Fraser Valley Poets Society

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  • A Poets Passion Revisited

    A Poets Passion Revisited by T M Broadworth

    A Poets Passion Revisited by T. M. Broadworth - A collection of personal writings and photo art celebrating the complexities of life.

  • A Familiar Shore

    A Familiar Shore by Emily Isaccson. Stories of four women told in poetry, parable and myth

  • The Healing Power of Nature

    The Healing Power of Nature - cover image

    The Healing Power of Nature by Satwant Kaur Pandher. This full-color hardcover book contains over 50 poems and many photos. Click on image for details.

  • Calendar

    Calendar - ebook cover

    Calendar by Violet Nesdoly. Contains over 50 poems that explore the rhythms of the year, nature, life & the family. FREE! Click on image for details.

  • A Poetic Kaleidoscope

    A Poetic Kaleidoscope - book cover

    A Poetic Kaleidoscope by T. W. Goodrich: "... something for all readers: short, long, deep, simple, painful, and hopeful poems" - Reviewer (Click on image for details.)

  • the space between the eyes

    the space between the eyes - cover

    A first collection by Nicholas Roberts, the space between the eyes contains over 50 poems. Click on image for details.

  • Hours From A Convent

    Hours From A Convent  - Cover

    Hours From A Convent by Emily Isaacson. Poems from the perspective of a young nun. Click on image for details.

  • Magnoliye De Phul

    'Magnoliye De Phul' by Satwant Pander was inspired by Satwant's love of nature. Click on image for details.

  • Colours of My Heart

    Colours of My Heart - Poems by Surjeet Kalsey. Click on image for details.

  • Fritzy

    Fritzy is a novelette, by Donna Bishop based on Fritzy's childhood. Informative reading for a ten year old. Delightful reading for an adult. Click on image for details.

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Posts Tagged ‘Abbotsford BC’

Open Mic begins National Poetry Month on the right foot!

Posted by Violet Nesdoly on April 6, 2016

April is National Poetry Month. I hope you’re enjoying something poetic.

Unfortunately I (Violet) wasn’t able to attend last Monday’s poetry night (April 4th). Terry Broadworth who was there writes:

Thank you to all that came out to listen or read their poetry at Monday’s Open Mic. What a delightful evening meeting new folks and greeting old friends.

Thanks for the photo collages, Terry!

PhototasticCollage-2016-04-04 FVPS 3

Readers at the April 4 FVPS Open Mic.

PhototasticCollage-2016-04-04-FVPS 1

April 4, FVPS Open Mic attendees and readers

PhototasticCollage-2016-04-04-FVPS 2

More readers and the audience – April 4, 2016 Open Mic.

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New season, new name!

Posted by Violet Nesdoly on March 11, 2014

owl readingFraser Valley Poets Society will be hosting an open mic poetry reading on:

Monday, March 17

6:30 – 8:30 P.M. at the Clearbrook Library

32320 George Ferguson Way,

Abbotsford, BC.

Come to read your latest poems and/or to listen.

Please note we have changed our name from Poets Potpourri Society to Fraser Valley Poets Society. Same great free fare as always!

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Fourth PPS Book Launch of 2013 ends Blue Moon Season

Posted by Violet Nesdoly on October 9, 2013

The reading year for the Poets Potpourri Society ended on a high note Monday, October 7th with the launch of Satwant Pander’s newest book, The Healing Power of Nature. This was the fourth book launched by a PPS member in a Blue Moon reading in 2013!

Seven readers shared the Open Mic segment that preceded the launch. It contained the usual poetic variety, though on this evening it seemed that nature poems edged out other subjects in popularity.

PPS Open Mic readers - October 7, 2013

PPS Open Mic readers – October 7, 2013

During the break, Ruth-Ann Braun sold raffle tickets on a basket of farm produce that Braun Acres generously donated (proceeds of the raffle to PPS).  The draw was made right after the intermission with Shelley Haggard winning a gift bag donated by a local credit union and Violet Nesdoly the lucky winner of farm fresh herbs and vegetables, a dozen free-range eggs, a bottle of wine and a to-be-arranged Harvest Dinner at Braun Acres.

Blue Moon reading break for refreshments. Raffle produce basket courtesy Braun Acres.

Blue Moon reading break for refreshments. Raffle produce basket courtesy Braun Acres.

Satwant began her book launch by reading a few poems from The Healing Power of Nature. Then she invited a group of friends, colleagues, and family members to pose for a  photo with each holding a copy of the book. Following this, people from the group took turns to either to read a selection they had chosen or comment on the book as a whole. Members of the Founding Punjabi Literary Association of Abbotsford, The Central Association of Punjabi Writers of North America, and the members of Punjabi Writers Forum joined poets from the Poets Potpourri Society in launching The Healing Power of Nature.

Blue Moon book launch readers - The Healing Power of Nature

Punjabi and Canadian writers read from and comment on The Healing Power of Nature.

In addition to poems praising nature  Satwant’s book has poems about family, writing, her admiration of the Creator, and the meaning of life. And so it was interesting to note what people chose to read and the various aspects of Satwant’s writing that spoke to different individuals.

Satwant Pander reads from her book The Healing Power of Nature.

Satwant Pander reads from her book The Healing Power of Nature.

Of course along with the readings came many congratulations from members of PPS and the Indo Canadian Literary Society on this handsome hardcover volume of poetry, photographs and quotes. Well done, Satwant!

All in all  It was a beautiful and varied multicultural evening, and a wonderful way to end another season of Blue Moon readings.

Satwant Pander, signing books after the launch.

Satwant Pander, signing books after the launch.

 

**************

Our next event is the Annual General Meeting

Kariton Gallery

2387 Ware Street [Mill Lake Park], Abbotsford, B.C.,

Monday, October 21st 

6:30 p.m.

All members are asked to attend.

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Join us for the last Blue Moon reading of 2013

Posted by Violet Nesdoly on September 19, 2013

PPS Blue Moon Reading October 7, 2013

PPS Blue Moon Reading October 7, 2013

Praise for Satwant’s book:

“As lovers of God’s creation in nature, Satwant Pander’s book The Healing Power of Nature pulled me into its pages. In her poem on Page 13, the line “The tree keeps me company when I am alone” –  how true! Nice to see her daughter Kiran’s comment – page 10  and also Soul to Soul, page 70″ – Donna Bishop (Founder of Poets Potpourri Society).

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Blue Moon shines again

Posted by Violet Nesdoly on September 12, 2013

On September 9th the Poets Potpourri Society resumed after taking the summer off.

To honour International Literacy Day, Sharon Crowley from Literacy Matters Abbotsford began the evening by telling us about some of the literacy programs available for all ages through her organization. (For information, check out their website).

Ten poets took advantage of the Open Mic segment, reading poems on an array of subjects, from summer to surgery, intellect to alienation, saying farewell to savouring the wine of life.

PPS Blue Moon readers 09-09-13

Literacy Matters Abbotsford guest Sharon Crowley (top right) and five of the PPS open mic readers 09/09/13.

More PPS open mic readers.  What poets eat (bottom right)

More PPS open mic readers.
What poets eat (bottom right)

After coffee time, featured reader Alvin Ens introduced his latest book, Must Have A Sense of Humour.

Violet and Irene, Alvin’s wife, read prose pieces from this witty collection, written over years with many prize-winning and previously published pieces in the bunch. Alvin concluded the reading by sharing several of the book’s poems. If anyone left frowning, it certainly wasn’t  his fault.

Alvin Ens launches Must Have A Sense of Humour  09-09-13

Irene and Alvin Ens launch Must Have A Sense of Humour 09/09/13

Now mark your calendars for our next and final Blue Moon Reading of the 2013 season. It will take place on October 7th (6:30-8:30, Clearbrook Library, 32320 George Ferguson Way, Abbotsford). Our featured reader that evening will be Satwant Pander. She will launch her collection of English poems and photographs—The Healing Power of Nature. (Poster coming soon!)

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Snowflake Princess launched at June Blue Moon

Posted by Violet Nesdoly on June 16, 2013

Poets and friends gathered at the Abbotsford Library n Monday June 10th for the Poets Potpourri Society’s June Blue Moon open mic reading and book launch.

Eight open mic readers entertained us with poems on many subjects from the last day of school to the heroism of the gamer,  the joys and challenges of motherhood to musings on a Tennessee storm.

Blue Moon open mic readers - June 10/13
After the break special guest Carol Todd shared her passion to help kids deal with the realities of  their cyber-world. She told us how she was taking a year out of her life as a long-time advocate for kids (she’s a special needs teacher) to advocate for her daughter (Amanda Todd) whose death after unbearable bullying was eight months from the night of the reading.

Emily’s book, Snowflake Princess, was especially significant to her because “Princess Snowflake” was the playful nickname she called Amanda. Carol reminded us how appropriate a snowflake is in describing our children and teens, with their beauty, uniqueness, and fragility.

Nicholas Roberts introduced Emily, after which she launched her book Snowflake Princess by reading selections from this prose-poetry book.

Snowflake Princess launch - June 10, 2013
The poems employ various voices: Ivory—the Snowflake Princess;  Ebony—her mother and a young naturalist and poet; and the Philosopher—Ivory’s father (latter selections read by Brayden Sawatzky).   The poems delve into  tragedy and suffering, and seek to find their meaning through poetry and symbolism.

Launch of Snowflake Princess - Emily Isaacson

Congratulations, Emily, on another beautiful book!

The Poets Potpourri Society will be taking a summer break  but will return on September 9th to celebrate International Literacy Day. Please check back for details closer to the event.

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Emily Isaacson to launch Snowflake Princess

Posted by Violet Nesdoly on June 4, 2013

Snowflake Princess launch poster

Emily IsaacsonOur next Open Mic and  Blue Moon reading is approaching fast! We’re looking forward to the launch of Emily Isaacson’s newest book Snowflake Princess.

This acclaimed book of prose-poetry is a tribute. The story, based on a true story,  is told in myth.

To read about the characters in the book, go to the Snowflake Princess website, select names from the menu and read samples of Emily’s prose-poems.

The evening is special in another way. Guest Carol Todd (mother of the late Amanda Todd) will attend and speak briefly during the introduction. In addition the Amanada Todd Legacy Fund will receive 10% of the profits from the sale of  book.

Snowflake Princess by Emily Isaacson

Snowflake Princess by Emily Isaacson

Blue Moon Reading and Open Mic

June 10

6:30 − 8:30 p.m.

Clearbrook Library

32320 George Ferguson Way

Abbotsford, BC

All are invited to this free event!

The open mic part of the evening will begin at 6:30. Readers, please sign up when you arrive. (Individuals do not need to be members of the Poets Potpourri Society to read.) Featured reading follows at around 7:15 p.m.

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Get ready for April—National Poetry Month

Posted by Violet Nesdoly on March 26, 2013

The beginning of April is just days away and with it comes National Poetry Month. Do you do anything special, poetry-wise, to celebrate it? If you don’t and would like to, here are five suggestions:

internet cafe1. Read a poem a day

Lots of sites post a new poem every day of the year. Some post daily poems just during April. Give these a try (note that many give you the option of subscribing, that is, having the poem delivered to you by email daily):

  • GottaBook– “30 Days, 30 Poets” – Thirty contemporary children’s poets share poems each day of April on Greg K’s blog GottaBook.

notebook-pencil2. Write a poem a day

Several sites provide daily poetry-writing prompts through April. Check out:

  • Poetic Asides (daily prompts beginning April 1st; weekly prompts every Wednesday).
  • Adele Kenny’s The Music In It blog (a prompt for every day in April coming April 1st; a weekly prompt every Saturday)

3. Start your own poetry blog

If you like writing poems and would like to share them with the world, sign up and start blogging for free at:
wordpress.com
blogger.com

owl reading book4. Buy a poetry book

Search your favourite poet on any book-buying site. Many poetry books are now also available for e-readers if that’s what you prefer (though I must say, as much as I love my Kindle, I still prefer reading poetry books in hard copy).

5. Attend a poetry event or reading

Consider this your invitation to ours—the MSA PPS Blue Moon Reading on Monday, April 8th.

  • Bring a poem or two to share during the Open Mic segment.
  • Enjoy our special guest, Robert Martens, whose chapbook poltergeist was shortlisted in the 2012 bpNichol award.
Robert Martens - Abbotsford BC poet

Robert Martens – reading an an MSA PPS Blue Moon night in June 2011

Robert Martens
Robert Martens was raised in an ethnic Mennonite community, then time travelled to the years of student revolt at Simon Fraser University. Since then he’s tried to vainly address those contradictions in his poetry. Robert now lives in Abbotsford, where he writes for the periodical of the Mennonite Historical Society. He remains baffled as to how his chapbook, “poltergeist”, was shortlisted for the bpNichol award last year. Perhaps it was—as poetry always is—an act of God.

MSA PPS Blue Moon Reading
April 8, 2013
6:30 − 8:30 p.m.
Clearbrook Library Meeting Room
32320 George Ferguson Way
Abbotsford, B.C.

All are welcome to attend this free event. Hope to see you there!

And here’s wishing all a poetic April—however you spend it.

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Cozy night launches 2013 reading season

Posted by Violet Nesdoly on March 15, 2013

Reading in a circleThirteen members and guests read around the circle Monday, March 11th, the first MSA PPS Poetry night of the 2013 reading season.

Brayden also announced featured readers for upcoming nights.

April 8th (National Poetry Month) – Robert Martens

May 13 – Nicholas Roberts (launch of a new book!)

June 10 – Emily Isaacson (launch of a new book!)

Mark your calendars and be sure to attend.

(I wasn’t at the March 11th reading so thanks to Alvin Ens for his report of the evening.)

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MSA PPS poets celebrate the season

Posted by Violet Nesdoly on November 30, 2012

We had our last MSA PPS event of 2012—a Christmas potluck—on Wednesday, November 28th.  Rudy and Ruth-Ann graciously hosted us in their beautiful home. Thank you so much!

msa pps Christmas potluck

msa pps Christmas potluck - 2

There were turkey and fixings, salads, veggie dishes and, of course, dessert. Brayden began the meal by reading a poem prayer he composed for the occasion.

msa pps Christmas potluck - poem by Brayden Sawatzky

After dinner we gathered around in the living room for a gift exchange/game. Each person got to pick a wrapped gift when his or her name was drawn.

MSA PPS Christmas potluck - 4

Though the rules of the gift exchange allowed any person, at their turn, to steal anyone else’s gift instead of unwrapping a new one, the exchange proceeded very civilly until near the end, when cheeky Nicholas stole Erin’s gift card. It all ended happily when Erin unwrapped a book that pleased her just as well.

MSA PPS Christmas potluck - 5
November 28th would have been our friend Thurlow’s 100th birthday! We remembered him with a toast by Brayden, a tribute by Erin and the singing of Happy Birthday. How he would have enjoyed this celebration. We do miss him!

MSA PPS Christmas potluck - 6

The MSA Poets Potpourri Society now takes a break until March.

Our first reading of 2013 is scheduled for Monday, March 11th at the Clearbrook Library Meeting Room, 6:30-8:30.

Please check back here for more details closer to the date.

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