Surprise #PopUpPoetry moment…Struck up a conversation with a guy at a coffeeshop. Turns out he’s a writer too. He jokingly tossed out, “So you’d write about a polar bear on a pogo stick if I asked you to?” I laughed with him. But he wasn’t expecting me to actually deliver. Should’ve seen his face. So great chatting with you, Erick. Best of luck in your ventures! #ladyofmyword #neverbackdown#youvebeenwarned
Long time no see! I forgot how much I missed doing my daily haikus…such good calligraphy practice and good mental discipline. Here’s a little inspiration and encouragement for all you writers and non-writers alike! Have a lovely weekend!
Forgot about this dark lil’ number I wrote a few months ago. (A poem request by a follower on how darkness reveals.)
Last night I mustered up my beginner’s courage to host my first ever #PopUpPoetry night via Instagram. “Pop Up Poetry” is essentially “busking.” A busker is someone who entertains in a public place for donations. The idea is that I would set up a desk with my typewriter in any location I please (hence “pop up”) and will accept poetry requests from passerby, typea poem on the spot, read it aloud and hand it to them (for a hopeful donation, because, let’s be honest, we writers are poor). I have been toying with the idea for months, desiring to practice this winter and be ready to hit the streets LIVE come spring. So, with some wonderful encouragement from my friend and colleague, Eddie Cabbage, I set out to conquer the online poetry busking challenge. Starting at 6:00pmPST/9:00pmEST last night, I opened up the gates to accept original poem requests. As this was my first time doing “live requests” from the public, I selected, typed, and posted as many poem requests as I was able (I received over 50, wow!). I was able to create eight original pieces in a matter of a few hours, which wasn’t bad considering I’m fighting off the flu right now. I was overwhelmed and flattered by everyone’s responses; so many followers, friends, and strangers joined in to make the “event” such a fun interactive experience for everyone, which is EXACTLY what I was hoping for. Prompts and requests poured in and were rather eclectic, which made choosing just a handful really hard! Overall it was such a positive and fun experience, and I truly hope everyone else enjoyed it as much as I did. Thank you to everyone who participated–this is always about YOU! Without you none of this awesomeness comes to life! All poems typed last night will be listed on my Etsy for purchase. I have included all the poems below, as well as some “practice” poems that Eddie threw my way in order to warm up my fingers, my creative juices, and to rev Ulrich’s mechanical engines (Ulrich is my WWII Hermes “Baby” Rocket typewriter on which I typed all these pieces). Thanks again and enjoy! —>>>
ANNOUNCEMENT! Tonight. 6:00PST/9:00EST. Let’s get it on. That’s right…I’ll be hosting my first (online) #PopUpPoetry event on my Instagram account! This is not a contest. This is where all you lovely people get to toss out any subject to me (via the comment section) and I will type up an original custom poem for you on the spot. All poems will be listed for sale on my Etsy shop. I’m not looking for follows or an ego boost; I’m simply needing some legit practice time because I plan to go out on the streets and do Pop Up Poetry LIVE…
Grueling yet incredible practice round with @eddiecabbage @poetryondemand as I prep for my first #PopUpPoetry #PUP night THIS FRIDAY 11/28 (6 PST/9 EST)!!! I am so excited to have y’all participate and I encourage you to get some juicy and original topics thought up for me to tackle! (Check my previous post announcing PUP for more details. All poetry will be for sale via my Etsy Shop.) See you for Food Coma Friday and Happy Thanksgiving!
*Text of the poem typed below the image for ease of reading.* On finding my voice. It’s not easy making my voice heard as a woman writer. It’s just the cold, hard truth. Which means I just push myself harder to be the best at my craft. No excuses. I play Words like I play Sports; no pain, no gain, and never ever leave your heart on the bench. I encourage you all to be secure in your identity, whether you’re a writer or not, and to chase after your calling, your passions and dreams, without ever holding back. Who are you? What makes you *you*? And what mark do you wish to leave upon the world? Ignore expectations and stereotypes; dig deep and ask yourself the tough questions. It’s enlightening and liberating to take the time to sit and write your own self-declaration of who you are. What will YOUR legacy be?
