Ron Stewart's Poetry Group At Landon Library

I have not attended Ron Stewart's poetry group for a long time, but I am subscribed to his updates and enjoy "staying in the loop."

Ron was unable to host this past Wednesday, December 14, 2011, however, he let us all know how it went. Here is his update:

Here is the insider report on Last Night at Landon. I have it on good authority that a lively poetry workshop took place with 9 or 10 poets.

As you now know the guest facilitator was the beautiful and talented Christine Thorpe and my thanks go out to her for stepping in at short notice and running a fine workshop.

Unfortunately I was not there to take notes on the poems studied last night, but here are some of the titles. I leave it to you and your vivid imaginations to fill in the blanks.

Here are some of the titles:

•     They wore pink - (perhaps something about breast cancer?)

•     Armageddon in the Food Fair (I can't imagine what was going on here,   but it sounds great)

•     Skating Party (A short poem with a twist I bet)

•     Dragon Summer (Knowing who wrote this poem, I'm sure it wasn't about martial arts)

•     She is (or was) no ordinary rose (not about gardening)

•     Untitled about tights and angels (I don't think this was about angels in tights)

•     Lover moon (I can see the canoe bobbing gently in the reservoir while two lovers...)

If any of the participants would like to send their poems along I would be more than pleased to read them. My curiosity is killing me.

Anyway, back to Last Night at Landon.

My insider reports that the poems were thoroughly discussed and the poets found the group comments eye opening if not helpful.

I hope to get back on track for the January workshop. See you on the 11th at 6:30 PM at Landon Library.

If you are a London, Ontario poet and you would like to share your work and get feedback,  Ron's monthly workshop is for you.

Put January 11th at 6:30 p.m. on your Calendar.   

P.S. Landon Library, if you are unfamiliar with it, is located at 167 Wortley Rd., London, Ontario, Canada N6C 3P6. Phone is 519-439-6240.

Invitation to May 30 Launch of Possessions: The Eldon House Poems

I just received this email invitation to the book launch for Possessions: The Eldon House Poems.  Everyone is invited.

On behalf of Christine Walde and Poetry London, I want to inform you and the London Writers' Society of our exciting upcoming launch of Possessions: The Eldon House Poems. We would love to have you there. Would you please help us spread the word to the London Writers' Society? The details are down below. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Many thanks,

Debra Franke

Poetry London Reading Series

www.poetrylondon.ca

Who: Poetry London in association with Museum London

What: Official launch of Poetry London's first anthology of poetry, Possessions: The Eldon House Poems, with readings by selected poets from the anthology

Where: The lawn of Eldon House, 481 Ridout Street North, London Ontario

When: Sunday May 30, 2-4 p.m.

Admission: FREE

Why: On the occasion of Eldon House's 175 anniversary

Possessions: The Eldon House Poems is an anthology of poetry published in partnership between Museum London and Poetry London on the occasion of Eldon House's 175 Anniversary. Featuring 27 local poets from London and the surrounding region, the anthology celebrates the history, lore and artifacts of the Harris homestead in the past, present and future.

Please join us on the lawn of Eldon House at 481 Ridout Street North London on Sunday May 30 from 2-4 p.m. to launch this collection of poetry, featuring reading by selected poets from the anthology. Cake and lemonade will be served. Books will be for sale. Rain or shine.

You may recall that another book launch took place last October, for Through a Land of Extremes: The Littledales of Central Asia which recounted the daring travels of Teresa Harris and her explorer husband St. George Littledale in the late 19th century. From the Eldon House website:

"Born at Eldon House in 1839, as the youngest child of John and Amelia Harris, Teresa went on to travel the world with St. George, including remote Tibet, earning the couple fame as Victorian England's greatest travellers in Central Asia. The Clinch's 313-page book describes in detail their many travels, and acknowledges London archivist John Lutman and Theresa Regnier of the University of Western Ontario for all their research assistance. In addition, the late Peter Smith, program coordinator at Museum London, was thanked for his wide knowledge of Eldon House, the Harris family and early Canada.

"This extraordinary presentation was previously delivered to the Royal Geographic Society in London, England and at Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. for National Geographic."

Both Museum London and Poetry London host wonderful events, so attend this one if you can. 

The museum restaurant, by the way, is second to none and would be a great place to have brunch beforehand. On The Fork has the best view of any restaurant downtown, a relaxed yet refined ambiance, and superb food. Who knew blueberry pancakes could be so delectable?