The Joy of June Brings Continued Blessings!

 

A popular TV commercial states that

"The key to being RICH is knowing what to count." 

I concur.

In this spirit, I felt compelled (and inspired) to pen today's post. Even though officially, I'm supposed to be on summer break at the beach somewhere with my suntan lotion and a cool drink. Hello?

Then I thought to myself, before I go M.I.A., I ought to pen this on-my-mind post to capture and memorialize this month and my current (and continued) blessings. 

The reason?

I am reminded that things can change sometimes in an instant. Without notice. An unexpected death. A health scare. A financial fall.  

I am reminded that even though things don't always go the way I would like, or even think they should, there are many blessings to embrace. Daily. Monthly. In the here and now. 'Cause things can always be worse. And gratitude counts.

According to Helpguide.org, "Taking a moment to notice and acknowledge the things you’re grateful for each day can brighten your outlook, boost your mood, and help you feel more positive in the face of challenges."

HERE ARE A FEW BLESSINGS WORTH NOTING FOR ME:

• This month (June) marks the anniversary of the conceptualization and execution of two of my favorite literary projects. They have both been a labor of love. I have successfully published two blogs on writing: one for poets and the other for writers of all genres and levels. I am proud and elated that they have both been able to go the distance and make a difference. And I thank all of you readers that have supported me in those efforts.
• June marks my birthday month. And it appears that the more candles my cake collects, the more my blessings do, too! This year I had big fun. I received cards, gifts, money, calls from folks across the country. From friends I've known since 8th grade; friends I met in college; friends I've bonded with online; friends who are fellow poets. From friends of all colors, classes, and experiences. People who have enriched my life more than a pot of gold. 

• June marks the initial formation of my group, Poets United to Advance the Arts. We've been on the arts scene for decades! Presenting poetry performances, workshops, and even educational literature, for global audiences. And the really cool thing about our shared interest is that we also share a mutual love and respect for each other.  What a great two-fer!

• And last but not least, I have activities I enjoy, love in my life, a place to call home, and fairly good health.

In closing, I am grateful for your time, readership, and comments. Please feel free to share something you're grateful for this month.

Now, I am officially on summer break until September 2026, when I hope to rejoin you.

Have a blessed, abundant, safe summer!

JEN  

Poetry on the Patio 2026 a Huge Success!

It was a day truly gifted by GOD. 

Despite the 11th-hour weather forecast prediction of rainstorms, the weather turned out perfect. Complemented by good food, good moods, good conversation, and groovy folks (as Lou Rawls sings about). 

Things started popping around 3:30 p.m.

On the menu for the gala celebration?

• Fried chicken
• Roasted chicken
• Bucket of chicken wings
• Macaroni salad
• Tuna salad
• Salsa & chips
• Chocolate chip cookies
• Red Velvet cake
• Pops/water/beer/wine

Throughout the hours, music and laughter filled the air, along with poetry, of course. Later in the evening, as parting gifts, guests were presented with free raffle prizes that included: a beautiful ice bucket with matching tongs, a red deluxe toaster, washroom accessories, and more!

Though it's difficult to capture the joy of the event in mere words, the photos below help to "paint a picture."

Here's what one celebrant shared at the conclusion of the forum: 

"Jen, thanks so much for your wonderful hospitality during your poetry event today. Everything was simply exquisite. The ambiance, fellowship, and food was truly on point."  

On a final note here:

I'm proud to share that my group and I have hosted "Poetry on the Patio" for decades. It's typically held in June (which is the anniversary of the formation of the group, plus my birthday month).  

It's a fun and innovative way to bring the joy of poetry to people of all ages and interests, in our ongoing mission to "advance the arts." 

It also serves as a great meet and greet!

A special thanks to all of those who showed up and showed out!

And all of those who contributed to the overall success.

Poets United to Host Annual Poetry on the Patio!

 

JOIN US FOR SOME FUN & SUN! 

As we share poetry, pot luck, prizes and more! 

June 13, 2026 (Saturday)

@ Jen's place

3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

By invitation only* so check your mail boxes

Poetry Corner* Dr. Archan Mehta

 Dutch Miss

I want you to know that you are always

On my mind despite the passage of time.

The first time I saw you, I could not take

My eyes off you. I was shy then and would

Hide behind a tree to observe you walking

Past me as if I didn’t exist, Dutch Miss. In

Those days, I remember how I would

Dream about you and wake up, suddenly,

In the middle of the night: a dream which

Did not translate into reality. I am sure 

Your beauty must have left behind a

Trail of broken hearts but you did not

Care. You dared to follow the wind

And traveled to exotic and mystical lands.

It was almost as if you had a magic wand

In your hands. I hope to catch up with 

You, one day, in India or Amsterdam.

BIO:

Dr. Archan Mehta has earned a PhD. in Management. Currently, he is a Consultant and Writer based in India. In his free time, Dr. Mehta likes to stroll in the outdoors and party with close friends. He is also fond of meditation. Please feel free to reach out to the poet at archanm@hotmail.com at your convenience.

Poetry Corner* Dr. Archan Mehta

Strolling in Nature

My morning stroll is routine in the park

Close to my home: being out and about in

Nature keeps me sane: staying cooped up

Indoors is not my game and I don’t even

Enter that lane. I guess that’s why I don’t

Like working out in the gym. Instead,

Playing sports in the outdoors keeps

Me fit and slim. I can reach up to touch

The clouds in the sky on a whim. I can

Hug a tree or sing a duet with a bird

Perched on the edge of a bark. I can

Feed a squirrel and make friends with

Dogs, cats and deer. I can avoid bats

At that time of day and year. Fresh

Oxygen enters my lungs and I feel

One with the mist and the rising sun.

Strolling helps and heals, I feel young.

BIO: 

Dr. Archan Mehta has earned a PhD. in Management. Currently, he is a Consultant and Writer based in India. In his free time, Dr. Mehta likes to stroll in the outdoors and party with close friends. He is also fond of meditation. Please feel free to reach out to the poet at archanm@hotmail.com at your convenience.

Poetry Night @ Local Art Gallery

 

In Poets United's ongoing mission to "advance the arts" we are pleased to incorporate in today's post, some coverage on the "visual arts" captured via a local art gallery event, recently attended in the Bronzeville area.

Where do I start? I was invited to attend this gala a few days ago marketed as, "Artini @ Gallery Guichard." It was my first time there, but I definitely don't intend for it to be my last! 

From the moment my fella' and I entered the door, we were impressed with the ambiance, the decor, the sounds and the vast collection of beautiful paintings and other artistic pieces curated by artists of color. Many of which you've probably never even heard of.  

The night was enhanced by musicians, poets and a dynamic D.J.! The evening's event was surprisingly well attended, with folks from all races, places, and socio-economic backgrounds. Let me tell you! What a night on the town.

And since a picture is said to "speak a thousand words," I trust you'll be abundantly "enriched' by these lovely photos I took and am sharing here.

Feel free to leave a comment. As always, thanks for reading! Keep the arts in your heart!

April is National Poetry Month!

Greetings, readers!

Happy to have you rejoin us, as we celebrate National Poetry Month. Throughout the month, you'll find feature poets, interesting facts about N.P.M., local events and more. So let's start things off with our monthly column from Dr. Archan Mehta. Please feel free to leave a comment if you are so inclined. 

As always, thanks for your time and readership.

Who Is A Poet?

A poet is a sensitive soul with a heart of gold.

A poet is bold: grace under pressure and courage

Under fire. A poet tries to avoid trash talkers,

Tall talkers, habitual liars, bullies, snake-oil

Salespersons, and con artists who cross the line. A

Poet is often misunderstood and misjudged by the

Masses: thus, a poet is labelled as arrogant, short,

Egotistical, delusional, Americano, unconventional,

Rebellious and worse. That’s because a poet is blessed

And cursed with a fertile imagination which cannot

Be roped in. A poet finds mundane reality trivial

And boring and chooses instead to live on cloud nine.

Only a poet can dream about what is invisible to

The naked eye; a poet’s bridge touches the sky,

Linking earth to heaven. While the masses sleep,

The poet suddenly leaps to connect the dots: The poet

Has a sharp mind even if he seems confused and lost.

BIO:

Dr. Archan Mehta has earned a PhD. in Management. Currently, he is a Consultant and Writer based in India. In his free time, Dr. Mehta likes to stroll in the outdoors and party with close friends. He is also fond of meditation. Please feel free to reach out to the poet at archanm@hotmail.com at your convenience.