Journaling AWP

I  just returned from the annual AWP conference in Chicago, which is probably one of the largest writer/writing conferences in the country. It’s always stimulating and always chaotic. This year again, I moderated a panel called, “Writing in Multiple Genres,” with my panelists were Phillip Lopate, Molly Peacock, David Huddle and Rebecca McClanahan. The room was full and my panelists were marvelous.

The rest of my days there were spent doing book signings for my latest poetry collection, Dear Anaïs: My Life in Poems for You, roaming the book fair, checking out the latest releases and speaking to editors and publishers. As an advocate of traveling only with a carry-on, I shipped back a box of books, literature and contact information. I usually spend my first week home focusing on follow-ups. It’s sad that I rarely get to check out the city where the conference is—as I’m so wrapped up in the goings on. At night there were meetings in the bar and specially sponsored cocktail parties. For a California girl it was quite cold and the city was also prepping to receive Michelle and Barack to celebrate one of their favorite holidays, Valentine’s Day in their home town!

Did anyone else go? If so, what was your experience like this year?

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Journaling Reflections on Inauguration Day

On Tuesday afternoon, January 20, 2008 I walked out of a prestigious Beverly Hills department store and while waiting for my car to be pulled out of the valet, I stood next to a group of African American women. I smiled and asked if they’d watched the inauguration, “Honey, you bettcha,” one said. “Our country has been blessed,” I said. Another woman gently stepped forward and without hesitation we hugged one another. It was this openness, bliss and overwhelming sense of unity which reverberated across our country as a result of a shining star inhabiting the White House. I am humbled by the renewed sense of American pride across the generations, cultures and races and the huge spill of emotions across the country as Obama took his oath.

I was born in Brooklyn in the 1950s and my parents owned a general store on Broadway. Even though the racial divide was huge, I had many African American friends and dated a few. My favorite singers were Jimi Hendrix and Harry Belafonte and you can ask my mother how many times I read the book and watched the movie, To Sir With Love. . I also remember reading the greatly underrated (and under-read) The Man by Irving Wallace and loving the idea of having an African-American president.

For writers, I believe Obama brings inspiration and appreciation for the power of words. I have read his books and listened to him reading them on tape. Not only does he strongly believe in the power of words, but he is a master at putting them together, with great metaphor and elegance.

Michelle is also a special and accomplished woman. As a journaling advocate I was delighted to see that she gifted Laura Bush with a journal, with the first page dated today. This was such a gracious gesture.

There are not enough adjectives to describe how happy I feel. It is the perfect time to journal all these emotions.

Here are some ideas for you to consider in your own journal:

*  What would your deceased parent/grandparent say about this moment in history?

*  Did you ever think we’d have an African-American President?

*  What do you think the world thinks of America?

*  Do you think Obama will be given a larger grace period than his predecessors?

*  What kind of First Lady will Michelle be?