Celebrating National Poetry Month #15; A Rose by Any Other Name

A Rose by Any Other Name

Will Sound As Sweet

Elizabeth Harkness, Lady Hillingdon,

Queen Elizabeth, Betty Prior.

Grandpa Dickson, Royal William,

Don Juan, Whisky Mac.

Livin’ Easy, Nearly Wild,

Double Delight, Carefree Beauty.

Unforgettable, Honey Perfume,

Fragrant Delight, Golden Showers.

Timeless, Angel Face,Peppermint Twist,

America, Olympiad, Brigadoon, Chicago Peace, Fourth of July.

Rio Samba, Moon Shadow, and Peace were the first to be found,

With Piccadilly and Climbing Cecile Brunner to complete the sound.

By Inland Empire Girl

Celebrating National Poetry Month #14: The First Chapter

The First Chapter

to my sister

Silver Valley Girl

Reflecting on the beginnings of

her historical fiction,

her hands fluttered in excitement as

she shared her revisions.

She is surrounded by

The women writers at The Swallow’s Nest,

Her mind journeyed back as Mother Earth,

embracing the Cataldo Mission.

Through her prose she introduced

the Coeur d’Alene Indian, the

Italian immigrant, and the

girl named Elizabeth.

Gentle suggestions, questions for clarification

and praise spilled out over coffee and warm cake.

“Who is telling this story?

What about the point of view?”

Her thoughts drifted far away to a place long ago.

“Oh… the view… when standing atop the hill by the Mission it is breathtaking,”

she replied

as she closed her journal and smiled.

by Inland Empire Girl, 2006

WASL, Wild Weather, and Watercolor

creations after watercolor class

This week I am spending time each day proctoring the Washington State Assessment of Learning. As students completed tests each day we planned some alternate activities to give them a break before afternoon classes.
A community worker organized a game of dodge ball that the students loved... they used marshmellows instead of balls. Fortunately she had clean ones they could eat when the game was over.

I had groups of students do watercolor in my classroom. I realized how much I missed "the old days" when I taught art each week to my elementary students. After a few quick lessons on technique I just let them be creative.
As we finished yesterday a huge hailstorm interrupted our art lesson. What is it about hail that makes students want to run outside and catch the stones on their tongues?
Students loved experimenting with watercolor washes, creating their names or other creations like the ones at the top. I can't wait to see what we can add to the collection tomorrow!

Celebrating National Poetry Month #13: Where Our Hearts Find Peace

Where Our Hearts Find Peace

to JEJ

Through the greenhouse

During early spring,

Near the vegetable garden

Toward hot, dry summer,

Inside the gazebo

Throughout the unfolding of fall,

Beside the driveway,

Within the cold, bleak winter.

Past the blooming America roses,

In front of the scarlet geraniums,

Between the blossoms in the cutting garden

Despite the dogs and cats.

Among the budding of the Livin’ Easy,

Near the lavender and sedum,

Within the Lucy Garden

Except in the cold of winter.

In front of the climbing roses,

Between the vibrant colors from the hanging blossoms,

Along the path of fragrant alyssum,

Before the frost beckons fall.

Outside we built this quiet retreat

Near a place of natural beauty,

By glorious sunrise and fading sunset

Since our hearts have now found peace.

by inland empire girl, february,2006