Library Week

I spent yesterday afternoon and last night at the Canastota Public Library, in Canastota, New York. I forgot to bring my camera, sigh. I would have liked to capture the teens that attended my afternoon session. They were full of energy and enthusiasm. They asked great questions and occasionally shouted each other down. But this was all done in friendship; what a great group of readers and writers.



Later that evening I spoke with adults from two of the CPL's regular writers' groups. Not as lively as those teens were, but about the nicest people you could hope to meet. Good questions all around. Beth Totten, the Teen Librarian, arranged my visit and hosted. Such a sweetie.

Cake and Ice Cream for Seamus

How did you spend Seamus Heaney's birthday yesterday? I spent it listening to him read his poetry. He read (and chatted) at Syracuse University's Hendrick's Chapel. He began with "Digging", which must be every writer's favorite poem. He read "Bogland" and"Clearances", "Mid-Term Break" and many, many, many others. He was witty and clear-voiced. He seemed slightly shy. He answered all questions thoroughly even the question everyone dies a little when they hear: "Where do you get your inspiration?" Seamus Heaney gave that question as much respect as the the more original ones that followed. For the record, his answer was "my memories". He continued with that thought before he answered others. Great night. Want to hear him read: http://www.poetryarchive.org/poetryarchive/singlePoet.do?poetId=1392#

There is a great, short bio at the site too. You can read all about his Nobel Prize for Literature and his two Whitbread prizes.

Catch him in person when you can.

Happy Easter

Baby Animals just cute up the place, don't they? These sweet things are last Spring's versions. The bunnies are Twitter and Butterscotch. The duckling is Bruce. New bunnies, chicks, and ducklings will arrive at the farm in the next few weeks. In the meantime, just enjoy the class of '09