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The Daley News - October 2024
Here's what people are saying about the new book, “Lucky Me.”
Time and again you show us that, for you, it's all about the words. In one sentence you take us from our heads to our hearts. (Tom Coxworth, CKUA radio, Calgary)
I cracked open Lucky Me. I intended to savor it slowly over several days, but instead could not stop, and finished it in one sitting, including pauses to ponder, and reading poems aloud to my wife. (Rod Miller, Utah poet, novelist, historian)
I just finished this book. This is the first book of poetry that I've ever read cover to cover. I've got books of Yeats, Longfellow, Whitman, Frost, and Service. Doris does it better! Fun, clever, enchanting. (Charlie Ewing, Alberta singer/songwriter)
Just received my copy, and it is an absolutely fabulous read. I know I will read it over and over. (P. B.)
Social distancing had me laughing all the way through. This book is good for my soul and brings me joy. Doris, I am in awe at your cleverness and wit. (T. F.)
You somehow touched my heart with your warmth and your love. In the modern vernacular, Doris, you rock! (V. G.)
I'm going to read my kids the poem, Stuff. It's the story of their lives! (P. L.)
The Daley News - August 2024
MY NEWEST BOOK - LUCKY ME
Announcing my brand new book, Lucky Me, available Sept. 1, 2024! In Lucky Me, I step off the cowboy poetry stage and share poetry about life and all its wonders: tomatoes, rivers, cold weather, insomnia, aging, books, Zorro, jazz vibraphone, and much more! Repeat: these are not cowboy poems (although the last chapter is a collection of ten of my most requested cowboy poems). 144 pages. $28 plus $6 postage/handling. Order directly from me, simply send an email, ddaley@telus.net.
Cover photo by Bob Jackson (I agree, it's a winner. Thank you, Bob.)
The Daley News - November 2022
Even though I am not a reader of fantasy/speculative fiction, I love what famed American author Ursula Le Guin (who wrote in those genres) said about storytelling: “There have been great societies that did not use the wheel, but there have been no societies that did not tell stories.” I’m honoured to be heading to Elko, Nevada in January, 2023. It's the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, where many of the west’s best poets and songwriters tell their stories in poetry and song. I’ll be performing throughout the week, including a ticketed show on Tuesday, Jan. 31 with Dave Stamey and Juni Fisher. The following morning, come and join me for a poetry writing workshop, 9 – 12 noon. Details are at westernfolklife.org. From Elko, I zip or crawl (depending on road conditions) right back to Alberta for "Romance on the Range:" Doc Mehl and I present a two-hour concert performance at the Strathmore United Church’s concert series (Saturday, February 11).
The world has opened up on both sides of the border; please be in touch if you want to book me for a performance (no campfire too small, no convention centre too big) or for emceeing your event.
The Daley News - June 2020
Exciting news. My brand new book, That's a Good Answer, has arrived ahead of schedule and it exceeds my expectations in every way. Friends from across North America answered questions big and small, serious and funny. What makes a good pie? What do angels do? What's the difference between moms and grandmas? Find our whose parents saved money by convincing the kids that a trip to the dentist was a vacation. What happens when a dad folds his pizza in half? (Answer: Mom does the Heimlich maneuver.) Reading enthusiasts: one of the questions was "What's the best book you read last year?" (You'll get several great recommendations.) The book is full of answers that are funny, reflective, thought-provoking and above all, entertaining. Cost $20, plus postage $4. (Calgary/Foothills/Okotoks residents, I can deliver to you in person.) To order please email me: ddaley@telus.net
I embarked on this project as soon as social distancing/isolation became a reality. I'm so glad I did. I have wise, witty, thoughtful, creative an opinionated friends. Collectively, we have produced a barnburner book. Peace, love, and disinfect.
The Daley News - May 2020
Vistas of the West continues to garner accolades. "...an attractive hardback to grace the coffee table of many a western home for years to come...a good gift to mail to any puzzled easterner who wants to know why westerners claim to live in a modern-day paradise." writes Sid Marty in his book review (March, Alberta Views magazine) I was honoured to write the forward and to have three poems included. Email me to order, ddaley@telus.net
The Daley News - April 2020
Here's the news from one little corner of the west in May, 2020, and I promise not to use the "p" word (pandemic) or the "u" word (unprecedented). Instead, how about P for poetry and U for understanding. Jobs, gigs, festivals and appearances are all understandably cancelled for the near future, making poetry and music (and all the arts) more important than ever. I am working on a new book. Writing song lyrics. Getting by at home with Kick-Ass coffee, cribbage, gardening (sunflowers are up six inches), baking, reading. None of the preceding is "punishment" for an introvert. Still, I am missing our tribe of cowboy poets, the fans, the activity, the energy and the grand heartbeat of it all.
Because I write an acrostic poem every month (unrelated to my cowboy poetry life), here is my poem for April, 2020.
Social Distancing
Sorry I haven't been in touch but
Oh, what a month!
Can't believe how busy
I've been. For the first several days I was under house
Arrest at the Hotel Metropol in Moscow. Then I
Laboured on a Mississippi River boat,
Drove a getaway car through Finland and Norway,
Immersed myself with tigers in Siberia,
Shoved 2,000 head of Longhorns up the trail to Montana, and
Tracked O-Six in Yellowstone. I
Ate, prayed, loved.
Next, Alan Doyle and I toured Canada.
Crazy busy! Frantic pace! What a whirlwind! But
I can't take much more. Please,
No more exotic travel or fabulous adventures! I just want the grand excitement of
Going to my local library.