Winter in the Mountains
Snow and more snow. The wind howls and the mounds of snow grow higher. It is my third winter here but in a sense, it is the first real winter. Snow means water and in this high, dry place, that is always welcomed. I’ve always liked winter: the introspection, the gathering in. It is harder here because I do not have as much community as I left behind. What I do have is a view of mountains, startlingly blue skies, and a pristine covering over dirt and leaves. I live in moments. Yesterday I wrote a book review for New York Journal of Books. I was lucky enough to review an amazing anthology of poetry: “100 Poems to Break Your Heart” compiled and commented upon by Edward Hirsch. https://www.nyjournalofbooks.com/book-review/100-poems-break-your-heart I would highly recommend this collection, newly out in paperback and worth every penny.
The Associated Writing Program Conference is in Seattle this year and I’ll be both attending and reading. I don’t know how I feel about such a large gathering after two years of avoiding such things. Crowds bring out my introverted side and I’m inclined to avoid them but I will make an attempt to connect with writers and peruse the massive book fair. Another reason to attend is to get the word out about the new Mesa Verde Writers Conference July 13-16. that I’m helping to organize. http://www.mesaverdewritersconference.org. It will be in this gorgeous place and we are pretty much guaranteed a lush and fertile spring after all this snow. There will be workshops in fiction, poetry, and hybrid writing. We are planning bonfires, outdoor readings, music, and stargazing. Come and join us!
National Poetry Month is coming up in April and I’m looking forward to a few local readings with other poets. April is usually a busy month for poetry but the last two years have kept most of us home. Read poetry. Buy poetry. Savor the words.
May all of us appreciate whatever season we are in and the people who share our lives. Don’t forget to look at the moon, talk to a child, cook a dinner for someone, and make art.
Literary Imaginings by Lisa C. Taylor 