Irene Latham's Blog, page 75

An Artsy-Poetry Rocker to Remember a Special Reader

We love you, Papa...My father loved books. During his lifetime he read on average a book a day. When he wasn't reading, he was listening to a book! His dream was to retire to his hometown Port St. Joe, FL, and build a library to house his thousands and thousands of books.

He died before that could happen, so, as a way to make his dream come true, our family commissioned June at Poppy Cottage to create an artsy memorial rocker to be housed in the children's department at Corinne Costin Gibson Memorial Public Library in Port St. Joe.
Eric, me, Mama, Lynn, MicaJon (& foster baby Brianna)
At the "Blessing of the Rocker" ceremony Fr. Tommy Dwyer of St. James Episcopal Church offered a blessing, and then we read some of the poems that we asked to be incorporated into the artwork:
"Invitation" by Shel Silverstein
"The Tide Rises, the Tide Falls" - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
"O Captain, My Captain" - Walt Whitman
Mermaids... and blue toe nails. :)
Yes, you might notice a sea theme! Also featured in the artwork were two mermaids (my sister and me) and a surprise on the center knobs: R E A D.  Perfect!
R  E  A  D
 We also each took a turn sitting in the chair! Our hope is that many a reader finds comfort and joy in the poems and stories they discover in the arms of that chair. Big thanks to librarian Nancy Brockman for being our partner in this venture!

me keeping the seat warm for my Papa...... and here we are, three of the five sibs posing for the newspaper photographer:

LTG, i, MJ

READ! READ! READ!-ing with Amy Ludwig VanDerwater

Hello and Happy Poetry Friday! Be sure to visit lovely Michelle at Today's Little Ditty for Roundup.

Things have been hopping in these parts... thanks to Irma, the first part of the week, and currently I am in Port St. Joe, FL for the "Blessing of the Rocker" event in memory of my father. More on this next week!

Today it is my great pleasure and honor to welcome poet/teacher/dear friend/lovely human Amy Ludwig VanDerwater to talk about her newest book of poems READ! READ! READ!, brought to us by the fine folks at WordSong/Boyds Mills Press, with illustrations by Ryan O'Rourke. Big congratulations to Amy and the whole team on the release of a beautiful new book!! To help celebrate, I've asked Amy to respond to some simple prompts.

But before we get to that, I have just a few links for you:

Last week I issued my latest Adventures in Writing newsletter, titled "What September is For." I invite you to read, and if you like, please subscribe!

My poem "Cave Cricket's Lament" appears in the newly-released Balloons Lit Journal (Issue 6). Gratitude to Peter and the crew!

Have you played Ruin a Book with One Letter? See what happened to Leaving Gee's Bend. And propose your own altered book titles!

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And now, let's talk about READ! READ! READ!-ing... take it away, Amy!

The Difficult: Aw, writing is just difficult. And beautiful. It’s both. Waiting for ideas, revising, going back and forth with titles, worrying, trying to make myself concentrate…all of it. Like a thunderstorm, writing is gorgeous and harsh all at once. I struggle always to discipline myself; writing and revising this book was no exception.


"Word Collection"
from READ! READ! READ!The Delicious: I love poring over Ryan’s joyous and whimsical art, remembering the people and moments and stories that inspired each poem. The words Cinderella and mozzarella, in “Word Collection” for example, have long sat in my notebook, just jottings from a normal day. I smile to remember that long-ago evening when our toddler Hope (now an adult) called out at dinner, “I have a rhyme! Cinderella! Mozzarella!” I find it magical that a moment from years ago can live on between the covers of a book.

Word Collection
KnickknackTicktockPickpocketBric-a-bracAlligatorElevatorHummingbirdJumping JackFlabbergastedPlatypusPeriwinkleThumbtackMozarellaCinderellaCentimeterQuarterbackButterscotchSuccotashWind sockWolf packWhippersnapperBelly buttonBumblebeeKnickknack
- Amy Ludwig VanDerwater
(note from Irene: try saying that poem super-fast! :) Who else has a word collection waiting to be worked into a poem?? Care to share a favorite word? )
The Unexpected: In these early days of old friends and new friends reading READ! READ! READ!, I have been grateful to hear folks share their favorite poems from the collection. I expected there would be one overall favorite, but it is beautiful to learn that there is not one favorite. Rather, people have shared many different connections. My hope is that our poems and pictures will open secret doors and memories for readers, that children will say, “I remember when I….” perhaps writing reader poems of their own. (It would be my pleasure to share any of these at The Poem Farm, by the way…)Amy and her books!


Anything Else: I am thankful to have been paired with talented illustrator Ryan O’Rourke and thankful for the brilliance of my editor Rebecca Davis. It is important for readers to always know that behind every new book is a great team.

Thank you, Irene, for inviting me to LIVE YOUR POEM. It feels like I’m at the house of a dear friend…because I am! xoxo, Amy <!-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } </style> </div>--><br /><div><i>----------------</i></div><div><b>Thank YOU, Amy! </b></div><div><br /></div><div>What a gift Amy is to the world with her warm, loving poems and that happy place called <a href="http://www.poemfarm.amylv.com/"&... Poem Farm</a>... Amy also shared the book she is currently reading:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h8lTBFAvh1..." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1139" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h8lTBFAvh1..." width="227" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Britt-Marie-Wa... Was Here by Fredrik Backman</a></td></tr></tbody></table>I'll put it on my list! And also, because I've just finished it, and because it's full of so much book-love and library-love and makes the perfect pairing with READ! READ! READ!, here's what I've been reading:<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-58LGyfY7bN..." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-58LGyfY7bN..." width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tiny-Hero-Fern... Tiny Hero of Ferny Creek Library by Linda Bailey, illus. by Victoria Jamieson</a></td></tr></tbody></table>It's a middle grade novel about a green-shelled book-loving bug named Eddie who saves the day with a little blueberry ink and sticky notes. :) It's also a magical romp through some beloved classics, like STUART LITTLE and THE BORROWERS and other titles featuring "littles." Super-fun -- check it out!<br /><br />Wishing each and every one of you a glorious day. xo<br /><div><br /><div><br /></div></div>

TV Tuesday: Three Shows Worth Watching

Those who know me, know I am not a big TV person. (Movies, YES.) But I am married to a TV person, and I kinda like hanging out with him, so we are always on the lookout for shows I will actually sit through. :) Today -- thanks to Netflix -- I have three to share with you.

ATYPICAL - A Netflix Original comedy. The story centers on 18 year old Sam who happens to be on the autism spectrum -- and he's looking for love! I love this cast, especially Sam's sister Casey. We've actually watched the first season once thru with our resident Aspie (who related heavily) and are now watching it again with our youngest son. Please, please hurry up with Season 2!

Anne with flowers in her hat
on the first day of school, not
knowing how the other kids
will torment her.ANNE WITH AN E - You can find this one on Netflix. (Thank you, Pat, for recommending it!) It's based on the book ANNE OF GREEN GABLES by Lucy Maud Montgomery, which, oddly, I have never read! (My father did give me a copy not long before he died, so it is waiting for me.) We love -- and ache -- for that plucky, word-loving Anne who only wants to be loved... and to be beautiful when she grows up. :)

POLDARK - also on Netflix. Originally a Masterpiece Theater production set just after the American Revolutionary War -- in Cornwall. There's love and intrigue and copper mines... and Aidan Turner. Dreamy!

Bonus: LAST CHANCE U - also on ... you guessed it, Netflix! We have watched both seasons, and it gives us a lot to talk about... education, the important of caring, our country's sports culture, race, the South, what kids need... good stuff (and yes, a lot of foul language!).

Is there a TV show you're excited about? Please share in comments!

CAN I TOUCH YOUR HAIR? Cover Reveal & A Visit with Charles Waters

The irrepressible Charles Waters!Hello and Happy Poetry Friday! Be sure to visit Matt at Radio, Rhythm and Rhyme for Roundup. Yay for Matt's soon-to-be-released FLASHLIGHT NIGHT... I can't wait to read!

So a year and a half ago, Charles Waters and I embarked upon a poetic journey -- a book about race and racism with the working title It's Not Black and White. 

That title got scrapped by the marketing department in favor of CAN I TOUCH YOUR HAIR? Poems of Race, Mistakes and Friendship. (Share the excitement -  pre-order your copy today!)

Those marketing folks are smart, aren't they? We feel so fortunate to have worked with Carolrhoda/Lerner Books on this project... our editor Carol Hinz is a superhero! And wow, Sean Qualls and Selina Alko did such a lovely job with the illustrations... but you know what is most exciting?


This is Charles' VERY FIRST BOOK. Yes, his poems have appeared in a gazillion anthologies, but this is his first book. Congratulations, Charles!!! I'm so honored to share this with you!

And because the book contains a whole lot of yes-it-actually-happened content, we thought it might be fun to share a "2 Truths and a Lie" challenge with you today. You can find mine over at Charles' Poetry Time blog, and I will share about Charles here at Live Your Poem. (Fun fact: Charles and I have yet to meet in person! But that meeting is coming... we will be presenting together at both AASL and NCTE conferences in November.)

But first: Behold, the cover (which went through so so many versions before it finally landed here)!

available January 1, 2018!Sneak Peek!! Here is Charles' introductory poem in the collection... you can read mine at Charles' blog!

WRITING PARTNER
Mrs. Vandenberg wants us to write poems?Finally, an easy project. Words fly off my penonto the paper, like writing is my superpower.The rest of the time, my words are a curse. I open my mouth, and people run away. Now I’m stuck with Irene? She hardly says anything. Plus she’s white. Her stringy, dishwater blond hair wavesback and forth as she stutter-steps toward me. My stomach bottoms out. “Hello,” I say. “Hi,” she says. I surprise myself by smiling at her—she smells like a mix of perfume and detergent. We stare at our sneakersbefore I ask, “So, what do you want to write about?” She shrugs. I say, “How about our shoes, hair? Then we can write about school and church?”She takes a deep breath. “Okay.”I match it. “Let’s start there.”
- Charles Waters

And now, 2 truths and a lie with Charles! Answers below.
1. Charles had "friends" disrespect him in front of other people for no other reason than to show off at his expense. 

2. Charles is obsessed with rap music. 
3. Charles had a Grandma who understood him, supported him and didn't judge his choices.

wee Charles...
Answers:
1. True2. Lie - "While I listened to rap growing up, L.L. Cool J., Rob Base, PM Dawn, Salt and Pepa, D.J. Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, and Public Enemy to name a few, I listened more to top 40 pop songs on the radio."3.True - "My grandmother Victoria (Vickie) had my back. She passed away in 1997. I miss her. She was a most excellent human being."  ------------------Thanks so much for reading! <!-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } </style> <br /><br />

Where is Your Water?

Hello and welcome to Spiritual Journey Thursday! Today we are sharing over at Ramona's Pleasures from the Page about her 2017 OLW "Nourish."

Isn't "nourish" a nourishing word? I just want to wrap up in it! Or stick a spoon in it. Or... you get the idea. Nourish for me is all about self-care. As someone who has spent a lot of time caring for others, nourishing myself has sometimes been a challenge. But I am learning how taking care of ME really is the key to good relationships. Some of the things I do for self-care are:
write poems
read poems
walk
drink tea
treat myself (Zaxby's birthday cake shake, anyone?)
play cello
nap

Speaking of naps, I have this vivid memory of falling asleep on the floor while playing with my then-young boys, and hearing the garage door lift. How I popped up, wiped the sleep from my eyes, and got busy playing with the kids so my husband wouldn't know I had been sleeping on the job!

Crazy, right?

I don't think Paul would have blinked, but I wanted to be perfect, and in that moment, perfect did not include needing a nap!

Fast forward a few years, and naps are a staple in our lives. I'm a lot better at nourishing myself than I once was. This extends to my spiritual life as well.

Deepak Chopra says "the spirit is nourished with equanimity and self-awareness." He also suggests that we are nourished by light: light foods, lightheartedness, letting our light shine.


Today I will think LIGHT. And laughter. And touch. All of these are ways to nourish and be nourished.

Another thing this brings to my mind is a prophecy you've probably read that's attributed to unnamed Hopi leaders -- which has caused some to question its origins and authenticity. I don't know where the prayer comes from, but I know I am drawn particularly to this line:

Where is your water?


Very often, my water is words. Also, these days, my water is... water! As in time spent at the lake. I am fed by love and time and silence and creating and simple ways of moving the body. And isn't all of this somehow related to my 2017 One Little Word "Abundance"? There is something for everyone. You are enough. God is everywhere. Every moment is a poem.

In Praise of Books That Are Short

When I speak to groups I usually offer some sort of giveaway, which requires attendees to list on a paper slip their name and email -- and also, to make it more fun, to answer a simple question.

Recently, the slip asked attendees to complete this prompt:

My favorite childhood book is...............................

I got all sorts of answers, including titles like Old Yeller, Little House on the Prairie, Harry Potter, and Llama Llama Red Pajama.

But here was my favorite response:
My favorite childhood book is..... short.

Ha! It's a good reminder that not every person sitting through one of my presentations is an avid reader! More thoughts on this at a post I wrote for Smack Dab in the  Middle. Also: brevity is good. :) AND it's a good argument for poetry, yes?

I'll be back for Spiritual Journey Thursday, and also, coming this Poetry Friday: Charles Waters and I will be sharing a cover reveal for CAN I TOUCH YOUR HAIR? Poems of Race, Mistakes and Friendship. Yay!

What's that SOUND underground?

Hello and Happy Poetry Friday! Be sure to visit our resident Aussie Kat at Kathryn Apel for Roundup.

I've been thinking a lot lately about what's going on under our feet. Two books in particular have gotten me there: THE NATURALIST by E.O. Wilson and THE HIDDEN LIFE OF TREES by Peter Wohlleben.

E.O. Wilson's life's work has been the discovery and cataloguing of ants. A number of ant species' are subterranean, so one has to dig to find them.

And trees, well, trees are talking to each other underground, in their oh-so-slow with-the-help-of-fungi way. I learned about it in THE HIDDEN LIFE OF TREES. Here is a fabulous podcast interview with the author for the audio-inclined. (Thank you, April!)

And what does this have to do with poetry? Well, Jane Yolen's THUNDER UNDERGROUND  (brought to us by WordSong, with illus. by Josee Masse) includes 21 poems on what's happening down there! And the back cover poses the delicious question in the subject line of this post: What's the SOUND underground?  (Which reminds me of a post I wrote from a few years back about sound and poetry.)

Here is a favorite poem from the collection:

Seeds

This dot,
this spot,
this period at the end
of winter's sentence
writes its way up
through the dull slate of soil
into the paragraph of spring.

- Jane Yolen

Great metaphor, isn't it?

It got me thinking: are there other "punctuation" poems? And then I had to laugh, because indeed, there are three of them in FRESH DELICIOUS! Squash varieties as question mark, exclamation mark, and period. Ha!

So, poets... do YOU have any punctuation poems? Please share!

A Song to Remember, A Song to Unite

I am sharing today a song created by my son Eric (ErBeeko) and his friends in response to the recent death of a classmate.

These kids are all highschoolers. The song speaks for itself. Thank you for listening!

Writing with Homeschoolers

Meeting young readers/writers
is so much fun!Last week it was my pleasure to work with a homeschool group at Homewood Public Library here in Birmingham. Homeschooling families are near and dear to my heart -- in part because I was a homeschool mom for several years!

What many don't know (this group didn't) is that even though our three sons have all graduated/will graduate from a public high school, I have homeschooled various kids or various reasons at the elementary, middle and high school levels. And I. Loved. It. I wouldn't trade that time learning together with my kids for anything. I'm so grateful to have had that opportunity and experience.

So what did I do with this homeschool group? Well, the library billed it as "local author will talk about what it takes to get started in the literary world." Only I didn't discover this verbiage until a day before our scheduled meeting -- after I had created a lesson on writing poems and stories after Pixar postcards.

So -- we did both!

First I gave them a handout with my tips for writing/publishing for kids. (If YOU want the handout, I am happy to share it! Simply email me: irene (at) irenelatham (dot) com.) Here are the young writers (and moms) selecting postcards:


And then we started writing.... using description, emotion, and imagination.
Writer-in-progress!We had swamps and oceans and ants and loneliness and Star Wars references... we talked through ways to expand themes the that emerged... and it was completely inspiring. Thank you, writers!

An Abundance of Sweet Summer Swapness

Hello and Happy Poetry Friday! Be sure to visit Jone at Check It Out for Roundup. I'm excited to share with you some more of my Summer Poem Swap treasures. I shared earlier what Margaret sent me, and today I'm featuring lovelies from Buffy, Violet, and Iphigene.

But first, in case you missed it: I wrote earlier this week about a poetry-cookbook you might enjoy! Last week I shared some architecture quotes that sound like they're talking about poetry!

Buffy, ever the nature enthusiast, sent a Golden Shovel, using my poem "Tree for All" from Dear Wandering Wildebeest as her source poem. I'm so honored! And look what Buffy created:

Monarch's Commandment

Beware my stripes, you blue jays, crows, and owls
I'm not fit for feathered babes that beg in your nest
Sneak a beakful of me and you will be stricken in
your crop and stomach, your head and heart - my
body is a cesspool, brimming with toxins, hidden
in my skin and guts. Your insides will cramp to a knothole;
Think of the nausea, the gagging. It's hardy worth a nip of my
plump body. Remember this knowledge from cradle
to grave and pass over me. Teach your cozies
to avoid me while I creep and eat. Soon I will grow a brand new
body and become king of the sky, rising through air on brilliant wings.
- Buffy Silverman

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How much do I love "cozies" as a noun?!


From Violet I received a photo-illustrated poem-book! She titled it "Artistry," and it's a collection of images and words that show the everyday art found in her hometown (Langley). Perhaps my favorite spread features benches and a mural of a door opening to a flight of stairs.





Here are the words that accompany:

Artistry opens a doorthat isn't thereand lures us to sit and visit in the sun
- Violet Nesdoly
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Let's sit in the sun together, shall we?

Iphigene sent me (all the way from the Phillipines) a gorgeous original painting and poem inspired by my 2017 One Little Word "Abundance."

Let Us

Let us do this -
Open arms running across fields
Stumbling through rocks
Picking ourselves up
with laughter echoing
through our chests

Let us walk through crowds
Stand in line
waiting for an adventure
of a good meal and time
to watch people

Let us do this -
Jump into the newness
of unchartered waters
falling and learning
opening ourselves
to possibility

Discovering to live our
poems, letting words
grow, bear fruit
in our every day,
in abundance

- Iphigene Daradar
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Here's to open arms and bearing fruit! 

Thank you, poets, for shining your sweet light on my summer. xo

p.s. obligatory eclipse-watching photo:
courtesy of my eclipse buddy Paul