JoAnn Early Macken

 

Feb 05, 2021 10:24 AM EST

Wonderful. And so true. We try to get paper bags at the supermarket when we forget to bring our bags, but they don't always have them

- Bill Early

Feb 05, 2021 10:29 AM EST

Every little bit helps, Bill! We all do what we can.

- JoAnn

Apr 22, 2020 1:14 PM EDT

More animals are entering the city, probably will see more bones.

- Linda Baie

Apr 22, 2020 1:32 PM EDT

True. And spring is uncovering those that have been hidden through the winter. This is a narrow strip of shrubbery between a park golf course and the Milwaukee River. We see lots of wildlife there but not usually so many bones in one day!

- JoAnn

Apr 10, 2020 10:21 AM EDT

OH my--there is too much truth in your poem. I cannot wrap my brain around the fact that our hospitals are begging for volunteers to sew masks for their staff. I hope we learn from this experience.

- Kay Jernigan McGriff

Apr 10, 2020 10:28 AM EDT

Yes--I'm torn between doing what I can to help & resenting the lack of action on the part of those who could do more.

- JoAnn

Apr 10, 2020 11:23 AM EDT

I've really enjoyed this series! Thanks, JoAnn.

- Tabatha

Apr 10, 2020 11:25 AM EDT

You're welcome! I've begun to think in haiku.

- JoAnn

Apr 10, 2020 11:34 AM EDT

What beautiful masks. I've made a few but your efforts is remarkable. The efforts of those with real power are lacking.

- Janice Scully

Apr 10, 2020 11:38 AM EDT

Yes, it's infuriating. We all do what we can. Thank you for your efforts!

- JoAnn

Apr 10, 2020 4:44 PM EDT

#truth (all of it)

- Mary Lee

Apr 10, 2020 6:02 PM EDT

Thanks, Mary Lee!

- JoAnn

Apr 10, 2020 8:07 PM EDT

Amen. Thank you for always being a giver. All health and love to you and yours. x

- Amy Ludwig VanDerwater

Apr 11, 2020 2:14 AM EDT

Well done for doing what you can to help - both with your sewing and your poetry.

- Sally Murphy

Apr 11, 2020 7:38 AM EDT

Your truth-telling haiku and mask making efforts are much appreciated on multiple levels. Be well. :)

- Bridget Magee

Apr 11, 2020 10:20 AM EDT

Thanks, everyone, for your kind words. I was lucky to spend several months of the winter where it was warm enough to walk outside every day. I came home to Wisconsin rejuvenated, and although it's still a scary time, I'm writing again after a very long drought. I found my way back through writing these daily haiku, so the practice has been very helpful to me. Best of luck to all as we navigate this new reality, xox

- JoAnn

Apr 11, 2020 7:24 PM EDT

"Too little, too late" is too right! It's infuriating. Thanks for trying to make a positive difference.

- Molly Hogan

Apr 14, 2020 4:15 PM EDT

Thanks for all your work - and your writing!

- Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com

Apr 03, 2020 5:24 AM EDT

Your poem message needs to be plastered in my neighborhood, too! But in German as I am in Switzerland and the Swiss people (and government) seem to think we are impervious despite the devastating numbers to the contrary. Loved all your other #SaferAtHomePoems as well. Be safe. : )

- Bridget Magee

Apr 03, 2020 9:14 AM EDT

Thank you, Bridget! While I am grateful for the chance to take in the fresh air and (sometimes) sunshine, I fear that uncontrolled gatherings will make us lose that opportunity. Be well!

- JoAnn

Apr 03, 2020 10:41 AM EDT

The Governor of VA just issued a statewide stay-at-home order this week. I just wish all 50 states would do the same! As some astute person on FB said, not having everyone comply is like having a designated spot in a swimming pool for people to pee.

- jama

Apr 03, 2020 10:45 AM EDT

Wow--so true! We all need to comply if we want to flatten the curve. Stay safe! xox

- JoAnn

Apr 03, 2020 11:30 AM EDT

Yes! It's mandatory now. Loneliness and worse, I fear, will be a problem for many, unfortunately.

- Janice Scully

Apr 03, 2020 11:43 AM EDT

Yes, it becomes ever more important to check in on friends, relatives, and neighbors. My sisters and I had a 7-person Skype visit this week that we plan to repeat weekly. We are lucky to have online options available!

- JoAnn

Apr 03, 2020 3:47 PM EDT

My granddaughters have play equipment in their backyard, but still are so sad that they cannot play in their favorite park. But when I see the news & someone shares that families are still going, it has me surprised and sad. Thanks for doing this, JoAnn! Keep safe!

- Linda Baie

Apr 03, 2020 3:54 PM EDT

Someday, your granddaughters will look back & remember this time. I hope they'll have fond memories of playing together in their safe backyard. Take good care! xox

- JoAnn

Apr 03, 2020 6:31 PM EDT

I only wish more people would heed this warning.

- Leigh Anne Eck

Apr 03, 2020 7:40 PM EDT

Yes, me, too! Soon, I hope!

- JoAnn

Apr 03, 2020 7:53 PM EDT

We are still able to go out for walks so long as we practice social distancing. It's not really a problem here in this small town I'm in. I rarely see anyone out there even during normal times.
I hope you and your loved ones stay safe in these challenging times.

- cheriee weichel

Apr 03, 2020 8:32 PM EDT

Yes, please stay at home! It's been 2 1/2 weeks since I've been out, but tomorrow I need to run to town for groceries. I am grateful for being out in the country where we can walk a mile and see no one else. It does help with preventing cabin fever. Stay safe and well

- Kay Jernigan McGriff

Apr 03, 2020 10:03 PM EDT

Best of luck with all out-of-doors activities--especially shopping! We are taking all possible precautions & still feeling apprehensive. Be safe, all! xox

- JoAnn

Apr 04, 2020 4:04 PM EDT

Yep. We have a similar sign at our local playground. It's sad to think how lonely those swings and slides must be, but I'm sure they will be patient.

- Michelle Heidenrich Barnes

Apr 04, 2020 5:42 PM EDT

I love your perspective! Yes, I imagine school buses & desks might feel the same way. xox

- JoAnn

Apr 04, 2020 6:15 PM EDT

Thanks for all you're doing to encourage people to stay home!

- Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com

Apr 04, 2020 7:18 PM EDT

You're welcome, Ruth! Gotta keep trying.

- JoAnn

Apr 05, 2020 1:38 AM EDT

Well said. I needed to chant this when I went to the supermarket yesterday. Food shopping is essential, but I was alarmed by how many people were not taking the distancing rules seriously. Happy catch-ups in the aisles, picking up items and putting them back, pushing past slower shoppers. .. I know everyone is doing their best, but I can't help worrying for them.

- Sally Murphy

Apr 05, 2020 11:42 AM EDT

I agree. We are doing as much shopping online as possible, but not everything is available, We're trying to be creative with what's on hand & planning ahead more than we usually do!

- JoAnn

Apr 05, 2020 6:22 PM EDT

I wish everyone would read your poem and follow its advice. Love your poem!

- Linda Trout

Apr 05, 2020 8:14 PM EDT

Thank you, Linda!

- JoAnn

Apr 06, 2020 6:02 AM EDT

I feel (and share) your urgency! This is not forever. We can do this.

- Kathryn Apel

Apr 06, 2020 5:54 PM EDT

This is perfect: serious, funny, stern, friendly. May I share?

- Heidi Mordhorst

Apr 06, 2020 6:48 PM EDT

Yes, of course, with my name.

- JoAnn

Apr 04, 2020 5:47 PM EDT

This is spot-on!

- Mary Lee

Apr 04, 2020 7:15 PM EDT

Thank you, Mary Lee! It came to me in a rush as I picked up the dropped pin.

- JoAnn

Apr 06, 2020 5:52 PM EDT

Hi, JoAnn--Enjoying this stream of #SaferAtHome poems and this photo especially: your pantry looks just like MY pantry!

- Heidi Mordhorst

Apr 06, 2020 6:46 PM EDT

Thanks, Heidi! Glad to know we have one more thing in common besides a love of poetry. Our pantry is a bit more bare now, but we're cooking!

- JoAnn

Mar 06, 2020 9:36 AM EST

Thank you. You are my inspiration.

- Peggy

Mar 06, 2020 9:40 AM EST

Peggy, we are strong together!

- JoAnn

Mar 06, 2020 9:40 AM EST

Thanks for the reminder to keep looking for those silver linings, JoAnn!

- Michelle Heidenrich Barnes

Mar 06, 2020 9:41 AM EST

Michelle, we all do what we can!

- JoAnn

Mar 06, 2020 10:12 AM EST

Lovely & heartfelt, JoAnn! There is much to do!

- Linda Baie

Mar 06, 2020 1:29 PM EST

So beautiful, especially your words about the intended audience!

- Ramona

Mar 06, 2020 3:12 PM EST

I loved it! Thanks so much for leading me to your website to read one of your wonderful poems.

- Bill Early

Mar 06, 2020 6:25 PM EST

I just donated this week to two democratic campaigns. It doesn't feel like much. We all have to contribute and care about what happens. Lovely poem!

- Janice Scully

Mar 08, 2020 5:07 PM EDT

Bougainvillea are one of my favorite flowers, but I have trouble keeping them alive and healthy. Thanks for the wagon full.

- Margaret Simon

Feb 14, 2020 10:17 AM EST

Lovely poem, JoAnn. The comparison with baking to writing was a good one. Thanks for sharing. And the pie looks quite tempting!

- Janice Scully

Feb 14, 2020 10:33 AM EST

Love this even more than I would love a slice of that pie, which is saying a lot!

- Sandy Brehl

Feb 14, 2020 12:39 PM EST

I collect poems about 'poems' or 'poem writing', JoAnn, & will add your marvelous poem to them. I love every bit, & smiled at the "Just think of pickles. . ." Love it! Happy Valentine's Day! The pie looks sumptious!

- Linda Baie

Feb 14, 2020 12:50 PM EST

This is a lesson I am struggling to learn, JoAnn. Thank you. Love the pie!

- Karen Eastlund

Feb 14, 2020 1:25 PM EST

My kind of poem - and what a pretty pie (hearts are my favorite)!

- jama

Feb 14, 2020 8:44 PM EST

Delicious! I love how you took the word "age" and came up with this entire recipe poem. It's delightful

- Linda Mitchell

Feb 15, 2020 12:38 AM EST

Your Cooking a Poem poem is wonderful. I especially like the analogy to brining pickles.

- cheriee weichel

Feb 16, 2020 7:38 AM EST

Lots of truth in this poem!!

- Mary Lee

Feb 16, 2020 11:01 AM EST

I love this poem, and it's so true.

- Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com

Feb 16, 2020 1:01 PM EST

Thanks, everyone! Pickles popped into my head when I tried to think of something aged that was less obvious than wine or cheese. Yes, the whole notion of waiting is something I keep trying to remember!

- JoAnn

Feb 16, 2020 1:16 PM EST

YES! I can't count the number of times I've finished a "brilliant" poem and then come back to it wondering what I was thinking. What a great poem to share in the classroom, JoAnn!

- Michelle Heidenrich Barnes

Feb 16, 2020 6:07 PM EST

“Just think of pickles crisping in a crock.” I love this line! You are so right that a poem takes as long as it takes!

- Joyce Ray

Feb 17, 2020 1:38 PM EST

What a delicious poem, JoAnn! You should submit this to the SCBWI Bulletin.

- Kimberly M. Hutmacher

Jan 17, 2020 9:12 AM EST

Fog on the brain is not an illusion
It's the reason for my confusion.
I liked your's better JoAnn.

- Bill Early

Jan 17, 2020 9:24 AM EST

Haha, Bill! I know that foggy feeling, too!

- JoAnn

Jan 17, 2020 7:13 PM EST

Only on a few occasions do we have fog & the look is so enticing to me. Love this, JoAnn: "tic-tac-toe on window screens". Mary Lee wrote about fog today, too!

- Linda Baie

Jan 17, 2020 7:31 PM EST

Thanks, Linda! Yes, I saw Mary Lee's post, too. She's inspiring me to revise mine!

- JoAnn

Jan 17, 2020 7:57 PM EST

More fog poetry! I love the images piled on throughout your poem.

- Kay Jernigan McGriff

Jan 18, 2020 3:59 PM EST

Love the foggy view, and the foggy verbs!

- Buffy Silverman

Jan 19, 2020 7:55 AM EST

Fun to see your take on the fog!

- Mary Lee

Jan 20, 2020 1:34 AM EST

Your image goes well with your poem, and together paint an image of your heavy fog. I love your "spangled spiderwebs," thanks JoAnn!

- Michelle Kogan

Jan 21, 2020 10:42 AM EST

Joann: I saw fog this week also, and I found it so beautiful. I love this poem, especially the spangles. Thanks for sharing.

- Karen Eastlund

Feb 08, 2020 4:39 AM EST

I'm sneaking in a week late... Lovely foggy poem - and especially lovely; 'Fog spangles spiderwebs,
plays tic-tac-toe on window screens,'.

- Kathryn Apel

Feb 13, 2020 3:18 AM EST

Finally got the right blog. Thanks please continue to write for us.

https://www.takeinsta.com

- dorthy