took a walk in the winter woods and was surprised

by what I found there.

With no expectations, no preconceived notions

of what I would find,

I just followed a voice that beckoned me:

'Come, walk.'

As I made my way along the wood-chipped path, I smiled

to hear my feet make a loud crunching sound.

It satisfied me in the most peculiar way.

Crunch, crunch, crunch-I couldn't get enough of this

gratifying sound.

In Songs from My Soul, poet Grace Miglio Pearce draws imagery from the natural surroundings of rural England, with its forested paths and coastal ocean views. Whether she's studying blackbirds, blue tits, robins, or bumble bees in her garden or responding to the sound of wind rustling through the branches of tall trees where she walks, the world she brings to life is filled with vitality and sensorial delight. She's having deeply felt conversations with nature and her joyful wonder when communing with trees is contagious.

Miglio Pearce evokes wistful memories and gentle humor to cope with difficult losses and her feelings about the passage of time. This introductory collection of her literary work explores the trajectory of awakening and healing she undertook at midlife. Life, death, love, motherhood, friendship, and marriage are observed with candor. Her heartfelt words encourage us to express kindness and care as we search for deeper meaning in everyday experiences and relationships.