My idea of a perfect morning is watching dawn’s quiet light dance with darkness, while I sip a cup of coffee or tea and write in my journal. As night makes way for daybreak, arrow shafts of luminous gold, one and then many, shimmer their return to Earth. And for this moment, I am reminded of the possibilities of today.
A Monthly Dispatch of Poetry, Art, & Writing
There is a stirring within me, and I don’t think I’m alone in this, that the present can be different than the past. The pain of our yesterdays doesn’t have to define our present or our future. Isn’t this the very definition of hope?
I’m excited to share with you what I’ve been working on: I’m calling it Words at First Light. The idea is simple. What if, at the beginning of each month, you could be reminded of this radiant hope? The daily challenges and raw heartache of being human are difficult. It’s easy to remain stuck.
What I want to share with you are short essays, poems, and paintings that will inspire your intentions and move you farther along the path of healing and wholeness.
Sign up and each month you will receive a dispatch which includes:
- A short essay that offers hope, encouragement, and wisdom for the month ahead
- A poem written as a blessing to inspire you
- A 5×7 inch print of a painting that reflects the month’s theme
meet the painter
Amy Powell has been creating for nearly 20 years. Most often her work is in oil paint, but she’s known for her intentional experimentation. Among her paintings, you can find a variety of portraits and animals as well as an array of abstract work.
Amy’s art is all about expressing the depth of human emotion. Whether it’s a figure that depicts sorrow or mirth, or a non-subjective piece conveying grief and hope, she uses each brushstroke as an expression of her heart. There is a story behind every piece, but also room for the viewers’ experiences to be brought alive as well.
When asked about the inspiration behind a piece, Amy prefers to hear the story that the viewer wants to tell. She loves to feel the connection between herself and her audience when they bond with a piece.
It’s Amy’s deep belief that art can connect humanity through the expression of our experiences. We all have individual stories, but together we are unified in our experience of being human.
frequently asked questions
When will I receive the monthly dispatch?
Dispatches will be mailed the first week of the month.
What if I sign up in the middle of the month?
If you sign up before the 21st of the month, I will send you the current month’s dispatch within a week of ordering.
If you sign up after the 21st, I will send you the current month’s dispatch at the same time I send the next month’s dispatch.
When will my card be charged on the monthly plan?
Your card will be charged the following month on the same day you signed up. For example, if you signed up on March 17, your card will be charged on April 17.
How do I cancel?
If you are on the monthly subscription plan, you can cancel anytime. Just log into your account or email me at orders@dalefredrickson.com.
my hope
Celtic Christianity coined the term “thin places” to describe the experience of overflowing love where heaven and earth, or the natural and spiritual world, collide. My hope is that Words at First Light will be a kind of “thin place” that inspires you to experience the beauty of Christian spirituality. Month after month my goal is to create words that will help you experience the “here-and-now” reality of hope.
Thank you for considering to be a part of this project. May these monthly dispatches provide you with support, encouragement, wisdom, and hope.
-Dale Carl Fredrickson