A writer inspired by nature and human nature

Welcome to the #RRBC “ROCKIN’ 2020 AWAY” BOOK, BLOG & TRAILER Block Party! @BetteAStevens #Giveaways

10 06 20

 

Hi, and welcome to the Rave Reviews Book Club’s 2020 BOOK, BLOG & TRAILER BLOCK PARTY at Watch Nonnie Write! 

Here’s What I’m Giving Away Today

Leave a comment & YOU COULD BE A WINNER!

  • One (1) $10 Amazon Gift Card
  • One (1) e-book copy of 🌲 MY MAINE, Haiku through the Seasons 🌲by Bette A. Stevens

# of Winners for this stop:  2 

Even with a world-wide pandemic raging, the blessings of 2020 abound…

It’s a Girl!

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog today. As a Maine writer and poet, I hope you enjoy taking a peek inside the state I know and love.  It’s a Girl! is a haiku poem about one of the many miracles—the bounty and beauty—that 2020 has brought to us at the farmstead this year. If you haven’t been to the U.S. state of Maine yet, I invite you to add a trip to The Pine Tree State to your wish list. No matter the date or the season, Maine’s miracles are sure to capture your heart and soul. In the meantime, I invite you to watch MY MAINE, Haiku through the Seasons book trailer later in this post to get a taste of what we Mainers are blessed with 365 days a year.  Maine, you’ll  see, is the way life should be!

As the new year began, I was sure it was going to be a year to remember—and it has proven to be just that.

My perspective has changed on so many things. Hubby Dan and I have been self-isolating since March 12. We order groceries online once a month then put on protective masks and gloves as we head out to pick packages up curbside in a town eight miles north. We only go out in public when we must—for things like medical appointments, and banking. This month we’ll pick up our absentee ballots at the town hall and return them in person to vote in the 2020 Presidential Election.

Here in Maine, our 37-acre farmstead has always been a haven. We grow and preserve a lot of our own food (vegetables and fruit), clean up fallen trees to use as supplemental heat in the wintertime, and spend a lot of time outdoors working, exploring and enjoying the beauty and bounty that the land has to offer.

 

Miracles abound… Discovering a fawn in the back field was just one of them.

Rolls (I’m making all my own breads and desserts these days) were baking in the oven when Dan burst through the back door and hollered, “Grab your camera and get out here!” He wouldn’t tell me what was up until we gingerly approached a stand of birches in the back field and he pointed down. There in the tall grass (which he had planned to mow that afternoon) lay a newborn fawn. She was beautiful. The moment I was back at the house, I discovered as much as I could about whitetail deer online. I read everything I could find and prepared to watch and wait for the little one to appear with her mom.

Did I say she? You bet!

I found out that the sex of a fawn can be discovered by the shape of the crown of its head. Round for girl, flat for boy. I expected her to be out and about with mama in early July and I walked the field and trails each day to discover as much as I could first hand. By early July, we discovered that she had a twin—they came out each day romping, stomping and entertaining us while mama cautiously watched them from a distance. It’s been a summer of laughter and fun with our two whitetails on the loose.  If it hadn’t been for self-isolating during the 2020 pandemic, I would have missed it all!

It’s been a great summer of discovery. Check out these  16 Things to Know about Whitetail Fawns https://www.outdoorlife.com/blogs/big-buck-zone/2013/05/fawn-facts/

 

CLICK Book Trailer  below TO TAKE A PEEK INSIDE...

 

Grab a copy of MY MAINE today! 

 

More of Bette’s Maine

Books by Bette A. Stevens, Maine authorThanks so much for stopping by to read about It’s a Girl and take a peek at MY MAINE, Haiku through the Seasons today! I would love to hear what you think. Your comment could make you one of today’s two Giveaway Winners!

~Bette A. Stevens

Category:

#IndieBooksBeSeen, gardening, Haiku through the Seasons by Bette A. Stevens, Maine, Maine Author, Maine Bicentennial, MY MAINE, MY MAINE: Haiku through the Seasons by Bette A. Stevens, My Poetry, Nature, Photography, Poetry, Rave Reviews Book Club, RWISA Author, Video, Writing, YouTube Video

92 Comments

Comments on: "Welcome to the #RRBC “ROCKIN’ 2020 AWAY” BOOK, BLOG & TRAILER Block Party! @BetteAStevens #Giveaways" (92)

  1. Shirley Harris-Slaughter said:
    10/18/2020 at 10:53 pm

    I can’t believe it. I WON!

    Thank you Bette (I almost called you Midler)😇😇

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Bernadine said:
    10/18/2020 at 3:41 pm

    I love your blog Bette! It’d be wonderful if you could check out mine 🙂
    Have a great day!
    https://madebybernadine.wordpress.com/

    Liked by 1 person

  3. jinlobify said:
    10/16/2020 at 4:05 pm

    First of all, Bette, I love your site. It is beautiful. I will also like you to know that I am one of your avid readers. Congrats!

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Toni Pike said:
    10/13/2020 at 2:45 am

    How beautiful – and what a lovely post, so full of life. Thanks Bette. Toni x

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Grammy Writes said:
    10/10/2020 at 3:22 pm

    How exciting to have little “Bambi’s” born in your own back yard! It must be fun to catch a glimpse of them as they grow. And I love your book trailer… the words, the photos, even the music! Wonderful post 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • Bette A. Stevens said:
      10/10/2020 at 5:49 pm

      Thanks so much for stopping by to see our babies… The twins were out in the field with mama a little before seven this morning–they’re at least half her size now. Such a joy to watch them frolic and grow. Glad you enjoy the book trailer too. ❤ May your week be filled with wonders! xo

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Jacqui Murray said:
    10/08/2020 at 1:48 pm

    This is definitely the time to visit Maine. My sister’s backyard–wide spread of grass, doe and fawn–looked just like the picture. I love nature.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. RaveReviewsbyNJ said:
    10/08/2020 at 10:59 am

    Hi, Bette! Thanks for sharing “your” Maine! Your life there sounds absolutely serene! Hope you enjoyed your day!

    Liked by 1 person

  8. DutchIl said:
    10/08/2020 at 10:24 am

    Thank you for sharing your wonderful adventures and a part of your world! ( I am not commenting to win a prize… 🙂 )… “Life gives us brief moments with another, but sometimes in those brief moments we get memories that last a lifetime, So live that your memories will be part of your happiness.” (Author Unknown)… 🙂

    Until we meet again, hope all is well in your part of the universe and..

    May your spirit only know peace
    May your heart only know love
    May all your dreams come true
    May your life’s journey be filled with happiness
    And life is all that you wish for it to be….
    (Larry “Dutch” Woller)

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Flossie Benton Rogers said:
    10/08/2020 at 1:20 am

    Bette, your Rockin’ blog post is truly outstanding. The poetry and whitetails are beautiful. I’m so glad you got to share the experience with them and the mama. We have deer living in the forest areas nearby, and it’s special when the night cam catches them crossing the yard in the wee hours. Years ago in the library, I had a colleague who moved to a large rural property in Maine. We lost touch over the years, but your place reminds me of pictures I saw of hers. I have your book and you are next in line for a review. Thanks again for making your stop so special.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Bette A. Stevens said:
      10/08/2020 at 8:45 pm

      Hi, Flossie! 🎉So glad you could join the party! 🎉 Delighted to hear of your Maine connection and that you enjoyed meeting the twins… These darling deer-lings definitely gave us reason to rock the days away… ❤ Hope you enjoy the book–thanks so much for your support. Have an awesome autumn! xo

      Like

  10. Baydreamer said:
    10/07/2020 at 7:35 pm

    What a wonderful story and an adorable pair, Bette. Your haiku is perfect, too. I’ve never been to Maine, but it looks absolutely gorgeous and I’d love to visit sometime when traveling is less scary. 🙂 By the way, I just ordered Dog Bone Soup and Amazing Matilda and look forward to reading them. Enjoy your beautiful haven. 🍁🍂🧡

    Liked by 1 person

    • Bette A. Stevens said:
      10/07/2020 at 8:07 pm

      Thanks so much for joining the party, Lauren! Your note certainly made my day–I hope you enjoy both of the books. 🐛🦋 You’ll find links to some of my freebies (1) Amazing Matilda Finger Puppets/ (2)Fun & Learning with Monarch Butterflies/games/facts/lessons etc/ (3) Poster on HOW YOU CAN HELP! in the TABS at the top of my blog. Thanks so much for your support. I hope one day you’ll be able to get up close and personal with magical Maine… Have an awesome autumn! 🎃xo

      Liked by 1 person

      • Baydreamer said:
        10/08/2020 at 11:23 am

        I finished Amazing Matilda (it arrived last night and I read it right away) and absolutely loved it! It’s beautifully written and illustrated and the message is encouraging for all ages. 💗 Now I’m waiting for the next. 🙂 Hopefully, I’ll make it to Maine someday, too. Have a good day, my friend. 🍂🍁🧡

        Liked by 1 person

  11. Susan Hughes said:
    10/07/2020 at 6:59 pm

    Hi Bette! Great blog. Maine is one of our favorite vacation spots.

    Have a fun blog tour!

    Liked by 1 person

  12. Sandee said:
    10/07/2020 at 6:53 pm

    It’s an adorable girl too. Beautiful.

    Have a fabulous day, Bette. ♥

    Liked by 1 person

  13. pdoggbiker said:
    10/07/2020 at 6:13 pm

    Bette, I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to your website today. Your enthusiasm and excitement rub off on visitors…I feel like I just watched one of those “feel good” movies. Living in the Detroit suburbs of Michigan – 1/4 acre sites in this neighborhood – the only wildlife I see is possums and raccoons (as they knock over my garbage cans and tear through the rubbish.) Enjoy your special day and sell a ton of books! / John

    Liked by 1 person

    • Bette A. Stevens said:
      10/07/2020 at 8:17 pm

      Thanks so much, John. Your visit and note made my day! May your Michigan days be filled with wonders, Lock those covers on–possums and raccoons in the suburbs can be quite amazing too! 🙂 xo

      Like

  15. Stories by Karen said:
    10/07/2020 at 3:41 pm

    Hi, Bette,

    Maine is a beautiful state. My husband and I spent some time there a couple of years ago, and we were enthralled. Your fawn story is delightful. I never knew how to tell the difference either. Isn’t it wonderful to find some positives in a negative situation? Thank you for sharing the encounter.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Bette A. Stevens said:
      10/07/2020 at 4:51 pm

      Dan have been equally blessed to spend more quality time together in a world where couples and families so often so occupied with other things that they take one another for granted… May these newly found blessings ripple across our nation and around the world! So glad you stopped by for a visit, Karen. ❤ May your blessings abound! xo

      Like

  16. Susanne Leist said:
    10/07/2020 at 3:26 pm

    Thank you for sharing your story about the twin fawns. I’d love to visit Maine. It has been on my bucket list since I watched Murder She Wrote. Maine has fascinated me over the years that my next book will take place there. One day you might see me roaming the countryside.

    Liked by 1 person

  17. D. Wallace Peach said:
    10/07/2020 at 3:24 pm

    What an experience, Bette. Your homestead sounds wonderful. The best place in the world to social distance. I’m so glad the experience is full of silver linings. Beautiful photo and haiku. 😀 ❤

    Liked by 2 people

  18. Shirley Harris-Slaughter said:
    10/07/2020 at 3:12 pm

    Bette, I always love listening to your stories about Maine. In Michigan we have the four seasons too and its just beautiful. Lank and I stay inside too and only go out for appointments and short errands. We have our groceries delivered to our home. I pray that we get to an ending with this pandemic and the chaos that ensues.

    Thank you for inviting us into your world.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Bette A. Stevens said:
      10/07/2020 at 5:07 pm

      Thanks so much for your sweet note and for sharing a bit about your world, Shirley. It’s great that we can get to know one another even better now that #RRBC is Zooming ( I love that!) and throwing us a party! See you soon, my friend… 🎉xo

      Like

  19. Vashti Q said:
    10/07/2020 at 3:08 pm

    What an amazing post, Bette! Maine is truly beautiful. I loved the story of the fawn, your poems and your trailer. Bravo! ❤ xo

    Liked by 1 person

  20. Wendy Scott said:
    10/07/2020 at 2:08 pm

    This is a delightful introduction to Maine – thanks, Bette.

    Liked by 1 person

  21. Robert Fear said:
    10/07/2020 at 2:07 pm

    What a lovely post – thank you Bette 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  22. balroop2013 said:
    10/07/2020 at 12:40 pm

    I love Maine Bette… your poetry and pictures sing about her alluring beauty. Thanks for sharing.

    Liked by 1 person

  23. Patty Perrin said:
    10/07/2020 at 11:38 am

    Hi, Bette! Your idyllic adventure with the twin fawns put a song in my heart this morning. I LOVE the trailer, and the book itself reads with a lovely rhythm. Who knew Haiku says so much in so few words? Thanks for posting!

    Liked by 1 person

  24. Jan Sikes said:
    10/07/2020 at 10:35 am

    What an adorable story about the fawn twins, Bette! Wow! Every post where you share more of Maine’s unique beauty only makes my desire to visit stronger! “My Maine” is a poetry book but so much more. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Great party stop!!

    Liked by 1 person

  25. John Fioravanti said:
    10/07/2020 at 10:28 am

    That is a phenomenal picture of the fawn, Bette! I know you do your own photography, so kudos on a great shot! Glad to see you and Dan are taking the necessary precautions. Stay safe!

    Liked by 2 people

    • Bette A. Stevens said:
      10/07/2020 at 2:29 pm

      Hi, John. So glad you stopped by to get a peek at our GIRL and the TWINS at play. Dan took the photo of the newborn and it is spectacular! You and Ann stay safe and well–have a fantastic fall, my friend!

      Like

  26. Darlene said:
    10/07/2020 at 10:21 am

    How precious. The Yearling was a favorite book when I was young. On the farm, we had a pet antelope who had been left an orphan. We called her Bambi and I wrote a story about her. You are in a perfect spot for waiting out the pandemic. Sending hugs. xo

    Like

  27. macjam47 said:
    10/07/2020 at 9:49 am

    You live in the most gorgeous state I have ever visited, even more so than Hawaii. You are truly blessed to have your farmstead and I always find your posts uplifting. I grew up in the country but married a city boy and so we’ve always lived in the suburbs. When I need to add some calm to my life, I drive through the country. Have a wonderful October and stay safe. xxoo

    Liked by 2 people

    • Bette A. Stevens said:
      10/07/2020 at 2:41 pm

      We moved to Maine in hopes of becoming back-to-the-landers in 1974. With two small girls and a Siamese cat in tow, Dan and I weren’t sure just what we were getting into… By the end of the first year, we knew that “The Pine Tree State” would always be the place we’d called home! 🌲 So glad that you’ve been touched by the magic of Maine too! Peace and love to you and yours always, dear Michelle!

      Liked by 1 person

  28. -Eugenia said:
    10/07/2020 at 9:17 am

    Awww, that sweet girl, Bette! You’re so blessed to live in the beautiful state of Maine so full of inspiration for those that love to write. I love your haiku and I have enjoyed three of your books. Have a great day and stay safe. ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

  29. boundlessblessingsblog said:
    10/07/2020 at 9:06 am

    Beautiful and captivating pictures, Bette and such a wonderful read. Thanks for the awesome share.

    Liked by 1 person

  30. BACK ROADS AND OTHER STORIES said:
    10/07/2020 at 8:34 am

    Maine is one of my favourite states to visit. It sounds like you live in a small piece of paradise. Oh, and the fawn…priceless!

    Liked by 1 person

  31. yvettemcalleiro said:
    10/07/2020 at 6:49 am

    I really enjoyed this post, Bette. This past summer, my family and I watched a cow give birth to a cute little calf in my brother’s neighbor’s yard. We even saw it take its first steps. The memory still makes me smile. 🙂

    By the picture at the top of this post, I just realized that I’ve read each of those books except Dog Bone Soup, which is on my kindle. I hope others grab your books because I enjoyed each one of them. Enjoy the spotlight today. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • Bette A. Stevens said:
      10/07/2020 at 5:42 pm

      Hi, Yvette! So glad you stopped by for a visit and enjoyed the party post. When it comes to nature, there’s always a reason to celebrate… ❤ Thanks so much for your support, my friend. Look forward to seeing you at your party too! xo

      Liked by 1 person

  32. marianbeaman said:
    10/07/2020 at 6:43 am

    Bette, along with Jill Weatherholt, you are the RRBC member I know well. We have read each other’s books and written reviews – yay! The fawn story was sweet, also the haiku, my favorite form. Enjoy your day in the spotlight and all the best with My Maine.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Bette A. Stevens said:
      10/07/2020 at 5:45 pm

      Hi, Marian! So glad you could join the party…Thanks so much for your friendship and support. There’s always reason to celebrate and we can be grateful for each one. ❤ xo

      Like

  33. patgarcia said:
    10/07/2020 at 6:27 am

    Hi Bette,
    Two of the things I like about your site is the warmth and your honesty that comes across so well. I have read two of your books, the first being Amazing Matilda when it was first released and that book continues to ring a bell in my heart. Matilda’s desire to fly, touched me because I can identify with it deeply.

    I like your blog and I already receive your blog posts. You have it set up nicely.

    Wishing you all the best with My Maine.

    Shalom aleichem,
    Pat Garcia

    Liked by 1 person

  34. Priscilla Bettis said:
    10/07/2020 at 6:07 am

    What a sweet haiku about the fawn. I love that photo of the fawn and her twin nosing each other.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Bette A. Stevens said:
      10/07/2020 at 6:04 pm

      It’s been like living in wonderland, Priscilla! Watching the twins chase one another around field and through forest paths and nuzzle one another–it’s been like doting on our little grandchildren who are now all grown. ❤ Feeling blessed and grateful! xo

      Like

  35. Jill Weatherholt said:
    10/07/2020 at 5:48 am

    Yesterday, I was thrilled to see the baby fawn in your newsletter, Bette. What a beauty she is. Enjoy the party!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Bette A. Stevens said:
      10/07/2020 at 6:21 pm

      Hi, Jill. Thanks so much for stopping by to party today… Our twin fawns gave us an awesome reason to celebrate. We’ve acted like doting grandparents over these two little darlings and will soon be feeling like empty nesters again. It’s been a sensational summer and we’re so grateful we had these two to share it with! ❤ Thanks for all your support, my friend. xo

      Liked by 1 person

  36. petespringerauthor said:
    10/07/2020 at 2:05 am

    I’ve only been to Maine once, and I was too young to remember much of anything. How great to follow the progress of the fawns.

    Liked by 1 person

  37. Miriam Hurdle said:
    10/07/2020 at 12:57 am

    Oh wow, how delightful and precious, Bette. A fawn born in your backyard! I’m glad Dan didn’t mow the lawn yet. The fawn was beautiful. It reminded me two years ago, my husband discovered the hummingbird nest on the orange tree in our back yard. He trimmed the tree because the branches were hanging low. He just missed the branch where the nest with the baby hummy four days before flying. He’s two years old now and doesn’t go anywhere except in our front yard and back yard.

    Enjoy your block party!

    Liked by 2 people

  38. Wanda Fischer said:
    10/07/2020 at 12:28 am

    This is a great site, Bette! We went to Maine on our honeymoon, 47 years ago! (It’s not the last time we went there, but it was the most memorable trip…). I also think about you when I’m out among the milkweed in my yard. We have many monarchs here in upstate New York. The milkweed is wilting now, so it’s time to say good-bye to potential monarchs until next year. We’ve been pretty much staying home as well, except I have been playing some doubles tennis, and I’ve seen many monarchs flit by while on the court. Keep up the great work!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Bette A. Stevens said:
      10/07/2020 at 8:46 pm

      Thanks so much for joining the party, Wanda! Sounds like you’re keeping active out on the court. Nature and fresh air and sunshine are inspiring… It will be great when we can all get back into the ‘swing’ of things, but meanwhile, there’s so much around to keep us looking up and smiling. 🦋Three cheers for our amazing monarchs! xo

      Like

  40. D.L. Finn, Author said:
    10/07/2020 at 12:14 am

    I adore this story about the fawn, Bette. A beautiful photograph and poem fit your find perfectly. Maine has always been a place I want to visit.

    Liked by 1 person

    • roxburkey said:
      10/07/2020 at 3:58 pm

      The photographs and your excitement shine through Bette. Your book is on my list. I loved Maine when I lived there for a few months and you make me love it all over again. Thank you for the deer information, it was grand! Stay safe.

      Liked by 1 person

    • Bette A. Stevens said:
      10/07/2020 at 8:51 pm

      It was a sensational summer and our twins are still hanging around–they’re loving the fallen apples and even the spring blooms that don’t know that autumn has arrived. Our grand-fawns keep us smiling! 🌲Maine is a magical place… It’s that green, green state we call home! So glad you stopped by to help us celebrate, Denise! xo

      Like

  41. RaveReviewsbyNJ said:
    10/07/2020 at 12:13 am

    Loved this post, Bette! Great job! Enjoy your day along the block party tour!

    Liked by 2 people

  42. robbiesinspiration said:
    10/06/2020 at 11:50 pm

    How wonderful, Bette, so nice to have these baby fawns growing up in your back yard. Maine sounds like a lovely place to live.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Bette A. Stevens said:
      10/07/2020 at 8:57 pm

      They say, “Maine…the way life should be!” 🌲 We’re blessed by a home state that enlivens the spirit and soothes the soul. Thanks so much for stopping by to help us celebrate the wonder of it all, Robbie! xo

      Liked by 1 person

Join the conversation!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Tag Cloud