Solitaire Parke's Blog

“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” — Albert Einstein

Gratitude means thankfulness, counting your blessings, noticing simple pleasures, and acknowledging everything that you receive. It means learning to live your life as if everything were a miracle and being aware on a continuous basis of how much you’ve been given. Gratitude shifts your focus from what your life lacks, to the abundance that is already present. In addition, behavioral and psychological research has shown the surprising life improvements that can stem from the practice of gratitude. Giving thanks makes people happier and more resilient, strengthens relationships, improves health, and reduces stress.

Be Thankful -

Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire,
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don’t know something
For it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations
Because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge
Because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes
They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you’re tired and weary
Because it means you’ve made a difference.

It is easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are
also thankful for the setbacks.

GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles
and they can become your blessings.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Solitaire

Being an author, it stands to reason that I would promote reading. Right? But reading every day enhances your life in ways that you might be amazed to discover. If you’re currently a regular reader, then you are already getting these amazing benefits. If you haven’t started reading already, I encourage you to do so, and here are the reasons why:

Improves brain health: Reading acts as a mental workout that strengthens neural connections in the brain and keeps your mind sharp as you age.

Reduces stress: Getting lost in a book can lower your heart rate and reduce stress levels by up to 68 percent. Reading slows your heart rate and reduces muscle tension. It shifts your focus away from personal anxieties.

Boosts memory: Remembering character plots, settings, and storylines exercises memory function and reasoning skills.

Increases empathy: Reading fiction helps you understand other people's emotions and different perspectives, improving social relationships.

Expands vocabulary: Regular exposure to new words improves your verbal and written communication skills.
Improves focus and concentration: Focusing on a single story helps rebuild your attention span in a world full of digital distractions.

Promotes better sleep quality: Reading a physical book before bed helps your body relax and signals that it is time to sleep, replacing sleep-disrupting blue screens.
Sharpens critical thinking: Analyzing complex plots or absorbing new information encourages logical reasoning and problem-solving.

Enhances general knowledge and writing skills: Exploring varied subjects makes you more informed, which improves your everyday conversation and written skills.

May help you live longer: Studies show that regular book readers live an average of two years longer than non-readers.


Here is a step-by-step strategy to make reading a permanent part of each day:

Start with just 10 minutes: Set a mini goal, like reading 5 to 10 pages a day. You will often read more, but meeting this tiny goal keeps the drive alive.

Attach it to an existing habit: Link reading to something you already do every day. Read right after waking up, during your morning coffee, or right before turning off the lights at night.

Keep a book with you at all times: Carry a book, Kindle, or reading app on your phone. Use "hidden" pockets of time like waiting in line, commuting, or sitting in a waiting room to read a few paragraphs.

Stop reading books you don’t enjoy: Do not force yourself through a boring book just to finish it. Life is too short. If a book hasn't grabbed you after 50 pages, drop it and pick up a new one. You have endless other choices.

Create a distraction-free setting: Leave your phone in another room or simply turn the volume down during your reading time to rebuild your attention span. Find a quiet, comfortable space where you can read without being interrupted.

Keep track of your progress: Use a simple journal or put a check mark on your calendar. Seeing your progress visually makes you less likely to skip a day.

Replace screen time: Swapping just 15 minutes of unnecessary social media scrolling for 15 minutes of reading time adds up to dozens of books a year.


Here’s to reading - a whole new world of things to discover!

Solitaire

Solitaire has a passion for digital artwork in multiple genres.
His vast imagination and technical skills create fascinating artwork that has something for everyone.

To view and purchase the Artbooks go here -
https://solitaireparke.com/artbooks.html

Hello everyone,
Inside My Writing Process -
I wanted to share a glimpse into what’s unfolding in my writing world right now. I am currently about six chapters deep into a new book, one that is taking me in directions I’ve never explored in my previous work. The story line is entirely unique, and remarkably, the idea came to me in a dream. It wasn’t just a vague impression, either; the dream came with vivid names, intricate details, and a clear sense of where the story would go. This isn’t an isolated experience for me. Some of my best and most interesting ideas have appeared in my dreams, almost as if the stories are seeking me out rather than the other way around.

Bringing A Story to Life -
Of course, writing a novel is never just about filling pages with words. There are countless steps involved, including researching locations, developing background information, and weaving together all the small pieces of knowledge that make characters and settings feel real. It’s a demanding and thought-provoking journey, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. During my research for this book, I’ve stumbled upon some fascinating material, especially topics revolving around ghosts and apparitions.

Exploring the Unexplained -
Have you ever walked into a room and felt something brush past you, almost as if someone or something was there? Or maybe you’ve noticed a sudden, strong scent that seems to come from nowhere, with no obvious explanation. These moments can be easy to dismiss, but they also cause us to wonder - what if there’s more to these experiences than we realize?

An Inspiring Question -
Not everyone is convinced by the idea of ghosts, and that’s perfectly understandable. Still, when unexplainable events happen with enough frequency or in such unusual ways, they can give even the most skeptical among us a reason to pause. This raises a compelling question: if an apparition or ghost was reaching out to us, would we even recognize its presence? This question has become one of the most intriguing themes shaping my new story, and I’m excited to see where it leads. I look forward to sharing more with you as the book takes shape.
If you have any interesting tales on this topic, please share. I would love to hear from you at sp@solitaireparke.com.

See you next time!
Solitaire
www.solitaireparke.com

“No, not spicy.”
That was my order every time - and nowhere did I ask for anything spicy.
I’d ordered the same chicken-and-rice dinner for weeks. At first, it was perfect. Then one night it arrived drenched in hot sauce.
The next week I tried again, telling myself it was a fluke. It sounded so good. One bite in - “yikes.” My eyes watered. My nose ran. Still spicy.
I gave them more than one chance to get it right. But sometimes it doesn’t matter how many tries you give something - if it isn’t working, it isn’t working. At that point, the smartest move is to switch it up.
That’s the idea behind my book, The Triple Threat: How to Write a Novel and Stay Sane in the Process: if what you’re doing isn’t getting you to “The End,” it may be time to adjust your approach and try a method that makes your writing life easier and actually moves the story forward.
I believe most people have at least one good book inside them - probably more than one. The hard part is knowing where to start (and what to do next).
I’ve been writing for years, and I’ve made my fair share of mistakes along the way. In The Triple Threat, I share what I’ve learned so you can skip the avoidable detours and turn your novel into a real, finished manuscript - not just a “someday” idea.
There’s nothing quite like holding your story in a finished format - paperback, e-book, or audiobook. It takes time and effort, but the pride that comes with it lasts.
What you’ll learn in the book:
• How to start (and how to keep going)
• Research, outlining, and planning tools
• Plots and subplots
• Characterization, dialogue, and conflict
• Timelines—and “showing” vs. “telling”
• Helpful templates and cover art basics
• Editing and publishing
• Examples throughout to make each step more clear
Want to learn more? If The Triple Threat sounds like the kind of guidance you’ve been looking for, you can find it here: https://www.solitaireparke.com/triple...

Every April since 1996, poetry takes center stage with National Poetry Month, the world’s biggest literary celebration! Organized by the Academy of American Poets, this month-long fest is all about sparking love for poetry and showing just how powerful and fun words can be.

Throughout the month, millions of readers, students, and educators join in with poetry readings, creative workshops, and school celebrations. From spotlighting beloved poets to discovering fresh voices, National Poetry Month invites everyone to explore how poetry shapes American culture, and maybe even write a poem or two of their own!
Below are some famous poets and links to their poems.

*Edgar Allan Poe - https://poestories.com/poetry.php
*Robert Frost - https://poets.org/poet/robert-frost
*John Keats - https://www.classicalpoets.org/10-gre...
*William Shakespeare - https://www.opensourceshakespeare.org/
*Emily Dickinson - https://allpoetry.com/Emily-Dickinson
*Walt Whitman - https://allpoetry.com/Walt-Whitman

My poetry book, TAPESTRY, is full of poems I have written over the years. Edgar Allan Poe is probably my favorite poet, and much of my poetry has been compared to the type of medieval verse that he was famous for. Below you can find several of my poems and if you’d like to read more, the book is available in numerous locations.
https://www.solitaireparke.com/tapest...

THE TRAVELER
by Solitaire Parke (from the book Tapestry)
I step upon the path -
And strain my eyes to see ahead.
I walk to strengthen my resolve
And resolve will make me walk instead,
Throughout my life,
Toward the light -
For answers to this strange and tangled thread.

I move upon the road -
And hasten toward the light I see.
I run to manifest my hope
And hope it finds my inner need,
Throughout my days,
A thousand ways -
For answers that are always plaguing me.

I fly above the highway -
And stretch my wings up to the sky.
I soar because the dream is real
And real is cause to fantasize,
Throughout the years,
And all the tears -
For answers to this haunting lullaby.

Lets support our nation’s poets and rediscover how powerful words can be!
Solitaire

Every Writer develops a routine uniquely suited to their life. Mine is shaped by coffee, music, and a pair of watchful dogs. My ‘think drink’ is mocha coffee, to which I add ice multiple times during the day.

I have two dogs who can be pretty distracting, but only when someone comes to the front door or anywhere near the house as they’re staring out a window. (They really dislike the postman and the trash removal truck!) They take their role as protectors very seriously. Aside from those incidents, they are devoted couch potatoes, literally asleep on the couch in my office.

I often listen to non-lyrical music during the writing process, but it must inspire the kind of narrative unfolding. Music helps set the emotional landscape and keeps me connected to the story.

Making a habit of writing at least several pages per day is an excellent goal but sometimes life gets in the way of the best laid plans. It’s important to concentrate on the story itself and generally it will fall into place. I rely on a simple structure that keeps me grounded called The Triple Threat: a beginning, a turning point, and an end, which happens to be one of my books.

Once I have established this structure, I create a loose outline that confines itself to those anchors. All the rest comes out as the story progresses. I believe that like life, you can’t dictate what happens with every twist and turn. Spontaneity is the spice that makes a better book.

I create characters that are based on people I know. The familiarity makes the emotions more forceful and the descriptions more vivid. Most, if not all the stories I have written came from distinct dreams, sometimes complete with plots, sub-plots, and titles. I try not to worry about how long a book should be or how many chapters, as it interferes with what’s most important, telling the story.

My writing space is an office with a rather large desk and an oversized, wall-mounted monitor which gives me extra space on the desk itself. That leads to clutter but somehow translates to a higher level of inspiration. I guess that makes me a slob, but a highly inspired one!

If I were to give any advice to writers just starting out it would be this: don’t Fixate on how much time it will take to write your book. Don’t force long writing sessions every day. Discipline matters, but what works best for me is to write each day when the inspiration is flowing. Take frequent breaks and don’t let anything derail you from finishing. Life will take its toll along the way but never quit. The book will be finished when it’s ready.

One thing I have learned is considerable patience. If writing teaches us anything, it’s that persistence - not speed - is what turns stories into legacies.

Solitaire
www.solitaireparke.com

Sign up to receive the FREE eBook and explore:

The pivotal moments that shaped a man’s fateThe themes of accountability, compassion, and self‑confrontationChallenging what it means to change

Discover the story behind The Atrium—a psychological thriller about guilt, choice, and redemption. In this exclusive eBook, you’ll follow a man trapped not only by circumstance, but by the memories and decisions that define him.

Download Here and enjoy!

Solitaire

www.solitaireparke.com

                  Why Art, Movies, and Mingling with the Marvelously Different Will Change Your Life (And Maybe Your Wardrobe)Welcoming 2026: A Creative Call to Adventure

Greetings, fellow travelers in the grand gallery of life! As the curtains rise on 2026 it’s time to consider an idea that’s neither about kale nor exercise. Let’s make 2026 the year we all say “Yes!” to more art, more creativity, and maybe even a few movies or musical numbers in our homes.

Why Art Matters: Everyday Enrichment, Zero Calories

Let’s be honest: life can sometimes feel like a never-ending loop of emails, to-do lists, and the dismay that comes with discovering an old moldy dinner that ends up in the Insinkerator.  Enter art! Whether it’s a splash of beautiful colors on a canvas, an amazing digital creation from the mind of an inventive computer geek, a simple doodle in a notebook, or that interpretive dance you do when nobody’s watching, art infuses our days with wonder, pleasure, and a dash of quirkiness. Creative experiences don’t just make our Instagram feeds appealing, they give life meaning, promote problem-solving, and make us feel more alive. Plus, unlike caffeine, art won’t keep you up at night (unless you’re a musician playing at a venue or you can’t turn your creative juices off – both of which have happened to me).

The Magic of Movies: Taking a Break from the Ordinary

Now, let’s talk about movies, the ultimate time machines, empathy engines, and providers of popcorn-related joy. Some of my favorites lately are movies that star the actor, Rutger Hauer – Blade Runner from 1982, The Hitcher, Ladyhawke, Surviving the Game. Watching a great film is like taking a mini vacation without the hassle of airport security. Movies invite us to inhabit other worlds, see through someone else’s eyes, and occasionally question why everyone in action scenes never seems to need the bathroom. More than entertainment, cinema is an art form that can spark inspiration, offer comfort, and encourage us to rethink our routines. The right film at the right moment can nudge us toward new dreams, or at the very least, inspire us to try slow-motion walks in dramatic lighting.

Lifestyles: Growing by Embracing the Wonderfully Weird

If you really want to supercharge your personal growth, try stepping beyond your comfort zone and engaging with people living lives wildly different from your own. Befriend a local avant-gard café or someone from your yoga class. Chat with the improv comedian at your local comedy club or finally accept your neighbor’s invitation to their “Experimental Cuisine Night” (just… keep an open mind about the beet lasagna). Surrounding ourselves with diverse perspectives and lifestyles not only expands our worldview but also helps us challenge our assumptions. It’s like updating the software of your soul – suddenly you’re running new programs and seeing life’s possibilities in high definition or perhaps an update.

Practical Tips: Adding More Art to Your 2026Visit a local museum or gallery: Bonus points if you bring a sketchbook or try describing everything in rhyming couplets afterward (poetry is harder than it looks)Host a movie night (theme hats encouraged): Pick films from different countries or genres and discuss them afterwards with friends (or your very patient dog).Try a new art form: Pottery, collage, interpretive shadow puppetry (is that a thing?), the world is your creative oyster.Say “yes” to invitations outside your comfort zone: Attend a poetry or writer’s group, join a dance class, or volunteer for a community mural project.Make time for daily creativity: Even five minutes of doodling, journaling, playing your guitar or keyboard, or humming tunes while you take a work break can do wonders for your mood and mind. Listen to background music while you paint or write.Incorporate Creativity—Make Life Your Masterpiece

As 2026 unfolds, let’s make a pact to welcome more art, more movies, and more beautifully diverse experiences into our lives. Not just because it looks good on social media, but because creativity makes every day richer, more surprising, and more meaningful. We all have the capacity to be creators, explorers, and admirers of the eccentric and profound. So, dust off your imagination, take time off and watch a movie you’ve been meaning to see, grab a ticket to the next concert in town, and don’t be afraid to try beet lasagna. Here’s to a year of vivid colors, a bold outlook on life, and unforgettable stories – on the screen, on the canvas. Make your life extraordinary!

Solitaire

Click Here for Art by Solitaire

www.solitaireparke.com