On wrapping up.

Miracle Maddie

Maddie Girl successfully completed her three-week therapy intensive! We are SO proud of our little graduate. Now she’s resting and enjoying being home. We’re so thankful for how far she’s come! I made this video of her journey so far; please watch and enjoy.

A video to show Maddie’s progress from the pediatric intensive care unit to her successful completion of intensive therapy.

Ireland

To be honest, I haven’t done much since returning from my Spring Break trip. I was exhausted and caught up on sleep; I slept in much later than I usually do. My body must have needed it. I was able to get it together for my course’s tour of the Special Collections of UL’s Glucksman Library. It was a great tour and I got to walk and talk with Barbara afterwards. I am going to miss the friends I’ve made so much. If I think about saying goodbye for longer than 30 seconds, I start crying. My last workshop is on Friday and some classmates want to go for lunch afterwards. I’m going to be an absolute mess.

Writing

I finished reviewing the galley pages for Moody Blue, which means it’s moving closer to publication! I was talking with Melanie about planning a book launch party once I’m back home.

Please enjoy these poems in honor of National Poetry Month

14. Cold ass cheeks
It was January
in the middle of a polar vortex
and I didn’t give a second though
as I stood next to you
waiting for you
to finish your cigarette
happy just to be beside you

15. Green pennies
Green pennies were stuck
on the ledge of the balcony
of my bedroom
If not for the railing
I would have crashed
to the pavement below
trying to peel them free

16. I know why I’m a middle child
it’s because
I never say no
and
I’m an easy target
and
I love until I can’t breathe
and
even when I’m bleeding
Someone has to

17. A ransom note
If you ever want to see me again
then you’ll have to give me
strong coffee with flavored creamer
good books
powerful music
and some chocolate
Otherwise
I’ll get it myself

18. My favorite ghost story
is the one
where I haunt you
instead of the other way around
I’m sick of seeing you in places
you couldn’t possibly be
and losing my breath
at every silhouette
hoping and praying and fearing
it’s really you

19. Cherry chapstick
I bought him
cherry chapstick
infused with marijuana
ordered special from California
he put it through the washer
and asked me to order more
but I didn’t
carelessness should have consequences

20. Things I unexpectedly enjoyed
walking ten miles on an island
seeing a seal colony with only one seal
standing in the lashing rain, talking shit
having the kitchen be closed
and moving to another restaurant
with the greatest people I’ve ever met

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