Ten writers for children. All with something to say.

4/26/12

Growing

I'm looking forward to going over to my community garden and picking asparagus. It's one of my favorite foods and fresh asparagus coming up in the garden still feels magical. I'm looking forward to planting basil, tomatoes, eggplants, and squash. I've got lettuce and radishes in and am looking forward to planting the rest of the garden.

I'm working on new picture books while I wait word on a new young adult novel. I'm also looking forward to writing something new, something that I don't even know what it is right now.

This summer I've been asked to teach about writing for children and teens in a program in Lithuania. I've never been there and I've never been to Denmark where we're staying for a week on the way. I'm excited about both and hope to return with some stories.

I'm also looking forward to the wedding of a family friend in August. It will provide an opportunity for me to be together with my brother and sisters as we approach the one-year anniversary of my mother's death. It feels significant that we will be able together to share stories about the past and to talk about what we're looking forward to.

8 comments:

David LaRochelle said...

Yum, asparagus! Your list of garden-fresh vegetables makes me hungry, John!

Lithuania, huh? Where have you NOT taught yet (other than Moorehead, MN)? It looks like more great adventures are on their way to you...and that's because you make them happen.

john said...

South America, Australia, Antarctica, I've still got continents to go. I think we should both shoot for Moorhead since their high school team is called the Spuds.

Christy said...

Those asparagus are beauties! They look like an enchanted forest. I like your theme of growth, John. So fitting after such a hard year of loss. I'm glad you have new things to occupy you and new places to go, but especially glad for that August event when you can be with old connections.

john said...

Christy, thanks. That's exactly right about the growth. These things, like all growing things, take time and care.

Lauren said...

Beautiful asparagus! And your theme of growth seems just right. You are very good at recognizing what you need at just the right time John. I look forward to hearing more about Lithuania!

Diane Adams said...

John, what great adventures await you. Glad you will be reconnecting with your siblings.

The photo of the asparagus was just beautiful, by the way. Such a feeling of the beauty of the earth.

Mark said...

Gardening is such a rejuvenating hobby, I'm glad you're prepping for this year's crop(s). The Lithuania gig sounds exciting, too. I'm always excited to hear about your adventures, new and old!

Edie Hemingway said...

John,
I'm catching up late on these posts. There's nothing quite like fresh asparagus! And congratulations on teaching in Lithuania--how exciting! So glad you can be with family as the one-year anniversary approaches.