“The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quite alone with the heavens, nature, and God." - Anne Frank
As the pandemic continues on Long Island and the weather turns to rain and cloudiness, the human spirit longs for connections. During these types of days, I, like others, need to take a walk, smell the fresh air, and be comforted by nature. When this is impossible, I turn to writing, my #quarentainment that lets creativity bubble inside so voice flys.
Highlights of my week of reflecting and writing during National Poetry Month:
Look Into the Future is a video poem I created using Lumen 5. It holds my thoughts about what the future might be. This video poem is constructed with the first stanza of my Skinny poem series offered to Michelle H. Barnes for Today's Little Ditty April challenge.
While reading Fran Haley's blog post with Ode to the Wind, I was inspired by her words to create a Golden Shovel poem based on her quote. "The universe is a writer." From that, I designed my second video poem. You can access it here.
Following my evolving thoughts on the future, I designed an image poem for my #NatureNurtures2020 Gallery using a nature photo taken by an amazing photographer in South Africa, #chazchaz. I thank Al Dhalla, a Twitter colleague, who sent this photo.
In trying times like these facing humanity, nature is a healer. Stepping outside is a break from indoor quarantine life that allows me to find comfort, reflect on the here and now, and future. Hopefully, lessons learned during the pandemic will initiate a new call to action for mankind, increased problem-solving, and creative, innovative solutions to global issues facing humanity. For me, I will continue to write poems of hope to stir minds and hearts.
In trying times like these facing humanity, nature is a healer. Stepping outside is a break from indoor quarantine life that allows me to find comfort, reflect on the here and now, and future. Hopefully, lessons learned during the pandemic will initiate a new call to action for mankind, increased problem-solving, and creative, innovative solutions to global issues facing humanity. For me, I will continue to write poems of hope to stir minds and hearts.
I am still collecting image poems, nature photographs,
and any other form of artistic expression for #NatureNurtures2020 Gallery.
Quick Challenge:
This inspirational photo by #chazchaz is waiting for poems of hope and haikus for healing to be written. Compose one for the gallery so we can extend poetry writing into May. Ask your students to create as well. Send all offerings to me via a comment below, on Twitter or Facebook.
I'm joining the Poetry Friday community this week at Elizabeth Steinglass's blog site for the Poetry Friday Roundup. Liz is sharing the new videos she was asked to create. Take a stroll over to her blog to hear her reading from her amazing children's book, Soccerverse, and to pick up some creative ideas for #remotelearning.
Thanks Carol, you are so creative!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your visit here, LIz. Thank you for the comment.
DeleteYes, every bit from nature is nourishing, Carol. I love all that you've shared & are sharing. Wishing you a sunny day, too!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Linda. Today is a glorious spring day here. My neighbor is having a pizza party on the lawn with her children. Another neighbor is gardening. The best surprise of the day was passing by a blooming tree with the most fragrant smell. That is something to be grateful for beside responses to my blog.
DeleteWow--so many beautiful poems and images, Carol. Very inspiring!
ReplyDeleteYour ability to curate so much beauty, hope, and inspiration is astounding, Carol. You’re so right: nature is a healer. The best. I will see what I can do for that gorgeous image by #chazchaz - it is stunning by itself!
ReplyDeleteCarol, I love all of these, especially "The Universe is a Writer." Wow!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your refreshing, nature-filled post Carol, the birds and their songs are especially important to me during these times. I can't take in enough of them when I'm on a walk or in my garden.
ReplyDeleteI hear no birds calling this afternoon on my walk, Michelle, but I do smell the tree that is blossoming and am awed by the flowers blooming.
Delete"nature is a healer" -- AGREE!!
ReplyDeleteI know that this is true, Mary Lee. I hope your weekend weather allows you to take in the sights and sounds of spring.
DeleteGood to know you're finding solace and inspiration in nature. Thanks for sharing your work this week!
ReplyDeleteI always love the richness of your posts, Carol. It's like a deep, relaxing breath. Thank you.
ReplyDelete...and I need a deep breath myself now. It is difficult being confine during the quarantine, Sally. I finally got to visit our beautiful ocean, breathe in for a few moments (with my mask on) and later write my latest blog.
DeleteBoth of your poem videos are lovely, Carol! You are, by far, the most knowledgeable and practiced person I know when it comes to digital tools.
ReplyDeleteMichelle, I do love playing in my digital playground. Thanks for recognizing this.
DeleteWhat Michelle Barnes said - you are so endlessly creative!
ReplyDeleteTara, thank you. I have to tell you about a homily I heard that reminded me of you as a shepardess. "My sheep know me and they know me." I wanted to tell you right away because the homily was so inspirational. I can imagine how gentle and loving you are with your sheep. Stay safe on your farm.
DeleteYour post is so nourishing with its creativity and reflections on nature. I hope you and your family are staying well. Like you, I am grateful to be able to get out and find some peace in nature.
ReplyDeleteKay, today is a dark day but I am hoping to find some solace in a walk if the rain does not come soon. Thanks for joining me here. See you at PF today.
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