Springsations Creations

While Spring had fluctuating temperatures, winds, and rains, National Poetry Month, continued to blossom. During Poetry Month, poetry flowed abundantly at each of the Poetry Friday blogs. When visiting a Poetry Friday Roundup blog, you enter a domain of poetic goodness, a place that holds the breathings of hearts, wonders, joys, and possibly pain. Creative play is encountered, as well as voice.

Now please step into the Creativity Zone where poets write, dreamers dream, and artistic expressions mature from a seed of an idea to an image poem. Discover Springsations, writers' emotional response to what is seen, heard, felt, smelled, and touched during this season of renewal and joy.

Since Poem in Your Pocket Day 2023 occurred yesterday when I started writing this blog post, tuck the above poem in your pocket to inspire your writing.

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Have you seen the vivid new additions to Springsations  Gallery Padlet?

The deadline for submitting an image poem has been extended to May 5th.

Thank you to Poetry Friday poets, Jone Rush MacCulloch, Linda Baie, Bridget Magee, Irene Latham, and Rose Cappelli, for adorning the walls of Springsations Gallery Padlet. Share a poem or carry one of the poems you find on my padlet.

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Please join the Poetry Friday Roundup this week where you will find many poetic voices illustrating their latest National Poetry Month projects. Ruth Hersey, teacher-poet working in Uganda, is our host this week. She asks that we pull up a chair to enjoy the variety of poetic goodness. Please click here.

Poetic Voices Rise During National Poetry Month

It's April, National Poetry Month, a sensational time of the year for writers, poets, and individuals who love poetry. Part of a quote from a historian, poet, and writer, Aberjhani, resonates with me as I continue writing almost daily since February.

"Individuals oftern turn to poetry, not only to glean strength and perspective from the words of others, but to give birth to their own poetic voices..."

My Poetic Voice Fills with Stories

Look, I found another egg!

A smiling little princess

dressed in Easter finery beams with pride.

Her basket brims with colorful treasures

hidden by a watchful Easter bunny.

Springtime wonders truly exist.

©CV, 2023

moon strolls through sky

mingling with starfriends -

pause for a light kiss

©CV, 2023

(The above poem was based on Laura Purdie Salas' NPM project's pile of words.)

Voices of Friends Fill the Spingsations Gallery, Vol. 2 at My Padlet

On Tuesday, I shared four poems by fellow writers, Jane Heitman Healy, Denise Krebs, Matt Forrest Esenwine, and Bob Hamera, a.k.a. arjeha. Click here to view my Tuesday Slice of Life with their image poems for Springsations Gallery.

This week, I am delighted to showcase a new set of image poems for Springsations Gallery shared by: 

an Anonymous writer, Janet Scully, and Carol Labuzetta

Elizabeth Neubauer, Leigh Anne Eck, Faige Meller 

and

If you are interested in creating an image poem please see the invitation here. It is due by April 30th.

The above quote by Rainier Maria Rilke is at Good Housekeeping Spring Quotes.

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Today's Poetry Friday can be found on Karen Edmisten's blog. She offers an inspirational quote by Ted Kooser that is a fitting opening to her post and a close to mine.

"A poem is a record of a discovery."

The above PF logo was created by Margaret Simon.

echoes of spring

Let yourself become living poetry!

-Rumi

Yesterday, spring was in its glory. Warmth swaddled earth. Birds chirped their song of praise and the woods showcased its bent-over limbs. While walking I noticed little wishweeds anchoring the path, waiting for gentle hands to send their white, feathery tufts parachuting into the calmness of afternoon. 

be silent.

listen to the sounds of earth

whispering grasses call

rippling creek burbles

be present in its movement

springsations echo

©CV, 2023, haibun

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May you find peace in your spring days!

I invite you to add your poetic thoughts to the online Springsations Gallery. Vol. 2.

You can see some of the artistic expressions in the gallery by clicking here.

The sample below shares two slicers' image poems, Denise Krebs and arjeha.

I join Two Writing Teachers for the Tuesday Slice of Life.

2023 Kidlit Progressive Poem Day 17

Welcome to the Kidlit Progressive Poem that was originally created by Irene Latham and is now organized by Margaret Simon. I have participated in this collaborative poem since 2016. 

This year Mary Lee Hahn kicked off the Progressive Poem with a request to "Write me a story that ends with sudden clarity." Now, mid-story, I  received the poem that adds a twist to the story from Linda Baie. I debated throughout the day on how I should continue the poem and finally decided on adding a bit of whimsy with a touch of reality.

Suddenly everything fell into place

like raindrops hitting soil and sinking in.

When morning first poked me, I'd wished it away

my mind in the mist, muddled, confused.

Was this a dream or reality, rousing my response?

The sun surged, urging me to join in its rising,

Rising like a crystal ball reflecting on morning dew.

I jumped out of bed, ready to explore the day.

My feet pull me outside and into the garden

Where lilies and bees weave...but wait! What's that?

A bevy of bunnies jart and dart and play in the clover. 

A dog barks and flash, the bunderstorm is over.

I breathe-brave, quiet. Like a seed,

as the day, foretold in my dream, ventured upon me. 

Sunbeams guided me to the gate overgrown with wisteria

where I spotted the note tied to the gate. (Linda Baie's line)

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My Line:

As I reached the gnarled gate, pollen floated like fairy dust into my face. Aaah Choo!

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I pass the poem to Marcie Atkins. Will she reveal the note or not?

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NPM 2023 Progressive Poem Calendar

April 1 Mary Lee Hahn, Another Year of Reading

April 2 Heidi Mordhorst, My Juicy Little Universe

April 3 Tabatha, The Opposite of Indifference

April 4 Buffy Silverman

April 5 Rose Cappelli, Imagine the Possibilities

April 6 Donna Smith, Mainely Write

April 7 Margaret Simon, Reflections on the Teche

April 8 Leigh Anne, A Day in the Life

April 9 Linda Mitchell, A Word Edgewise

April 10 Denise Krebs, Dare to Care

April 11 Emma Roller, Penguins and Poems

April 12 Dave Roller, Leap Of Dave 

April 13 Irene Latham Live You Poem 

April 14 Janice Scully, Salt City Verse

April 15 Jone Rush MacCulloch

April 16 Linda Baie TeacherDance

April 17 Carol Varsalona, Beyond LiteracyLink

April 18 Marcie Flinchum Atkins

April 19 Carol Labuzzetta at The Apples in My Orchard 

April 20 Cathy Hutter, Poeturescapes

April 21 Sarah Grace Tuttle at Sarah Grace Tuttle’s Blog, 

April 22 Marilyn Garcia

April 23 Catherine at Reading to the Core

April 24 Janet Fagal, hosted by Tabatha, The Opposite of Indifference

April 25 Ruth, There is no Such Thing as a God-Forsaken Town

April 26 Patricia J. Franz, Reverie

April 27 Theresa Gaughan, Theresa's Teaching Tidbits

April 28 Karin Fisher-Golton, Still in Awe Blog

April 29 Karen Eastlund, Karen’s Got a Blog

April 30 Michelle Kogan Illustration, Painting, and Writing

Reflecting on Springtime Joy

Spring adds new life and new joy to all that is.

-Jessica Harrelson

This year springtime brings fluctuating weather patterns and the burst of blooms earlier than expected. Tree-lined roads share their blossomed branches with passersby. Birds chirp, tweet, and spread their birdsong every morning.  Spring welcomes warmth, color, and the renewal of life.  

I cordially invite you to add your digital inspiration to

Springsations Gallery of Artistic Expressions.

The invitation with all information needed can be found HERE.

The deadline to offer original artistic expressions is April 30, 2023, the end of National Poetry Month.

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I extend a thank you to Bob Hamera and Matt F. Esenwine for contributing their original image poems to my Springsations Gallery of Artistic Expressions Padlet. Their digital artistic expressions will become part of the Springsations Gallery.

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 I also extend a thank you to Marcie Flinchum Atkins and Irene Latham for sending me a postcard for National Poetry Month.

Sent by Irene Latham with illustration by Melanie Mikecz

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Now it's time to stroll over to Jone MacCulloch's blog who is this week's Poetry Friday host. I am eager to visit her National Poetry Month project, Classic Found Poetry Palooza. There are interesting poems created from different classics.

Notes:

Please consider offering a poetic/digital artistic expression for Springsations Gallery. 

Please stop by my blog on April 17, 2023, Day 17 of this year's Progressive Poem will be at my blog.  I am looking forward to reading the line Linda Baie will add to the poem that she will pass on to me.

Invitation to Springsations Gallery Vol. 2

In 2017, I was impassioned to write about the beauty of springtime when buds first sprout. I look back on a digital gallery of artistic expressions, Springsations, and remember strong sensations and gratefulness for springtime. Seven springs later, I once again feel the need to rediscover inner stirrings and welcome this season of renewal and hope. What better time to be grateful for Mother Earth than in April during  National Poetry Month! 

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Each year, Spring arrives of its own accord, renewing the world as it bursts forth with color and joy. 

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO

Join my Springsations Gallery of Artistic Expressions Vol. 2. 

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You may be familiar with my Galleries of Artistic Expressions as a contributor and/or reader. They are museum-like showcases that blend poetry and art with technology to virtually present the wonders of nature in a poetic manner. Past galleries are filled with a multitude of strong voices writing with positivity.

Haiku #1 celebrates my one word "be", mindfulness, and self-care.

 

Haiku #2 centers on spring as a season of joy and renewal.

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If interested, how do I participate?

Prepare:

• Be in the moment. Find your creative spark.
• Decide what your focus is based on the gallery title, Springsations.

Creativity Zone Activity: 

• Choose your medium: photography, collage, digital art, drawing, poster, inspirational quote, song, poem, short video, etc.
• If you are creating an image poem, superimpose your poem on the artwork, You can use free versions of Canva, Fotojet, Buncee, or PicMonkey for this process.
• Sign your work.
• Post your digital expression in a jpeg or png format (450-700 pixels is a good font range).
• Add your work to the padlet I created at: 
• springsations-gallery-of-artistic-expressions-vol-2-for-npm--kf5c2nia2mez8d1n

Student Participation:

• Student voice would be an excellent addition to the gallery besides teacher, author, friend, and family voices.
• Please make sure that a student offering or class offerings have the student(s) name(s) included.

Communication:

• I will add information regarding the gallery via social media this month. 
• After you post your gallery offering on Springsations Gallery of Artistic Expressions Vol. 2 for NPM 2023 Padlet, I will send out a notice on social media.

Submission Deadline: April 30, 2023

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Springtime is an inspiring time to energize your writing spirit as

optimistic troubadours of life.

(Image Poem blending digital art with poetry)

I hope you will consider this invitation to contribute one offering. I thank you in advance, for your interest in Springsation Gallery Vol. 2. 

Carol  Varsalona

March Slices Create a Found Poem

Writing is a practice of the heart on a journey of self-discovery.

As William Wordsworth noted,

“Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart.” 

During this month of March, I have written alongside the Two Writing Teachers community of reflective writers, read a variety of slices of life, and responded to many slicers. I visited with friends from the past and chatted with new slicers during the 16th  Annual March SOLSC! #SOL23 Writing Challenge. 

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Indexing the SOLSC23! Journey

I have a quirky habit:

Very late night writing

While enjoying springtime

But I do ❤ slicing an idea like

Grandpa's birthday,

• Shangri-La: a state of mind, and
• March winds
• Going rogue
• Into the spring fog.
• You may ask, What's in vogue?
• A museum of happiness,
• Hetk, a moment in time  or
• Perhaps, a springtime pile of good things
• Where everybody counts.

Pack your bags and go

• To a slicer meet-up or
• Slicer party #SOL23.

Packing dilemma? Maybe, but

• Here are good thoughts for a wonderful Saturday.
• March slices create a found poem, and
• Pennsylvania welcomes tourists.

There are words to fall back on, such as

Internet bloops are annoying and

What Slicers Know!

While reading, enjoy a sweet treat

At It's Another Cookie Day slice.

Stay tuned=>

Beautiful change is coming

with springtime weather

and another National Poetry Month project.

©CVarsalona, 2023

• 
  
  The above index poem catalogs my past month of almost daily slices for the Two Writing Teachers 2023 Annual March Slice of Life Story Challenge. You can read any of the above titles in italics March slices found at my website, Beyond LiteracyLink.
• What's Up Next?
• Since writing is a journey of the mind and heart, I will continue to write poetry throughout April, National Poetry Month. Each creation will focus on capturing the "humanity of the moment" as stated by photographer Robert Frank. My one word for 2023 is "BE" so join me in a poetic endeavor that combines poetry and photography.
• • Two Writing Teachers Day 31 
  • 16th Annual #SOLSC! #SOL23

  • 

Slicer Meet Up

The power of a Zoom meet-up is the conversation, exchange of information, and comfort of talking from home. 

Late yesterday afternoon, I read that Two Writing Teachers offered teacher workshops on Zoom. I missed the afternoon class but signed up with the thought that the windstorm would cease and my husband and son would be able to chase down the cushion to my patio chase lounge before the meet-up began. So at 8:00 pm, I turned on Zoom but the strangest thing happened. I could hear Tammy Evans and Erica J. speaking to each other but the video kept going on and off.  I tried the restart and the update buttons but that did not resurrect the video. After about 5 minutes of trying to Zoom with the slicers, I finally accomplished the task and had a wonderful hour of constant talk. It was like being with friends I have not seen in a very long time. 

It was great chatting about new formats we found at other slicers' blogs, how we get our ideas, and slicer blogs that we enjoy reading. I started to use the "Currently" format then changed my mind. I decided to use a simple poetic format, the hay(na)ku, that I shared at my recent professional development keynote address on Zoom for RSCS- Reading Specialist Council in Suffolk County, Long Island.

A new format for writing challenges: the hay(na)ku

-PD slide I provided for classroom or personal use-

Other samples for student use during  

SOLSC for students and National Poetry Month:

writing

small poems

celebrate students' thoughts

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poetry

lifts spirits

beyond printed pages

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celebrate

slicer stories

gifts to friends

Hay(an)kus written by ©CVarsalona, 2023

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 It's time to join Two Writing Teachers Slice of Life Story Challenge - Day 15.