Friday, September 17, 2021

GOOD BYE

Dear Campers, my poem and the link to Poetry Friday are below.

I am veering from our topic this round (which is: writing spaces/places—talking about our physical writing space and/or how we’re motivating ourselves to write) to share sad news. 

Recently I learned a new word: felix culpa (FAY/FEE-liks KOOL/KUHL-pah). It means "An error or disaster that has fortunate consequences." 

Still, it knocked me for a loop when, on August 30, 2021, the following floated into my inbox (an excerpt):

We are sorrow-filled to share this announcement with you: Bookology and Fresh Bookology will no longer be published. It has been a project of our heart since 2014 but a change in life circumstances has brought us to face the reality that we can no longer commit over 40 volunteer hours each week to publishing the magazine and the weekly newsletter. We must, instead, focus our attentions on Winding Oak, our "day jobs."

My all-time favorite children's literature ezine, Bookology, which I urged all my students to subscribe to, published by Vicki and Steve Palmquist, has passed away

I am bereft.

photo credit: Arwan Sutanto

Vicki and Steve have had to make this difficult decision partly because Steve is dealing with a serious medical issue. 

GoFundMe page has been created by author and editor Lisa Bullard, who titles it, "Seeing Steve Palmquist Through Tough Times." On it she writes:

If you’ve read this far, you may already know what I know: few people have been as instrumental as the Palmquists in building bridges between the people who create children’s books and the advocates who place those books in front of kids. For the past three decades, the Palmquists have worked tirelessly to create innovative programs and organizations that promote literacy. Bookology, Children’s Literature Network, Books for Breakfast, the Alphabet Forest—these are just a few of the initiatives in which they’ve played instrumental roles and to which they’ve devoted countless volunteer hours.

Steve and Vicki have made an impact on the careers of hundreds of children’s book authors and illustrators, everyone from newcomers to some of the biggest names in the field. As one of the many writers who has benefitted from their wisdom, generosity, and hard work, I’m so grateful to them—not only for what they’ve done for my career, but for everything they’ve done to put books into the hands of young readers.

Steve and Vicki are happiest when they’re shining the spotlight on others.

I urge you to read Candice Ransom's final column in Bookology titled Listening for Stories...a sample of the beautiful, hilarious, inspiring, gripping, mind-exploding stories and events that swam into subscribers' inboxes each week for seven years...for free.

But...wait! 

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a possibility of BLUE SKIES ahead!

Albuquerque, NM 2006 

BREAKING NEWS: BOOKOLOGY NEWSLETTER IN ANOTHER FORM 

You may be aware that we have ceased publication of Bookology and Fresh Bookology in order to focus on Winding Oak work (see “medical expenses”). However, one of our clients had the great idea to send out occasional newsletters to that faithful mailing list (self-selected children’s literature professionals and enthusiasts) to announce our clients’ new books, share event news, and do book giveaways. We will be announcing this to those subscribers shortly so if you’re interested, contact us and we’ll provide you with the opportunities and costs for promoting your book(s) in this way. 

Fantastic news!

Here's today's poem:

FUNERAL FOR A MAGAZINE
by April Halprin Wayland

There will be no casket—just a link,

and had you asked it,

it would think you were asking for the moon.

“It’s just,” you protest, “you are leaving us too soon.”

In the fall of 2016, the Palmquists had to end the publication of another marvelous ezine, Quercus, for which we paid just $20 per year.



I was dumbstuck. 

I sent them the following:

Subject: ...but how will I...face the sun......or find a way through this book...without Quercus???

Dear Vicki and Steve,

Thank you. 

For creating a marvel.

 

For clearing space 

for the good stuff.

 

For writing and fighting 

for rights, 

for mirrors, 

for sunlight, 

for windows.

 

Thank you for putting 

so much 

into such a small box 

which made opening email 

a blessing.

 

With love, respect, admiration ~

and for the knowledge 

that your continued reinvention 

will be gifts to all of us.

I am learning that many crises in my life or in our world may, in the long run, turn out to be blessings. Bless you, Vicki and Steve!  


Steve & Vicki Palmquist, founders of Winding Oak.

And thank you, Denise, at Dare to Care for hosting Poetry Friday!


posted with sadness and hope by April Halprin Wayland (and a little help from our 9-month-old tortoises, Meredith & Derek)

29 comments:

Janice Scully said...

Sorry, April. But I think your poem will be treasured by the Palquists. It's to know that one's work has been valued.

Linda B said...

Days passing seems to let us know that all will not continue to be the same. I'm sorry for all those, like you, April, who will miss Bookolgy and the gold that it gave freely. Thanks for the loving post & poem for the Palmquists.

Denise Krebs said...

April, I love this hope-filled post. I hope it turns out to be a felix culpa for all concerned. Thank you for sharing all the links and the two sweet tribute poems you wrote for the Palmquists. The photo with "I am bereft" made me smile, though that broken-hearted child makes me sad.

Thank you again for the inspiration for my post today!

Karen Eastlund said...

Alas, April. So sorry to hear this sadness. My hopes go out to you.

LisaB said...

What a lovely tribute! Thank you so much for shining more light on these two wonderful people during a tough week in their lives! I know that this, along with the tremendous outpouring of support they're receiving, will really bolster their spirits! After all, TWO poems in their honor--is there any higher praise?

Carmela Martino said...

Thanks for teaching me the phrase felix culpa, April, and for your lovely poems. I'm sorry for all the Palmquists are going through. I hope they will have some fortunate consequences, too. Hugs to you!

Ruth said...

So sorry!

Linda Mitchell said...

Awwww. That is a sad ending to a good, long yarn. I'm sorry to see this. But, I hope the conserved and focused energy provide this couple exactly what is needed to be healthy, safe and strong. Thank you for such a lovely goodbye.

April Halprin Wayland said...

Thanks, Janice. They deserve a banquet 🌞

April Halprin Wayland said...

I'm always honored when you stop by, Linda ~ thank you🐦

April Halprin Wayland said...

I hadn't realized it was your first time hosting, Denise. It's such a big job. You've handled it beautifully. Thanks for stopping by!

April Halprin Wayland said...

Thanks, Karen. I'm learning about the birth pains and lifespan of organizations; the same may apply to an ezine (especially when it doesn't support those who work so hard to make its magic.)

April Halprin Wayland said...

Thank you, LisaB. 💕

April Halprin Wayland said...

Hugs right back at you, Carmela 🤗

April Halprin Wayland said...

🙏

April Halprin Wayland said...

You've hit the nail on the head, Linda. They're such a loving, kind, and intelligent couple. Their focused energy will serve them well.

Rose Cappelli said...

So sorry to hear this news. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful tribute to this wonderful couple.

Carol Coven Grannick said...

Yes, such a huge loss. But understandable.

Elisabeth said...

Your words are a lovely tribute. I wish them well as they face the challenges that have brought this about.

Carol Varsalona said...

April, Your devotion to Bookology is wonderful and I am sure the recipients of your loving poem will find solace in your words. Thanks for sharing.

April Halprin Wayland said...

And thanks for stopping by, Rose 💕

April Halprin Wayland said...

Totally, Carol 🐦🐦🐦

April Halprin Wayland said...

Thanks, Elizabeth. I don't know how the've accomplished Soo much!

April Halprin Wayland said...

Thanks, Carol. Our PAC advertised in Bookology long ago, and Vicki & Steve's generosity to us made me want to hang out with them forever.

April Halprin Wayland said...

Thank you, Carol 🐦

Esther Hershenhorn said...

THANK YOU, April, for this SO-DESERVED shout-out!
Our Children's Book World once again has the opportunity to show its Kindness and Gratitude.


Karol Ruth Silverstein said...

Re: felix culpa - do you subscribe to Anu Garg's A.Word.A.Day? This word was featured sometime last week. My retired-English-teacher mom and I both subscribe and send each other email using the day's word in a sentence. We've been doing it for years now. It's fun - and such an "English teacher/author Daughter" thing to do. My mom's 89 and when she's gone, I'll have all these wonderful email exchanges to look back on.

April Halprin Wayland said...

Yes, Esther ~ it's wonderful to have a hilltop on which to shout "Thank you!" sometimes!

April Halprin Wayland said...

Karol ~ I DO subscribe to A.Word.A.Day and LOVE it! What a great tradition you and your mom have invented ~ what a wonderful way to connect.

When I'm rushed, I'll scroll down to the quote of the day, and often send it to my best friend.

Take care ~ <3