Jewels by Jules - My Table of Contents

There are so many reasons that I write but, I think the biggest is because I have to. I write because I feel so strongly about someone, or something, and I want others to see and feel what I do. Life isn't worth living unless you're willing to take some chances and go for broke. Alter your attitude and you can alter your life. It comes with no guarantees, no time outs, no "do-overs", so you have to live it to the fullest. Make every second count. Make sure the important people in your life know how important they are and how much they mean to you. Always be yourself, express yourself and have faith in yourself. Use your words wisely. They are your greatest tool in showing the world who you really are.

I hope this will help you navigate through my portfolio with ease. Make yourself comfortable, grab a cup/glass/mug of your beverage of choice. Sit back, relax and enjoy the read. This is how I express myself.

This is my life. These are my words. It is my world. This is why I write.


Denotes Awarded Item
Denotes Contest Winner
Denotes Published Item

A

"A Christmas Wish" : My Christmas wish for peace on Earth. Written for "Rising Stars Shining Brighter"  contest (December 2011).

"A Good Soul" : My thoughts on what it means to be a good soul, written after my father-in-law's death.

"A Letter to an American Soldier" : A letter I wrote to an American Soldier for the "Letters from Home" contest. Won HONORABLE MENTION! Please consider submitting a letter for this worthy cause. Each and every letter is sent to a soldier serving overseas.

"A Lifetime to Realize?" : How long does it take to realize what's important? My entry for the May 2011 Traditional Poetry Contest. 3rd PLACE WINNER!

"All About Me" : My in-depth memoir/bio. I had to write it for a group here on WDC.

"All Flyered Up!" : A very amusing blog entry that gives the details of "the bet" between myself and Fivesixer...blog CHAMP!! . Make sure you read the comments of the entry too. They're HILARIOUS!!

"Ay, caramba!" : A comical spin on a very untraditional holiday tradition.

B

"Band of Color" : There is nothing like a beautiful rainbow after the rain.

"Beauty Within" : Inner beauty is far more important than outer beauty.

"Because Of You" : Raising awareness for a horrible disease. 3rd PLACE WINNER in "A Poem A Day Contest "  (11/20/2011).

"Breathless" : Each moment with you leaves me breathless. A monorhyme poem written for a prompt. HONORABLE MENTION! in "TRADITIONAL POETRY CONTEST"  (November 2011).

"Bridge to Heaven" : A palindrome (mirrored poetry) form for Pond Poetry Round 39. 3rd PLACE WINNER! 2nd PLACE WINNER in "A Poem A Day Contest "  (11/12/2011).

C

"Candy Hearts and You" : A Valentine's Day poem written for the Coloring the World contest.

"Chosen Family" : To my many friends, you know who you are. I love you all very much! Published poem.

"Coral Reef" : Entered in the Monthly Acrostic Poetry Contest Round 15. Received JUDGE'S EXTRA AWARD!

D

"Daddy (original version)" : Featured in the 3/26/08 Spiritual Newsletter and published in an anthology in 2001.

"Daddy" : To my father, who passed away on June 21, 2001, at the age of 57. Edited version.

"Daughter" : A friend/co-worker asked me to write something for her daughter's 21st birthday.

E

"Echoes of E" : A poem written entirely in words starting with the letter “E”. 3rd PLACE WINNER in "A Poem A Day Contest "  (11/17/2011). Quill Award winner for Best Short Poem-Structured.

F

"Friends and Seinfeld" : A word search tribute to two of my favorite shows ever. I really miss them both!

G

"Good Luck, My Friend" : Written for my friend Ryan when he moved to CA. He has since moved back.

H

"Happy Mother's Day in Heaven, Mom" : A letter (of sorts) to my mom. It's something I really needed to write...and it's been a long time coming.

"Heart Breaking" : My entry for the Broken Heart Poetry Contest Round 9. 2nd PLACE WINNER!

I

"If..." : The question we all ask ourselves at some point in our lives.

"I'll See You In My Dreams" : Dreams of a love lost. Broken Heart Poetry Contest Round 10 - 2nd PLACE WINNER!

"I'm Just A Tree" : A tiny, little sapling wants the chance to grow up to be as big as those around him. Written for the 2011 Earth Day Challenge. 3rd PLACE WINNER! This poem is also featured on "Make Earth Day Count " .

"I'm the One" : Some day you'll realize that I'm the one who cares.

"Infinite Feelings" : To everyone who is 'in the middle' in my life. Published poem.

"Island Paradise" : Our island paradise. Competition WINNER & featured in 4/20/2011 Poetry Newsletter.

"It Can't Be Me" : The dangers of drinking and driving. Written for Rose's Poetry Challenge, Round 5.

J

"Jameson" : You might think you know what this is about but I’ll bet you're wrong! I guarantee this will put a on your face. 2nd PLACE WINNER in "A Poem A Day Contest "  (8/20/2011).

K

"Key To My Heart" : He who holds the key can unlock the mystery that is...me.

L

"Learning Experience" : About an ex-boyfriend...enough said.

"Life is random...and so am I" : My blog. The title says it all. It's about everything and, yet, nothing. It's about life, my life - good, bad or indifferent - and about the world as I see it. I can promise you this, it's always entertaining so tune in often. Blah, blah, blog... 1st PLACE WINNER in Round 1 of the "30-Day Blogging Challenge"  (July 2011)! Quill Award winner for Best Blog.

"Love in the Emerald Isle" : A tale of love...and the luck of the Irish. Written as part of a prompt for the "30-Day Blogging Challenge" , Round 1 (July 2011).

"Love of My Life" : This was written well over a decade ago. It was published in an anthology. 1st PLACE WINNER in "A Poem A Day Contest "  (9/1/2011).

M

"Man's Best Friend, Kelsey" : A tribute to our best friend (with a picture of her). 2nd PLACE WINNER! Rest in peace my sweet girl (8/15/94 to 6/1/09).

"Marriage Is..." : A tribute to the wonderful journey known as marriage. Published poem. 2nd PLACE WINNER in Poetry's Prism weekly contest! 1st PLACE WINNER in "A Poem A Day Contest "  (9/17/2011).

"Message In A Bottle" : My entry for Round Five of the Pond Poetry contest (pensee form).

"miscellaneous pictures" : Some random pictures...

"Moment of Impact" : When a defining moment comes along, do you define the moment or does it define you? My very first short story!

"My Soul Mate" : My entry for the Monthly Acrostic Poetry Contest Round 14. 2nd PLACE WINNER! Written in a combination of English & Irish Gaelic (with translation).

N

"Newtown's Angels" : A tribute to the victims of the shooting in Newtown, CT.

O

"One year ago today..." : A blog entry written in response to a prompt from Round 3 (January 2012) of the "30-Day Blogging Challenge" . It talks about something widely misunderstood, and what happened to me on January 14, 2011 (one year before the entry).

P

"Passion Ignited" : Strangers meet on a tropical island getaway. A summer fling or something much more? Written as part of a prompt for the "30-Day Blogging Challenge" , Round 1 (July 2011). Won HONORABLE MENTION in August 2011 "TRADITIONAL POETRY CONTEST" ! Featured in the March 2012 Edition of Shadows Express ezine.

"Perfectly Imperfect" : Perfection is overrated.

Q

R

"random pictures of me" : Here are some pictures of me…with friends, family, etc.

"Raven Shadows" : A very dark poem about the color black, written for a contest prompt.

"Resplendence" : The magnificent sun shimmers and sparkles, revealing the splendor all around us.

"Rising Again" : Written in remembrance on the 10th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks. 1st PLACE WINNER in "Rising Stars Shining Brighter"  (September 2011) and HONORABLE MENTION! in "TRADITIONAL POETRY CONTEST"  (September 2011).

"Rising Star M2M Review Sanity Checklist" : A checklist to help me keep track of my monthly Rising Star member-to-member reviews.

S

"Saving Saint Mary's" : An editorial I wrote for the local media in an effort to save my niece and nephew's school. They're not really my niece and nephew. They are my best friend's kids, but they have always called me "Aunt Julie" and I love them dearly. My editorial created quite a media frenzy, which was a good thing. We needed to get the word out!

"Song of my Heart" : You are the beat of my heart.

"Sportsmanlike Conduct" : A true story written for Round 2 (July 2011) of the "Sports Authority" contest.

"Starlight" : Written for Rising Stars Shining Brighter, and dedicated to Rising Stars.

"Stronger" : Commemorating the anniversary of what made me stronger. Featured on Rising Star's "SPONSORS SHOWCASE" .

"Summer Nights" : Stormy's Poetry Newsletter & Contest WINNER! Featured in the 5/14/08 Poetry Newsletter.

"Summertime Fun" : The many joys of summertime. My entry for A Poetry/Short Story Scavenger Hunt.

"Switzerland & Germany Vacation Pictures" : A photo album with a few pictures of my European vacation (September 27, 2011 to October 6, 2011). It's so beautiful over there. What an awesome vacation!

T

"Take Me Out To The Ball Game" : For love of the game; dedicated to the 2011 MLB season! Featured in 4/20/2011 For Authors Newsletter. 1st PLACE WINNER ""Not Another Love Poem!" Contest" .

"The Cranium" : Written for the Monthly Acrostic Poetry Contest, Round 16.

"The Gemini Project" : May I have your autograph? While you're here, please take a moment to sign my guestbook and let me know you stopped by.

"The Gift" : The greatest gifts are those that can't be wrapped up in a pretty, little package.

"The Road Less Traveled" : At the crossroad of life, which path will she choose? 1st PLACE WINNER Pond Poetry Round 7!

"Things I Wish I Knew 10 Years Ago" : The list I wish I had 10 years ago. My entry for Round 3 of the Listography Contest.

"Time Won’t Heal This" : Written for my dad on the 10th anniversary of his passing, 6/21/2011. My entry for the June 2011 Traditional Poetry Contest. 3rd PLACE WINNER!

"Tommy" : In memory of Thomas Stewart, III, killed in the line of duty July 4, 2002. He was friend, father, fiancé, son and brother. He was also a hero and I'll never forget him. Published poem. 1st PLACE WINNER in "A Poem A Day Contest "  (11/27/2011).

"Twilight Blush" : The beauty and wonder of the setting sun.

U

"Unrequited" : The heart still beats even after it's been battered, broken and neglected.

"USA! USA! USA!" : A blog entry about the death of Osama bin Laden. It includes a clip of the "USA!" chant at the Phillies game and some analysis around the timing and synchronicity of it all. It's also about hope, reflection and remembrance of the tragic events of 9/11/01 and those that were lost on that horrible day.

V

"Vineyard of Love" : Under the Tuscan sun, the vines blossom and grow. Is the same true for love? Written as part of a prompt for the "30-Day Blogging Challenge" , Round 1 (July 2011).

W

"What Love Means to Me" : Just some random musings about my definition of love, and my idea of the perfect guy.

"What You Are" : Written for Rose's Poetry Challenge, Round 6. 1st PLACE WINNER in "A Poem A Day Contest "  (11/13/2011).

"Who is Julie D and where has she been?" : Can you guess the artist? A very short bio using some song titles from one of my favorite bands. Written for the first "I.N.K.E.D."  newsletter sent out on 5/21/2011.

"World Trade Center, Revisited" : A poem I wrote after a trip to New York City, shortly after the tragic events of 9/11/01. It was published in an anthology in early 2002. This is also featured on "The WDC 09-11 Memorial" . Please stop by this wonderful tribute page and read the beautiful, heartfelt pieces written in remembrance. 1st PLACE WINNER in "A Poem A Day Contest "  (8/21/2011).

"Writing.com" : My thanks to The StoryMaster and The StoryMistress for the wonderful site they've created. Features my own unique spin on acrostic. 1st PLACE WINNER in "A Poem A Day Contest "  (8/27/2011).

"Writing" : Here's a list of things you may need for writing. A fun little word search.

X

Y

"Your Eyes" : Written for Lexi's Poetry Challenge - Round 43. Won HONORABLE MENTION!

"You win some…and you lose some" : A blog entry written to cheer up a friend (includes a very touching story).

Z

"Zombie apocalypse" : This blog entry was written in response to a prompt from Round 3 (January 2012) of the "30-Day Blogging Challenge" . There is a rather humorous poem that I wrote in response to this prompt. The comments on the entry (there are almost 50 of them!) are so funny that, after reading them, you will probably have tears in your eyes from laughing so hard.

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."

         ~Eleanor Roosevelt