About Me

I grew up in South Dakota but lived in Australia, Ethiopia, Wyoming and California before moving to Mexico in 2001. I have had various careers as an English teacher, working in a television production company and as an artist on the arts and crafts circuit for 13 years. My avocations include being the curator of an art center and editing and co-editing two poetry journals. Most recently, I was the  coordinator of a local reading series at La Rueda (The Wheel) in San Juan Cosala, Jalisco, Mexico. This series has since been discontinued.

My poetry appears in a number of literary magazines and anthologies, and since moving to Mexico, I have written for several online and print English language newspapers, including the Ojo del Lago, available online from all locations, and have published seven books, all available on Amazon in print and Kindle versions. One more children’s book is completed and awaiting illustrations and I hope to make it into an animated film as well. I hope to publish a book of 50 years of love poems soon and have two other books written that just need adjustments and formatting. Too little time!

My blog postings include my poetry, photographs, essays and stories. Other pages include information about and links to my books. I also sponsor a weekly blog challenge entitled “The Numbers Game.” Please check it out and come play along.

Thanks for dropping by my blog. I hope to see you here often. Please post a comment to let me know who you are and what you think about what you are reading!
— Judy Dykstra-Brown

268 thoughts on “About Me”

  1. ladynyo's avatarladynyo

    Hi Judy! I tried to follow you twice this morning, but wordpress said my email was invalid. LOL. Well, I want to thank you for reading Bull’s Blood” Chapter 3. It’s not an easy novel….but the female character pulls the supporting pins out from under the Man. LOL. Some are turned off by the beginning theme, but that ends….Thank you, Judy for reading…and I am especially interested in your life lessons. Bless you.

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  2. Perry's avatarPerry

    Hi Judy! Just read your Ethiopian write up! I hitched there in ‘67 flew into Gondar with 2 Peace Corps friends( we came from Tunisia where we worked in Kindergartens!) and Hitched to Addis and on to Nairobi, Mombasa, Arusha, Serengeti…; later lived in Kenya ‘81-85

    Enjoy talking to you about those times if I see you again! Peri in Ketchikan, Alaska!!

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    1. lifelessons's avatarlifelessons Post author

      hi Perry. Did we know this about each other when we were in La Manz? I was in Nairobi and Mombasa in ’67 and again in ’73. I’m not coming to La Manzanilla this year. Staying home and writing my book. On Ethiopia!

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  5. Marsha's avatarMarsha

    Hi, again Judy. Charli at Carrot Ranch is looking for hosts for her October Rodeo Contests, which are Flash Fiction – one week each. You would be perfect to do that. You are so accomplished. Feel free to contact her directly. I am going to host one week. Thanks again for visiting my blog. I’m so glad to meet you.

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      1. Marsha's avatarMarsha

        Hi Judy, There is menu item on October Rodeo challenges. But you are right, how it works it is not explained. My understanding is that she finds four hosts who host the challenge on their blog. Those hosts find 2 judges. Mine are Norah Colvin and Irene Waters. We are going to have a Zoom meeting as soon as she finds the other hosts to brainstorm topics. The format for the flash fiction is the same as her regular flashes – 99 words – no more – no less. So the reading will be light. Like any host, we will probably each write a theme explanation and I’m not sure about the model. (I’m new to this, too.) https://carrotranch.com/rodeo-contests/. I’ll email her that you might be interested. My email is tchistorygal@gmail.com, so if you want to send me your email, we can talk more. 🙂

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  7. TamrahJo's avatarTamrahJo

    Hi Judy –
    Checking in from Colorado and I, too, went through the times of grief, and many losses in short time that rather upended my life, changed me and my life trajectory, forever, on the other hand, it was as if the slate had been wiped clean and nothing to do but rebuild a life I could live with, given the ‘new me’ that showed up after a series of Life Events – thus, I just rather feel a kinship, with what I’ve perused of your work during thus far….

    Alas, I’m not a poet, and still trying to get my brain better at noticing basic errors in my writing since my stroke – and I write too many words when fewer would do –
    But you still visited and left a way for me to find my way to you! I stand amazed and humbled over it – 😀

    Just arrived at your ‘place in cyberspace’ and explored a bit (sorry about possibly blowing up your notifications feed!).

    Look forward to finding you/your work in my reader!

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  9. Denzil's avatarDenzil

    Thanks for introducing yourself on my blog and your interest in my nature photo challenge Judy: my what a wealth of talent you are displaying on your blog! Congratulations and I look forward to reading and commenting on your various upcoming posts.

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  11. puppy1952's avatarpuppy1952

    Hi Judy – I am a retired primary school teacher from South Africa. My husband and I have a caravan and often visit our National Park so my blogs are mostly about that. I also enjoy photography and will from time to time take part in challenges.

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  13. Unknown's avatarAnonymous

    I love your adult coloring book which my sister (who lives in Ajihic Mexico) gave to me. I look forward to reading the poetry and coloring the attached picture.

    By any chance do you have a relative who lives where I do – the Eastern Townships in Quebec?

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    1. lifelessons's avatarlifelessons Post author

      No, not that I know of. I can’t tell who you are as your comment reads, “Someone.” I”d love to know who you are and who the person is who gave you the book. Thanks so much for commenting and I’m delighted that you like the coloring book…Judy

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  15. Unknown's avatarGlenda

    Judy-pie, I live and thrive, no matter what, no matter where from, off of the energy of your vivid and responsive writings and fellowship and inspiration. Please stay well and productive. With hugs and appreciation for your gifts of connection, XO, Glenda (she, temporarily, of the Frozen North.)

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