Me

February 28, 2009

Hello from a Carpenter & Poet living ‘up in Vermont’.

I have three little girls, too many possessions, and too little time.

And, yes, that’s my real license plate.

Born: Berlin, West Germany

Grew up: Southern Ohio & Vermont

Favorite Music: J.S. Bach. Beethoven.

Favorite Cartoons:

Peanuts
Calvin & Hobbes
The Far Side.

(If I had to choose a Peanuts character, I would probably be Schroeder and Linus – a little of both or so my children tell me.)

Hobbies:

I can’t get enough of skateboarding, longboarding and snowboarding. My favorite longboard, for street boarding, is a Sector9 Sand Wedge – wide trucks, wide wheels and with a low curvaceous ride.  My favorite longboard at the skatepark is a Gravity Brad Edwards, a new board with a kicktail and nose. I’m good on a longboard, have a lot to learn on a standard board. I separated my shoulder last summer while “dropping-in”. My hymn to skateboarding is “Ulysses in Burlington, Vermont”. Little kids love me. I’m usually the oldest boarder at the skatepark, I love kids, and I let them ride all my boards.

Writing poetry began in High School, Freshman year, when I saw a video of Robert Frost reading his poetry. That moment is lodged hard in my memory. I do not have an MFA. I don’t have any connections. (Wish I did.) I’m self-taught.

I have been a grievously terrible self-promoter.

I’m getting better though.

I recently declared myself a Great Poet! – and I’m not taking it back. I have self-published a first book of poetry called Opening Book.  You can read it on-line and if you want a hard copy you can order the book from Amazon or by leaving a request at my Guest Book . (Amazon, by the way, might not have it in stock. I do.)

I write in the evenings and build during the day.

If you’re curious to see one of my houses, go take a look at the Log Homebuilders Association Website – of which I’m a member. I love log cabins and would jump at the chance to build another for anyone wanting to live in Vermont.

What I Like and Hope to Do:

All in all, I write fables, children’s stories, Poetry and love to give readings.

I would love to teach poetry at the college level. It’s an ambition. I’m not sure how to go about achieving that but maybe this is a start. I would also love to publish some of my fables and children’s stories. To that end, I am ready to collaborate with any illustrator who has some experience, is familiar with the children’s publishing industry (I am), and likes my stories.

Feel free to copy my poetry and pass it around if you like.

All the rest that I write is just me thinking aloud. Be sure and say hello. If you’re in Vermont, be sure and visit.

Patrick Gillespie