There are only 23 poets who signed up this year. I don't know if it's because of the economy, general busy-ness, or if people have simply lost interest. Whatever the reason, there still are two poets participating in Canada, one in Ireland, one in the U.K., and the rest who come from a dozen states, and, if I count myself, the single entry from New Hampshire, it makes a baker's dozen, plus Washington, DC. I received my first postcard, from CA, on December 20, and they continue to arrive daily!
The year 2014 is the Year of the Horse. This is the card I put together, and sent to the participants:
Here's the haiku, in case it is not readable on your screen:
first wish...
without even thinking
she whispers "a pony"
I had some difficulty putting together a design I liked, and, more importantly, would reproduce well in print. Here are a few rejected designs:
There were a few other attempts, too horrible to share. You can see I was undecided about the postcard size, too. Nothing seemed to click for me this year.
Maybe next year will be better, but, 2015 is the Year of the Sheep, and for some reason, I don't find sheep to be particularly inspiring. Except maybe these dapper guys from the Big E in 2012:
Since I have a few left over (postcards, not sheep), if you'd like one sent to you, please email me privately with your address dDOTmayrATcomcastDOTnet. I'll send them while supply lasts.
The first Round-Up of the New Year is being held at at I Think in Poems. Have fun and have a great year!
I like your final postcard best! Thanks for sharing your process with us, Diane :-) 23 postcards sounds like a lot to me. What is the most you have ever received?
ReplyDeleteThe first year I received over 30!
DeleteWhat fun! As a child, I fondly remember asking my mother each day when she collected the mail, "is there anything for me?" Do we ever lose that sense of mailbox anticipation?
ReplyDeleteSadly, I hardly ever visit my mailbox at other times of year. Too much junk mail! But, I remember back a dozen years when I was actively submitting to publishers and magazines--I used to wish for deliveries twice a day!
DeleteOh, this poem makes me smile. It is what my daughter would wish too...no hesitation. All of your postcards look fabulous, but I especially like the one you sent. What a gift to receive so many - I will be watching for this and would love to participate. Happy Poetry Friday and New Year too! xo, a.
ReplyDeleteAmy, I've had more than one person tell me that their niece or daughter fits the poem. I guess little girls will always want a pony.
DeleteI love the one you finally chose, Diane. And I saved the one you sent me a couple of years ago, too. Not sure I brought it with me here, but it will get here eventually! Love the sheep in cool clothing.
ReplyDelete--Janet
If you send me your address, Janet, I could send you this year's. I don't think you ever gave us your new address. (I suppose that cuts down on the number of unexpected visitors!)
DeleteI thought the one you chose was perfect, Diane. This sounds like a wonderful end of year thing to do, and it's sad to hear than the group has grown smaller. Those sheep have such jazzy coats!
ReplyDeleteYes, those coats are fabulous and just right for a recently sheared sheep.
DeleteI do love your final design. Thanks for sharing all your rejections, a nice peek into your process. I am fond of the Horse Book one, too. How are you printing them? I'm off to send you an email. Of course, after the beautiful gift shower for the Winter poetry swap, I hate to ask. But I would love to add it to my handmade poetry book for my winter break.
ReplyDeleteI had Vistaprint.com print them. I've used them for the past 5 years or so for this and other printing jobs.
DeleteThis is a beautiful little haiku. I really liked all the post cards. I loved the one set in the 1800's but the one you went with is amazing. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteMany thanks, Betsy!
DeleteLove your final postcard, Diane - a horse in the heavens seems just about equal to that whispered wish for a pony.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to follow those links and see if I can participate next year.
I got involved through the Shiki Monthly Kukai. If you'd like more information, or want to be added to the list email me.
DeletePerfect for the year of the horse!
ReplyDeleteYes! I'm wondering if the horse magic will apply to donkeys come November?
DeleteThey're beautiful designs, Diane, & I'm off to ask for one too. We did buy our daughter a pony, and it was a wonderful thing. She & I rode for a long time! My son did too, but he wasn't as interested. I do wonder about that. I still also love your windows and doors pics with poetry. I will try to create one soon, so love the idea. This sharing is delightful, isn't it?
ReplyDelete"But you got poetry, so share it maybe..."
Deletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qTIGg3I5y8
So mad that I missed out on this this year. I enjoyed it so last year!
ReplyDeletedidn't get the list this year, but i'll still send
ReplyDeletemuch love...
My dear friend, I just realized that I never thanked you for the post card. It is even lovelier in hand, and is now posted on the inspiration board in my office. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm pleased that you like it!
Delete