HOME & THE SURROUNDING TERRITORY contains 62 poems and short prose pieces, many of which have been previously published, as well as numerous photographs and illustrations by the poet/artist, Blythe Ayne. These writings remind us that while there's no place like home, it is also true that home can be found anywhere in the world, even if only for a few days. Blythe grew up near the Kansas gate to Oz on the Nebraska prairie, and currently lives in a forest not far from the Emerald city of Seattle. Minus the ruby slippers and flying monkeys, her life has been a whirlwind that from time to time picks her up and sets her down elsewhere. However, she's been very content to settle where she currently lives, in a forest of fir and alder trees – and a few apple trees that occasionally kindly drop apples at her feet. She has never encountered an ill-tempered, apple-throwing tree. The publishers at Emerson & Tilman hope you'll enjoy escaping into the world of wonder and joy in HOME & THE SURROUNDING TERRITORY. ______________ From HOME AND THE SURROUNDING TERRITORY: Kimberly, British Columbia I fell in love with a post card Fell in love with its mountains, and clouds Taking off in the sky like Freed mountains in rainbow colors Tangling with the sun, the sun's rays I fell in love with the flowers Along the bottom border Red, intense. And love came to me on the lake Placid dark gray By the lake a little log house With window boxes More flowers In the window my face Smiling, my hand waving Come see me, fall in love With my post card.