Poetry Month, Music & Events

April is National Poetry Month, so I always make sure to put some fun poetry-related events on my calendar during that time. I’ve been fortunate to have been a part of the Jacksonville (FL) Poetry Festival hosted by Hope at Hand and this year I taught a Free Verse Poetry class. People from all over the world joined me and were brave and vulnerable enough to share their freshly written poetry with me and the others on the video call.

I was fortunate enough to hold three additional Free Verse Workshops. One was at the library in the town I grew up in, Cedarburg, Wisconsin. My parents, dear friend Kelly, were in attendance along with members of a journaling group. The second workshop was in my current hometown of Waterloo, Wisconsin at the Karl Junginger Library. Some friends and acquaintances released some thoughts and memories into the universe by putting pen to paper.

The last workshop was with my friend Adie’s 5^th grade gifted students. It’s hard to put into words how amazing Adie is as a teacher. She has received many accolades publicly and privately over the years. This year she was given an Impact Award at the high school by one of her previous students. As a friend, as a teacher, she is everything you could ask for. All of her students shared at least one poem they wrote. The excitement from this group is what I love about being around students that are discovering poetry and truly embracing the art and alchemy of it. Days later I received a book of poems complete with pictures! They also sent thank you notes that remain on my desk. Some of them wrote poems telling me how inspired they were and how much they appreciate me. One even said he might be a poet because of me! I’m not sure there is higher praise that I can be given as a poet.

In early May I also had the honor of hanging out at Ink & Ivy Bookstore in Madison will fellow poet Andrea Potos. It’s an absolutely adorable bookstore and I’m grateful for the chance to read my poetry, especially with another artist. I hope that we can do more engagements together in the future.

A sincere and heart-felt thank you to all of the people responsible for hosting the events and especially those that attended and became engaged and vulnerable enough to share their words. At times I was speechless at how quickly they formed images and then edited them in the same hour. Beautiful people and beautiful poetry.

Musically, I have been busy as well! I attended a Spring Guitar Party (aka a recital) at my teacher Helen’s house. Sixteen artists played guitar and/or sang songs that they had prepared in the last few months. I had a great time playing and singing a duet with my friend Jenny on an original song along with a cover of a song on my own. One thing I love about this event is the diversity of people and songs. Helen is a gifted teacher and her spirit brings together a wonderful group to play music. You can check out her and her partner Dave’s work HERE. I’ve also been doing a lot of songwriting and have another date to meet with rock star mentor Melissa Kieler. Stay tuned for exciting things ahead!

I did travel to Colorado in May and had a great time connecting with family and new friends. It’s a lovely place and I’m blessed to have time off to visit.

Much to my surprise, besides crafting songs, I’ve been writing a bit of poetry. I didn’t know if I had another book of poetry in me, but it seems I might. My first priority is completing the book for widows and that is firmly underway.

I hope your Summer gets off to a wonderful start and you have plans to enjoy the weather. We’re finally getting some decent weather in Wisconsin and flowers are blooming, which helps lift my spirits.

Let’s chat soon.

With affection,

Carrie VS