The first book in the Frost of Spring Green Series can be read for pure enjoyment or as an insightful examination of our busy world. You may read one of her poems, enjoy its breezy wittiness, and then revisit it months later to discover something altogether fresh and new. This is what ultimately makes her poems lasting treasures: they reveal depth over time. Each reading promises something new, an additional layer of meaning that will enrich your daily life.
Drawing from many of her poems already accepted for publication in international journals, Hood, as an emerging American poet and author, brings together unique verses in this, her first book of poetry. Hood’s poems remind us to value our link with nature and the environment in daily living. Her poetry voices outrage toward current social injustices, offers a voice for the downtrodden, and brings hope to the most hopeless of situations. She is optimistic in her quest for dignity for all life, and brings visual impact to her themes of nature. Frost of Spring Green will also be available in international bilingual editions. A collection of poetry ideal for reading time and again, this book makes a great gift for friends and family members.
Karen Jean Matsko Hood began writing as a shy author, but has now developed a voice all her own. Her writing always exhibits a unique story as well as a voice of empathy and purpose. Hood’s writing is strong-minded. She is a meticulous wordsmith and combines stories with compassion. Hood has always loved children and is devoted to their needs. It is only natural that she would channel her efforts to include children’s book and poetry.
Hood reminds us of the importance of our links with nature and environment in our daily lives. Her writing carries the urgency and outrage with areas of current social injustice and inequality. The recurring theme in Hood’s work is to provide a voice for those whose struggles cannot be heard. Hood’s writing brings poignancy to the most hopeless of situations. She is romantic in her vision for a quest for dignity and social justice.
Hood also writes about personal and spiritual themes. She is passionate both as a feminist and as an active children’s rights advocate. Hood also works to encourage literacy for all ages. Her blend of traditionalism and modernism brings a current freshness and uniqueness to her own poetic voice. She is versatile in her writing style and is able to incorporate a wide range of themes and topics. Her poems have been published in a myriad of magazines and publications.
Hood was born and raised in Great Falls, Montana. As an undergraduate, she attended the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota, and St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota. She has attended the University of Great Falls in Great Falls, Montana. Hood received a B.S. Degree in Natural Science from the College of St. Benedict and minored in both Psychology and Secondary Education. Upon her graduation, Hood and her husband taught science and math on the island of St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Hood has completed postgraduate classes at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa. In May 2001, she completed her Master’s Degree in Pastoral Ministry at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. She has taken postgraduate classes at Lewis and Clark College on the North Idaho college campus in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and Taylor University in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Hood is working on research projects to complete her Ph.D. in Leadership Studies at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington.
Hood resides in Spokane, Washington, along with her husband, many of her sixteen children, and foster children. Her interests include writing, teaching, and volunteering as a court advocate in the juvenile court system for abused and neglected children. Hood is a literary advocate for youth and adults. Her hobbies include cooking, baking, collecting, photography, indoor and outdoor gardening, and the cultivation of unusual flowering plants and orchids. She enjoys raising several specialty breeds of animals including Icelandic horses, bichons frises, cockapoos, Icelandic sheepdogs, and a few rescue cats. Hood also enjoys bird-watching and finds all aspects of nature precious.