Happy Poetry Friday!
First…
A huge shout out and thank you to Tricia Stohr-Hunt, my Holiday Poetry Swap pal, who sent a packet full of wonder. I’m amazed at how she managed to choose so many of my favorite things, including a cento comprised of NCTE notable poetry books, many of which have now found their way onto by TBR list.
Then…
I attended an art exhibit at the Brandywine Museum of Art showcasing family and nature in children’s book illustration. I viewed original works by Sophie Blackall, Micha Archer, Juana Matinez-Neal, and several others. Inspiring!
At the Brandywine
story
in pictures
elevating wondrous words
Draft, 2023RoseCappelli
Also…
I made a long drive to my friend Kathy M. Miller’s house. I know Kathy as an author (Chippy Chipmunk books), but she is also an accomplished cellist. Kathy invited me to play trios of Christmas carols with her and one of her students. I’m a cello beginner, but I decided to take a leap of faith. I’m so glad I did.
On a Musical Afternoon
Christmas
carols harmonize
across three cellos
Draft, 2023RoseCappelli
Finally…
As I was driving home from Kathy’s, I witnessed a spectacular sight. The sun had been in and out of hiding all day, but at this particular moment it peeked from under the cloud cover and wrapped the whole area in a magnificently warm, almost eerie, glow.
That morning I had written an elfchen about light inspired by Margaret Simon’s photo that she captured on a morning walk. In this week of the Winter Soltice, I was reminded of the wonder and beauty of light.
Window Warmth
candles
offer comfort
in darkened windows
welcome with warm light
peace
Draft, 2023RoseCappelli
Warm wishes to all for a comforting and peaceful holiday season. Jone has the roundup today here where she celebrates the soltice with a nod to the mystery of darkness. Be sure to stop by for lots of poetry goodness.
Imagine the Possibilities 
I’m enjoying again your feel good elfchen it’s sending warm vibes out! Congrats with your cello gathering—sounds lovely, along with your harmonic poem. Enjoy all your treasures from Tricia—and your museum trip sounds intriguing, thanks for sharing all Rose!
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Rose, I can relate to a solstice Elfchen, and a memorable musical afternoon. Yesterday, Dad and I listened to his favorite albums from the 1940’s, 1950’s, and 1960’s. He told me a story about the time he happened upon Tommy Dorsey with Frank Sinatra when his crooning career was getting started.
Merry Christmas to you!
Sun
Stands still
Glorious long shadows
North Pole is aimed away
Winter
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Thanks for sharing your elfchen, Joyce, and your musical experience. Merry Christmas!
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Love this! What awesome gifts!
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This whole post makes me feel cozy and glow-y (is that a word?) 😀 You’ve got me missing the string recitals we used to attend when my daughter took violin lessons. The studio was small and cozy, illuminated with twinkle lights, and the music — yes, even of beginners 🙂 — was such a joy. ❤️
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What lovely gifts from Tricia! I love your Elfchen – particularly the line “North Pole is aimed away,” made me stop and think about the logistics. : )
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Rose! I’m so happy I got to read the backstory of your Nevermores poems. It makes the cello harmony that much more lovely. Merry Christmas!
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What courage you have to start a new instrument and to play with others (I used to have a recurring dream that I could play the cello…alas, even the fiddle I played as a kid remain silent.) Love the gifts and the window warmth.
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Buffy, I played the violin from the time I was six well into adulthood. I loved the ensemble of an orchestra but hated solo recitals. I was more or less destined to play the violin since both of my parents played (they met in an orchestra), but I secretly wished the cello were my instrument. It was my husband’s suggestion that I give it a try.
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What a happy post sharing your day, Rose. I love reading about each part, & that you wrote poems for each part, too. I love that you’re trying the cello! Wishing lots more music with it in the new year & Happy Holidays to you & your family!
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Thank you, Linda.
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A week of wonders! Thanks for sharing and inviting us in to these sweet moments, with words to love in each poem.
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The Brandywine and cellos are two favorites! I would have loved to hear those cello harmonies. Have a wonderful holiday, Rose, and thanks for your poems of comfort and light.
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Your poems are so lovely. I especially enjoyed reading “Window Warmth.” I hope you have a wonder-filled Christmas and a happy, healthy 2024.
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Your poems make your week of wonders even better, Rose. 🙂
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Your post is full of the season of solstice and musical joy. Have a wonderful holiday!
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Rose, what a wonderful post. I love seeing and reading about your gift from Tricia and then the activities you’ve been up to captured for posterity in haiku and elfchen. My favorite is the Christmas carols on three cellos. I would have loved to hear that concert.
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Rose, wonderful traveler of the rural roads. I’m glad you mentioned Brandywine Museum & Sophie Blackall – I became a fan of hers with her p.b. Finding Winnie, about the real bear from Canada who inspired Winnie-the- Pooh, so it warmed my heart to see her name here. TY for the cello work – the roiled world needs more music makers – & for the lovely creative candle glow/ sun catching moments.
I’m late arriving to this post but in time to offer a Happy New Year Weekend!
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Thank you! May 2024 be a year of wonder and light for all of us.
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