 |
| Nick Saltmarsh |
The writing's on the wall.
It looks a bit like chicken scratch, but it's there.
It says . . .
JUST BE THANKfull for WHAT YOU GOT.
I sure am!
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| ©2017 Teresa Robeson |
See?
This is me.
And this is what I've got . . .
Happy Day! Volume 2 has arrived!
The Best of Today's Little Ditty 2016 is available
in paperback for $9.95 or as a Kindle ebook for $5.95.
Click HERE to purchase at Amazon.com.
Truth be told, I'm not only thankful, I'm relieved. You may have noticed my hit-or-miss (mostly miss) Poetry Friday rounds over the last several weeks. That's because of this baby... well, plus a few college visits for my son and a series of workshops I've been involved with at the same time. (Read my poem inspired by teaching poetry to juvenile offenders here.)
But we did it! We reached the finish line!
I say "we" because I couldn't have managed this project without the support of some incredible people. First, I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Renée LaTulippe. She was invaluable throughout the process with advice, suggestions, Photoshop expertise, editing, proofreading, and reality checks when needed. Thank you, Renée!
When I asked Teresa Robeson if she'd be willing to do the cover, I knew she'd do a brilliant job. (Read my interview with Teresa here.) What I did not know at the time was that she would also provide such fun spot illustrations for inside the book! The grateful penguin at the top of this post is an example. Thank you, Teresa, for giving this book such delightful character.
Hugs of appreciation to this year's super-duper ditty committee:
Linda Baie
Jesse Anna Bornemann
Matt Forrest Esenwine
Lana Wayne Koehler
Michelle Kogan
Jone Rush MacCulloch
Maria Marshall
Diane Mayr
Sydney O'Neill
Margaret Simon
Donna JT Smith
and Tabatha Yeatts.
Because of their dedication, 350 poems were carefully reviewed and whittled down to the 75 that appear in this volume. A few excellent poems were left out for one reason or another, but I think you'll agree that the final result is impressive nonetheless.
I'd also like to give a shout-out to Jane Yolen, Linda Mitchell, and Janet Wong for their wonderful blurbs for the back cover. And last but not least, thank you to the eight incredible authors and one amazing editor who came up with such terrific challenges in 2016:
Douglas Florian
David L. Harrison
Diana Murray
Kenn Nesbitt
Ann Rider
Laura Shovan
Marilyn Singer
Amy Ludwig VanDerwater
Jane Yolen
and to the 50 talented poets who permitted me to feature their work in this book:
Today's Little Ditty has become something so much larger than li'l ol' me. Whether or not your work is included in this volume, practicing writing together has always been, and will continue to be, a fulfilling, heart-happy part of my life. Thank you.
But you know me—I never like to celebrate alone! So let's join together for a Five for Friday party. Now that you know what I'm thankful for, with only a week until American Thanksgiving . . .
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| Carla Arena |
It can be something small—a sunset, the kindness of a stranger—or something larger... say, a new book! Don't think too hard, just describe one thing you're thankful for in five words (plus title if you wish) and leave it in the comments or email it to TodaysLittleDitty (at) gmail (dot) com. I will move your 5-word ditty to the main body of the post. Here's mine to start us off:
SECOND HELPINGS
Please pass the ditty pie!
– Michelle Heidenrich Barnes
DITTY POETS
Thank you, Michelle Heidenrich Barnes.
– Kate O'Neil
Awww... thanks Kate! xo -MHB
CAR RIDE WITH TEEN
Briefly bonding; ticking time bomb.
– Rebekah Hoeft
THE INTERNET
Finding friends the world over!
– Diane Mayr
AFTER THE READING
Poets gather around good conversation.
– Sarah Grace Tuttle
POETRY!
all I want for Christmas
– Linda Baie
POET PIE
Love gathers around the table.
– Jama Rattigan
GRANDKIDS
The joy of lingering hugs
– Janie Lazo
SMILES ALL AROUND
My first school visit - Success!
– BJ Lee
SUPPORT SYSTEM
Related or chosen, always there!
– Maria Marshall
POEM ARRANGEMENT
A beautiful bouquet of words.
– Penny Parker Klostermann
SMOKEY BEAR
My kitty, purring beside me.
– Dianne Moritz
PERSEVERANCE
Thanku unwavering web of support!
– Michelle Kogan
POETRY FRIENDS
Words weave in and out
– Kay Jernigan McGriff
BUDDING SUCCESS
Two poems published this year!
– Karen Eastlund
HOLIDAY SEASON
cool weather and warm hearts
– Sydney O'Neill
FROM WILDFIRE ASHES
this Phoenix
fashioned
a home!
– Michele Krueger
PROMISE KEPT
Morning
dewdrops in the desert.
– Juanita Havill
THANKS TO MY SISTER
My plucky Lucky Chicken cup!
– Julie Larios
Poetry in all I see.
– Sally Murphy
Each sunrise is paintbox poetry.
– Brenda Davis Harsham
BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE LETTERS
Alphabet's versatility =
messages for posterity
– Donna JT Smith
MY EYE SURGEON
now I see
ants
stars
– Helen Zax
MENU CHANGE
I won't miss school lunches.
– Kathryn Apel
INSPIRATION
the zest that says, Create!
– Robyn Hood Black
POETRY COMMUNITY
feeling connected despite the distance
– Bridget Magee
Although we're only midway through November, next Friday, the 24th, will be our end-of-month wrap-up celebration for Carol Hinz's DMC challenge. This week's featured poems were by Keri Collins Lewis, Cindy Breedlove, Laura Purdie Salas, and myself. Post your poem that finds beauty in something that's not usually considered beautiful on our November 2017 padlet.
Hooray! Many, many congratulations! What a wonderful and collaborative effort by so many people. I'm just delighted to see this book come out into our world. Great job, leader Michelle. Take a rest.....and then I can't wait to see what's next for you!
ReplyDeleteI won't lie, I'm looking forward to that rest! Thanks, Linda... for your congratulations and for your heartwarming ditty included in this book!
DeleteEeek!
ReplyDelete"We are in a book!"
--Piggie and Gerald
Thanks, Michelle (and ditty committee), for your time (so much time!) and enthusiasm for poetry and for poets. ♡
Love your five word ditty--so clever.
Heaven preserve me, here's mine.
Car Ride With Teen
Briefly bonding; ticking time bomb.
LOL! At first I thought Piggie and Gerald were leaving me a 5-word ditty titled "EEEK!" Thank you for your two wonderful poems in this collection, Rebekah! Also, good luck with that time bomb. ;) I have a feeling you'll be just fine.
Delete☺ Five for Friday Found Poetry. It's a new thing!
DeleteCONGRATULATIONS! A fine new anthology has been birthed. Auntie is proud!
ReplyDeleteTHE INTERNET
Finding friends the world over!
Oh, and have a great Thanksgiving!
DeleteThanks so much, Auntie Diane! "Nothing" and "Declaration" like their new home... they told me so. :) Happy Thanksgiving!
DeleteWay to go, Michelle!!! You juggled many balls with aplomb. Can't wait to see the new collection.
ReplyDeleteWe have a Thanksgiving tree poster up, where we add paper leaves with things we are grateful for (which this year includes the usuals like family and cuddle time with Lucy and some more unusual stuff like Spotify, our daughter's doctors, and Robert Mueller).
I love the idea of your Thanksgiving poster, Tabatha... and your great collection of things to be thankful for! As for the anthology, thank you—for the compliment and for your wonderful poems. ("What You Can Use" leaves me verklempt every time I read it.) You'll be juggling next... and probably already are!
DeleteFantastic! Congratulations!! Looks like a wonderful collection. <3
ReplyDeleteThank you, Diana. It is. :D And thanks, also, for all the wonderful unlikely hero poems you inspired!
DeletePoetry Fridays fill my soul.
ReplyDeleteSo many congratulations, Michelle. You are a generous human, a bringer of light. Cheers and love. May your new book FLY! xxxx
Thanks so much, Amy. I'm grateful to include so many poems that took flight from your "Small as a Chickadee" challenge! You're an inspiration.
DeleteHooray! Michelle, thank you so much for all your work in creating this book. I am honored to be included.
ReplyDeleteHere's my ditty:
AFTER THE READING
Poets gather around good conversation.
I'm delighted that "Water Around, Water Within" was selected for this collection, Sarah. And oh how I love your 5-word ditty, too! It sits there so comfortably just enjoying this moment in time.
DeleteI commented and it was swallowed by some ragamuffin who does not like poetry. Congratulations, my friend. Today's Little Ditty has taught me so much. And not only about poetry but about honor and friendship and coming together for a challenge. You have taught me about poetry. Thank you for including me and thanks to DA Committee. All of you should be so very proud. I know I am.
ReplyDeleteThat comment-gobbling ragamuffin gets around, doesn't he! Thanks for coming back and trying again, Robyn. I'm grateful for your kind words and pleased Today's Little Ditty has touched your life. I am proud, too. Proud of this collection and proud to include your thoughtful echo poem, Robyn.
DeleteI'm so excited for the new collection, Michelle! Congratulations! I'll return later with a 5-word ditty if I can think of a good one.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all your help on the Ditty Committee, Jesse! I hope you'll make an appearance as a poet in the next volume. :)
DeleteI am thankful that there are people in our world like you, Michelle, creative and giving. I know this second volume of Today's Little Ditty will delight just as the first one did, thanks to the community and to you!
ReplyDeleteHere's my five word thanks!
Poetry!
all I want for Christmas
A perfect refrain for so many of us! That's all I want for Christmas too. :) Thank you for such sweet words, Linda, and for your three wonderful poems that grace the pages of this book!
DeleteHooray Hooray, Congrats on Volume 2! Love the penguin and sea lion on the cover. Looks like a fabulous roster of poets and I'm looking forward to reading your new book baby, Michelle! Happy Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeletePOET PIE
Love gathers around the table.
Thank you, Jama! Teresa did such a great job with that cover, didn't she? What a perfect side dish you've given us for the Thanksgiving table. Thanks for the 5-word treat. :)
DeleteGrandkids - The joy of lingering hugs 🤗
ReplyDeleteSounds wonderful, Janie! Thanks for the warm fuzzy. :)
DeleteSmiles All Around
ReplyDeleteMy first school visit - Success!
That's terrific, BJ! I'm so happy for you!
DeleteCongrats, BJ!
DeleteSupport System
ReplyDeleteRelated or chosen, always there!
Thank you for being part of mine, Maria. :)
DeleteCongratulations, Michelle. I know this will be another treasure of a book! Your blog has inspired so many wonderful poems and shared much poetry love!
ReplyDeletePoem Arrangement
A beautiful bouquet of words.
Thanks so much, Penny. You do have a way with those word bouquets. :)
DeleteHooray!!! Can't wait to have a copy of my own, congrats and many thanks Michelle, you continually inspire us all!
ReplyDeletePERSEVERANCE
Thanku unwavering web of support!
Thanks, Michelle. I love having my shape poem next to yours in the Poems for our Mothers section. :) Pretty clever the way you got around that 5-word ditty limit, too. LOL.
DeleteWoo hoo! Congratulations on bringing forth the book! I can't wait to read more. Here are my five for Friday:
ReplyDeletePoetry Friends
Words weave in and out
Oooh, "words weave in and out" <— I love that, Kay! Thanks for the congrats. :)
DeleteKudos again, Michelle. And here is my five for Friday:
ReplyDeleteBudding Success
Two poems published this year!
Woohoo! Two poems is awesome, Karen! I'm honored to give "Poem from a Hammock" a good home. :)
DeleteI think I will find some time to catch my breath, Sydney. I'm counting on it anyway. :) Thanks for your kind words and fun echo poem! Happy Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteFrom Wildfire Ashes
ReplyDeletethis Phoenix
fashioned
a home!
So happy for you, Michele! I admire your resilience... and your wing span. :)
DeleteCongratulations, Michelle. I hope your mood has been celebratory all day. Mine has been. I'm delighted and honored to have a poem in your latest volume.
ReplyDeletePromise Kept
Morning
dewdrops in the desert.
The celebration has been grand, Juanita! I'm stunned and delighted by the outpouring of well-wishers. :)
DeleteCongratulations, Michelle, to you and to all the included poets!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Molly!
DeleteCongratulations on the new anthology, Michelle - I'm proud to be in it. Here's my five-word offering:
ReplyDeleteTHANKS TO MY SISTER
My plucky Lucky Chicken cup!
Thanks, Julie— I'm honored to be able to include your work! I swoon over "To Sea the Sea" every time I read it. Congrats also on that Lucky Chicken cup. :)
DeleteCongratulations Michelle. Hard work brings wonderful results. here's my five words:
ReplyDeletePoetry in all I see.
Thank you, Sally. I'm lovin' how you view life!
DeleteTruly amazing, Michelle, what you can accomplish with grace and style. I like that you've even given us direction as to the comments. Somehow that fits with the whole Ditty challenge gestalt. I will cooperate. :-) And enjoy.
ReplyDeleteEach sunrise is paintbox poetry.
Those five words are divine, Brenda. Thank you. And thanks also, for the lovely words you threw in my direction. It's a joy to include your work in this anthology! :)
DeleteSo excited about the anthology!
ReplyDeleteLate to the party...but here goes:
Brought to You By the Letters
Alphabet's versatility =
messages for posterity
This five-word ditty is so you, Donna. You are nothing if not versatile when it comes to your poetry writing!
DeleteMY EYE SURGEON
ReplyDeletenow I see
ants
stars
YAY! That is great news, Helen! My husband just had a similarly "eye-opening" surgery earlier this year.
DeleteJust ordered my copy of the anthology. I can't wait to read the wonderful poetry!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Helen. :)
DeleteCongrats on another compilation, Michelle. So much poetry goodness inspired by you!
ReplyDeleteMENU CHANGE
I won't miss school lunches.
Thank you, Kat! Your 5-word ditty has got me wondering if this menu change is for the better or worse? (Clever how your ditty can work both ways!) I certainly won't miss school lunches, but at my kids' schools this year, they arranged for a food truck to come once a week. Surprisingly, it's really good!
DeleteCONGRATULATIONS, Michelle, and so honored to be among the lucky contributors. Leave it to you to turn a book launch into a Thankful-Fest. Being late to the party means I got to read so many wonderful offerings!
ReplyDeleteINSPIRATION
the zest that says, Create!
"Zest" and "Create" are such great word companions. :) You may not submit poems often to ditty challenges, Robyn, but when you do, they're pretty darn awesome! So pleased to include "Blank" in this volume.
DeleteWoot-woot, Michelle! Thank you for allowing me to be a part of another amazing anthology! Here is my offering for the thankful round up:
ReplyDeletePOETRY COMMUNITY
feeling connected despite the distance
If you feel so inclined, I am blogging about our Swiss experience at weewordsforweeones.com. Happy (early) Thanksgiving!
It was my pleassssurre to embrace such a sssssenssssational poem in thissss collection, Bridget! Off to read your post now....
Delete