Happy Poetry Friday! (Wondering what Poetry Friday is? Click here.)
I have so many things to share, but I don’t want to overwhelm you, so I’m gonna do a quick bullet point list!
- My Texas trip was good, and I loved sharing the work of some PF friends! A big highlight was the people–from the wonderful organizers of Literacy on the Concho to the group of us helping a spunky elderly nun on the plane to the almost complete stranger (met her on my DFW layover) who drove me to my hotel in San Angelo after hearing me ask the airport manager about shuttle/taxi recommendations. (Uber was going to be more than $100 for a 20-minute ride!)
- On my flights, I got to read a review copy of a gorgeous new poetry collection, Welcome to the Wonder House! I’ll be featuring it here on August 4.
- I just saw final art (illus Kayla Harren) for my 2024 picture book Oskar’s Voyage, and it’s amazing!
- I just saw sketches (illus Alice Calderella) for my 2024 picture book Line Leads the Way, and it’s going to be so fun!
- My 2023 income is way down, and I’m interesting in teaching gigs. I love teaching writers, and I’m missing it. If you have any recommendations of paying teaching gigs (places where you yourself take courses or teach, etc.), I’d love to hear them.
- My home life is settling down a little. While there’s still a lot of extra work and driving with 4 of us now dependent on one car, the gut-wrenching life changes for our older daughter are smoothing out. We’re not reeling quite as much. Still many family health issues and other issues, but we’re not in a constant state of overwhelm. Whew. Only sporadic states of overwhelm. Randy and I are living with uncertainty in many areas but also finding plenty of joy. Thank you (truly!) for all your kind messages and comments, including a lovely email from a Poetry Friday friend that I received about 10 minutes ago!
And finally, poetry! One of the things I wrote on my flight was a poetryaction for Bob Raczka’s clever new rhyming book featuring exponential numbers, The Power of Snow! See my first bullet item for some of the inspiration. The rest of the inspiration came from the many kind check-ins from friends over the past few months. :>D
(You can see all my poetryactions here.)
And for lots of wonderful poetry, don’t miss the Poetry Friday Roundup with a teacher and poet I admire so much, Margaret Simon.
17 Responses
Love your poetry action today. Everyone needs a blizzard of kindness. Since we don’t get blizzards, I may change the prompt to a hurricane of (blank). What do we need a hurricane of? Today I will say equality!
Thanks, Margaret–and yes to changing to a weather storm that fits your environment. Typhoon, hurricane, tornado, etc. Funny that you chose equality, since storms tend to be random in who they affect. Though I guess not really equal, since where you live often means sturdier/less sturdy housing and protection. Huh. But I love your hurricane of equality. <3
Fabulous news. I’ve been in that world of panic with the kids and overwhelming seems such a small word in comparison. Love hearing that you are finding the edges pushed out a bit. A blizzard of kindness? Yes, please.
I shared some kindnesses today, too, Laura, and love your ‘blizzard’ of them, despite the challenges happening in your life. But, I’m glad to hear that some things are smoother. I know that your new books will be a pleasure & the new ‘wonder house’, too. Wishing you a lovely weekend!
You too, Linda!
So glad to hear that things are settling down for you, Laura. I hope it continues and that you continue to find the joy. Love your blizzard of kindness. I think I’d like a blizzard of books!
Yessssssss!
Laura, I am so sorry for all of the challenges in your life right now. It sounds like you have come to a level of stability, which is good news. I wish that a blizzard of kindness befalls you!
Thank you, Tracey!
“build a blizzard of kindness” — what a wonderful idea!!!
Laura, you have had so many trials and challenges this past year that small moments of kindness are warm and comforting. Congratulations on your new books. You can count on me to publicize them when you are ready. This week’s poetryaction is fabulous because of its message. Children need to know that kindness is important in this world especially since COVID left so many people isolated. At this moment in life, I would like to see a blizzard of smiles fill the universe. The cover of Bob R’s new book looks like that will be the case.
Laura, good to hear that you are finding joy even in the overwhelming states. I love your poetryaction prompt. Maybe I’ll write about a Blizzard of Hope, which seems to be my favorite word these days. Peace to you.
You had me at “new book by Bob Raczka” but WAH! It’s not out until October! I’d be up for a blizzard of kindness, with drifts of empathy and acceptance.
Glad to hear that life is settling down a bit for you and yours.
Thanks for the update, Laura, and happy to know that the overwhelm has subsided into a midwhelm! All your forthcoming books, how exciting! I’m glad the power of snow makes you want to write about a blizzard of kindness. <3
Wow! You’ve been busy! Thank you for sharing this prompt. I’m so sorry for all that’s going on in your family and I hope less overwhelm will be on the horizon.
Applying the concept of a blizzard to something we love is such a wonderful prompt, Laura. Playful and joyful! Thank you.
Such a blizzard of good news, Laura. Praying the joys will continue to outweigh the difficulties! And WOW! Two books coming in 2024! Hurray!