Fictional characters Mildred and Cindy (from the novel Mildred’s Garden) continue their bed and breakfast tour, visiting the charming Beekeeper Inn, in the Swiss-American community of Helvetia, West Virginia.
Poets and Poems: Peter A and “Art of Insomnia”
The poems of “Art of Insomnia” by Peter A tell the story of a profound grief, a loss so devastating that the poet questions his existence.
50 States of Generosity: Illinois
We continue our 50 States of Generosity series with a focus on Illinois and its state fossil, the mysterious Tully monster.
The Brass Pineapple Inn, West Virginia
Visit the charming (and real) Brass Pineapple Inn through the eyes of fictional characters Mildred and Cindy (from the novel Mildred’s Garden)!
Poets and Poems: Andrew Benson Brown and “Legends of Liberty”
“Legends of Liberty” by Andrew Benson Brown is part epic, mock-epic, historical fact and invention, and all sheer fun.
Poetry Prompt: Poems on the Writing Life
Poems on the Writing Life start with life—whether real or imagined. Take a walk with author Callie Feyen and find your “writing life” poems!
Children’s Book Club: ‘Llama Llama Misses Mama’
Let’s get all up in our feelings with Llama LLama, off to school without his mama. Join us for an Anna Dewdney Children’s Book Club.
Poet Laura: Replenishing the Imagination
Writers need to fill the imagination tank now and then. Our Poet Laura takes us for a long drive to find a feast for the eyes.
‘Spoon River America’: Jason Stacy on the Myth of the Small Town
“Spoon River America” by Jason Stacy explains how the myth of the small Midwestern town supplanted the myth of the New England village.
Poetry Prompt: You Can’t Say ‘I Love You’ In Algebra
Join author Callie Feyen for a poetry prompt as she considers the many ways (some mathematical) to say, “I love you.”
Reading Generously: Sacred Reading with ‘Jane Eyre’
Some books bear up under rereading generously, like Charlote Brontë’s “Jane Eyre.” Especially with sacred reading.
Poets and Poems: Thomas Colquith and ‘Let Our Memories Escape’
“Let Our Memories Escape” by poet Thomas Colquith demonstrates that time is the theme running through all aspects of our lives.
Poetry Prompt: Letters of Three
Join author Callie Feyen for a poetry prompt as she thinks about an idea for teaching, but chooses instead to pick hydrangeas.
By Heart: ‘What Men Die For Lack Of’ + New Christina Rossetti Challenge
You’d be surprised by what men die for lack of. So, we’re going on a poem hunt to make things better. Plus, we’re learning an Abigail Carroll poem about poetry By Heart.
Reading Shakespeare: King Lear & the Mystery of Things
Callie Feyen’s year-long “reading Shakespeare” experience takes her to King Lear, and the moment of crossing the place where mystery and empathy intersect.
Poets and Poems: Iain Thomas and ‘The Truth of You’
“The Truth of You,” a new poetry collection by writer and poet Iain Thomas, is an affirmation of both love and life.
New Release!—Announcing Mildred’s Garden
A love story on multiple levels, Mildred’s Garden stirs our hearts with the hope that beauty, love, and “beginning again” can bring to any life when challenges arise.
50 States of Generosity: Oklahoma!
We continue our 50 States of Generosity project with a focus on Oklahoma — land of milk and cookies. And First Americans.
Poems to Listen By: Moonstruck 03—A Pause in the Sky
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
Reading the 1913 Edition of ‘Cassell’s Illustrated Shakespeare’
To read “Cassell’s Illustrated Shakespeare” is to rediscover the great playwright and step into a time when families read Shakespeare.