Category Sandy Harrison

Mar 16 2026

Good signing, great birthday

Hi everyone,

I enjoyed myself as always, signing books on the front porch of Sundog Books in Seaside. Not sure how many copies we started with, a nice stack of three titles, but only two were left when I finished. It was a cool day but not too bad. Lots of Spring Breakers, mostly young women, who were determined to wear their short in spite of the mid-60 day. Miles of legs. Some came over and bought books for mothers, nieces, etc. The last picture in this string is of ROBIN and JEFF at Redd’s the singing barmaid, singing along to the lyrics of a song she was performing with gusto. I loved it!

Next day was my birthday! I was so happy with SANDY, ROBIN and TIM, and JEFF around me. Much love, laughter, wonderful food, generous gifts, and did I mention love?

Feb 23 2026

Three years ago today

Hi everyone,

My friend LARRY WAKEFIELD died on this day in 2023. I just reread his obituary, which I wrote thanks to the sweet invitation of the family. During this brief time, Larry’s sister, MARIDEL NIEDERRITER, has passed away and so has her husband SNEED. Our dear friend MARYANN no longer lives in their beautiful home but is doing well and we still get together to visit and reminisce about wonderful times the four of us had over the years.

The other day I came across a picture of Sandy and Maryann sitting on the floor under a table and beaming for the camera. As Sandy’s dad used to say about such things, “I don’t explain them.” Here’s to those memories that keep loved ones very much alive after they leave the room. I miss you, Larry Bill.

Sep 17 2025

Counting down to September 30

Hi everyone,

Thirteen days from now two things will happen in my life. My term as Missouri Poet Laureate will conclude and I will have a celebration party at The Library Center in Springfield. A lot of planning has gone into that event. At my request, SANDY has gone through my books and picked out some of her favorite poems for the evening. I’ll read seven of them, students from Harrison Elementary will perform two, Holland Elementary students will present three, the Byron Biggers Band will play four, and Judy Domeny will feature one in a song she’ll sing. The library just published its release about the event.

I’ll have a number of invited guests who have played important roles in my journey. The room holds 100 and by current count it’s going to be rather full. If you plan to attend, it will be a good idea to arrive early. My thanks in advance to STEPHANIE SMALLWOOD, Youth Services Coordinator for Springfield-Green County Library District, for helping me plan the event and being there at all times to answer my questions. I’m meeting with her again tomorrow to go over all the details on more time.

Sep 16 2025

A very nice time in Joplin

Hi everyone,

Last evening SANDY and I went to Joplin, Missouri where I gave a reading program to the Downtown Joplin Poetry Group. BOB STEPHENS and I planned to go together and share the readings but he came down with a stomach bug and had to stay home. He is already rebooked for next month.

My thanks to Joplin based author VEDA BOYD JONES for meeting us there on short notice to greet us and sit with Sandy while I was doing my thing. Veda is a gifted and versatile author so if you are not familiar with, you have a treat in store when you look for her work. She has written at least 47 books and novels with traditional publishers. As my program was winding down and I was visiting with other poets, Veda snapped a picture as a souvenir of the evening.

The group meets at the Joplin Avenue Coffee Company. We had a strong turnout and I was grateful to my hosts, JULIE RAMON and her husband. Julie presented me with a box of freshly baked cookies that are fantastic and not long for this world! I was happy that MICHAEL DONOVAN, Executive Director of Missouri Arts Council in St. Louis, was there with SHARON BESHORE, chairperson of the board.

Aug 24 2025

I had a fine time at the workshop

Hi everyone,

We had sixteen register for yesterday’s workshop in Kansas City on how to write books for children, a good number for a two-hour, informal session. It went well.

Midway through the event we learned that our space had also been booked by another group so we moved several blocks away to a book store and resumed without missing a beat. Everyone rolled with the surprise and made it to the new location.

My thanks to MARYFRANCES WAGNER, Missouri’s 6th Poet Laureate, for inviting me to The Writers Place to give the workshop and to poet BETH GULLEY for being host and thinking quickly to resolve our temporary dilemma. My thanks to JEFF HARRISON for getting us there, SANDY for always being with me, and longtime, loving friend ELAINE FRY for being such a wonderful host while we have been in Kansas City.