Energetic Enthusiasm

It was a get-up-and-go trip, full of energy and enthusiasm despite the addition of a stabilizing boot and a walker. My destination was the 2025 NCTE Convention in Denver, and I was ready to learn, listen, meet up with literary friends, and make new friends.

I was fortunate to have a helpful poet friend, Heidi Mordhorst, who flew with me after our delicious breakfast at the Capital One Lounge at Dulles Airport.  As we entered the hotel area, we saw a 40-foot-tall sculpture of a blue bear looking into the Denver Convention Center. The creator, Lawrence Argent, designed this iconic treasure to "inject a welcome sense of fun and playfulness into the convention center experience." 

After settling in at the hotel, I carefully walked across the street to register for the convention. While resting and reading about the many fascinating presentations, another poetry friend, Margaret Simon, walked by. The last time I saw her was at the 2019 Conference, so there was much happiness shared. Off we went to the Elementary Session, where Mary Lee Hahn, third poet friend, was waiting with Heidi. There were so many more literacy friends that I was happy to see. 

Day two started with a morning breakfast with Two Writing Teachers' friends that I have also not see since the 2019 convention. Melanie Meehan, co-author of Two Writing Teachers organized the event that had us all chatting with one another before the General Assembly. 

After a long day of listening and learning, Irene Latham and Matt  Forrest Esenwine invited friends to the Poetry Peeps gathering that was a wonderful way to end a long day filled with energy and enthusiasm.

Saturday was the day for my team's presentation. I was honored to present with my distinguished colleagues, Matt Forrest Essenwine, Georgia Heard, and Allan Wolf on the topic, Free Your Students (And Yourself) With Free Verse. 

The last day of the convention, I packed my bag with wonderful, new children books for my little grandgirls, listened to more presentations, and flew home. I was tired but happy that I was able to navigate the convention center with my stabilizing boot and my walker. 

It is always a great experience to attend a NCTE Conference where I listen to engaging presentations, learn new ideas and techniques, meet up with literary friends, and make new ones. 

INVITATION

Would You Like to Play with Free Verse

Using a Well-known Poem, Stopping By Woods On a Snowy Evening?

Matt Forrest Esenwine originated the idea of taking Frost's poem and writing our own poem in free verse. You can read Matt's, Georgia's, and Allan's well-written poems at here at Matt's blog.. My poem below is in draft form because I wanted to show how ideas flow when in the writing zone. I mentioned in my part of the presentation that I would like to revise and refine my poem but that will be for another blog. If you are interested in playing along with us, send me your poem and I will showcase it in a future blog post.  

  

Hosted by the artistic Michelle Kogan

who sends us a calming, peaceful blog post

after more horrible news has been reported this week.

Peace to All during the Holiday Season!