When asked why she joined UTSPS, Barbara Blanks who lives in Texas says:... partly for the contests, but mostly because I was interested in what poets in other states were writing. Poetry attitudes vary across the country, and across the ages of members--and so many other things. Even though I read a lot of "famous" poets, I felt limited by the kind of poetry I was reading by Poetry Society of Texas (PST) members. I wanted more. Poetry didn't become my passion until about ten years ago. I've learned I love the challenge of writing to forms, writing to themes--just writing poetry. I tend to be obsessive about anything that really interests me, and poetry satisfies my need to be creative. Barbara is the Recording Secretary and Librarian for PST, as well as president/editor of A Galaxy of Verse. Not only is she an at-large member of USPS, but thanks to our wonderful Margaret Pettis, she is now also a member of the Hinterlands Chapter that meets only online. Barb is the author of four books, co-author of one. See www.barbara-blanks.com for a list of her many accomplishments and books published.
The Utah State poetry society is lucky to have Barbara Blanks as a member! i am a member of Utah state Poetry society as well as poetry Society of Texas, and Galaxy of Verse! It's amazing how Barbara says she only became interested in poetry in the last ten years, but has done so well in such a short time! Every time I turn around, she has won another award! All poets who are involved in NFSPFS should consider becoming members of other state poetry societies! I don't have a big budget, but most states only charge twenty a year! I can't really afford to travel that often, so my mind takes a journey through poetry!As the human race, we can't let the arts die and be replaced by ignorance! I encourage people:quit being couch potatoes! Read and write poetry! There will still be plenty of time left to be a couch potato!
ReplyDeleteI first "met" Barbara through "Galaxy of Verse," an online poetry site which she chairs and runs two multi=category contests per year. I met her in person when she accepted my invitation to attend the Lucidity Poetry Retreat, held annually in Eureka Springs, Arkansas during the National Poetry Month of April. I love her spirit, her work, and very much appreciate her contribution to the world of poetry through Galaxy of Verse.
ReplyDeleteI'm blushing. Thank you both. :-)
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