This year (2025) finds me with 53 years of teaching “under my belt.” I have taught all levels from pre-K “(library lady” or “book lady”–volunteer) to juniors, seniors, and graduate students enrolled in my Advanced Writing class at the university where I have just completed 34 years. My first paying teaching job was junior high, and I spent 13 years with ages 12-13, the “difficult years.” I had some of the “funnest” experiences with this age group. When I was no longer the “young, fun teacher,” I taught in an elementary school setting before sixth graders went on to junior high, teaching language arts blocs, an assignment that was a “dream-fit” for me. After completing graduate school in my 40s, I went on to community college, then university teaching. This past fall I accepted a part-time teaching job at Apogee Gulf Coast Schools in its first year at the Alvin campus. After my Better Half died n 2022, I achieved a lifelong dream: opening a bookstore of my own, Rae’s Reads. A year later, I sold the house we had lived in for 47 years and moved into the bookstore. My goal is to circulate and repurpose books.
Just as teaching is “in my blood,” so is a passion for reading, writing, libraries, and everything bookish.
This blog will be open to anyone who loves books, promotes literacy and wants to “come out and play.”
This book targets teens, especially girls, who appreciate the women who came before them.
Yes, it’s been one of those days; I am way behind in paper grading, housework, and thank you notes. Writing this review of a book intended for older children and teens, is a bright spot in a long, tiring day.
I love the title as much as I love stories of gutsy women!
This book was sent to me by the author upon the recommendation of another local blogging friend. I am grateful to the author and my friend both for putting such a lovely book in my hands. In the book, the author presents short “pieces” on brave, ground-breaking women each day. If you enjoy “_____-a-day” calendars, journals, etc, this book is for you. On Mondays we meet activist and rebelling women who were brave enough to “step up to the plate” and change things. Tuesdays are reserved for mini-biographies of educators and “thinkers,” who just happened to be women. Scientists’ and Inventors’ accomplishments grace Wednesdays’ offerings, and Thursday is filled with the treasures of authors and poets. Leaders are featured on Fridays, and Roenfanz brings to our attention some of the lesser known and fascinating ones. Artists and Musicians take a bow on Saturdays, and ancient and revered “Goddesses” make an appearance to round out the week on Sundays.
Some of my favorite heroes– Anne Morrow Lindbergh, whose book captured my fancy and interest; Christina Rossetti, one of my favorite poets; Dorothy Parker, the humorist and scathing essayist who was the queen of journalism and sarcastic poetry in the 40s –are a few who caught my eye immediately as I skimmed the tile of contents, and the author did not fail to capture the “essence” and accomplishments of the women the author had chosen to include in her book.
It seems to me Roenfanz is a gutsy woman herself for attempting such a huge task and she should be applauded for the lovely compendium of women’s lives in a lovely, lovely book. I highly recommend it!
National Poetry Month in April. Poster with handwritten lettering. Poetry Festival in the United States and Canada. Literary events and celebration. Greeting card, invitation, poster, banner or background. Vector
Today’s post, as I continue to celebrate National Poetry Month, April 2022, is a post found on Ingrid’s Experiments in Fiction, a great blog to check out.
Experiments in Fiction explores new ideas/techniques/forms, etc of writing, featuring some excellent poetry.SIGNING OFF, RAE
April 2022
“The Academy of American Poets created NPM as a special celebration of poets and poetry with the hope of sparking in readers an interest in poetry that carries across the years.” National Poetry Month was launched in 1996 and has become “the largest literary celebration in the world with tens of millions of readers, students, K-12 teachers, librarians, booksellers, literary events curators , families, [bloggers], and–of course–poets, marking poetry’s important place in our lives.”
HOW WILL YOU CELEBRATE?
Thanks for the loan of your meme, friends.
Over a year ago I heard for the first time the name Cleo Wade and about her book, Heart Talks.
snippets, “posters,” memes, poetry and prose short pieces, and much more
At the time, I am pretty sure I mentioned I “had read it”, or “was reading it,” whatever. I took a full page of notes on the wisdom contained within this little book, but never reviewed it on PWR. On the page in my notebook, I have scribbled that I re-read these notes on 3/8/21, and again on 6/29/21. I want to take a moment and share these notes, remarks, and scribbles with you, reader.
“Every human being who celebrates her differences can make a difference.” Cleo Wade ” Take the pieces of your broken heart and fit them into the jigsaw of your life.” (same)
I have noted a phrase I wish to work into a blog post or a conversation sometime by the author, Wade: “…swim in the waters of the world.”
“Am I fearless?” Next to this I made a note to myself, “I need to be more fearless.” Wade gives the definition of “fearless” as, “To be fearless is to be afraid of something but to do it anyway.” Perhaps this would be a good word to chose in 2023 for my year’s word. Hmmmm…
“What is authenticity?” I need to think about this one, to ponder the question, to “turn it inside out in verbal euphoria” (a phrase I wanted to incorporate from an early feminist activist), to muse on the term, “authenticity.”
“What are my needs?” I actually have all my needs provided for. I am content, and even my “wants” are simple, inexpensive and attainable. Throughout the past two weeks since My Better Half’s passing, I have said over and over, “God does provide, PTL!”
Adding one last question to the list from Real Simple magazine:
“What will make me happy today?” Taking things day by day has been my modus operands that has brought me through this tough time.
And a final quote scribbled at the bottom reads “It is never too late to become the person you’ve always wanted to be.” At the advanced age of 77, this is an encouraging message from an inspiring author–Cleo Wade.
Today I received my newsletter from The Academy of American Poets in the mail. Some of the more interesting points were as follows:
“Twenty-five years ago in April of 1996, it was Academy of American Poets members who provided the initial seed money for us to announce and carry out National Poetry Month for the first time…
Over the years, our annual celebration of poets and poetry has been recognized in The New York Times, USA Today, Time, The Washington Post, People magazine , and thousands of other publications…
…the month of April has become by far the most important time of year for the release of new poetry…and sales of poetry by recognized authors and new poets alike [increase].
…events numbering in the hundreds of thousands have taken place–no exaggeration–at libraries, community centers, places of worship, at parks, town squares…all aimed at bringing poetry into the lives of local citizens and fostering a greater appreciation for beloved poets of the past as well as today’s new voices.”
The organization sent me a National Poetry Month poster, and they will be sending weekly lesson plans to 35,000 teachers nationwide. Other online programs, readings, and celebrations will be held as well.
I plan to celebrate National Poetry month with a poetry contest in my Advanced Writing class and to personally read a new poem each day of the month. Let me share today’s with you. This is from Margaret Atwood’s Dearly, her latest collection of poems:
“Ghost Cat”
“Cats suffer from dementia too. Did you know that?
Ours did. Not the black one, smart enough
to be neurotic and evade the vet.
The other one, the furrier’s muff, the piece of fluff.
She’d writhe around on the sidewalk
for chance pedestrians , whisker
their trousers, though not enough when she started losing
what might have been her mind. She’d prowl the night
kitchen, taking a bite
from a tomato, a ripe peach there,
a crumpet, a softening pear.
Is this what I’m supposed to eat?
Guess not, but where?
Then up the stairs she’d come, moth-footed,
owl-eyed, wailing
like a tiny, fuzzy steam train: Ar-woo! Ar-woo!
So witless and erased. O who?
Clawing at the bedroom door
shut tight against her. Let me in,
enclose me, tell me who I was.
No good. No purring. No contentment, Out
into the darkened dining room,
then in, then out forlorn.
And when I go that way, grow fur, start howling,
scratch at your airwaves:
no matter who I claim I am
or how I love you,
turn the key. Bar the window.”
Margaret Atwood’s voice is a strong one in her poems. Often her “messages” or thoughts are not what we expect, but she is always unique, a voice to be heard. Thanks to my friend, Mary Allen, who gave me a signed copy of this 2020 collection of Atwood poems. I hope to read the entire collection this month to celebrate National Poetry Month, 2021.
This year (2022) finds me with 50+ years of teaching “under my belt.” I have taught all levels from pre-K “(library lady” or “book lady”–volunteer) to juniors, seniors, and graduate students enrolled in my Advanced Writing class at the university where I have just completed 30 years. My first paying teaching job was junior high, and I spent 13 years with ages 12-13, the “difficult years.” I had some of the “funnest” experiences with this age group. When I was no longer the “young, fun teacher,” I taught in an elementary school setting before sixth graders went on to junior high, teaching language arts blocs, an assignment that was a “dream-fit” for me. After completing graduate school in my 40s, I went on to community college, then university teaching. Just as teaching is “in my blood,” so is a passion for reading, writing, libraries, and everything bookish. This blog will be open to anyone who loves books, promotes literacy and wants to “come out and play.” View all posts by Rae LongestAuthor Rae LongestPosted on Categories UncategorizedTags 2021, Margaret Atwood, National Poetry Month, poetryEdit
Still celebrating…I plan to add to my poetry shelf this month; stay tuned.
It is Saturday night, and I spent the day visiting with my favorite children’s/YA author, Alda B. Dobbs. She drove all the way from Montgomery, TX to Alvin (30 miles south of Houston) to see me, a visit we had planned and cancelled and rescheduled numerous times. Her two fantastic kids came with her. It was a lovely afternoon. I had planned to do a Part Two of SMFK, focusing on children’s poetry in celebration of National Poetry Month,
April 2022 National Poetry Month is in full swing here on PWR.
So late it is, but here is a delightful book of children’s poetry.
I’ve often sung in the shower; the acoustics are amazing! But, here is a collection of silly songs to sing in the tub.
Here is the title poem of this silly, dilly collection:
“I’m Still Here in the Bathtub
(To the tune of Take Me Out to the Ballgame)
I’m still here in the bathtub
I’m so clean that I squeak
Mom says it’s good to relax and soak
It’s been two days…there’s no room for breaststroke
Oh, this bathtub is like an island
I am wrink-, wink-, wrinkled so much
You can call[ca all all] me prune!”
And the song goes on for two more verses–quite an accomplishment. There is also “I-T-C-H-Y (To the tune of ‘Bingo’ “
“I got a sweater made of wool
It’s hot and boy it’s itchy
I-T-C-H-Y…” Can’t you just hear this sounding like B-I-N-G-O ?
Katz dedicates this fine book “To those who keep my bathtub overflowing with love–my wonderful wife, and our amazing kids: Simone, Andrew, Nathan, and David.” I’ll bet bath time at the Katz residence is a melodious, raucous, good time!
I highly recommend this noisy book at bath times and any other times for your kids and grandkids.
My favorite sign off.Thanks Evin; this was a bargain!
Just as Saturday morning TV scheduling back in the fifties and sixties was reserved for kids’ cartoons, PWR reserves Saturday mornings for recommendations of kids’ books. Today’s recommendation targets 2nd through 4th grade history buffs who would like to know more about The Great Depression.
This wonderfully illustrated picture book recounts what life was like and “how hard things were.” The girl who is shown writing the book on the first page is writing how her grandfather and grandmother heard, “there were jobs in Idaho picking potatoes,” and how they “borrowed money for gas and left Iowa…” Picking potatoes day and night, the girl’s grandparents finally traded potatoes for necessities until the Depression was over.
Her final words on the last page are, “All this could be how I have come to like potatoes.”
To think of eating, picking, and “living” potatoes for years is something that blew my mind and will probably do the same to your children/grandchildren’s minds. I highly recommend this book as an answer to questions about The Great Depression.
My Friday Firstliner today is a book I have looked through, read snippets from, and plan to review this weekend here on PWR.
The author, herself, sent me a copy of this book, and I was most happy to receive and review it, for I liked it very much.
Here are the first lines taken at random from the introduction:
” 365 Days of Gutsy Women is a secular compendium of the same compendium or tradition [ as the many books of daily readings now so popular], a year’s worth of readings that will inspire and fascinate you as you discover extraordinary women who have come before us.”
The book’s offerings include Activists/Rebels, Educators/Philosophers, Scientists/Innovators, Authors/Poets, Leaders, Artists/Musicians, Goddesses, organized well on each day of the week. It is a book I plan to start this weekend and continue reading on a daily basis (as the author intended) for the rest of the year. Stay tuned for more excerpts at a later date.
THIS IS NO APRIL FOOL’S JOKE, today kicks off National Poetry month.
Some ideas I am considering to celebrate National Poetry Month, as suggested by poets.org/npm are as follows:
Look into the dear poet project for my students.
I have already hung the National Poetry Month official poster in my classroom.
Today I will sign up for poem-a-day.I signed for it last year and cannot, for the life of me, remember why I cancelled it, too much email, I guess.
I will check into the virtual gala , Poetry and the Creative Mind, on April 28th.
And, I will definitely will carry a poem in my pocket on April 29th, “Poem in Your Pocket Day.”
Follow these poetic adventures and more to come during the month of April on “Powerful Women Readers.”
RAE
p.s. I just googled the Dear Poet project and discovered that it is for grades 5-12. I have juniors and seniors at the university and one kindergarten student whom I tutor. Therefore, I will adapt this suggestion into an assignment for a my students to write to a poet they discover this month.
Tomorrow begins the celebration of poetry for 2022, National Poetry Month. This blog and also my Advanced Writing class will be joining in on the celebration, as I do something each day of April to celebrate poets and poetry. Here is the official poster for 2022 I posted in my classroom yesterday:
The poster and theme are the official choices for April 2022.
Join me in this celebration by following this blog for the next thirty days and add some poetry to your life.
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