This month, our intrepid Poet Laura visits chickens on a chilly day, bearing delicious grapes and heartfelt sonnets.
The Reindeer Chronicles Book Club: That Which Has Been Damaged Can Be Healed
In the first installment of our Reindeer Chronicles, we explore the amazing regeneration of China’s Loess Plateau after centuries of degradation.
Poets and Poems: James Matthew Wilson and “The Strangeness of the Good”
“The Strangeness of the Good” by James Matthew Wilson celebrates the things in life that endure and that we share in our common humanity.
Fiction Prompt: Chapter 6, The Hank Aaron Party
Our fiction prompt series continues with a party filled with romance and heartache. Join author Callie Feyen for chapter 5 of her YA story.
Fiction Prompt: Chapter 5, Hank Aaron, Sugar Cookies, and Romance
Our fiction prompt series continues with sugar cookies honoring Hank Aaron, sort of. Join author Callie Feyen for chapter 5 of her YA story.
By Heart ‘As I Walked Out One Evening’ + New Lucille Clifton Challenge
The river that is our country runs on, despite crooked hearts. Read W.H. Auden’s “As I Walked Out One Evening” beside your favorite river.
To Kill a Mockingbird’s Boo Radley: A Poetic Secret Message
Imagine the secrets of Boo Radley, get creative & put your imagination into a poem. Read a To Kill a Mockingbird poem by Tania Runyan first, to get started!
Poets and Poems: Laura Reece Hogan and “Litany of Flights”
“Litany of Flights” by Laura Reece Hogan leaves us with a sense of wonder, the same wonder we feel when we see mountains for the first time.
Poetry Prompt: Poems of Experience
“The Hobbit” is more than a book for children. Callie Feyen considers how to learn from Bilbo and write poems of experience.
How Blogging Works for Writers: Think Seasons
Author Megan Willome shares how blogging works, through seasons, and why she is currently letting the space lie fallow.
Poetry Club Tea Date ✨ Kissed
Get your favorite steep (or brew) & join us in writing a poem based on a line from “Kissed” by David Malone: “You held my name in your coat.”
Generosity with Self: When You’re In The Wrong Story
Callie Feyen reflects on Henry VI and encourages Winchester to be generous enough with himself to leave when he’s in the wrong story.
A Book of Poetry by Edna St. Vincent Millay Finds Its Way Home
A 1927 book of poetry by Edna St. Vincent Millay finds its way home to the family of the original owner.
The Generativity of Wild Things: On Rethinking Our Relationship With Money
Have you ever thought—really thought—about how money works? The wild things have something to teach us. And it starts with sugar.
Children’s Book Club: ‘Katy and the Big Snow’
Read “Katie and the Big Snow” by Virginia Lee Burton, a story of a snow plow named Katie that makes life a little easier during a crisis.
Great Gatsby Fashion: Jay Gatsby Goes to Goodwill
Learn a little about Great Gatsby fashion, then get creative and put your learning into a poem. Read a Gatsby poem by Tania Runyan first, to get started!
Poets and Poems: Troy Cady and “Featherdusting the Moon”
The 100 poems of “Featherdusting the Moon” by Troy Cady exhibit a sense of play, accompanied by a sense of wisdom and humility.
Poetry Prompt: ‘Twelfth Night’ and the Fool
What do you do when reading (or living) a difficult story? Callie Feyen suggests you consider poetry and Shakespeare’s Fool from ‘Twelfth Night.’
Book Club Announcement: The Reindeer Chronicles
We start our 2021 book club season with a title to help us work with the language of crisis and stories of possibility in the Reindeer Chronicles by Judith D. Schwartz.
Reading Generously: ‘How We Fight for Our Lives’ by Saeed Jones
This month our book review column becomes Reading Generously. We begin with Saeed Jones’ open-handed memoir.