Caren Krutsinger Biography

My name is Caren; I was born an identical twin in a small rural town in Iowa; I live in the country; roosters wake me up. They are not my own roosters, but live behind me, and are eager to be helpful.  I am an artist, a cartoonist, a painter, a poet, a writer, and a game-player. When I was younger I knew all kinds of card games. When my children were small, I played many board games. They stopped playing with me when they realized if I was losing, I would diminish my age, turn younger than them, and throw the board.  I was once addicted to resale, and yard sale shopping. Every time I think I have broken myself of that habit, I have a relapse and drag home bags and boxes of other people's junk that I think I will someday use. More often than not, these found items end up recycled in other junk shops or recycle bins after I did not use them at all.  I'm an elementary school counselor, which means I teach children about respect, responsibility, and how to love each other and make friends. I love my life; I have been with the same man for 50 years, and our home is saturated with my paintings of booby women, because I love to draw and paint them and my husband loves me. I have three daughters, two sons-in-law, six granddaughters, and four grandsons, so my cup is full and happy.

I am new to poetry, not even sure I'm writing it.

Blog Posted by Caren Krutsinger: 3/25/2018 7:53:00 AM

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Turner Avatar
March 26, 2018 at 6:55 PM
Hello Caren, nice to meet you. I have read some of your poems and I think they are great fun. If you say it's a poem, then it's a poem! Like you, I fell in the soup and have learned more in the last two years than I did the previous , well just say a long time. There are so many wonderfully talented people over here and I have never been refused help from any of them. Poetry is supposed to be fun. When it loses that fun, it can become a nightmare. Just write whats in your heart. Welcome and spill ink!
La France Avatar
March 26, 2018 at 9:34 AM
Caren, welcome to Poetry Soup and your blog pretty much explains why this site is so wonderful. You are now part of a family of poets. And this girl will always have your back. Critical remarks of your writing can be the helpful hand of another poet or the meanness of a self appointed judge of all poetry always seek another opinion before changing or hitting delete..
Allison Avatar
March 26, 2018 at 4:07 AM
What a lovely positive blog Caren. I've been reading your work and love your humour. There are many people willing to help us grow as poets, I have learned so so much since i first picked up my pen in Nov 2013 and joined soup in 2014. I see my poems as my babies and i can only echo what 'shadow of the past has said' just be wary of critique from those who think they know better than others ... I've seen people leave because their work and self confidence has been torn apart. :-) hugs jan xx
Gauthier Avatar
March 25, 2018 at 7:11 PM
Dear Caren, I think there are many of us who believe that the minute someone writes from the heart that is POETRY. By the way you mean "Arturo" LOL, don't worry about it - I have your back ;-) On the other hand, your presence on PoetrySoup has been over-the-top cheerful and most lovely. Welcome with open arms, dear Caren.
Thomas Avatar
March 25, 2018 at 5:30 PM
Lol but the "zingers" keep the site interesting Caren! You just keep writing to your heart's content sweet Lady! And just remember that not all criticism is "constructive." Keep your mind open and try to be objective but don't let some of the self-proclaimed professionals here neither diminish your work nor wear you down.
Allison Avatar
March 26, 2018 at 4:08 AM
Can't agree with you more Shadow!:-) hugs jan xx
Cunningham Avatar
March 25, 2018 at 2:58 PM
Lovely blog Caren, like you have found people on here a great family group. ( only joined last November) I too made a silly mistake and got a soupmail telling me, I was very grateful for that and learned from it to check check and double check before posting. Keep writing. Tom
Terry Avatar
March 25, 2018 at 12:30 PM
Hello, Caren. Yes, Poetry Soup has a number of nurturing poets who will help you develop your poetry with encouragement and gentle direction. I sometimes wonder how they can be supporting so many new poets at once. They are wise in the ways of poetry and have enough heart to share. I know their comments have motivated me over the years to stick with it. We all want our poetry to be read and enjoyed by someone; If that someone is another poet all the better. Your poetry can be a mirror of your thoughts and the more you write, the better you will get at expressing them to the delight of others. Hugs. Janece
Richards Avatar
March 25, 2018 at 10:43 AM
Hi Caren! Thanks to your blog, I have just read the last few poems on your list of poetry, and I love the candid expression of words, and how your thoughts are put to pen, some with humor, honesty, and realism that anyone can relate to. They may not be considered strict to form (those labeled haiku, for instance), which seem to be more narrative in nature. If form doesn't matter (let's say for a contest..)..then they are wonderful, relatable. and enjoyable to read. Poetry for me is anything that makes me smile, cry, feel emotion. You have all of those nailed ! Welcome to PS !!:)
Dietrich Avatar
March 25, 2018 at 9:44 AM
This is a lovely blog. I'll have to check out your poetry if I have not seen it yet. You mentioned three or four poets who are such dear people to the others here! Keep listening to them. They are awesome! By the way. I too am from Iowa! Have you heard of Muscatine?
Krutsinger Avatar
March 25, 2018 at 10:10 AM
I have posted a short story on this blog called Muscatine, Iowa. One of my favorite towns in the whole wide world, Andrea.
Pigeon Tart Avatar
March 25, 2018 at 9:31 AM
You are awesome :)
Krutsinger Avatar
March 25, 2018 at 10:11 AM
Thank you, Maureen, as are you, my friend!

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I am new to poetry, not even sure I'm writing it.
Date Posted: 3/25/2018 7:53:00 AM

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