A Patchwork Life

I realized recently, after the advent of the new Facebook design (which I hate so far), that I’ve written more notes than I’ve posted photos or videos– I’m a writer in every medium, apparently.

One of my recent notes was in response to an old friend who tagged me for a meme about making things. Specifically, if you post the note, you promise to make something for the first five people who respond, something handmade, real-world, and tangible. She tagged me, I commented so I would receive something from her, and then I reposted the note and am already thinking about what to make for the five friends who commented on mine. I pounced on this meme because it reminded me of 52 Projects: Random Acts of Everyday Creativity, a book I bought with great intentions but have sadly not delved into the way I’d hoped. Maybe that would be a good regular blogging feature once school is over…..

Anyway, I’m thinking baked goods will definitely be on the list, if I can figure out the best way to ship them to Alabama, Wisconsin and Oregon. I’ve been thinking about crocheting lately, so a little afghan square might be a nice addition, or even a little embroidery. But I’ve also been thinking about something else, something a bit more bold, with a little more daring. I’m going to write each person a poem.

I remember reading in Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within that Natalie Goldberg took a booth at a neighborhood fair and wrote poems on demand for everyone who paid a dollar throughout the day. I am both frightened and enchanted by that idea, so I guess this is my way to test it out a little.

If you think that offer sounds attractive, but you missed the Facebook window, comment and let me know. I may not know you that well, but if you give me a subject prompt, I’ll write you a poem. Maybe it’s your favorite bird (mine is flamingoes), or your favorite food (pizza), or you want a poem with your favorite color in it (the color of the water in the Bahamas). You decide, and I will oblige.