JERICHO CREEK FARMS

Morab, Morgan and Arabian Horses

Comments on the Book—

"Celebrating the Heart-land"

SOME FIRST COMMENTS ON THE BOOK, TWO WEEKS AFTER PUBLICATION-

“Nothing much going on here…but the turning of pages of CELEBRATING THE HEART-LAND, prize-winning poems and pictures by Linda Lee; no time to leave the curled up book-reading-space on the love-seat…not until I learn more about all those aunts and see again all the pets… just a fast-THANK YOU…THANK YOU...THANK YOU, this morning.  Now that I have outlived Walter Kronkite, I seem to be slowing down, taking more time doing everything, and will write a proper letter or try to reach you by phone!!” I will read and re-read, and a special photo on every page is pure delight . . . congratulations to Wendy, too…now, I am back to THE BOOK where I enjoyed meeting Grandma Olson up North….” 
Eleanor Tobias, artist, still creating collectible, hand-painted ornaments, a very spirited senior citizen, at age 93! Alabama

“What a lovely surprise in my mailbox! Celebrating the Heartland is a wonderful Book; you can be very proud of. It is so rich with blessings, I have not entirely finished it yet. The poetry is so authentic and life-sharing, the photos are spectacular….” “I especially loved “Dream Door” and the exquisite photo of tangled trees, and early dawn or twilight-light behind it. Though it's hard to make a choice; there are so many others that could edge it aside. And as the wife of a truck driver, for many years, I particularly related to and cherished your pieces on Gramma's Cafe and Melva's Cafe. Poor hard working truck drivers, no one can fully know how much such havens mean to them.” 
Barbara Fitz Vroman, Author, Poet, and gifted teacher, Wisconsin

“I’ve read about half (having looked at all the pictures first, of course) savoring the fine poems, letting myself hear and taste the words and rhythm.  It’s a beautiful work of art, Linda.  Thank you so much for creating it, on behalf of all who may be fortunate enough to find it….You have made the Midwest a sacred place, because of your own love and devotion….”    
Marshall Cook, “Coach,” Author and much-loved, teacher, Madison, Wisconsin

“…I haven’t been able to choose a favorite, yet, among the poems and pictures…I think my friends, in Paris, will enjoy this book, too.” 
Sharon Stevens, Paris, France

 “Linda, you paint masterpieces with words-words that draw up images for me.  I am there; I can hear the wind, smell the hay, taste the strawberry-rhubarb jam.  All the precious words are ‘tied with dried grasses.’  The layout and photos make this book a complete package-wonderful!” 
Gail Hallen, Tucson, Arizona

“I love it!  Your book of poetry is so beautiful.  I’ve just opened it at random, several times, and have loved everything I’ve read.  It is truly poetry from the “heart-land.”  And the photos are such perfect enhancement. Really, the entire package is perfect…”
Carol Dolphin, professor emeritus, Waukesha, Wisconsin

“Thank you for the copy of CELEBRATING THE HEART-LAND.  It is such a beautiful book!  The poetry and photographs blend so well.  Thank you for including me. I’m honored.” 
Ellen Kort, Wisconsin’s first Poet Laureate, gifted teacher, and “heart-friend” to many poets. Appleton, Wisconsin

“I’ve read the book, and am re-reading it…The photos and poetry blend together; they capture your emotions, and the words fill your heart! Thank you, Linda, Wendy, and Tyler.” 
Marcia Farber, artist, “Cousins’ Walk,” Ellison Bay, Wisconsin

Comments on the Poem Chapbook—

WHERE WOMAN ENDS ... HORSE BEGINS

“ I love your chapbook of poems—beautiful! I’ve shared it with another horse-woman friend, she loves it too … I’m so glad your journey of words continues…” 
Ellen Kort, Wisconsin’s first Poet Laureate, gifted writer, teacher, and public speaker

“Linda, I absolutely love your poems, especially the one about foaling …”
Grace Bushman, poet, Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets

“...Your poems are moving and deeply felt; the images put the reader right at the scenes, and will put horse people there with you …”
Barbara Cranford, artist and poet

“I loved all of the poems, especially, ‘Goodbye My Heart’s Companion.’ I shared them with my adult, horse-loving daughter, and we spent the afternoon laughing and crying over the horses we have loved. Thanks to you my friend who gave me the booklet.”
Gail, a woman who loves horses

“Your chapbook of poems rates a full page of praise and compliments-cover painting, all the photographs, the printing, the page about the poet … I enjoyed meeting Miss Emma and Angela, Kindred
spirits always recognize each other, ‘Foal’ is beautiful, too, with your perfect ending sentence… ‘Goodbye My Heart Companion’ is so YOU … echoes your devotion and dedication to horses… ‘The Great Divide’ includes humor for married readers … I’m honored to have an autographed copy of your first chapbook and look forward to the same honor with your first novel!”
Elenanor Tobias, artist and friend

“Brava! Your poetry is really quite wonderful. I love the images you create with words and the way each of them speaks in some way to the heart. I really couldn’t choose a favorite; I loved them all! … Thanks for sharing with me and hopefully many others…”
Carol Dolphin, Professor Emeriti, University of Wisconsin, Waukesha

“Thank you for sending me your beautiful poetry book. Your words are beautiful, and the pictures are luminous and perfect for the text. I especially loved the lines, ‘Other little girls played house—I played horse.’ “
Barbara Fitz-Vroman, gifted teacher and author of several novels and inspirational books.

“I loved it! But, it was too short-more, more!! I especially liked ‘Miss Emma’, ‘The Great Divide’ and ‘Foal’. I, too, when I was younger, pretended to be a horse and galloped around the schoolyard with my friends. I saw a wild stallion once– his head was held high and I admired his ‘free spirit’.”
Judi Bryant, artist and writer

“They were perfect; I loved them all, couldn’t pick a favorite. The line ‘Breathing in crisp colors’ was the perfect description for the image of a fall day …”
Tom Shropshire, artist

“...Your poems call to me and I come. I’m re-reading them for the third time. Each time I read them, they grow richer, strike a new chord...Your words in ‘The Need’ … my thoughts fly to my wanting a horse as a child … I never did get my horse or learn to ride, but I’m content with that, because I now have Grandkids who ride and a daughter-in-law, and I have my poetry about horses … I absolutely love your poem ‘Foal’. The description of birthing is so fine … Again, in ‘Goodbye My Heart Companion’, you say it so well. Your poem exudes unadulterated love. I love the images, the feeling of freedom …”
Mara Ptacek, artist and poet, Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets, Sparks, group of poets.