April has ended and for many writers, including myself, it has proven to be quite a challenge.

I am known as Notesandmore on Fanstory, but in reality my writng name is Carolyn Deaton Stephens.

As the ninth in a family of ten children, it would have been easy for me to 'get lost in the shuffle,' so to speak. But you know, my parents didn't let that happen. They encouraged my poetic imagination, my writing skills, my artistic ability and my insatiable need to talk. Communication, articulate expression and the use of a well developed vocabulary was always applauded. I read everything in sight, from the time I could hold a book. Not only did my parents find it was a great method of learning, but it kept me occupied. Since there were so many other kids in the house, they told me later it was always a good thing, they knew where I would be, sitting in the rocking chair, rockin' and readin'.

I was fourteen when we got our first television. Black and white, full True-tone, wood cabinet, console. We were movin' on up. I proved to be multi-tasked for sure. I could rock, read, write a poem, if one was brewing, and never miss a beat of Tarzan of the Apes. And, I mean the 'real' Tarzan, with Johnny Weismuller. Now, young ladies, that man had muscle.

I say all that, to say this. Support and encouragement is a wonderful thing. It created a sense of balance and acceptance in my life when received from my parents, and yes, from my brothers and sisters also. Looking back, they were
always very tolerant of my quirkiness, were quick to return my smiles, and spurred me on to be a high achiever.

Likewise, you, my Fanstorian friends, have done the same. You have followed this series of poems for the National Poetry Month, with genuine interest, wonderful support and great encouragement. You spurred me on. You gave me inspiration to run the race, and to keep my commitment to write a poem a day.

As of the writing of this short story, twenty-six of thirty poems have reached recognized status, with four reaching all-time best. I have not counted all the shiny six-star awards. They are many. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Look what we did. Together. We have celebrated poetry, we have shared in a successful adventure.

And in the mighty words of the infamous, Tiny Tim:
"God Bless us, everyone."

Author Notes

Photo taken while on a journey a couple of years ago. Somewhere out there. I am not sure which state, but unless the Lord comes first, or it falls down, I will be able to see it again when we return West. Thanks for reading, Carolyn