Peace on da Soup - Tom Woody's Blog

Has anyone noticed? In the world there is war, but here on the soup a new paradigm has taken hold, as predicted. Battles have been waged, differences in opinions on various matters have been bandied about, mostly in blogdom, but a certain calm has finally settled in. New poets are being added almost daily, all with their own unique voices. They deserve our welcome and ongoing support. Peace is a tricky bugger, so let's enjoy it while it lasts. Everyone take a deeeeeeep breath. Ahhhh See ya 'round- Tommy PS. If you want to give a shout out to someone who made you feel especially welcome when you joined or who mentored and encouraged you in some way feel free to do so in comments below

Michael Tor Date: 2/3/2025 11:41:00 PM Tom for me there were so many all those that left a comment that was sincere in support to me was special and supportive and I tried to return the Kindness. Andrea Dietrich she has always been supportive, and Paula Goldsmith is another special soul, and Constance La France, and Richard Lamoreaux, Tom Cunningham, Gershon Wolf. Excellent Blog Tom great theme... Login to Reply Tom Woody Date: 2/4/2025 5:46:00 AM Awesome!

Constance La France Date: 1/25/2025 6:22:00 AM Good blog, Tom . . . A lady by the name of Linda-Marie, Sweet Heart became my poetic sister from the beginning (one of many) but me and Linda-Marie became very close. She gave me a Life Time Membership as a gift, a precious thing to receive. I never heard her say a bad thing about anyone. Sadly, she passed away several years ago, I will never forget Linda-Marie. Her poetry is still on PS though her older poems have been removed. There are so many amazing poets who have touched my heart over the years ~ Login to Reply Quoth Theraven Date: 1/26/2025 3:05:00 PM Constance, The gift of Linda-Marie befittingly passed on to one of the kindest on the Soup, You were one of the first people to encourage me to write. So I'm forever indebted to you and all the others. -Richard Constance La France Date: 1/25/2025 1:01:00 PM here is Linda-Marie's last poem on PS, https://www.poetrysoup.com/poem/a_near_death_experience_of_a_sweetheart_453159 Tom Woody Date: 1/25/2025 12:59:00 PM Nice Constance La France Date: 1/25/2025 12:54:00 PM I think (not sure how to find out) I came to PS around 2009, I left for a bit and returned in 2012 ~ Tom Woody Date: 1/25/2025 6:39:00 AM I remember her but just barely. What year did you start here?

Becca Teagan Date: 1/22/2025 7:43:00 AM This is such an encouraging blog! There were many people here who were supportive from the beginning, and during rough times. But most recently, even having nothing posted for a long time, I have still felt loved and supported by several poets, especially you, Tom, you never let me feel like I'm forgotten. Also Craig Cornish, Keith Trestrail, and Jerry T Curtis have reached out, I hope I'm not forgetting to mention someone. It's just really nice to see all the comments here, showing gratitude and, in Keith's case, humor :P Login to Reply Suzanne Delaney Date: 1/24/2025 5:57:00 PM Thanks for the kind words Becca: I agree a lot of nice poets coma and go and it is almost impossible to keep up with everyone but i do my best to try and keep up with those that comment on a poem and return the visit as soon as I can. Becca Teagan Date: 1/24/2025 4:23:00 AM Hi Suz! You were also one of the nice ones when I first came here years ago. So much insanity here then, but also a lot of great people, and seems many are still here. I'm glad to know things have settled down. Yes, positive comments can be very uplifting! Good to hear from you! Suzanne Delaney Date: 1/23/2025 5:51:00 PM (Cont)There are some wonderful friends here who post comments when they can. Tom is one for me ,…there are a few sweet poets like Andrea who I’ve known for years, Silent One is another. Sam, Paula, Sara, but really I am happy to see anyone who has time to stop by. Also kudos the Contest Sponsors for their time and inspiration. Suzanne Delaney Date: 1/23/2025 5:49:00 PM Dear Becca{ I go through that thought all the time thinking the same things about my poems being mostly garbage but then other’s leave positive comments and it is uplifting. Becca Teagan Date: 1/23/2025 1:31:00 PM Hi Brandy! You were always one the kindest poets here, I'm so glad to see you're still here. I'll be visiting your page soon! Hugs :) Brandy Nicole Date: 1/22/2025 5:08:00 PM So nice seeing you here, Becca. Your support over the years means so much. Post when you're ready, my sweet friend. :) Hugs, Brandy Becca Teagan Date: 1/22/2025 1:47:00 PM Hey Keith! Thanks! Love your updated picture. Keith D Trestrail Date: 1/22/2025 12:56:00 PM Hi Becs. Lovely to see you again. And a belated happy birthday. Becca Teagan Date: 1/22/2025 7:58:00 AM That's really sweet, Tom, thank you Tom Woody Date: 1/22/2025 7:52:00 AM That poem on YouTube has been my all time most memorable poetic experience. Truth Becca Teagan Date: 1/22/2025 7:50:00 AM If I didn't delete it. I went through my poems a while back and realized they were mostly garbage :P btw I've been doing a little writing lately (since I received your last message) so, maybe I'll be brave enough to post soon Tom Woody Date: 1/22/2025 7:46:00 AM Sigh. We really wish you would start posting again. You're truly missed. Could you start with a repost of "I am poetry?" Complete with audio? That would be so kewl

Arlo Parker Date: 1/20/2025 4:23:00 PM Welcomed by Teppo Gren. Fine gentleman. Missed. Trolls Truce seems to be holding. A Blessing. Friends know who they are, cherished even more. :o]] Login to Reply Tom Woody Date: 1/25/2025 1:41:00 PM Her and Skat-mandu. Gosh, I miss helping her with her spelling (sniff) Keith D Trestrail Date: 1/20/2025 8:46:00 PM Someone called Poet Destroyer welcomed me but she welcomed just about everyone. Tom Woody Date: 1/20/2025 4:28:00 PM Very nice

Connie Pachecho Date: 1/20/2025 1:59:00 PM What's linked and distinct is that the wolves became extinct. The pasture is green. The sky is blue. The soup is just right. Ty Tommy for all that you do. Login to Reply Tom Woody Date: 1/20/2025 2:55:00 PM More like the wolves are sleeping. I suppose we all carry a bit of the wild and unruly inside us. Glad I could contribute something positive

Charlotte Puddifoot Date: 1/20/2025 12:45:00 PM there are a lot of good people on this site, including one special person who has supported me through recent difficulties Login to Reply Tom Woody Date: 1/20/2025 1:22:00 PM Awww that's sweet. I'm sure they know who they are

John Read Date: 1/20/2025 10:16:00 AM Hi Tom, the one's who made me welcome, have for some unknown reason, now abandoned me lol. Login to Reply Tom Woody Date: 1/20/2025 10:39:00 AM Oh oh. Well, many more here to lend support

Brandy Nicole Date: 1/20/2025 8:05:00 AM I feel so blessed being here in a community of such amazing poets. So thankful for the ' peaceful ' moments. I agree, Tommy, it's a nice change. My heart is smiling and I'm enjoying being in the clouds. :) Login to Reply Brandy Nicole Date: 1/20/2025 8:32:00 AM Thanks Tommy ! Yes, I've been in the valley a few times, but in the clouds is where I belong. Brandy Nicole Date: 1/20/2025 8:25:00 AM Those that welcomed me here were, John Gondolf, Silent One, Lyric Man, Arturo Michael. Also, Heidi Sands and Sylvia Coulstock. So thankful for the warm welcome and for the support through the years. :) Tom Woody Date: 1/20/2025 8:18:00 AM You're a leader by example. You've been through some scrapes but always chose the high road

Tom Woody Date: 1/20/2025 7:18:00 AM My shout outs go first and foremost to Brandy, who always had my back even when I was absent, to Inky who came later on and who has been a wonderful support not just for me but for virtually everyone, and to Craig who mentored me in my sonnet endeavors as well as offered a boost when I was particularly down Login to Reply Keith D Trestrail Date: 1/21/2025 6:31:00 PM To paraphrase Oscar Wilde:- the only thing worse than being written about is not being written about. Tom Woody Date: 1/21/2025 6:50:00 AM Ha! I got ya beat mate. I've inspired a few dozen, apparently. Hopefully nasty, er, colorful poems have become passe Keith D Trestrail Date: 1/20/2025 7:55:00 PM My shout-outs go to all the drama queens and knuckle draggers over the years who reported me to teacher for pulling their hair. But, to be fair, I did inspire dozens of colourful poems so there is that! If you wish to thank me please soupmail. Brandy Nicole Date: 1/20/2025 8:07:00 AM :) You're my far away friend and I'll always have your back. Thank you for your support as well.

Kim Rodrigues Date: 1/20/2025 5:18:00 AM Bonnie Jennings saw my poem on a FB page and asked me if she could feature it on her blog along with a brief bio. She then told me about PS! So I owe her so much. Andrea Dietrich for sure! Encouraged over the years by so many, some have passed away…please don’t be offended if I don’t mention you, but some are Silent One, Constance La France, Sandra Haight, Jan Alison, Gershon Wolf, etc… etc.. Login to Reply Kim Rodrigues Date: 1/20/2025 8:04:00 AM Thanks, Tom! Love you all! Tom Woody Date: 1/20/2025 7:13:00 AM There's never anything wrong with a nice shout out to a handful of peeps

Keith D Trestrail Date: 1/20/2025 2:05:00 AM Yep, I’ve noticed a conspicuous lack of meanness of late. The ceasefire is holding…for now. All hostages have been freed until the next flashpoint. I, myself, was released from Soup jail in a prisoner swap. Login to Reply Keith D Trestrail Date: 1/21/2025 6:33:00 PM Yeah, has pretty good wifi though. And the taco Tuesday is a delight. Tom Woody Date: 1/20/2025 7:12:00 AM I've been in that jail. Cold, musty place.