It is an honor to be featured today on Hotel Masticadores by Michelle Ayon Navajas as the “Editor’s Pick!” She did this for the anniversary of my book, One Petal at a Time. She is especially gracious, as she is releasing an anthology titled After Rain Skies – A Global Anthology to encourage a connection with other victims and educate both women and men who are or have been abused. You are not alone.
When I wrote my book, One Petal at a Time, I dreamed that my decades-long prayer to be published would be answered. I want to thank my publisher, Lisa Tomey-Zonneveld at Prolific Pulse LLC, for believing in me and the blood that spilled over onto the pages I wrote about my abuse from my parents and relatives while growing up. I also want to thank Francisco Bravo Cabrera, a renowned Spanish artist, for donating the artwork that graces the cover and the tailor-made artwork inside my book.
This year, I was nominated for two Pushcarts, one of which was for a poem in One Petal at a Time, titled You Were The Best of Us. It was nominated by Lisa, my publisher. Please read below.
You Were The Best Of Us
Daylilies and lavender fall from a sky of bright eyes,
in the silhouette of a boat under a quarter moon.
Born in the month of the ram
with your right fist on your pink cheek.
I was twenty, and you were my gift from God, my second love.
My milk came like a white river on the third day.
Red, your color, dwelling within the passion
where fire seared black, my white peasant dress.
Burning away the smell of gardenias and honeysuckle,
a miracle fashioned within our fervidness.
Meeting your father in an arid desert on foreign sand,
oh, how I was craving dreams, escape, and freedom.
He was to be my savior, but he was only a man.
Like the red coral of the sea, our child, was the best of him and me.
From One Petal at a Time by Joni Karen Caggiano ©️2024
You were bestowed an angel..beautiful 🥰
Oh, thank you, Trâm. I truly was, indeed! Big hugs and love. <3<3<3
Still one of my best book purchases, Joni. Can’t believe w year has passed already. Wow 🙏🙏
Thank you so much, Nigel, for all your support during the release of this book. Between you, Mike, Navin, Karima, and Mich’s many posts, and Francisco’s beautiful artwork, I had so much support. Lisa’s belief in me made the publication possible, and I will always be grateful to her. This heartfelt post that Mich has prepared had me in tears first thing this morning. All the memories of the hours working on the book and having to remember the details of my abuse to write about it was a difficult time for me. All the pictures this morning on Mich’s post made her feel a little closer to all of us, I am sure. Now we all get to celebrate with her and this new book about abuse and thank her for the opportunity to tell our stories. It almost feels like a family book as many families are involved. What a blessing to be in a book with so many people I love and care about. Already a #1 Best Seller on Amazon. A day to celebrate the knowledge that we all have to share about abuse and what it can do to you. Mich made this possible and I am so happy to be a part of it. Love coming your way from Scott and I!
You’re welcome, Joni. I went back into the archives this morning and read our interviews leading up to it. It was a lot of fun putting in the work for your book launch.
I’m really proud to be associated with you ladies. This project is a real blessing.
Nigel you were an awesome help. I will never forget how my buddies were there for a full month prior to the launch. 🚀 I will be here for you all when you launch your books too. Our book was never a #1 in Amazon’s bestseller list but it did reach #8 in the bestseller list for category, “Poetry About Death” at the same time #1 for New Releases. It also was #14 in Inner Child under Amazon’s Bestsellers. So that is one of the reasons I am so happy for Mich to make #1 in a few hours is crazy successful. She has done this multiple times. She is a beloved member of the community and a rare talent. You are always such a wonderfully supportive soul. I am looking forward to reading yours and your sister’s contribution. We will be there when you decide to put a book out there Nigel. Love you my friend and Scott sends his love.
So nice to see Michelle feature your book as an Editor’s Pick, Joni. A well-deserved honor for this important collection of unflinchingly honest poetry. It’s a masterpiece, and you deserve all the praise and accolades you receive, my friend. Sending you and Scott lots of love from Colorado. 😊🙏
Thank you, Mike, for both your comments; they mean a lot to me. Mich did such a kind job; everyone, including you, touched my heart during this project with their support. We can’t wait to support you in the release of your first book. Scott and I are both sending you our love this morning. I read one of your new poems yesterday, and we are both so grateful that your block is gone. I read it out loud to Scott. It was just stunning work, my friend. Scott gave thanks that you were writing your unbelievable words again, as did I. Now we all get to celebrate Mich and your poems will be in that Amazon Best Seller too. YEA!!!
Dear Joni, this is one of the hardest but most empowering book I’ve read so far. I’ve read the classics and other contemporary pieces of literature but yours felt so special because I feel the brutal honesty (as Mike said) in this book. Sometimes the problem with poetry is poets linger so much on the use figure’s of speech and the imagery and other poetic devices that they sacrifice the raw and honest feelings.
Your book is very handy so its in my bag always, and like I shared with you I had it covered with plastic so I could preserve the material..Well, I used to work in a school library many many years ago so I know how to preserve a book 🤭🤭🤭. And when traffic strikes, I’d read a piece or two from your book.
I actually have a plan of recording my favorite poems from you, Nigel, Mike, Maggie, Navin, Francisco, Robbie Dawn, Sadje and then listen to it while I do my evening run or walk.
Thank you Mich for that heartrending comment. That is one of the kindest things anyone has ever said about my poetry. I think there is a price we pay when we write our pieces brutally honest, and we have talked about this before. I was so glad you addressed this when talking about your new #1 Best Selling Anthology, “After Rain Skies – The Global Anthology,” and I was so glad you did. That is how some people still think we should feel shame or blame for the things that happened to us. Also, keeping our sadness to ourselves. Talking is a healthy thing to do, as you know, and knowledge, education, and sharing are the most wonderful things we can all do to keep the sense of isolation and “not being good enough away.” I am so touched that you keep my book with you, what an enduring thing to do. I also love your idea of making a recording of pieces from some of your favorite poets. What a sweet thought, Mich. Thank you for all your kindness and support, they are a blessing to both Scott and me.
That poem is beautiful, Joni, and so meaningful.
Thank you, Timothy. I started talking to my child right away, and when she was born, I was so grateful. I felt like I already knew her, but there were many special things about her, like the way she kept her hand on her cheek, she did that for months. It was the sweetest thing. As you know yourself, there is nothing like our children. They are so special and precious and will always be our children. Thank you for reading and I truly am grateful you enjoyed that poem. Hugs and blessings to you and your family. <3 <3 <3
Blessings to you and yours, Joni. 💖🙏
🙏❤️🙏
Another great piece.
Thank you so much John. I really appreciate that. 🙏❤️
You are very graciously welcome.
<3<3 that is an amazing beard by the way John. Not everyone can grow a beard like that. You are still rocking it my friend. ❤️
Very well deserved and wonderful way to celebrate the anniversary of One Petal at a Time. 🤗💚
Thank you, Cassa. I appreciate that you have always stood up for the way you believe, as it takes strength. I appreciate your kindness, as always, and wish you the best. I hope you always stand up for yourself and your beliefs, my dear friend. We have known each other for years now. Sending you my love and hugs, Joni
It’s a great comfort and inspiration to know you Joni! Love overcomes and you are a testimony of it. Lots of respect and love for you. 💚
What a precious thing to say Cassa. I am so grateful to know you dear friend. Respect and love right back. ❤️
Awww. Congratulations, Joni. You are having a good week! You know I loved your book and I’m delighted for you (though I’m not surprised by the honor). Your poetry is beautiful, painfully emotional, and inspiring. You story of resilience lifts up the world.
Thank you so much, Diana. Your words mean a lot because of your incredible talent and gift with words. I appreciate your reading this and thank you with my heart for your kindness. I’m glad both of us fine peace and our place within nature especially during these difficult times it’s a blessing for me. Have a great week coming ahead.
As soon as it stops raining, I’m going to try to live in my garden. Lol.
That sounds positively wonderful to me. I bet you spend a lot of time outside when the weather is nice. I would imagine that is where much of your inspiration certainly has come from from the Weaver. Buddy reading takes time, but we have come very close to finishing your amazingly splendid book today. Three more hours, and we will probably be done. My husband likes to do voices for the characters. It is so funny how many ways I relate to Erith. Mostly, I understand why she would question and feel uncertain of her abilities. You are a truly gifted woman. Every line reads like a poem, as your descriptions are so unique and visual that you experience everything she does. I just love this book. I have no idea how you come up with such an amazing subject – a person who weaves the seasons – simply brilliant. Thank you for this gift!
Thanks, Joni. I love it that your husband does the voices. Lol. I’d like to hear that. Your comments are such a lovely pick-me-up during these dark days. Protect your heart, mind, and soul, and keep shining. <3
We are on page 245. So you know about where we are in the story. Everyone has a voice, Nobbin is my favorite voice. It is nice to escape in the pages of the pages of this book. Truly a blessing. I relate a lot to Erith’s character, a lot actually. Yes, these are dark days indeed. We will finish tonight. So excited. It is an amazingly beautiful distraction from the reality around us. There is nothing wrong with a healthy escape. The same for you my friend – protect your heart. ❤️
<3 <3
How very wonderful that your work is being acknowledged and showcased, Joni!
Much love,
A. <3 <3 <3
Thank you so much Anna. I have been very blessed this same individual just put out her Global Anthology, “After Rain Skies – The Global Anthology!” This is her third edition of this series. It has already gone to number one in the USA, Japan, and India. I am very fortunate, indeed, to have four of my pieces included. The proceeds are going to be donated to a woman shelter in the Philippines that she has been providing support to for years. It is an honor to be part of this book in the cause. I hope that you are well, dear friend, and I am sending you my love. I hope to talk to you again soon. Love you, Anna.
Congratulations, Joni! You deserve it.
Thank you, Dawn, I do appreciate your kind words, and I am happy that you are doing so well with your publishing company and your many number-one bestsellers. It is wonderful to see people in our community being so truly successful. You have certainly done that. I hope you take the time to celebrate your wonderful accomplishments. Love and blessings, Joni
Congratulations and happy anniversary of your book Joni!!! You and Michelle both deserve recognition for your courage and strength as survivors and for sharing your stories, the abuse continues for so many. Thank you for your work!❤🤗
Tiffany, thank you so much for your kind words. They mean the world to me. It is not easy to tell all your sad trauma, exposing yourself to the world. The community has been so supportive and wonderful, but there are still people out there that judge people who were abused or sexually molested and I have seen that in real time even still. Thank you for your kindness and your support of this book. It really means a lot to me. I’m so proud to be included in his pages. Love you, sweetie.
Congratulations Joni!
The poem is sublime. Your heart is a wonder.
I went over and read the review, and commented.
Sending you all the best, always, have a great week, and keep on keeping on!
Hugs xoxo
Thank you so very kind. You are a sweetheart. Thank you so much. I will keep marching forward and you do the same my talented friend. Lots of southern hugs, Joni
Congratualtions, Joni! I’m glad Mike introduce you to me when he posted your review of Diana’s new book. I read your “About” and appreciate your sharing. It was such a rough journey you have gone through. I’m happy for the blessed life and shared faith you have with your husband and I’m proud of what your daughter has become. I’ll check out your book.
Thank you, Miriam. What a gracious and kind thing to say. I admire Mike so much for his incredible courage, and his writing is beyond amazing. I was so pleased to meet Diana through Mike. I read her book and was an instant fan. She is truly a phenomenal writer. Thank you for checking out my blog that was extremely kind of you, and it always means so much to me when people respond or react to what I have said. So, thank you so much for this kindness, it has been a bright star in my day. Thank you also for what you said about my daughter. I am extremely proud of her and all the good she has done for others around the globe. These days especially, and when I was a child, I would have never survived without my faith. It has allowed me to forgive my parents, to change the cycle, and to still be surviving. I can never say that life is without moments of sadness related to my lack of childhood, and it hits me when I least expect it, and I just cry. I feel like God was and is always with me. Thank you again for your kindness. I too am grateful that my husband and I both have faith and so do my daughter and her children. We also read the bible together in the evenings which is a wonderful way to end our day. Many blessings to you, my new friend. Hugs, Joni
You’re very welcome, Joni! My family was poor when I was a child. My mom gave birth to 13 kids and 7 survived. I had one older sister who lived to a few months short of 90. My mom lived to 90 so I expected my sister to live beyond 90 but she didn’t. I’m the 7th child by birth but the 2nd in life because 5 of my older siblings didn’t make it. My dad and mom got married when they were 16 and 15. So my mom started having kids when she was a kid. My sister was 11 years older and lived away from home when she worked. I became the oldest to my 5 younger sisblings (one died when she was 3). I didn’t have too much of a childhood either just by sharing responsibilities.
I married my first husband in Los Angeles after I finished my two master’s degrees. It wasn’t a pleasant one but being a Christian and a Chinese, I held on to it for 10 years. He died 5 years ago from brain cancer but I forgave him when we went separate ways.
I understand very well when you said the best thing happened to you was your daughter. I didn’t have any more kids after that. My daughter and my granddaughters are my true blessings (my husband also 🙂 ).
Miriam, thank you for sharing your story with me. I feel grateful to have you explain. It is a very sad story and one in which clearly you had no childhood. I know what you mean about your child being the best of what you had. I think it shows your great compassion that you stayed with your first husband until after he passed on. I too, only had the one child. I have three grandchildren which I am also grateful for as well. The multiple degrees that you have and your accomplishments show that you have done so much without the help of anyone – with your own strength and you faith has kept you going. I have nothing but great respect for you and all that you have survived. I am amazed and the female human spirit and strength. May God bless you and your family. I truly hope you know what you have achieved and that you give yourself credit for being an amazingly distinguished warrior. I am proud to know you. Many blessings Miriam and may you find piece in these day ahead. Love you, Joni
Oh, we went separate ways in 1993 and I remarried in 1996. He died in 2020.
My husband and I moved from California to Oregon to be closer to my daughter’s family. I volunteer for my older granddaughter’s class on Tuesdays and stay with her for her watercolor class after school. It’s almost over and I’ll take her to our house for a little while.
Thank you for explaining, Miriam. I am glad you went your separate ways, good for you, my friend. I am happy that you live in a beautiful place and are close to your daughter and family. We got married on the Oregon Coast and spent many wonderful trips and anniversaries there. I have great admiration for the things that you have accomplished. You are an amazingly strong woman, and now, I am guessing, a fulfilled one as well. Thanks again my friend and it is so sweet of you to explain to me that you got away and made a happy life with a good man. Blessings to you and please know how truly happy I am every time I hear a story with such a sweet ending! <3 <3<3
I didn’t do it on my own, Joni. I got help from psychologists.
My husband and I met in a singles group at church. It was love at first sight and we still believe we’re meant for each other.
Oregon is a little cold for me but we have to remember that we’re here for our family.
I understand I don’t believe any of us do it on our own my friend. I saw a counselor for three years once a week and although costly so worth it. I also had my strong faith. I am glad you have found the love of your life. ❤️❤️
Thank you, Joni! We still say we’re meant for each other after 30 years. <3 <3
Bravo my friend. We too have been together for thirty years. We have known each other for 32. Many people don’t work hard on their marriage but our faith is also a bound that ties I think. Ultimately we love each other but most importantly he is my best friend. Sending you lots of love Miriam. I am so grateful you found happiness. 🙏
Same here, Joni! We knew each other for two years before getting married. I’m happy for you! 😊
Me for you as well my friend. Love Joni