I finished recording my audio books! Thank you to producer extraordinaire, John, for your patience and efforts! My first book, The Liminal Space, is making its way into the marketplace. See below for links to some of the retailers. I will keep you updated on new links in future blog posts and on social media. If you find my poems relaxing to read, you will want to check this out. I’ve been told I have a soothing voice and sometimes folks get more out of the poems when they are read out loud.
Last weekend, I attended a Guitar Party with my fellow guitar students hosted by our esteemed teacher Helen Avakian and her partner Dave Irwin. They live in beautiful house in Mineral Point, WI. We had a wonderful time playing, singing and watching our group perform. There was a wide variety of ages and types of music represented. It’s so wonderful to be in a place that has such positive energy and people that love to share it. Playing and singing music has always been a passion of mine and I’m incredibly grateful that I am able to share it with others. I sang and played “Leaving on a Jet Plane” by John Denver. I used to sing it as a lullaby for my kids when they were babies. John Denver is a favorite in our family. One thing I wanted to do when I first got a guitar in 2000 was to play and sing at campfire sing-a-longs. There wasn’t a campfire, but everyone sang along and it was magical. Special thanks to Jenny for letting me sing as she soulfully played guitar on “Angel from Montgomery.”
Check out Helen and Dave on Facebook. Every Thursday at 7 p.m. CST they have a Facebook live with their group called The Red Door Duo. It’s always a treat to see the amazing guitar playing and singing talents of Helen and Dave.
On Monday, I moderated a book club at the Sun Prairie Public Library for my second book of poems, The End of the Beginning.
Hosted by Sarah, we had a wonderful hour together talking about my poems and sharing stories that will forever connect us. Thanks to Cindy, Annie, Diane and Rex for coming out and making it such a special night for me. It’s incredibly validating for me when I hear people reading my poetry and it resonating with their own experiences.
Last but not least, I wanted to acknowledge that it’s National Mental Health Month. I have certainly had ups and downs in my life and have had to find different ways of coping and healing. If you are struggling, please reach out and give someone a chance to help you find your way. I hope that my poems and stories help people feel seen and understood, especially when they need it most. Each of you are precious and meant to be in this world.
From The Liminal Space
THAT WAS YEARS AGO
After I got married, just before I was pregnant
I bought a mahogany guitar.
I’ll play it on trail rides...
Hold sing-a-longs...
Belt out solos that’ll make them
take off their cowboy hats...
I took weekly lessons in the back corner of a music store
from a man with long hair,
and lips that knew how to work a harmonica.
We decided on a song for a recital,
“You’ve Got a Friend” by Carole King.
Our duet drew cheers from parents my age.
We celebrated after with cookies and juice.
My husband had been shining for deer
the night before with the video camera.
My debut is forever captured in night-vision.
Let’s chat soon.
With affection,
Carrie VS