Did you know that there is a National Upsy Daisy Day? I didn’t know about this special day until recently. Upsy Daisy Day is observed annually on June 8 in the USA. It is a lighthearted holiday during which people are invited to gloriously, gratefully, and gleefully express a positive and humorous attitude—even though we all face daily challenges. It sounds like a good day to celebrate on an annual basis to spread a little good cheer.
Of course, one could take Upsy Daisy concretely and stand on one’s head. Or one could practice writing upside down or take the time to find all the items in the house that are already Upsy Daisy and turn them right-side up.
My plan for Upsy Daisy Day is to be deliberately positive and funny. I want to enjoy myself— even though I have been facing some personal health challenges. Perhaps, I will attempt to do something entirely new. I will call friends and express my gratitude to them. If friends seem confused, I will tell them about Upsy Daisy Day and wish them a Happy Upsy Daisy Day. With luck, they will share the news and many folks will have a happy Upsy Daisy Day.
Luckily, today, I had a non Upsy Daisy Day. I received news that one of my poems, “Forbearance,” is being published in the IWWG Something Inside So Strong Anthology; and a second poem, “Ode to the Yampa Valley,” was published June 5, 2026, in the Steamboat Pilot, the local newspaper in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
So, I wish all my readers a Happy Upsy Daisy Day! Enjoy yourselves tomorrow and do something fun and original!
My Writing Goals for 2026
Continue to develop my poetry and connections with other poets:
BWA Poetry Circle: In May, I hosted a workshop led by Lynne McNamara who presented her on her approach to poetry and read from her book, Paths Not Paved: Collected Poems.
Cannon Mine Poets Group: In May, I did not attend the session.
Columbine Poets: I attended an informative workshop led by Anita Jepson Gilbert on May 9, 2026. And, on May 23, Julie Cummings presented handouts on literary terms and discussed their usage. I also attended the Columbine Poets online critique group and received feedback on a poem that I submitted to the group. The members of the group are fun to work with. They provide excellent feedback and support to everyone.
Colorado Poetry Center: In May, I did not attend the session, but in June I plan to attend a poetry presentation at the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art.
Continue to make progress on my draft novels: In May, I did not work on my novels.
Continue to develop a network of kindred spirits in the world of writing and publishing: I have met so many interesting and talented individuals over the last few years. I truly enjoy attending all the poetry events that are available in this area. I have particularly enjoyed the sessions offered by the Columbine Poets.
Document my writing progress through my blog and post it on the seventh day of each month, one blog per month in 2026: Today is June 7, 2026. I am posting my sixth blog for the year 2026. This year, I have been focusing on a specific poetic form for each month.
In May I focused on the elegy. An elegy is a form of poetry that mourns the loss of someone or something, characterized by expressions of grief, sorrow, and reflection. An elegy is usually written “for” or “to” someone. Elegies are deeply personal, often focusing on the speaker’s internal journey through grief, rather than just the facts of death. They are known as a “howl of grief” or a “study of what is wept for.” While most elegies are quite long, for example, the word count of In Memory of W. B. Yeats by W. H. Auden is 458 words, I decided to write a short elegy to my beloved (deceased) dog, Marieke, whom I miss every day. Marieke was a large, strong, black, and beautiful Bouvier des Flandres.
Elegy for Marieke Amantine de Bruges
She was a brave heart.
Her bright eyes missed nothing.
Her eyes sparkled with sense of humor.
She knew the names of her 50 doggy toys.
Her presence and warmth were a comfort.
I still reach for the roughness of her black coat.
My sorrow at her passing was deep.
Her absence is a constant heartache.
But, she went where good doggies go.
And, her place in doggie heaven assured.
Memories of her still tug at my heart…
But always bring a smile to my lips.
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