Vanessa Shields's Blog, page 39

Poem 124 – Muskoka & May Event Round-Up & WEreads!

Muskoka

muskoka calls me like a secret lover
her yearnings gripping the edges of busty winds
& jumping into the soft spot under my earlobes – 
patient in the tender shadows

we had a love affair for three summers…maybe two
the memories are lake blurry – does it matter? time lived differently
shouldered against tall trees: pine spruce fir hemlock birch cedar
anxious like family around tables made of black water

those days stretched like lies tricking my adolescent heart into 
believing in true love into believing that fears could shatter like my skin
against the dark wrinkled face of the water
the dark in me thrilled by being swallowed whole 
in the dangerous deep

parts of me remain below the surface 
soul-torn edges twisting in the sediment 700 feet down
I need to return to her intoxicating bodies
gather my childhood & rediscover the terrifying 
freedom of running the dock – leaping
into dawn’s open arms

I’ve been thinking of the summer…of the possibilities for travel and adventure that rose each day with the sun…soon this freedom will return…until then…I’m in a pretty constant state of yearning…you too?

MAY EVENT ROUND-UP!

Onward into May! My virtual book tour has FOUR stops this month! We scoot to Toronto for a radio interview and fundraiser with Valentina Assenza at HOWL then we skedaddle back to Windsor for the Palimpsest Press Spring book launch. After that, we gallivant to Victoria to party with the Planet Earth Poetry reading series, and finally, we hop to Halifax for a reading and conversation with poet Margo Wheaton! Golly, it’s gonna be great! Won’t you join us?

TUESDAY, MAY 11, 2021 – HOWL RADIO INTERVIEW BROADCAST CIUT 89.5FM

To listen to the live broadcast, CLICK HERE.

THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021 – PALIMPSEST PRESS SPRING BOOK LAUNCH

8pm via Zoom – registration link below!

Celebrating the Spring authors launching their books from Palimpsest Press!

With Margaret Christakos, Nathaniel G. Moore, Tolu Oloruntoba, and Vanessa Shields. Hosted by Jim Johnstone.

May 13, 2021 08:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)Register in advance for this webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/…/reg…/WN_A3mt8lITSBWAYePM55x13g

FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2021 – PLANET EARTH POETRY READING SERIES

Time: 10:30PM EST | 7:30PM PST
Via Zoom – Vanessa Shields as Featured Reader

Click here for Zoom link. *Zoom link opens that evening right before it starts!

THURSDAY, MAY 20, 2021 – POETRY & THE FAMILY W/ MARGO WHEATON, HALIFAX POET

Virtual Reading & Discussion with Vanessa Shields and Halifax poet Margo Wheaton on the art of writing poetry about family, home and place.

Time: 7pm EST | 8pm ATL

You are invited to a Zoom webinar. 

When: May 20, 2021 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) 

Topic: Thimbles: Poetry and the Family
Register in advance for this webinar:https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0jwxSVYiRK-rOoIfNo_6ww

Check out WindsorEssex Reads!

A group of very cool folks have started a Facebook gathering space for literary lovers in Windsor/Essex! Be sure to ‘like’ their page and discover the many exciting literary events happening – including your own! Share, discuss, join the community of readers!

“Established in 2021 by a trio of local book lovers, Windsor-Essex Reads is the hub for everything book-related in Windsor-Essex County.Our region is home to several independent bookstores, publishers, authors, and literary events. By creating an online space where all book lovers can go for information on the local literary scene, we’re hoping to see our very own literary community blossom and thrive.We’re guided by the motto “ad astra per libris,” which means “to the stars through books,” and aim to see everyone—book sellers, authors, and readers alike—reach the stars through a shared love of books and reading.Check our page regularly for information and updates about local bookstores, authors, book bloggers, literary events and more.If you’re a local bookseller, author, book blogger or event organizer, reach out to us at windsoressexreads@gmail.com so we can share your content with other book lovers in the area.-Amber, Samantha, and Rhiannon”

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE FACEBOOK PAGE

Poem 123 – Gravity & CBC & WPL, Oh My!

Gravity

Let us honour our loquacious tendencies,
for they exercise the muscles of mouth & mind.

Let us also fold into provocative percipience,
for it is through vigorous listening that the soul expands dynamic.

Do more than wear her shoes!
Intoxicate your senses with the spectrum of her voice’s gravity.

This is how we bring ourselves together.
The weight of our matter-ing is love.

Poem A Day on CBC Windsor Morning!

This morning I was on CBC Windsor Morning talking to Tony Doucette about writing a poem a day! And oh, the irony, that on the day this interview airs, I’m sooo late to posting my daily poem! ARG! The poem was written, in fact, by 9am, but I just haven’t had time to post it until now!

In any case, thank you to Tony and Robin and the CBC Windsor Morning family for bringing poetry to the morning airwaves!

Here’s a link to the segment! LINK HERE!

Windsor Public Library Thimbles Interview

I had an in-depth discussion about Thimbles with Windsor Public Library’s Book Talk host Adam P via zoom to celebrate National Poetry Month. Thank you, Adam!

I read several poems and Adam and I discuss process, poetry and the power of asking those we love to share their stories!

Poem 122 – Much Happening in the Air

Much Happening in the Air

there is much happening in the air this morning
blue jays throwing screams
robins rolling rebuttals

perhaps they converse about the coming heat
complain about droning leaf blowers – the feather-shaking annoyance of them
they know very well that the wind is more than capable of making leaves dance

whatever their grievance or gratefulness
it is constant
comforting

it is community

DELIVERIES!

Yesterday the fam and I took a drive to Amherstburg to drop off a load of books at the beautiful River Bookshop! It was a lovely windy day, perfect for a drive and deliveries. Thank you to everyone who has ordered copies of Thimbles! She’s selling very well! I spent some time signing copies that will go in the post today and/or be hand-delivered! It feels so good to write personal messages and continue to share the words and Nonna’s legacy! Thanks everyone!

What flower is this?

I had to stop and smell and photograph this luscious flower! It was in a large bush. It didn’t have a strong scent, but its beauty caught my eye. Anyone know what kind of flower this is?

May has arrived…and clearly with it…May flowers! I hope you’re stopping to smell the flowers on your walk outside today! Indeed – head outside! Nature is gifting us with a gorgeous day!

Poem 121 – Thank you

Thank you

the exchanges
the give & take
the thank you & you’re welcome
bricks that build bridges between bodies

over time & space
rubber boots through
tear-thickened marshes of grief
a handkerchief as big as the world

gratefulness is a language
we all understand
devastatingly necessary
lasting like love’s chorus

…floating on the love….grateful…saying thank you…and holding this experience in my heart…

Thimbles Poetry Performance Video

This video was filmed on location at Suede Productions Inc. in Windsor, ON. Featuring poet Vanessa Shields, Amanda Guitard on trumpet and Deborah Dunlop on sewing machine. This video was produced by Vanessa Shields. It was filmed and edited by Nick and Jett Shields. Miller Shields was on-set photographer.

There are two ways to view the video.

Youtube

View here. The video is downloadable to your computer.

Vanessa Shields, poet

Poem 120 – Hang Over & GRAND THANKS!

Hang over

it all hangs over
the gratefulness
a fresh layer of skin
the elation electric 
hair-raising constant hum

marrow made of joy
stem cells carrying
love like oxygen
this is a different
dose of alive

sugar headache
temples pulsing 
with the pleasure
of purpose

ribs like bone clotheslines
with pinned up mouths
smiling & ripe
cheeks landing pads
for tear storms
touching down
interior quakes
perfectly shifting
my core

complete heaviness
a community quilt
flung over my soul
a deliberate holding
received & reciprocated

drunk on poetry
the burn of grief
cooled & swirling
in the dance of 
delivering destiny

sore & sure
may these corporeal
clutches never cease

WE DID IT! THANK YOU!

Ohhhhhhh! I. Am. Elated! I. Am. Exhausted! I. Am. Grateful! Dear friends and family, THANK YOU from my deepest deeps for your love and support at last night’s virtual book launch…and beyond! Thank you for your support leading up to the big event, and for the constant sending of love and light. I am floating on everyone’s pure love!

We were mushy with grief at times. We were giddy with excitement. We were holding each other with the arms of WIFI! I could feel you all! And the sweet messages continue to flow in…

So today…I cut myself open deeper and let your words tumble in. I will read, reflect, respond and hold all the feels like a love-made organ!

Thank you. So very, very much. THANK YOU!

THE PERFORMANCE VIDEO

I’m glad that we were able to view the performance video together via youtube premiere! For those of you who’d like to view it again or share it…or watch it for the first time…it is now available on youtube anytime! Infinite thanks to Amanda, our trumpet goddess, and to Deborah, our seamstress goddess, and to Jett, Nick and Miller for making the film so spectacular!

TO WATCH THE VIDEO CLICK HERE!

A gallery of love…Family…Miller, Nick, Vanessa & JettMeeps, Babe, Me, Goose

This family. My loves! I cannot be me without them. They keep my loving heart bursting! Thank you, family. I love you!

Poem 119 – Prayer Ode to the Book Launch

Prayer Ode to the Book Launch

Oh celebration!
of word-filled hours
pulling meanings from
the stars & making
magic with cursive & type

Oh justified jubilation!
of the heart’s messages
made miracle into
form & shape the scent
of blood-ink
collected & bound
for hands & hearts
to hold

Oh electric magnificence!
on the busy tech highway
join voices & faces in
time & space to hear
& see & feel the
culmination of a
trembling writer’s
soul without hitch
or glitch

Oh inkslinger creative!
steady your nerves
& trust the reverberation
of your literary dreams
as they expand exponentially
in the extraordinary bigness
of your book baby’s
launch into the universe

A LITTLE VIDEO MESSAGE…

TO REGISTER FOR MY BOOK LAUNCH, FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

You are invited to a Zoom webinar. 

When: Apr 29, 2021 07:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) 

Topic: Thimbles Hometown Launch
Register in advance for this webinar:https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2tEPlPPzSx-j9YbJUwJOFA

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

I can’t wait to be with you all and celebrate ‘Thimbles’!

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to send me an email shieldsvanessa@gmail.com. !

With love and excitement…Vaness!

Poem 118 – Getting Ready

Getting ready

stitching myself
into the quiet
before the
perfect storm

threaded with
paradox
I’m a push down
& lift up of
fear & hope
respectfully

these hours
are lined with
surrender
her tender
cloth an
embrace

I’ve got
Nonna’s
thimble
a bowl
for my
heart

soon
I’ll
be
Ready

TOMORROW IS THE BIG DAY!

We’re so close, friends! I’ve been a wobbly mess this week…but today, my focus is staying calm. Breathing through my worries and fears. Trusting in the process of this part of living a creative life. Surrendering to the emotions that are climbing out of my chest as they emerge. Yesterday, I felt grief very strongly. I felt the deep shifts in my self and my family that happened after Nonna passed. I felt sad and scared…but I also felt extraordinarily loved and supported by so many. Such devastating paradoxical experiences!

For today…I’m doing my best to choose calm. Read. Write, but also do nothing if that’s what my heart needs. There’s a conservation of energy and spirit happening within.

I want to say thank you to you. For being with me on this wild journey. For supporting my wobbly heart and my pulsating soul. For helping me understand the landscapes of love.

Poem 117 – Two Sleeps ’till Cheesecake

Two Sleeps ‘till Cheesecake

the comfort foods brings is real
from the moment you know it’s coming…

warm sourdough bread soaking up warm butter
green grapes so crunchy your teeth smile
hot fudge – the spoonful at the bottom of the bowl
melted ice cream bubbly & thin
a salty french fry to wipe up the sides
cheesecake

thick cold so creamy you hold it on your tongue like a lover’s throat
sticky cherry drizzle like swelling puckered lips
crushed cookie bottom that spills on your chin
that first bite a lesson in ecstasy

the comfort of food is real
so tell yourself it’s coming…
& indulge

I’ve got cheesecake on the brain because it’s what I’ll be devouring post-book launch! To celebrate, Nick, the kids and I are ordering our favourite meals and chowing down before and after the big event! I’ve been eating for comfort my entire life, if you didn’t know…but, that’s changed a lot since 2019 when I joined Noom and lost 35 pounds…I do occasionally eat for the pure joy of comfort (ex. Plant Joy donuts I slammed down my gullet earlier this month!), but mostly, I wait and really indulge for special events. This is a special event! So, we’ll be eating all our favs. It’s like, all we talk about!

Last evening’s tech rehearsal went well. We had lots of laughs and are ready to wow you with our technological prowess…and get you workin’ yours as well! We’ll be going on a little field trip to youtube premiere for the launch! Don’t worry, host Charis Cotter is a great leader and she’ll talk us through it.

If you have registered for the Zoom webinar link, please be sure to do so before Thursday!

Here’s the info:

When: Apr 29, 2021 07:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) 

Topic: Thimbles Hometown Launch
Register in advance for this webinar:https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2tEPlPPzSx-j9YbJUwJOFA

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Pre-order your book here! If you’d like Vanessa to sign your book at the virtual launch, please let her know via email: shieldsvanessa@gmail.com

Thimbles – An Interview w/ Deb Hill

Sarnia poet and literary blogger Deb Okun Hill have been poetry pals for years. I had the opportunity to edit her first collection of poetry Tarnished Trophies, and we’ve been heart-connected since! Deb does interviews with writers and posts them on her blog Kites Without Strings. She sent me some questions which I happily answered (super questions, Deb!), and wrote a beautiful blog about ‘Thimbles’. I’m continually amazing at how the words affect each reader in special ways. Deb’s attention to detail and depth of reading is a gift!

To read Deb’s interview, please CLICK HERE! Do subscribe to her blog for more incredible blogs with writers. Thank you, Deb!

Poem 116 – The Alliance of Broken Parts & Moose Magic

The Alliance of Broken Parts

some of the broken parts
formed an alliance in an
effort to cause an action

this action was rooted in
a need for connection that
typically hides in a forest of loss

so I climbed up on the
alliance of broken parts
& looked into the forest

I felt a deeper loss &
when I saw the devastation
I realized I was the forest

vast sections of me gone
trunks felled & wound-heavy
I started to cry

the broken parts quaked
beneath me & sent me
toppling into the dirt

it smelled like cautious hope
like realization & worms wriggling
I made a mud angel

the alliance of broken parts
understood their cause
for action was overgrown

by the necessary process
of falling into loss & the
miracle of decomposition

fallen trees allow more light
to reach the forest floor
I decided against heart rot

& thanked the broken parts
for their courage to remind me
that pain is a nutrient

Congratulations, Tracey!

Artist, poet, leader, entrepreneur and now *published author* Tracey Rogers has just announced the pre-sale of her book Motorcycles, Moose & Magic: The Ride to Self Love! I had the distinct honour of working with Tracey on this love-centred, manifesto for self-love, and I’m wildly excited that it’s something that everyone can now hold in their hands and hearts!

To find out more about Motorcycles, Moose & Magic: The Ride to Self Love, and to buy yourself a copy, please CLICK HERE!

Tracey is super active on Facebook, so do check out her page (Tracey Rogers) and scroll through to read and listen to her story as the process of writing her book unfolded. It’s a fascinating and inspiring journey! Congratulations, Tracey! YOU DID IT!

BOOK LAUNCH THIS THURSDAY!

Holy virtual book launch, Batman! We’re down to days before the big one! If you haven’t yet, please remember to register for the Zoom link! You have to do this bit first so you’ll be sent the ‘join the meeting’ link on the 29th!

Here are the details:

You are invited to a Zoom webinar. 

When: Apr 29, 2021 07:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) 

Topic: Thimbles Hometown Launch
Register in advance for this webinar:https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2tEPlPPzSx-j9YbJUwJOFA

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

THANK YOU!