Dear Friend,
Here’s my cucumber soup recipe AND I won the Pulitzer Prize—all things being equal. I’ve always loved letters and postcards (you may have noticed I’ve renamed this Substack Postcards from a Poet, because for me, this feels less like a “newsletter” and more like a small check-in from me to you: Hey, how are you holding up? Here are a few things bringing me joy.) And here’s something that delighted me this week: I did not know that people (and kids!) write postcards to Emily Dickinson via the Emily Dickinson Museum. While many were mailed, this one, I’m guessing this one was penned in the moment and handed over to museum staff. And well, it warmed my heart:
“Thank you for writing a soft sea washed around the house”—Come on! What a way to say thank you! It reminded me of William Stafford’s quote: Everyone is born a poet. . .I just kept on doing what everyone starts out doing. The real question is: Why did other people stop? Anyway, the holidays bring so many feels, as the kids say—wait, do they say this? ha!—I’ve been trying to be better at sending out joy more often especially during these times when everything can feel a little harder, it’s good to have a little light. Sending love this time of year,
P.S. Here’s one little secret I just learned: my forthcoming book Accidental Devotions is officially available for preorder! We haven’t rolled out the “big reveal” yet, but because you’re part of my inner circle, I wanted you to get to peek first (yes, the cover pops up when you click!—apparently the internet didn’t feel like waiting for our official announcement! lol). Anyway, you can now preorder at Bookshop.org here, Amazon here, and Seattle’s beloved Open Books: Poetry-Only Bookstore here! (and I’d be thrilled if youd did). I’ll be sending out a formal cover reveal and all the details soon, but for now, I just wanted thank you for being here at the beginning. It means more than you know. P.P.S. Oh, and if you do preorder, hit reply to this email or drop me an email directly at kelli@agodon.com and I’ll pop a signed bookplate in the mail for you!—a little love note for the inside of your copy. ❤️ P.P.P.S. If anyone tries to make Sexton’s cucumber soup, I’d love to hear what you thought! Thank you again for reading and for your kindness and support—I’m glad to be on this path with you. xo
This post is public, so feel free to share it. 💕 (Also note: this newsletter will never be paid…for me, it’s just a way to keep in touch with you…) 📍Where to find me: Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, Threads Thanks for reading. Subscribe for poetry, creativity, and notes from a poet. Thanks for reading. Subscribe for poetry, creativity, and postcards from a poet.
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Friday, December 5, 2025
Anne Sexton's Recipe for Cucumber Soup...
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
🎁 My *Favorite Things* List
Hi Friend, The holidays are approaching, and I’ve been feeling a bit Grinchy about it all—as if the season has somehow shifted from one of joy to one giant chore when I wasn’t looking. How did that happen?! I’ve always loved the holidays, but this year, they feel like too much (wait, does everything feel like too much??). Like that Christmas song says, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year”—except right now I’m feeling the first part—It’s the most…, no extra words needed. So I’ve been trying to reframe the season from oh no, the holidays are coming! to something softer, maybe a space where we choose the moments we actually need: a good conversation, a day of PJs and reading in a comfy chair, a spontaneous get-together, hot cocoa, or just a quiet hour watching the fog sink into the trees. For me it’s—slowing down, staying offline, shopping less and/or with more intention.
I know this last year has been a lot for many of us (personally, I’ve felt in some sort of crisis-mode since May 2024!) But I read the other day that the opposite of anxiety is creativity (I always thought it was calmness, as I am highly creative with my anxiety and worst-case scenarios!) But what the author shared was that we can take all those uncomfortable emotions and make something from them—write a poem, journal, paint something, or even string fairy lights in the laundry room just because. Make beauty where there wasn’t any. And I like that idea—leave the world a little better each day. Create when you can. One of my beliefs as a poet and a human trying her best to navigate this strange, gorgeous, difficult planet is remembering that our time is limited and instead of giving my energy into what I don’t like, I try to amplify and share what I love. So in that spirit, I thought I’d share a few of my favorite things (and maybe it will make your shopping—if you do shop!—a little easier). Also—when you can, try to shop indie and/or local this season—your local bookstore, your neighborhood shops, artists and indie sellers on Etsy. I know it’s tempting to click “buy now” because “next day delivery,” but every time we shop locally, our money circulates through our own communities and helps individuals and families over corporations (yay!). 🎁 Favorite Things (The Early Holiday Shopper’s Edition) 🎁
The Days of Accidental Devotions (which sounds like a new soap opera!)Other than that, I’ve been spending my days/my daze deep in the cathedral of proofing my next book of poems, Accidental Devotions, which comes out May 12, 2026 from Copper Canyon Press. I’m both wildly excited and proud of this book, but also carrying some anxiety that comes with sending something so personal into the world. It’s very much that feeling of Omg, this is the best thing I’ve ever written! and Omg, I didn’t realize vulnerability has a publication date! It’s a lot, but a good lot. I do hope you’ll like it. Also if you know of any opportunities—podcasts, interview series, guest-speaking gigs at universities, online readings, conversations about poetry, desire, Emily Dickinson, technology, grief, the Pacific Northwest, or just being a human in the world—feel free to send them my way. You can reply to this email or always reach me at: kelli@agodon.com So that’s the downlow on the book and the favs. I hope you’re hanging in there—maybe even thriving! Or slowing down enough to spot the bits of beauty trying their best to outshine the ugly stuff as we continue spin together on this strange little planet. Oh! And before I go, I want to share this image I snapped in downtown Seattle—just in case you need to hear this today:
Sending peace, love, and poetry,
📍Where to find me: Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, Daydreaming Thanks for reading. Subscribe for poetry, creativity, and notes from a poet.
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Step and Repeat Banners Continue to Redefine Event Visuals and Brand Engagement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 19, 2025
United States
The Step and Repeat banner, a distinctive visual element at gatherings worldwide, maintains its prominence as a fundamental tool for event organizers, businesses, and public figures seeking heightened visibility. Originating from the world of celebrity gatherings and photo calls, these branded backdrops have expanded their utility, becoming a staple across a diverse array of events, from professional trade shows to personal celebrations.
A Step and Repeat banner features a repeating pattern of logos, sponsor names, or other brand elements, providing a consistent visual background for photography and media interviews. Its primary design purpose is to establish immediate brand visibility, allowing companies and individuals to maximize exposure through shared images and videos from their events. This repeated visual presence ensures that every photograph taken against the backdrop implicitly carries the event's identity or its sponsors' messages, creating numerous photo opportunities that extend brand promotion far beyond the physical location.
The versatility of the Step and Repeat banner extends to its construction. These backdrops are available in various materials and stand configurations to meet differing event needs and budgets. Vinyl banners, known for their durability and cost-effectiveness, are a frequent selection, particularly for outdoor use or settings where cleaning is straightforward. While vinyl surfaces can exhibit glare under flash photography, advances in printing technology have introduced matte finishes to reduce this effect. Conversely, fabric banners provide a premium appearance with a soft, non-glare finish, making them highly desirable for high-profile indoor events like Red Carpet Events and gala celebrations. Fabric options are often wrinkle-resistant, portraying a polished visual impact.
The physical support for these backdrops also presents choices. The banner stand is an integral component, offering portability and ease of assembly. Telescopic stands provide adjustable width and height, accommodating various space requirements and banner sizes. For a more seamless and taut presentation, pop-up banner stands, often utilizing tension fabric displays, create a smooth, wall-like effect, frequently referred to as a Media Wall or Logo Wall. These portable display systems simplify setup and breakdown, an advantage for event event planning teams.
Effective design remains central to a Step and Repeat banner's effectiveness. Custom design services specialize in arranging logos with appropriate spacing and repetition to ensure each brand mark is clear and unobstructed in photographs. High-quality printing is paramount, necessitating high-resolution graphics, typically vector files, to prevent pixelation when scaled for large format printing. Graphic design professionals guide clients in selecting suitable color modes and ensuring adherence to brand guidelines for a cohesive and professional presentation.
The application of Step and Repeat banners spans a wide spectrum of events. At Corporate Events and Trade Shows, they act as powerful tools for event marketing, attracting attendees and providing a consistent backdrop for interviews and company announcements. During Press Conferences, the repetition of logos reinforces sponsor recognition for media outlets. At private gatherings such as weddings or parties, personalized photo backdrops featuring monograms or themed graphics enhance the celebratory atmosphere and create memorable picture opportunities. Sponsorships are frequently highlighted on these banners, providing tangible value to contributing organizations through repeated exposure.
The continued evolution of digital marketing and social media platforms amplifies the value of Step and Repeat banners. Images captured against these backdrops are readily shared across social channels, generating organic reach and amplifying brand messages to broader audiences. This digital footprint extends the life of the event's visual branding, providing enduring returns on investment for advertising efforts.
Companies specializing in printing services offer a range of custom banners solutions, working with clients to determine the ideal materials, sizes, and stand types for their specific needs. From initial graphic design concepts to final large format printing and delivery, these providers help businesses and individuals translate their branding aspirations into a physical photo backdrop that makes a statement.
The Step and Repeat banner remains an indispensable asset for effective brand promotion and visual communication at any significant gathering. Its simplicity in concept belies its powerful capacity to elevate an event's profile and deliver sustained brand visibility in an increasingly visual world.
Apex Display Solutions is a leading provider of high-quality event display products, specializing in custom Step and Repeat banners, Media Walls, and trade show exhibits. With a focus on superior printing services and custom design, Apex Display Solutions helps clients achieve impactful brand visibility at Corporate Events, Trade Shows, and special occasions.
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