March is my birthday month and I have been given two unexpected but very appreciated gifts this month - publication in two stellar collections of poetry and story. Wow, what a privilege! 

     On March 11th, the Ohio Poetry Association launched its anthology, A Rustling and Wakening Within, a collection of ekphrastic poetry by Ohio poets, edited by Sharon Fish Mooney. This week,​ the Women of Appalachia Project released the chapbook, Women Speak, edited by Kari Gunter-Seymour. These two editors have worked tirelessly to produce works of quality. I am both humble and proud to be included in both. 

     For those who are unfamiliar with ekphrastic poetry, it is poetry based on another form of art, like a painting or piece of music. On the OPA website (https://sites.google.com/a/ohiopoetryassn.com/the-ohio-poetry-association/home) you will find additional information and see a link to the artwork referenced in the anthology.
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     The Women in Appalachia (www.womenofappalachia.com/women_speak.htm) poets are selected each year by jurors and agree to give presentations in the region to represent Appalacian women and their strength, intelligence, diversity and resiliency; to break the stereotype and celebrate who they are.   

 I hope you will consider purchasing one or both of these quality publications. Here are the links:
sites.google.com/a/ohiopoetryassn.com/the-ohio-poetry-association/ohio-poetry-associations-publications   

and www.amazon.com/Women-Speak-selections-throughout-Kentucky/dp/1544618107/ref=sr_1_11?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1490549317&sr=1-11&keywords=women+speak

     Recently, I was asked to display some of my poetry at the Johnson-Humerickhouse Museum in Roscoe Village, Coshocton, Ohio. The exhibit is called "Local Bounty" and features local artists celebrating locally grown food. Holli Rainwater, a local haiku poet, and I were asked for written works relating to this theme. 
     Since locally grown food and sustainable living is near and dear to my heart, I was thrilled to have them display my work among the stunning visual art by our talented local artists. The exhibit runs through January 4, 2015. Do try to make the exhibit if you are in the area.  If you go to my "Poems and More" page, you will find the poem, "Kale" - one of the poems in the exhibit.
     Of course, ekphrastic poetry-descriptions and interpretations, in poems, of works of art-is the true meld of visual art and poetry. The Ohio Poetry Association is doing a series of fine workshops this year all around the state in various museums. I attended one at the Columbus Museum of Art with Terry Hermsen (I adore Terry) and they recently held one at the Cleveland Museum of Art with Clarissa Jakobson. Check out the OPA website for the next one and consider attending - it is worth your time.