I’m so excited to be featured in @spokeandblossom’s spring 2024 issue! Check out the article where I discuss some of the poems in my book, The Two Hearts Inside Us, and then pair it with a delicious cocktail. It was very fun doing the research and tweaking the recipe of The Last Word Cocktail until it was just right - I hope you enjoy! If you’re looking for a Mother’s Day treat for Mom, buy her my book (link in bio) and prepare this beautiful cocktail for her to enjoy with it on the patio. Ahhhh, heaven! #poetry #thetwoheartsinsideus #poeticgreetingcards #uniquegifts #mothersdaygift #mothersdaygifts #whitespace #poeticcocktails #thelastword #gin #martinmillersgin #poetryandcocktails

I had so much fun tagging along on my husband’s work trip to Honolulu! I got to do yoga and meditation @themoanasurfrider hotel with the lovely Jen @seaofheartyoga to the sound of ocean waves, and I found a perfect writing nook to write in afterwards. Also, I took a copy of my book to give to Jen, the yoga teacher I met there on my last trip, and she told me that she read my poem “White Space” to a local yoga class she teaches that includes a couple of musicians from the @hawaiisymphonyorchestra. Jen told me that the musicians enjoyed the poem and told her how important white space is in music (as well as poetry, like I mention in my poem.) I go a step further in the poem and bring the concept of white space into our lives. Anyway, Jen said one of the musicians at her class who liked the poem is also a teacher and has struggled to convey the importance of rests and silence in music to his students, so Jen shared my poem with him and he’s going to share it with his students to help them see it in a new way. Never did I imagine when I wrote that poem that it would end up impacting people in Hawaii, let alone musicians in the Hawai’i Symphony Orchestra! Thanks Jen @seaofyeartyoga for connecting us and our art through your beautiful yoga and meditation practice! #MoanaMomentsBecomeMemories #honolulu #whitespace #music #orchestra #thetwoheartsinsideus #oceanyoga

Thanks to everyone who tuned in to the Bardic Trails Poetry night tonight @telluridelibrary - what a fun group of wonderful poets - I had a great time! And one of my new poet friends who was there told me about a free class happening online through @westerncoloradouniversity on April 8th - go to my event page at www.jillburkey.com(link in bio) where you’ll find a link to register, as well as lots of other great events coming up! #poetry #poetryreading #openmic #openmicpoetry #literaryreading #writerscommunity #writingcommunity #palisadecolorado #bookmarks #thetwoheartsinsideus #greetingcards #poetry #poeticgreetingcards #uniquegifts #mothersdaygift #mothersdaygifts

Mark your calendars! I’m excited to be one of the artists that will be participating in the Western Slope Collective’s Spring Market Series at @ordinaryfellowwines Ordinary Fellow Winery, 202 Peach Ave., Palisade, CO, on April 6th from 3-7pm! Come out and enjoy a glass of wine and/or food and check out the market! I will be there signing my book and selling my poetry-inspired gifts. It’s not too early to start thinking about Mother’s Day and all of those spring birthdays (if your family is anything like mine). There are several poems in my book, The Two Hearts Inside Us, that moms can relate to. I will be posting excerpts over the next few weeks starting with this post. Also, did you know several of my greeting cards are perfect for Mother‘s Day? I even have a Mother’s Day greeting card section in the shop on my website. The other vendors that will be at the market are: @postcards.quilts @neverdullartandgraphics @oddsunart @trail_cookie @globemallow_studios @poppymountainrituals @greatergoodexchange @ajstudios.shop @carsonbelledesigns @oil_up_and_thrive #palisadecolorado #bookmarks #thetwoheartsinsideus #greetingcards #poetry #poeticgreetingcards #uniquegifts #mothersdaygift #mothersdaygifts

I’m so excited to announce that I’m the featured reader for the Bardic Trails Online Poetry Series on April 2nd during National Poetry Month! I will be reading poems from my book, The Two Hearts Inside Us, as well as some new poems. So, if you’re one of the people who lives too far away to attend one of my readings, this one is perfect for you! It goes from 7-8:30 p.m. mountain standard time on Tuesday, April 2nd. To get the zoom link for the free event, go to the event page at my website, www.jillburkey.com/events- (link in bio), scroll down to the April 2nd event, click the black button for more info, then click the link to sign up for the Zoom link, which will be sent to you on the day of the event! Bardic Trails is held on the first Tuesday of every month and serves as an online gathering of words, wit, and wisdom. The brainchild of the Talking Gourds Poetry Club, each Bardic Trails poetry night features an award-winning guest poet sharing their new and exciting work. 
My reading will be followed with a Q & A about my work and inspirations, with time afterwards for poetry sharing from attendees - a Gourd Circle of sharing whatever poetry attendees wish, or just listening in. For those who desire, April’s poetic prompt is Rebirth. I hope to see you there, and I look forwarding to listening to you read some of your work! Bardic Trails is brought to you by the Telluride Institute @telluride_institute, the Telluride Arts District @telluridearts, and the Wilkinson Public Library @telluridelibrary. #poetry #poetryreading #openmic #openmicpoetry #literaryreading #writerscommunity #writingcommunity

I’m looking forward to giving a workshop on the Da Vinci Device on March 30th for HopeWest Caregivers. The workshop is designed to help participants discover their own healing through the creative writing process. It’s free, but registration is required - email mwatson@hopewestco.org to request a flyer, and/or to register. Sandy Dorr is giving a workshop on April 20th as well - see info in the flyer.

Just finished watching this documentary on Netflix about author Joan Didion - very interesting and inspiring, especially since I recently finally read The Year of Magical Thinking. I highly recommend both! There’s even a surprise appearance by Harrison Ford and interesting coincidences with big events in the 60s, such as the JFK assassination and the Sharon Tate (Manson) murders. But my favorite parts are towards the end.

Glad to find this in my book of quotes today! It was a gorgeous spring day, but my heart is always a little sad when my kids leave. Hope it helps you cheer up too, if you needed to be cheered up.🙂

I keep adding events to my event page at www.jillburkey.com (link in bio). And now you can see entire event flyers (if available) when you click on the “view event” button. Here’s a sampling of what’s coming up - go to www.jillburkey.com for the full list and for more info: March 9 - Magma Surface Sky - Telluride Theatre - Telluride, CO March 13 - Author Event: Rex Cole’s “Geology of the Grand Mesa” - Out West Books - Grand Junction, CO March 13 - Poetry Night - Mesa County Public Library Central Branch - Grand Junction, CO March 14 - Poets & Writers at CMU - Betty’s Gourmet Coffee Shop - Grand Junction, CO March 14 - 16 - A Smattering of Shakespeare - Art Center - Grand Junction, CO March 15 - A Conversation with Author Shelly Read, Go As a River - Granby, CO March 19 - Clifton Writers Group - Clifton Branch Mesa County Library - Clifton, CO March 19 - WordUp! - Copeka Coffee, Grand Junction, CO March 20 - Author Event: David Primus’ “Beneath Blue Mesa” - Out West Books, Grand Junction, CO March 21 - WCWF Happy Hour - Kannah Creek Brewing, Grand Junction, CO March 21 - Lithic Press Book Launch: A Godless Ascends by Trish Hopkinson - Lithic Bookstore, Fruita, CO March 22 - The Pen & the Glass Open Mic - Carboy Winery, Palisade, CO Weekly - Writer Chicks Coffee Club - Main Street Bagels, Grand Junction, CO Please send me your event info to jillbwriter@outlook.com if you would like to see it on my event page. Thanks @telluridetheatre, @carboywinery, @outwestbooks, @mesacountylib, @unibcarlson, @gjartcenter, @exploregcld, @westerncowriters, @lithicbookstore, @copeka_coffee, and @melodyjonesauthor for having these great events! #poetryreading #openmic #openmicpoetry #literaryreading #bookclub#bookclubs #writerscommunity #writingcommunity #gjco #writers #poets #fruita #palisadeco #westernslopecolorado

There are 14 writing and reading events in Western Colorado in March @carboywinery, @mesacountylib, @westerncowriters, @lithicbookstore, @naturitalibrary, @unibcarlson, @exploregcld, @rmfwriters, and @telluride_institute, - go to the event page at www.jillburkey.com for a complete list and for more information. (link in bio) If you have an event you would like me to add to my event page, please email me the information at jillbwriter@outlook.com. #poetryreading #openmic #openmicpoetry #literaryreading #bookclub #bookclubs #writerscommunity #writingcommunity #gjco #writers #poets #fruita #palisadeco #libraryevents

My breath comes and goes easy as ocean waves rushing in, sliding out. This sea of sound is never silent, never same, never tame. -       Jill Burkey Here are a few lines inspired by the ocean and a wonderful yoga and meditation teacher I was lucky enough to cross paths with - thank you @seaofheartyoga #waikiki #poetry #ocean #oahu #moanasurfrider

There are lots of writing and reading events coming up @carboywinery, @mesacountylib, @westerncowriters, @lithicbookstore, @naturitalibrary, @loneconelibrary, @telluride_institute, @copeka_coffee, - go to the event page at www.jillburkey.com for more information. * 2/14/24 - Poetry Night - Mesa County Library Central Branch - Grand Junction, CO * 2/15/24 - Western Colorado Writers’ Forum Happy Hour - Kannah Creek Brewing Company - Grand Junction, CO * 2/15/24 - Monument Book Club - Mesa County Library Central Branch - Grand Junction, CO * 2/15/24 - Poets & Writers Reading at CMU - Betty’s Gourmet Coffee Shop  - Grand Junction, CO @kyleharveypoet, Sandy Dorr, and John Nizalowski * 2/17/24 - Discovering the Mother Tongue - Mesa County Public Library Clifton Branch  - Clifton, CO @wendyvidelock.inklings * 2/18/24 - Telling Lion Stories Bob Mckeever - A Collaboration of the Telluride Institute’s Talking Gourds Poetry Program & the Naturita Library - Naturita, CO * 2/20/24 - Clifton Writers Group - Mesa County Library Clifton Branch  - Clifton, CO * 2/20/24 - WordUp! Reading & Open Mic - Copeka Coffee - John Lanci - Grand Junction, CO * 2/21/24 - Telluride Institute’s Stories & Poems - a Monthly Community Sharing Series - Joanna Yonder County Poet Laureate - Lone Cone Library - Norwood, CO * 2/23/24 - The Pen & the Glass Open Mic - Carboy Winery  - Palisade, CO * 2/23/24 - Open Reading! Open Mic! - Lithic Bookstore & Gallery  - Fruita, CO * 2/28/24 - Beyond Words Book Club - Mesa County Library Central Branch  - Grand Junction, CO * For more information on these events, and to see many more events listed, go to www.jillburkey.com. If you have an event you would like me to add to my event page, please email me the information at jillbwriter@outlook.com. I’d like to include all of Western Colorado, so if you know of any good reading and writing events west of the divide, please let me know! #poetryreading #openmic #openmicpoetry #literaryreading #bookclub#bookclubs #writerscommunity #writingcommunity #gjco #writers #poets #fruita #palisadeco #fruita #naturita #norwoodcolorado

I heard this poem by Philip Appleman on the Writer’s Almanac yesterday, and the last two lines caught my ear, so I had to look it up and read it again. Then I googled Philip Appleman and found out he served in the US Army Aircorp in WWII like my grandfather and is quite accomplished. There’s more interesting info about him at www.poetryfoundation.org. I’m glad I read the poem again because I also love the lines about good and nice. O Karma, Dharma, pudding and pie, gimme a break before I die: grant me wisdom, will, & wit, purity, probity, pluck, & grit. Trustworthy, loyal, helpful, kind, gimme great abs & a steel-trap mind, and forgive, Ye Gods, some humble advice— these little blessings would suffice to beget an earthly paradise: make the bad people good— and the good people nice; and before our world goes over the brink, teach the believers how to think.

Enjoy your Sunday and don’t forget - it’s the last day to receive 20% off and free shipping at www.jillburkey.com

Are you the petals or the stalk in this scenario, or does it depend on the day? I think these lines from my poem “Mala” give us an interesting way to ponder and celebrate love, including love of ourselves. You can find these and other items inspired by “Mala” at my website, www.jillburkey.com.

For those of you in Western Colorado, there are lots of writing and reading events coming up @carboywinery, @mesacountylib, @barnesandnoble, @westerncowriters, @lithicbookstore, @copeka_coffee, - go to the event page at www.jillburkey.com for more information. * 1/31/24 - Writer Chicks Coffee Club - Main Street Bagels (weekly) * 2/2/24 - Creative Writing Classes Start - VA Recreation Therapy Dept. (weekly) * 2/2/24 - First Crush Book Club - Carboy Winery * 2/3/24 - Black History Month Reading & Book Signing - Barnes & Noble * 2/6/24 - Western Colorado Writers’ Forum Writer’s Night - Rosa Parks - The Art Center * 2/8/24 - Books on Tap -  The Ale House * 2/8/24 - Poetry of the Grand Canyon: A Frank Waters Foundation Lecture by Rick Kempa - Lithic Bookstore & Gallery * 2/13/24 - Clifton Book Club - Mesa County Library Clifton Branch * 2/13/24 - Fruita Book Club - Mesa County Library Fruita Branch * 2/14/24 - Poetry Night - Mesa County Library Central Branch * 2/15/24 - Western Colorado Writers’ Forum Happy Hour - Kannah Creek Brewing Company * 2/15/24 - Monument Book Club - Mesa County Library Central Branch * 2/15/24 - Poets & Writers Reading at CMU - Betty’s Gourmet Coffee Shop * 2/20/24 - Clifton Writers Group - Mesa County Library Clifton Branch * 2/20/24 - WordUp! Reading & Open Mic - Copeka Coffee * 2/23/24 - The Pen & the Glass Open Mic - Carboy Winery * 2/23/24 - Open Reading! Open Mic! - Lithic Bookstore & Gallery * 2/28/24 - Beyond Words Book Club - Mesa County Library Central Branch * These and many more events listed at www.jillburkey.com. I do my best tracking down events, but I may be missing some, so please message me or email me at jillbwriter@outlook.com if you know about an event that you’d like to see on my page! I’d like to include all of Western Colorado, so if you know of any happenings west of the divide, please let me know! #poetryreading #openmic #openmicpoetry #literaryreading #bookclub#bookclubs #writerscommunity #writingcommunity #gjco #writers #poets #fruita #palisadeco

This card and sticker set is one of my favorite ideas for Valentine’s Day - it’s perfect for someone who is taking or needs to take some healthy time for herself - someone who is being her own Valentine. Encourage and Applaud her with this card or card & sticker set! Or maybe you need to get it for yourself? If you order by February 4th, you’ll get free shipping, no matter how big or small your order is, and 20% off Greeting Cards and Greeting Card & Sticker Sets with code VALORGAL20! Go to www.jillburkey.com. Once there, go to Shop, then Greeting Cards, then scroll down to Valentine’s Day (Nontraditional and Traditional). And what goes better with Valentine’s Day than poetry, especially poetry books with the word “heart” in the title, like my book, “The Two Hearts Inside Us?” Reading poetry is the ultimate in self care, so as they say in Parks and Rec, “Treat Yo Self!” #valentines #valentinegifts #valentinegift #valentinecards

Whether you love or hate Valentine’s Day, I have the perfect card and gifts for you at www.jillburkey.com. Once there, go to Shop, then Greeting Cards, then scroll down to Valentine’s Day (Nontraditional and Traditional). If you order by February 4th, you’ll get free shipping, no matter how big or small your order is, and 20% off Greeting Cards and my new Greeting Card & Sticker Sets with code VALORGAL20! The card in this post would be a perfect Valentine to remind your sweetheart of a lovely trip or honeymoon you took together, or maybe you can use it to hint at a trip you’d like to take in the future! And what goes better with Valentine’s Day than poetry, especially poetry books with the word “heart” in the title, like my book, “The Two Hearts Inside Us?” This card, my book, and a bottle of wine could be the perfect gift for your sweetheart. #valentines #valentinegifts #valentinegift #valentinecards

There are lots of great writing and reading events coming up in western Colorado! For a full list with more information, go to my website at www.jillburkey.com. If you have an event you would like me to add, email the info to me at jillbwriter@outlook.com. Happy writing and reading!

I wrote “Pregunta” on the morning of New Year’s Eve in 2007 when my husband and kids, who were six and four, were still sleeping. I was sitting at our kitchen table looking out the big picture window facing west towards the Colorado National Monument. The sun was just coming up, and I was feeling that quiet calm that arrives after Christmas when everything is finished and the enjoyment of the holidays is still soaking in. It was so peaceful, but I also had a quiet wondering of what the new year would bring. Here’s the middle stanza from that poem: The children sleep like trees, dishes rest in the sink, newspapers pile up by the fireplace, clothes fill every basket and wait, like falling snow filling spaces between trees. “Pregunta” won the 2009 Denver Woman’s Press Club’s Unknown Writer’s contest and was published in The Untidy Season: An Anthology of Nebraska Women Poets in 2013. It’s also in my book, The Two Hearts Inside Us, which you can find at www.jillburkey.com, @lithicbookstore in Fruita, CO, and in @outwestbooks in Grand Junction, CO. I hope you enjoy this quiet time of year.