Kelly Bennett's Blog, page 69

7-Minute Poetry Challenge #13--Smell That Smell . . .

P. U. what stinks?  Which sense is most important?My Internet research session determined, that the sense of smell wins hands-down . . .                      Or, should we say noses-pinched . . .   Why? Smell lingers longer in our minds, and is more closely linked to memory than our other senses.   "Smell is the sense most linked to our emotional recollection." 

It follows that tapping into our sense of smell would inspire a more visceral response to our poetry, and this give it more impact...

7-Minute Poetry Challenge #12-I Like . . . I Love . . .

Brown paper packages tied . . .

I like it! I love it! I want some more of it!

That song by Tim McGraw popped into my head when I read this week's poetry challenge. (I hope that's what you're thinking too, if you clicked over for this week' challenge!) And then, after reading the challenge, Julie Andrews, the Von Trapp kids and a thunder storm chimed in--image the cacophony!

Whiskers on . . . 

If you're just joining us, welcome! (And if Tim McGraw's song's not your speed, dial up some Sound...

7-Minute Poetry Challenge #11: Don't Be A Turkey!

Thanksgiving is here...or nearly here Gobble Gobble! 

The way I learned it, this "Harvest Festival" has been celebrated in the U.S. since the Pilgrims survived that harsh winter of 1621 (with the help of friendly Wampanoag folk),  and nationally on and off since 1789 when our 1st Pres, George requested a Congressional Proclamation. And, beginning in 1863 when our 16th Pres. Abe declared the last Thursday in November a national day of "Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwell...

7-Minute Poetry Challenge #10-And To Think That I Saw It . . .

Recently, in light of our collective efforts to be more culturally sensitive, this book (which was brought to mind by the title of this prompt) is being banned because a mural in the Dr. Suess Museum depicted a scene from this book has been deemed racist. The mural, or that section of the mural, is being replaced. I am not sure where this leaves this first book by the beloved Dr. Seuss. To read or not to read it, is a question for you to decide. To ban it is shut the door on an important con...

7-Minute Stretch #9 Poetry Challenge-Yoo Hoo! Santa!

Time’s flying—soon Santa will be too!  Naughty or nice, sweet or spice, nobody wants to get left off his list. Officially, the second week in November is “Dear Santa Letter” week. Take a moment to update your wish list, then grab a pen and let ‘er rip: Poetry Challenge #9Dear Santa Baby . . . 

Write a letter to Santa. If you’ve been “nice” tell Santa why you deserve to be treated especially nice this holiday season. If you’ve been “naughty”… well, you’ve got some explaining to do.

For extra cr...

7-Minute Stretch #8 Poetry Challenge-HI-YAH! Haiku?

Confession Time: Somedays--many days--I am not in "the mood" to be poetic. Today's prompt is exactly perfect for one of those days. (Can't take credit for it, this was Cindy's idea. Here goes: 

Poetry Challenge #8

How Many Haiku?

Haiku is a traditional form of Japanese poetry made up of 3 lines with 5/7/5 syllables on each line. Traditional haiku has something to do with nature, but you can write them about anything.

A poet friend of mine mentioned the fact that the first three lines of the song...

7-Minute Stretch #7 Poetry Challenge-Mixing It Up

In a recent “Chat” to her band of merry (and sometimes not) writers—of which I’m happy to be included— Book Doctor, Robyn Conley , wrote suggesting how, especially in difficult times, we could and should encourage kindness.

To that end, she asked us to share stories of times when we entered a situation or encountered a person with one belief and came away with another.  Has that ever happened to you? It has me. 

Diversity: “The condition of having or being composed of differing elements :varie...

7-Minute Stretch #6 Poetry Challenge-Occasionally, I Want To Talk About...

If you, like me, get songs stuck in your brain, please forgive me in advance. The moment I read this prompt a Toby Keith song popped into my head, the one about the guy who really likes to hear every-single-teeny-itsy-detail of his gal's life, but Occasionally...  So, here's your chance:

Poetry Challenge #6* I'm The One Who . . .  Write a list poem. What is it you do? What makes you you?Set the timer for 7 minutes    Start writing!Don’t think about it too much; just do it.If the prompt moves yo...

7-Minute Stretch #5 Poetry Challenge: What's that Noise?

If your tots haven't read this book, they are missing out--and so are you! Buy It!

A poll of incredibly interested 2,3 & 4 year-olds revealed noteworthy data: Their favorite part of my picture book, Not Norman, A Goldfish Story , was:Not our spunky main character,Not the brilliant story,Not the delightful pictures,Not . . .  Norman???

It was the dark page toward the end of the story when our tad-bit-scared boy says, "What's that noise?"

Prompted by certain sounds, our minds take us places--inte...

7-Minute Stretch #4 Poetry Challenge-Counting by Words

Channeling the Von Trapp Family Singers today, sort of: Let's start at the very beginning. .. not with ABC or with Do-Re-Me, but with 1-2-3!Poetry Challenge #4* Counting by Words Today's prompt was created for the math side of your brain, because it's a counting poem. Line 1 can have only 1 word. Line 2 can have 2 words. Line 3 can have 3 words, and so on. Keep going in that pattern up to line 10. Extra credit if you can work back down from 10.If you’re stuck for a topic, write about something...