Dec 24, 2014

Merry Everything!

This holiday season has passed in the blink of an eye, and once again I am wondering where the time went. Every year I decide that “next year” I’ll cultivate a slower holiday tempo, but then December rushes in and takes over (again). It’s been a fun month, though!

Yesterday, while taking a much-needed break to refocus on writing-related endeavors, I came across this post by fellow writer and blogger Tabatha Yeatts. I recognized a kindred spirit in Tabatha and especially love the poem that she shared, which I am "resharing" below. Thanks so much, Tabatha, for introducing me to this lovely, soothing poem! 
Reflections on a Scottish Christmas
by Johnny Cunningham

 
The dark of winter wraps around us tight.
The lamps are fired, and flickering light
beats time to the fiddle as notes float softly down, like the years' first snow.
While outside the window a blast of late December wind
whistles harmony to the drone of the pipes.
We push the old year back against the wall
so we can dance a jig for Christmas and welcome in the new.
 
 So on this Christmas Eve, I wish you all a little more “Silent Night” and a little less “Fa la la la la.” Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Joyous Kwanzaa, or whatever else you and your loved ones may be celebrating this week! And Happy Writing!

Dec 12, 2014

POETRY FRIDAY: Celebrating Emily Dickinson

Thanks to Paul at these 4 corners for hosting Poetry Friday this week!

* * * * *
Several weeks ago, I read a wonderful blog post by Jama at Jama's Alphabet Soup about great gift ideas for poetry lovers. I found much that I coveted, but one item in particular caught my eye—a pendant necklace with the first stanza of one of my favorite poems inscribed upon it—so I ordered it as a gift for myself. (Which is not something I do very often, by the way.☺)

Here is a picture of the necklace, and below is the poem inscribed upon it, written by Emily Dickinson, who was born on December 10, 1830.
You can order this necklace here.
“Hope” is the Thing with Feathers
by Emily Dickinson (1830-1886)
“Hope” is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul
And sings the tune without the words
And never stops at all,
And sweetest in the gale is heard;
And sore must be the storm
That could abash the little bird
That kept so many warm.
I've heard it in the chillest land
And on the strangest sea;
Yet, never, in extremity,
It asked a crumb of me.
Emily Dickinson is one of my favorite poets of all time, and I’ve loved this poem from the very first time I read it, which was sometime in high school if I remember correctly. “Hope” is so important in our lives as writers, teachers, parents, etc., and the words of Dickinson’s poem remind us to hold on to hope despite the obstacles that arise so often in our paths.
In this crazy, busy, fun, hectic holiday season, HOPE is a necessity and a gift. Have a wonderful weekend, and Happy Friday!