Treasured Times

       I'm slicing with the Two Writing Teachers community today. It's always a pleasure to read what everyone writes about their lives.

         The last time I posted was about point of view, and I think I may always be considering it, trying to learn from others' opinions, too. This touches growth mindset too, doesn't it?

So, I had the extreme pleasure of joining Georgia Heard, Rebecca Kai Dotlich and an amazing group of poets at the Highlights Foundation retreat poetry workshop last week, "The Craft and Art of Writing Poetry for Children". And again, the time opened my mind to some new ideas, and affirmed old ones. Listening, "hearing" others' POVs excited and taught me. 

            Some of the group I had written with before at an earlier retreat, some are teacher/bloggers I've met at NCTE. Some are poetry Friday bloggers I've written with for a long time and was thrilled to meet and know better. And those new to me, so glad to make good connections, beginning friendships! 

            Today, I imagined writing about my time, and grasp for the right words. As I chose a few favorite pictures, the word that kept coming is "NOURISH". From the pickup at the airport to the welcome from those already there, to the hugs from everyone when I said goodbye, and once again was chauffeured off to fly away, I was nourished. The word "nourish" is defined by the online Oxford Dictionary as to "Provide with the food or other substances necessary for growth, health, and good condition." Indeed!  I was nourished with food, friendship, enlightening conversations, fun, a space of my own, nature, and learning. I will try to share another time some specifics for writing that were shared. They are not necessarily new to me, nor will they be to you, and much centered around reading, a lot, and studying what other poets do. Then, writing, a lot, and using mentor texts as you practice. I know that's what many of you do, and also what many of you teach. Best practices! It was a wonderful time! People pics are many, but I've chosen a few favorites.

A small group sharing poems and giving response-me, front left!

I loved spending time with Catherine, trying in our few hours
together to get to know each other a bit more.

Our lovely teachers! I've spent some time in the past with Georgia, and
was delighted to meet and get to know Rebecca.

My special cabin. Ah!

The barn, our meeting, eating, relaxing
and working place!

A favorite place I visit and write-down by the stream and the special
stone wall.

 

two favorite flower pics

a wider view of the barn

That last morning, a walk and finding webs all over
this field, a final gift to take away!