Frogger, NES, and Laura Croft all wish you a very happy National Trivia Day as Zach and I test our knowledge about both video game history and characters. This episode was a blast to create, but I promise you, no Pineapples, Kings, or Zachs were harmed in the making of this one. Happy National Trivia Day everyone and thanks for joining me for yet another Wednesday episode of Random Questions. For future episodes in this mini-series consider subscribing to the podcast for $0.99 a month - to ensure you don't miss any of the hilarity or inspiration!

Today's episode of the Learning to Fly podcast is all about variety and reminding ourselves and each other that there are so many amazing creators out there. And sometimes we do not resonate with a piece in the beginning - or at all even - but that doesn't mean that the creator isn't amazingly talented or that the poem is worthless. So listen with an open mind and also explore artistry in this new and full and wonderous year with an open mind as well. 

To check out Gabbacado's Soul Fed podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3TM6CwzWDQqu6AoMSdE5bq?si=43c7f1102f9e4d4b

To join the workshops that introduced me to these poems:

Neil Hilborn's Writing Circle: https://neilhilborn.com/writing-circle/

Undercurrent with Desiree Dallagiacomo:https://www.desireedallagiacomo.com/undercurrent

Monday Muse is what I've been calling the workshop series featured in my Substack Newsletter the Hummingbird Lounge! And as of today - I've decided that they will also be available here on the Learning to Fly podcast for anyone who prefers to learn through audible style lectures and narratives. I sincerely hope you'll enjoy today's workshop featuring three incredible poems and a slow introduction to poetry in the new year! 

If you'd like to read along or sign up for future Hummingbird Lounge updates start here: https://substack.com/inbox/post/94134951

If you'd like to share something you create feel free to post it and tag me! You're also welcome to use #BlueJayPrompts #BlueJayWorkshops #MondayMuse and/or #SharingSpace to ensure that they get my attention!

That's right, folks, this year I want to try something new on the podcast and within the SincerelyBlueJay community - a book club! With a book a month! And January's book is the Starless Sea by Erin Morganstern. Currently I am re-listening to the full cast audiobook on Audible and rereading and reannotating my physical thrift store copy. Though, I do have an autographed hard cover copy - and as I said in the episode if anyone can get a copy of the UK gold hard cover for me - I'd love you forever and then some. It is widely available - no matter what your book buying preferences are or how you like to read! So pick up a copy and get reading! Mid-way through the month we will be back to look at some of the skills Morganstern brings to the table in terms of writing and world-building and at the end of the month I'm hoping to have some guests join me for a full book cluby discussion. 

If you'd like to get involved use #LTFBookClub and #LTFStarlessSea and of course you can comment on each book club episode, tag me on social media, or add to the conversation in my posts throughout the month. If this goes well we'll do a poll for February's book and keep it going all year long! 

Today's episode of the Learning to Fly podcast is exploring the two BlueJay Prompt Journals alongside two other creatives. Discussing how to approach prompts, the different mediums you could use to create, and the numerous conversations the prompts could start. This was a blast to put together and I hope that if you don't already have one or both of these journals in your collection that you will consider picking up a copy and exploring where the prompts could lead you. 

The First collection: https://www.amazon.com/BlueJay-Prompts-collection-creative-adventures-ebook/dp/B09PJ6ND1C/ref=sr_1_4?crid=21KUD6DMRQRSH&keywords=bluejay+prompt+journal&qid=1671780243&sprefix=bluejay+prompt%2Caps%2C142&sr=8-4

The Second collection: https://www.amazon.com/BlueJay-Prompts-Another-wonderful-creative-ebook/dp/B0BPQN31XM/ref=sr_1_6?crid=21KUD6DMRQRSH&keywords=bluejay+prompt+journal&qid=1671780264&sprefix=bluejay+prompt%2Caps%2C142&sr=8-6

As of right now, the episode I did in 2020 based around Nikita Gill Poetry is the TOP episode listened to in the history of this podcast. And it continues to get new listens EVERY DAY. 

You're right. Nikita is INCREDIBLE. And there truly is a poem for everyone. and every situation. And everything. So why wouldn't you keep going back to that episode? 

Well, now, you have TWO Nikita Gill episodes - and hopefully SOMEDAY she's a guest here on the podcast. Where we can discuss her process, her overall message, her voice, and anything else we want to know. But until then, let's revel in some poetry. Every piece shared in this episode is written by Nikita Gill. So if you like what you heard, go buy one of her many wonderful books. Or gift a copy to the people in your life going through whatever it is they are going through - because there truly is at least one book for everyone. Or support her on Instagram and the rest of the socials. Or go see her at a signing. Or whatever it is you can and will do. Because every little bit makes a huge difference. 

This episode was intended as a catch-up quick information interlude and re-welcoming of sorts. But I rambled. And it felt right. So let's ramble away together, and explore what might have been forgotten between your first time here and where we are now. Listen or skip as feels right to you and we'll be back with our regularly scheduled programming - tomorrow!

I know, it's so incredible to be back, but I've honestly been away so long, I wonder if I remember how to write a description that will catch your eye. Or start a conversation. Or spark a memory. So instead, let me say, thank you for sticking with me. Or thank you for finding your way here if this is the first episode of Learning to Fly you are experiencing. 

Links relevant to todays' show include:

ReadPoetry's 6 poems for the Winter Solstice: https://www.readpoetry.com/6-poems-for-the-winter-solstice/

R. Clift Poetry's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/r.cliftpoetry/

and website: https://rcliftpoetry.com/r-clift

and patreon: https://www.patreon.com/rcliftpoetry/posts