My Poetry Workshop Adventure Part 2

Here I am, back in the real world after four amazing days at Highlights. There is so much I want to share, but I've been grading papers all evening, and it's nearly 11PM.  So for now, I’ll just say that it was every bit as magical as I hoped it would be.

Spending time with Rebecca Kai Dotlich and Georgia Heard was a dream come true. I was very nervous to meet them, but their warm, welcoming ways instantly helped me feel at ease. They are kind and generous teachers who filled us with inspiration and encouragement. We laughed, we sang, we read, we wrote, and we deeply listened to each other. Each poem, each critique, each person mattered. We were all there to celebrate poetry!  I’ve been to many workshops, but this was by far the best one.  “The Heart and Craft of Poetry” was a life-changing experience for me because for the first time in my life I felt like I found people who spoke my language and shared my heart.

                                                        our group photo

                                             

I was happy to finally meet some of my Poetry Friday buddies.  They are an incredible bunch, and it felt like we were all old friends.

                                      The Poetry Friday gang with Rebecca and Georgia.

The folks at Highlights took excellent care of us, and made us feel at home with delicious food and cozy accommodations.

                                                

                                                   my home for four fabulous days

I wrote in my notebook each night before bed so I wouldn’t forget a single moment.  I sure hope I get to attend another Highlights workshop. If you have the opportunity to attend one, I know you will love it!

                                                            our poet-tree

My friend, Catherine is hosting today's Poetry Friday at Reading to the Core. 

My Poetry Workshop Adventure Part 1

I only have time for a quick post because I'm busy packing for my trip to the Highlights Foundation.  The workshop I’m attending is The Heart and Craft of Poetry.  Just the title alone makes me swoon with anticipation!  

A poetry dream team of Rebecca Kai Dotlich, Georgia Heard, Rebecca Davis, and a special Skype visit by our beloved, Mr. Lee Bennett Hopkins will immerse us in poetry from Sunday-Thursday.  I’ve wanted to do this for sooooo long; I plan to soak up every single word! I can’t wait to learn from these poetry heroes who I’ve admired forever!

                                                 my home for a few days

I’m also looking forward to meeting some of my Poetry Friday buddies including: Heidi Bee Roemer, Charles Waters, Buffy Silverman, RobinHood Black, Linda Baie. I apologize for not remembering everyone who told me they would be there, but I look forward to meeting every one them!  I’m thrilled (and a little nervous) to be in the company of so many brilliant poets! I just know I’m going to learn a lot from them too.

For the past two weeks, I’ve been pondering what to bring with me. We were sent a list:

·         3 poems to polish (not sure which ones I’ll take just yet)

·         a notebook (I’m bringing several, you know, for all that soaking!)

·         one book of children’s poetry (That’s a tough one. I have so many favorites. I’ll bring several and decide later which one to share.)

·         one small object (Oh, I think I have that one covered.)

I’m also going to take my current WIP because the workshop location will provide the perfect inspiration!

One more thing I’m going to take with me is the advice of my very wise mentor, Laura Purdie Salas  and make a list of goals for the workshop. (Thanks, Laura!)  

This will likely be my one and only opportunity to attend a Highlights workshop so I want to make the most of it.  I’d love to hear your tips and/or advice for a successful workshop experience.  Being a newbie,  I’m open to suggestions! I've never done anything like this so I am beyond excited!   I'll tell you all about my adventure in a future blog post. Let’s just hope I don’t embarrass myself too much with all my swooning!

Be sure to stop by The Poem Farm where my talented friend, Amy has today's Poetry Friday roundup.