Greetings!

"Every leaf speaks bliss to me / Fluttering from the autumn tree."

~ Emily Bronte


October 4th is Kindness to Animals Day. While I believe we should be kind to animals each and every day, I will pay extra attention to this holiday right now, because I just brought home a new puppy. As many of you know, my 17-year-old Maltipoo, Spunky, passed in December 2022, and it has not been easy without my buddy around. So, I made the big move. Please meet Rumi Raab! Rumi, named after the Sufi poet, was born 7/22/23. He is a miniature Red Poodle--perfect for the season I think, don't you?
I believe every month reminds us of something, whether it's a color, holiday, or special personal connection. For me, when I think of the month of October, the color orange pops into my mind. I suppose it's because of the idea of Halloween, which is such a happy holiday for the little ones. As a grandmother of six, I get to observe the thrill when they decide what costumes to choose. This past weekend, my California grandchildren began their excitement by decorating the outside of their house. With all the dressing up and decorations, children seem to be much more creative today than I was as a child. After all, my go-to idea was dressing up as a witch and putting white spiderwebs all over my windows! I have not been to a Halloween party in a long time, but if I do attend one, I think I will dress up as a puppy. After all, I'm in the puppy frame of mind!

Have a wonderful month!
dianaraab.com


  • Write about your favorite Halloween costume.
  • Write about what the color orange means to you.
  • Write about your favorite pet.
  • Write a letter to an animal you lost.
October 7, 2023
12 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Writing Workshop
"Write. Heal. Transform."
Mystic Journey Bookstore
2923 Main Street.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
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*****

December 5, 2023
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
“Let’s Write: Creating Harmony During the Holidays”
Santa Barbara Public Library Downtown
Faulkner Side Gallery East
Santa Barbara, CA
Click here for details

"How to Talk to Someone Who's Depressed"


"Proper Breathing Brings Better Health"
"How I Found Empowerment in Going Back to School." (article) Sixty and Me. August 21, 2023.

"Bouncing Back From Adversity." (article) The Good Men Project. August 31, 2023.


“The Typewriter.” (poem) Hyacinth Review. September 25, 2023.

“Pink Petals,” “Spiritual Practice,” “What We Notice,” and “In The Eye." (poems) Alchemy and Miracles Anthology. Gilbert and Hall Press. 2023.

"The Typewriter." (poem) inScribe. 2023.

I can't help but gravitate to books which illuminate issues of the human condition and how people overcome obstacles. From an early age, I've been fascinated with the human condition, extending back to grade school when I read every biography I could get my hands on. Two of my favorites were those of Florence Nightingale and Frank Lloyd Wright.

A Slender Thread was a bit of a departure from the types of books Ackerman typically writes. I admire how she completely immerses herself into her book's theme, and teaches her readers so much. Typically, she writes about wildlife and science, and I love how she pulled in the hummingbird into this book--which you will soon learn is one of my favorite beings of all time.

I am truly moved by how Ackerman puts herself out there as a volunteer on a suicide hotline. In this book she touches on many musings and meditations about humanity and life in general, making it one of those books that could probably be reread over and over again.

Ackerman brings us up close and personal to the hotline with her, while at the same time reflecting on the caller's situation. She admits that her concern and wonder continues after the calls end, and how could it not? As Ackerman says, "We listen actively, and it is physically exhausting. It feels like an active sport."

Ackerman asserts that she learned a great deal during her hotline experience. For example, she writes, "One does not need to be stronger, fitter, morally better, or untroubled to come to the aid to people in crisis. One has to be able to put one's own problems on hold and listen heartfully, nonjudgmental, and focus entirely on someone else's need." If you're an empath, as we both are, you completely understand this sentiment.
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