Happy May Day!
(Giveaway is Closed)
Southern women have a way of relating to each other and that might be because there is just something about being raised a Southern girl. We can identify with so many of the same things.
That’s the case with Terri Kirby Erickson’s new poetry book, Telling Tales of Dusk. Terri contacted me and introduced herself, asking if I’d like to read her book and after clicking around at some sites and reading the word pictures that Terri puts together in her book, I was eager to read it for myself. Terri was born in North Carolina and has lived much of her life there. I have fond memories of that sweet state, so I know Terri has to be a great lady. You can click on the link above to read more about Terri and her books.
I have always wished that I was a talented writer, but unfortunately that is not my strong suit. Words draw us in like a bee to a flower (see, I try) 🙂 and when I read words that are written exceptionally well, I see that as such a talent. One that I don’t particularly have, but admire in others.
Telling Tales of Dusk is Terri’s newest book of poetry (in paperback) and Terri is an award winning poet. Each turn of the page brings a new little short story, written in poetry form that really wraps around your memories and pulls you right into her world.
From Tomato Sandwich, which starts:
Leaning on the counter
by an open window
with tomato juice dripping down
your chin and mayonnaise
gathering
in the corners of your mouth
as soggy, white bread
sticks to your teeth
Now, that feels and sounds so familiar to me, having eaten my share of tomato sandwiches growing up with a gardening dad who made sure if we had nothing else out of that garden, the tomatoes were plentiful and juicy.
Pool Day
Greased up and decked out in new bathing suits, plastic sunglasses and flip-flops, my brother and I waited in line with our mother at the entrance to Tanglewood Pool, clutching rubber rafts and over-sized beach towels with neon stripes you could spot from the moon. The mingled scents of chlorine, coconut suntan lotion and French fries drenched in tomato ketchup, along with the whoops of joy and continuous splashing sounds that kids create when they’re cavorting in a pool, was enough to send us into a swoon of anticipated ecstasy. But there were two metal turnstiles we had to pass through after Mom paid the baby-faced cashier.
Can’t you just feel that picture? I can. My mom used to take us to a city pool while growing up too, so this takes me back to that excitement.
Words evoke memories and memories are what life is made up of.
Terri sent me a copy of the book and has graciously agreed to give one of YOU a copy of her book too, so if you’d like to win a copy, just leave a comment here on this post.
Did you like poetry growing up? I remember having to write some poems for school and my mom actually kept one of my little paper binder of poems for a long time, but I have no idea what happened to them. I was not destined to be a famous poet, but I do enjoy reading Terri’s words. They are sweet, eloquent and memory-inducing.
Leave a comment to win and I’ll pick a winner by Monday evening!
I used to write poetry – not my strong suit, though I have written two sonnets that I’m quite proud of. My area lies in fiction writing, though with two small children, that doesn’t happen as much as it used to! Thanks for sharing – what a fun book that would be to read!
Oh, this book sounds wonderful! I have written poetry myself, and I so enjoy the pictures words can evoke….
Rhoda, that book sounds wonderful. I was born in NC and use to go to my grandparents in the summer and go to the public pool down the street. Those are such precious memories to me. Love drippy tomato sandwiches, too. Yum.
We lived on a lake, but sometimes when we went to my grandmother’s
in the summer, we would get to go to the city pool. I can almost smell
the chlorine right now. You had to walk through a little foot pool as you went in to remove the sand and grass clippings from your feet (I’m from Florida). And if you weren’t careful, you’d go too far beyong the grassy areas and get a sandspur in your foot.
Loved yesterday’s chair.
Would love to read more of the poetry. Thanks for bringing back fond memories. Billie
I can just taste the ‘mater sanwich right now!!! I’m a southern girl, born and raised, but my husband is from Wisconsin and thinks I’m crazy to get excited about tomato season!! I would love to own this book. Thanks for the opportunity!
I am sitting here with my mouth watering for a tomato sandwich after reading her poem! The book sounds awesome, would love to win a copy. Thanks for letting me try!
Take care!
Julie
Just went to a presentation where the commentator reviewed 60 books in poetry. It was fascinating. I didn’t know this genre existed. Would love to receive one.
I would love to win a copy of that book! Poetry has always been my favorite form of expression.
Oh Terrie’s book sounds so familiar. It reminds me of all my Southern childhood memories. I’d love to have a copy of her book.
Hugs…Tracy 🙂
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I do enjoy poetry, but I don’t think most people know that about me. I would love to see the new book.
sweet memories!i’m a big fan of robert graves,spike milligan and nissim ezekiel.
Love her style! I’m a southern girl through and through so I know I would enjoy her book.
Hugs!
Kat
I actually grew up going to Tanglewood Pool, so I can totally relate to her poetry, I would like to read more!
These two sure bring back memories for me. Would love to have her book.
Gina
My mom read poetry to my two sisters and me before bed at night, so I grew up loving poetry. ~~Great memories of that bedtime sweetness!!
What fun! This sounds like a great book to read on a summer evening with pleasant memories from the past.
I can still remember the first poetry book I ever encountered. My school had just opened its very first library. I was so excited to be able to check out books–and one of those books was Hailstone and Halibut Bones, a book of poetry for young children about colors. Over the years I have tried my hand at writing poetry, but it’s not my strong suit. I occasionally write poems for my family to go with gifts. Here’s an example of one line: “And so, when you use this toaster, remember your sister who loves you most-er.” Okay, so I’ll leave the poetry writing to those with the talent, and I will gratefully read and enjoy it.
I’d love a copy of Terri’s book. 🙂
Very picturesque writing….I would love to read more of it! Thanks for the chance to win her book.
Growing up in south Arkansas, on a tomato farm, well…I had my share of tomato samwiches. 🙂
I love poetry and used to write long, rambling, obscure poems that my Mother thought were grand. I was just melodramatic, lol.
I appreciate the opportunity to enter this give-away. What a lovely book to spend time with on the front porch this summer….remembering the olden days when my life was simpler and slower. Thanks!
Yes she is a wonderful writer… I want to read the whole book just from the small tidbits you shared with us. I have 5 grandchildren who I buy books for and am a preschool teacher, so I appreciate your sharing info about any new books that are inspiring. Thanks!