The JanFebs

I had coffee this morning at a bookstore with two old friends. It was a miracle—not just having old friends (one perk of being 40+ is credibly calling friends “old”), but that all three schedules aligned and the weather cooperated. The sun was out. It was 33 earlier, which is more or less a heat wave. Every human I encountered today seemed happier for the sunshine.

One friend used a word in conversation that I’d like to borrow, though who knows how it’s spelled? The “JanFebs.” Perfect word for this time of year. It feels like you stay inside; it feels like you keep your head down. Or, you get restless and head to Florida if you can. :)

Part of me loves this time of year in Michigan; I think the stillness invites reflection. The other part of me is itching to run outdoors and take my long Brontë-esque walks.

So, if I’ve been quiet lately, it’s the “JanFebs” talking. But I’ve been working.

I’m revising a novel my brilliant writing friends have given me feedback on; I’m trying to wrestle a new WIP like… I don’t know, like a bear wrestling a salmon? Who wrestles? What wrestles? I’ve been revising all week, so I’m out of similes.

I’ll share a blog post I wrote for AWP’s blog at the encouragement of Katy Yocom, a lovely writer and human I know from my MFA program. This short piece celebrates the community we’ve created—us poets—despite the distance separating us.

As writers, we need our people—our communities. Our coffee talk. We need someone to share the JanFebs with. Thank you for reading! Happy weekend.