Phoenix Arizona was amazingly greenrelatively speaking – compared to other summertime trips to the state. We have just returned from the International Reading Association conference where we signed books and ran the Poetry Olio. The Poetry Olio is an evening of poetry and sometimes song which happens one evening each conference. Sara and I have been involved with this event for quite a few years, acting as some of the principle ringleaders the last couple.
We had a stellar line up this year thanks to the efforts of Dr. Jim Blasingame – full time young adult literature expert (and part-time cowboy poet) from Arizona State University. Our performers included – Simon Ortiz, Alberto Rios, Laura Tobe, and Kyle Wilson. Our featured poet was the ever enjoyable Nikki Grimes – winner of a pickup truck’s worth of awards for her many books. Sara and I were also on stage. I’ve got to say – of all the Olios I have attended this one took the tamale for sheer literary power.
Debbie uncharacteristically standing still.
Luckily for us though, the time in Arizona was not all work – we managed to squeeze some hikes into the mountains in as well thanks to our very good friends Debbie and Guy – who fed, watered, and sheltered us during our visit.
Sara and Debbie
Petroglyphs
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