Winter Projects
Photo by Amy LV
Students - Today's poem is a celebration of simple mittens. I love mittens, I love yarn, and I love the short 'i' sound. And so today's small temple of words comes together around these three loves.
Sometimes in life, one goes through times of despair and worry, grumpiness and uncertainty. I've been feeling these things lately, and so this week I decided to turn my attention toward humble objects that bring me and the world small measures of joy and beauty. You can see yesterday's notebook words around this idea here --
December 1, 2016 Notebook Snip
Photo by Amy LV
I do spend bits of winter days knitting cozy projects, and today the words and wool come together as one.
Any one of us can choose to turn our attention to the humble nouns around us. Check your closet and pockets. What do you see, feel drawn to, love? Try choosing something that does not require batteries or electricity. Go as simple as you can. Appreciate small things. And write about them.
Hand-stitched Notebooks by Stitch Buffalo Refugee Artisans
Photo by Amy LV
In case you missed it last month, just like last year, The Poem Farm will be giving a Christmas gift of free shipping for anyone who would like to order two or more hand-stitched notebooks or bird ornaments. These are beautiful pieces made by refugee artisan women in Buffalo, NY through Stitch Buffalo. They do not ship, but only sell locally, so this is a special opportunity. You can read my post and learn more information HERE.
To read last year's Stitch Buffalo post and poem, visit HERE. I am so happy and thankful to share that in two weeks, The Poem Farm readers have purchased over $1600 of birds and notebooks, most all of which will go directly to the individual artisans who made each item. Thank you!
Over at Sharing Our Notebooks, you can find the winner to my latest book giveaway. And I am currently seeking a new writer over there, so if you are a young student notebook keeper, please let your teacher know if you would be interested in sharing your notebook pages. Together with your parents and teacher, I would love to celebrate your notebook!
Bridget is hosting today's Poetry Friday fiesta over at wee words for wee ones. Join her, and all of us, in finding goodness in poetry and life all week long. Everyone is always invited to Poetry Friday!
Please share a comment below if you wish.
Thank you for the suggestion to focus on simple objects, Amy. I'm feeling overwhelmed a lot these days, so I will give it a try. Your mitten poem is an excellent example. I also love "Xenophobia," which is especially fitting right now.
ReplyDelete"These little houses on my hands" - brilliant! I will never look at a pair of mittens the same way again, Amy. If only I had the occasion to wear a pair...for a day or two. ;o)
ReplyDeleteLove that you've focused on colorful, cozy mittens! And I especially love, "Mittens are warm woolly homes."
ReplyDeletewarm, wooly homes indeed. Wonderful beat and smart story for young ones.
ReplyDeleteI don't knit, but I crochet, and this wet cold weather is just right for sitting with some yarn. I am also looking for those little things to take my focus away from the news media. I've turned off the TV and looking at the eager faces of my students. They are the ones I am here for.
ReplyDelete"Go as simple as you can. Appreciate small things. And write about them."
ReplyDeleteAMEN, sister!
I just read your Xenophobia poem - powerful and relevant. You are truly gifted! Thank you for sharing your gift.
ReplyDeleteAnn Premo
I guess all of us love those "little houses" Amy. I think I'm going to settle in and start wrapping. That's my creative treat today! Thanks for sharing a "post" hug.
ReplyDeleteI love everything about this post, Amy. "Appreciate small things" is such wise advice in these tumultuous times. I'm off to knit a hat for my brand new grand-niece, and I'll be thinking of you and this poem!
ReplyDeleteI love mittens anew after reading your poem. I got my Stitcheries and they are gorgeous! Love them. My kids and hubby admired them, too, and they've each identified a favorite. Thanks for organizing this, Amy.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a world wrapped in white this Christmas! :)
ReplyDeleteI love the mitten poem and would love to include it (with your permission) with my mittens when I give them to special friends.
ReplyDelete