Sarah Ritter's Revelations... A Collection of My Poems & Short Stories

Creating a Legacy

Happy birthday to my mom in Heaven.

Last month, I published my tribute to my mom entitled, “I’ll Aways Be With You.” Throughout the writing process, I had a pretty clear idea of the chapters of my life I wanted to share in the book. However, I could not decide how to end the book in a way that would honor the ongoing impact my mom has on my life, even after her death.

As I reflected on my life, I thought about some of the lessons and hobbies that I learned from my childhood that have stayed with me to this day. This brought back childhood memories of building gardens with my family, and planting flowers with my mom. Some of my last memories with my mom include planting flowers at our final home together. My enjoyment of gardening has since transcended all phases of my life, from planting flowers as a child with my family, working at Comstock, Ferre & Co (a historic seed and garden center in Wethersfield, CT) as a teenager, creating border gardens in my condo yard and finally, planting gardens in my current home with my husband and step kids.

When my husband and I moved into our home, we immediately planted perennials and annuals. We planted many flowers planted at my childhood home. Friends and family have also provided me plants from their own garden, which I graciously planted as a reminder of the bonds I have formed over the years through gardening.

Soon, my husband and I decided we wanted to start a vegetable garden and asked the kids to help us. While the kids previously had helped from time to time planting flowers, starting a garden from scratch was a much bigger project. We had to first remove the grass from our yard, then set up the fencing, and till the soil before we could even begin to plant our first vegetable. With the kids’ help, we eventually had successfully planted our first garden of vegetables and herbs. Every year since then, we have planted a variety of crops and every year, the kids have helped us plant and harvest the garden.

With these memories in mind, I realized the generations of impact the simple act of planting flowers with my mom had on my life. I am thankful for the friends and family members I have bonded with over the love of gardening. I cherish the memories I have created with my husband and stepchildren as we garden together at our own home. Thinking about these memories helped me see the bigger picture of the legacy that my mom carries in my life. Even though she is not here to plant flowers with me now, I think of her every time I see the flowers blooming and enjoy a dinner of home-grown vegetables with my family.

Sarah Ritter shares her feelings and experiences on the blog “Sarah Ritter’s Revelations… A Collection of My Poems & Short Stories.” Her writing has also been featured on several blogs such as CT Working Moms, Brave, Reckless and Whisper and the Roar and Straw Dog Writer’s Guild.

Sarah Ritter’s illustrated books “I’ll Always Be With You,” “So Many Great Books” and “Dad, Won’t You Walk With Me” along with her first poetry book “Inspirations, Transformations and Revelations: A Poetic Expression of My Personal Journey” are available in paperback and e-book on Amazon and on audio at Audible! Autographed copies are available on Etsy at the shop SarahRitterBooks.

Sarah Ritter is also a contributing poet to several anthologies including those published by The National Beat Poetry Foundation, and the Local Gems Press. These books are available on Amazon. Autographed copies are available on Etsy at the shop: sarahritterbooks.

New Book Release

Excited!!! In November, I published the illustrated children’s book: “So Many Great Books!”

In this illustrated book, a young boy takes a trip to the library and thinks about which book he would like to read first!

This will be my second illustrated poetry book working with illustrator Fatima Zeeshan.

“So Many Great Books” is currently available on Amazon. Currently, an audio version of this book is in the works and will soon be available on Audible!

https://a.co/d/iBdqL4W

Sarah Ritter’s first illustrated book “Dad, Won’t You Walk With Me” and her first poetry book “Inspirations, Transformations and Revelations: A Poetic Expression of My Personal Journey” are available in paperback and e-book on Amazon, and on audio at Audible!

Available on Amazon and Etsy

Sarah Ritter is also a contributing poet to several anthologies including those published by The National Beat Poetry Foundation, and the Local Gems Press.

To listen to a few of Sarah Ritter’s poems featured in the “Inspirations, Transformations and Revelations: A Poetic Expression of My Personal Journey,” “Mondo” “CHAOS, A Poetry Vortex, click on the Bard’s Poetry Revolution Podcast episode featured on 04/04/20, 04/17/20 and 08/28/20.

Picture Book Publication!

I am very excited to announce the publication of my first picture book: “Dad, Won’t You Walk With Me?”

This illustrated book is a personal dedication to my father, who has walked with me through so many important chapters in my life.

This book is available in paperback and Kindle on Amazon.

Inspirations, Transformations and Revelations.jpg

Available on Amazon and Etsy

Sarah Ritter shares her feelings and experiences on the blog “Sarah Ritter’s Revelations… A Collection of My Poems & Short Stories.”

Her writing has also been featured on CT Working Moms, Brave, Reckless and Whisper and the Roar and Straw Dog Writer’s Guild.

Her first book “Inspirations, Transformations and Revelations: A Poetic Expression of My Personal Journey” is available in paperback and e-book on Amazon!

The book is available to purchase in person at Burgundy Books in Old Saybrook, Connecticut, and That Book Store in her hometown of Wethersfield, Connecticut

Available as an audiobook on Audible!

Sarah Ritter is also a contributing poet to several anthologies published by The National Beat Poetry Foundation, Local Gems Press, as well as other online and printed publications.

If you are would like to order a signed and personalized copy of either book, please order from Etsy or e-mail me at sarahritterwriter@gmail.com

To listen to a few of Sarah Ritter’s poems featured in the “Inspirations, Transformations and Revelations: A Poetic Expression of My Personal Journey,” click on the Bard’s Poetry Revolution Podcast episode featured on 04/04/20.

To listen to the “Mondo” collaboration between poet John Dutton and Sarah Ritter, click on the Bard’s Poetry Revolution Podcast episode featured on 04/17/20.

To listen to Sarah Ritter’s poem “Books,” featured in “CHAOS, A Poetry Vortex,” click on the Bard’s Poetry Revolution Podcast episode featured on 08/28/20.

Available on Amazon and Etsy

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Official Publication!

I am excited to announce the official publication of my first book!

“Inspirations, Transformations and Revelations: A Poetic Expression of My Personal Journey” is officially available for purchase in paperback and e-book on Amazon!

This book features a collection of fifty poems reflecting personal growth in my aspirations, relationships, and understanding of my life.

Please visit the following link on Amazon!

Thank you to everyone who has supported me on my journey to publication through following my blog, providing feedback and cheering me on! Also, thanks to all my friends and family members who are celebrating with me on this very exciting accomplishment!

Sarah Ritter is a writer who shares her feelings and experiences on the blog “Sarah Ritter’s Revelations… A Collection of My Poems & Short Stories.”

Her first book Inspirations, Transformations and Revelations: A Poetic Expression of My Personal Journey is available in paperback and e-book on Amazon!

A Mother’s Promise

As Mother’s Day approaches, I think about the promise my mom made to me; a promise many mothers make to their children: “I’ll Always Be With You.” Sometimes this promise is first whispered to the unborn baby, tucked away in the mother’s womb. For others, the promise begins as soon as a mother first embraces her newly born baby neatly swaddled in cloth, just as the story begins in my illustrated book “I’ll Always Be With You.”

Even if a mother never specifically says the words “I’ll always be with you” to her child, this message in evident in the day-to-day interactions between mother and child throughout their relationship. Those words are expressed when a mother sits with her child at the end of a bad day, attends important events, or calls her child just to say hello.

The words “I’ll always be with you,” can take on a spiritual meaning, as they did for me when my mom reaffirmed her promise while she prepared for her inevitable passing. The lockets she gifted my sister me with those words engraved and her photo inside, serve as a physical reminder that she is still with me, even though she is not here to say so in person.

Mother’s Day may only be officially celebrated one day a year, but it can be celebrated throughout the year. Those little day-to-day interactions where you make an effort to spend time together and include each other in your lives are a gift to cherish all year long. Taking time out of your day to communicate with each other demonstrate that you are thinking of each other, even on the days you can’t physically be together. It is these moments you will cherish long after you have to say goodbye to each other.

As I’m planning for the upcoming Mother’s Day celebrations, I will continue to think about the amazing women in my life: my mother who raised me, my stepmother who helped me transition to my adult years, and my mother-in-law who has been naturing me towards my wise old age! As a stepmother to two children who are now in their freshman year of college, and a dog-momma to three four-legged puppies, who are slowing down with age, I also reflect on the joy each of my children have added to my life. I also remember that even if we can’t be together in person for Mother’s Day, we can reach out to remind each other that we are thinking of each other, no matter how far apart we are.

Saying Goodbye to Chris Gay

One month ago, I received a phone call with the news that local CT author and personal friend, Chris Gay had passed away. As friends and family members gathered in remembrance of Chris, I had the opportunity to share some of my memories of Chris, and the impact that he had on all our lives:

Today, as we say goodbye to Chris, I stand before a community of people that he brought together. Many of you are family members who grew up with Chris, friends who played various sports with him, or perhaps are colleagues who chatted throughout the workday. But there are many, like me, who met Chris through his writing. Twenty years ago, I would never have imagined that a simple game of mini golf with a man who writes funny emails and plays hockey would evolve into a friendship spanning two decades.

Chris typically credited his “wit, charm and Lithuanian good looks” for his personal success and extensive network of friends. However, I credit Chris’ ability to befriend so many people with the overwhelming passion and enthusiasm he held for living a joyful life with his friends and family. His ability to sprinkle humor into any situation, transform historical facts into sarcastic satire, and of course, spontaneously erupt into a vocal fanfare of his favorite lyrics, all were examples of the enthusiasm you would be engulfed in during a casual visit with Chris.

Chris’ loyalty to his beloved Hartford Whalers, Buffalo Bills, and his home state were inserted into daily conversations and books he wrote. Chris maintained his childlike spirit of Christmas all through his life, which was evident by the presence of his nearly year-round Christmas tree. So, it was not a complete surprise when he wrote a novella about Kris Kringle and Santa Claus’ humble Connecticut origins.

Chris understood how important it was to cherish the time he had with those he loved and often sent messages of gratitude for those in his life. He was both an inspiration and a motivational coach, encouraging his friends to reach their personal goals, and celebrating our successes as if they were his own. He broke down the barriers between his friend groups and widened our own social circles. Chris always counted down the days to these special events, because seeing everyone there was the highlight of his year. After years of attending Chris’s annual gatherings, book events, sports games and various social engagements, once casual acquaintances transformed into lifelong friends.

Chris’s legacy will live on through the words and humor which brought so many people together, who may have never otherwise met. We will continue to be inspired by this man who accomplished his dreams of making people laugh though his writing and finding others to laugh alongside with. As his friends and family, we will keep our promises to Chris to live life to the fullest in his honor.

We will miss Chris, but on those days, we miss him most, we can read his books to see his personality come to life. Recently, re-reading the last few pages of his book: Kris Kringle: Santa Claus from Man to Myth, felt like receiving just a little bit of closure from him during this unexpected time:

“Kris looked down at his friends, who were looking up and waving to him. He waved back and, though certain that they couldn’t hear him, called out to them anyway. “Merry Christmas!”

May Chris be looking down on his friends and family now, watching us wave goodbye to him, as we let him know that we already miss him. May every single one of us always carry Christmas in our hearts, just as he did. May we continue to look out for each other, just as he looked out for us.

Chris, you are now reunited with your beloved younger sister, Chelsea, your mother Susan, and your aunt Gene. Rest in peace, my friend.

CT Authors: Sarah Ritter, Chris Gay, Eileen Albrizio, Laura Stroebel

Straw Dog Writers Guild Member News

I want to extend a special thank you to the Straw Dog Writers Guild for sharing the news of my recent publication, “I’ll Always Be With You.”

The Member News shares: “Sarah Ritter recently published her tribute, I’ll Always Be With You. This illustrated book shows the bond between a mother and baby that begins the first time a mother holds her baby and promises that she will always be with her. Throughout the story, this mother repeats the promise to her daughter as she matures to a woman with a family of her own. This book is special to Sarah, because it honors her late mother and the impact that she continues to have on her growing family. I’ll Always Be With You, is illustrated by Fatima Zeeeshan, who also illustrated Sarah’s previous books, Dad, Won’t You Walk With Me? and So Many Great Books. All are available on Amazon as paperback and ebook. “

Publication news was also shared for Straw Dog Writers Guild members Chris O’Carroll, Maureen Groden, Patricia Lee Lewis, and Ellen Meeropol.

The mission of Straw Dog Writers Guild is to support the writing community by strengthening, engaging, and connecting writers at all levels of development.

Mid-Winter Author Warmup

The Connecticut Book Festivals presents Mid-Winter Author Warmup

Feb 07, 2026
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
314 Flat Rock Pl, Westbrook, CT

Meet 50+ Connecticut Authors along with many craft vendors, food trucks, and much more for this amazing indoor event.

I’ll be there to sign my books, including the recently published tribute: “I’ll Always Be There”

Passing On the Joy

Happy Birthday to my Dad!

This year, I am celebrating my dad’s birthday in person with him and my step-mom in sunny Florida!

Growing up, my sister and I were lucky to have a boat to spend our weekends and summer vacations on. Over the years my dad upgraded from a smaller horsepower boat to a motorboat. As a result, my sister and I both learned to waterski and tube.

Eventually, my dad and Lin moved to Florida and passed the boat to David and me. However, the Ritter clan recently started vacationing together in Maine. On the recent trips, we rented a boat, waterskis and a tube. We spent the day taking turns mastering the skills of getting out of the water on skiis and holding on for dear life on the tubes. We took turns watching each other and signaling to my Dad when it was time to turn back to pick someone up out of the water.

My nephews in particular, took turns testing both their courage and skills out on the water. It was really touching to see my nephews having the same fun that my sister and I had growing up. I also feel very lucky that we are still able to share this experience with Dad and Lin.

So happy birthday Dad. Thanks for giving us an exciting childhood and sharing that experience with the new generation of our family.

Holiday Reflections

The holidays are a great time to connect with friends and family to reflect on the great experiences of the past year.

I was lucky to be able to celebrate my latest publication in person with my sister and close friends.

Sarah Ritter’s illustrated books “So Many Great Books” and “Dad, Won’t You Walk With Me” along with her first poetry book “Inspirations, Transformations and Revelations: A Poetic Expression of My Personal Journey” are available in paperback and e-book on Amazon and on audio at Audible! Autographed copies are available on Etsy at the shop SarahRitterBooks.

New Publication: I’ll Always Be With You

Exciting news: There is nothing quiete like the excitement of seeing the notification that my book has been approved for publication!

“I’ll Always Be With You” is a tribute to my mother and her legacy. But, it also is a tribute to the women who have also been mother figures in my life, and the families that have grown as a result.

Family Reading

I recently had the opportunity to spend time with my family. I was able to share copies of my book “So Many Great Books” with my family members, including my nephew and niece, who are mentioned in the dedication. It is the little moments like this one: seeing my dad with a finished project that means a lot to me. ❤️ 📚

To find copies of So Many Great Books to read with your family, go to Amazon!

Audible Books!

Books by Sarah Ritter are available to listen to on Audible!

“So Many Great Books,” written by Sarah Ritter and narrated by the amazing Mandy Michaels has recently been added to the list of books available to listen to on Audible!

Mandy Michaels has also narrated previous books written by Sarah Ritter, including “Dad, Won’t You Walk With Me?” and “Inspirations, Transformations, and Revelations: A Poetic Expression of My Personal Journey.”

Additionally, Mandy Michaels has narrated other children’s books such as “Super Duper Big Heart: An Adoption Love Story” by Dr. P. Shiroma and “Dream Take Flight: An Unconventional Journey” by Lisa Turner.

Turn on those Bluetooth devices and start listening!

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