Florence Ethel Conolly Dreyer
from John Conolly's Album
Click the arrow to hear me read this poem to you.
Students - Happy New Year! I am excited to begin this new year by looking back in time as well as forward. Recently my mother gave me a scrapbook made by her grandfather, and the pictures feel like magic to me. Simply by turning the pages, I am in a new place, meeting new people who are very much part of me.
To begin this new year, I am working on my family tree, asking lots of questions about the people who came before, trying to let these questions lead to answers about me and our family and children. Why are we like we are? Who do we come from?
My grandmother Florence (I never knew she was called Dorrie) loved the color purple and loved writing poetry. In this poem, I imagine what she might say to me. Of course I never knew her at this young age, so it is very mysterious and wonderful to have silent conversations wtih her in this way today.
Do you have any old photographs or objects from long ago in your home or in a relative's home? If you do, you might find these are full of stories and questions and writing food.
And now, for a new project...
Betsy is hosting today's Poetry Friday New Year party at I Think in Poems. Give yourself a little trip to Michigan by visiting her place, and while you're there, find out what's happening on this first Poetry Friday of 2014.To begin this new year, I am working on my family tree, asking lots of questions about the people who came before, trying to let these questions lead to answers about me and our family and children. Why are we like we are? Who do we come from?
My grandmother Florence (I never knew she was called Dorrie) loved the color purple and loved writing poetry. In this poem, I imagine what she might say to me. Of course I never knew her at this young age, so it is very mysterious and wonderful to have silent conversations wtih her in this way today.
Do you have any old photographs or objects from long ago in your home or in a relative's home? If you do, you might find these are full of stories and questions and writing food.
And now, for a new project...
Button Joy
Photo by Amy LV
Here in 2014, I am beginning a button string, much like the charm strings of Victorian times. I will collect stories (when possible) along with humble buttons. I do not plan to buy buttons for this string, but rather hope to trade and/or receive buttons from friends and family. If you would like to share a button (and a story if you have one), I would be most grateful. If you wish, you can mail a button (and maybe story) to me at 7571 Raiber Road Holland, NY 14080. I am not exactly sure what else will come of this button string, but from the stories I have already heard, I cannot wait to find out!
In happy news to start the year, I am grateful to announce that FOREST HAS A SONG has been selected as a 2013 CYBILS finalist. I am among wonderful company and tickled to see my book sitting among ones I so admire.
It is great to be back. Happy New Year to all!
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