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  • MARCH SOL – 2025 – Poems about Nourishment

Tag: SOS: Sharing Our Stories Magic in a Blog

April Poem #16: Wood Songs

April 16, 2022 ~ wordancerblog ~ Leave a comment

And even though I know the woods, the hills, the coastline, the land often surprises me.  There is always a gift to uncover.  The woodland is where I find solitude, where my thoughts keep cadence with my footsteps, where I can go to unpuzzle the world and find peace.

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April Poem #13: Memory of Spring

April 13, 2022 ~ wordancerblog ~ 1 Comment

Observing the small birds like the juncos, chickadees, and sparrows, I wonder at their tenacity.  Such small and fragile things, yet they weather winter snows, spring rainstorms, summer heat, and fierce fall winds.  Where do they find their strength?

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Grateful Writer

March 31, 2022March 31, 2022 ~ wordancerblog ~ 5 Comments

Before I could write, I loved to tell stories.  I told stories to anyone who would listen.  I loved to listen to other people’s stories too.  I was a master eavesdropper by the time I was four.  I loved the warp and weft of the words people told.

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A Candle in the Darkness

April 9, 2021 ~ wordancerblog ~ 12 Comments

All my life, it is teachers and writers who have lit my way to new and better understanding; opened my mind to possibilities and promise.

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  • One Little Word, 2026
  • Looking for the Light
  • Joy to Writers: Lessons from 2nd Grade
  • A Grateful Writer
  • Put Learning in Their Hands
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  1. Trish's avatar
    Trish on One Little Word, 2026January 7, 2026

    I can't add anything but, "Brava" to the comments here! The stanzas that begin, "Remember me as..." speak so clearly…

  2. Lainie Levin's avatar
    Lainie Levin on One Little Word, 2026January 7, 2026

    Well, first of all, the older I get, the older "old" is =)And I love the mindset you are bringing…

  3. Jessica Carey's avatar
    Jessica Carey on One Little Word, 2026January 7, 2026

    Remarkable. Flashy and spunky. I love your attitude approaching this year and your upcoming birthday. So inspiring.

  4. Leigh Anne Eck's avatar
    Leigh Anne Eck on One Little Word, 2026January 6, 2026

    I love all of this! The word, the thinking behind it, the poem, and the picture! I just reacently purchased…

  5. Fran McCrackin's avatar
    Fran McCrackin on One Little Word, 2026January 6, 2026

    I like the way you build up to your word reveal. And with the perfect photo!

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12 responses to “A Candle in the Darkness”

  1. Ramona Avatar
    Ramona
    April 9, 2021

    I love reading this story about Marco, the Lego people,his play and how you encouraged him. What a gift to read of his life now and know that he is still creating. Isn’t Ruth the best? She has encouraged so many of us to share our stories.

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    Reply
  2. Julie Avatar
    Julie
    April 10, 2021

    What a sweet tribute to a wonderful woman! Your story is a light in the darkness, reminding me of the precious importance of both teaching and writing. Your students are so lucky to also have this light!

    LikeLiked by 1 person

    Reply
  3. Terje Avatar
    Terje
    April 10, 2021

    Your blog post is a gift to your readers. My heart beat with compassion as I read Marco’s story. My heart nodded when you wrote about Ruth’s magic. My heart cheers with joy for your birthday. Happy Birthday! In Estonian too: Palju õnne sünnipëvaks!

    LikeLiked by 1 person

    Reply
  4. Ruth Ayres Avatar
    Ruth Ayres
    April 10, 2021

    Joanne,
    I’m glad you’ve been writing consistently. It’s such a happy habit! I love that your poems are beginning to grow strong roots and wings. I do hope you’ll keep pursuing your story.

    A couple of things:
    1. I love that a writing habit is a birthday gift to yourself.
    2. Annie Sullivan is my hero. I have loved her from the time I was a little girl, and as I’ve grown older, I understand her fierce determination brewed from love.
    3. One of my favorite quotes is from Eleanor Roosevelt: It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.
    4. Be still my heart — Marco hiding Lego people; you returning the Lego person to the hiding spot to offer comfort to a child. Marco growing up and having an amazing brain…and the wisdom to paint.

    Your stories are a light in the world. I hope you write for another 52 weeks and another and another…

    love & hugs,
    ruth

    LikeLike

    Reply
  5. elsie Avatar
    elsie
    April 10, 2021

    I’m so glad you took Ruth’s invitation! If you hadn’t, I wouldn’t be sitting here with tears in my eyes and an ache in my heart for the story of Marco. Ruth is the candle of light in the world. Keep sharing.

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    Reply
  6. Leigh Anne Eck Avatar
    Leigh Anne Eck
    April 10, 2021

    So many things I wish to say to you. Congratulations on 52 weeks – that is quite an accomplishment! And Happy Birthday! Your writing is beautiful and is also a light which you speak. I smile at Marco’s accomplishment, and I am positive that you are imprinted on his heart. Ruth is also a light in so many lives. I hope to be a little more active in this community so that I can get to know you better. Thank you for sharing your story and leaving a little light in my day.

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  7. wordancerblog Avatar
    wordancerblog
    April 10, 2021

    Thank you for the kind words. They mean a lot to me!

    LikeLike

    Reply
  8. Tina Lanciotti Avatar
    Tina Lanciotti
    April 11, 2021

    I am so inspired by you and grateful that you are consistently writing. I love the way that you weave together your experiences and you offer so many practical ideas for my teaching and my life. I often find myself nodding in agreement at your words and cheering your students on! I totally agree that the impressions and connections that we make in the classroom are sacred and a microcosm of our human experience. One day, I will follow in your footsteps and get my own feet “out of the mud.” I wish you the happiest of birthdays and many years filled with inspiration and illumination. Shine On!

    LikeLiked by 1 person

    Reply
  9. wordancerblog Avatar
    wordancerblog
    April 11, 2021

    You always lift me up! When we talk together, I always feel validated. We are both teachers of the heart. And that’s what classrooms need more of. Be present. Be with your students. Thank you!

    LikeLike

    Reply
  10. Loralee Avatar
    Loralee
    April 11, 2021

    Happy Birthday! And thank you for sharing about your connection to Ruth, and what you learned from Helen Keller, and the story about Marco. I was clinging to every word.

    LikeLike

    Reply
  11. Tammy Mulligan Avatar
    Tammy Mulligan
    April 11, 2021

    I love how you celebrated the people in your life on your birthday – I want to remember this tradition.

    LikeLike

    Reply
  12. majfoil Avatar
    majfoil
    April 12, 2021

    oh my gosh … weeping. Thank you for being you, Jojo. For seeing all those children, loving them right where they were, and for helping them to see how fantabulous each one is. You are a gift.

    LikeLike

    Reply
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