I will receive a proof for New Skin: Poetry and Prayers within a few days! It is beyond exciting. To be able to hold each book in hand before too long makes my heart leap. I finally received Diana Der-Hovanessian's endorsement and placed it on the cover:

We read for many reasons—entertainment, inspiration,
relaxation, and even learning new ways of
seeing. And here in the beautiful meditations of
TINA KARAGULIAN we find ways to reconcile
with the past, to forgive lost opportunities, and
learn to deal with off-kilter attitudes toward that
half of the population that is female.

Tina’s poems are prayers.

Diana Der-Hovanessian, poet and author of Dancing At the Monastery

Thank you for continuing to pass the word about this book project! What a journey. Some of the best parts of this self-publishing process have been getting direct e-mails from my favorite authors--writers whose words have always stayed in my consciousness and guided me.

I am awaiting an endorsement from my dear friend Diana Der-Hovanessian, a famous poet in Armenian circles, so that my poetry and prayers book will be complete far before the Thanksgiving deadline. Its updated title is New Skin, after the following poem that will be included in it:

New Skin

At times we wear the skins of
caretaker, tender listener, and
supporter of others’ dreams and visions—
so that they may thrive on their intended roads.

At times we walk alongside
the death and suffering of others,
so that they may not feel alone,
so that love’s true essence may revive and resurrect.

Yet when we courageously enter the darkness
of our deepest fears and unanswered dreams—
then the true alchemy begins:

With new eyes we see the needs and wants
that clamor for our attention,
and begin to let go
of unnecessary obligations.

We learn to quiet all the voices that tempt
and taunt us from inner peace,
releasing the hold they have
within our bodies and minds.

We walk steadfastly into our center,
allowing for the One True Voice
to emerge and guide,
daily surrendering to Her wisdom.

We listen inside voiceless places of our heart,
until the silence spurs us into action
that feeds our deepest reserves.

We feel the vulnerability of new skin,
yet allow its sleekness to breathe us.
For our every weakness
we receive increasing compassion
that naturally ripples out
and envelopes others.

Each time we focus our attention
on our soul’s vision,
the warrior within stands tall,
protecting a newly emerging creativity
that is initially unrecognizable,
peacefully familiar,
yet strongly resolute.
Once we claim the wild voice of our soul,
there’s no turning back.

           Until the next update, be well! Tina