I flew to Portland for poetry
cheeseboards, the deep end, + seeing my book on the shelf
Last week, I flew to Portland for poetry.
I met up with some writing friends to see Maggie Smith on her book tour, where she spoke in conversation with Joy Sullivan. (If you were there, I was the one person awkwardly cradling a cheeseboard in her lap).
The conversation between two of my favorite poets was energizing and inspiring, and Maggie said something I can’t stop thinking about. She said she likes to live at least 30% of life in the deep end, with her nose just above water. And if there’s no risk of failure, you’re not really trying.
I’ve been circling this feeling for a while now, and I think Maggie named it. I want to live close to the edge of my comfort zone—treading water, standing on my tiptoes. It feels a little dangerous, but also freeing. I get restless when I move too far into the shallows.
The trip was basically one long loop of bookstores and coffee shops, and a highlight was seeing my collection on the shelf at Bold Coffee and Books!! It made all of this feel real: this life of art and risk, this choosing to stay in the deep end.
WHERE TO FIND ME THIS SPRING
If you’re local to Oxnard, Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, or Long Beach—I’d love to meet you at one of my events this spring! You can find dates/times below, with more details available here.
BOOK CLUBS
Looking for your book club's next great read? I'd love to offer your group a free, live Q&A session over Zoom when you choose A History of Holding as your next pick. Fill out this interest form to get in touch. You can also check out my book club guide here.
Questions to leave you with—
Where in your life are you standing in the shallows, waiting?
What might it look like to swim a little deeper?
You are in deep, and I love it!!! 💛
Wow getting to see Maggie and Joy both in person, together!! That sounds incredible! I have sat with collections from both of them over the past few months, as well as with yours, which has been just as impactful for me. I read The Heart Ceremony so often that I nearly have it memorized-a deep comfort to me in the midst of loss while parenting littles. You are so gifted and I'm glad you are putting yourself in the path of more inspiration to keep your creativity flowing. Taking notes from you!