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Happy Poetry Friday, People!
Isn't it a great new year already? I like even numbered years best.
I'm a complete fool for tradition. Though I don't always follow, I do recognize the shape tradition gives life.
This is a traditional New Year's post with all the trimmings!
My word one-little-word OLW for 2018 is...
Play has so many nuances and variations of meaning...it covers many bases which suits me fine. And, I tend to be an overly serious person.
In third grade, Mrs. Faruggia gave me a nickname to help me loosen up and play a bit more. It was a disaster that resulted in a stern phone call from Mom. But, the writing (ba dum dum) was already on the wall for me. Play is something I must make room for in my life.
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William Carlos Williams, William Carlos Williams, William Carlos Williams, William Carlos Williams. “Play by William Carlos Williams.” Poetry Foundation, Poetry Foundation, www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/browse?contentId=14362.
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Jen Vincent's Writer's Manifesto from TeachWrite Chat caught my fancy in the days leading up to this new year. I'm taking a page from her book and sharing mine below. I wonder if and how this manifesto might change. Time will tell.
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| (c) Linda Mitchell |
Finally, these are my writing hopes (far less intimidating than resolutions). What are yours?
*Complete a work in progress.
* Find photographs and documents to illustrate my WIP.
*Fine-tune existing poems
* Write new poems
* Strengthen my talents/skills as a poetry reviewer
Happy New Year to YOU! I look forward to many playful Poetry Friday encounters in 2018. Get started with our friend, Catherine Flynn who is hosting this week at Reading to the Core.
Linda, I enjoyed reading about how you got the idea of choosing PLAY for your olw. I haven't chosen my olw for 2018 yet, but there are a few words I'm considering. All the best with your "writing hopes." Keep us posted along the way!
ReplyDeletePlay! Good word, and good goal/intention. Your line 'a butterfly net of sunrise' is so very playful-and clever. Love it.
ReplyDeletePlay! So good and so important!
ReplyDeleteWOO HOO! Look at you being all productive and full of resolutions and stuff. LOVE IT! I'm here for the journey with you, Linda, as my OLW for 2018 is WRITE! We need to live closer to each other. :-( HNY! -- Christie @ https://wonderingandwondering.wordpress.com/
ReplyDeleteYour enthusiasm is contagious, Linda, and I love your "butterfly net of sunrise." We share many of the same goals for the coming year. I'm so thankful to know we will be able to lean on each other as we work towards them. BTW, I like even numbered years better, too. I wonder why?
ReplyDeleteI love your response to WCW. A recent SCBWI workshop talked about the importance of play and introduced me to the book, Free Play, on improv. I started to play more with my kids, and I think it helps me be less serious. On the other hand, does anyone ever tell a boy/man to be less serious? I think play is a great idea, but being serious is also important and valued.
ReplyDeleteYour response poem to William Carlos Williams is gorgeous—love that “butterfly net of surprise,” hope you catch many wonderful poems in it. Thanks also for the page on what writing is. And have fun with your “play!”
ReplyDeleteI would repeat Michelle's response, Linda. Love the idea of that "butterfly net of surprise" and your resolutions in which a good amount of "play" will be forthcoming! Happy writing!
ReplyDeleteNow I'm curious...
ReplyDeleteWhat WAS that "mom-maddening" nickname?
What a fabulous new year's post! There are so many things I love in it--WCW poem and your response (yes, I , too, love your "butterfly net of sunrise"), your writing manifesto, and your writing hopes (so much better than resolutions). Here's to a fabulous 2018!
ReplyDeleteNice. I like your word of the year! Good luck in your creative endeavors this year...
ReplyDeleteOne of the best things about writing poetry: PLAYING with words! You're going to have fun this year... it takes courage to play, to let go of perfectionism, to try new things... rooting for you all way! xo
ReplyDeleteExperiment and play with language is one of the Lifelong Practices of Writers that is now part of the NYS Next Generation ELA Standards document. My statewide team developed that sectioned so play is a very important word to me. Your line 'a butterfly net of sunrise' is a wonder-filled playful thought.
ReplyDeleteI, too, love "butterfly net of sunrise!" And play is such a great word. As I was reading your manifesto, I connected with this line: "Writing is fickle as in one moment I have a good idea and the next a dud. So, so true!
ReplyDeletePlay is a fantastic word for the year! I may have to steal it in an upcoming one. :) Mine this year is Joy. With everything going on in the world, I feel like I've let some things bog me down and I have forgotten to find the joy in the small things. Good luck on your goals for this year!
ReplyDeleteOne of the ways I define poetry for my students is that it's about playing with words. Happy playing this year!
ReplyDeleteIt's going to be an amazing writing (POETRY writing) year for you! Happy 2018!!
ReplyDeleteLinda, what a great word for 2018! I hope you find plenty of time to play with your writing. My OLW is "manifest" -- I'm putting my focus on the things I hope will come to pass this year.
ReplyDeleteLinda, your response to WCW poem is delightful and you can add me to the list of many loving your "butterfly net of sunrise." Your manifesto is wonderful and I really liked the line, "Writing is me sharing a story as well as taking refuge from life outside myself." I hadn't really ever put this into words, but that's so true for me as well! Have a wonderful year with your OLW.
ReplyDeletePlay to your heart's content! It's good for you. Here's a link to my Pinterest page that is titled, "Play (or lack thereof)": https://www.pinterest.com/dianemayr/play-or-lack-thereof/. It's mostly about kids and school and play, but, there may be something of interest for you, too.
ReplyDeleteI would like you to know that in your older wiser age, your essential seriousness shines through BUT that your playfulness is well developed! Maybe I'll come along and adjust to READY, STEADY, PLAY...
ReplyDeleteHappy new year, Linda! Looks like you're all set, ready to roll - and play! - so best wishes for a successful and enjoyable 2018.
ReplyDelete