tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2542041444980449672.post7569051876923590668..comments2024-02-17T08:14:14.308-06:00Comments on imaginary garden with real toads: THE IMAGINARY GARDEN WITH REAL TOADS: A RETROSPECTIVE WITH KERRY, MARIAN AND SHERRYSherry Blue Skyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01926508656571639801noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2542041444980449672.post-71324265602723718012020-01-03T00:18:42.775-06:002020-01-03T00:18:42.775-06:00I echo Magaly: Thank you all for the words!I echo Magaly: Thank you all for the words!Kerry O'Connorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00720862912375945249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2542041444980449672.post-54244503933226008882020-01-02T16:21:50.568-06:002020-01-02T16:21:50.568-06:00Thanks for remembering, Kerry. Yes, those were th...Thanks for remembering, Kerry. Yes, those were the good old days~ Smiles.Maryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07366010389846904663noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2542041444980449672.post-61692347931034095232020-01-02T12:26:04.597-06:002020-01-02T12:26:04.597-06:00So much love, gratitude and poetic words to ALL of...So much love, gratitude and poetic words to ALL of you. Thankful for all of the amazing prompts and poems I reveled in, here. Hop on, y'all. You rock. <br /> <br />DeDe Jacksonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04798544585779003567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2542041444980449672.post-23500781905741788582020-01-02T12:06:49.539-06:002020-01-02T12:06:49.539-06:00"Real Toads is a place in my mind, not a thin..."Real Toads is a place in my mind, not a thing." I think these words are the best path forward. We might not have new prompts here, but the well will remain open for drink (or 13)... for me, this makes the goodbye less heart-ripping. <br /><br />Thank you so much for the words. Magaly Guerrerohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18295455026184103230noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2542041444980449672.post-89855783062643134362020-01-01T07:40:40.206-06:002020-01-01T07:40:40.206-06:00Happy New Year, Toads and Friends!Happy New Year, Toads and Friends!Marianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04030161532713347225noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2542041444980449672.post-61793094328304245662020-01-01T01:28:14.534-06:002020-01-01T01:28:14.534-06:00Rosemary, I love your idea of using the Play It Ag...Rosemary, I love your idea of using the Play It Again! idea for April. Perhaps I will post something of that nature by way of suggestions from our archives. I believe that would be in keeping with the way ahead for RT as user-friendly resource centre.<br /><br />Jenna & The Bizza, thank you for adding your voices to the many singers in the garden. <br /><br />Ella, Thank you so much for returning to comment on our final chapter. You were also among the first toads, even before the site was opened as a public forum. We have come a long way together, and I count myself lucky to have your friendship and creative influence in my life.Kerry O'Connorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00720862912375945249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2542041444980449672.post-52958946781644606412019-12-31T23:37:52.142-06:002019-12-31T23:37:52.142-06:00Thank you, Kerry, Marian, Sherry and Robert-for yo...Thank you, Kerry, Marian, Sherry and Robert-for your work and dedication! I am thrilled I was once part of this beautiful garden-a haven of reflection, insight, and profound gifts!<br /><br />It was a gift to be part of this endeavor! I owe Sherry a special thank you-when fate intervened and she dared me to write a poem. Sherry, you and poetry changed my life~ <br /><br />Kerry and Marian...I will always be amazed and grateful for all the wonderful prompts, support, and kindness~ <br /><br />Cheers to all Toads and their contributions~ <br /><br />Thank you!!!Ellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01987164899521808331noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2542041444980449672.post-63280947169044925142019-12-31T20:44:21.358-06:002019-12-31T20:44:21.358-06:00Thank you all, Real Toads staff. It was fun gettin...Thank you all, Real Toads staff. It was fun getting to know you all. Thank you for giving me the space to experiment and grow. I treasure your friendship. The Bizzahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17797871556831556557noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2542041444980449672.post-27053621327502423072019-12-31T19:32:53.003-06:002019-12-31T19:32:53.003-06:00Thank you for this poetry community and all of you...Thank you for this poetry community and all of your encouragement. I came late to the Garden and have only been here for about 2 years (and blogging for less than 4), but it has been full of great memories and inspiration that has led to countless poems that would not have been written otherwise. Jennahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09054732378669659210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2542041444980449672.post-59655747930160932012019-12-31T16:01:50.112-06:002019-12-31T16:01:50.112-06:00I'm just reading all this now, on the morning ...I'm just reading all this now, on the morning of New Year's Day in Australia. Another wonderful Sherry interview; how fitting. (Sherry, you're amazing!)<br /><br />I wish you all wonderful new beginnings, and the imaginary garden a long life as an archive. I'm so glad it will remain in that form! I have been wondering what I'll do in April now – there are other prompt lists but none like those I found here – and have decided I'll just keep coming back here and re-using the toads prompts. I'm sure I'll never stop dipping in at other times too, in search of inspiration.<br /><br />I stumbled across the garden in 2011 and became a recurrent guest. Frankly I never wanted to be more involved, being so busy already with other poetic commitments both on and offline, but I've cherished this site all the same as consistently having a very high calibre of online poetry, the most wonderful and intriguing prompts, and such lovely people to interact with. Bless you all! I can't quite match Jim's count, but I'm grateful for 339 poems which would not have existed without you, and some lasting online friendships too. This garden has been a great treasure in my life. Thank you!<br /><br />And Brendan, thanks for the personal mention. It's been a great joy reading your poetry! And that of many others here. I hope I can continue to do so – perhaps at Poets United, which we there have always liked to regard as a 'sister site' to this one, and which in 2020 will be staffed by three former toads (Magaly, Sanaa, Rommy) and me – or at other places online, e.g. Instagram where I'm newly enjoying interacting with some of you. And I"m intrigued by the mention of earthweal.com; shall go hunting for it. <br /><br />Farewell! But not goodbye.Rosemary Nissen-Wadehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05913841031559499568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2542041444980449672.post-92100666034376422042019-12-31T14:31:15.164-06:002019-12-31T14:31:15.164-06:00Helen, the Garden has always been more golden with...Helen, the Garden has always been more golden with you present. Thank you for your continued support over the years.<br /><br />Sherry, dear friend, my thanks again from the bottom of my heart for such a thoughtful conclusion.Kerry O'Connorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08963325944091034585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2542041444980449672.post-9458236580788948262019-12-31T12:17:20.301-06:002019-12-31T12:17:20.301-06:00As always, I was sleeping as this amazing conversa...As always, I was sleeping as this amazing conversation unfolded and am reading it all now and realizing this is really happening. I love Joy saying we will continue to be fed by a hidden stream. Yes. And Susie's "we are a living garden." What a journey this has been. I am amazed that the talented Kelli was intimidated when joining. For certain I was, given the talent of the other Toads. I decided to just plunge in, glub glub. Smiles. So grateful for the journey we have made. Sherry Blue Skyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01926508656571639801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2542041444980449672.post-1763750776714739262019-12-31T11:49:48.303-06:002019-12-31T11:49:48.303-06:00Dear Terrific Trio,
This final Garden post leaves...Dear Terrific Trio,<br /><br />This final Garden post leaves me breathless, sad, at loose ends, honored to have been part of something so much larger than myself. I have gotten to know ‘me’ on a level I may have never experienced had I not stumbled through the Garden Gate. I’ve been privileged to read amazing poetry from incredibly talented writers. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.<br /><br />Helenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16619199535376925989noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2542041444980449672.post-32766656542144351052019-12-31T11:03:40.505-06:002019-12-31T11:03:40.505-06:00Thanks so much for your kind words, friends. Carri...Thanks so much for your kind words, friends. Carrie and Linda, certainly toads in spirit and one of our many kindred over the years. This garden was not for the toads alone. We were the merry band who created the context for a wider audience, and so many faithful followers made this a magical place to hang out several days a week.<br /><br />Mary, your own contribution to Real Toads at its conception has not been forgotten. Your Mixed Bag was a favourite!<br /><br />Kelli, you have always been a poet whom I admire, with a unique style. You taught us so much about brevity, lessons I still try to apply today.. say a lot in a few because Words Count!<br /><br />Joy, your words mean so much. I recall most clearly the first few poems of yours I read. I was so astounded by your gift. Above all the many things I learnt from you was the skill of ekphrasis, which is one of my favourite ways of writing poetry to the point where I now illustrate my own work!<br /><br />Brendan, I feel like we were all at sea.. but one thing I learnt young is that no man is an island. Your poetry showed me how to navigate deeper waters than I had the courage to swim, and especially opened a door to myths as a source of inspiration.. you were the saint who graced our shores, and left us more steeped in the mysticism of this world.Kerry O'Connorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08963325944091034585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2542041444980449672.post-58392623299893862492019-12-31T10:43:38.868-06:002019-12-31T10:43:38.868-06:00Pass me a tissue, too, Shay!
When I first joined ...Pass me a tissue, too, Shay!<br /><br />When I first joined the Garden, I was so intimidated! I honestly wasn't sure if I had the strokes to swim in the pond, but everyone was nurturing and supportive beyond all expectations. It's been an incredible experience to write and grow with all of you. Thank you.Maude Lynnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03669688074743095866noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2542041444980449672.post-77682973234175128082019-12-31T10:41:48.441-06:002019-12-31T10:41:48.441-06:00Sigh, my secret wish was that someday I would be i...Sigh, my secret wish was that someday I would be invited to join Toads, but alas, that is not to be in my destiny. I will miss the wonderful challenging environment here for I have grown so much as a writer. Thank you, thank you, thank you for this awesome community! Linda Lee Lyberghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03669367010600000396noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2542041444980449672.post-5343873513818241492019-12-31T10:39:25.743-06:002019-12-31T10:39:25.743-06:00Three amazing women who have been such inspiration...Three amazing women who have been such inspirations. I came to the garden a fledgling poet not imagining I could write little more than unread. I too have cried toady tears. <br />Kerry, I was so honored when you asked me to be a toad. I was scared of my lack, but hungry to spread my wings. Thank you for seeing something in me I couldn't. My heartfelt thanks to every toad and visitor to the garden who brought such amazing poetry into my life. We are a living garden. <br /><br />Susie Clevengerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09239990133754328967noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2542041444980449672.post-17265169721896865092019-12-31T10:29:52.879-06:002019-12-31T10:29:52.879-06:00Sherry, once again you have outdone yourself as fa...Sherry, once again you have outdone yourself as far as an interview! You have done them so very well over the years....Hopefully you will find another way to utilize your wonderful talents!Maryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07366010389846904663noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2542041444980449672.post-18103050801287777022019-12-31T10:26:59.746-06:002019-12-31T10:26:59.746-06:00Such a wonderful community of beautiful writers an...Such a wonderful community of beautiful writers and souls. I feel blessed to know you all, and though my limited time made it hard for me to be a contributor, I did enjoy participating in the prompts from time to time. This certainly has been a journey for us all and sharing and reading poetry has made me grow as a writer, and I will forever be grateful to Imaginary Gardens, and Poets United for that. Thank you so much Kerry, Sherry, Susie, Marion, Shay, Bjorn, Kim, Sanaa, Magaly,Amnol, Margaret and so many more that have been an intricate part of this lovely garden of poetry and creativity. You all are amazing to me!!Carrie Van Hornhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11715648073882529202noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2542041444980449672.post-27415565966444870252019-12-31T10:21:44.254-06:002019-12-31T10:21:44.254-06:00Brendan was lost on an online sea when he came acr...Brendan was lost on an online sea when he came across the Island of Imaginary Gardens, a posting forum which was more intimate, encouraging, imaginative, colorful, and ripe than anything else he had encountered--then or since. God there were some fun frays here, and the voices were oddly diverse and harmonious at the same time. Fellow voyagers. When I was asked to help with some of the prompts (weekend mini-challenges, though I remain fatefully challenged to parade my thoughts in anything close to mini). (Thank Sappho for the Galen/Hedgewitch/Kerry 55). Too many to thank, but Kerry, Fireblossom, Mama Zen, hedgewitch, Manicdaily, Sherry Blue Sky, Margaret, Rosemary, Kim, Marian, Susie et al, it's been an absolute hoot. Thanks for this safe and resonant space where the word was celebrated and advanced. Magic glades hang around forever, and this Ariel won't forget the wonder of the Toadly Kazoo. Hope to see you guys at earthweal.com after it launches tomorrow.Brendanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03983584155125369291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2542041444980449672.post-23921291323026057652019-12-31T10:06:44.755-06:002019-12-31T10:06:44.755-06:00I will hope the tense remains present, that we as ...I will hope the tense remains present, that we as we, ARE; a small pond, which may not sprout new waterlilies, but that is fed by a hidden spring, and can't dry up. Thanks again Kerry, for that. *borrows tissue*hedgewitchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13090696134322515899noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2542041444980449672.post-69150607315263103572019-12-31T09:35:57.087-06:002019-12-31T09:35:57.087-06:00*hands Kerry a tissue*
snnnoooork, sniffle, whimp...*hands Kerry a tissue*<br /><br />snnnoooork, sniffle, whimperFireblossomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07040525704916368792noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2542041444980449672.post-86428249022953105722019-12-31T09:24:03.419-06:002019-12-31T09:24:03.419-06:00We *were* a small pond.. I guess I got choked up o...We *were* a small pond.. I guess I got choked up on the tense there!<br />:'(Kerry O'Connorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08963325944091034585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2542041444980449672.post-90752767100258613502019-12-31T09:14:48.107-06:002019-12-31T09:14:48.107-06:00I am trying to keep it together over here.. but ev...I am trying to keep it together over here.. but everyone is making me cry!!! Oh, well... thus it shall be. <br />Thank you all for the sincerity of your words and especially for sharing your memories of the garden, and what it has meant to you all over the years. It was never MY place alone, but OURS. Above all else, I have attempted to remain true to the ethos with which we began this endeavour - our Mission Statement. We a small pond, on the edge of a lake, but I am glad we made a splash in our own way. <br />Kerry O'Connorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08963325944091034585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2542041444980449672.post-19228958533920699332019-12-31T08:26:38.411-06:002019-12-31T08:26:38.411-06:00The closing of this site seems so final, as if too...The closing of this site seems so final, as if too much good is leaving the world, too much has changed that once was. But that is the way of things, and like your poem above Kerry, the cycle of life is truly never-ending, and we live in the hope that what has been will be again, in another form, another place, but still serving its own unique spirit and purpose. I remember I was first asked by Rob to join the Garden at inception, and was completely baffled by what was going on--the idea of a closed site seemed strange then, when poetry blogging was first setting the net on fire for those of us who for years had resigned ourselves to the idea that no one would read our work but ourselves unless we made the huge effort to be published in the traditional way. Then Kerry persuaded me to join, tho I was burning myself out at d'Verse by that point and I doubted I had much to offer. In the end, I took so much more away from the Garden than I was ever able to give--and the biggest trove was the communal voice we gave to each other, the listening, the response, and above all the caring and support. I can never thank enough the poets I met here who influenced me, encouraged me, and appreciated me as I never thought I would be, and from whom I learned both joy in craft and humility. So thank you, Shay, Kerry, Marian, Brendan, Izzy, Sherry, and so many others. Love and light to you all, and may we meet again in a new place that will keep the legacy of this one, and of our journey, alive.hedgewitchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13090696134322515899noreply@blogger.com