Happy 2016!

Thanks to Mary Lee at A Year of Reading for hosting 

2016's first Poetry Friday Roundup! 

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2015 was an interesting year. I traveled to France and St. Lucia in the winter and spring, negotiated my first book contract over the summer, embarked upon an editing frenzy, ushered in my boys' teen years in October, and then learned that my publisher was closing in November. As the emotional dust settled following this news, I found myself in a strange place—no longer tied to deadlines and pre-publishing tasks, I suddenly had a lot more time on my hands. 

Because the holidays were imminent, this extra time turned out to be a huge blessing, and I enjoyed the most stress-free holiday season that I can remember, proving that—surprisingly—even this particular cloud had a silver lining. I’m not sure what 2016 will bring, but I am excited to see. This publishing journey is one filled with ups and downs, and MANY twists and turns (a lot like a great book, actually).

Because it is Poetry Friday, I'm sharing Robert Burns' Auld Lang Syne today. I hope you enjoy it!

Auld Lang Syne
by Robert Burns (1759-1796)

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

And never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

And auld lang syne.

For auld lang syne, my jo,

For auld lang syne,

We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,

For auld lang syne...

To read the rest of Auld Lang Syne (and a wonderful history) click here. 

Happy New Year! May your 2016 be a year filled with JOY. HEALTH, and FUN!

POETRY FRIDAY: “Snowball” by Shel Silverstein

Thanks to Buffy at Buffy's Blog for hosting Poetry Friday today!

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As I’ve mentioned before, Shel Silverstein is one of my all-time favorite poets. He had a knack for creating poetry that is smart, engaging, and entertaining—three of the “must haves” for kids’ poetry, in my opinion.

I love all of Silverstein’s poetry, but the poem I am sharing today is extra special because when I taught third grade, one of my students wrote it out on a piece of paper and gave it to me. He loved it and he knew that I would, too. This touched me so much that I’ve held onto it for 15 years. When I came across it a few weeks ago, I knew I needed to share it for a winter Poetry Friday post. I hope it makes you smile today!

Snowball
by Shel Silverstein (1930-1999)

I made myself a snow ball as perfect as could be.
I thought I'd keep it as a pet and let it sleep with me.
I made it some pajamas and a pillow for it's head.
Then, last night it ran away.
But first -- it wet the bed.

Thanks, Alex, wherever you are!☺ Have a wonderful weekend, everyone, and Happy Writing!