MIDLAND, Ohio, Feb. 17, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- In just one day, a person can emotionally plummet from giddy heights to hopelessness. James L. Penwell illustrates the nuance of moods in daily living in his heartfelt new book, Mixed Emotions (now available through AuthorHouse).
"There are no deep things to ponder, no strange philosophy," writes Penwell. "As you walk through the pages of my life, perhaps you'll see yourself and say, 'That's how I've felt before.' Perhaps it will help you see with different eyes someone you love or someone who may love you."
The book begins with poems that detail the ups and downs of relationships, from friendships to passionate romances. Penwell's verse explores the sweet rewards of lasting love and the sometimes disastrous end to a beautiful beginning.
From there, readers share the joy of holidays such as Valentine's Day, Easter and Thanksgiving, as Penwell reveals what these occasions mean to him. He details the innocent wonder of children on Christmas morning and offers a humorous look at the seasonal anxiety that plagues adults.
From spiritual poems and whimsical rhymes to verse that toes the line between good and evil, Penwell evokes as many emotions in readers as life has evoked in him.
This excerpt from his title poem demonstrates Penwell's candor and expressive style:
Life should be so simple/ so full of things to do or see,/ But that's not how my life has been/ it's never worked for me./ Some days I'm really happy,/ some days I'm feeling sad./ There are days that I feel full of life/ and days that I feel sorrow,/ My life so full of mixed emotions/ who knows what is in store tomorrow./ One day I'm so much in love/ the next day I don't know,/ There are times that I know where I'm going/ and times I don't know where to go.
A colorful collection of one man's honest thoughts, Mixed Emotions invites readers to take a closer look at the myriad feelings that exist within themselves.
Born and raised in Ohio, Penwell worked as a laborer and treatment plant operator for Cowan Lake State Park. He is currently retired and lives in Midland, Ohio. For more information, visit www.jlpenwell.com.
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