Happy Poetry Friday! Kat is hosting this week at her space HERE. Be sure to visit for more poetic creations!

It makes my heart glad to be back in the round-up this week. I am grateful to this community of writers who are always inviting others into the group and graciously welcoming them back. I am ready to regain my writing life and begin again!

This week, I'm doing just that by going back to my roots and the art of noticing. Taking time to simply notice and reflect is so essential. Noticing is an act of inward contemplation. We take in what we observe with our senses, and let it out as we perceived it. The images and scenes we describe can come to life with our words. The art of noticing is powerful. The world is our canvas, and we are artists with our words.

Try sketching a scene with your words. What do you notice or observe around you? Tune into your senses and let your words paint the picture. You can set the mood and tone to make your image come alive.  

Happy Poetry Friday! Thank you for visiting the ridge. Be sure to stop by Karen's space HERE for more of the round up!

As I continue to embrace the power of hope, I also remind myself of my dreams and vision for the future. It's important for me to lean into these thoughts and reflections. I invite you to think about your hopes and aspirations as well. Wherever they may lead, dreams and hopes are always a path worth following.

Dreams and wishes make great incentives to write. What are some of the things you dream of? Find some time throughout the coming weeks to write about your dreams and hopes. Sometimes, the simple act of capturing them in words can help make them come true.

Happy Poetry Friday! Thanks for visiting the ridge this week. For more of the poetry party, head over to Carol's space Beyond LiteracyLink.

Over Labor Day weekend, I took some time to walk about the ridge. I enjoy observing all the gifts that the natural world has to offer! Our observations can surprise us and wonder us. Having a notebook brimming full of observations can inspire so much writing!

Writers are observers of the world around them. Take some time this weekend to take a walk and record your observations. Open your senses and capture all the life around you! Let your observations lead you to many new writing possibilities. A simple walk can do a writer good!

Welcome to the Poetry Friday round-up on the ridge! I am excited to be hosting this week. I can't wait to read all your offerings! Just hook up your link at the bottom of the post. 

Now that summer has been unleashed here on the ridge, I find myself wanting to spend my days outdoors having fun in the sun. I especially enjoy taking in the sights and sounds of summer evenings. I like to flip back in my notebook to all my summer entries. They are filled with memories, observations, and all things summer-esque. As I was reading, a few lines from the pages of my notebook merged and inspired me to write my poem offering this week. I wish you all a lovely summer's song all season long!

As a writer, one of my favorite things to do is to sift back through the pages of my notebook from time to time. This helps me find balance and inspiration for future projects or poems. Sometimes, lifting a line or two from your notebook can renew your writing life. I invite you to time travel back into your notebook as well. What stands out to you? Jot down some of your thinking and reflect on your writing journey so far. Lift a line or two. Copy those lines on a new page. Do you notice any connections? Try writing from those lines to see what emerges. 

It's so great to be back with the Poetry Friday community this week! I welcome your words here at the ridge today. For more of the round-up, Liz is hosting today at her space, HERE. 

A few weeks back, when I was home sick, I stumbled across a film documentary of the legendary poet Robert Frost. I was so inspired and intrigued by his words, that I quickly pulled for my notebook to document the experience in some way. 

It all began with this poem he recited. The word "retreat" tugs at heart each time I read this poem. In his commentary, Frost spoke of his purposeful decision to use the word retreat, despite the fact that it rhymes with defeat. There is no shame in retreat. We don't escape, we retreat for reasons that are ours alone. In doing so, we regain our strength and fortify ourselves to reach those places we've not been. Following Frost's poem is my own poem, which was inspired by this remarkable man and poet. And to my incredible friends, who give me strength in my retreat. They let me know, I'm not alone.

In winter in the woods alone
Against the trees I go.
I mark a maple for my own
And lay the maple low.

At four o'clock I shoulder ax
And in the afterglow
I link a line of shadowy tracks
Across the tinted snow.

​I see for Nature no defeat
In one tree's overthrow
Or for myself in my retreat
For yet another blow.

-Robert Frost

​I would like to end with some of my favorite lines and speeches that Frost shared within the film. Perhaps some of the most cherished words I hung on, were his words on poetry.

"It starts with a mood. It's a curious state that takes over you...Every poem solved something for me in my life. Every poem is a momentary stay against the confusion of the world. Then so is making a basket or making a horseshoe. Giving anything form, gives you a confidence in the universe, that it has form. All you want to do is get a sense of form, makes you healthy and well, makes you feel like there is some sort of form to your business, your occupation."
-Robert Frost

I am often in awe of inspirational poets like Robert Frost, and I find that I have this same admiration for my dearest friends. I am grateful for courageous friends who challenge me every step of the way. I couldn't agree more with the words of Mr. Robert Frost, "The gamble of life takes bravery." I'm so glad to be able to boldly venture forward with my friends as we make our mark on this world.

Think about the notion of retreating and finding form. Where do you retreat for strength? What sense of form do you seek? Who or what inspires you to retreat in search of this form? Write down your thoughts for safe keeping!

Happy Poetry Friday, dear friends! It has been bitterly cold here on the ridge, and I am anxious to read all the poetry offerings this week that are sure to warm my heart! You can find the warmth of poetry this week at Kay's space, A Journey Through the Pages.

January winds have come sweeping over the ridge so swiftly and so suddenly. I find myself in a busy tizzy these days. A new year provides the opportunity to re-root and rearrange. But perhaps my favorite thing about January, is the chance to re-enter my writing life. Though the newness of the year may bring unknowns and uncertainties, I know how to sit idly with pen in hand and write. Knowing this simple truth, gives me comfort. Writing can help me grow patient and attentive to all that lies ahead in the new year. Writing is a teacher. I listen. I trust. I know just how.  

Learning to be patient and accepting what comes can be a difficult task at times. Yet, when we let go and trust, our senses become keener. The blessing of words may come softly and freely. Each writer finds a way to turn idle thoughts into meaning and song. Practice sitting idly with pen and notebook in hand. See what voices emerge, what dreams may come.

Happy Poetry Friday! Autumn has fallen over the ridge. My poem this week is inspired by an autumn path I stumbled across here on the ridge. I hope you enjoy it and that you'll stop by Jane's spot www.raincitylibrarian.ca/ for more poetry offerings!

I am all for taking the road less traveled, and I'm never disappointed. One early fall evening, I came upon this sunlit path. It made me stop right in my tracks. The image of the path with draping goldenrod and the friendly forest trees, evoked a calming sensation within my writer's soul. I was instantly inspired to write a poem based on this visual image. I hope to share this poem with one of our Poetry Friday friends, Carol Varsalona. She has graciously invited poets to contribute a digital poem offering to her Autumn Ablaze Gallery. Be sure to check out many more image poems there! 

Try taking a path you have never followed before. Your path might be real or imagined. Whatever notion comes to mind, follow it. May its images and words inspire you to write.

Happy Friday friends! Join the Poetry Friday crew at Kat's space HERE.

Today, I am thinking beyond the ridge down to Houston and the gulf coast of Texas where so many lives have been rocked by a storm called Harvey. As you may have heard, many people have been displaced from their homes due to the destructive and devastating Hurricane Harvey. You can see this storm's wrath and read about its destructive path throughout the news. When things like this happen, I realize how important our connection to each other is. 

We all feel the swamps. We may all face the storms. Together, we can find our way home. Right now across the state of Texas and throughout the USA, so many people have joined together to provide comfort and help to those in need. It's truly amazing and inspiring to witness the generosity and kindness happening all around us. If you would like to help, there are many ways to do so. One great place to start is the American Red Cross. Our friends in Houston and South Texas could use all our thoughts and well wishes.

The impact of this storm called Harvey has made me reach for Mary Oliver's poem, "Crossing the Swamp". In this poem, Oliver speaks to the struggles and bogs of human life that we often encounter. Yet she speaks of hope, too. Throughout the entire poem there is a sense of determination and strength to re-root. These words are perfectly etched in a way that only Mary Oliver could craft. I do hope you have a chance to read it.

Today, I offer my own poetic response to Mary Oliver's inspiring poem that spoke to me after a storm called Harvey.

How will you brave each storm that may come your way? When you feel stuck in a swamp or flooded by a river, what guides you? I invite you to take a moment and write. Write until your words flow like a river. May they toss upon the page and land, re-rooting themselves home. 

Welcome to Whispers from the Ridge! I'm so glad you are joining me on this Poetry Friday. For all the poetry offerings this week, stop by Katie's space The Logonauts.

Today, I am honoring the memory of a dear friend of mine who passed away earlier this week. She was such an incredible motivator and mentor to so many. Many lives were inspired by her passion for her family and the work she loved. She will be sorely missed.

Yet, her dedication to children and her love of literacy will live on. Her belief in providing an authentic space for real readers and writers to create will continue to positively impact the lives of children in classrooms across our school district. 

When she wasn't putting her heart and soul into her leadership work as our district ELA curriculum coordinator, she was often hanging out at her special beach spot with her family.​ She loved the beach. It was where she would spend hours laying in a simple hammock with a notebook and a good book.

This poem is in loving memory of her and the place she dearly loved.

Writing can have the power to heal at times. Often times when we are having a rush of emotions, we can feel overwhelmed with all the words and feelings we want to express. Getting them written on paper can help pin them down. Once on the paper, we can begin to sort them out and make sense of them. Whenever you are full of a blur of emotions, try writing them down. Put the pen to the page, and let yourself go. Spilling thoughts and feelings onto the page during any emotional state can be good for the writer's soul.  

Welcome to the ridge! Thanks for stopping by this week. For more of the Poetry Friday collection, visit Carol at Carol's Corner.

I am back this week from my relaxing trip to the beach. I took advantage of the ocean's poetic whispers while I was there. As I sat on the shoreline, I started generating a list in my notebook. I used my five senses and the imagery of this coastal scene to get some words onto the page. Then, I started playing with the words and phrases from my list. The result is my "Ocean Scene" poem. Working from a list is a quick strategy I use often to get my ideas flowing.

Try creating a word list in your notebook. Once you have your list, try putting words and phrases together. Play with different combinations until you find one you like. Collecting lists can be great fun!

Happy Poetry Friday! I'm away from the ridge this week, so thanks for visiting my home while I am at the beach this week. For more PF posts visit Mary Lee at A Year of Reading.

In honor of my trip to the coast of Texas this week, I decided to try a beach haiku. I am so grateful to our Poetry Friday host this week, Mary Lee, who gave me a helpful tip to consider when writing a haiku. This week, you'll notice that my form is a little more "loose". It definitely works. Thanks again for the advice, Mary Lee!

You can try Mary Lee's invitation as well! Take any piece you are working on, and see how you might break "loose" from the traditional form or structure. Allow yourself some wiggle room. Have fun loosening the reigns with your poetry writing this week!

Welcome Poetry Friday friends! It's good to be back after taking a week off to enjoy my first deep breath of summer vacation.  Thanks for stopping by! For more PF offerings, visit Buffy's Blog HERE.
 
I decided to try something different this week. I had never written a haiku before, but I talked myself into giving it a try. I have to admit, I was really nervous. But after reading several beautifully written haikus by many of my Poetry Friday friends, I found the courage to branch out and take a chance. The result is my first haiku! I'm really glad I tried this form of Japanese poetry. It just goes to show, you never know until you try! 

This is an image of the meadow here on the ridge. The wildflowers and weeds are lovely this time of year. I like taking photos of each one to identify it. This way, I can call them by name as I admire them. They have such interesting names you know!

Here is the list of names I used to choose from for my haiku:
queen Anne's lace
meadow parsnip
sand brazoria
wood-sorrel
green-wild Indigo
wild parsley
basil beebalm
fleabane
ironweed

​Sometimes it can be easy to talk yourself out of something before you even give it a try. But you never know until you try. I think this is great advice for writers. Taking a risk and writing outside of your preferred form or genre can be a little scary, but the end results can be quite rewarding. The important thing to remember is to keep writing!  

Happy Poetry Friday! Thanks for stopping by this week. After your visit here on the ridge, be sure to make Jama's Alphabet Soup your next stop on the Poetry Friday trail!

It's hard to believe another school year is coming to an end. The month of May has a way of sweeping in unexpectedly. It closes out the school season and opens the door to another.

Soon, I will open the door to a summer season filled with writing and rewriting. I can't help but look forward to the many blissful hours I will spend on the ridge, just listening to the whispers. So many whispers have found their way into my notebook since I began my writing journey in this place I call home. I am so grateful to have this space to write and rewrite these whispers in my writing life.

I remember introducing my writing space here on the ridge during my very first blog post. I am including the poem from that first blog entry below. So much time has passed since it was written. And there is much that is still left unwritten. I am certain that more whispers will find their way into my writing life, but until they do, there are those that magically seek to be rewritten. They whisper to my mind, and I begin to write.

Rewriting can be a beautiful thing. Just like rereading, we tend to notice things that we didn't pick up on the first time around. Writing about topics we love over and over again is like reading our favorite books over and over again. Our writing becomes well worn and loved, just like our most treasured stories. 

Welcome Poetry Friday readers! This week, I am sharing a poem that sprang up while I was exploring some different ways to use space and line length.

For more poetic posts, visit Dori at Dori Reads. She's rounding up the poetry peeks for us today. Thanks, Dori!

Try having some fun with white space and line length in one of your poems. Notice how the changes in space and length influence the different aspects of your poem. How do the changes impact both the structure and the mood? Read your poem out loud, paying careful attention to your chosen syntax and line breaks. Rewrite if you choose, but be sure to save each draft! You might decide to take them out of the compost pile later and plant them in a new poem where they will grow just fine.  Keep revising and rereading until your poem says to you, "I'm ready!" 

Poetry Friday is finally here! If you would like to celebrate poetry, then join the round up at Heidi's My Juicy Little Universe. Thanks for hosting Heidi!

Today, I am sharing a poem about one of my favorite places. I love spending time on the lake just below the ridge. It is so soothing and peaceful. I love to write about all the life that is happening on the lake. Sometimes, I just close my eyes and let my mind wander wherever it will! Spending time in your favorite place can really clear your head of all the busy thoughts of the week so that your mind is open to take on those new ideas that matter to you. I hope you are able to spend some time in your special place this weekend, too!
  

Writers like to write about their favorite places. It can be comforting to think of the places we love. Try closing your eyes right now and picturing the places that you feel most at home. Think about what makes each place soothing to your mind and spirit. Now open your eyes and write!

Today, I was remembering how green and lovely the meadow was at the beginning of summer. Though it is dry and brittle now, it is still one of my favorite places on the ridge. I write about it often in my notebook. I also love taking pictures of the flowers and bugs that I see in the meadow. It's fun to search for their scientific name. I have even more fun coming up with my own names for them, too!

You can write about places you love to spend time at, too! Try visiting your favorite places during different times of the year. Write down these observations in your notebook. You can even sketch or take pictures of the animals, bugs, and vegetation that you see. Take some time researching the scientific names for the things that dwell in this space. You can even make up your own names for them. Writing about our favorite places can often lead us to all kinds of thinking and wondering in our notebooks!