---

As reported in a previous HSJ article, Carol Ashbrook won a poetry contest, sponsored by Columbus writing and publishing enthusiast, Sue Breeding, with her poem, “The Color Carousel.” Since that time, Carol has been working on her first book which was recently published, “The View From Down Here.”

The front cover features her original artwork, and the book has multiple pictures she has carefully selected for most of the poems. The back cover features Carol with her two beloved dogs, Merle and Pearl, with a brief bio and a quote from Henry David Thoreau, “All good things are wild and free.”

A note from Carol is at the very beginning which is striking, 

"An invisible thread connects all living beings here below to each other, nature, and the Great Creator above. This connection, symphony of family, is what I hope you will sense, see, hear, and feel when reading this book.”

This delightful book is divided into four sections: “Caring Connections, Nature, Love, and Haiku and Other Poems.” Each section title is followed by a few introductory words that provide the reader with a sense of Carol's wonderful depth. Then, there is a variety of poetry that will motivate the reader to read each page while stopping and reflecting.

The first poem is the title of the book and ends with these words:

“The view from down here
May not always be clear
But I've learned to look up
When I find an open door to grace, mercy, and love”

The last poem is a Haiku. For some time Carol has sent her daily Haiku to others, including me. Her book ends with one about music:

“Music speaks to My
Soul, Transports me to Higher
Divine …. Every Time”

When reading this book, you will be transported to a better place.

Carol is looking forward a Book Signing from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, July 17 at WILLow LeaVes, located at 326 Washington St. in downtown Hope, with plenty of books available to purchase. She looks forward to that time and the conversations. “The View From Down Here” can also be found on Amazon.