Quintessential Listening: Poetry Online Radio Presents Kate Clare Wegrzyn

As a lifelong Storyteller, I’ve enjoyed creating stories from nature’s imagery, the imaginative adventures of childhood, and a life well-lived. Impromptu spoken word has remained my JOY, combined with song and compassion. These elements have sparked my writings, inherited from my grandmother and mother, both early childhood teachers and Civil Rights activists. They introduced me to poetry, creative writing, Haiku, and art appreciation with continual museum visits. At age twelve, my family moved into a new home with an extensive collection of National Geographics in the attic, which introduced me to the world. This inspired more diverse writing throughout my high school years. Writing continued at college in Washington D.C. I studied political science, history, and sociology. Next, I followed my family to Colorado which enhanced my creative writing in prose and memoir. In 1978, I founded a retail gallery and boutique, where I wrote continuously about the global handicrafts, textiles, the customs of the country of origin, and of the stones set in jewelry. I created a wholesale business as a sales representative to bring innovative products to retail store owners. I traveled the prairies, foothills, and the Rocky Mountains, from the borders of Canada to Mexico. I wrote constantly about the diverse terrain, the cultural history of the people, and the difficulties that Manifest Destiny’s land /gold rush inflicted. At the end of the 2009 recession, I went from a 3,000 sq ft store & moved SOLO into a tiny space. My lease was not renewed for the second time and I was unable to ride out the economic fall. After 35 years, I was cut loose, penniless by 2012. By 2015, the world of writing was calling me! I attended free annual writing workshops at the Public Library and local Art Galleries. With the guidance of a poetry mentor, my writing inspiration was heightened beyond my wildest dreams. POETRY now rules my quest!