Life of a Poet - Sara Vinas

Kids, now that the interview rotation has slowed down, Sara, of Cracker Jack Poet, has waited patiently for several weeks now for her turn in the spotlight. Sara says she named her site the way she did because she offers "a poetic snack with a surprise inside".  Aptly named. Draw your chair up close and settle in, for a most enjoyable visit to a woman who loves the sea, and her wonderful family.

Poets United: Sara, I am looking forward to this chat. We share a love of the sea.  So let’s dive in, metaphorically speaking :) Can you give us a verbal snapshot of your life these days, set the scene for us?

Hector and Sara by the sea

Sara: I'm always hopping.  Even though the boys are grown, it's amazing how the day just goes—munched up by mundane things! My husband and I have our own business, so we pretty much live, breathe and eat it.  We live on an acre with a big pond (keeps my water muse happy) lots of tropical foliage and big trees.

6:30 AM wake-crawl out of bed

6:45 stumble-walk Max (poetic muse rubs eyes and ponders life)

Max the Wonder Dog, waiting to walk

7:00 Breakfast-read emails, news, answer blog comments-smile and laugh

8:00 Play tag with Max (laugh some more), do dishes-watch ducks and butterflies

8:30 Work out to old rock and roll (Stones, AC/DC, Journey, Led Zepplin, Chubby Checker...) cool down doing laundry and housework/yardwork

10:30 Work

6:30 Home (squeeze in some writing—or not...)

7:30-9:30 Dinner prep, dinner eaten, dishes, feed Max, walk Max

Max Relaxed

10:30-11:00 Read or watch comedy, then lights out

I'm looking forward to when things slow down a bit and I can write more.  Like most people we're still crawling out of that economic hole that opened up in 2008.

                                                         

Good Night Max

Poets United: Busy days! How long have you lived in Florida? Did you move there because of your love of the sea, or did work take you there? 

Sara: I've lived in Florida thirty years.  (Yikes!) I've now lived here longer than I lived in California, my home state.  I moved here for love, that fell apart, and I almost moved back--but I met my husband and stayed.  Still, it took me about 7 years to stop telling everyone how much better California is than Florida—lol.

My love of the sea was born and raised on the steep cliffs, gravel beaches and pounding surf of California.  I lived in San Diego for a year and never wanted to leave.  I grew up in Sacramento.  Suburbia, not the downtown.  That neighborhood used to be an almond orchard and every Spring, it was sweet scented, delicate pink flower heaven. Another thing I miss....

                                          California rocky coast and two of my favorite men

The girls at the beach-

Sara, best friend, her daughter

and Sara's step-daughter

Poets United: Sigh. So lovely. Can you see a connection between your childhood and your writing? Any influences from that time that color your work today?

Sara: Oh yes! My family is a bunch of readers and they introduced me to Robert Louis Stevenson (and others, but that was my fav, then—I still love the meter of  “My Shadow”). Then Robert Frost, Ogden Nash—My dad rattles off limericks and poetry at the drop of a hat.  He is the king of puns (kinda rubbed off on me) and also writes poetry, especially haikus.  I've been writing poetry pretty much as long as I can remember.  Read lots and lots—when I finish one book, I need to have another ready to start, or I feel pretty lost.  Shel Silverstein and Dr. Suess were major influences, their poetry/words are so fun. There is also a very old book called “Reflections on the Gift of a Watermelon Pickle” that has wonderful poems in it.  One  was William Carlos Williams -”This Is Just to Say” and I love that poem. That book had so many different styles of poetry. 

However, the playfulness stuck with me. For years, I gave up writing poetry, because every place I wanted to submit, was full of serious literary poems, and my muse just doesn't play there.  My husband was really encouraging though, he kept telling me that he loved my poems. :-)

Poets United: When did you begin to write seriously? (I see your work is often humorous, but I suppose I mean consistently?) 

Sara: Haha! Good catch Sherry! I love to laugh, my boys say that I will laugh at almost anything.  And they're mostly right...

                                                           Why I laugh...boys making faces

As far as writing,  I always wrote, especially poetry, and then there was law school, kids and an 80 hour job, with an hour each way commute.  No writing.

Writing children's books (that's what I was reading at the time...) was my first goal. And my husband's business was doing well enough to let me quit my corporate job.  Joined a writing group— three women who are such a gift--close to my heart and talented, wise people— finished some manuscripts and submitted to some publishing houses—but my heart wasn't in it (I see now).  Those women are still in my life, and so supportive and loving.

It was Robert Lee Brewer, by starting the Poem A Day Challenge, who got me writing poetry again.  In the first challenge, he picked two of my poems, a few people left me positive comments about my poems, and I'd found my bliss (again).  I love poetry, how you can paint, play with words, sounds, rhythm..... and it's very immediate. It's also one of those things that just flow out of me—sometimes ..*smile *

Poets United: On your profile  you list the Arts as your industry – fill us in!

Sara: That was a bit of wishful projecting.  I do love the arts.  My husband is a great photographer, my youngest son is majoring in computer animation, and my oldest son does cartoons and CAD designs.  As kids, my sister and I drew all the time.  Then I took art in high school and really got serious—painting, drawing, all very realistic.  In college I continued with botanical illustrations, and actually was a contributing artist to a botanical guide for the California State University at Chico Arboretum.  Life got in the way for many years, then one day I felt like just splashing paint around and asked an artist friend if she had some time—that resulted in the painting on my blog.  Now, every month or so we get together and paint—it's truly a meditation; once I start working on something, the world narrows down to that canvas and paint.

                          

                                                                   Happy Tree

Hector's Award Winning Photo Here Comes the Sun

Poets United: I love your Happy Tree! And your husband's  photo is spectacular! The shot of a lifetime! 

Sara:  He won the award in a landscape photo contest put on by our local artist-supporting non-profit "Artserve."  

The Intrepid Photographer

Poets United: He is very talented. I am way impressed that, in your work life,  you were a scientist and an attorney. That must have been quite an interesting journey. Which did you love best?

Sara: Thank you, but really not so impressive.  It was a journey--My dad was a high school biology teacher and I grew up with that enthusiasm for all living things and how things work.  So I got my B.A. In Biology—unfortunately, no one told me to get any experience in that field before I graduated—there were a lot of science grads in San Diego. Surprise! I never actually worked in the scientific field. 

However, a friend, who was a chemistry teacher, went to law school and became a patent attorney.  I saw a chance to use my science degree (finally)--I worked for technology companies in software licensing.  That was pretty interesting—however, my favorite job was working on a team that was developing software, so many interesting people, and I was able to use everything I'd ever learned.  Also did pro bono legal work for artists and writers with “Artserve,” and that was really rewarding.  This is my third time working with my husband—and like they say (fingers crossed) third time's the charm!

Sara at Zion

Poets United: These photos are magnificent! Is there a story in your life that has shaped your journey? Something which informs who you are and that you draw from in your writing?

Sunlight on Water

Sara: Hmmm. A story—The enthusiasm for life that I talked about earlier.  It is a wondrous world that we live in—the way our body works, a dragonfly in flight, the twinkle of light on water.  When you really pay attention and appreciate every little thing around us, you realize that life (the sun, the sky, the stars, the grass, the insects, your beating heart, my fingers on the keyboard) is truly amazing.  And that definitely is a well I dip into when I'm writing. My mom has always been downright effervescent, and that joyousness flows through me too—colors my words and my world. 

   Mom and Dad on their 58th Anniversary

Poets United: Sigh. So lovely. Your parents look amazing – very young at heart! What do you love about poetry?

Sara: Before, I talked about what I love about writing poetry.  What I love about poetry itself is how many different ways there are to see something. And it's always from the heart, from your experiences—so transparent.  It is so delightful to visit all these different blogs/poets and see how they see the world, the turn of phrase—how they paint and play.  I am so thankful for the internet and the ability to enjoy all this wonderful writing!

Poets United: Do you have a favorite spot where you write?

Sara: I finally have a place of my own.  It's painted aqua like the color of the Florida Bay (Gulf of Mexico), my new favorite color, and my art and my friend's art (painting by artist friend, panda by my sister, photos are friends and family) and all my favorite books are here.  (along with my faithful laptop) * grin *

                                                My Favorite Place to Write

                                                     My Favorite Books and Art stuff

Poets United: Do you have, or have you had  a mentor, or someone who encouraged you to write? Anyone who influenced or inspired you?

Sara: I used to love cursive writing, kinda went with the whole “art” thing.  In 6th grade I had a teacher who recognized that I really didn't need to do drills, and let me write stories or poetry, in cursive, instead.  When she read my poetry, she told me that some day I would be published.  Her name was Mrs. Kirkpatrick. (Thanks, Mrs. K!) That compliment kept me going many years.  Then Robert Brewer, at the Poetic Asides blog--when he started the Poem A Day challenge - and all the poets there.  It's quite a supportive group. Since starting my blog, I'm constantly inspired by all the poets out there. Poets United was an incredible find.  I thank Amy Barlow Liberatore for that.  (Thanks Amy!) 

Poets United: Amy is such a wonderful promoter of our site. Yes, thank you, Amy! How has blogging impacted your work?

Sara: That is a funny thing.  I never wanted to have a blog because I felt like it was a burden—there's so many blogs and it's hard to have time to read them all, and of course “who would want to read mine?”  Then Robert Brewer started the “Platform Challenge” and here I am.  Poets United, dVerse Poets, Poetry Jam, Poetic Bloomings, and of course Poem A Day, that has all impacted my work—the chance to read everyone's poems and to get such positive responses—wow.  I am overwhelmed and thankful for everyone who visits.  And I love visiting and commenting too.  It's fascinating and a lot of fun. 

Poets United: Is it ever! Do you have a poem you feel expresses who you are?

Sara: Yes. It's definitely not the best poem I've ever written, and I can't even say it's my favorite--however, it does a really good job of summing up my life since I moved to Florida.

Memoirs of a Gringa 

An immigrant from

The Western sunshine state

Met an immigrant from Cuba

And the merengue began

One full of missteps

And misunderstandings

Most had nothing to do with language

And everything to do with culture

Who knew I'd be attending funerals

Of people I didn't know

Or that my Thanksgiving would have

Black beans and yucca with nary

A mashed potato, cranberry, or scrap of stuffing

(and my pumpkin pie would be admired, but uneaten)

That all holiday meals would be loud, political

And served on paper plates

While in California my family dined on china and spoke

In the hushed tones of well-mannered Gringos

Or that all good-byes would consist of three rounds of hugs

Kisses, good wishes (in Spanish and English) and conversations at the car

And I'd consume twelve grapes at midnight to ensure a lucky New Year

Who knew how many times I'd be kissed and squished

Into plump well-dressed breasts at Quinces and weddings

And that three years of high school Spanish would be useful

Or that my children would learn to say “mio”

Before “mama”

For twenty-four years, we've spun and twisted frequently

Stepping on each other's toes

Yet, paper plates and chaos, stranger's kisses, and long goodbyes

Have become as beloved to me as black beans and turquoise seas

And while a part of me will always be 3000 miles west

The rest of me is glad I embraced the music, and

Kept on dancing

Poets United: How wonderfully life-affirming this poem is! I'm glad you  kept on dancing, too. Do you write prose, Sara?

Sara: I don't, yet.  It's something that I've wanted to try.  However, since it's not my usual style, it's not the first thing that comes to me when I sit down to write.  Brooke Horvath's poem “Definition” says a prose poem should be...”not too short and not too long, somewhere between a snort and a song”.  That inspires me!  Maybe next week, I'll give it a try.

Poets United: Where is your favorite place in the world?

Sara: Sitting on a boat in the middle of the Florida Bay, watching the sunset, with a glass of wine, my husband, dog, friends, and lots of laughter.

My Favorite Place

Poets United: If only I could jump into that photo, I would! So! Art!  What do you love about it and what style of artist are you?

Sara: I have always drawn.  Started painting in high school, and then I was hooked.  I used to be stuck in a very traditional formal illustrative style, and I still draw that way sometimes, but now I like to paint with acrylics and bright colors on big canvasses.  Modern would have to be the style, because I'm just playing. 

                                                 Illustrative Drawing of A Primrose

Whimsical Geese

Poets United: So cheerful! What are some of your other interests? Tell us about Kung Fu - I'm stoked!

Sara: Me too! Kung fu is awesome.  I've always been active.  Running, hiking, swimming, horseback-riding, biking, dancing (lots of dancing!)  Being outdoors is my favorite place.  I like to cook and bake too—especially bread.

Kung Fu Weapons

With Kung Fu, my family had been tossing around the idea of starting martial arts-- we were very lucky to find an incredible school, with instructors who are the warmest, most sincere, caring people you'd ever meet. 

After a year, our sons stopped (our oldest still goes to the Sanshou, fighting class), but my husband and I were inspired.  We've been going for about 5 years and we're about 5 forms away from being black belts.  Forms are a series of moves that you put together (it's almost like a dance) of kicks, punches, jumps, etc.  The really cool part is the weapons forms—we've learned forms with staff, spear, sword (yes!) and kwan do.  It has given me such a sense of confidence and it's fun to kick doors and drawers closed.  It's also great for flexibility—I can almost do the splits—something I never was able to do as a kid...

Poets United: I'm totally impressed. Describe your idea of a perfect day.

Sara: Waking in the Florida Keys, sitting on a deck with a cup of coffee welcoming the sun-then spending the day with my husband, kids, and friends boating, swimming, snorkeling and finally having dinner out at a great restaurant outside, watching the sunset.  With wine and chocolate in there somewhere too—and dancing, that would make it perfect. :-)

 

                                                  

   A Perfect Day

Boat Boys - older and younger sons

Poets United: The photos prove it - that is Happiness, all right!

Sara: The boat shot was taken by a friend of ours and is one of my favorites--you're right, it channels pure joy, which is how we feel on a boat.  Never knew I would enjoy a boat that much--it's an old, used boat, and we've gotten miles of smiles out of it--

Favorite Sunset Photo

This is what our Christmas dinner 

looks like--family and friends

the cousins at Christmas

The Cookie Tradition

The cookie tradition is a 22 year old tradition that started when Nick was 2.  My friend Ann was missing the cookie decorating party in her home town Buffalo, NY--so we started one here.  Even though the boys are grown, it's still one of their favorite holiday traditions.

And the view out my kitchen window includes a Rainbow Eucalyptus that my parents gave Hector and I for our anniversary about 5 years ago.

Poets United: Sigh. Happiness lives at your house! Those smiling faces! That view!!!! Those cookies! Are there a few poets you really admire, either well-known or in the blogging world, and how does their work inspire or motivate you?

Sara: Oh my goodness.  The list just keeps on growing.  As I said, I love Robert Louis Stevenson, Shel Silverstein, Robert Frost and Mary Oliver, William Carlos Williams, Billy Collins (if you haven't seen him on TED you have to!) and Sara Kay! Love the  Spoken Word—that is on my “to do” list.  I read one poem on Buddah's site and felt like reading my entire inventory of poems!! 

Blogging world:  I have to say this—Everyone!!  I started to make a list and it was just too long. 

However, I have to give a special shout out to De Jackson (of course)--she's one of the poets from Poetic Asides, that I have always admired and she's incredibly talented and just keeps getting better.  She's also a great cheerleader and generous soul.  I wouldn't be published in any online ezines,  if it wasn't for her encouragement.  Also, Pearl Ketover Prilik, Paula Wanken and cast of many who worked so hard to get “Prompted” published.  As well as the editor of ”Really Love Your Book” , Michele Poet, for publishing it.  And Robert Lee Brewer who has such a range as a poet—he can make you laugh and then touch your heart - he challenged me poetically and blog-wise.  Muchos kudos. 

Poets United: Any words for the folks at Poets United?

Sara: You are amazing, the prompts, the support, the interviews.  I am overwhelmed, and so blessed to be part of this community.  Thank you.

Poets United: We are all so happy you're here, too, kiddo! Thanks for this great visit!

Well, kids? We seem to be proving, week after week, that there are far more happy families than unhappy ones. Yay! It does my heart good. Isn't it true that the people behind the pens are some of the most interesting folks around? Come back and see who we talk to next. Who knows? It might be you!