Lox and Bagels for Brunch: 50 poems by a housewife out to brunch

by Erica Abbott, Sandy Abbott (editor)

After completing my first poetry book, Pancakes and Coffee Breaks, I had a few poems left over that were either half written, or just in concept form and these were the start of my second book. All these poems were inspired by observations of everyday life. Some are serious, some are reflective and some are humorous.
With encouragement from my husband and lots of friends, who had read the first book, I started writing, and writing and writing. I never cease to be amazed at how much time it takes to write a short poem. Sometimes I revised them ten times.
I want to acknowledge Mary Oliver for her book "A Poetry Handbook" and Natalie Goldberg for her book, "Writing Down the Bones." These books on writing were not only an inspiration but very instructive.
I hope you enjoy reading the second book as much as my husband and I enjoyed creating it.

A few early reviews of Lox and Bagels for Brunch

Erica's poems are an antidote to loneliness. Through her keen and honest observations, combined with delightful wit... one is reminded of our shared human experience. A perfect way to start the day, perhaps with a random page opening and chuckle whilst having your morning coffee! J.B. Melbourne, Australia

I just finished reading the poems from your second book, so very enjoyable! You have a wonderful way of painting vivid pictures, snapshots, if you will, by using words. Your style is very unique! Loved all the poems but the one about the dishwasher is my favorite because it happens all the time!!! G.W. Johannesburg, South Africa

What beautifully written poems! They're so relatable and make for a relaxing reading experience!
The illustrations are so spot on. A good gift or addition to one's bookshelf for art lovers!
E.M. Saint Hill, UK

They are wonderful, full of life and adventures that most people have and can relate to. Your poems are captivating little rhymes that tell an entire short story. Very nice. I wish you well with your writing.
M.K.C. Clearwater, FL

This collection invokes the beauty and simplicity of every day life, with a sense of wonder and contentment! Beautifully illustrated.
R.T. Cape Town, South Africa

Erica….your words fly through the air like raindrops fall to the earth…. Wonderful…wonderful…wonderful…. Thanks for sharing… love Steve C,
S.C. Cape Town, South Africa.

Wow, Erica, they are amazing. Entertaining and a great reminder of the good old days. I enjoyed reading them and the pictures also add to them.
D.L. Clearwater FL

I truly enjoyed and appreciate these poems as I could not help going down the memory lane with you. Easy to read and made me look forward to the next page and the following page. Also, Loved the pictures.
M.C. Melbourne Australia

The poems are great, especially the Elvis ones. He was my heart throb growing up and my boyfriend at the time looked like and sang like Elvis. Swoooooon!!
S.C. Boca Raton, Florida USA

112 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 30, 2024

About the author

Erica Abbott had been an attorney for nearly thirty years, many spent working with law enforcement and local government as a prosecutor. She had also taught legal courses, studied bridge and golf—mastering neither—and had appeared as a performer and singer in numerous local community theater productions in her beloved Denver, Colorado.

Erica Abbott's debut novel, Fragmentary Blue, was awarded an Alice B. Lavender Certificate for 2013.

GCLS Goldie Awards:
Taken In, Finalist, Mystery/Thriller
Desert Places, Finalist, Romantic Suspense/Intrigue/Adventure
One Fine Day, Finalist in Lesbian Contemporary Romance
Fragmentary Blue, Finalist in Lesbian Debut Author
Certain Dark Things, Finalist in Lesbian Mystery/Thriller.

Erica Abbott passed away on the 4th of July, 2020—just a few weeks before her last book [Un]Common Ground was released.