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Line Gauthier

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WORKS SELF-PUBLISHED:

HAIGA: A Day In Halifax (24p); A Tour Of Ashby Lake (24p); Ageless Youth (24p); As Night Falls (24p); Banff (24p); Boardwalk (24p); Bridging The Gap (40p); Butterfly Kisses (24p); Butterfly Wings (66p); Chasing Dreams (40p); Day In The Park (24p); I Love Lilacs (94p); I Remember The Poppies (46p); Inner Peace (24p); Lilacs (24p,40p); Lily of the Valley (48p); Meadows (74p); Poppies (24p); Retro (24p); Spring Comes (24p); Sundown At Ashby Lake (24p); Sunrise At Ashby Lake (24p); Thru A Child's Eye (24p); Weeping Willows (24p,48p); Wild Roses (24p,40p,100p).

HAIBUN/PHOTOS: Ancestral Voices (80p); Primitive (24p).

POEM/PHOTOS: A Day In Sarnia (24p); A Mother'sHeart (40p); Across The Line (24p); After the Rain (64p); Afternoon At Pink Lake (24p); Bliss (24p); By Water's Edge (44p); Carpe Diem (24p); Diving In (24p,46p); Fall Fiesta (74p); Flying DownThe Highway (24p); Given Wings (24p); Going West (24p); Good Morning Sunshine (24p); Hanging Out (24p); Hello Butterfly (24p); I Dreamt (24p); I Wonder (24p); If Only (24p); In A Wink (24p); Koy Garden (24 p); Lessons Learned From Cat Sitting (22p); Merrickville (24p); Montreal Under Clouds (24p); New World (24p); New Year (24p); Outside My Window (46p); Peonies (24p); Rainy Mondays (24p); Rendezvous At Sundown (24p); Rolling Clouds (24p); Sunrise Meditation (24p,48p); Table For One (24p); The Road To My Father’s House (72p); Thru The Lens At Ashby Lake (24p); Waterlilies (24p); Waterlily Garden (42p); Wealth (24p); Winter Calm (76p); Zen Garden (24p); Zen Moments (24p).

MINI ANTHOLOGY/PHOTOS : A Child's World (24p); A Poem Born (24p); A Simple Man (24p); Always With Me (24p); Bygone Days Of Summer (24p); Caffeine Infusion (24p); Can't Imagine (24p); Censored (24p); Clouds Meander (24p); Covid 2020 (24p); Dark Clouds (24p); Gatekeeper (24p); Namaste (24p); Random Musings volumes 1,2,3,4 (24p each); Ribbons & Clouds (62p); Seeking Peace Of Mind (24p); Snow White (24p); Sunlit Ripples (24p); Sunsetting Whispers (24p); The Power Of Two (24p).

POEM/SKETCHES : Flash Memory Therapy (32p,92p); Play.Enjoy.Relax.Create. (24p); THE STORY OF DENNIS in four tomes (biographical prose/sketches 50/48/44/54p).

ABOUT ME : Late babyboomer Canadian born in the beautiful Eastern Townships of Quebec, and raised in Northern Ontario. Fell in love with Ottawa where I received my B.A. with a major in french literature. Still living in Ottawa, I'm finding out that oncoming golden years offer a very rich perspective on life and beauty.

The themes of my poetry are found in everyday life. I write mostly free verse but I'm also a member of Haiku Canada and have had haiku published in various anthologies.

Please visit often my growing collection of poems and I hope you find many will resonate with you. I'd love to hear your comments.

By the way, my name is pronounced Lynn, and my avatar is an ink painting I created on rice paper years ago. The symbol means PLAY - something I have finally learned to do in later years and poetry is definitely my favorite form of play.

MY 20 MOST DEFINING POEMS :

BIOGRAPHICAL :

www.poetrysoup.com/poem/i_am_1247728

I Am - unveils the true me

www.poetrysoup.com/poem/armand_1934-2001_1159342

Armand (1934-2001) – tribute to my father, a significant role model in my formative years

www.poetrysoup.com/poem/flash_memory_therapy_1006627

Flash Memory Therapy – this was an innovative idea I had so I sketched over 400 sketches of my memories

www.poetrysoup.com/poem/how_could_i_not_remember_944854

How Could I Not Remember – tribute to my grand-mother, the first true love of my life

www.poetrysoup.com/poem/my_fondest_wishes_as_a_child_1038735

My Fondest Wishes As A Child – the innocent years before any of the disappointments of life

www.poetrysoup.com/poem/paradigm_shift_932565

Paradigm Shift – this is about an important life transforming moment in my life

www.poetrysoup.com/poem/welcome_to_my_avatar_1106649

Welcome to My Avatar – I was packing up my brushes disappointed and said I'll try one more ~ my avatar is the result of not giving up

www.poetrysoup.com/poem/what_i_remember_most_1164514

What I Remember Most – tribute to my mother, my role model in so many ways during my most impressionable years

FANTASY :

www.poetrysoup.com/poem/photography_meraki_967433

Photography Meraki – I let my whimsy loose to have fun expressing my passion for photography

www.poetrysoup.com/poem/the_elephant_and_the_ant_996862

The Elephant and the Ant – my personal whimsical favorite that combines my love for monorhymes and children’s literature

GRIEF :

www.poetrysoup.com/poem/bagpipes_wail_1135902

Bagpipes Wail – picturing my own funeral ~ bagpipes make me very emotional

www.poetrysoup.com/poem/mooney_1022865

Mooney – my warmest bonding moment ever with a pet

www.poetrysoup.com/poem/the_c_bomb_1055797

The C Bomb – about my husband being diagnosed with cancer

www.poetrysoup.com/poem/the_caterpillar_who_refused_to_die_1070901

The Caterpillar Who Refused To Die – this is me not seeing the big picture, not realizing I am meant to become a butterfly

NATURE :

www.poetrysoup.com/poem/land_of_mine_1053797

Land Of Mine – I felt very patriotic while writing this poem

www.poetrysoup.com/poem/the_road_to_my_fathers_house_1171466

The Road To My Father’s House – driving 'home' to visit, I always felt an awesome closeness to the countryside my father was deeply connected to

www.poetrysoup.com/poem/waterlily_alley_985984

Waterlily Alley – this poem marries my passion for whimsy, nature, canoeing and waterlilies

www.poetrysoup.com/poem/whale_songs_946382

Whale Songs – expresses my deep spiritual affinity to these gentle giants

ZEN :

www.poetrysoup.com/poem/borrowed_bits_of_spirituality_998634

Borrowed Bits Of Spirituality – my heart is in this piece

www.poetrysoup.com/poem/sunrise_meditation_1114372

Sunrise Meditation – it felt surreal to dream up the only meditation piece in my portfolio

TIME :

www.poetrysoup.com/poem/slipping_away_1150248

Slipping Away – it’s an A to Z look at myself

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TRIBUTE TO BRIAN STRAND'S "SEMI-RETIREMENT"

Blog Posted by Line Gauthier: 7/10/2019 8:12:00 PM

Dear Brian,
I am in total shock at your announcement that you will no longer be sponsoring contests on a regular basis. You are an institution, you've been the heartbeat of PoetrySoup. Your quick turnaround of contests made the site dynamic. We reluctantly admit that your "semi-retirement" is truly well deserved after twelve years. You proved tremendous dedication... and love for poetry obviously. You are perfectly in your right to announce that it is time for others to take over. But we will dearly miss seeing your frequent contests. You've been more than generous with your time and passion. A big THANK YOU, Brian. We'll see you around.

Line xx

Post Comments

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Sara
Kendrick

Date: 7/31/2019 4:00:00 PM

Awesome that you will remain but at a lesser pace. May you enjoy your free time and write many more works. Sara

Connie
Pachecho

Date: 7/13/2019 2:05:00 PM

brian's a tree that stretches for sunshine~ and it's been a pleasure watching him grow~ in the deepest forest, he brought perspective~ on the coldest night, he brought warmth~ his journey was the biggest contest-and the communities win~

Brian Strand
Date: 7/14/2019 6:27:00 AM

Encouragement was the 'feed ' that developed me as a poet,(a 75$ win here in my first few months here! in 2007)so over the yearssince then I tried to dispense encouragement to others through my style of contests and interest in our art through my daily ,blogs Connie

Brian Strand
Date: 7/14/2019 6:19:00 AM

Poetic praise indeed Connie,thanks

Brian
Strand

Date: 7/13/2019 7:57:00 AM

Line,Not sure about being an 'institution' here,perhaps as an 'oldtimer' nothing surprises you(must say though Mark's marathon,was the most innovative imho)As for the 'heartbeat) that has always resided in two areas firstly these daily blogs(trolling apart, which sadly has caused many to leave over the years) and secondly the ' penfriend ' digital respect and love (in an agape sense)over many years despite circumstances that happen to us all,and yet our common poetic hobby remains a tie that is truly worldwide in its compass.If we were to meet face to face we would 'know' each other instantly because of our experience together here at PS.

Line Gauthier
Date: 7/13/2019 3:40:00 PM

You're very modest, Brian. Those contests of yours kept us on our toes. On the other hand, it is very true that the more connections we make on PoetrySoup on a daily basis, the more the site comes to life for us.

Andrea
Dietrich

Date: 7/12/2019 8:16:00 PM

Thanks, Brian, for the many opportunities for us to showcase our work. Enjoy the semi retirement. I 'd sure like one of those! (from my job!!)

Brian Strand
Date: 7/13/2019 3:03:00 AM

Keep working Andrea,(even part time) is my advice.Retirement imho is a place for 'work' and leisure but at your choosing.And of course keep safe that precious poetic poiema with which you have been gifted.

Nette
Onclaud

Date: 7/12/2019 7:30:00 PM

my soupie years here were mostly spent connecting with you, dear brian, either through my small contributions in your challenges, discussing about art via soup mail, or simply playing catch up... i have been touched by your dedication, poetic integrity, and kinship... thank you and keep rolling with us... huggs

Brian Strand
Date: 7/13/2019 2:58:00 AM

Yes Nette,thanks being in PS over the years is a bit like a digital version of the snail 'penfriends'of yesteryears.We become close and yet are 'not' especially with the inherent identity theft dangers that inhibit the digital world.Have a creative weekend.

Tania
Kitchin

Date: 7/12/2019 4:56:00 AM

Thank you Brian for your wonderful contests and contributions to PS. I received my first trophy win from you when I joined PS. Best of luck to you with your future endeavors. Hope to still see you on PS!

Brian Strand
Date: 7/12/2019 5:22:00 AM

Thanks Tania,I post a verse most days and will continue 'a Strand Selection ' blog as &when.

Beata
Agustin

Date: 7/12/2019 4:44:00 AM

Thanks so much, Sir Brian, for sharing your poetic talent, and for giving poets many and varied avenues to showcase their works as well through your contests. I'm so blessed... God bless you..... Thanks likewise, Friend Poet LINE for this "Tribute Site." God bless you.

Brian Strand
Date: 7/13/2019 5:33:00 AM

Perhaps Beata my hidden 'Barnbas ' giftings for poetics did not ripen until I was born again .Have a blessed weekend

Line Gauthier
Date: 7/12/2019 9:31:00 PM

I echo Brian's PTL comment, Beata.

Brian Strand
Date: 7/12/2019 4:47:00 AM

PTL Beata

Ann
Gilmour

Date: 7/11/2019 6:14:00 PM

I am a relative newcomer to PS but I want to thank you Brian for your wonderful contests that have really inspired me to write poetry in so many different forms - I have learnt so much in the 10 months I have been here. I also want to thank you Brian for your dedication and time spent sponsoring these truly inspiring contests. Wishing you well in the future with kindest thoughts Ann xx PS Thanks also to Line for your lovely tribute xx

Brian Strand
Date: 7/13/2019 5:30:00 AM

Ann you have joined the best poetry site on the net imho,so comprehensive in bth the theoretical and practical and would encourage paid membership to enjoy it fully.Have a creative weekend.

Brian Strand
Date: 7/12/2019 12:13:00 AM

Thanks Ann

Gregory Richard
Barden

Date: 7/11/2019 6:04:00 PM

Very nice tribute, Line, thank you for doing this! And thank you so much, Brian, for the rather extensive work you have put into running contests. Yours have consistently been the quickest to turn around, and anyone who has run a contest knows how much work just ONE can be ... I personally can't imagine having to do them every day-or-so. I am still rather a "newbie" here, but I am no less appreciative of your efforts. I will continue to enjoy your selections, (have learned much there), and the other ways you contribute to our community. Blessings, my friend! :o)

Brian Strand
Date: 7/13/2019 5:22:00 AM

Greg,my main focus was firstly to let the poet to choose as much as possible ,from their back anthology,secondly to concentrate on the poetics and the contents(how did it flow etc),thirdly I was never interested in the form and lastly to accept poems that had been entered elsewhere,thus giving folks second chances with their endeavours.From the comments and the way it filled up this approached proved popular and was interesting to as a sponsor as a convenient way (for me)of keeping up with the new talents that joined PS over the years.A win win in fact for everyone.Have a creative weekend

Brian Strand
Date: 7/12/2019 12:14:00 AM

Cheers Greg

Susan
Ashley

Date: 7/11/2019 5:29:00 PM

Brian, my participation in your contests have meant so much to me.. through your contests, I was inspired to stretch beyond my comfort zone. Your Imagist contest is one such example of where your challenge helped me to grow artistically. I am forever grateful for your time and dedication in daring us to flourish as poets. Thank you, Line, for posting a wonderful tribute. Warmest wishes to you always, Brian.. ~Susan

Brian Strand
Date: 7/13/2019 4:54:00 AM

Indeed Susan .. Imagism the seed from which all modern 20th century poetics grew and then blossomed.

Brian Strand
Date: 7/12/2019 12:15:00 AM

Bless you Susan

Harry
Horsman

Date: 7/11/2019 3:22:00 PM

It simple, Brian, take heed, Constance is right,,stay around,

Brian Strand
Date: 7/11/2019 3:40:00 PM

Am doing Harry

Sandra
Adams

Date: 7/11/2019 10:03:00 AM

Thank you Brian for all of your wonderful contests and dedication to us poets! I have judged many years ago on an old writing site and I know the time involved! I have been here off and on for 6 years, and often absent so i know life can get hectic and need more dedication! Just know that you and your contests and poetry will be missed! hugs :) ps Line that you for posting this!

Brian Strand
Date: 7/11/2019 10:29:00 AM

Thanks Sandra,it was an honour to read and share the talent shown in this site of so many gifted poets

Maureen McGreavy
Pigeon Tart

Date: 7/11/2019 8:01:00 AM

Thank you Line, for this, and thank you Brian. All the best.

Brian Strand
Date: 7/11/2019 8:17:00 AM

Cheers Maureen

Constance
La France

Date: 7/11/2019 8:01:00 AM

Brian, as I have told you by soup you and your contests meant a lot to many poets. You gave us all an opportunity to make old poems and new poems shine bright. Your contests will be missed but you have earned your semi-poetic retirement but can a poet ever really retire , methinksnot ~

Brian Strand
Date: 7/11/2019 8:16:00 AM

True indeed Constance .

Tom
Cunningham

Date: 7/11/2019 5:41:00 AM

Lovely tribute to Brian, he has given up so much of his time sponsoring contests and I'm sure everyone will agree that a big thank you to him is in order. Tom

Brian Strand
Date: 7/11/2019 6:20:00 AM

Cheers Tom,t'was a labour of love,thus a very enjoyable& satisfying enterprise.

Brian
Strand

Date: 7/11/2019 1:18:00 AM

Thank you Line,everything has a season and it's great that TPS are reverting back( to some extent)to their sponsored contests.

Brian Strand
Date: 7/11/2019 3:36:00 AM

Not a great fan of 'tip it &run 'Keith, but always good to beat the Aussies (at whatever,as they have our English love of sport in their genes),even with the 'tarnished trio' who damaged the Aussie name for ever,doing something no aussie ever needs to do.Next months Ashes is 'real cricket' and the true 'test' of standings between us.

Mark
Toney

Date: 7/10/2019 9:21:00 PM

Thank you, Line, for posting this tribute. Brian, in addition to what Line wrote, I appreciate your exposing me to various forms and concepts of poetry, the footle and imagism in particular. I am happy that you will continue to post your poetry on the site, and I eagerly anticipate your blog posts `as & when you feel so led to do.' Cheers! ~Mark

Mark Toney
Date: 7/11/2019 4:41:00 PM

Thank you, Brian. I’ll look forward to it. ~Mark

Brian Strand
Date: 7/11/2019 1:32:00 AM

Cheers Mark,always great to know of another 'imagist convert'.Your recent 'marathon contest series' was the most imaginative concept I have seen here.Perhaps a 10k 10 lap version might be equally popular! Watch this space Mark for future blogs of mine.

Mark Toney
Date: 7/10/2019 11:41:00 PM

Lol...

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TRIBUTE TO BRIAN STRAND'S "SEMI-RETIREMENT"

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