Realization Press

Looking forward 2025

within the midst of December’s darkness
behind the shuttered fastened door
the remnants of a closet wardrobe
clothes tried on, worn and ignored

memories of friends, come and gone
and incidents throughout the months
filtered through our tinted lenses
and foggy now what was clear once

vivid reminders of sadness and joys
closing the door on ups and downs
let not our losses turn to rust
but burst forth into new compounds

time for outreach to family and friends
perhaps left in negligence or in rush
rekindle the bonds for future connections
before smoldering flame fades to blush

leave behind the last 12 months
enter a new year with childlike mind
become the beacon meant to shine
and tighten the threads that intertwine

for if days ahead challenge our grit
kindness communities can be our grace
and in mirroring our own reflections
find humanity in each other’s face

let us be the lights of compassion
for those alike and on differing tracks
seek in shadows a common accord
begin repair with benevolent acts

© Drew Becker 2024

If you can, remember to pause amid the holiday preparations, find a moment of stillness, and give yourself a space of grace. In this world that too often seems dark, your light matters. Your voice, your heart, and your beautiful spirit mean more than all presents under all the trees across the whole planet. Be as gentle with yourself as you are with those around you. Every soul needs solace sometimes. Every heart requires love and kindness. Know beyond a doubt that you are dearly loved.

From our hearts and homes to you and yours, we wish you blessings at Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and throughout the holiday season. —Diana and Drew

Wishing my beautiful wife and premier editor for RP a joyful anniversary!🥰🥰

Realization Press is pleased to present our latest release, Marbles in a Fishbowl, by Kathy Lamsargis. Anyone who reads this jewel of a book is likely to love it. Order your copy of this beautifully written book today from online sellers.

Grandparents hold the keys to the mysteries of the past. They carry the treasures of stories and times long gone, of secrets and family histories. Weekend visits and summers on the Mississippi with their grandparents, Jane and Roy Bode, shaped the lives of Kathy and Karen. They uncovered surprises, learned to fish and bake, and created memories that would sustain them for a lifetime. *Marbles in a Fishbowl* invites readers to journey through time and experience the vivid moments of a bygone era against the rich backdrop of the great river. Grandchildren rarely get a chance to explore the early lives of their grandparents; this book pays homage to Roy and Jane Bode as people and as children.

*Marbles in a Fishbowl* offers many gems of wisdom and speaks to children and their parents and grandparents. In the back pages, the author shares family recipes and study questions for use with children so readers may build their own memories and come away with a deeper understanding. A profound, abiding love graces the pages of this book, leaving readers with a wistful sense of longing for days on the river with grandparents whose very presence enriches the lives of their descendants.