwork and poems to convert to eBook. She did a phenomenal job. The clickable links in the Table of Contents take you directly to a specific poem or piece of artwork.
This book is unique first of all because it was compiled by Rick Sikes during the fifteen years he was incarcerated in Leavenworth Prison. Secondly, the artwork that accompanies the poetry is what he called pen-and-ink drawings, which I have learned is technically called Pointillism – Artwork made up of millions of tiny dots.
A few bitter years into his imprisonment, Rick Sikes reached a pivotal turning point.
He made the decision to be, think, and act only in a positive manner. This poetry and art project was partially his means of doing just that.
What you’ll find between the covers of this book are expressions of raw emotion…Poems of deep sadness and loss, humorous musings, political wisdom, life observations and tender love from Rick, while Jan lends her own deeply personal poems at the end of the book to round it out.
This partial excerpt from the poem entitled “Discovery” is the first expression of that pivotal point in Rick’s life where he determined he was going to crawl up from the bottom and become a worthwhile human.
Discovery
Through life’s wilderness I wandered aimlessly seeking my way
Seldom looking up to see the light of day
Stumbling blindly, ‘til so weary, I could go no more
In total exhaustion I fell to the earthen floor
My eyes focused upon a wounded but lovely thing
Seemingly an angel felled with a broken wing
Said I, “Stranger, what will be your name?”
A voice spoke softly, “Yours, for our names are the same…”
RICK SIKES
Comes the Dawn by Jan Sikes
After a while you learn the subtle difference
Between holding a hand and chaining a soul
You learn that love doesn’t mean leaning
And company doesn’t mean security
Eventually, you understand that kisses aren’t contracts
And presents aren’t promises
Then you start to accept your defeats
Head up and eyes open wide
With the grace of a woman, not the grief of a child
And learn to build your roads on today
Because tomorrow’s ground is too uncertain for plans
Futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight
After a while you learn that even sunshine
Burns you if you get too much
So you plant your own garden and decorate your own soul
Instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers
And you learn that you can endure
That you really are strong
You truly do have worth
And you learn and learn
With each goodbye – you learn
I hope you’ll take a peek at the Trailer for Discovery. Click HERE!
I hope I’ve piqued your interest and that you’ll check out this new eBook version of Discovery!
Once again, thanks for stopping by and don’t forget to share your thoughts and comments at the bottom of this post. Good luck on winning my giveaways! I’ll see you at the next stop of this awesome BLOCK PARTY!
For More Stops on this RAVE REVIEWS BOOK CLUB Book and Block Party, click HERE
Order the eBook Discovery HERE!
Rick’s artwork is striking, Jan. And the book trailer is outstanding. I love the music ♥
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Thank you, Tina! Your words are always so kind and much appreciated!
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I’m a little late on this stop, my apologies! Great blog post overall!!
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Sorry I missed your post on the prescribed day, but I got tied up. Glad I finally made it, but missed out on the great prizes. Liked the poetry, but especially the picture. Pointillism, huh? New one for me. Great post and Party!
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Thank you for stopping by, Larry. I appreciate a fellow Texan’s support! 🙂
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I love the poetry, Jan. This is a wonderful post. I wish you the very best on your Block Party!
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Thanks, Beem. I appreciate you stopping by.
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Sorry I’m late, Jan, but it’s you so no way I was going to miss your stop.
“Comes the Dawn” really hits me, in a wonderful way.
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Lol, Rob. So glad you stopped by. I would have missed you. 🙂 Glad you liked the poem The words are honest.
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Oh my gosh, Jan, I missed your stop yesterday. Seems I’m falling behind with so many things lately.
Such wonderful news that Discovery is now available as an ebook. I’ll try to get my review up today. This is a gem for sure. Thanks for sharing this with us. Cheers! 🙂
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Thank you for stopping by, Natalie. All reviews welcomed! Hugs!
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I seem to have timed all of the links wrong yesterday, as none were live when I checked from the U.K. I hope you had a great blog party and think your work is wonderful Jan!
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No worries, Lizzie. Glad you made it by! It’s been a great party.
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Beautiful poetry Jan. Rick’s story is very powerful and inspiring. If you don’t mind my asking what was the pivotal thing that changed his path? I think it is awesome that the two of you put out your poetry together. Congratulations on your book.
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Thanks for stopping by, Maggie. In the book, The Convict and The Rose, I showed how Rick (aka Luke Stone) reached that turning point. It didn’t happen suddenly, but was a build-up. First he had to get past the anger and bitterness over being convicted for something he hadn’t done. Then a LOT of soul-searching took place before he finally made the decision to be, act, and think only positive. I like to think Rick is happy with what I’ve done to share his work.
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What lovely poetry, Jan! And the picture made out of dots by Rick is awesome. Best of luck with everything 🙂
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Thank you, Harmony. I appreciate you stopping by.
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I’m late again… *blushes* Jan – it was a real pleasure and a privilege to work with you and Rick’s beautiful artwork to bring out the new eBook. :-d I’ve read most of your story now, following Luke and Darlina through their trials and triumphs – so I guess I’ll be getting around to reviewing the whole body of work very soon – PROMISE! ❤
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Wow!! I look forward to your reviews, Jan, and thanks a million for working on this project! Hugs!
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Hi Jan. i reblogged your post, & will be getting your book asap. 😃 I hope your having a great day.
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Thank you ever so much, Rhani!
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Reblogged this on Rhani DChae and commented:
This is an awesome post, and I just had to share.
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Hi there,
Thank you so much for sharing your lovely poem. Enjoy the tour!
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Thanks, Suzanne!
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Great blog block party.
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Love the blog Jan. I don’t usually read poetry but found yours of interest. Beautiful pictures.
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Thank you, Gracie. So glad I was able to pique your interest.
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Jan, your words and Rik’s have the power to move me. The artwork is passionate and so profound. These poignant words will linger on in my memory … “So you plant your own garden and decorate your own soul
Instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers
And you learn that you can endure
That you really are strong
Thank you so much, this post is inspiring.
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Thank you, Soooz. It makes my heart happy that you find my poem inspiring. It is honest.
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Lov your blog-country western’s my favorite. Poetry well written and your books are great! getting ready to review the first one I read next.
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Thank you, Micki! So glad you stopped by for the party and can’t wait to see the review!! Yay!
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I would like to thank you for holding the Springtime Book & Block Party! I would like to give thanks for all your really great writings. I wish the best in keeping up the good work in the future.
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Thank you, Jerry.
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Just checking to see if you had picked a winner yet. Thanks!
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Yes, Jerry. The winners were randomly selected by RRBC and I have sent out all the prizes to winners.
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Phenomenal post, thank you so much for sharing.
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Thank you Charles!
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Jan, love the art work, the music and the poetry. As someone else pointed out–profound. And, it was. Where did you get that country music? LOVE country. Hope you’re having a great blog tour.
Patricia A. Guthrie
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Thank you, Patricia. I’ve always loved country music, but my life with Rick Sikes cemented it! Thanks for stopping by!
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Thank you for sharing such beautiful thoughts!
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And thank you for stopping by, Mike!
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Jan, Thank you so much for the lovely poems. I’m visiting my daughter tomorrow, so we’ll be reading your poems together! The artwork is amazing and different. Thanks for sharing!
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Awwww, how sweet, Maretha. I am honored that you’d want to share the poems with your daughter. Thank you for stopping by!
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I love pointillism. I’m so impressed with people who can do that. Hope you have a great party day.
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It used to fascinate me to watch Rick do this. It was amazing how a picture would start to form out of the dots. Thanks for stopping by!
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Hi Jan, Love the artwork! I’ve got a couple of your books in your series. I was wondering they should be read in any particular order. Have a fun party. 😀
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Hi, Kim. Thanks for stopping by. I would say if you are just going to pick up one of the books in the series and read it, it doesn’t matter, but if you are planning to read the series, I’d start with Flowers and Stone as that is where the story begins.
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Thanks for the opportunity to enter the contest, and a chance to see your work.
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Thanks, Mike. I appreciate you stopping by!
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I loved both of these excerpts! Thanks for sharing them, Jan. I have no doubt that Discovery will be successful. I definitely want to read it. 😊
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Oh, thank you so much, Yvette! I appreciate your kind words and support.
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Beautiful poems and artwork, Jan.
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Thanks for dropping by, Michelle!
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Love the poems and artwork – great post 🙂
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Thank you, Dawn! I appreciate you support.
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Jan, I have goosebumps, tears, and smiles. What amazing talents and gifts you and Rick have. Loved your blog.
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Thanks, Karen. I wish Rick could be here to see what all I’ve tried to do with his legacy, but somehow I think he sees and smiles from where he is. I appreciate you stopping by!
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WOW! Rick Sikes’ poem “Discovery” left me with my mouth open. It is so profound. I’m not that crazy about poetry but sometimes I do get it. Congratulations Rick and Jan.
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Thanks so much, Shirley. That was only an excerpt from the poem. It is quite long, but Rick is writing about a dream or “vision” where an angel appeared to him in his prison cell. Because of the power of that poem, I felt I had to name the book “Discovery.” I appreciate you stopping by!
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Hi Jan, You and Rick share a timeless love story. Thanks for sharing with the world.
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Thanks, Wendy. I appreciate your support and thanks for visiting the blog on my party day!
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Beautiful, Jan. Best of luck on the tour.
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For some strange reason, your comment went into my Spam box. Glad I found it and retrieved it! Thanks for stopping by.
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Wow. That guy with the 50 million he wants to give you is fascinating. Do you know all he wants is your social security number? 😀
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Lol!
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Love your post – what beautiful poems and gorgeous drawing – deeply moving. Glad I stopped by! 🙂
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Thank you, Lynn. I am thrilled that you stopped by and happy to share!
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Lovely artwork. The poems are full of emotion.
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Thank you, Marjorie. I am so glad you stopped by today!
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Pointillism has always impressed me. It seems so much more difficult than straight drawing, and the effect is beautiful.
Powerful poems, Jan. Thanks for sharing this work with us. Enjoy your tour day!
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I couldn’t agree more, Staci. I used to love to watch Rick do it. It is amazing to watch the dots start to come together to form a picture. He was very good at it. Thanks for stopping by today!
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I’m your fellow blog poster today! Nice to meet you! Thank you for the beautiful poetry.
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Hi, Flossie! Glad to have you for a blog partner today! Hope you are having a wonderful party day. I’m headed over to your site!
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Hi Jan, now that I have read the first and second books about Rick Sikes’ ordeals, I empathize with him, and root for him. Nothing can be worse than suffering for a crime that one did not commit. Have a wonderful day, and enjoy your party.
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Thank you, Joy. I appreciate you stopping by.
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The words speak volumes and the artwork is awesome. You have blended the two together nicely. Have a wonderful day today.
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Thanks for your kind words!
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Welcome!
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Reblogged this on When Angels Fly.
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Thanks so much for sharing, Mary!! I appreciate it.
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Welcome!
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Jan, I hope you are still writing because once I finish the series, I know I will be longing for more! Every day I wish I was home reading. You have me totally involved in your characters. I wish I didn’t have to put my book down.
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Oh my goodness, Betsy. The series ends with ‘Til Death Do Us Part. I am writing, but it is pure fiction and I am hoping for a publisher for this one. Thanks so much for your kind words!!
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Love the feelings and the visuals. What beautiful writing, thank you for sharing.
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Thank you, Annette! I appreciate you stopping by!
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These are beautiful poems, Jan – Kudos on the new ebook!
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Thank you, John! Hope you have enjoyed your copy.
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Beautiful writing, Jan….and you are right, we learn with each goodbye. DISCOVERY sounds extraordinary. Hope the blog tour is amazing today!!
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Thank you, Gwen. As always, I appreciate your support and kind words.
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Both poems are amazing and full of emotion. I am intrigued that the picture is made out of dots, yet doesn’t look like it. I have this book sitting in my living room. My husband wanted to read it first, but I am right behind him. I love the fact it is a blended effort. You can convey so much depth, down to the soul, through artwork and poetry. Great post! Enjoy your party!
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Thank you SO much, D.L. I am honored that your husband wants to read Discovery. I truly think he’ll enjoy it and you may even hear him laugh out loud occasionally. 🙂
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I see. Rick drew it. It’s good.
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Thanks, Susanne. So sorry you had to go through a maze to get here. I’ll double-check the link. Thank you for your comments.
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I finally found you. I had to go through two other blogs to get here. I love the picture. Did you draw it?
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