Hello, and Happy Poetry Friday! Be sure to visit Penny at a penny and her jots for Roundup.While I had hoped to post a poem today, that just didn't happen. And so, instead... I give you 5 for Poetry Friday!
1. I am reading -- and loving -- WISH by Barbara O'Connor. I love Barbara's books. They are just perfect middle grade stories, and this one is my favorite of hers so far! I put it with THE GREAT GILLY HOPKINS by Katherine Paterson and ONE FOR THE MURPHY'S by Lynda Mullaly Hunt. I love main character Charlie Reese. I know this kid. And I know kids who need to know this kid or who ARE this kid. (Have already gifted 2 copies of this book!) I want to write books like this. You gotta read it!
2. My 2017 poetry book, which I so happily and proudly share with Charles Waters and illustrators Sean Qualls and Selina Alko has gotten a new name! What was IT'S NOT BLACK & WHITE will now be CAN I TOUCH YOUR HAIR? Poems of Race, Mistakes and Friendship.
3. After hitting my 1000 word a day goal every day since I started two weeks ago, yesterday I stumbled a little -- I was only able to cobble together about 660 words. But. Am I giving up? NO. I trust I will catch up today. And if not today, tomorrow. Sometimes the hardest part of achieving a goal is refocusing after failure... it helps to remind myself that hey, I DID write 660 words, which is more than I had yesterday! I return to these words often: Treating myself like a precious object will make me strong. It's just like when teaching -- encouragement is far more powerful than criticism.
4. Poetry Camp is coming! I'm excited to get to meet so many Poetry Friday friends in Bellingham, WA later this month. Liz Steinglass and I will be presenting on Metaphor & Simile. It's going to be fun!
5. My blue Christmas quilt is coming along! Here's the top. (At the last minute I thought to add the red pieces... I really love the contrast!)
Love the quilt, requesting Wish (anything mentioned in the same sentence with One for the Murphys) is a must read for me, can't wait for your 2017 poetry book with Charles Waters, and Poetry Camp is just four weeks away! Keep writing!
ReplyDeleteI just received Wish in the mail. I absolutely love Barbara O'Connor. And, glad you are reminding yourself of what you did do.
ReplyDeleteI just 'finally' got Wish from the library, will have to read it soon as so many have it on hold. It must be good by the company you chose, Irene. The book with Charles sounds wonderful, and fun to collaborate! And your quilt is gorgeous, a nice relaxing thing to do when you move from the "words", right? Have a good weekend!
ReplyDeleteThe quilt is beautiful. I'm sure Poetry Camp will be amazing...a great thing to get excited about.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to CAN I TOUCH YOUR HAIR? Poems of Race, Mistakes and Friendship. I know it will be amazing.
I'm looking forward to meeting you, Irene, at Poetry Camp in Bellingham! Thanks for the heads-up about Barbara O'Connor's WISH - it's on order at our library and I've put a copy on hold for me when it comes in.
ReplyDeleteIrene, you have wonderful things happening in your world! It was inspiring to read about them.
ReplyDeleteLove the new title of your book with Charles, Irene! And your quilt is gorgeous. Keep treating yourself well. :) xo
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous quilt.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun title for your book. And I've registered for Poetry Camp - so am looking forward to meeting you (and Julie)!
ReplyDeleteThanks for keeping things real! Love your five bits of and for poetry. I am inspired. It's tough to re-focus after disappoint in writing! Glad you aren't giving up. Have a GREAT writing day today. And, the title of your 2017 book is one I NEED! I want to hear more about it as soon as you can tell.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful title and gorgeous quilt. And way to keep with those writing goals. xo
ReplyDeleteYou always inspire!
ReplyDeleteI've heard about Wish over and over. It's time to put it into the Amazon cart. Your quilt is beautiful. I've only made one quilt and it was truly a labor of love. Keep on writing! I've never been good about keeping myself to a word count. I actually loathe Nanowrimo for that reason. I feel defeated before I even start. Have a wonderful time at Poetry Camp.
ReplyDeleteI WISH I could have figured out a way to make it to POETRY CAMP. You poets will be creating a QUILT of memories. (okay...I can't keep this up...totally excited for your poetry book with Charles...don't worry about that 660--read my poem again!)
ReplyDeleteIt's exciting to hear about your projects, Irene! Best wishes as you continue with your writing goals.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to finally meet you at poetry camp!
ReplyDeleteLove the quilt, love the new title! Can't wait to see you at poetry camp.
ReplyDeleteSo much goodness in these 5, Irene! Your words: "Treating myself like a precious object will make me strong" resonate with me so much. Thank you. And looking forward to meeting you at poetry camp, too. =)
ReplyDeleteYou've been very busy, Irene, with all great pursuits.
ReplyDeleteHooray for refocusing, hooray for the quilt, hooray for our book, hooray for the power, education, and kindness of the Latham!
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