Poetry Friday: More Adventures in Libraries (and Parks)
Margaret at Reflections on the Teche is hosting Poetry Friday this week.
Where I Get My Energy Pennies (Hint: Libraries and Parks)
Becca Syme talks a lot about energy pennies–what really fills you up. For each person it might look different. For your various strengths, you might depend on different sources for energy pennies. Two of my top strengths are LEARNER and INPUT. I like to take things in. I like to read. I like to research. So all of these trips to the libraries and parks are not draining. They are energy-giving.
For more information about energy pennies, you can listen to this podcast link. However, Becca Syme talks about energy pennies in many articles and videos. You can Google “Becca Syme” and “Energy Pennies.” I’m a member of her Patreon and she even gave Patrons “cheat sheets” for energy pennies based on their strengths. It was an at-a-glance for things to try to gain energy pennies.
This week, I had a minor outpatient surgery (I’m fine, no worries) that derailed me mid-week. I knew it would, and I planned for it. But there are fewer trips this week because of it. I slept and read instead.
Freeman Store and Museum
I went to the Freeman Store and Museum which is not a park, but it was still pretty interesting.
It’s down the street from a local indie bookstore, Bards Alley, so I visited there too.
The Freeman Store also had a display about the 19th Amendment up, including the Silent Sentinels (more about them in my forthcoming book).
They also have an amazing used bookstore in their basement where I scored a copy of DEMON COPPERHEAD for $3.00!
Oakton Library
I went to the Oakton Library and picked up this stack of books.
Oakton Library holds a special place in my heart because it’s the first Fairfax County Library branch I ever visited–before we even moved to the area. Johnell DeWitt invited me to talk to a small group of writers about mentor texts. Dianna Aston was the other speaker. I met several DC metro people at this event that eventually became friends. That became an important connection when we moved here.
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
I also went to Meadowlark Botanical Gardens.
This is the only park I’ve been to that cost money (but it’s well-worth the $6.00 admission fee). They also have blooming lotuses and a plethora of water lilies and dragonflies this time of year.
Patrick Henry Library
I stopped by the Patrick Henry Library on my way home and got this stack of books.
I’ve also been so amazed at how many branches have THINGS WE FEEL in their new books section.
More Libraries
In the past week, I’ve also been to doing some research outside of my local libraries.
I visited the Fairfax County Historical Records to do some research for my local history class. Never underestimate the power of people who know their collections. This place was a treasure trove. They also gave me the biggest compliment saying that most people aren’t as persistent as I am.
(Sorry, the only pictures I took were of maps that I don’t have permission to share.)
I also visited the George Mason University library for some books. I’ve been pulled back into an old project and was looking to see what they had on the topic. I go to this library when I need a really quiet place to work. It has a SILENT 5th floor for graduate students. It’s a phenomenal place to get work done. The only downside is that the parking is pricey.
I also took a quick research trip to UVA’s Claude Moore Health Sciences Library (located inside the UVA Hospital) for some research on my next novel. Again, I’m so impressed with the librarians and the care they take with their collections and their willingness to help writers.
Haiku of the Week
tiny fairy
umbrellas emerge
storms brew
Photo Taken: July 3, 2023 Burke Lake Park
Haiku Written: July 14, 2023
What I’m Reading
by Mary Oliver
by R.F. Kuang
I got tired of waiting for this one at my library, so I bought this one at Busboys and Poets so I could read it while recovering from surgery. You won’t want to put this one down.
What I’m Noticing
I bought this tiny pot at the Freeman Store and Museum made by a local artist. It matches my Thai Celadon. I let my Thai basil bloom accidentally, so I clipped off a few of the blooms and put them in this.
29 Comments
Linda Mitchell
What a rich and vibrant post. Your blog is so good for me. I find so much inspiration. Thank you. I need to check out that 5th floor at GMU. Writing at home with the adult children here over the summer is not as easy as I thought it might be. I love getting to go on your journies with you via your blog.
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Yes! Come to GMU to write. If you do, call me and we’ll have lunch at University Mall.
Margaret Simon
So many libraries around you. One disadvantage to a small town is the library. I took your advice to do the Sealy Challenge with library books and could only find 2. They are sorely lacking in poetry and maybe I need to speak to a real person about it. I hope you continue to heal. My surgery (hysterectomy) has thrown me for a loop. Recovery has been slow as molasses. But it does give me reading and writing time. But anesthesia cut down on my ability to focus for very long. Can I use your lotus photo for This Photo Wants to be a Poem? With credits, of course. Thanks.
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Margaret, I hope you will be much better soon. You are most welcome to the use lotus photo. Thanks for asking!
Verrena Diane Anderson
Like Linda, I find inspiration in your writing… in your writer’s life. I always see something I want to read in your library stacks. I love the simple beauty that appears on the windowsill. So many reminders to notice what is around you.
P.S. Glad your surgery went well. Wishing you continued good health!
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Thank you so much!
Tracey Kiff-Judson
Marcie, I can’t talk with you, or read something you wrote, or look at your pictures without learning something and wondering something. Thank you so much, and I hope you are feeling well!
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Aww! Thank you, Tracey! And I’m feeling much better!
Laura Purdie Salas
I love your haiku, Marcie, and your sharing of all your various challenges. You’re so impressive. Energy pennies – going to look into that, since I often think of things in terms of values/costs/percentages. Is that cupcake worth my 15 Weight Watchers points? Yes. Is this project worth 25% of my time for the next 3 weeks? Maybe. Is this brief line in this poem carry (and I use money terms when I think about this) equal in impact to the longer lines before it? Etc. Going to have to check out the energy pennies. Thanks!
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
I love thinking about it as values/costs. I think what has been eye-opening to me is that different people have different things that fill their well. So what it looks like for me will be different than what it looks like for someone who has different strengths.
Tabatha
Great post! Energy pennies sounds like an interesting concept. I made a post about “the body’s bank account” a while back (https://tabathayeatts.blogspot.com/2018/10/the-bodys-bank-account.html).
Awesome about all The Things We Feel spottings!
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Oh thank you! I’ll read!
Rose Cappelli
Thank you, Marcie! I am also intrigued by the energy pennies. Whatever is working for you it certainly gives you lots of energy. Hope you continue to heal.
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
I’m feeling pretty good! Taking it slower than usual, but that’s okay!
Susan T.
Like Linda M., I get inspiration from your blog, too, Marcie! I always enjoy seeing what you’re up to. The Sealy Challenge is going to be here before I know it, so I better start getting organized. I am lucky to have access to many excellent libraries nearby, so I’m going to focus my efforts there.
Repeats to self: I am not buying books, I am not buying books, I am not….
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
I hear you–at each of these libraries I visit, they also have “Friends of the Library Book Sales.” I leave my money in the car so I won’t be tempted to buy more!
Linda Baie
I have a few librairies I visit but nothing like you did just this week, Marcie. I’m happy that you have such a variety for your writing projects. I love your haiku & the picture, nature’s poetry! Hope the surgery woes are soon passed!
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
I’m lucky to have so many libraries in my area!
Linda Baie
I have a few libraries I visit but nothing like you did just this week, Marcie. I’m happy that you have such a variety for your writing projects. I love your haiku & the picture, nature’s poetry! Hope the surgery woes are soon passed!
Joyce Ray
Marcie, like you, I must have LEARNER a a strength. I can get so lost in research and am so happy wandering around. I don’t knw how you get so much done in a week, especially recuperating! I love your post and will check into “energy pennies” which I definitely need. The teeny mushrooms do so look like fairy umbrellas. Great haiku!
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
I have learner and input in my top 5, so I can be a learning mess!
Mary Lee
YOU are an energy penny! I always get so much inspiration from your posts! I’m nearly set up for Sealey — I have a huge bag of reserves ready for photos and the fun of deciding of which one gets to go first!
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Hooray! So excited you are doing Sealey! I look forward to your thoughts! 🙂
Anastasia Suen
What wonderful adventures you are having, Marcie! (And that fairy umbrella photo is *fabulous*!) Sending you healing thoughts.
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Thank you! I’m feeling much better!
PATRICIA J FRANZ
I added it up: Pretty sure you spent A FORTUNE in Energy Pennies this week — and this was RECOVERY week??? – lol!
I’m reading DEMON COPPERHEAD right now.
And, is it possible to fall in love with a dragonfly? <3
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
See, i GAINED energy pennies this week. And yes, it’s possible to fall in love with a dragonfly! Totally possible.
Denise R Krebs
Marcie, I loved going on this adventure with you through the libraries, parks and book shops. It was lovely to go with you. Those tiny rairy umbrellas are spectacular.
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
I know! I love these umbrellas!