Bits and Pieces is a collection that reflects upon Joyce Henefield Coleman’s life experiences with the goal of helping others see their lives as stories just waiting to be told.  She explores the pain of loss in “To Josh.” In “Wild Paint,” she admires the freedom and beauty of a running horse. She expounds in wonder over new birth in “Angel Child,” and bemoans the difficulty of getting along in “Peace.” All her life, Joyce has been enriched by the power of poetry. She wishes the same for readers with the help of this warm collection that blends sweetness, tragedy, and inspirational imagery.

REFLECTIONS – Moments in Time

Reflecting upon one’s past can be joyous but also sad. As humans, we are prone to dwell upon the sad and disappointing events rather than those that were happy. However, we often learn more about ourselves when we experience the disappointing and sad times. Sometimes we have to dig deep down in our inner being to find that spark of insight, that truth about ourselves that helps us to grow as human beings. There have been some very sad times and difficult losses in my life that I struggled to get through, but, in the end, they gave me strength that I did not know I had. They taught me the value of loss and sadness and to look to the light and the joy that was around me. I have learned to look for joy and excitement in the little things around me. I have also learned to look for the beauty in reading and writing. We take everything around us for granted because we are so busy in our lives. I remember those busy days when I fell into bed exhausted from all that I had done during the day. I learned from those many years of juggling the things in my life the importance of taking time to look around me for the beauty that is there and to appreciate the little things in life. I am amazed at all the beauty I have observed around me that for years I ignored or simply wasn’t aware of. Our lives will continue to be full of activities and disruptions, but it is important to also stop and look around for the beauty, the joy, and the simple things in life. They enrich our lives.

Write down your life stories. It is important to record and to share them. Our lives are composed of many stories just waiting to be told. They are important to those to come. I have many questions about my ancestors that I wish I could ask. There are many “why’s” I would like answered. Hopefully, my poetry and writings will give my ancestors to come an insight into who I was, and perhaps, even answer some of their “why’s”