Thanks, Ruth, for Celebration Saturdays. Check HERE for the links.
Don't forget to tweet at #CelebrateLu
On Oct. 1st, the nominations for Cybils awards opened. You have until Oct. 15th to nominate a favorite book in several categories from YA to easy readers, poetry to apps! Go here if you want to know more.
It was a spectacular week at my writing retreat that I was anticipating last Saturday. I've wondered how to share, what to share, and while I will celebrate poems that I wrote and poems I hope to write, I think I want to celebrate people today. This applies to those we live and/or work and play with, those we meet who are new, old acquaintances, too.
I want to celebrate how kind people can be, how honest and open, sharing pieces of themselves, if--a big IF--we are also kind and willing to listen. This workshop, while in the best of circumstances like beautiful surroundings, cozy places everywhere, and delicious food, we also nourished each other by listening, and by sharing. I met and worked with eight wonderful people this past week. We all do that, at work, in church, in other organizations, exercising, having coffee at Starbucks. And I'm hoping in all those interactions that we are kind, and willing to listen.
On a lighter note, FYI - I was awakened the last morning very early by a text from the airline saying my flight has been canceled (home via Chicago). I got on the phone, called Expedia (my favorite planner), and they found another flight for me! I'll celebrate that I didn't worry, just got started and was fortunate to find a flight. The bonus was that I had a long layover in Detroit, a great airport, and sat with a couple on the flight home who were just returning from Europe. We had a lovely time visiting.
Here's a photo of my morning greeting out my cabin's front door, and the poem I wrote to remember it.
Waking up early
mist-curtained trees
and muffled bird songs
shivered me back to the cabin
to wait for the sun
Linda
Baie ©All Rights Reserved
Love your poem! Love this escape. Love honesty.
ReplyDeleteThanks, for every point!
DeleteLove hearing about your special writing week. THe poem is lovely, especially paired with the image.
ReplyDeleteThanks Margaret. That was the only morning like that-glad I caught the picture!
DeleteYour images, words and poems always seem to touch my heart. Somehow, this morning, the combination of the curtain veiled fog and the willingness of ALL of us to listen, really listen, to others as they speak is a poignant reminder that our messages are lost - in the fog so to speak - unless we really listen carefully with our hearts and with our minds....
ReplyDeleteWell, as you can see, I agree, Anita. I keep thinking of the line, "attention must be paid". It was for some other idea, I think, but fits here too. Thanks.
DeleteWe, humans, are wired to be rather self-centered. The more people get past this and choose to be kind and genuinely interested in others the better place the world becomes. Seeing what is going around in the world one may get discouraged. We may not be able to save the world but we can make sure we spread kindness. - Your writing made me think on Saturday. I am happy your retreat went well.
ReplyDeleteThanks Terje, & I hear you about being discouraged. I feel I need to keep up with the news, but most times it isn't easy to hear about. I do what I can!
DeleteOh Linda, ever since you mentioned this retreat I've been wondering about it. I love the picture you snapped. I can hear the silence and peace! The poem fits it perfectly. I live about four hours away from that retreat location. I feel like I MUST get there soon. Thank you for sharing and I can't wait to hear more!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Michelle, I told those who are our hosts that a friend will be coming sometime. I hope you find a way to go. It is a magical place!
DeleteYour retreat sounds wonderful....what an amazing thing to do for yourself. What I really liked about your piece today was celebration of people. I've been working hard recently at finding the good in people--adults really (I don't have trouble finding the good in kids) and your post is a good reminder to me today.
ReplyDeleteHope you will be sharing more of your poetry!
Thank you, Deb. I do find it more difficult with some adults, perhaps they aren't as willing to open up as the kids are? But this experience did help me to know that everyone has a story, and if we can only find it, the relationship blossoms.
DeleteLoved this, Linda: "we also nourished each other by listening, and by sharing. " That's the essence of community, isn't it. Sounds like a glorious retreat!
ReplyDeleteYep, it is for sure, Tara. It's what made this group for only 3 days, a group! Thanks-hope it's a fun reunion for you today!
DeleteLove the poem and the pic, especially your words "shivered me back to the cabin!" I'm taking a big leap to join a memoir writing group this month.
ReplyDeleteHurrah for you. It's been great to have a group, Ramona. Thanks for the words!
DeleteI loved reading about this retreat Linda and what a moody picture! Sounds just perfect and full of inspiration.
ReplyDeleteYes, it was a wonderful time, Carrie. Thank you!
DeleteYour retreat sounds wonderful. The line "mist-curtained trees" is a perfect description! Lovely words - as always!
ReplyDeleteThank you, it was a good, good time!
DeleteYour poem nourishes my soul. The image and the sound of the words just wrap around my heart and make me smile. IF is a very good word to live.
ReplyDeleteThanks, dear friend. Your words send me a hug too. You can see I agree about the 'if'! Happy Sunday!
DeleteI wrote two of my books in hockey rinks while my sons practiced or warmed up for their hockey games. I have often wondered what words could emerge should I submerge myself for a while in a cabin such as the one you have retreated in. If your poem is any reflection of what surroundings can do for a writer - I hope to find a cabin one day soon. Thank you for your wonderful post, Linda.
ReplyDeleteHockey rinks can surround us with inspiration, too, Catherine. All that motivation in young athletes! I hope you find a cabin some day, just right for you. Thank you.
DeleteOoh, what a wonderful photo and poem! Your retreat sounded wonderful, and I love that you took advantage of a layover to make new friends. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Holly, it was a good trip all the way through.
DeleteI love that poem! Thank you for sharing it. I also appreciate the reminder to celebrate the people that are around us. ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you Crystal, a smile for everyone usually helps a lot.
DeleteCaptivating photo.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the poem!
Thanks, Loralee!
DeleteKind people are so nourishing, aren't they? Lovely photo, Linda -- worthy of a poem!
ReplyDeleteThanks Tabatha-yes they are!
Delete