Sunbeams composing Springtime melodies, humming Tapping to the tunes
April is a perfect month to get outdoors and get inspired. As a former teacher (grades four through eight), I know that kids of all ages love writing poetry and they enjoy illustrating their poems too. It’s simple and it’s so much fun to tell a story in the three short lines of Haiku. You’ll find a link to some great poetry writing tips at the end of this post. Of course, you’re not limited to writing one haiku poem—you can write as many stanzas as you wish. Give it a try!
Grab the kids, take out your pens, head into the great outdoors and get inspired!
~Bette A. Stevens, Maine author/illustrator
Check out more of Bette’s haiku poems inside MY MAINE, Haiku through the Seasons here. The collection includes the author’s 150 haiku poems, along with 49 of her photographs and illustrations. Travel through Maine’s four seasons and discover state symbols and interesting facts about The Pine Tree State with the author.
: an unrhymed verse form of Japanese origin having three lines containing usually five, seven, and five syllables respectively; also: a poem in this form usually having a seasonal reference.
Discover more about how to write haiku and other poetry
No matter the season, a daytrip from our farmstead in central Maine provides a getaway that is both relaxing and invigorating. A scenic drive over forested hills, across verdant valleys and along pristine lakes makes Maine a place like no other. Whether heading to the coast or inland, there is always something fresh and new on the horizon. The photo inspiring the haiku Lighthouses stand tall was taken by me aboard Schooner Olad out of Camden Harbor in late June. I invite you to read more MY MAINE haiku and to plan a trip of your own. To me, Maine is poetry. North, south, east or west, The Pine Tree State is a land that enlivens the spirit and soothes the soul—a special place to bask in the unspoiled beauty of inland and coastal cities, towns and villages all year long! ~Bette A. Stevens, Maine author
“To me, Maine is poetry…a place that enlivens the spirit and soothes the soul.”
Bette with daughter Lori aboard the Schooner Olad out of Camden Harbor.
Curtis Island Light (upper right in photo) is located at the entrance to Camden Harbor, at the southeastern end of Curtis Island. It is an active U.S. Coast Guard aid to navigation and is now owned by the Town of Camden. The lighthouse is a 25-foot tall, white, cylindrical brick tower with a light beam range of six nautical miles. There are 65 lighthouses along Maine’s coast, inlets, and islands.
Summer Songs
(excerpts from MY MAINE, Haiku through the Seasons by Bette A. Stevens)
Loons at lakeshore wail
Campers bewitched by the sound
Sacred summer songs
Waves play taps on shore
Tall pines salute by moonlight
Waking stars stand guard
Refined grains of sand
Calming the footfalls until
Shattered shells splash in
Lighthouses stand tall
Regaling stories of ghosts
From a bygone age
Highlands and ocean
Bound by granite cliffs sing of
Ageless adventures
Take a peek inside MY MAINE (Poetry & Photography Collection/150 haiku poems, 49 original photos + symbols and interesting facts about Maine) and all of Bette’s books at https://www.amazon.com/author/betteastevens
Maine is the easternmost state in the contiguous United States, and the northernmost east of the Great Lakes. It is known for its jagged, rocky coastline; low, rolling mountains; heavily forested interior; and picturesque waterways, as well as its seafood cuisine and its four distinct seasons.
“Maine’s Rich Seasons Make the State a Year-Round Destination
Whether you’re a leaf-peeper or a sun-seeker, there’s something for everyone…”
Check Maine.gov before visiting for the latest health and safety guidelines in place.
To find out more about Bette’sCelebrating Maine CLICK #WritingChallenge. You’ll discover HOW to write haiku and WHY writing poetry is good for you! Now, on to enjoy three wonderful haiku challenge entries from my readers.
More Maine…
Haiku by author Sharon K Connell; Photo: Portland Head Lighthouse, Cape Elizabeth, ME at Dusk by Mercedes Mehling @mrs80z (free Download) on Unsplash
Thanks so much for stopping by to enjoy “More Maine.” The wonderful haiku poems and photos shared by my talented guests today celebrate more of the boundless beauty and bounty of The Pine Tree State.
“A nature-filled land that enlivens the senses and soothes the soul—to me, Maine is poetry.”
–Bette A. Stevens
Hi, and welcome to theRave 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!
Thanks 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!
MY MAINE, Haiku through the Seasons (Poetry & Photography Collection) by Bette A. Stevens. 150 haiku poems, 49 of the author’s original photographs + interesting facts and symbols from The Pine Tree State.
My Maine…
Staycation in “Vacationland”(One of The Pine Tree State’s nicknames). No need to leave your comfy lounge chair. No matter the season, MY MAINE is a collection of poems and photographs to soothe the soul. Put up your feet, sit back and relax. Let MY MAINE take you away…
Did you know?
In the early 20th century, lumber, textiles and other industries began to leave the state, and the government doubled down on stimulating tourism. In the 1960s, the state adopted a new nickname on its license plates and highway signs: “Vacationland.”
Every year, thousands of visitors from all over the world flock to the Pine Tree State to enjoy scenic vistas, outdoor activities and the unhurried pace of life. But a visit to Maine is more than just lobsters and lighthouses. USA Today
MY MAINE
“A nature-filled land that enlivens the senses and soothes the soul—to me, Maine is poetry!”
~ Bette A. Stevens
Summer Songs
Excerpts from MY MAINE Haiku through the Seasons (Summer Songs) by Bette A. Stevens
Pristine forest lands Rockbound footpaths appealing Seek your solace here
Lady slippers chant Madrigalian ballads Timeless tales reborn
Hubby and I are enjoying a great “Staycation” right here at the farmstead. Confined by the 2020 pandemic restrictions, we’re playing it close to home and enjoying the magic of Maine moment by moment. Wishing everyone a blessed and beautiful end of summer and hope you’ve enjoyed a bit of a virtual Maine summer respite with us. ~Bette A. Stevens
Thanks so much for a lovely review of “My Maine.” Honored and delighted to be featured along with with my talented author friend, Jan Sikes. Readers, I invite you to check out the full reviews on Miriam Hurdle’s blog. Miriam is a talented poet in her own right! ~ Bette A. Stevens htttps://www.4writersandreaders.com
My Two book reviews – My Maine: Haiku through the Seasons by Stevens and A Soldier’s Children by Jan Sikes.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
My Review
In her poetry book My Maine: Haiku through the Seasons, Stevens showed the nature she experienced in the Pine State of Maine. The presentation of the book reminded me of attending a concert to watch the performance of the Italian composer Antonio Vivaldi’s violin concerti “The Four Seasons.” In each season, Stevens opened the curtain and presented the sights and sounds in the nature. For the taste, a lobster dinner was in order. The performance of each season retreated toward the end and invited the next season to come in; and the audience gave a standing ovation.
“Spring Awakening” began with the ice slowly melted, rivers and streams sang, to the birds, animals blossoms awakened, and ended with:
Maine officially celebrates its Bicentennial (200th birthday as an independent US state) on March 15, 2020.
The Pine Tree State (Maine’s official nickname)—provides a sanctuary for arts and culture—check out these famous Maine people (Arts & Literature) at Maine.gov.
Maine has been inspiring artists and art lovers for more than two centuries and continues to provide a cultural haven for residents and visitors alike. You’ll find a treasure chest of museums and galleries spattered throughout the state. Be sure to check out these “10 Must-See Maine Art Museums.”
Maine is known as Vacationland. From pristine wilderness to pine forest mountain ranges to crystal clear waterways and majestic shorelines, Maine is a perfect place to spend your vacation.
I’m delighted that John W. Howell stopped by to help celebrate Maine’s Bicentennial with a fine piece of Maine art that inspired his My Maine haiku poems! John is one of my Rave Review Book Club #RRBC author friends. I invite you to check out his bio and books— His specialty is thriller fiction novels, but John also writes poetry and short stories. Howell’s John Cannon series rank among my favorite mystery thrillers. ~Bette A. Stevens, Maine author
John Howell: “This is a watercolor by Maine artist John Gable. I bought it when I was on vacation at Kennebunkport, Maine. I had the pleasure to meet the artist and discuss some of his art while there. This painting has been with me since I bought it in 1981. If you would like more information on the artist here is a link to his website—John Gable Fine Art.”
Before the parade, A treasured water color. . . Created in Maine.
Is a physical, Reminder of such good times. . . Which are forever.
The air and seashore, Are still pondered in the heart. . . Someday to return.
About John W. Howell
John W. Howell, author of suspense thrillers, short stories and poetry.
John began his writing as a full-time occupation after an extensive business career. His specialty is thriller fiction novels, but John also writes poetry and short stories. Howell’s first book, My GRL, introduces the exciting adventures of the book’s central character, John J. Cannon. The second Cannon novel, His Revenge, continues the adventure, while the final book in the trilogy, Our Justice, launched in September 2016. The fourth, Circumstances of Childhood a family life story published (2017). The fifth book, The Contract is written with Gwen Plano (2018).
John is currently finishing his sixth novel Eternal Road – The Final Stop, to be published in June 2020. All books are on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions. The paperback versions are available in the Indie Lector store
John lives in Lakeway, Texas with his wife and their spoiled rescue pets.
How Readers & Writers of All Ages Benefit from Poetry
Improves Verbal Skills & Memory
Enhances Cognitive Function
Develops Empathy & Insight
Encourages Creativity
Bette A. Stevens is celebrating Maine’s 200th birthday as an independent US state on her blog all year long through her new release, My Maine, Haiku through the Seasons(Poetry & Photography Collection). She’s inviting friends and readers to join in the celebration with their own photo and haiku creations highlighting The Pine Tree State.
Whether you’re a Mainer or from away, I invite you to join me as I celebrate #Maine2020 by submitting one of your favorite photos taken in “The Pine Tree State” and writing a haiku too! I’ll be publishing submissions here on my blog throughout 2020. Simply email me at bettestevens@tds.net SUBJECT: “Maine Bicentennial Haiku.”
“A nature-filled land that enlivens the senses and soothes the soul —to me, Maine is poetry.” ~ Bette A. Stevens
Maine is known as Vacationland. From pristine wilderness to pine forest mountain ranges to crystal clear waterways and majestic shorelines, Maine is a perfect place to spend your vacation.
Maine (nicknamed The Pine Tree State), has 6,000 pristine lakes and ponds for residents and visitors to savor and explore.
Maine officially celebrates its Bicentennial on March 15, 2020.
I’m delighted that Mae Clair stopped by to help celebrate Maine’s 200th birthday! Mae is one of my favorite authors. I invite you to check out her bio, website and books—you’ll find mystery and suspense at its best. ~Bette A. Stevens, Maine author
Mae took this glorious photo in late September 2019 during her first Maine vacation. (Note: postcard frame and text added by me.) I think you’ll agree that Mae’s haiku is exquisite.
Outdoor cathedral
Sun fire and water as one
Tranquility speaks
More from Mae…
In late September of 2019, I had the pleasure of visiting Maine for the first time. My husband and I stayed in a beautiful A-frame overlooking Flanders Pond in the small town of Sullivan. We drove to Bar Harbor twice and spent a day in Freeport, but I think I enjoyed our moments on the deck watching the sun set, the most.
The photo I’m sharing today doesn’t quite capture the magic and fire of the sun when it sinks behind Flanders Pond, but the moments were spectacular—just like everything else we discovered in Maine. Naturally, we’re already talking about returning in the future. ~ Mae Clair
Mae Clair, Author Mystery and Suspense, Flavored with Folklore Website | Blog | BookBub |
How Readers & Writers of All Ages Benefit from Poetry
Improves Verbal Skills & Memory
Enhances Cognitive Function
Develops Empathy & Insight
Encourages Creativity
Bette A. Stevens is celebrating Maine’s Bicentennial on her blog all year long through her new release, My Maine, Haiku through the Seasons(Poetry & Photography Collection). She’s inviting friends and readers to join in the celebration with their own photo and haiku creations highlighting The Pine Tree State.
Whether you’re a Mainer or from away, I invite you to join me as I celebrate #Maine2020 by submitting one of your favorite photos taken in “The Pine Tree State” and writing a haiku too! I’ll be publishing submissions here on my blog throughout 2020. Simply email me at bettestevens@tds.net SUBJECT: “Maine Bicentennial Haiku.”
“A nature-filled land that enlivens the senses and soothes the soul —to me, Maine is poetry.” ~ Bette A. Stevens
Welcome to 4writersandreaders
I’m a writer inspired by nature and human nature. You’ll find great books, authors, writing tips and more right here. I advocate for kids & families, childhood literacy and the protection of monarch butterflies and their habitat.Happy reading & writing!~Bette A. Stevens, Maine author
“To me, Maine is poetry…a place that enlivens the spirit and soothes the soul.”
![My Maine: Haiku through the Seasons by [Stevens, Bette]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/513546dHoJL.jpg)
“A nature-filled land that enlivens the senses and soothes the soul
Bette A. Stevens, Maine Author 
Written
on 04/03/2022