“Would you take a $30,000 a year pay-cut?” asks my lunch companion. “No! Do you know what I would do for $30,000?” I laugh back across my menu. Two years ago that is exactly what local author Jayanne Sindt did. Jayanne’s journey began as a child, listening bright-eyed to stories of reincarnation as told by her mother. Brought up to question her heart’s desire and acknowledge spiritual experiences, Jayanne says “it became very apparent” that she couldn’t continue to work for the law office she managed. With her husband’s support she was able to pursue her dreams. She put pen to paper and started a trek she described as “something that doesn’t suck away my creativity in any way, shape or form.” 

In a Lakota sweat-lodge ceremony she was graced with the name North Bear. White bear walking north she was told. Unbeknownst to the guests of the sweat lodge ceremony, Jayanne had a gravitational pull since infancy towards polar bears. The name fit perfectly, and pushed Jayanne further to write what was already in the creative spaces of her mind. Mato Finds True North was finally published in 2009. While we let our food cool, Jayanne signs a copy for me. I flip through the book careful not to smudge the inscription and smile. I had the honorable, albeit guilty pleasure of reading the story before publication. Mato Finds True North is a children’s book about a curious male polar bear that goes in search of his “true north.”  As I look at the illustrations I can’t help but think of Mato as Jayanne in her past-life.

Jayanne and Mato have done what a lot of people only talk about doing. “Following your true north involves a lot of surrendering…and allowing. Moving in the direction of love must continue as a never-ending quest,” she tells me leaning toward in over our french-fries, as if telling a grand secret.

As we fill our bellies she tells me of her upcoming book geared towards the young adult category hopefully being published this fall. And I ask how her website is doing. Jayanne is a professional personal poet; she offers custom writing on her website personalverse.com. For a small fee, people without the gift of verse can enlist Jayanne’s help in telling that special person how they feel. This service is offered for everything from birthday speeches to wedding vows. And because it is from a “ghost-writer” no one will be the wiser.

Inspired by Jayanne’s advice and outlook on life I begin to tell her my childhood memories and how I have always believed I was an elephant in a past life. I share the same gravitational pull towards the stoic creature. And as we filter off the subject of our publishing dreams I remember the last line of her book. “The end or the beginning”

By Candace Matwijiw April 18, 2010

I was prompted to ask my fellow poet, Jim Hawks, if he could draw polar bears.  He sent me a couple of sketches and I knew I had the cover for my novel (unfinished), True North. As I looked at the sketch more, I had to write some verse. I gave the verse to Jim in a layout for more drawings and from there we created a children’s book.
We decided to self publish and I am excited to announce that books will be available around Valentine’s Day.

Stay tuned for the “book” page and links to order.

Become a featured poet or author with Personal Verse!
Personal Verse has a new Writer’s Page with some general guidelines for writers to send submissions to be published on our weekly posting.  Simply visit our Writer’s Page for all the info that you need to make your submission.

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Here is a poem that I wrote in answer to the question “Why do you write poems?”

I never really asked the question
It’s something I just do
not understanding it myself
I’m hoping this gives me an answer too

Well, there are some reasons-
to gain a greater understanding
a sorting of solutions
when problems are so demanding

I may also quest for clarity
and reveal my thoughts to you
which are not simply shown
with a simple “How do you do”

I guess it is also dam control
when emotions are eruptive
I need not spew out lava
these rhymes are less destructive

Poetry brings a connection
to something greater than me
whether for my own expression
or entertainment at a party

They rhythm so simple and calming
soft and sweet like a lulliby
no matter if the topic alarming
or if the pain so harsh I must cry

The words are like a security blanket
that help me to continue
whatever my perspective is
my poems will always ring true

Realizing this Divine expression
of words that bring such peace
I now make this my profession
so that the rhymes will surely increase

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I am feeling ready to introduce my novel featuring polar bears entitled True North.  I just handed over the first three chapters to Jake Whiting for editing.  Stay tuned for postings and watch for The Writer’s Page link to be added to this site.  Here is some verse to give you an idea about True North

True North

Sometimes a dead end
Is just a moment to make a choice
Survey the situation
And listen to your inner voice

When you are troubled or confused
And don’t know how to move forth
Trust in your own direction
And head for True North

I look forward to sharing more of this polar bear story as I proceed with editing.

When I hear the same suggestion from many different sources, I better listen.  Over the past week I have heard from several people that Personal Verse should offer song lyrics.  So, here is a lyrical version of an earlier post, “Truth is True”.  Only lyrics are offered, as the extent of my musical talent ended in the fifth grade with my rendition on the trumpet of “This Land Is Your Land” at the school recital.  It sounded like I was playing underwater as I forgot to empty the spit valve.  But I digress…

Truth is True

Chorus
I know the Truth about you
I know the Truth about me
I know that Truth is True
and only Truth will be

Let go of your denial
For you are not on trial
there will be no sentence
nor need for repentance
Your source of confusion
is belief in illusion

-Chorus-

There isn’t anything you lack
no need to come back
for another life to live
there is nothing to forgive
You can easily begin
to see a world without sin
through non-judging eyes
The truth you’ll realize

And know the Truth about you
And know the Truth about me
And know that Truth is true
And only Truth will be

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Personal Verse is now offering notecards.  Each card has its own unique verse.  All cards are blank inside to add your own personal message.  Cards may be purchased one at a time or in quantities of 5 and 20.  The price gets better the more you buy, so get an assortment of Personal Verse Notecards today.

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It seems we are in a race
to be number one in cyberspace
not just a name, but also a face
if the site is down- What a disgrace!

Finally, my site is new and complete
with very few others do I compete
not as literary poet or one that’s “beat”
but an artist of verse which is pretty neat

So I hired some gurus so you can find me
to post my poems they don’t have to remind me
as I try to leave past fears behind me
I didn’t know that my site defined me

So I apologize for any confusion
and I hope you don’t see this as an intrusion
apparently my site has been an illusion
due to a server name transfusion

If the page wasn’t there, I didn’t mean to stall
I believe in abundance, plenty for all
so whether you order online or choose to call
This verse is better than anything you’d find in a mall!

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PersonalVerse.comhas merged with personalizedpoems.org-

We are streamlining our orders and developing PayPal buttons to make online purchases seamless.

Please offer your suggestions through our Contact link so we can look our best for our official launch scheduled for February 1, 2008.

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