Poetry Friday: Reflections on SCBWI NYC 2023
Our Poetry Friday host for today is Molly at Nix the Comfort Zone. Hop on over there for the complete roundup of posts.
SCBWI NYC Winter Conference Reflections
Last weekend, I had the privilege of going to the SCBWI Winter Conference in New York City. I haven’t been to New York since pre-COVID times, and it was a thrill to be back.
I walked to Central Park every day.
I visited the MoMA.
I went to the Morgan Library and Museum.
I took some writer friends to my favorite Japanese stationary store.
Plus I got to eat great food.
And I went to the conference where I met people in person I only knew online, and I connected with new people.
We heard two amazing keynotes–Marla Frazee and Aisha Saaed. Both left me teary and thinking about process, loving the journey, and making personal connections.
My focus this week is processing all of the notes I took at the marketing sessions and trying to make a plan going forward for what things I’d like to do.
Haiku of the Week
out of lichen
a wood ear mushroom
listens in
Photo Taken: December 17, 2022 at the Clifton Institute
Haiku Written: January 18, 2023
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What I’m Reading
by Lisa See
I’m listening to this for my book club right now. I’d love to know what your book club is reading this month!
What I’m Noticing
When I got back from New York, the snowdrops were blooming in patches all over the woods. Where we’ve seen nothing but crunchy, crumpled leaves for months, we finally have hints of spring. It was a welcome surprise on my return.
30 Comments
Rose Cappelli
You managed to get in an array of activities in NY, Marcie! Sometimes I miss going to conferences. I always loved the information and inspiration, but the best part was making personal connections. Thanks for sharing all the wonder.
My book group is reading Remarkably Bright Creatures. I’m listening to a wonderful audio version.
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Oh that book sounds fabulous! I love listening on audio.
Irene Latham
Yay for your return to NYC and all these beautiful parts of your experience! I am listening, just like that (beautiful) wood ear mushroom. xo
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Thank you, Irene!
Bridget Magee
Thanks for sharing your NY experience, Marcie! Some day I will make it to you NY…
And your haiku, an ear-resistable funghi! 🙂
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
I don’t get to go very often, but I do love NYC. 🙂 Thank you for your kind words.
Tabatha
Love this haiku!
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Thank you!
Linda
It sounds like a wonderful trip. I’ve never been to NYC other than driving through it on my way north. I would love to visit the Japanese stationary store someday!
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Oh! I love NY. It’s such a great place to visit.
Kate Narita
Hi Marcie,
I love the simplicity and elegance of this post. My Project Lit Book Club is reading Rajani’s Red, White, and Whole this month. Personally, I’m listening to Blackthorn Key and loving it. I only have about a half an hour more to go. Hope you have a great weekend. Kate
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Thank you, Kate! I was worried it was going to be too many things in one post. Glad it resonated. I love RED, WHITE, AND WHOLE. Such a great book.
Mary Lee
Your time in New York sounds like so much fun (and learning and inspiration)! And then to come home to snowdrops…wow! Love that listening mushroom!
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Thank you, Mary Lee. It’s definitely been a week that’s awakened the senses. 🙂
Linda Baie
Oh, your time in New York City looks wonderful, Marcie. I haven’t been in so long! Thanks for a peek at every part! And for the listen of that wood ear mushroom. It’s new to me & you’ve made it a poem, too!
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
I hadn’t been since before the pandemic. Such a great trip!
Kay McGriff
That sounds like a fantastic trip to NY. I’m jealous. I haven’t been since I was in high school. I love that listening wood ear mushroom. Lovely. I’m currently reading Inciting Joy by Ross Gay for my book club. It’s fabulous!
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Oh, I’m reading Inciting Joy as well! I love his work!
Heidi Mordhorst
It’s been a long time since I went to an in person conference–lucky YOU! And you certainly fit in a lot of non-conferece activities. I hope you get lots out of your sessions as you process! (And boy that tree-ear looks a LOT like an actual ear…)
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Luckily, the hotel was in a perfect location to do loads of exploring. I walked a lot because the weather was fabulous.
PATRICIA J FRANZ
How wonderful that the woods welcomed you home with snowdrops! And, I would love to see an ear mushroom in the woods.
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
It was a lovely welcome home!
Susan T.
What a great weekend in NYC! Since I love that kind of shop, I have to ask: what’s the name of the Japanese stationery store?
The idea of that tiny mushroom listening in is very touching!
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
It’s Kinokuniya right near Bryant Park. I’ve been there several times and it was very close to where I met some writer friends for lunch, so we all visited together!
Karen Edmisten
Ooooh, I’ve got some serious travel-envy vibes going on here, lol. What a marvelous trip!
Love your haiku — I’m enjoying imagining what that little ear is hearing.
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Thank you, Karen!
Molly Hogan
I’m enchanted by your haiku and that listening ear. It reminds me of the quote Tabatha shared in her post about the power of attention–yours and somehow that mushroom’s too! Just taking it all in. Thanks for sharing your NY experience. I’ve been itching to travel lately and at least your post allows me to do so vicariously.
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
I get that travel itch too! It’s been such a long time since I’ve taken a trip!
Denise Krebs
Marcie, what a lovely time you had. I enjoyed seeing the photos you took in New York. Wonderful. Thank you for the haiku this week. I was introduced to the wood ear mushroom. It really looks like an ear, and it is listening in the forest.
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Thank you, Denise! I had a fabulous time!