Poem A Day: November 26-29

Through Thanksgiving and Black Friday, the Writer’s Digest 2013 November Poem A Day Chapbook Challenge must continue. Only one more day to go!

November 26, 2013
Prompt: Two for Tuesday
 1. Take the phrase “Free (blank),” replace the blank with a word or phrase, make the new phrase the title of your poem, and then, write your poem.
2. Take the phrase “(blank) Free,” replace the blank with a word or phrase, make the new phrase the title of your poem, and then, write your poem.

November 27, 2013
Prompt: Write a local poem. 

November 28, 2013
Prompt: Write a bird poem.

November 29, 2013
Prompt: Write a commercial poem.

– – –

c.b.w. 2013

Advertisement

Favorite Thing Friday: Hand Turkeys

I haven’t thought of a hand turkey in years, but for some reason the memory of those ridiculous five-finger turkeys hit me this Thanksgiving. This wonderful memory made me laugh and brought back the feeling of childhood fun.  That fun feeling was so strong, I grabbed a box of crayons and got to work.

Remember these?
This amazing piece of art was created by: c.b.w.

I gave him some fancy feathers and imagined a reason for the turkey to gobble. Red, orange, and brown turned my turkey into an autumn leaf for a moment. But then, his beak and feet set the record straight. He looks pretty good, don’t you think?

Go ahead and make one. You know you want to. 😉

– – –

What’s your favorite thing this week?

– – –

c.b.w. 2013

Yet Another 22 Moments of Gratitude

With Thanksgiving upon us, it’s time for another 22 Moments of Gratitude. I’ve made two gratitude lists, but there never seems to be a shortage of things to appreciate, even when skies get a little dark. This year has been one of change and challenges, but I managed to keep my focus on the things that matter most.

Once again, I’m hoping to add to the lists I’ve made previously without too much overlap. See my previous moments of gratitude by following the links . . .

22 Moments of Gratitude

22 More Moments of Gratitude

– – –

1. Both of my dogs (a.k.a. furkids) are happy and healthy. After a couple of scares, this means so much.

2. My sister. She was there when I needed her the most and in the best way possible.

3. I know what it is to be scared of the future, but not enough to lose trust in fate.

4. More time with a treasured friend. You know who you are. 🙂

5. A bountiful garden. Despite tired soil, my garden grew wild with vegetables and flowers. Everything in it nourished both body and spirit.

6. Feeling the presence of my Grandma. She passed away almost a year ago, but I feel her smiling wherever I go.

7. A year of good books. In particular,  a series recommended to me by the treasured friend mentioned in #4. Maisie Dobbs rocks.

8. Baskets full of yarn and knitting needles. There’s something really special about wearing clothes I made with my own hands.

9. Poetry. Somehow I found my groove in the poetic realm and I am enjoying the journey.

10. I know what it feels like to have friends rally around me during a tough time. That kind of warmth was unexpected and overwhelming. I owe you all so much for keeping me afloat.

11. Remembering the joy and magic of learning. The challenge of teaching AP Art History has rekindled my curiosity.

12. A moment of calm, when I can simply sit and listen to the rain.

13. Going home to pick up the pieces of my soul that wandered off.

14. Money is tight, but love is plentiful.

15. Finishing a novel and having the guts to pitch it.

16. Fridays with Grandpa.

17. Watching my little pine tree grow. Its been a year and he’s still alive.

18. My muse never seems to run out of gas.

19. My readers. You all keep coming back, even when I don’t deserve it.

20. Writing with my mom. No matter how many times we share a table, it never gets old.

21. Coffee. Both the Tall Cafe Mocha from Starbucks and Hills Bros. Double Mocha Cappuccino. I only thought I appreciated my muse juice, until one day it was gone.

22. Despite the highs and lows, I am still me. And nothing can take that away.

– – –

What’s on your gratitude list this year? Leave a link or post in the comments!

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope your day is filled with good food and the warmth of loved ones.

– – –

c.b.w. 2013

Poem A Day: November 23-25

The final week in the  Writer’s Digest 2013 November Poem A Day Chapbook Challenge is finally here!

November 23, 2013
Prompt: Write an “I shouldn’t be here” poem. You can decide where you shouldn’t be: maybe it’s a place, maybe it’s a time, or maybe (just maybe) it’s a state of mind.

November 24, 2013
Prompt: Write a poem that responds to a statement.

Freedom is a pretty strange thing. Once you’ve experienced it, it remains in your heart and no one can take it away.  – Ai Weiwei

November 25, 2013
Prompt: For today’s prompt, take a poem from earlier in the challenge (that you’ve written) and remix it.

– – –

c.b.w. 2013

The Dirt Road

A smooth road just isn’t my style. Steps are too silent, too easy, there’s no mystery.  Blacktop streets are made for more than just one traveler. They are meant for followers, for those who like a solid ending. No harm in that. There’s something to be said for a clean path that leads to a known place.

I like the sound of gravel beneath my feet. The crunch and grit remind me to feel the earth and know my place.  My steps are small, but full of wonder. When stones bounce off my toes, I watch them roll and skip across the ground. Did fate choose their resting place or did chance?

Blurred edges blend the dirt road and wild borders. It’s easy to wander in the shade of leaves or challenge the blocks put forth by trees.  It’s just me with the wind and my pulse running wild.

My dirt road is not aimless, for it always leads somewhere. Whether a dead end or a side street to well-trod tar, the gravel must end, too.  Regardless of the twists and turns, it follows me wherever I go – a standing invitation for when life gets too quiet.

A dirt path near Minocqua, Wisconsin
Photo by: c.b.w. 2013

– – –

c.b.w. 2013