April IWSG and another poem

Sweet Tea in Istanbul

I remember drinking sweet tea in Istanbul
as carpet merchants held up silken carpets, 

to show off the rippling vibrant colors, and later,
watching the whirling dervish twirl, lost in meditation,
the tiles some new language we couldn't translate.

How many beds we've slept in, some sumptuous, some lumpy,
in how many continents and countries,
pursuing some uncharted agenda to explore the world,
to understand what life was truly like here or there,
untethered somehow from nine to five,
content with less, and now, these quieter days,
I feel nurtured by memories, joyous times
now far away, just this day and perhaps the next,
and perhaps another cup of tea to share.

Today's poem was inspired by Robert Lee Brewer of Writer's Digest. His challenge? To take a (noun) in (location)," and make the new phrase the title of your poem -- and write your poem.  See his work HERE and what others have written HERE.

Today also marks the first Wednesday of the month (see below) when we writers are challenged with a question from the Insecure Writer's Support Group to share our thoughts. Today's question:  Do you remember writing your first book? What were your thoughts about a career path on writing? Where are you now and how is it working out for you? If you're at the start of the journey, what are your goals?

I've always written 'between' other commitments to school, work, and family. Since I was a teenager, I've written poems and dreamed one day of writing a story, perhaps a novel. Finally, finally I began to write my first historical novel when I retired. Over the next 15 years, that first story led me to dive deeply into research and to write 6 novels. I joke somehow I got stuck in the 1840s, inspired by the Clearances in northern Scotland and intrigued by the adventures of the McDonnell family and how they survived economic upheavals it seems that every generation faces. Three years ago, I switched genres to begin a series of art crime mysteries. The first, now finished, is set in Scotland (The Seventh Tapestry),  and the second in draft stage (The Lost Sarcophagus) is set in Cairo.  

I love the process of researching, drafting, and revision.  Because my writing truly began when I retired, I can't really talk about a career path, though I did teach writing for 26 years at the community college level; that experience brought certain editing skills to my own projects. Maybe too, I'm a bit of a nerd, in love with history, culture, and art. I do believe, regardless of where we are with our writing, we have a responsibility to nurture our own unique creativity. Is that enough to pay the rent? Not for me. But connecting with readers who fall in love with my characters and my stories is more than I dreamed so long ago. My best advice? Keep writing the stories you love!

The purpose of the Insecure Writer's Support Group is to share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month. 

With special thanks to Alex Cavanaugh for starting IWSG and to the awesome co-hosts for the April 5 posting of the IWSG are Jemima Pett, Nancy Gideon, and Natalie Aguirre!

Why not visit our hosts to see what they're up to this month!

And may March bring you many new words!

This is a Blog Hop!