Rave Review for "Places and Times" on Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/review/R3FSK5Z12WFNTO/ref=sctx_T1_book_r_c

What was especially nice about Jane's review is that she knows some of the newer places in my life. I am thrilled that she sensed my newly-found excitement for them; she has know them all of her life!

Is there anyone else out there who knows some of these places?   Please let me know! Thanks.

Another Five Star Review for "Places and Times"

I sent several Facebook messages to Arthur in praise of one or two of his poems, especially the ones about places I have lived and loved.
His book is on my bedside table in case I need another healthy dose or so of his beautiful words and sunny outlook on life...

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Originally posted on Goodreads, 11 January 2016

Do you have room on your bedside table? 

David Bowie, RIP

     There will be many posts about Bowie, and I might add another to this one as well. For tonight, I want to focus on his amazing creativity, and how we can all apply it to our lives.

     Early in his career, Bowie became what was called "flamboyant". Unconventional clothing and makeup accompanied an openness in his songs about his personal life. While those things did not interest me, the music stood out and attracted me.

     Not every album or style of music resonated with me. Even when I had more disposable income, I did not rush out and buy all that I could. However, I admired him to his Proteus-like persona and for trying something new.

     How do we apply that to our lives? For me, I try not to write int he same style and about the same topics. As an educator, I do not like falling into the same old rut. I am certified in three content areas, as we call them (English, German and Social Studies). Staying with English, I have been willing to change what I do from the so-called "numbered" English. I have not taught English I, but have taught II, III and IV. ( I is Freshmen, II World, III American, IV Brit, although that has been mixed up quite a bit). for the last five years I have taught Intro to Mythology, and enjoy playing with that. As a result, I am not bored, and not too many students are. I do tell them that the universe does not exist to entertain them.

    When the following song came out, I played it for my Journalism class (another example of mixing it up). One day we had a disagreement, politely expressed, about how to pronounce his name. We used our chrome books and found both ways were possible:  Bough- ee  or Boo-ee. I prefer the latter. The song talked about Berlin- Potsdamer Platz, home to the famed Josty's and also mentioned the Dschungel; I was there before it became a trendy spot, and I believe I had more fun.

    I append (12 January) a Guardian link to Bowie's Berlin. An earlier version had a map. The Dschungel mentioned was near Ka-De-We- (Kaufhaus des Westens), and the one my frineds took me to was I belive in Schöneberg, not far from where Bowie lived, and not too far from Neuköllm where I lived with my friends. I remember we too the double decker bus there, not the U-Bahn. Ach!

    http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2008/aug/05/berlin.bars.musictour

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4616169.Arthur_Turfa

Favorite Songs Collections

     There's quite a few now, and more will be coming. It might be a good, electic, mix for background music. Give it a listen!

https://plus.google.com/u/0/collection/EsfFHB

New Collection: Sound Poetry

     Today I started a new Google+ Collection, "Sound Poetry". Initially I posted some of my Soundcloud recordings in order to make them more accessible. Eventually I will add some of my favorite poems, when possible read by their authors.

     Many of my friends have recorded their poems, and I invite them to offer their works here. Let me know if you are interested and send me a link. And there you will be!

https://plus.google.com/u/0/collection/MmA0r

Interview by Mercedes Fox

https://mercedesfoxbooks.com/meet-author-arthur-turfa/

Thanks, Mercedes! I appreciate this so much. I encourage my followers to check out her site!

It's Been Almost a Year

     A year ago I was anxiously gearing up what I could for my release date for Places and Times. That was in April, but I was thinking about what I had to do. Fortunately, eLectio Publishing was extremely helpful. For the next book, whenever that will be, I am going to be so much better prepared.

    Now they offer their support for the first year anniversary. I am thinking about some things, but i would love to hear from you also. Here's what I have been thinking about doing:

• Another Goodread
  
  s giveaway. Maybe fewer books, and maybe this time adding a few countries.
• Doing a video. For part of it, asking people to read their favorite poem from the book. When I mentioned that to a friend today, she had a few poems in mind.
• Hosting a birthday party. Aiken, South Carolina, looks like a goof place since I will be there for a classy event anyhow. 

    Let me know! comment here, aturfa@aol.com, message me on Google+ or Facebook!