A writer has to be a good listener. Some might call us great eavesdroppers too. There’s a practice I learned from the Unitarian Universalists called ‘deep listening’. I sat in a small circle of people and when someone talked, everyone else listened and no one responded. Words floated in the room, living and breathing without input or […]
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Summer 2020
It’s actually hard to believe the longest day of the year has passed. In my house, summer looks a lot like spring did, minus homeschool.
Gardening was a huge stress relief during the beginning months of the pandemic. My new favorite toy is a tiller. The soil here is red clay and it is no easy feat digging into the ground. I’m slowly tearing apart half our lawn and making plant beds inspired by birds and pollinators. That’s my big plan for the summer and fall.
I’m also making a big push to get my manuscript finished. Which is similar to tilling red clay and planting seeds. I look forward to this time next year, when I can see the rewards of this summer’s efforts.
On BornWilder
BornWilder is not simply the name of a website. It was chosen in homage to my struggle in establishing identity during my late twenties. Woman, (single) mother, and writer. Often times the most significant decisions we make are ones that go unnoticed by others. Read the story here.
Coronavirus Daily Poems
I wrote a daily poem from March 22, 2020 – April 30, 2020. From when my family and I began to stay at home through the end of Governor Roy Cooper’s first executive Stay at Home order. I was writing and sharing my way through the early stages of the pandemic. If you’re looking for a little poetic respite—no matter why you might need it—visit my Coronavirus Daily page. Thank you, stay safe, and be well.
Publishing News
I am THRILLED to announce that my first full-length poetry collection, Anything That Happens, will be published by Press 53 in March 2021!
I have worked toward this moment for many years. The oldest poem in the collection was written in 2005, but the work really started back in 1995. Some things take time, and the journey has been worth it.
I couldn't be happier to publish this particular collection with Press 53 out of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. I look forward to telling you more about the kindness and generosity of publisher Kevin Watson; and of Tom Lombardo, the thoughtful and skilled editor who helped me to the finish line. Originally, we hoped to publish Fall 2020. With the uncertainty surrounding Covid-19, we decided to wait until (fingers crossed) we can celebrate the book in a public venue, with people!
You will definitely be hearing more about the book and the publication process. The main story in the collection is one I don't talk about. It barely appears in my published writing, and has only done so over the past couple years. This book is a big door I'm throwing wide open. I'm ready to walk through. I look forward to sharing this next leg of the journey with you.
Happy sigh.
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On Focus
We’re in the 9th week of pandemic homeschool. When it comes to my six-year-old boys, focus is a daily struggle. And I get it. They don’t understand that Monday thru Friday the living room transforms into a classroom. When they see the couch, they do what they normally do: jump, climb, and wrestle. That I […]
On Lyric Poetry
My school-aged children attended their last day at school on March 13, 2020. The following week I transitioned my house and work-life to include homeschool. On Sunday morning I woke up early, before everyone else in the house, and cried. A good, deep cry as I sat at my new “teacher’s desk.” Then I wrote […]
