Welcome to the Sweet Pea Project's Blog, part of the Sweet Pea Project's effort to create a supportive and compassionate community for those of us affected by the death of a child. Here you will find updates on the Sweet Pea Project, as well as anything going on in the world that relates to childloss. If you have a suggestion for a topic you would like to see discussed here, I'd love to hear it. Please make sure you stop by the official website, www.sweetpeaproject.org and feel free to email me for any reason at anytime at Stephanie@sweetpeaproject.org.
peace, Stephanie Cole (Madeline's Mom)

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Poetry Happenings

 
We have two exciting announcements to share, one for those of you who live near Harrisburg, PA and one for those of you who don't!
 
First, on June 28, Sweet Pea Project founder Stephanie Paige Cole will join Catherine Bayly, Angie Yingst and Devany LeDrew for a poetry reading, discussion, and book signing for their poetry collection, to linger on hot coals.  The discussion will focus on poetry as a tool for shaping perspectives on the complex emotional world that emerges after the loss of a loved one.  Each writer will briefly discuss a prominent theme or poetic device in her work and the practical and theoretical implications of that idea in her evolution through grief. Then the floor will be opened for a Q&A.  The event will officially run from 2 to 4 pm; the discussion will be from 2:30 to 3:30 pm, with book signing before and after. Copies of the book will be available for purchase.  This lovely, and free, event will take place at Midtown Scholar Bookstore, an independent bookstore that is housed in a gorgeous old theatre in downtown Harrisburg. We are so grateful to Midtown Scholar for believing in this book, since poetry books on the subject of infant loss are not your typical hot sellers. We have attached a flier to this email, please help us spread the word by sharing it with anyone who might be interested, and please come out on June 28th to grab a coffee and say hello to Stephanie, Catherine, Angie & Devany. Let's show Midtown Scholar that they were right to take a chance with our community!

And second, since we understand that many of you do not live anywhere near Harrisburg, PA, Stephanie and Catherine would like to invite you to consider having them bring a poetry reading, or other event, to your town!  The two have collaborated on many projects together, and are enjoying their recent speaking and signing engagements as co-editors of to linger on hot coals: collected poetic works from grieving women writers. The two have been addressing both the bereaved community and the literary community at large, discussing poetry as an integral part of the grief process and a powerful tool in shaping our lives.  They are excited to be able to further share their work with others by participating in book signings, readings, discussions, speaking engagements and workshops for bereaved individuals and those who care for them. If you are interested in bringing them to your town, please follow this link to the request form and someone will respond to you soon.  Learn more about this book, and its fourteen incredible contributors, at www.tolingeronhotcoals.com.
 
Thank you, and we hope you are having a gentle evening.