Buffy Silverman is hosting Poetry Friday this week! Stop by her blog for links to more original poems, favorite verses, book reviews, and all things poetic.
Hi, Poetry Friday friends.
Today, is my anniversary, but I’m not celebrating a wedding. More like a milestone.
One year ago today, I posted my first robot doodle on Instagram.
Much like the annual poetry project that I run each February, sharing my almost-daily robot doodles is an exercise in being creative without judging the outcome. At last count, I have doodled and posted (usually the same day) about 230 robots.
To celebrate the Roboversary, I’m giving away some prizes. On Instagram, you’ll find re-posts of some bots from this past year. If you stop by and vote on your favorite robot doodle, you’ll be entered to win a prize! Visit this post for full details and instructions on how to vote.
Later today, I’m going to announce the BEST BOT, based on fan votes.
If you’d like to learn more about how doodling supports other creative practices, I’ll be at MG Book Village today talking with fellow doodler and middle grade author Jarrett Lerner.
What does this have to do with poetry? Inspired by the robots, I am writing a series of RoboPoems. This is the first one!
Robot Stew
By Laura Shovan
2 cups of brackets
A dollop of nuts
Stir in some hinges
And lawn mower guts
Whisk up this mixture
With half can of oil
Place on the stove-top
Bring to a boil
Feed to your robot
After it’s cool
This stew’s guaranteed
To make robots drool
And here is a photo of the original draft (and robot, natch) from my notebook.
Ha, this poem made me laugh! I didn’t know about your robot doodling–will go and check it out.
Fantastic! I like to call what you describe as creative-cross training. I collage. It just gives me a boost when I need one and its fun. I really need to make good on the promise to myself to get more active on IG. It’s on my summer bucket list. I’ll head over to check out your bots.
Your poem is a hoot! What a fun way to write and inspire yourself. I too collage and will have to look to them for some writerly inspiration!
I’m not on Instagram, had no idea about your robots! When I saw your post title I thought you were celebrating your husband 🙂 Congrats on doodling 230 — way to flex!!
I’m not on instagram, but I loved these robots here.
I also loved this poem. I love that it made me happy.
Such a fun poem, Laura. Must admit, I’ve been watching your instagram and curious as to if your robots are a part of a bigger (publishing) project – or if they ARE the project; the creativity. Good to see you having fun with them. 🙂
I’m glad to know there are doodled robots on Instagram! Love the poem — DOLLOP…such a great word that’s usually for goopy things, not rattle-y things like nuts!
I love the idea of being creative without judgment. I have several things in my life that serve that function. This is great!
This recipe sounds like perfection! I’m looking forward to the rest of the series.
I’m intrigued by your doodling. Now I’m heading over to Instagram to find more. I love the whimsical poem you wrote.
I love your “Robot Stew” poem Laura and especially this robot here, he/she/they has such a flamboyant personality–and the one above on skates is charming!
So. Much. FUN! Love what you are doing with the doodles, and now the poems. I may need you to whip a little something up for me when my robodog book comes out. 🙂 YAY!