…you hear over and over again; at a sporting event, a Lifelong Learning class, an activity at the Recreation Center or just even sitting at any one of the Squares, or pools, or restaurants, is the talent and background that so many residents possess, and more than that,  the willingness to share their stellar abilities with us.  Peggy Seely is just one of those people. I first heard about a wonderful poetry workshop that Peggy had been a part of and that I had missed.  When I heard about it I was so disappointed, as the people that were raving had my total admiration.  If they say it’s good, it must be really really good, as I consider them really good.  I have never been a student of poetry, although was introduced to it at a very early age by my Mother, and then for several of my adult years received books of poetry for Christmas from her.  At that stage in my life I didn’t have a lot of leisure time to spend reading poetry after running after two rambunctious boys.  However I did read to them every night before they went to bed and I would scan one of those books for poetry they may like.  The Duel-The gingham dog and the calico cat, side by side on the table sat; ‘Twas half past twelve, and what do you think!-was one they enjoyed.   During those years that was my poetry reading experience.  My books have since become dog-eared, and I do enjoy reading them from time to time.   Back to Peggy, the other day she offered a Workshop at the Lady Lake Library and I made sure to attend. It was every bit as good, and even better than I had expected. She read poems from her book Teacups in The Mud, and as one attendee mentioned, she brought the poems alive.  Many of her poems are based on memories of her family and growing up on a farm.  They are delightful whether you yourself grew up in the country or the city as they are over flowing with youthful nostalgia that we all can identify with.  Peggy has a message for us in her title, Teacups in the Mud.  She dedicates her book to all who have gone before her into uncharted territory.  From them, she has learned that the “treaures” we choose to carry along can become a burden.  Life lightens when we leave some of them behind.  She goes on to explain that the Pioneer women lightened their loads by leaving their teacups behind. It certainly is something we all understand and many have been through, how difficult it is, when we reach the age that many of us are, to choose what to bring and what to leave, and how true it is when we make those decisions how much lighter and freer we feel.  I have to say, even if you don’t think you would enjoy poetry, if you have the opportunity to attend a Peggy Seely workshop, by all means do it.  You will come away feeling refreshed and happy.  Thanks Peggy for sharing your talent and poetry with us.  You have enriched my life, as I am sure you have enriched many others.