“Wow!”
That was just about all I could say, “Wow.”
Perhaps you recognize the nod to Kevin Henkes (Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse), perhaps not. Either way, you’re sure to realize that I was totally wowed by Linda Mitchell’s Poetry Swap gift to me.
Back in November, Tabatha Yeatts kindly invited people to participate in a poetry/gift swap this December. (Thanks, Tabatha!) I, in a fit of delusional optimism, thought, “Sure!” and signed up. Then I got matched up with Linda Mitchell, and knowing the recipient made participation even more fun. And it really was…even if November flew by and December approached far faster than I’d imagined and I barely squeaked out my gift and poem by the due date. (How is it that every year I forget how insane this time of year is?)
At any rate, I sent Linda’s gift off on Saturday and then early the next week, Linda’s gift for me arrived. Wow! Clearly there was no squeaking done on her end! She created a stunning book for me including her beautiful artwork and an original poem. What a gift! With her permission I’m sharing it here. First, check out the adorable cover below.
Then, on the inner flyleaf, she began the book with a poem from Wallace Stevens entitled, “The Snowman”.
Next, she worked her scrapbooking/collage magic.
These photos simply don’t do the book justice. That initial tree….wow! And those pines and snowflakes. Wow! Again, that was just about all I could say, “Wow!” Each page is a work of art highlighting a stanza from the original Wallace Stevens poem.
Then, the final page showcases her marvelous poem to me. Oh. So. lovely. Her first stanza moved me deeply and then she followed up with stanzas rich with beautiful winter imagery and ended with an echo of Stevens’s fabulous final line.
Oh, Linda. Thank you for this beautiful book and your poem. I treasure them. The warmth of poetry and friendship mean so much and I am the richer for having received both.
Buffy Silverman is hosting the Poetry Friday Roundup this week at her blog. She’s sharing a sneak peek at Liz Garton Scanlon’s stunning new book, “One Dark Bird.” Be sure to check it out.
Nix the comfort zone 
We’re both the luckiest!
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For sure 🙂
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Lucky you! That is one beautiful book, and my favorite line from Linda’s poem is “Or frozen meadows shushing” Wow! I love that!
Have a lovely holiday, Molly!
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Isn’t that a fabulous line? I love it too! Hope your holidays are filled with joy, Linda!
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It looks like you and Linda were well matched! I adore that tree collage. And how great to be the subject of her letter-poem. So perfect, as you do capture trees crusted with snow and frozen meadows shushing!
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It’s all stunning, but I, too, adore that tree collage. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season, Buffy!
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Wow! That’s my reaction, too. Love this line, “For the photographer who beholds nothing that is not there, and the nothing that is.” Awesome sauce! My heart is filled your gifts to each other and the knowing that I have the gift of your friendship as well. Wonderful Christmas!
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That line’s one of my favorite’s as well.
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Molly, you and Linda are well-matched. There is so much beauty in Linda’s collage art and writing. The beauty of winter is captured in so many different ways. May you both continue to grow as friends and writers. Happy Holidays.
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Thanks, Carol. It was such fun to be matched with Linda. Hoping you enjoy winter’s beauty and the upcoming holidays!
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Wow is right! What a special and beautiful gift! Thank you for sharing this! Many good wishes to you for the days ahead.
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Handmade gifts are the best and doubly so when poetry is included!
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This is amazing! Thanks for sharing it! Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com
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It really is amazing, isn’t it!?
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I’ll have to add my own “wows” — both for Linda’s gift to you, and yours to her. Gorgeous poems and artwork! Stevens’s poem is one of my faves this time of year.
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Thanks, Jama. Stevens’s poem is new to me but definitely one I’ll visit regularly in the future.
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Thank you for sharing! The book looks cute and I loved the winter poem. Your gift exchange is really awesome. Both gifts look amazing.
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It was a bright spot to the holidays for sure! 🙂 Hope you enjoy yours!
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I agree with others here that this is a marvellous gift. That tree collage is gorgeous!
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I love trees and fell head over heels for that one!
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What a treasure! How lucky we all are to have this amazing community!
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This community is simply amazing–such a source of inspiration and support!
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The poem is so you! And the rest of it so her! Love it all! — Christie
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Oh my oh my, the two of you and your overflowing creations of love. Such a Wallace and such a Linda, both aimed directly at you. *sigh* You do both make me recall why I stopped the swapping…I think all my worthy gift-making energy gets used up in the classroom! I could never pull something like this together.
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What a lovely wintery filled package from Linda– I like how her poem speaks to the inspirations of a photographer and poet, and all the art in her book, thanks for sharing it Molly!
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