Poetic Reflections Week 25

Tell us about yourself.

Let me say first off, I do not consider myself a poet... I always say that sometimes I just like to mess around with my brain and see what I can come up with. Now about me...I call myself Gigi Ann (Gigi meaning Great Gramma) I was a stay at home mom, with 5 children. We lived on a farm, so there was always something to do to keep us all busy. I am now a Gramma of 9 grandchildren. The Great-gramma of 6 great-grandchildren. With 2 more on the way in 2012. 

Tell me about your blog, the name, what does it mean to you?

I named my blog "Shadows Of My Mind" because it is where I post my 'so called poems,' and I always think of my poems as 'shadows of my mind' therefore, the name of my blog.

When did you start blogging?

I created this blog "Shadows Of My Mind" in March of 2011. However, I have been blogging since 2007. My first blog was "Quotes and Things" created in 2007.

Your first poem? Remember?

One snowy February day in 2008, with not much to do, but watch the snow fall, I decided to try and write a poem. This is the result of my first try at trying to write a poem.

"Memories"

When I was a young girl, I strolled in the woods,

and ate wild berries, boy were they good.

But, now that I'm older, I set in my chair and

stroll down the path of memories so fair.

I remember running through the pines

all covered with snow, they were so beautiful.

Oh! where did the time go?

There was sledding and dances, school fairs to attend,

also roller skating and fun with my friends.

Then I was married and a mother of five.

How those little ones kept me active and alive.

Oh my! where did the time go?

I remember the smell of the babies so dear.

The sweet little sounds that came to my ears.

But now they are grown and have babes of their own.

And made me a Gramma, so grand and so great !!

Oh, dear me! where did the time go?

Time comes and time goes, but my memories remain.

Bringing me pleasure, as I stroll down memories lane.

It's always a delight to be back in my chair and

stroll down the path of memories so fair.

And wonder again as I look at the snow,

where oh where did the time go?

(Gigi Ann 2/13/2008)

What are your writing inspirations?

I think picture prompts are what help me to set down and try to put words with the pictures. If you cruise through my blog, you will notice that all of my poems are accompanied by a picture. 

How do you define poetry as “Good”? Do you revise your work?

As I mentioned before, I don't consider myself a poet, but how I define "Good" poetry is when I can read it and understand what it is about. I never use 'complicated' words in my poetry. I like a more simplified easy to read form of poetry. I also do not care for poems that go on, and on, and on, after a while I lose interest. Do I revise my work? I have revised a few of my poems, after a few weeks, I may go back and read them and try to revise them for the better.

When did you start writing poetry? Do you write fiction as well?

I wrote my first poem on February 13, 2008...Do I write fiction? No I do not write fiction. However, I do read a lot of fiction. I have a blog "Ann's Reading Corner" devoted to reading, and memes about reading things.

Do you have a favorite author or poet?

I do have a favorite poet, she is Hazelmarie Elliott. I love her poetry.

Favorite quote?

My favorite quote has nothing to do with poetry, but here it is. "When I get a little money, I buy books; and if any is left, I buy food and clothes." ~ Erasmus ~

Why do you support Jingle Poetry Community, including Jingle Poetry @ The Gooseberry Garden?

I enjoy reading others poetry. However, I am a bad commenter on others blogs. I need to try and do better in the future. However, I do love reading the poems of all the 'real' poets. I learn so much from reading others poems.

What's your plan for your future writing?

I will try to write a poem or two, but I don't sweat the small stuff. If I'm in a poetry frame of mind, I try to think of something to write, otherwise, I enjoy the poetry of others.

Thank you, Jingles, for hosting the poetry blogs, I have found much enjoyment in reading so many of the other real poets poems, and visiting their blogs.