Winter Tales arrived today. I spent the evening reading it in my backyard, among the gentle, cool winds and the dim fiery colors of a setting sun. I finished reading it just as it got dark, and then I took a moment to look up at the sky and just stare in thought and wonder.
Mike, you are a truly talented visionary. Same to you, Rita, and also an exquisite authoress. Your stories are so... gosh. I'd have to write some kind of essay as beautifully as possible to express my love of your Tales, and even that runs the risk of over complicating such a simple yet profound and precious thing.
Each story brought more than one smile to my face. I smiled at the songs contained in the wood, I smiled at the fire's loving caress, I smiled at the creatures of Sagarmatha and their adopted child (I am reminded of the fabulous Simurgh, a wonderful bird of wisdom who had seen countless worlds and adopted abandoned children), I smiled at the magical colors swirling in the cup of cheer, and I smiled at the pear which had known the touch of sun and bee and wind. Each story touches my soul in such a way that a couple tears rolled down my face as I listed and remembered my smiles...
Even the cover brought a smile to my face. The moment I opened the packaging (like a child opening a present on Christmas!) and saw that magical snow blue color, with the little glittering as of ice, I couldn't help but feel joy. It immediately brought memories of treading through snow to my mind.
Joe USA
Now that things have calmed down after the holidays, I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the three "Winter Tales” stories. I think prose poems is a more accurate description.
I shared them with my wife Carol, who also enjoyed them. Keep noticing such stories, please!
Tom USA