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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.