“This was it, this was my moment. My sister had lost her patience, my dad had all but lost his voice, and I could feel my mother wanting to pull me back inside. One cold, deep breath in, and I launched myself onto the polar pillows below.”
We are just days away from Joy to the Word 2020 Edition! Which means, of course, that it will be held virtually! Thankfully, that makes the show more accessible than ever! And FREE! Click here to register, and on Dec. 17 at 6:30, settle in for stories courtesy of former Wisconsin poet laureate Max Garland, UWEC’s Director of Multicultural Affairs Dang Yang, UWEC English Professor Kaia Simon, and writer Sarah Jayne Johnson, all accompanied and with original music by The Nunnery. Also featuring original visuals by Erik Elstran.
Read on for three questions with Sarah, including a sneak preview of what she’ll be sharing…
Elise Eystad: Could you give a quote from the story you’ll be sharing?
Sarah Johnson: "This was it, this was my moment. My sister had lost her patience, my dad had all but lost his voice, and I could feel my mother wanting to pull me back inside. One cold, deep breath in, and I launched myself onto the polar pillows below."
EE: Why did you pick this story? What makes it special?
SJ: The older I get, the more I realize what a privilege it was to have winter growing up and be given the opportunities only snow presents. We get so stuck in the shoveling, scraping, and (if you're me) slipping that we forget about the majesty winter brings us every year. I liked thinking back to a time when a big snowstorm meant a day off of school with my parents, leaving snow pants and mittens on the radiator, and flicking tiny flakes off my eyelashes. I adored getting caught in the nostalgia of winter through a child's eyes. Writing this story was fun because it reminded me to revert back to that childlike sense of wonder with things I don't appreciate enough as an adult.
EE: What is something in your world currently bringing you joy?
SJ: In a year where joy can seem like a distant memory, I've come to appreciate the little things in my day-to-day life. A well-made, comfortable bed. My husband making me tea. My little dog curling up in a blanket with me. All things that may seem mundane but put together remind me how lucky I am.