My new children’s book , called The Ballad of the Rag Man (Blooming Twig Books, NY, NY.) just came out. Tune in to hear me read it and discuss the non-profit Rag Man Project, which encourages children and adults to read this book in libraries and schools and discuss with the children the concept of “difference” and also how to live “green.” Rag Man Project.mp3

At some time in our lives, we all ask “Do you love me?” Even when we get an answer, we seldom know if it was answered truthfully. This question is asked in a child’s voice in this poem, and then answered by that child. Do You Love Me.mp3

I am surprised and awed by the recent vote of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) to include GLBTQ pastors as fully ordained members of the church, now able to use their gifts for the glory of God. I have worked for this and waited for it for many years. Tune into my podcast, where I again read a poem I read in April of 2008, called The Poem That Needs to be Written. But now this poem does not include shame for the ELCA, but for all those religions that say they walk in Jesus’ footsteps, but in fact do not understand grace and love. sexuality and the church.mp3

It’s my 40th wedding anniversary tomorrow. I reflect on what makes marriages strong and lasting. Cynthia 40th anniversary.mp3

Does spring invigorate you, or make you more depressed because you don’t feel the promise of new life? Tune in to this month’s podcast about being alone, or being lonely. There is a difference. What can you do to feel more alive? Cynthia alone or lonely.mp3

Has anyone ever said that God doesn’t give you more than you can endure? Did it make you furious? It does that to me. Listen to my podcast where I read a poem about that phrase, and what to do about it. More Than We Can Endure.mp3

Change was a campaign buzz word, but now we are having to live that change. What does that mean for you? Are there some changes that you cannot or will not get used to? What changes are positive? Listen to this podcast where I read the poem “Cowbird and Robin” and think about the changes in your life and your world. Cynthia Gustavson Getting Used to Change.mp3

This is the time of year when the earth rests under the snow, the tree doesn’t have to perform, and the lilies rest in their bulbs safely underground. Tune into this podcast where I read my poem Snowy Morning in Oklahoma, and discuss the earth’s, and our, cycle of cutting back. Winter_Morning.mp3