AAPLD welcomes award-winning landscape photographer Cory Anne Cosman to the Art Wall at the Main Library. Cory's work captures the essence of nature. She loves traveling to National Parks, and her adventures have taken her to the Badlands of South Dakota, the Rocky Mountains, Moab, Utah, Bryce Canyon, Haleakala, Waimea Canyon, and Death  Valley.

But much of her recent work focuses on the beauty of nature close to home. "I've spent much of my life exploring the beautiful properties of the McHenry County Conservation District, and the many parks across Illinois. This year, I'm excited to stay closer to home-- discovering new hidden gems throughout the Midwest to explore and share with my lens."

Her work has been exhibited at the Land Conservancy of McHenry County (2022 and 2023); the Dole Mansion in Crystal Lake's Fourth Fridays Art Event (2024 and 2025), Woodstock Public Library Artist Showcase (2025), and Kishwaukee Brewing Co., Woodstock (2025).  In 2022, she was the 3rd place winner of the Land Conservancy's Amateur Photography Contest, and in 2024, she received the People's Choice Award from the Fourth Fridays Art Event at the Dole Mansion.

Follow her on Instagram @ccphotos2024

 

Congratulations to the winners of the AAPLD Mother's Day Poetry Contest. Winners each received a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card and a custom made medal created in the library's makerspace. To celebrate Mother's Day and to honor the winners, we're sharing the winning poems with you.

Mom

By Miranda Bonneville, 14 years

I love you mom, I truly do;
Nothing you say can change how I think about you.
My hero, my light, my keeper from harm
My teacher, my cheerleader, my love will always swarm.

When no one believed in me, you did
You hugged me and told me, “You got this, kid,”
When I took my first steps, tied my first shoelace,
You were my foundation, my rock, my base.

And even though I might be older now,
I still need your promises, your vows.
You’ve always been there to pat my back while I cry,
You whispered in my ear, not a single word was a lie.

Although you get mad, we all do.
We all scream, we all curse, we all argue;
Maybe it’s over the smallest of things,
But nothing you can do will change the happiness your love brings.

Through all of this, I know one thing is true:
All of my love is given to you.
You don’t deserve a day, you deserve a whole year!
Through laughter and tears, I’ll always be here.

___________________________

A Mother's Art

by Margaret Philbrick

A mother's art
comes in small batches,
a ladle of batter,
the dye on an egg,
cuttings in cloches,
the rub of a leg.

A mother's art
starts in the basement,
the womb beneath life up above,
tiny socks folded,
toys strewn about,
children cavort
through snow days and drought.

A mother's art
grows in the kitchen,
kith n' kin and drop-ins gather 'round.
Grandma's recipes poured over
from baskets to folders
while secret snacks are squirreled
to alcoves above.

A mother's art
flows from the garden,
where our" mother of all living" began,
buds forced in tall vases
and ferns that await us,
hydrangeas watered then dried.

A mother's art
nestles tousled heads into bed,
in short years sends backpacks out the door,
with faithful surrender to the
Masterful tender,
who nurtures and trains
growing tendrils
evermore.

______________________

Always With Me

by Debbi Conklin

Red Ford Pinto wagon waiting at the corner
The passenger seat worn and familiar
A sideways glance, hands on the steering wheel
Skin rough, hard work taking its toll
Yet still soft to the touch for a curious child
Years of experience, knowledge, good decisions
Like a chauffeur, confidant and caregiver
Mom driving me to any destination I choose
A friendly wave, casual conversation
Pleasant words for anyone she meets
Positivity is a theme woven in any encounter
High hopes for better times
Sunshine on a cloudy day
Brightening every room, every life, everything
Blessed to call her Mom
Dark blanket surrounds my world
But the light continues to shine
Finding its way between the woven fibers
Wishing I could carry on her legacy
Memories surround me
Thoughts and stories of so many happy days
The sound of her voice telling me she is near
Butterfly floats so slowly past
I’m back riding in that red Ford Pinto wagon
Peas and carrots, milk and cookies
Peanut butter and jelly, me and my Mom
Bond that can never be broken, inseparable
That is the two of us
Always and forever