Writing rhymes began in 1945, my senior year at Nebraska University. The students were preparing a stage production to celebrate the end of World War II. I was asked to write a song and sing it. I did it and my joy in writing rhymes began. I dont think I ever sat down just for the purpose of writing a rhyme. There was always a motive like birthdays or special events. The cover of my first book and this one really sums it up-People, Places, Passion, Purpose. It wasnt very long that I learned my rhymes were best when inspired by God. The readers and time tell the most about a book. A priest that I know called to tell me that he read The Parish Shepherd, the first thing each morning. A second priest said he used the poem TWO PLANS when he spoke to a group of ladies. In this book More Rhyme and Reason, the poems came from the same kind of inspirations. One of the best I have written is first in this book, The Politician. Some poems are happy rhymes, for birthdays or anniversaries. Some are of places traveled. I like to write rhymes that teach and hopefully there will be fulfillment. If a poet inspired me in my student days it was Longfellow. I have always strived to achieve a message with perfect rhyme and meter. If any reader of my writing is entertained and gratified, I have achieved my goal. Enjoy!

The Rhyme and Reason series is like Dr. Seuss meets the Bible as entire chapter of the Bible is pulled together in rhyme with colorful and humorous illustrations child and parent will both enjoy. The book of Esther includes the stories of: *Queen Vashti is banished *Search for a new queen *Preparation to be queen *Chosen by the king *A call to destiny *Haman tries to kill the Jews *Esther's banquet for the king and Haman *A new decree and much more!

The Must-Read Novels for Christmas Time (Illustrated Edition) presents a breathtaking mosaic of literary talent and thematic exploration, perfect for the festive season. This anthology boasts an assortment of literary styles, from the enchanting to the reflective, covering a wide spectrum of Christmas experiences. Within its pages, readers will find classic tales of hope, joy, and reflection that resonate with the timeless spirit of Christmas. The diversity of the collection highlights significant works of varying tones and settings, each piece contributing to a rich, multidimensional portrayal of the holiday season. The anthology stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of Christmas narratives and their ability to evoke a deep sense of nostalgia and warmth. The contributing authors and editors, including luminaries such as Charles Dickens and Louisa May Alcott, bring together a vast array of perspectives and literary expertise. Their collective works reflect significant movements and moments in literary history, from Victorian moral tales to early 20th-century reflections on social justice, showcasing the evolving nature of Christmas stories. Their diverse backgrounds and literary styles enrich the anthologys overall theme, offering a kaleidoscopic view of Christmas that transcends time and geographical boundaries. This collection aligns with various cultural and literary movements, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the holiday's portrayal in literature over the years. The Must-Read Novels for Christmas Time (Illustrated Edition) is a must-have for readers eager to immerse themselves in the spirit of the season through the lens of classic literature. It offers a unique opportunity to explore a wide range of narratives that reflect the complexity and joy of Christmas, making it an ideal read for those seeking to deepen their appreciation of the holidays cultural significance. This anthology not only serves as an educational tool, shedding light on the historical and cultural contexts of its stories, but also as a source of inspiration and reflection. It is an invitation to engage with the seasons themes of hope, generosity, and renewal through the masterful storytelling of some of literatures most celebrated authors.

The second volume of Sondheim's collected lyrics is both a remarkable glimpse into the brilliant mind of a legend, and a continuation of the acclaimed and best-selling Finishing the Hat. Picking up where he left off in Finishing the Hat, Sondheim gives us all the lyrics, along with excluded songs and early drafts, of the Pulitzer Prize–winning Sunday in the Park with George, Into the Woods, Assassins and Passion. Here, too, is an in-depth look at the evolution of Wise Guys, which subsequently was transformed into Bounce and eventually became Road Show. Sondheim takes us through his contributions to both television and film, some of which may surprise you, and covers plenty of never-before-seen material from unproduced projects as well. There are abundant anecdotes about his many collaborations, and readers are treated to rare personal material in this volume, as Sondheim includes songs culled from commissions, parodies and personal special occasions—such as a hilarious song for Leonard Bernstein’s seventieth birthday. As he did in the previous volume, Sondheim richly annotates his lyrics with invaluable advice on songwriting, discussions of theater history and the state of the industry today, and exacting dissections of his work, both the successes and the failures. Filled with even more behind-the-scenes photographs and illustrations from Sondheim’s original manuscripts, Look, I Made a Hat is fascinating, devourable and essential reading for any fan of the theater or this great man’s work.

This book encompasses diverse subjects such as Holidays and Names in the Headlines. It covers topics from Life' reflections "I can't believe it did arrive And yet today I'm forty five! How is it time can be so gauged That youthful me's now middle-aged! " to life with cancer "What a glamorous life I must endure Reeking of 'eau de toilette' allure! And wouldn't it be a total farce To have a radio-active 'arse'! " One section is dedicated to the special occasions of family & friends; birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, etc. "It's as if Ogden Nash came back as a wise but cheeky New Yorker with a lifetime sub to the New York Post and a keg of green beer in his fridge. Maureen O'Keefe's poems cavort knowingly over the rocky terrain of life as it pans out for working people - evening 'pub girls', habitués of O'Malley's and the NYPD - as they struggle to understand the lure of the night, the acquittal of OJ, what keeps people together. O'Keefe is both ruthless and generous. She finds humor in desperate, real corners that would make ordinary verse-makers tremble. You might cry laughing." Carolyn Cooke, author of The Bostons