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.
