It is mid-January and I still feel the holiday spirit. It exists in my heart. As I "de-Christmas" my house, I muse on how putting away Christmas items is a labor of love. I appreciate each wonderful piece I've collected over the years. The beautiful poetry postcards and swap gifts that arrived from friends across the states not only are wrapped surprises offering delight and wonder but they are now part of my treasured poetry collection.
Today, I share the Holiday Poem Swap organized by Tabatha Yeats.
My swap partner is Gail Aldous.
Check out this gift, a bountiful mix of hibiscus herbal tea, colorful bookmarks, a journal with Gail's favorite quotes, fragrant oatmeal/honey soap, a card, and two poems both focusing on nature.
Seasons is a full collage, poster size focusing on each season and what it brings. Please see the poem that offers spring floating in, summer whispering, autumn painting, and winter waltzing.
Snowgirl Tanka allows me to visualize a peaceful winter day with snow. Isn't the bookmark adorable? I am grateful for Gail's creativity offering her poetic goodness.
A quote by Louie Schwartzberg that inspires me is, “Nature's beauty is a gift that cultivates appreciation and gratitude." The poems Gail wrote for me incorporate one of my loves, the seasons, a gift of nature. The collage poster Gail created shares the various seasons with their changing colors and landscapes. Below is another example of nature's beauty, a full moon.
Are you transfixed by the moon's luminescence? I love to stare into the night sky and feel its peaceful gift. Yesterday, Margaret Simon showcased a beautiful image of the moon photographed by Jone Rush MacCulloch. She asked observers to write a small poem of presence for This Photo wants to be a Poem challenge.
Full Wolf Moon
layered in velvet
night frames a glowing wolf moon
winter winds howl
heavenly art brushes sky
luminescent beauty reigns
©CVarsalona, 2023
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Look what came in the mail? Thank you, Bridget Magee for creating, editing, and publishing such a fabulous poetry anthology. I look forward to ready fellow poets' entries. My two truths and a fib poems are entitled Kindergarten.
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At the close of a long day, I abide by Gail's thoughts inside the journal. One of her inspirational quotes is "I inhale peace and exhale worry." Tonight, I am appreciative of the gifts bestowed on me. Tomorrow, I will continue "de-Christmasing" my house. I now join fellow writers at Chicken Spaghetti where Susan Thomsen is the host of Poetry Friday this week.
What bounty! I am in love with that bookmark in your swap package. And Jone's moon photo is breathtaking! So many congratulations, Carol, on your Kindergarten poems in Bridget's newest collection. YAY! xo
ReplyDeleteIrene, thank you for opening my day with your comment. The bookmarks are wonderful example of Gail's creativity. I will honor them in my new journal because Gail has different sections with special quotes just for me. Thank you for stopping by.
DeleteI am happy that you like the bookmarks and quotes in the journal.
DeleteThank you, Irene.
DeleteCongrats on publication in the anthology! That is so cool. Your poetry gifts are wonderful. And that moon! "Layered in velvet," indeed.
ReplyDeleteSusan, when I saw the moon this past week, I was in awe. I am glad that Jone and Margaret showcased that marvel. I am so thrilled to be in Bridget's anthology and now my little grandgirls each have a poem about their experiences in both of Bridget's books.
DeleteWow, a treasure of gifts to start the year makes January fun. I love the reminder of all the gifts each season brings. And, I loved that full wolf moon, still lingering out my window. Happy de-Christmasing, Carol!
ReplyDeleteYes, Linda, it is always a thrill to receive poetic gifts of the season when least expecting them. Now, I am receiving poetry postcards and need to send out mine. de-Christmasing mission is almost finished but then, I will have to organize the boxes in the garage.
DeleteCarol, you did receive a box of treasures. How wonderful, and a poem that speaks to your love of the seasons. Your moon tanka is such a good pair with Jone's photo. Love the word "velvet."
ReplyDeleteNot sure who anonymous is but thank you for stopping by. I do love the seasons and Gail's main poem is a treasure to keep. I was mesmerized by Jone's photo and combined that feeling of awe with what I saw here in Virginia. Thank you for your comment, I revised it so many times from the first thought, layered in velvet. As you see, I keep that line because it spoke to me.
DeleteThank you, Carol and Anonymous.
DeleteCarol, I always love reading your posts! Your poem is lovely - I especially like this line - Layered in velvet - I sew and can definitely see how you thought of that line from the photo. Gorgeous! "I inhale peace and exhale worry." is also a great quote you shared from Gail. I will think of that while I exercise. I need to shed worry - I've always been an anxious person and look for ways to be less so. You've just given me one! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteCarol, years ago I bought a small box with worry dolls (from Guatemala crafters). They are supposed to carry our worries for us.
DeleteWow! Jackpot! You are a lucky poetry swapper--a full treasure chest of items. Thank you for sharing the bounty with us. I'd love to play with all the pieces...and the poems are wonderful too.
ReplyDeletePoetry is such a gift, Linda. It awakens the senses and lights a day. I am blessed by these gifts.
DeleteThank you Carol and Linda.
DeleteSuch lovely gifts. The seasons poem reminds me of you and your celebrations of each season. Enjoy the bounteous gifts.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kay.
DeleteWhat beautiful gifts from Gail! Love all that seasonal language and imagery. And your wolf moon with howling winds--yes! Congrats on Two Truths and a Fib! Can't wait to read it.
ReplyDeleteLaura, thanks for stopping by. I am glad that you got to see what Gail shared with me-a true gift. I am happy to be one of Bridget's writers in her new book. My poems are about Kindergarten.
DeleteThank you, Laura and Carol.
DeleteYou got so many beautiful treasures. Happy New Year!
ReplyDelete...and treasures from the poetry postcard group keep coming. Have a great week, Marcie.
DeleteWhat a glorious gift of a post...about gifts!
ReplyDeleteSuch a showering of gifts from Gail -- what a joy to dance in all the words, Carol!
ReplyDeletePatricia, dance in the words - what a fabulous thought! Happy Sunday to you.
DeleteThank you, Patricia. I love "a joy to dance in all the words".
DeleteA treasure trove of wondrous things, Carol! Thank you for sharing all the goodness.
ReplyDeleteWe are lucky to have such wonderful poetic gift givers, Rose. I love our community of friends.
DeleteThank you, Rose and Carol.
DeleteWhat wonderful poetic gifts you received, Carol, and it's clear that you treasure them as they deserve. Thanks for gifting us all by sharing them here, and your lovely moon poem as well.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Molly.
DeleteCarol, thank you for the beautiful display of my Holiday Poetry Swap! I am happy that I made you happy and I appreciate your kind words. Jone's Full Wolf Moon photo is spectacular! I love how she captured the moon's glow illuminating the clouds and evening sky. Luckily, I did see Jone's photo on Margaret's blog, however, I didn't share my poem because I didn't finish it. I love Margaret's photo prompts; she always picks out remarkable images. I love your Full Wolf Moon poem with your beautiful imagery and personification. Would you allow me to include your poem in my mentor notebook? I will include your copyright and date that you posted it. Thank you for sharing the inspiring quote by Louie Schwartzberg. I will write it in my notebook of quotes. Congratulations on your Kindergarten poem in Bridget Magee's Two Truths and a Fib Poetry Anthology! I am going to buy a copy of the book; I am looking forward to reading all the poems. Thank you for sharing your inspirational post.
ReplyDeleteI love Gail's Snowgirl Tanka and how she uses point of view in her poem.
ReplyDeleteThank you, author amok.
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