I am immediately drawn to an exquisite blue sky with white clouds.

Enveloped in an expansive experience of "Big Sky Mind", my awareness refocuses on soft dandelion tufts, nature’s "Wish-fulfilling Gem". These images create a welcome space--some would say, a sacred space.

Welcome to haikuhut.com!

Around 2001, Michael Rehling and Deborah Russell began their writing relationship. It wasn’t long before their combined experience as writers, poets, supporters of the arts, and webmasters gave birth to this site.

Their multi-faceted mission includes: being "a showcase for haiku/senryu, as well as Tanka, and all ‘short forms’ of poetry"; providing "a home for resident ‘haiku mentors’"; displaying "the best of photographic, and artistic images combined with poetry"; providing "a showcase for works by established poets and beginners"; linking "images related to Zen and haiku from collections around the world"; and providing "information and Links to sites supporting Zen and Taoist Meditation."

In my humble opinion, a site is not complete without a circle of links to other sites and resources. This is how community is created. Haikuhut has these. There’s a book shop as well, that features such classics as William J. Higgins’ Haiku Handbook, Yoel Hoffman’s Japanese Death Poems; and Stephen Mitchell’s Tao te Ching—all at discounted prices so you can buy more than "just one".

In keeping with their mission to showcase the work of poets, beginning and experienced alike, the second issue of Short Stuff, their monthly on-line journal, is now available. I love being greeted by Russell’s photo haiga of the "Good-Luck Laughing Buddha"!

During our cyberview, Russell told me that "Short Stuff is basically our ‘show case’ for international poets." It will feature "articles on poetry, creativity, and interviews with various artists/poets and writers and a monthly featured artist. We are planning to expand on the magazine and are hoping to add book reviews and additional articles which are of interest to writers including short biographies."If you’re like me, having someone read to you is a special treat. Take a stroll to Haikuhut’s sister site,
http://www.poetrylives.com, then select "Michael Rehling". In addition to Rehling, there’s an impressive selection of poets there. In the spirit of community, they also link to other poetry sites and useful resources.

What does the future hold? According to Russell, she and Rehling have a "few things planned" for Haiku Hut, such as ebook publications and a message board forum/mentoring and tutorial site. They are also considering a hard copy anthology sometime this year. Together with the dedication of other artists and poets, Russell and Rehling have created a warm, inviting community. Add it to your "favorites". Visit it daily for inspiration. I know I will.

For your reading enjoyment, here is one of Russell’s haiku cycles:

my sandals snip snap
and the swish of summer silk
an afternoon tea

such gracefulness!
sakura blossoms slow dance
in soft spring rain

returning finches
soaring above red rooftops
my attention spans

©2002 by deborah russell