It's the eve of National Poetry Month! How exciting it is to have a whole month to celebrate poetry in all its glory. To kick it all off, our dear friend Amy is hosting the round-up today. You can find her at The Poem Farm where she is gathering and tending to all the poetry seedlings today.

The month of April will be filled with spring beginnings and blooming poetry. As winter bows to spring and ushers in a new season of change, I am reminded of what remains the same. There is such beauty in life's natural course. No matter the season, fulfilling a purpose-whatever that might be, is really the bones of it all.     

Today's poem sprouted from a single word. The word "bones" popped into my head as I sat outside admiring the winter trees one day. Maybe that happens to you sometimes. What do you do with words that pop into your head? Whenever this happens to me, I reach for my pen and immediately jot that word down. Then, I think of how I could use that word in a way that it is not normally thought of or used to describe something else. 

For example, when I was writing my poem, I thought about how the trees looked like bones without their summer leaves. I thought to myself, one does not typically think of trees as having bones. Yes, I was on the right track! This led me even further to thinking about how the word bones could be used to describe things in a different way other than the typical white pieces of skeleton in humans and animals. Can you find other words I used to describe or explain something in a different way other than the more common way the word is used?

So the next time a word pops into your head, be sure to write it down. Have some fun using the word in a different way than it is usually meant in order to describe something in a not so ordinary way!

Happy Poetry Friday! It is so good to be back with all my poetry friends. I am so very grateful to be a part of such an incredible community of poetry enthusiasts! All are welcome to join in the round-up at any time. This week, the poetry festivities are happening at Catherine's space, Reading to the Core.

Last week, I took a step outside to take a deep breath and write some poetry. I do this often, not just to find inspiration for writing, but especially before I take on the work of revision. I realize that when I take a step away from a draft for a period of time, I gain a sense of clarity and purpose for my work. Then when I am ready, I am eager to awake my resting draft and reread it with a renewed lens of attention. This "step out" strategy really has helped me approach the revising process with excitement and initiative.

Today, I am sharing a poem which came to life only because I chose to step out and away from my draft for a moment before returning to the real revision work with fresh eyes.     

Sometimes taking a step out or away from our normal routines can help refresh our thinking and help us to make sense of our world. As a writer, I have used this strategy often. Often times, a physical step out into nature or an emotional step out of my comfort zone, is just what I need to inspire new ideas. Other times, a step out and away from a first or second draft, allows me the time to consider my work with a fresh pair of eyes.

I invite you to take some time to think of how a step out or away from your current work might help you as a writer. Take your current work or a working draft, and let it rest in a quiet space for as long as you feel necessary. Then, give yourself permission to step out for awhile. When the time is right, take out your piece. Give yourself a nudge, and begin again.  

Happy Poetry Friday! Today, I am sharing one more wonder poem in honor of the Purple Martins' return before my own return to work on another important project. Thank you for visiting me and the Purple Martins this week on the ridge! For more Poetry Friday goodness visit Michelle at Today's Little Ditty.

I wish everyone a week filled with writing and happiness! I am taking next week off to spend some time with my boys and to work on revising my novel. Have a great week! 

Writers often have a project or a series of projects that they are working on. These projects can take on many different forms and have a variety of different purposes depending on the writer's goal or audience. Taking on a project can give your writing focus and can create an energy to keep you on track to fulfilling your writing goals. Have you ever initiated a project for yourself as a writer? If so, how did it go? If you haven't participated in a project before, what kind of project would you choose? Thinking about the genres or topics that interest you can be a great place to start when deciding on a project. So whether you are working on a poetry anthology, magazine article, novel, picture book, or a different type of project; I wish you all the best as you work to achieve your writing project goals!  

Welcome, Poetry Friday visitors! This week I am taking a break from my bird waiting and sharing a poem of... Be sure to squeeze by Heidi's space My Juicy Little Universe, where she is hosting today's round-up.

They're here! The Purple Martins have returned to the ridge at last. Mama and Papa Martin arrived this evening just before sunset. Words can't express how excited I am to have these purple-winged beauties back. Of course, I had to give it a go by drafting a little tribute poem to this traveling pair.

Writers, I do hope each of you continue to live, dream, and write with all your heart. Hopes and dreams do come true when you write. Your words matter. There is hope, still. 

Writers live, dream, and write. I remind myself of this quite often, especially when I am in a slump. It helps me remember that my dreams in this life can come true through words.

​Words matter.
Words are hope.
So Live. Dream. Write.