From Sea To Shining Sea

About the Book

This book of images and words (defined as haiga in Japanese) blends two different genres and invites a reader to see disordinary kinds of art around us that we sometimes miss. The photographs and haiku in concert offer artistic experiences, everyday art, available as quotidian delight in the world. The group of Tomoka Poets I belong to in Ormond-by-the Sea, are dedicated, innovative poets, seeking ways to mix media in terms of music and poetry, paintings and haiku. One member has initiated a poetry in the parks program wherein poets read their work against the backdrops of Florida’s dense native scrub land, winding and inviting forests as well as the nearby Atlantic Ocean as we observe each areas’ infinite varieties more closely, listen more carefully to original poetry, and perhaps begin to create our own. Many of the enclosed pictures might seem a bit odd.; initially we might miss their beauty at first sight. The whisper of the haiku emerges from its deep source within our emotional lives, hearts, and souls, often emerging from some mysterious spirit within our psyches, our imaginations. In a sense haiku is “found poetry,” in America the Beautiful, our beloved home, our paradise on earth, just waiting to be written.

About the Author

Dr. Thomas holds a PhD in literature and psychology from Union University and Institute, a doctorate in applied theology from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, and a master of arts in creative writing and poetry from Stetson University in Florida in addition to a master of arts in psychology from Saint Leo University in Florida. She has taught literature, psychology, and women’s studies at the University of Connecticut, Bowie State University, and Cameron University as well as a number of additional universities and colleges. She has also taught creative writing at Gavle University in Storvik, Sweden. During her sojourn of eleven years at the University of Connecticut, she taught psychology and creative writing and enjoyed private practice with Shoreline Psychiatric Associates. In addition, for three years she was also an adjunct professor at Niantic Prison for Women. Her classes resulted in a book of original art and poetry, which was eventually published by the State of Connecticut. Dr. Thomas and her recently retired husband, Dr. Frank Thomas, a surgeon, now reside in Ormond-by-the Sea, where they are inveterate beach walkers, writers, and proud parents of their newly acquired schnauzer, Rocky, who accompanies them on their frequent walks. Including a number of published chapbooks, this will be Dr. Thomas’s fifth book of poetry.