The Spoken Word

Last night I was fortunate to hear Ted Kooser read his poetry in Concord. Hearing the poet read his or her work is like having them invite you inside their art. They swing the door open wide.

Ted Kooser was the first recipient of the Donald Hall and Jane Kenyon award. Donald Hall was in attendance as was Maxine Kumin.

Ted Kooser makes poetry look easy. He exhorted the audience to write about their relatives, to lift up the lives of those who have gone before. He also explained that he writes what he sees, vignettes that pass before him.

I think he and I share the same opinion about tattoos. He read a poem about a faded tattoo on an older man. It is called Tattoo and is found in Delights and Shadows.

First Day of Fifth Grade

Here are some pictures because not everyone can access my photos when I email them using iPhoto. Concord has embarked on an elementary school building project. Small schools are consolidating and new schools will be built. Sophia's school, Kimball, is now know as Kimball-Walker. K-2 students are in class at the Walker building. 3-5 students are now at Rumford School. This school is only a bit further away, but with snowy sidewalks in our future we were happy to receive a bussing notice from the district. Sophia now can walk through White Park to catch a bus to Rumford School. Above is a picture of line-up with her teacher, Mr. B. Sophia is very excited to have Mr. B.

Even though it is hot here, I walked home from Rumford and phoned a fire wood dealer and emailed the chimney guy. Winter is coming and I am not in my cozy Finnish apartment.