Christiaan Williams (September 2020)

One of the delights of a Tom Stodulka book of poetry is opening it up at a random page, to be met with another softly spoken gem. Sometimes about roads, sometimes about flowers, sometimes about “life”. Always about the human experience of all of the above. The bonus is the selection of the exquisite paintings by his father, Zdeny. Beautifully complementary. Thank you Tom.

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Michelle Heynen (September 2020)

You are most definitely a positive influence in my life at the moment being in hospital and not being allowed visitors as all hospitals are on lockdown

 

Jen Compton (October 2020)

Tom’s just released his latest book of beautifully uplifting poems, Life is a Dance.

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Linda Henderson (October 2020)

On the success of Life is a Dance, that was a given. I hope that work does not impede the continuation of the poet within. I found a book of Norman Lindsay’s poems in a lovely little book shop in Hastings over the weekend and the rhyme and banter in his style, reminded me of you.

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Faye Perfrement (Oct 2020)

I love your book and I just sent my sister’s copy to her for her birthday

 

Jen Compton (October 2020)

So many people are noticing your book Tom Stodulka! It’s wonderful to think that something that brought you much joy is having such a positive impact on others. Go you!!

 

Delcy Lagones de Anglim (November 2020)

Thank you dear Tom, you bring so much hope with your words

 

Don Gilbert (November 2020)

Good positive stuff Tom

 

Christiaan Williams (December 2020)

Your beautifully gentle personality and poems are reaching out to family and friends as we speak. May you continue to grace the world with your deeply gentle wisdom and insights for many years to come.

 

Greg Haughey (January 2021)

Tom, congratulations on your sales. You are in one hell of a creative groove. Bob Dylan should be shaking in his boots!!

 

Christiaan Williams (January 2021)

Beautiful Tom. I am pleased I have contributed to your book selling out and the feedback I am receiving from those who have been given an unexpected copy for Christmas has been a delight.

 

Sandy Coulson (February 2021)

Tom, what great words. They are inspirational, as is your poem.

 

Steve Asker (February 2021)

I believe you are such a beautiful soul. I think the world needs many more of you.

 

Linda Henderson (February 2021)

Congrats on Book 3, Life is a Drama. Great title Tom.

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Bill - 2 September 2018

Wonderful poems with real feeling. There is a new way to experience the everyday and the unusual.

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Stephen Harris - 2 June 2018 

I had the good fortune to meet Tom Stodulka once five years ago on a plane, just for an hour or so. I've never forgotten his kind, positive, and intelligent approach to thins as reflected by his conversations that day. When I heard he had written this book of poetry, I had to buy my copy.

Sitting in the sun with a cup of tea, this little book transported me to simple and beautiful things in life. And, some provocative thoughts on struggled and the tougher side of Australiana.

The writing is real and light with the titles of the poems like 'If it will brighten someone's day, say it" and maybe harder titles like 'on ageing and death" then swoops back with 'On beauty and Life'. I was saddened, surprised, uplifted, and like the title suggests I found my 'Silver Linings".

A lovely book, well worth the read, with a cup of tea.

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John Marsden - 31 August 2020 

Just a note of gratitude to say thank you very much for the book. It’s beautifully done! The cover, the paper and printing are excellent, and the photo on the front is an absolute ripper. I must say, with some envy, that you look barely 50 years old! Maybe something magical happens to people who write poems-they grow younger with each stanza they compose. I do like the poems very much, and I was moved by the many comments you have quoted in the middle of the book.

 

Linda Henderson 

I agree with John Marsden. Unique and powerful. Timeless jewels. And the poems aren’t bad either. Words of poetry from the caring soul of Mr Stodulka touch hearts across time. Keep writing and stay young, that’s quite a recipe for life. My brother Shad who you met is reading your poems at the moment………the first poem he has read in his life…His comments floor me. He had put little notes on each page he liked. Beautiful reaction from the farmer.

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Ms Jacinda Euler Principal BGGS

In this challenging year, your poetry is a gentle reminder to pause, reflect and appreciate the special moments in life. 

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Judy Horobin 

I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed reading your poems. They evoke emotions not only of joy, but also of poignancy. Once I started reading them, I couldn’t put them down.  I also loved seeing some of your father’s paintings again. What a lovely idea. Life certainly is a Dance. 

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Glen Gray 

I have now read some of the writings in your book and found many of them memorable and very moving. ….. I will treasure reading it over and over. 

 

Dr Bruce Addison Deputy Principal (Academic) BGGS

I used a lovely quote of yours….It really resonated with me and it resonated with our community too. It is lovely to have your book in the School.

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Tanya Heaslip

Just received your poetry Tom. Now it is my turn to be emotional. I am deeply moved by what you’ve observed over the years. So inspiring.

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Vinson

Today, I really needed some words of wisdom and somehow I picked your book up and then the answers came to me. After reading ‘Change and your future’, I wanted to email you, for that is what I needed to know at this very moment. I’m sure that this will be a great source of enlightenment for many people as it is already one of mine. Thank you once again Tom.

 

Fran Keyes

A beautiful man Tom Stodulka. Loved your poems

 

Khory McCormick 28 February 2019

I have just placed Storm Clouds & Silver Linings- My Journey on the table. To turn its pages is in an eclectic yet connected way that I hear a voice- a calming & thoughtful resonating thread of caring & of love for others & the wider world. It is a voice seeking expression, the voice of Tom's soul, the reception of which challenges each reader to provide an unfiltered honest personal response. The honest innocence of that voice precipitates unguarded reflection in a reader, or at least it did in me.

 

Lisa F and 10 year old son Brodie F 10 June 2018

Young Brodie is reading aloud your beautiful and thought provoking poetry book. He has been most impressed and decided to look up your digital footprint. He tells me that you are an Icon. God bless; thank you for sharing your book and yourself. You are an inspiration.

 

Georgie G 18 June 2018

I have been reading your poems and am enjoying them immensely. They are easy to “be in”

So often I find poetry a bit tricky, but yours seem to be a clear reflection on life-beautifully written. Thank you. Our common ground of the mediation poems felt so familiar, as if I could have written them. Congratulations Tom! What an achievement.

 

Linda H 17 June 2018

Tom Stodulka’s book is ready to show off to the world. Tom’s unique questioning of this world and transparent love of all around him soaks through each page of this new book. His poems melt your heart and warm your soul and in turn makes you ask questions. They are also very entertaining. His choice to add his father’s paintings to the book of poems is delightful.

 

James L 17 June 2018

You’re a very interesting man with a heart of gold Tom.

Will be nice to spend some time amongst your thoughts. Well done on the book; amazing accomplishment! Very proud to call you friend.

 

Joanna K 8 May 2018

Your kindness and humanity just shine. I wish your book great success.

 

John H 11 May 2018

A lovely contribution to human consciousness.

 

Faye A 19 June 2018

It is just so fantastic!!! I will truly treasure this book. You are really very talented. And I appreciate so much receiving a signed copy, signed by the author. I feel truly privileged.

 

Joanna L 19 June 2018

It’s absolutely delightful. I thank you for putting your thoughts into such inspiring and authentic words.

 

Bill F 14 June 2018

They are beautiful. Congrats on the book. It’s a treasure.

 

Chris H 19 June 2018

The reason I am in Perth is because of your Smile poem, which I messaged to a friend on the other side of the world on the Baltic Sea. She responded “that is a beautiful poem…. I am speechless”

 

Diane S 19 June 2018

Thanks so much Tom for my own personal book of poems, they are just a delight to read.

 

Rhonda W 16 June 2018

I am so happy I bought your book of poetry. What a brilliant creative talent you have and so good of you to share it with us.

 

Ros B 15 June 2018

I read you proems last night and was moved to tears in some cases-your ability to convey emotions is a real gift.

 

Ron P 9 June 2018

I have read your 62 pages bringing forth great feelings of love of country…empathy… nostalgia…and faith in the indomitable human spirit…the lines on your 93 year old mother brought tears to my eyes….your father’s paintings are just beautiful.

 

Ron P 15 March 2018

Your poems are not abstract or pseudo/intellectual…you have expressed your integrity and heart-felt thoughts and emotions through them. I look forward to the book. I have enjoyed reading your poetry out aloud as I do to get the full resonance. “The Stars Await”

  

Janet F 12 June 2018

I must tell you how much I am enjoying your wonderful book of poetry. I read and relish a couple of pages each day. I can’t tell you how evocative your words are and how much they resonate with many of my own experiences. Having the privilege to know your beloved Dad, and the joy in adoring your gorgeous mother adds an even richer dimension to your words and your Dad’s brilliant art work.

 

Michelle G 12 June 2018

Congratulations on your book, it is fantastic! I have started reading it and I am blown away by how good it is, you are so talented.

 

Bill A 9 June 2018

I have received the book and started! WOW.

You’re amazing young man!

 

Michael H 10 June 2018

I think it’s a wonderful piece of work and have decided to order more for gifts. You certainly have a wonderful way of capturing the moment and then being able to express it….I love it!

 

Judy H 7 June 2018

I particularly like “An Ode to Kindness”

Thank you so much for your kindness in giving me such a wonderful gift.

 

Linda H 1 June 2018

Your words of your poems hang in my heart like a sign post. Your insight flows through your words and paints pictures or puts that bolt of loveliness through the thoughts.

 

Mark B 5 June 2018

I appreciate the Kindle down load, already read a couple of your works and so proud to have read your poems and to have your friendship over this many years.

 

John Campbell 3 June 2018

I have read Storm Clouds and Silver Linings-My Journey and what a pleasant experience that was! I particularly enjoyed The very old walls and their stories. The imagery of the old building mixed with what we have done (as lawyers) and do (as mediators), is profound. Tom, your smile and considerate approach to what you do, reminds me of another passage in your book-namely An Ode to Kindness. It’s so rue that a genuine smile can traverse all and can confront pain and loss. I would borrow from your own words Tom and say to you, “never lose that smile and that inner glow”. Thank you for sharing that zest for life with the reader.

 

Les D 28 May 2018

Thanks for the heads up linking Kindle with your eBook.

Mate this book simply confirms how talented you are! It was just sooooo Tom!

Bloody excellent.. You certainly put your heart into it.

Congratulations!

 

Chris W 16 May 2018

Mum and I are both highly impressed and edified by your website and the material that you have both created and facilitated.

 

John M 1 June 2018

I did find time to read quite a few of your poems, which I very much enjoyed. I like the reflective, almost serene nature that they seem to have. They are thoughtful and thought provoking.

 

Malcolm J 11 June 2018

Book has arrived and is on my desk. You have a fine eye in observing the “human condition”. Setting this to words is genius. What a wonderful way to start the day. So glad you could share it more broadly through publishing this book.

 

Steven H 7 March 2018

Your poem The very old walls and their stories is fantastic and very moving.

 

Pre-Sale Reviews

Bill K

Tom Stodulka has brightened our lives with this collection of poems that are so full of insights and colourful perspectives. Tom’s words on paper remind the reader of the way a painter uses a canvas to get us to look at both striking images and the everyday differently. Here are scenes of summer in Brisbane, a grandmother and child and a host of topics that are accessible to all of us. Many pleasurable hours await the reader who opens up the world of the poet in this collection available for the first time.

 

Edgar W

I have a large mailing out list in my business and from time to time I have received wonderful heartfelt comments from my recipients of their delight in reading the poems of Thomas Stodulka.  Myself it becomes a privilege to get these gems of poetry from this author!  Such a talent must always be read for enjoyment!

 

Linda H

Some have a relatable wisdom; some have a depth on high that they can go to. Some can write perfectly perfect. It is a delightful rare mix to find all three in one vessel. Tom that is you. Keep writing, keep sharing.

 

Susan Hamilton-Green

I am so impressed by your poetry skills, and would love to be able to acquire a copy of your work. I love poetry and find that it is often a key to those wise messages that are too often overlooked! Somehow it takes you to a different place and looking at the world from a different angle with the results of greater insight and spiritual connection.

 

Katherine S

Tom's poetry is uniquely personal.  A modern-day Banjo Patterson, Tom shares everyday stories with uncensored humour and deep emotion.  Tom's connection to nature is almost spiritual, his insight into the human plight is borne of great compassion, and his wry political observations will have you treasuring this collection as something like a diary of our times.  His words are best heard spoken by the man himself - if you get the chance to hear a poem "live" then you're in for a treat as you will be swept up in the cantering pace and intense feeling of each story.  You will feel the thundering storm above you, see the heartbreak of a crumbling relationship, witness the triumph of the battler, hear the laughter of the children playing with their devoted dad.  Like listening to the lyrics of a ballad, you will be mesmerised.  Tom's anthology is a rare and special observation of everyday life.  Not to be missed.

 

Louise S

The descriptive way Tom writes helps his readers create such vivid images that capture the imagination and the heart of a story. His connection to the soul of his subjects, the impact of an event, and the magnificent but sometimes harsh reality of the environment provides us a unique insight as observers, which builds empathy in this often disconnected world.

 

Margaret and Steve

It is such a pleasure to read Tom’s poems. They are quintessentially Australian and really capture the essence of the Queensland Summer. The delightful word-pictures clearly bring out the contrast between the endless months of dryness and the welcome, refreshing, life-giving rain.

The poems are uplifting, delivering positive messages.

Although the darker side of life and world affairs is acknowledged, there is always hope.

Tom is a keen observer of nature and truly appreciates the wonders of the natural world. 

 

Cheryl Bryan

Tom's gift to the world is his regard for all lives being innately worthy.  

Tom and his subjects are not trying to prove anything, yet through his poems he gives

honour to all and makes every experience matter.       

 

LH, New Zealand 2019

Just for fun these poems may be and they are. Your capture of the world and people around you brings the depth and fun all together. Delightful. 

 

BB, Canberra 2019

Hearing your words spoke straight to my heart and I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to tell you the impact it had on me. 

 

LH, New Zealand 2019

Significant moments in life will fade, but what won’t be erased and the real purpose of Tom’s next book is there is not one other could do this, it will not exist if you don’t march towards that unique expression of speaking to hearts and stilling restless souls. 

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An indigenous man from Alice Springs, 2019

Your book is a reminder to me that I am on the right track of my journey. Once again thanks a lot Tom. You’ve given me an amazing gift and I’ll definitely be spreading the word of your brilliant work.

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Karl Manning

Once again Tom has touched our hearts with his second book showing us his deep understanding of human nature and his experiential affinity with mother nature. 

 

Tanya Heaslip

What a joy! Thank you so much for sending me a copy.  Such beautiful and inspiring and encouraging words throughout-just what we need in these difficult times. And of course it’s so thrilling to see your dad’s beautiful paintings at the end.   Cheers and thanks again!

 

Mick Dougall

Congratulations on a beautiful collection of words. You’re terrific. 

 

Ron Phillips

Your poetry is maturing noticeably…strong and meaningful stanzas reach out to me and with the addition of your father’s beautiful paintings...has made your book a feast for the eyes and soul. 

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Some weeks ago Brisbane Girls Grammar included a few lines from Loss, Grief and Hope-An Ode to Friends and Loved Ones 16 Jan 2018  in their 15 June 2020 Newsletter @BGGS Twitter #pedagogyquoteoftheweek by Brisbane based poet Captain Tom Stodulka:

Embrace love in all its norms,

Enjoy the storms.

And the quiet and peaceful times.

Finish well, the race is being run.

And in the meantime, enjoy every moment in the sun.

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We've just moved house and I thought you might like to see that your book, "Life is a Dance", has now made a home for itself between Kahlil Gibran and the Bible, Talk soon.

—Jack Ellis, January 2024

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I listened to some of your sample poetry on audio from your first book. You speak with a raw honesty and your poetry offers us a way to empathise with one another and understand each other in these challenging times as you embrace vulnerability and authenticity-so thank you.

—Cheryl Woods, May 2024'

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I have read your heartfelt poems. Such talent and honesty I admire.

—Robyn Simpson, Kindness Worldwide Ambassador-Australia, Founder "Choose the 'Tude", June 2024