PLP Reading at Green Leaf Coffee House
December poetry blast : open mike - Green Leaf Coffee House Poetry Circle
The afternoon will start of with a poetry open mike and / or poetry and writing discussion, and end with co-writing a poem for December.
Date: Saturday December 15, 2007
Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Repeats: This event repeats every month on the third Saturday.
Location:
Green Leaf Coffee House, 2400 S. Eola Road, Suite G Aurora, IL
Poetry readings will ORDINARILY be held the Third Saturday of the month from 7pm to 9pm at:
Green Leaf Coffee House(located in Sun Plaza)
2400 S. Eola Road, Suite G
Aurora, IL 60504
630-851-8410
greenleafcoffee@sbcglobal.net
Attendance is free of charge and all poets and spoken-word artists are welcome to read.
Contact Dan Stafford at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Plainfield_live_poetry/post?postID=zbYmiUupdQukZzJQBTy7jUYPgiTkXvuQ7SHgEmGrheGcoN6Pkyu82oFbQtA3x4gisRNU7N48DTLMqBLr or 815-483-8878 or Jillmarie at Green Leaf Coffee House (greenleafcoffee@sbcglobal.net)
Sun Plaza is located on the far Southwestern portion of Eola Road about two miles before it intersects US Hwy 30.
Please forward this message to anyone you feel may be interested in reading or attending.
Happy Holidays!
Friday, December 14, 2007
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Next Saturday at Harold Washington
Frome Dave Gecic:
A Reading With The Poets of The Puddin'head Press
Harold Washington Library
Author's Room
400 S. State
7th Floor
1 to 2:30 PM
Saturday, December 1st
Featuring:
Nina Corwin author of Conversations With Friendly Demons and Tainted Saints
Carol Anderson author of Ordinary
Cathleen Schandelmeier author of Chicago Phoenix
Larry Janowski author of BrotherKeeper
Sandy Goldsmith author of Imaging Center
Lee Kitzis author of Eight Dollars An Hour
There will be books by dozens of Chicago poets available.
Come and buy a poetry book for Christmas.
For more info visit www.puddinheadpress.com
or e-mail us at phbooks@compuserve.com or call 708-656-4900.
And Friday November 30
at the Mercury Cafe
1505 W. Chicago Ave
at 7 PM
presents featured poets
Janet Kuyper, Ixta Menchaca
and Nina Corwin, author of Conversations with Friendly Demons and Tainted
Saints
Saturday, November 24, 2007
November Green Leaf Poetry Recap...
November was an intimate but lively session for poetry at the Green Leaf Coffee House.
Shannon & her Dad joined in the discussion, and Shannon's Dad brought in a wonderful poem he'd written about what writing poetry meant to him.
Russ Pergram, one of our most romantic poets, was reading and driving a great deal of discussion, and Mary Andersen joined in with her first poetic writing in twenty years for our new last hour segment, the Green Leaf Coffee House Poetry Circle.
The poetry circle is where all writers in attendance who are willing to contribute a verse to a jointly-written poem. (Rights go to Green Leaf Coffee House, as they are our generous hosts.)
I hope a happy Thanksgiving was had by all - and with the December holiday season, a wonderful month coming up.
Here is our November creation:
Eggnog Latte...
In the falling afternoon sunlight,
Lazy Fall Sunday afternoon,
A steaming cup of holiday,
Whirls about my mind,
Stirred and lidded hand-warmer,
From which I spill poetry.
As I sip from that cup of memories
Of holidays long gone by
I savor the fragrance of their joy
Amid the velvet echoes
Of loves' sweet caress
Creamy and dreamy,
blackness and fluff
sweetness lingers
covering the bitter bite
Last minute shopping,
frantic wrapping,
hiding all the whimsical surprises,
at last a reward of frothy delight,
time being held still with a sip of holiday enjoyment,
a sense of satisfaction of new memories
being created and old ones passed on.
By: Green Leaf Coffee House Poetry Circle
© 11/24/2007
Contributing Authors: (In order of verse written)
Daniel A. Stafford
Russ Pergram
Shannon Prahl
Mary Andersen
Shannon & her Dad joined in the discussion, and Shannon's Dad brought in a wonderful poem he'd written about what writing poetry meant to him.
Russ Pergram, one of our most romantic poets, was reading and driving a great deal of discussion, and Mary Andersen joined in with her first poetic writing in twenty years for our new last hour segment, the Green Leaf Coffee House Poetry Circle.
The poetry circle is where all writers in attendance who are willing to contribute a verse to a jointly-written poem. (Rights go to Green Leaf Coffee House, as they are our generous hosts.)
I hope a happy Thanksgiving was had by all - and with the December holiday season, a wonderful month coming up.
Here is our November creation:
Eggnog Latte...
In the falling afternoon sunlight,
Lazy Fall Sunday afternoon,
A steaming cup of holiday,
Whirls about my mind,
Stirred and lidded hand-warmer,
From which I spill poetry.
As I sip from that cup of memories
Of holidays long gone by
I savor the fragrance of their joy
Amid the velvet echoes
Of loves' sweet caress
Creamy and dreamy,
blackness and fluff
sweetness lingers
covering the bitter bite
Last minute shopping,
frantic wrapping,
hiding all the whimsical surprises,
at last a reward of frothy delight,
time being held still with a sip of holiday enjoyment,
a sense of satisfaction of new memories
being created and old ones passed on.
By: Green Leaf Coffee House Poetry Circle
© 11/24/2007
Contributing Authors: (In order of verse written)
Daniel A. Stafford
Russ Pergram
Shannon Prahl
Mary Andersen
Thursday, October 18, 2007
PLP Reading at Green Leaf Coffee House this Saturday
| Reminder from: | Dan Stafford | |
| Title: | PLP Reading at Green Leaf Coffee House | |
| Date: | Saturday October 20, 2007 | |
| Time: | 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm | |
| Repeats: | This event repeats every month on the third Saturday. | |
| Location: | Green Leaf Coffee House, 2400 S. Eola Road, Suite G Aurora, IL | |
| Notes: | Poetry readings will ORDINARILY be held the Third Wednesday of the month from 7pm to 9pm at: Green Leaf Coffee House (located in Sun Plaza) 2400 S. Eola Road, Suite G Aurora, IL 60504 630-851-8410 greenleafcoffee@sbcglobal.net Attendance is free of charge and all poets are welcome to read. Contact Dan Stafford at aqmstaffo@mailbag.com or 815-483-8878 or Jillmarie at Green Leaf Coffee House (greenleafcoffee@sbcglobal.net) Sun Plaza is located on the far Southwestern portion of Eola Road about two miles before it intersects US Hwy 30. Please forward this message to anyone you feel may be interested in reading or attending. | |
New Pickup Truck
As some of you know, my orange Dakota was totaled a couple of weeks ago. Here is the replacement, which is still missing a few finishing touches, such as a black bed liner, body matching hard tonneau cover, front tow hooks, and a black hood scoop. I put in a picture of another Dakota with a hood scoop on it at the bottom so you can get the idea.
Regards,
Dan
Friday, September 28, 2007
Saturday Poetry Open Mike at Green Leaf Coffee House
Saturday Poetry Open Mike at Green Leaf Coffee House
Spoken Word at Green Leaf Coffee House this coming Saturday afternoon:
Plainfield Live Poetry will be meeting Saturday, September 29th at Green Leaf Coffee House from 1-4pm .
Let's bring in the Fall with some hot poetry!!
All writers, poetry or not, are welcome to come and read - this is a spoken word event and we want to hear from all of you!
Green Leaf Coffee House (located in Sun Plaza) 2400 S. Eola Road, Suite G Aurora, IL 60504
630-851-8410 greenleafcoffee@sbcglobal.net
Attendance is free of charge and all poets and writers are welcome to read.
Contact Dan Stafford at aqmstaffo@mailbag.com or 815-483-8878 or Jillmarie at Green Leaf Coffee House (greenleafcoffee@sbcglobal.net)
Sun Plaza is located on the far Southwestern portion of Eola Road about two miles before it intersects US Hwy 30.
Please forward this message to anyone you feel would be interested in reading or attending!
Sunday, September 16, 2007
From Dave Gecic - Puddin Head Press
Here are four Puddin'head tidbits.
Nina Corwin, author of
Conversations With Friendly Demons and Tainted Saints
Will be feature
at Waiting 4 the Bus
at Jaks Tap 901 w Jackson
this Monday, September 17th, 7:30 PM
Dave Gecic
will be featured
this Tuesday, September 18, 8 PM
at The Café, 5115 N. Lincoln.
Great poetry, great drinks, great food, great googlie-mooglie!
Dave Gecic and Bob Boone will perform at
Geezerpalooza II.
Wednesday, September 19, 8 PM
at Phyllis' Musical Inn, 1800 W. Division
with readings by Chicago area educators and
the adult supporters of Young Chicago Authors.
Sandy Goldsmith's book "Imaging Center"
will be available in October.
Her next feature is
DVA Gallery
Friday, October 5, 8 PM
2568 N. Lincoln
There will be a star-studded poetry event
to celebrate her book in October.
Clear your October calendar!
For more info visit www.puddinheadpress.com
From Dave Gecic - Puddin Head Press
Here are four Puddin'head tidbits.
Nina Corwin, author of
Conversations With Friendly Demons and Tainted Saints
Will be feature
at Waiting 4 the Bus
at Jaks Tap 901 w Jackson
this Monday, September 17th, 7:30 PM
Dave Gecic
will be featured
this Tuesday, September 18, 8 PM
at The Café, 5115 N. Lincoln.
Great poetry, great drinks, great food, great googlie-mooglie!
Dave Gecic and Bob Boone will perform at
Geezerpalooza II.
Wednesday, September 19, 8 PM
at Phyllis' Musical Inn, 1800 W. Division
with readings by Chicago area educators and
the adult supporters of Young Chicago Authors.
Sandy Goldsmith's book "Imaging Center"
will be available in October.
Her next feature is
DVA Gallery
Friday, October 5, 8 PM
2568 N. Lincoln
There will be a star-studded poetry event
to celebrate her book in October.
Clear your October calendar!
For more info visit www.puddinheadpress.com
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Green Leaf Coffee House Poetry Saturday, September 29th
Green Leaf Coffee House Poetry Saturday, September 29th this month...
All,
I'm going to be away this Saturday & next, so poetry at the Green Leaf Coffee House will be Saturday, September 29th, instead of 09/15.
I'll send out another reminder closer to the date.
Regards,
Dan
All,
I'm going to be away this Saturday & next, so poetry at the Green Leaf Coffee House will be Saturday, September 29th, instead of 09/15.
I'll send out another reminder closer to the date.
Regards,
Dan
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Beach Glass...
Beach Glass...
Softened bauble tossed by waves,
There in the tumble of my favorite lake,
You dance with pretty stones and driftwood,
Washed up and old but elegant.
It's something gentler the waves bring,
Walking down the sand with the gulls,
They float and they dance,
The waves break and break and break.
A soft roar and a driftwood stick,
Footprints and foam and green and blue,
Sunshine and yellow-tan with glints all about,
Looking for shells and other treasures.
We drift along in timeless reverie,
Until it's time to just lie still,
Sun-baked and wind-washed,
Filled with the beach-scent of the lake.
We take one shell,
Soft violet tinge inside,
And four colors of beach glass,
Green and amber and white and faded blue.
Treasures to set in a cigar box,
Children at play in endless time,
Tokens and omens and wishes of fishes,
An art of life that's sublime.
I turn it in my fingers and see all the beach glass colors,
Softly in my mind summer is ending,
Sharp edges gone and nights just beginning to cool,
Tumbled at the edge of Lake Time.
AquarianM
By: Daniel A. Stafford
© 09/01/2007
Words are the mind's bridge - it's connection to all the universe.Love is the heart's bridge - it's connection to all other souls.Loving words can work miracles.
Softened bauble tossed by waves,
There in the tumble of my favorite lake,
You dance with pretty stones and driftwood,
Washed up and old but elegant.
It's something gentler the waves bring,
Walking down the sand with the gulls,
They float and they dance,
The waves break and break and break.
A soft roar and a driftwood stick,
Footprints and foam and green and blue,
Sunshine and yellow-tan with glints all about,
Looking for shells and other treasures.
We drift along in timeless reverie,
Until it's time to just lie still,
Sun-baked and wind-washed,
Filled with the beach-scent of the lake.
We take one shell,
Soft violet tinge inside,
And four colors of beach glass,
Green and amber and white and faded blue.
Treasures to set in a cigar box,
Children at play in endless time,
Tokens and omens and wishes of fishes,
An art of life that's sublime.
I turn it in my fingers and see all the beach glass colors,
Softly in my mind summer is ending,
Sharp edges gone and nights just beginning to cool,
Tumbled at the edge of Lake Time.
AquarianM
By: Daniel A. Stafford
© 09/01/2007
Words are the mind's bridge - it's connection to all the universe.Love is the heart's bridge - it's connection to all other souls.Loving words can work miracles.
Friday, August 31, 2007
New novel in the works - The Grymwyre of Atlantean Spells
I had to give this story its own blog due to podcast requirements - but parts one and two are out there now in either text or mp3 audio. (The audio links are in the title lines.)
Once I finish the book of the first spell completely, it'll go up on lulu.com - I have the cover art and everything already in mind. It's just a matter of putting in the time to finish the writing.
If you know anyone that enjoys fantasy fiction, please don't hesitate to send this on.
*Note: This is the opening chapter, in part, of a full-length fiction novel I will be writing. The Grymwyre of Atlantean Spells will consist of a series of spells followed by a short story of its usage. This novel will set the stage for a series of fantasy novels set in various time periods. I will be blogging and podcasting teasers at http://grymwyre2.blogspot.com/
- with for-sale e-book, print book, and audio book versions available at lulu.com - I will sell each chapter as it is completed at a low cost and then the full novel once complete.*
The first spell is entitled The Blood Rose of Atlantis and features the prehistory of Vampires - in Atlantis, of course!
The podcast feed URL is http://feeds.feedburner.com/TheGrymwyreOfAtlanteanSpells
You should be able to search the podcast if you have iTunes or any podcast player software.
Hope all of you are doing great!!
Dan
Once I finish the book of the first spell completely, it'll go up on lulu.com - I have the cover art and everything already in mind. It's just a matter of putting in the time to finish the writing.
If you know anyone that enjoys fantasy fiction, please don't hesitate to send this on.
*Note: This is the opening chapter, in part, of a full-length fiction novel I will be writing. The Grymwyre of Atlantean Spells will consist of a series of spells followed by a short story of its usage. This novel will set the stage for a series of fantasy novels set in various time periods. I will be blogging and podcasting teasers at http://grymwyre2.blogspot.com/
- with for-sale e-book, print book, and audio book versions available at lulu.com - I will sell each chapter as it is completed at a low cost and then the full novel once complete.*
The first spell is entitled The Blood Rose of Atlantis and features the prehistory of Vampires - in Atlantis, of course!
The podcast feed URL is http://feeds.feedburner.com/TheGrymwyreOfAtlanteanSpells
You should be able to search the podcast if you have iTunes or any podcast player software.
Hope all of you are doing great!!
Dan
Wordslingers Poetry On the Radio Sunday night 9/2/07 8-9pm 88.7 fm WLUW & streaming live www.wluw.org
Wordslingers Poetry On the Radio Sunday night 9/2/07 8-9pm 88.7 fm WLUW & streaming live www.wluw.org
M.C. Watson (wordshamanmcw@hotmail.com)
M.C. Watson (wordshamanmcw@hotmail.com)
I’m jus’sayin…
It’s the Labor Day weekend. Which means what? Once you get past the smell of barbeque, or manage not get smash mangled during an alcohol juiced stock car road trip to ratsville or swallow copious amounts of aspirin and despair because your dream version of labor has little to do with what you actually do for a living, the September future resembles a long road of compromised hygiene and retrofitted reasons for self medication. Or writing angst poems.
Any way this Sunday night on Wordslingers 9/2//07 8pm-9 pm 88.7 fm WLUW and streaming live on www.wluw.org
Chicagoan and
He’s been performing his work in
years, featuring at many venues in
such as The Café, Pontiac Produce, The Oak Park Library, The
Skokie Public Library, The DVA Gallery, and Big Horse. He produced a
series of poet-band concerts at The Bop Shop and several suburban
locations. His poetry has appeared in numerous publications,
including: After Hours, Ink, U-Direct, and The Columbia Chronicle. He’s edited two editions of the "Anti-Mensch Anthology", and the short-lived magazine Big Pen. He has published two books with the Puddin'head Press "The Laundromat Girl" and "Eight Dollars An Hour".
anthologies, including Skylark, Rockford Review, The Lucid Stone,
Rambunctious Review, and Rhino. She has performed her work at all the major
poetry venues in the
Patrons,
recipient of the Joanne Hirshfield Memorial Prize for Poetry. She is a long
time member of The Poets' Club of Chicago. Sandy Goldsmith's new book is called "
David Gecic is the editor in chief of The Puddin'head Press, one of
David Gecic has hosted poetry readings at many locations including The Oak Park Library, The Skokie Library, The Alsip Library, The Bartlett Library, The Worth Library, Estelles, The Gallery Cabaret, The Bop Shop, The Waukegan Yacht Club, The Chesterton IN Book Fair, The Printer's Row Book Fair, and the Harold Washington Library, His work has appeared in several magazines and journals including After Hours and Hammer Magazine. He’ currently a member of Neutral
Turf, a not-for-profit organization that promotes teen poetry. He is one of
the founding members of the Red Path Theater Company.
Wordslingers airs on the 1st and 3rd Sunday nights from 8pm to 9pm live from the campus of
Now approaching it's 8th year, Wordslingers is all about poetry; no hype, no hustle, just the word, the rhythm, the vibe and the vision of poetic perception in the pulse between the power and the page!
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Open Mic - Green Leaf Coffee House
Hello music makers....
Here are the next few days...
Open Mic this Monday!.......reply back to sign up!
Times are as follows:
7:00, 7:10, 7:20, 7:30, 7:40, 7:50, 8:00, 8:10,8:20, Featured Artist plays 8:30-9:00, 9:00, 9:10, 9:20.
Featured Aritst this week: um.....I'll get back to you on that....
SATURDAY!
BATTLE OF THE BANDS - Round 2
Detroit Free Press
Consider Me Crazy
Your Atlantic Summer
The Obstacles
The Average Suspects
AKA Foxy
Cover: $6
Sunday...
Running Club at 8 am
Everyone is welcome!
**Details for the Newbies**:
We host a weekly open mic every Monday at Green Leaf Coffee House:
2400 South Eola Road, Suite G in Aurora.
Anyone is welcome to sign up for a 2-song slot between 7 and 8:30. Simply reply back to this email and let me know what time you would like to play.
Admission is $4 and includes a free drink token
ALSO...
I'll be putting in another Green Leaf Coffee House Tshirt order the beginning of September, so if you missed out last time it's not too late!
Offering Tshirts ($15pre-order) and Long-sleeved Tshirts ($18pre-order) and baseball shirts ($20pre-order).
Stop in to order one!
You can visit us at www.myspace.com/greenleafcoffee to see what's going on here at the shop, let me know your thoughts on Green Leaf, or connect with our other musicians and regulars!
Questions? Comments? Good jokes? Need directions?
Call me at 630-851-8410 or email at greenleafcoffee@sbcglobal.net
Jillmarie
Thank you for supporting big dreams and independent coffee houses.....
GREEN LEAF COFFEE HOUSE
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Poetry Events Coming Up
Courtesy of Chicagpoetry.com:
UPCOMING CHICAGO AREA EVENTS
**Tue Aug 28: The Cafe, 5115 N. Lincoln Ave,
presents an open mic. with featured poet Mike
Menges, 8 PM sharp.
**Fri Aug 31 Mercury Cafe Poetry Open Mic, 1505 W.
Chicago Ave, hosted by Vito Carli, features Dave
Gecic and Larry Janowski, 7 to 9 PM sharp, free.
**Tue Sept 4: The Cafe, 5115 N. Lincoln Ave,
presents an open mic. with featured poet Joe
Roarty, 8 PM sharp.
**Fri Sept 7: DvA Gallery, 2568 N. Lincoln Ave,
presents a reading by The Poetry Club of Chicago,
featuring Nancy Carrigan, Maureen Flannery, Chris
Gallinari, Pat Gangas, Glenna Holloway, Larry
Janowski, Wayne Allen Jones, Carol Kanter, C. J.
Laity, William Marr, Robert Mills, Charlie Newman,
Donna Pucciani, Tom Roby, and Charlie Rossiter, 8
PM sharp, free.
**Mon Sept 10: Molly Malone's, , 7652 W. Madison
St., Forest Park, IL, presents an open mic. with
featured poet Ron Offen, 7 PM, $3 - $5.
**Mon Sept 10: The Red Lion Pub, 2446 N. Lincoln,
presents a fiction open mic, bring your stories to
read, 7:30 PM.
**Tue Sept 11: The Cafe, 5115 N. Lincoln Ave,
presents an open mic. with featured poet CJ Laity
reading from Disco Hypnotic, 8 PM sharp.
**Mon Sept 17: Waiting 4 the Bus at Jaks Tap, 901
W. Jackson, featuring an open mic. with featured
guest Nina Corwin, 7:30 PM, free.
**Thur Sept 20: Jesse Oaks Bar and Grill, 18490 W
Old Gages Lake Rd, Gages Lake, IL, presents a open
mic. and poetry slam featuring poetry and music by
Francis Mai-Ling, 7 PM, $5 to compete, winner
takes the pot.
**Fri Sept 21 Mercury Cafe Poetry Open Mic, 1505
W. Chicago Ave, hosted by Vito Carli, features
Bromin Shumway , 7 to 9 PM sharp, free.
**Mon Oct 1: Waiting 4 the Bus at Jaks Tap, 901 W.
Jackson, featuring an open mic. with featured
guest Omniphonic with Tom and Lem Roby, 7:30 PM,
free.
**Sat Oct 6: Heartland Cafe, 7000 North Glenwood,
presents a fund raiser for World Bicycle Relief,
featuring poetry by MARCH/Abrazo Authors, also
featuring films and photography, more details to
follow.
**Thur Oct 18: Jesse Oaks Bar and Grill, 18490 W
Old Gages Lake Rd, Gages Lake, IL, presents a open
mic. and poetry slam Capital K, 7 PM, $5 to
compete, winner takes the pot.
=========================
LOOKING FOR POETS
http://chicagohyperlocal.typepad.com/chicago6corners/
Saturday, August 18, 2007
August at the Green Leaf...
It's been a quiet afternoon here, with the rain and grey outdoors cooler than the last several weeks, it seems the perfect day for a bit of introspection. None of the poets apparently were able to make it today, but that's OK - some days it's just like that and I don't mind going with the flow. Poetry will still be an option here at the Green Leaf Coffee House, the owners and I are all committed to making that possible for local poets.
It's on Poetry Days such as these that I turn to putting in more energy online into poetry. Writing, promoting, whatever I can do to connect to the spirit of what these three hours are for.
I gave Jillmarie of Green Leaf Coffee House and invitation to become a guest contributor to Word Whizzyrds - free reign to post notices of ALL the open mic events and music that Green Leaf does. They are really becoming a great asset to the local community and it's inspiring to see it.
So on that note, after reading several poets work online, I wrote this new one today that I'll leave you with. I'm looking forward to days when more of you can come out, but days limke this have their nice points too. I hope everything is going wonderfiully for all of you out there in the Western Chicago 'Burbs.
Dan
--------------------------------------
Who Will Fill This World?
I sit in the grey rainlight wondering,
Amidst clouds of pillowed steel,
Reading my peers and feeling,
I breathe in the angst like burned steel in this air,
Feeling a tentative green ghost waiting to be born,
A future we might yet bear to fruition,
A whiff of hope drifting up from my cup,
Of ginger-peach iced tea.
When you remember everything good in life,
Isn't it the moment someone you cherished cradled you,
Stroked your hair or hummed gently holding your hand?
What I know is that using anger like a tool burns you,
From the inside out it eats you alive,
It doesn't matter if you're an entire culture or a lonely heart,
It will make you its breakfast lunch and dinner,
As surely as this world spins 'round the sun -
I've seen it happen with my own two eyes.
We were great as a nation and as a people,
At those moments we were most filled with these things -
Dreams, hope, inspiration, compassion, vision.
What I know is that love fills you,
Feeds you and nourishes you and gently guides you,
And if you want to revere the past and those who went before,
Let their angers subside and yours as well,
Get closer to your ghosts in the memory of those moments that glow,
When they dreamed and loved and accomplished,
Give your ghosts a real future -
By dreaming and loving and accomplishing.
Tearing down takes moments,
Building up is always the real work.
What is it you birth?
Who will fill this world?
AquarianM
By: Daniel A. Stafford
© 08/18/2007
Words are the mind's bridge - it's connection to all the universe.
Love is the heart's bridge - it's connection to all other souls.
Loving words can work miracles.
It's on Poetry Days such as these that I turn to putting in more energy online into poetry. Writing, promoting, whatever I can do to connect to the spirit of what these three hours are for.
I gave Jillmarie of Green Leaf Coffee House and invitation to become a guest contributor to Word Whizzyrds - free reign to post notices of ALL the open mic events and music that Green Leaf does. They are really becoming a great asset to the local community and it's inspiring to see it.
So on that note, after reading several poets work online, I wrote this new one today that I'll leave you with. I'm looking forward to days when more of you can come out, but days limke this have their nice points too. I hope everything is going wonderfiully for all of you out there in the Western Chicago 'Burbs.
Dan
--------------------------------------
Who Will Fill This World?
I sit in the grey rainlight wondering,
Amidst clouds of pillowed steel,
Reading my peers and feeling,
I breathe in the angst like burned steel in this air,
Feeling a tentative green ghost waiting to be born,
A future we might yet bear to fruition,
A whiff of hope drifting up from my cup,
Of ginger-peach iced tea.
When you remember everything good in life,
Isn't it the moment someone you cherished cradled you,
Stroked your hair or hummed gently holding your hand?
What I know is that using anger like a tool burns you,
From the inside out it eats you alive,
It doesn't matter if you're an entire culture or a lonely heart,
It will make you its breakfast lunch and dinner,
As surely as this world spins 'round the sun -
I've seen it happen with my own two eyes.
We were great as a nation and as a people,
At those moments we were most filled with these things -
Dreams, hope, inspiration, compassion, vision.
What I know is that love fills you,
Feeds you and nourishes you and gently guides you,
And if you want to revere the past and those who went before,
Let their angers subside and yours as well,
Get closer to your ghosts in the memory of those moments that glow,
When they dreamed and loved and accomplished,
Give your ghosts a real future -
By dreaming and loving and accomplishing.
Tearing down takes moments,
Building up is always the real work.
What is it you birth?
Who will fill this world?
AquarianM
By: Daniel A. Stafford
© 08/18/2007
Words are the mind's bridge - it's connection to all the universe.
Love is the heart's bridge - it's connection to all other souls.
Loving words can work miracles.
Monday, August 6, 2007
I've been meaning to get at this since LAST month...
July's PLP reading at Green Leaf Coffee House ( MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/greenleafcoffee ) had an outstanding turnout.
We had poets from Write Way Writers' Group of Joliet, Writers from Ottawa Writers Group, Windy City Romance Writers Group, Seneca, directly across the street, Plainfield, (Myself & Big Russ Pergram, of course) and more.
We also got some photos taken, so take a peek:
We had poets from Write Way Writers' Group of Joliet, Writers from Ottawa Writers Group, Windy City Romance Writers Group, Seneca, directly across the street, Plainfield, (Myself & Big Russ Pergram, of course) and more.
We also got some photos taken, so take a peek:
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Wonderful afternoon at the Green Leaf...
...we must have had 20 poets in reading, from Ottawa, Seneca, Joliet, Naperville, Plainfield, and Delaware as in the state. Three different writers' groups were represented, and one poet from right down the block in Aurora. All great poetry, all fresh new faces except big Russ who is great too. We took a big group photo out front and as soon as it gets e-mailed to me, I'll post it up here. Absolutely a fantastic PLP day! Thank you to everyone who made it out and made it great!
Dan
Dan
Thursday, July 19, 2007
From Green Leaf Coffee House
Hello Dreamers....
Open Mic this Monday!.......reply back to sign up!
Times are as follows:
7:00, 7:10, 7:20, 7:30, 7:40, 7:50, 8:00, 8:10,8:20, Featured Artist plays 8:30-9:00, 9:00, 9:10, 9:20.
Featured Aritst this week:Drew Fortson...
Music this Friday night...
Free, all ages show from 7-9 PM
The Battle of the Bands continues here at Green Leaf...:
Date: Sat July 21st
Doors: 5:45pm
Cover: $7
Doors: 5:45pm
Cover: $7
Saturday...
Running Club at 8am
and
a Spoken Word Forum 1-4pm
...this is an informal gathering of poets, writers, and listeners to read, listen and share....all are welcome!
**Details for the Newbies**:
We host a weekly open mic every Monday at Green Leaf Coffee House:
2400 South Eola Road, Suite G in Aurora.
Anyone is welcome to sign up for a 2-song slot between 7 and 8:30. Simply reply back to this email and let me know what time you would like to play.
Admission is $4 and includes a free drink token
You can visit us at www.myspace.com/greenleafcoffee to see what's going on here at the shop, let me know your thoughts on Green Leaf, or connect with our other musicians and regulars!
Questions? Comments? Good jokes? Need directions?
Call me at 630-851-8410 or email at greenleafcoffee@sbcglobal.net
And as always, thanks for supporting big dreams, local, live music and independent coffee houses!
Jillmarie
Green Leaf Coffee House
Thank you for supporting big dreams and independent coffee houses.....
GREEN LEAF COFFEE HOUSE
Saturday Open Mike at Green Leaf Coffee House
Saturday Open Mike at Green Leaf Coffee House
Spoken Word at Green Leaf Coffee House this coming Saturday afternoon:
Plainfield Live Poetry will be meeting Saturday, July 21st at Green Leaf Coffee House from 1-4pm .
It's time we warmed up the local poetry scene with our own down-home poets and writers!
All writers, poetry or not, are welcome to come and read - this is a spoken word event and we want to hear from all of you!
Green Leaf Coffee House (located in Sun Plaza) 2400 S. Eola Road, Suite G Aurora, IL 60504
630-851-8410 greenleafcoffee@sbcglobal.net
Attendance is free of charge and all poets and writers are welcome to read.
Contact Dan Stafford at aqmstaffo@mailbag.com or 815-483-8878 or Jillmarie at Green Leaf Coffee House (greenleafcoffee@sbcglobal.net)
Sun Plaza is located on the far Southwestern portion of Eola Road about two miles before it intersects US Hwy 30.
Please forward this message to anyone you feel would be interested in reading or attending!
Spoken Word at Green Leaf Coffee House this coming Saturday afternoon:
Plainfield Live Poetry will be meeting Saturday, July 21st at Green Leaf Coffee House from 1-4pm .
It's time we warmed up the local poetry scene with our own down-home poets and writers!
All writers, poetry or not, are welcome to come and read - this is a spoken word event and we want to hear from all of you!
Green Leaf Coffee House (located in Sun Plaza) 2400 S. Eola Road, Suite G Aurora, IL 60504
630-851-8410 greenleafcoffee@sbcglobal.net
Attendance is free of charge and all poets and writers are welcome to read.
Contact Dan Stafford at aqmstaffo@mailbag.com or 815-483-8878 or Jillmarie at Green Leaf Coffee House (greenleafcoffee@sbcglobal.net)
Sun Plaza is located on the far Southwestern portion of Eola Road about two miles before it intersects US Hwy 30.
Please forward this message to anyone you feel would be interested in reading or attending!
Harmonica Summer Project
I came up with a fascinating idea by pure chance; give away harmonicas all summer long.
It happened after I bought one of the above harmonicas at Cracker Barrell one day. (No, I'm NOT plugging the restaurant, it's just that they carry these.)
I had so much fun playing the thing, (and still do) that I thought of giving one to our neighbor's son, who is very shy and quiet. I thought it might bring him out of his shell a little. So I gave one to him and his brother via their Dad. (No idea how it's going with them as yet.)
The day after that, I ran across a homeless person in down town Chicago looking for money. Somehow, it made me think of an old high school friend in Madison, WI who is a street musician on State Street up there and plays for tips. I made the mental leap and decided to start giving harmonicas out to friends and the homeless. I think I've given out about twenty or so to date.
The look on people's faces when you give them a harmonica is pure delight, like a five year old at a really good Christmas. This is something they'll enjoy for a long time to come, and many times over. For the homeless, it also might help them earn better tips - actually earn some of it through playing music rather than just begging. One can hope. If it does even one person some good, it's totally worth it.
Anyway, I'm going to give away a few harmonicas all summer, and also to the Christmas toy drive for disadvantaged kids. It's relatively inexpensive as gifts go, only $5.00 apiece, but a long-lasting enjoyment.
Here's the poem that goes with this effort:
Harmonica Summer...
I’ll never forget that cracker barrel day,
A little breakfast of biscuits and gravy,
Marion blueberry pancakes and coffee,
Laughing with my Honey.
Passing the counter to pay the bill,
I saw a large pile and my thoughts quieted,
Red white and blue boxes full of silver,
Entitled Bluesband and made by Hohner.
An idea sprouted pretty as a dandelion,
I bought one up and walked out smiling,
Little boy big and blowing sweet tunes,
I’d found a harmonica come late June.
So much fun I had since that day,
I went back with money and ideas,
Bought up five more with a gleam in my eyes,
The gift of music was something I’d play.
I gave two to the neighbor boys next door,
After asking their daddy of course,
I gave one to a friend and to a bum,
Now begging is tuneful and entertaining for sure.
I gave the last to the gal down at the desk,
It turns out her nephew loves it quite dear,
Or the gal who sold them her little brother did play,
When he was little played himself off to sleep.
For the price of a nice dinner for two,
I can buy seven seven-year-old Christmas smiles,
The kind that go on in the heart forever,
Like Gabriel releasing the seven horns - but much nicer.
I’m going back every pay day,
Buying up gifts,
I’m looking forward to a city full of riffs,
By the end of Harmonica Summer.
AquarianM
By Daniel A. Stafford
© 06/30/2007
(2nd to last verse added 7/4/7)
Words are the mind's bridge - it's connection to all the universe.
Love is the heart's bridge - it's connection to all other souls.
Loving words can work miracles.
It happened after I bought one of the above harmonicas at Cracker Barrell one day. (No, I'm NOT plugging the restaurant, it's just that they carry these.)
I had so much fun playing the thing, (and still do) that I thought of giving one to our neighbor's son, who is very shy and quiet. I thought it might bring him out of his shell a little. So I gave one to him and his brother via their Dad. (No idea how it's going with them as yet.)
The day after that, I ran across a homeless person in down town Chicago looking for money. Somehow, it made me think of an old high school friend in Madison, WI who is a street musician on State Street up there and plays for tips. I made the mental leap and decided to start giving harmonicas out to friends and the homeless. I think I've given out about twenty or so to date.
The look on people's faces when you give them a harmonica is pure delight, like a five year old at a really good Christmas. This is something they'll enjoy for a long time to come, and many times over. For the homeless, it also might help them earn better tips - actually earn some of it through playing music rather than just begging. One can hope. If it does even one person some good, it's totally worth it.
Anyway, I'm going to give away a few harmonicas all summer, and also to the Christmas toy drive for disadvantaged kids. It's relatively inexpensive as gifts go, only $5.00 apiece, but a long-lasting enjoyment.
Here's the poem that goes with this effort:
Harmonica Summer...
I’ll never forget that cracker barrel day,
A little breakfast of biscuits and gravy,
Marion blueberry pancakes and coffee,
Laughing with my Honey.
Passing the counter to pay the bill,
I saw a large pile and my thoughts quieted,
Red white and blue boxes full of silver,
Entitled Bluesband and made by Hohner.
An idea sprouted pretty as a dandelion,
I bought one up and walked out smiling,
Little boy big and blowing sweet tunes,
I’d found a harmonica come late June.
So much fun I had since that day,
I went back with money and ideas,
Bought up five more with a gleam in my eyes,
The gift of music was something I’d play.
I gave two to the neighbor boys next door,
After asking their daddy of course,
I gave one to a friend and to a bum,
Now begging is tuneful and entertaining for sure.
I gave the last to the gal down at the desk,
It turns out her nephew loves it quite dear,
Or the gal who sold them her little brother did play,
When he was little played himself off to sleep.
For the price of a nice dinner for two,
I can buy seven seven-year-old Christmas smiles,
The kind that go on in the heart forever,
Like Gabriel releasing the seven horns - but much nicer.
I’m going back every pay day,
Buying up gifts,
I’m looking forward to a city full of riffs,
By the end of Harmonica Summer.
AquarianM
By Daniel A. Stafford
© 06/30/2007
(2nd to last verse added 7/4/7)
Words are the mind's bridge - it's connection to all the universe.
Love is the heart's bridge - it's connection to all other souls.
Loving words can work miracles.
Idle Chatter
Wow, what a rainstorm tonight in Chicago! I was wondering if I should break out the canoe, and judging from all the flash flood watches in the area, not far off in my guestimate.
Here's a quick pic of Chicago at night when it's raining.
At any rate, I want to talk a little bit about one of my favorite places to post poetry online: Flowing Quills at Ezboard.com .
Flowing Quills is a beautifully set online poetry and writing board with active members from all over the world. They have set areas for free verse poetry, formed poetry, short stories, romantic poems, and dark poetry. They have a space also set aside for photography and visual arts, and for special recognition of site members that have won weekly, monthly, and annual contests for poetry.
There is a lot of action and much spectacular poetic talent on this board, and the commentary is always kind and often constructive.
Additionally, longer-term members are given their own individual forum to showcase their work.
If you are looking for a comprehensive but kind place to jump into the online poetry scene, Flowing Quills is an absolutely OUTSTANDING place to start. I highly recommend a visit.
I personally tend toward the Crossroads & Tapestries forums, which are free verse poetry and photography / visual arts oriented boards respectively.
Dan
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Invitations to post...
I've invited a few of our Western suburban poets to become team members with posting privileges here at Word Whizzyrds so that they have a way of informing our readers on Western Suburban poetry and spoken word happenings in the Chicago metro area. I have also invited a talented poet from the Peoria area to help us keep up to speed on what's going on Down State. Let's hope they give us a go and give a big welcome if they do.
If you'd like to be able to post about regional poetry at Word Whizzyrds, please e-mail Dan Stafford with why you feel you should be invited to post.
Dan
If you'd like to be able to post about regional poetry at Word Whizzyrds, please e-mail Dan Stafford with why you feel you should be invited to post.
Dan
New Word Whizzyrds Site Format...
I hope all of you enjoy the new format for Word Whizzyrds' home page - I know I certainly will. I've incorporated Blogger into the home page of the site so that I can just add brief updates via Blogger posts instead of using FTP to re-load the page and writing all the extra coding that goes with that method. I've been thinking about doing this for months, I just finally got the time to go through the majority of the work - and it should help drive up traffic to the site and all it presents. Let's all hope so - it'll only make the Western Chicago Suburbs poetry scene richer if it does so.
Dan
Dan
Saturday Open Mike at Green Leaf Coffee House
Spoken Word at Green Leaf Coffee House this coming Saturday afternoon:
Plainfield Live Poetry will be meeting Saturday, July 21st at Green Leaf Coffee House from 1-4pm .
It's time we warmed up the local poetry scene with our own down-home poets and writers!
All writers, poetry or not, are welcome to come and read - this is a spoken word event and we want to hear from all of you!
Green Leaf Coffee House
(located in Sun Plaza)
2400 S. Eola Road, Suite G
Aurora, IL 60504
630-851-8410
greenleafcoffee@sbcglobal.net
Attendance is free of charge and all poets and writers are welcome to read.
Contact Dan Stafford at aqmstaffo@mailbag.com or 815-483-8878 or
Jillmarie at Green Leaf Coffee House (greenleafcoffee@sbcglobal.net )
Sun Plaza is located on the far Southwestern portion of Eola Road
about two miles before it intersects US Hwy 30.
Please forward this message to anyone you feel would be interested in reading or attending!
Plainfield Live Poetry will be meeting Saturday, July 21st at Green Leaf Coffee House from 1-4pm .
It's time we warmed up the local poetry scene with our own down-home poets and writers!
All writers, poetry or not, are welcome to come and read - this is a spoken word event and we want to hear from all of you!
Green Leaf Coffee House
(located in Sun Plaza)
2400 S. Eola Road, Suite G
Aurora, IL 60504
630-851-8410
greenleafcoffee@
Attendance is free of charge and all poets and writers are welcome to read.
Contact Dan Stafford at aqmstaffo@mailbag.
Jillmarie at Green Leaf Coffee House (greenleafcoffee@
Sun Plaza is located on the far Southwestern portion of Eola Road
about two miles before it intersects US Hwy 30.
Please forward this message to anyone you feel would be interested in reading or attending!
About my books
Additionally, I have released two titles, The Poetry Baker's Dozen, a collection of thirteen poems that explore different areas of life, and In Season, a collection of 84 poems of Winter and the holiday season, including poetry for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the New Year. In Season in particular is a great value, and by far contains the most poetry for the money of any of my published collections in the spirit of giving that belongs to the holidays. It includes poetry about the spirit of the holidays, the beauty of the Winter season, and poetic holiday fantasies that are both heart-warming and in some cases humorous. Additionally for those of you who love being by the water, The Beach Poems contains poems about life at the edge of sand and surf.
** Just released 09/29/2004, Ghosts of the Fall is a collection of 54 poems about the feel and look of the Fall season, Halloween, and more.
The stunning cover photos were taken right here in Plainfield.
Catch the Fall spirit with Ghosts of the Fall!**
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)