Words ground. They force attention to the now as we struggle with distractions of the past and questions of the future. I wholly believe words set us free.
What I write is inspired by love of the natural world, existential thought and philosophy, and beliefs from Zen Buddhism. My past work with mental illness finds its way in as I continue to use poetry as a window to truth. I believe we can rebuild ourselves through words and perseverance no matter the world we were thrown into but not always on our own.
I hope for this imperfect language to connect with another human being wherever they are in this moment. Thank you for stopping by.
Dealing with Chronic Illness
I have a connective tissue disease called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.
Follow my journey with EDS at Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Contemplations. The aim is to explore the process of acceptance through unedited reflection and introspection providing support to others living with chronic illness. Visit www.ednf.org for information on EDS.
In Due Proportion 
Stephanie,
Thank You for adding my blog to your poetry links, and for the lovely comment you added as well. I consider that to be high praise indeed!
I’m already very impressed with your poetry.
After barely scratching the surface of your blog, I’ve found it to be a wealth of strength, subtlety, and word craft.
May I add your site to my Blog Solidarity page?
~D.C.
The comment was sincere. Thank you for the feedback, and any feedback is appreciated.
I’d love to be added to your page…it is an honor. Thanks Dawn!
Thank You, Stephanie. You’re most welcome. I wanted you to know that it’s my pleasure to have added you to my Blog Solidarity page: dawnrunsamok.wordpress.com/blog-solidarity/
Thanks again, and please keep up the stellar work.
~D.C.
Hi Stephanie,
I was just surfing your twitter profile and want to invite you to share some of your writings with us in the Best Poems Encyclopedia if possible.
Best regards
Louise
Thanks Louise. I took a look at the site, and it is really great. I’m going to take a good look this weekend to see what I may want to submit.
Thanks for visiting 1513fusion, Stephanie and leaving your comment. I’ve returned the compliment and subscribed to your pages.
I note: existential pantheist, a term I’ve not heard before. I meditate and try to follow Buddhism; perhaps there is a connection?
I’ll keep looking in.
regards
Harry
Thanks Harry. I think there may be a connection. I studied Buddhism for awhile and my beliefs may be still rooted there. The pantheism relates to the interconnectedness of life for me. The existential aspect relates to beliefs I believe are rooted in Kierkegaard, specifically living sincerely (with genuinity) despite darkness and obstacles. To keep a fervor for life and retain wonder as well. They’re ideals, of course. -Stephanie
I love your poetry, perhaps because I’m also a pantheist-poet who is fascinated by physics and philosophy. Will look forward to reading more of your work!
Thank you Betty! It is always nice to hear from a like-minded poet.
Stephanie, I forgot to mention – trees hold a special “mystery” for me too. There’s an impersonal intelligence about them – a dignified presence. It always pains me to see one taken down. As you say, always nice to find a kindred spirit!
“Impersonal intelligence” and “dignified presence.” Well said! I think that is why I feel most at home when hiking or sitting in the park. It is a comforting thing.
I love your site and your poetry, Stephanie. I’m working on following your blog, but am getting a message from WP to “try again with a valid email address”—which I don’t understand at all! I’ll keep trying, though, and I look forward to reading more of your work. (P.S. I’m a NC native and got my degree at UNC-G!)
Thank you so much! I’m sorry you’re having trouble with the ‘follow.’ I ran into that issue last week and ended up first signing in to my wordpress account, then navigating to the individual’s blog, and then clicking on the ‘follow’ button. It shouldn’t ask for your e-mail if you’re logged in. :fingers crossed: You can also perhaps manage it from your account under your followers. WordPress added a button there to ‘follow.’ I love your blog as well; it’s very intelligent and lovely .=) I’m actually hoping to get into UNCG next fall for the creative writing MFA program. What’s your degree in??
Thanks…I managed to get it worked out. And thanks for your kind words about my blog…still figuring things out. I got a degree in dance education…many long years ago. Good luck with the MFA program! I applied to VCU for their master’s program in writing a couple of years ago and got accepted, but then I realized that it wasn’t the right path for me.
By the way, I just nominated you for the 7×7 Link Award, which I was nominated for by someone who follows my blog. You can follow this link to find out more about it. http://pathwriter.wordpress.com/2012/01/05/7×7-award/
I wish I could dance…I have the shy gene. Thank you for the award; what a neat idea!
Thanks for dropping by and following my blog, Stephanie. I am quite honoured after reading your blog…I love how you write…my appreciation of poetry has been hidden far away in the attic of teen years and is slowly resurfacing. I relish this new found world of words on Word Press and discovering so much creativity used with the “word”. Whispering Insights
Thanks Whispering! Words are sometimes my best friend or nemesis depending on the day and what’s going on in life. I think the key is just to keep at it and work towards the type of writer you want to be. Thanks again. You gave me a smile. 😉
Bless you.
Laurie, thank you.