Happy Poetry Friday! (Wondering what Poetry Friday is? Click here.)
You guys, Scotland was amazing. It was just magical to be able to travel with my husband and my sister and her husband, and then to have Maddie join us for the last weekend in Edinburgh (the Queen–that’s a whole other story). Here are a few Scotland photos, and if you want to browse through a boatload more, you can click here.
And here’s the one and only poem I wrote in Scotland, a draft of a tanka on a photo from our amazing falconry experience. (Thank you, Elite Falconry! More falconry photos if you click to see all the Scotland pics.) This is Ernie, a milky eagle owl.
Also, a quick reminder that I host a Patreon Group called Writers in Progress for kidlit writers. I’m trying to grow the group this fall, and I share things in the group like my drafts of poems and picture books, how to get invited to poetry anthologies, what I do when I learn another book is coming out on the exact same topic of my manuscript, etc. You can learn more at my Patreon page.
And for lots of wonderful poetry, don’t miss the Poetry Friday Roundup with poet Rose Capelli (who’s in my Patreon Group–thank you, Rose!).
17 Responses
I loved seeing your falconry pictures, Laura. I don’t know that I’d be brave enough for it, but what a spectacular sensation that would be to feel “water and wind on my cheeks.”
That. Is. Beautiful.
Thanks, Tanita! Doesn’t come close to actually capturing the moment, but it reminds me of what the moment felt like.
I loved seeing the pictures & reading about your experience all those days, Laura. What a beautiful time for you all. The owl lifting its wings is awesome, definitely ‘water and wings on [your] cheek”.
Awesome poem and photos. Looks like you had a splendiferous time in Scotland (envious)!
Laura, Your trip sounds awesome! My husband and I have talked about going to Scotland and Ireland on a walking trip! I am so glad you got a chance to relax and enjoy yourself. I will check out your group, it sounds like something I’d like to be a part of. Thanks! ~ Carol ~
Carol, a walking trip through Scotland and Ireland (I’ve been to both and would love to live in either) sounds absolutely amazing!
LOL. We have lots of travel ideas — I don’t know where this one falls in terms of priority but it does sound fun — especially if someone can take our luggage from place to place (I know there are groups that do that!)
Hmmm. I worte a comment and it disappeared! If you this twice, I’m sorry! We have lots of travel plans and I don’t know where this one falls in terms of priority but it does sound like something we’d enjoy — (Especially if someone takes our luggage from place to place!) Thanks!
What a wonderful trip. The big birds terrify me (eep!).
I enjoyed experiencing your trip vicariously. I’m not sure I would be brave enough to hold such a large bird. Wow! I’m sure there are more poems to come.
Oh, you would love it! (Except the stuff you have to hold in your gloved fist. I couldn’t even look at that. Not for the squeamish. But the birds–that magnificence right there by your face…
Your journey to Scotland was marvelous, the sights, the desserts, and the smiles all shared your dream trip. The photo that accompanies your poem is amazing. I am not sure I would be that brave. I do like your thoughts in the poem.
Wow! Laura, you look very comfortable in the photo. It’s a beautiful bird! I can see all sorts of poems that this would inspire. And thank you for the info on your Patreon group. I’ll go check it out.
Look at you with a whole other owl on your shoulder. What a fabulous trip and Scotland on those particular days! My daughter started a semester in London and was in the crowds during the funeral procession. What an amazing opportunity to see history up close.
“remembering water and wings on my cheek” — YES! My husband is a falconer and I have had the experience of a bird of prey brushing my face with its wings. There is nothing like it. Perfect combination of excitement and fear at being so vulnerable to danger and being still and calm in the face of it. Yes, yes, yes.
Wow! How cool! I am so envious. My husband watches movies, loves music, and plays trombone. I love him dearly, but trombone notes on my cheek can’t compete with a raptor’s wings. :>D