Weekend Round-Up

"Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished."
Lao Tzu

In March I posted my book adventures at the Tuscon Book Festival. One of the presentations I attended was on poetry with Nikki Grimes, a well known children's poet and author. 

http://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2017/03/tucson-festival-of-books-2017-part-one.html

I was quite taken with her children's poetry book particularly the poem Words with Wings. So I dreamed big and requested permission to use it on my blog. Know that I had to jump several large hoops to get it but did arrive after a month.  "Words with Wings" is a verse novel written with 70+ poems. Grimes introduces readers to Gabriella, a city girl who’s prone to daydreaming, frustrating her mother and alienating Gabby from her classmates. Several poems bring readers directly into Gabby’s daydreams, as she explains how a single word can set her mind whirling.
The book won Honor Coretta King Award. 

Words with Wings 
by Nikki Grimes

Some words 
sit still on a page
holding a story steady.
Those words
never get me into trouble,
But other words have wings 
that wake my daydreams.
They fly in,
silent as sunrise,
tickle my imagination,
and carry my thoughts away. 
I can't help 
but buckle up 
for the ride! 

From Words with Wings by Nikki Grimes. Copyright © 2013 by Nikki Grimes. Published by WordSong, an imprint of Boyds Mills Press. Used by permission.by Lao Tzu

On another writing note.  Recently I attended Frank Weber's Book Launch for  

A link to the book review.
http://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2017/04/murder-accusations-suspicions-mayhem.html
I was quite honored to have one of my quotes used on his book marks

and on the book launch invite.

But truly the best part was meeting Frank Weber, being able to thank him in person for using my words and listening to him read from his book. As a side note the the young woman featured on the book cover was in the audience and introduced to the group.    

photo by Sue Ready

_____________________________

Photos by Krista Rolfzen Soukup

Need an easy spring dessert? Try Meyers Lemon Cloud with Blueberries 

Cook's notes: This is an original recipe where I DID NOT have to do extra grocery store shopping as I had all the ingredients on hand. What a deal!
Puff Pastry Shells are a staple to have on hand. They can be used for desserts and creamed dishes like chicken pot pies.

Meyers Lemons are always the best but not always available.  These lemons are more seasonal available December through May. They are smaller in appearance, sweeter and not quite so acidic at regular lemons.  
Recipe filling makes 4. 
Ingredients:

• Puff Pastry Shells
• 1 egg white
• dash of creme of tartar 
• 2 Tb. confectioners sugar, divided 
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 TB. lemon peel, grated
• 2 tsp. lemon juice
• fresh blueberries 

Directions:

• Cook 4 shells following manufacturer's directions. Set aside to cool and remove tops, scape out inside very carefully:) 
• While shells are cooking whip egg white with one tablespoon confectioners sugar and a dash of creme tartar. 
• In another bowl whip cream add in 1 tablespoon of confectioners sugar. When peaks begin to form add in lemon juice and grated lemon peel.
• Fill cooled shells, garnish with blueberries and grated lemon peel.