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Crystol Woods Biography

I didn't start writing poetry until 2023. I had written a few songs and I guess that's how I got started. I've always wanted to be a writer... because I enjoy reading so much. I consume at least one book per week. That and studying the Bible are my favorite pass times. I was ordained as a Non-denominational Christian minister in 2020.

I also play the ukulele a little, sing a little, love crafting, sewing, cooking, and any kind of art. I've been in childcare and early education for 30 years and have 2 of my own. My husband, Harvey, and I are blessed with a daughter, Rosie, now 18 years old! And our son, Hunter, who lives in Heaven.

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My poetic neighbors

Blog Posted by Crystol Woods: 6/26/2024 11:46:00 AM

Hi neighbors!

I'm so grateful to have moved into such a wonderfully close knit neighborhood after an early retirement! Poetrysoup Lane? Avenue? Boulevard?

There's not much time for socializing when one works full-time, has a family, and time- takers that pull at our limbs from every side. So, it's with gratitude that I become a resident here, with all of you, in a time- taker of my choosing!

You have all opened your hearts and homes to me and to eachother, as you share your words, your thoughts and you artistry. Not only do you share, you also visit one another to listen, appreciate, and encourage your neighbor's art. I've found my reception here to be so warm and inviting! We each decorate our homes and yards with our poetry and invite others to come in, look around, sit and have a drink or a 'cuppacoffee', and chat. Connecting with one another on that unusually deep level that constitutes poetry.

One of my favorite things about this neighborhood are the block parties! Where one person hosts a contest/ challenge, and invites anyone in the neighborhood to join! It encourages friendships, helps us develop and grow individually as artists, and is simply fun!

I want to thank you for your warm welcome. Thank you for sharing your hearts, your home, and for visiting me with such earnest comradery and love. You edify my soul and spirit!

My door is always open neighbors! With gratitude, Crystol Woods xoxo

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June 27, 2024 at 12:26 PM

Great blog Crystol... I agree with you sentiments... You are a wonderful addition to the soup...

June 29, 2024 at 8:38 PM

Tysm Silent One! You've been one who visits me regularly and I can't tell you(though I gues syou know) how uplifting it can be to see how your own words have affected another human being. Xo

Constance La France

June 27, 2024 at 12:13 PM

Crystol, a wonderful blog and I love how you describe PS, pleasure to have you here with us, Constance

June 29, 2024 at 8:39 PM

Appreciate that Constance! You have such a lovely "home"! Xo

Suzette Richards

June 27, 2024 at 11:17 AM

It is a pleasure to have you here in the Soup Bowl (our nickname for us). Thank you for the paragraphs as I find it difficult to follow/read scripts at the best of times. But this is not about me, it is about you: I find your spirit refreshing and inspirational. Will read (and comment) poems -- time permitting.

June 29, 2024 at 8:43 PM

Thanks Suzette, I see your name often in almost every home you are an honored guest. Your words are so kind and I'm grateful. Take your time, I'm in no rush and do not plan to move on anytime soon. You come on over if you get the chance! You're so welcome...xo

June 27, 2024 at 9:41 AM

Thank you and welcome to poetrysoup! Hope to read more from you!

June 29, 2024 at 8:45 PM

Hey Karen! Ty for the warm welcome! I hope if you do get to come visit soon, that you will not leave empty hearted. :)<3xo

June 26, 2024 at 11:09 PM

Interesting that letter writing has become a dying art...perhaps the correspondence on a site like PS has recouped some of that lost magic between two souls (via comments, blogs, soup mail). Nice you're here, CW. :o)

June 29, 2024 at 8:51 PM

Ty for welcoming me Arlo! I believe you're right about that, showing up... yet time is one of the only things we cannot buy, and one of the few things that we value more than gold yet give away. Thanks for giving me a moment Of yours with your kind comments!

June 27, 2024 at 10:24 PM

I learned thru years of ministry just to show up, listen, and be available is quite enough in virtually every relationship.

Suzette Richards

June 27, 2024 at 12:00 PM

I echo that statement, Arlo. Just a short 'Hi' is often enough to know that someone is thinking of you.

June 26, 2024 at 6:21 PM

Dear Crystol, you have such a wonderful heart, and that's easy to see here within your words. Time and space can connect hearts through words, and I find that so amazing. Everlasting friendships are made. So thankful that you're a part of the Poetry Soup community. My best to you, always. :) Hugs, Brandy

June 29, 2024 at 8:56 PM

So kind of you to say Brandy! Tysm! I'm so happy to have come across this site! You too show your heart through your writing... it looks as if it has been touched by Midas! Xo

June 26, 2024 at 2:11 PM

Just a quick note...a personal opinion in humility ... There are some of us lucky enough to have the free time it takes to communicate regularly on Soup. However, some have lives so full, that just to have a few minutes to write and post is a miracle! We need to try to understand when a neighbor is less than socially active. Sure, there are some who do have time but choose not to comment or reply to comments. Again, we don't know their reasons and should try giving them the benefit of the doubt. I don't just read others poetry and comment on it so they will reciprocate. I read and comment to grow, learn, connect, encourage, and enjoy poetry! JMHO! XOXO

June 29, 2024 at 9:34 PM

Wow. I'm so disheartened that this became so negative. Respectful disagreement that is edifying, that's on topic, and in no way an attack on a person, is the only kind of discussions that can remain positive when the subject is low key controversial. There is no need for personal attacks and calling people names. Thank you all for your interest and comments here, please stay positive<3

June 29, 2024 at 9:17 PM

Andrea, yes I feel you! That would hurt. You are well loved and Cherished on here as the many comments you do get are testament to. I hope that positive out weighs the neg. For you! Xo

Suzette Richards

June 27, 2024 at 1:40 PM

Tom, when I had turned the comment option off on my poetry, you suggested that I turn it back on. I have historically not commented much as very few people ever comment on my poetry. Now I have turned it off again. Problem solved.

Suzette Richards

June 27, 2024 at 12:09 PM

On the subject of commenting (which is dangerously close to becoming a cliché): A thoughtful note (not a professional critique required -- a stumbling block for many) is much appreciated. Love-bombing (as was practiced by a certain poet, now removed) does not warrant a reciprocal reply. I don't/can't read poetry that are centered on the page, italicized and/or boldfaced --- after hitting on a number of them, I turn off my computer and go for a strole with my dog ...

Andrea Dietrich

June 27, 2024 at 11:28 AM

Like you, Tommy, I really enjoy the socializing as well. I guess a lot of people don't. And it's a shame when super good poets do not comment to others because we do not even realize what great poetry they are putting up

Keith D Trestrail

June 27, 2024 at 5:15 AM

Ain’t that the truth, Tommy. The mean girls between them have written about 20 alone (maybe more) just for little old innocent me. Some were even mildly witty and poetic.

Andrea Dietrich

June 26, 2024 at 11:04 PM

Here is what saddens ME, Crystol. I realize nobody owes us anything regarding whether they comment back to us or not. But there are a few poets here who used to be good friends with me. I see them going around leaving comments to folks but not me any more. The main one I am thinking of is someone who was a great email buddy and now she doesn't answer me in emails either. It just kinda hurts.

June 26, 2024 at 9:18 PM

I guess it comes down to what your reasons for commenting are... is it for yourself or them? To encourage and applaud a poet or so others will feel obligated to read comment on your poetry? Myself, I wouldn't want anyone to comment out of obligation, but because they want, after reading my poem, to encourage my writing or share how my poemspoke to them.

June 26, 2024 at 9:09 PM

It seems our recent blogs are closely related! I believe there were similar comments on your blog.;) pretty cool!

June 26, 2024 at 9:06 PM

I definitely see your point Tom and can understand where your coming from. It can be frustrating to give and give with no reciprocation. But it could be a good reason. So I'll choose to give them the benefit of the doubt and continue to read and comment if I enjoy their poetry. Why deny myself that pleasure? Thanks for your two cents Tom! Xo

June 26, 2024 at 1:13 PM

Welcome Dear Crystol, though often busier in repose than profession.

June 26, 2024 at 1:21 PM

Oh yes... how true! Also our perception of time changes as we age and gain understanding of years and decades. It makes time seem to speed up faster and faster! You are so dear Craig! Always around to comment with your wisdom and kindness! <3xo

Andrea Dietrich

June 26, 2024 at 1:01 PM

This is an awesome blog of gratitude. Welcome to the neighborhood. Lucky you with the early retirement too!!

Andrea Dietrich

June 26, 2024 at 11:16 PM

I liked hearing of your life careers. I too started out with babysitting as young as age 12. But I went into adult teaching instead of kids. I admire you doing that. I actually majored as secondary ed Spanish teacher but substituted one time and was in tears by end of the day. So I became an ESL teacher in small private schools for adults. It is so nice teaching people who really care to learn

Andrea Dietrich

June 26, 2024 at 10:59 PM

Yes, it seems the older you get, the less time you find for all you want to do. I now work half the hours of what I normally used to , but because private school ESL teachers are not paid well, I will keep working long past my retirement age , which started a few years ago. Just don't have good social security!

June 26, 2024 at 1:18 PM

Now I'm just hanging on as a substitute, so I have tons of free time... for now. Funny how all that free time gets sucked up so quickly! Lol :)<3

June 26, 2024 at 1:16 PM

Right?! I have a husband who works hard and loves to do so. I'm blessed in many ways. I've worked with and cared for children for...30 plus years! Beginning with babysitting as a teen. For the past 20 years I've taught in pre- school and monitored on the bus my husband drives.

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