Ukrainian Lutheran Church

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_Lutheran_Church 

https://www.angelfire.com/ca4/saintsophiaseminary/liturgy.html

The last part of my dissertation at Drew University dealt with 16th Century-Lutheran-Orthodox dialogue. While researching, I found out about the Ukrainian Lutheran ChurchIt deserves its own study.

My sense is that it began among the German communities in Ukraine, and developed from there. They suffered horribly under Communism, also being wiped out entirely. In 994 they regrouped. Had I the time and resources, I would have applied to go to their Saint Sophia Seminary in Kviv to offer a course (with a translator).

They use an adapted Divine Liturgy for worship.

May God protect them and all Ukrainians in these times, and more nations in the region as well.

Not expecting anyone to spend a large sum for the dissertation, but here is a link:

https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Opportunity-Seed-Later-Discussion/dp/3836498774/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1BFTEQ281SH9D&keywords=arthur+turfa&qid=1645921277&s=books&sprefix=arthur+turfa%2Cstripbooks%2C81&sr=1-5

My poetry and literary fiction links are more affordable:

https://www.amazon.com/Arthur-Turfa/e/B00YJ9LNOA%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share

https://www.blurb.com/b/10799783-the-botleys-of-beaumont-county

I Have Been Reviewing Poetry Books- and A YouTube Channel of Mine!

 

     While I am not quite sure how it all started, I have reviewed a few for Tupelo Press and Driftwood Press. And another one is on the way. Maybe it was because I participated in Tupelo's 30/30 Project in December 2020. 

     Anyway, I get to read some new books from these solid publishers. There is always something I can learn from them. I would name the books and poets, but the books have not been released yet and I have not seen the reviews anywhere yet. 

     I am honored that I can do this. These days I am not very active in the larger online poetry communities. Most of what I see is either developing poets or those who choose to do what they do. From time to time I get to mentor someone, and I love doing that. And every so often someone will give me some feedback. I am in an online group with the South Carolina Writers Association for that, and there is another venue I have for that. 

     And.....https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5SplrftPqIehmHrmT2yjeQ is Arthur Turfa Poet/Writer, my YouTube Channel. Tonight I am adding a second video. Please comment, subscribe, and share. This is not a slick production, so be warned! It is me talking a little and reading some. I might fiddle around with it, but it is pretty basic.

Links to first my poetry books, then to my novel:

https://www.amazon.com/Arthur-Turfa/e/B00YJ9LNOA%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share

https://www.blurb.com/b/10799783-the-botleys-of-beaumont-county

Launch of YouTube Channel, Arthur Turfa, Poet/Writer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLBLI2ugkBI 

I did it! Please share, subscribe, and comment! Thanks!

"Inside LLewyn Davis"- What a Lead Character!

     I love the Coen Brothers' movies, and this is no exception. Several fo my friends were folk singers/musicians, and many of them have maintained involvement with some forms of music since. When I started learning the guitar, I started out with these songs before I got an electric guitar and become the next Jimi Hendrix or Eric Clapton. 

     That did not happen, obviously, but there is a poem in Accents about it. But I kept on listening to the music and learning about the songs and performers. We do what we can.

     Even having extraordinary talent is no guarantee. That is the point of "Inside Llewyn Davis".  Somewhat based on Dave Van Ronk, Davis is a folksinger whose partner committed suicide after their first album. In the aftermath, Davis spirals downward, only to realize that he has missed his chance. All I am going to say!

     As a character, Davis is despicable, mean, selfish, and all sorts of other negative things. I found myself shaking my head at him rather than giving him any sympathy. The movie is not on Amazon Prime Video. And the soundtrack!  Check the link and see the movie!

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inside_Llewyn_Davis_(soundtrack)

Open Mic at the Pat Conroy Literary Center

https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=3171851339725241 

   It was an honor and a distinct pleasure t be with so many fine poets/writers. Many of them have been friends for some time, and I am glad to make new ones.

   My segment is in the first few minutes. I read a new poem. Next time I plan to read something from my novel The Botleys of Beaumont County.

https://www.blurb.com/b/10799783-the-botleys-of-beaumont-county

https://www.amazon.com/Arthur-Turfa/e/B00YJ9LNOA%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share

Of Botleys and "The Last Conception" Movie

 

Gabriel Constans

@GabrielConstans

· 4h

The Botleys of Beaumont County captured my attention, & also took me to a place & time, with which I have little familiarity & made me feel like I was a fly on the wall watching the lives of Jessica and Slerd unfold (& their families) with revealing clarity. A very good story. twitter.com/DrTurfa/status…

Many, many thanks! https://www.blurb.com/b/10799783-the-botleys-of-beaumont-county

And want to see a great movie?

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9129362/ "The Last Conception"

I found this to be a very entertaining movie. It blends cultures, looks at some cultural differences, and takes some nice unexpected twists. Very appealing characters to whom the audience can relate.

Now Writing Some Short Stories

      Since the novel came out (more about that later on), I am back to poetry of course, but also doing some short stories. I have been asked for a compendium of them. Right now I have one long one and one short one. About four or five exist in my head, but I wonder if I should dig out that Womdrium course I took and to some charts.....

     Not a bad idea, come to think of it! James Scott Bell offered "How to Write Best-Selling Fiction", and I watched it as the novel was coming out. Some things I did as he said, others I resolved to do next time!

     Who are your favorite short story writers? I enjoy John Updike, John Cheever, and Thomas Mann. There are some contemporary ones I read, but keep coming back to these (and a few others). I hope to hear from you!

    

My novel:

https://www.blurb.com/b/10799783-the-botleys-of-beaumont-county

Check on Blurb for All in the Family, 2nd Edition (poetry w/ Carol Worthington-Levy's art)

And the poetry books:

https://www.amazon.com/Arthur-Turfa/e/B00YJ9LNOA%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share

Time to Post Links to My Books

 

   I have not done this for a while, and I should do it on a more regular basis. For now, I will post them, and in future posts highlight each one in some detail, giving some background.

  Novel- Literary Fiction:

https://www.blurb.com/b/10799783-the-botleys-of-beaumont-co

unty

Poetry:

https://www.blurb.com/b/10335105-all-in-the-family-2nd-edition

The rest are here on Amazon. If you can find a better deal elsewhere, please feel free. 

https://www.amazon.com/Arthur-Turfa/e/B00YJ9LNOA%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share