Two 70s poets: joy of writing, reading and being read to—a 79th birthday project

Right now I’m preparing for a rather special performance of my poems on Sunday 24 February 2019, which happens to be my 79th birthday. I’m sharing the stage with a friend who is just a few years younger. I know in advance that the event will be joyful and funny and satisfying all round.

This blog’s theme,”write into life”, is based on certain assumptions:

  • The act of writing brings manifold* benefits to the writer: intellectual, emotional, psychological, social, spiritual — even medical!
  • These benefits can be amplified as we grow older.
  • Writing can bring joy to the writer and joy to the reader. Or the listener.

Hence the poster — come if you can! And please tell your friends on the Kapiti Coast of New Zealand.

And by the way, next time you look at an old stranger, stop and wonder what their life was like and what it is like now…

*Nice word, ay?

Poster for poetry reading in Paekakariki, NZ: two 70s poets. Rebels in the 1970s. Poets in their 70s.

PS Actually, I’m not sure how the Cat Thinkies fit in with this blog’s theme. I must catch them reading and writing…


Accessibility: text of the poster above

Two seventies poets. Rebels of the 1970s—poets in their 70s

  • RACHEL MCALPINE. From “strident feminist” to web content pioneer to dear little old lady in 79 years and 30 books
  • MARGARET AUSTIN. From suburban teacher to Folies Bergères showgirl to fashion icon and poet

St Peter’s Hall Paekakariki 3–4pm 24 February 2019
Tickets cash at the door $10
Followed by Q&A, a cuppa, and books for sale (cash)
Enquiries (04) 905 8203


 

21 thoughts on “Two 70s poets: joy of writing, reading and being read to—a 79th birthday project

  1. Sadje says:

    A happy birthday in advance. A lovely adventure.

    1. Rachel McAlpine says:

      Thank you Sadje! The Paekakariki venue and audience are very special.

      1. Sadje says:

        Great 👍

  2. JOY journal says:

    🙂 Love the bios!!

    1. Rachel McAlpine says:

      Thanks– they were craftily crafted but true.

  3. Happy Birthday. Break a leg, or whatever the poetry equivalent is. How about “Stretch a Stanza”?

    1. Rachel McAlpine says:

      That’s the one!

  4. JT Twissel says:

    You go girls!

    1. Rachel McAlpine says:

      Sure will!

  5. Oh, how I’d love to be there! Love the photos of you two.

    1. Rachel McAlpine says:

      I am sorry you can’t make it but I understand. People rarely travel from San Diego to New Zealand for an afternoon poetry reading 🙂

  6. albert says:

    Great news! Wish I could be there to help celebrate. Will you be recording? It would be fun to listen in.

    1. Rachel McAlpine says:

      I think that would be hard in the lovely old Paekakariki hall. But thank you!

  7. Suzanne says:

    Rachel, that will certainly be a fun and entertaining birthday treat. Hope the audience sings Happy Birthday for you!

    1. Rachel McAlpine says:

      I have a feeling that might happen.

      1. Suzanne says:

        You are no doubt right 🙂

  8. alison41 says:

    How I wish I could join in! Terrific poster! Happy Hatchday – in advance.

    1. Rachel McAlpine says:

      Thank you kindly. I enjoyed making the poster.

  9. hilarymb says:

    Hi Rachel – what a great idea for the two of you … I can already hear the repartee … sounds great and I wish I was nearer … but no – just enjoy – and perhaps you’ve set a standard or idea for others of us to follow – and I’m looking forward to the report back! – cheers Hilary

    1. Rachel McAlpine says:

      You’re right, this is a model others can follow. The more the merrier.

  10. alison41 says:

    On the topic of Cat Thinkies: My dear – now departed Burmese cat, Chocolat – periodically used to favour my despatchesfromtimbuktu readers with her comments on what she was reading , or what her thoroughly unsatisfactory Personal Assistant had recently done to incur her displeasure. She also graciously permitted me to publish some rather fetching photographic studies of her elegance. May I recommend you go to my despatches WordPress blog, put in a search for Chocolat, and you can see for yourself. My despatches WordPress blog is the poorer for her demise – it lacks that Je ne sais quois, that elegantly swiped claw and waspish comment. Ah me. Gone, but not forgotten.

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