Happy Poetry Friday! (Wondering what Poetry Friday is? Click here.)
This year, I participated in Jone MacCulloch’s postcardXchange for the first time. I know a lot of these kinds of interactive exchanges go on among the kidlit community. I’ve always been intimidated and too busy, so I had an easy out.
This year, I was still intimidated and too busy. But part of my OLW–CLEAR–is to clear time for what’s important. Like connecting with my online friends more personally. So, I signed up when Jone pointed out that it was fine to take a purchased postcard and just write a poem on the back. That’s what I did for my 5 people. I’m glad I sent them out before I started receiving my beautiful postcards! Here are the two I’ve received so far:
Look at this one from Keri Collins Lewis. Isn’t it beautiful? I love how she incorporates a theme of adventure and travel (both near and dear to my heart). And she found a ticket with Minnesota Ave. LOVE. And that little fleur de lis is a “wee talisman” she sent me for the coming year. What a lovely gift. Here’s the poem:
own your dream
create adventure for your heart
never an ordinary story
or perfect reality
be you, bravely–Keri Collins Lewis, all rights reserved
And I got two versions of Linda Mitchell‘s postcard. A first batch went missing, but then turned up.
I love the way she used butterfly postage stamps! And her clever poem:
Flight Plan
In his tight cocoon he’s resting
Pre-flight gauges, panels testing
Fashioning wings of orange and gold
Flight plan filed for Mexico–Linda Mitchell, all rights reserved
And the second version (or maybe this was the first, I guess):
The poem is exactly the same, except the title is Flight Plant on this one.
Aren’t these fabulous? OK, if I participate next year, I’m going to design a cool postcard poem and get them printed. I’ve done that for holiday poems once or twice, but I love the idea of just doing it as a little art project.
Thank you, Keri and Linda, for your wonderful art/poems, and Jone, for organizing this!
And for lots of wonderful poetry, don’t miss the Poetry Friday Roundup with Carol Varsalona at Beyond LiteracyLink. And maybe you’d like to create a digital piece of poetry art and submit it to her Winter Wonder Gallery? Details here.
Appreciations for sharing these outstanding miniature works of art x 2 – artistry in words & design. Keri’s is indeed, a special delivery. And Linda sent, flying to you, a perfect rhyme. Twice. Love the stamps and the entire journey.
Laura, it is so fascinating to see how everyone has such a different approach to their postcard poetry. Keri and Linda’s cards a art-embedded projects of joy. I want to thank you for spreading the news of my gallery invitation. I was touched when I read that line and saw the link. Thank you, my friend.
Aw, you’re welcome, Carol! It’s a beautiful project you do–and lots of work!
It’s been so inspiring to see these wonderful little works of art popping up on everyone’s blogs over the past little while. These days it seems like so much of our mail is bills and flyers – how exciting to actually find something in the mailbox that was created with imagination and care.
I am so glad I can share in the poetry postcard exchange vicariously as people share their gifts. I am blown away by the creativity and generosity of all.
I have two postcards to put up next week. I’ve been remiss, overly political. I’ve enjoyed seeing them by my front door. Such fun. I’m glad I was not the only one intimidated!
There is much to celebrate when the mailbox holds these wonderful treasures instead of a lot of junk mail. All wonderful, special for you, Laura. It’s been a lot of fun!
The power of poetry and postcards! I, too, have felt intimidated and too busy in the past, but I jumped in this year. I’m so glad I did! Love both Keri and Linda’s postcard poems. =)
These are beautiful – postcards and poems!
I received three more today. What a joy to find in my mail on a tired, cold Friday! Love that collage from Keri. I was lucky to get one from Linda as well. Thanks for sharing.
“Be you, bravely” is good advice for us all. Thank you for sharing these lovely postcards!
thanks for sharing these. like you I’ve been a bit timid about joining in these swaps, but i think I will next time 🙂
I LOVED my poemcard from you! It was perfect, and in its simplicity it reminded me that the thought behind the card is what counts most. My landed on the intricacy scale way closer to yours than Keri’s. Hers are framable ART! WOW!
Mine, not my…
Thanks, Mary Lee. I didn’t even know it was supposed to be one postcard you sent to everyone. I did five different poems:>) Oh, well!
Hi Laura! These are wonderful! Thank you for sharing them. I always seem to be too busy as well. Perhaps next year I will make time for this, if it comes around again! Blessings!
Gorgeous! Real mail IS so very fun, but I guess we’re getting our dose from 12 various colleges this year. 3 Yeses and 1 No so far, plus a full ride and a Presidential Scholar note. Turns out my daughter is even more amazing to others than to me!
What a great way to start the year, with gifts of artful poetry. Love these!
I’ve been busy trying to finish my novel for middle-grade readers and missed this opportunity. What a wonderful idea, I so enjoyed seeing the creative blend of art and poetry. Thank you!