It's our anniversary! One year ago this month, Elizabeth and I started this venture of Briarbook Lane together. We created this website and our blogs, a virtual home for the two of us to connect with each other and share with the world our passions of fairy-tales, reading, writing, and gaming. Here's a lookback at my own journey this year.

My two year old is wearing a pink frilly dress, blonde hair up in pigtails. But that doesn't stop her from getting dirty, or stripping down to a diaper (or less) for true freedom. She's already a night owl, staying up late to play with her toys, telling stories about her Little People.
 
She is scared of dark places, like under the porch. Her older brothers' friends are so big and make her nervous. [Just like the big publishers.]

My writing is best when I strip down the conventions, stop listening to outside forces. My inner two year old puts on the charm when she gets attention, such as from a good response to my writing. She loves to know others are entertained.
 
She hides from the darkness, the unknown, of the blank page. She has a hard time moving forward without all the corners being lit. Which explains why I outline, plot, and brainstorm before putting anything down on paper.
 
She doesn't have many tantrums. Rather, she is more likely to hide. If someone doesn't like her (or her writing), or she feels ignored (which happened too often in a big family) she gets hurt and hides in a corner or cupboard. It takes a lot of coaxing to get her back out again.

My passion is fantasy. My inner two year old loves to create different worlds, and bring fantastic creatures into our own. One of my childhood "imaginary friends" was a unicorn, and I think that unicorn has been inspiring me ever since.

In addition to April Showers and Easter, April is known for being National Poetry Month. To celebrate, you can read poetry, write poetry, share poetry. Try a new poet or a new poetry form. Poets.org has an adapted list this year for 30 ways to Celebrate--including ways to incorporate it in a virtual classroom and at home.

Poetry for me is a way to play with words, sometimes used as therapy, and should reveal something to the reader. The poem below is one I feel fitting for this current situation. Uplifting, and introspective. It was published in Snapdragon Journal's Journey issue, and is also included in my poetry book Chiaroscuro.

I have updated the Writing Nook section of the site with some resources for writing and publishing poetry. How will you be celebrating this month?

I sit cross-legged on oaken floor
loosen my muscles from head to toe;
breathe in the fresh, clean air encompassing me,
eyes settle on a single pink flower
in the vine border of the cream wall before me;
outer vision blurs as I journey within.

Break down unsteady walls of insecurity.
Push through foggy layers of forgetfulness.
Swim through the ever-circling moat of procrastination.
Enter the guarded keep of true self.
Seeking that which is lost.

In the bottomless dungeon? No…
there dwells my heart, held under lock and key.
In the gilded tower? No…
there reside my dreams, gazing at the stars.
I pass through the library,
smiling at my muse crafting inspiration,
and finally find that which I sought
deep within the treasury, dwelling in memories.

I take her hand, this child in me,
coax her to stay by my side,
as I return to focused eyes
on the painted wall before me.

Welcome to my corner of the site. I'm Mary, the older sister. I want this blog, this site, to be an escape. I'll be talking books, gaming, poetry, fairy tales, libraries, self-care, and my writing life. Expect a monthly book review. I'll be reviewing fantasy titles, ranging from picture books to poetry to adult. My plan is to post weekly, but bear with me as I get into a rhythm.
With the current state of the world, and many of us staying home for our health and safety, it is so important to find methods of escape and enchantment. You need to take care of yourself to stay healthy and sane. Keep a routine, make sure to move and eat healthy. Some ideas:

• read a book
• binge a Netflix show
• mini spa day - paint your nails, use a face mask, bubble bath
• keep a gratitude journal
• coloring (plenty of free pages to print off online)
• play a game with your family
• listen to a podcast

 What are your plans to escape the mundane?