Confession Tuesday

It’s December 1, the first Tuesday of the month. I know you have a lot to confess. Share with us—you’ll be glad you did. Don’t forget to say hi to the folks doing time in The Confessional.


After a very emotional Thanksgiving week, I am happy to move back toward normalcy. The kids and I have our routine, and being away reminded me how much I like our life together. Nothing fancy, but it works for us.

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“Nothing Fancy” is the title of the first poem in Underlife, which should be available by the end of next week! Will post an update when I confirm a ship date. Feel like I’ve been pregnant for two years but only dilated about a centimeter.

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Just mailed out an application to read at a very large poetry festival (you know which one). Hope I’m not too late in submitting my request. I held off on submitting because I think I got nervous about the whole thing. I tend to procrastinate on the important stuff as a way of handling fear. Oh well, the app is out so keep your fingers crossed.

Now I can turn my attention to completing my Mass Cultural Council’s Artist Fellowship application. I’m hoping the fourth time is the charm.

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Isn’t it amazing how writing can open you up to putting your hopes and fears in context? That’s what the PAD Challenge did for me. It allowed me to put my fears on paper and ask myself, “What’s the worst that could happen?” For me, the worst is that I write bad poems. More specifically, that I write the same bad poem over and over again. Well, I think I wrote variations on related themes, and that’s OK. Whether they’re good or bad, that remains to be seen.

Giving myself permission to write anything, without boundaries or restrictions, is a gift in itself.

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Last night, I had the kids make up stories while I typed the words. Future writers in the making—very fun. Alex made up a story about his Bakugan characters, while Ella’s story was titled “Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head.” I designed the covers while the kids drew the artwork.

I think Ella thinks of me as Mrs. Potato Head.

Comments

Maya Ganesan said…
Congrats on Underlife! It must feel so great, after waiting two years. :)

Your kids are adorable. For some reason, the title "Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head" made me laugh so much. You're very lucky to have them in your life.
Thinking Aloud said…
Yes, congrats!
I read an excerpt of your writing on Susan's blog and I want to read more!

Love the idea of transcribing as they tell you their stories. I did it as an Elementary teacher, but I will now do it as a mom.Besides, my seven year old has been dying to have a blog of her own. this should be fun.
Jessie Carty said…
My confession?
I had the best of plans to really get into working out and eating right with a new month but I'm already slipping...*sigh*

I love Potato Head toys :)
Ana said…
I started writing poetry not too long ago, and you've been an inspiration to me! Keep up the fabulous work :)
Anonymous said…
excited for the big launch!...its gonna hit the town like a firestorm...i know it!

eds
January said…
Thanks EDS. One word: legs!
January said…
Thanks all. Thanks Anna and Olive Tree for stopping by.
Writer Bug said…
I hope you post the kid's stories!!

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