Week of Poetry

I’ve started a crazy week of poetry and before I get too involved and the week is gone, I wanted to share all the wonderful poetry projects I have lined up this week. Although I normally try to post on Thursday, I don’t want another week to slip through my hands without posting something here.

First up this week, I have two poetry workshops back to back. This is part of the poetry program for the elderly I’ve talked about called Cracking Poetry Wide Open.

The first workshop was this morning, and every time we have these workshops I absolutely love them. We had a great group this morning with six residents joining us. They are so funny, genuine, and at times a bit ornery. The next workshop is tomorrow at a retirement home with our largest group of participants.

Then Thursday, I’m hosting a free literary arts open mic (which isn’t completely poetry but will have its fair share) as part of the Wyoming Arts Summit  Artwalk at the Paramount Cafe and Ballroom. This is an event in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and I wish you all could be there and in case you’re in the area sign up starts at 5 p.m. and readings begin at 5:30 p.m. All genres welcome.

I can’t wait to see who attends. We have great talent in the area and the Wyoming Arts Summit is bringing artists and educators from throughout Wyoming so I am so excited to enjoy an evening of wonderful readings. Also, I happen to know who will be three of the performers for the night. Wyoming Poet Laureate Gene Gagliano will be reading some of his work. He’s a retired elementary teacher and along with poetry, writes middle-grade fiction and young adult novels. Jason Stenar Clark is a poet who received his MFA in creative writing from the University of Wyoming. And Australian performing artist Paul Taylor who performs nationally for all ages.

And finally, to end this week, I’m hosting Poetry Night at our local Barnes & Noble, which takes place the 2nd Sunday of every month at 5 p.m. There’s always a great turnout at this event and so many different voices, which is one of my favorite things about this particular event.

I also have some exciting poetry-related news that I hope to share with you soon. Until then, I hope you have a wonderful week. I know I’ll be enjoying this beautiful poetry-filled week.