stoney moss

We have moved

2008-08-20T06:06:00.000-07:00

We love Blogger (thank you!) but moved to a private server with a WordPress newsy-bloggy page. Find us (and bookmark and track us) at:http://stoneymoss.org/

A surprise

2008-08-18T13:42:00.001-07:00

I heard today that I have been awarded a scholarship from the Executive Women of New Jersey! I honestly didn't expect to win this one, but it's a huge honor to win this state-wide (never mind that it's not my state!) competition. 2 pieces of good school-news in the last 2 weeks- it's nice to have that sort of momentum. Now, if I could only finish my last term paper before the fall term starts...

Lazy Summer Days

2008-08-17T15:16:00.000-07:00

I am out of the public blogging habit. It has been so long since I've posted I feel shy and timid. My fingers aren't working so good and it seems I am in perpetual edit mode.So I think I will ramble a bit and try to loosen up. Not quite like the red Ravine Writing Practice up at RWP this week, but...So I have been busy with blog activities, but they are all pretty much behind the scenes. There's

3 dogs

2008-08-13T21:04:00.000-07:00

Old Man, Western Tennessee, 2002dear uncle darius was dogged all day and all nightby demons:the booze, the pills, the girls and the cards, untilred hearts bled on the tableand demerol danced like fuzzy dicehanging from the mirror of his 92 chevy blazer plastered with stickers of "Live Girls"and the playboy bunny who flirtedwith Dover, his bloodhound who took every trip with him andthe day darius

Chapter!

2008-08-06T16:49:00.000-07:00

I was so happy to find this in my email box today:Dear Kathryn Burrows:Thank you for submitting your very interesting research for consideration as a chapter in the upcoming volume Understanding Emerging Epidemics. I am sorry for the delay in responding to you, but we received many more strong proposals than expected and, therefore, the review process took longer than we had allowed. I am happy

Spam or actual inspiration?

2008-07-30T23:35:00.000-07:00

This has been flying around the web for the last year, and even more in the last week when Randy Pausch died from cancer. This isn't quite "Tuesdays with Morrie" inspiration- it's about achieving- and identifying your childhood dreams. As I consider my last year; leaving the city I love and my friends and family who know me and love me, and leaving my dog I adore- I see how moving towards your

My gorgeous puppy has a girlfriend

2008-07-27T18:27:00.000-07:00

The Fire of Avocado (for TheCoPo)

2008-07-25T21:17:00.000-07:00

The Fire in an AvocadoVine tomatoes look ripeBetween the hard avocadosThe ones I rock under a windowIn the Port-au-Prince marketI reach to lay-in farmer’s bulbsThemselves searching out of pliant treeIn their arms the burn of feastPress after the gallon of gasolineStripes of grass for avocadosI offer a mother lunch of shady mounds.These are Christine's words, rearranged into a poem of my own

A birdy told me to CoPo

2008-07-24T21:06:00.000-07:00

Hands dance out of love.She strings talk like spells over birds.* * *Another CoPo, this time using Slynne's words. I came up with a half dozen plus arragements of a dozen words. It was a joyful experiment. Joy. Truly. It was full of joy. I sighed with joy.Short, but sweet, her words offered me a way to enter the idea of completely reconfiguring another's poem...not easily, but with pleasure.

Places I've been

2008-07-23T22:49:00.000-07:00

I've been fortunate in my life to do a lot of travel- both professionally and for fun. I still consider travel- travel that requires personal and psychological risk of some sort- to be one my guiding forces. I haven't left the country since the spring of 07, and that is one the greatest losses of being a grad student. I don't expect to travel much on my grad student salary. But I hope we're able

A Census petition

2008-07-22T15:48:00.000-07:00

I don't normally post things like this here, but this seems like an important petition for anyone who is interested in maintaining the integrity of the data coming out of the census bureau. Census data is not only important (VERY important) to sociologists and other academic researchers, but it is equally important for federal funding and social services. If the numbers are inaccurate- or worse-

Theseus: Another Part

2008-07-21T07:07:00.000-07:00

Theseus, have your colors bled?Black or white, your father says, let the wordspell in color: victory or defeat. How can these tell us of a single frame? Depth detained by parody.I, too, am a disappointment to my father.I forget to do as he says. I am distracted. I can’ttell what is right or wrong, day or night,victory or defeat. They are all the same to me.A woodcut is a composite of shades,

Stuff

2008-07-18T17:58:00.000-07:00

My 'net connection is down at home. Crap. I should get some good hubby, cat, gardening, puppy, hiking, reading time in.* * *I couldn't stand the blog look. This is boring as hell, but at least it is clean.* * *WP is coming. It is. Kate! We must get together. <3

100% honest day

2008-07-18T08:42:00.000-07:00

I will be 100% honest today. My internet connection is down at home. But I will still be honest tonight. At home. With hubby. Who is honest. And my cats and puppy are honest. Honest.Ask me anything, until Saturday at noon, and I will answer. Honestly. I am away from a computer and connection for a while, but I will answer. If you ask by noon PST. Saturday. (I do get to say "no comment" three

Transformations

2008-07-14T22:31:00.000-07:00

The editors of Qaartsiluni let me know last week that the poem I had submitted for the upcoming "Transformation" edition didn't actually fit within the subject of "transformation". I guess it's all open to interpretation, but I was disappointed they didn't see the poem as a transformation poem. In other transformation news, I got this email as a part of a graduate student forum I am a member of,

...deb following WD in playing the cards

2008-07-14T07:19:00.000-07:00

So I am a sucker for these things, too. Thanks WD. I'm not sure this one fits me, but I like it. And that's all good, right?You are The StarHope, expectation, Bright promises.The Star is one of the great cards of faith, dreams realisedThe Star is a card that looks to the future. It does not predict any immediate or powerful change, but it does predict hope and healing. This card suggests clarity

A new silly quiz

2008-07-13T15:17:00.000-07:00

UCM over at Ex-psychosis posted the link to this new quiz--you know how I'm a sucker for these.You are The High PriestessScience, Wisdom, Knowledge, Education.The High Priestess is the card of knowledge, instinctual, supernatural, secret knowledge. She holds scrolls of arcane information that she might, or might not reveal to you. The moon crown on her head as well as the crescent by her foot

If you need an instructional book...

2008-07-10T20:16:00.000-07:00

....then it is probably too complicated!Today, as I drove into town, there were about 20 cops handing out these handbooks about driving around the center circle in downtown. It is a huge help to me- but if you need two pages of text, plus two diagrams- the traffic pattern is probably too complicated! At the end of the booklet, it says, "If everyone is doing it right...." seems unlikely if it

Confession Tuesday (deb) late in the day

2008-07-08T21:34:00.000-07:00

I've been procrastinating a lot and accomplishing a little by:~Twittering a bit...~Setting up a new Stoney Moss on Word Press (still fiddling, and once WD is here in Portland for a visit, we can get together and refine it together...rather than me imposing my own thoughts on the poor bloggin' lass!)~Facebooking a bit (mostly signing up for poetry groups and books)...including for RWP...~Doing

Confessions of a new home owner

2008-07-08T17:20:00.000-07:00

We officially moved to Easton on June 6th- and we took possession in mid-May, so officially I've been here for almost 6 weeks but I have barely moved in.There is still a brown paper sheet (it came from the move from Portland- a lamp was wrapped in it) covering my main window. It's trashy and torn- but it keeps the sun from baking the house and onlookers peering in. I had high hopes of getting

Trying Again

2008-07-06T19:51:00.000-07:00

Do you wonder why I'm posting so much tonight? Can you say PRO-CRAS-TI-NATION?I submitted another poem to Qaartsiluni tonight. For their Transformation issue. I've been told, if you fall off a horse (in this case, I've never even sat on it!) just keep trying. I'm a sucker for rejections.

Lightening Bugs

2008-07-06T18:45:00.000-07:00

My first time I ever saw a lightening bug was about a month ago. Jon thought they were the glowing eyes of frogs. This is one of the most unexpected glorious things about moving to the east coast. Lightening bugs. Cardinals. Massive lightening storms. Poison Ivy (oh, not that....although I have it in my backyard). Edible clover that tastes like lemons. Ah...that's a rather short list!

Why I haven't been writing much

2008-07-06T18:26:00.000-07:00

Look what I got in my in-box Thursday morning:Hi Kate, I just wanted to say THANK-YOU! I really enjoyed Intro to Sociology. Your teaching style is wonderful and I love the videos and readings you brought into the class, making learning parallel to the outside world. Your class environment was very comfortable and I have drawn a great interest in the course. I never knew anything about Sociology

I have a thing for old farm equipment

2008-07-06T18:11:00.000-07:00

I've been depressed, a bit, lately. From the end of January to last Wednesday, it was go, go, go- with basically no break. School is of course a massive undertaking (four classes last semester including stats), finding a new house in a new state and moving, dealing with a cervical problem, then taking on a new job with you-know-who, and then teaching for the first time. There was literally no

fooling around

2008-07-02T07:06:00.001-07:00

I wish I were more savvy about how to customize the blog...I know I could learn, had I more time...but so far it ain't happening. WD agreed we could switch over to WordPress, so that is in the works. Yay! As soon as I can get it rearranged and switched over we'll redirect you to there.In the meantime, this will have to do, for a little while, anyway. :-)

Confession Tuesday (deb)

2008-06-30T23:41:00.000-07:00

I may have to quit confessing just because it makes it seem like life is moving so fast. Of course, that's one of the reasons I didn't have kids. I thought kids sped the world up. It's not. It's perception. Failing, or improving, perception. Take your pick.* * *I like confessing. Even when I don't really. I have to keep up with it. (I am somewhat compulsive, though not obsessively so.)* * *I

Shuffle poem (deb)

2008-06-30T08:52:00.000-07:00

A Tempered Prize ...seems an appropriate title for my ShuffleWords poem, this week's RWP prompt from Dana. Soon, vey soon, I'll have my Twitter on the sidebar so you can go see - if you want to - the stuff I am following, poetic and ramblings. Or you can see RWP's Twitter...

Scenes from the Incense

2008-06-26T20:43:00.000-07:00

Smoke TheaterSmoke wasps in front of the windowto create dragons and maidensin a power play of sunlight.Maidens with long white hair dance to heaven floating safely away fromsnapping vociferous dragon jaws.Wind: and the frieze blows a frenzy ofdragons colliding into maidensscreeching pterodactyls roaring to the scene threatening to eat the facesoff maidens.Now straight up:loose dragons have

Confession Tuesday (deb) on Monday

2008-06-23T21:08:00.000-07:00

I've haven't revealed much in my last few confessions. They, and my writing in general, has been stiff and staid.I have a couple of thoughts about that.I can be incredibly literal and linear. I want cause and effect, logic, rational reasoning. I want meaning without the fluff and fuss of overbearing and overwrought emotions. Cut to the chase. Give me the bottom line. I want efficiency. No

Questionable

2008-06-20T11:39:00.000-07:00

EncounterAt the corner of myminds eye and Broadwayhe stands one hand shoved deep intoworn pockets empty of changethe other clings to tattered will workfor food or love signaround hopes corner hersilver mercedes rips black pavementinto shreds breaking hearts hitting the mud puddle at 85 mphhe's drenched but she's got her venti frap by 4 pm.

Confession Tuesday (deb)

2008-06-17T05:50:00.000-07:00

This week's trip to the confession booth will have to be quick.Not that there isn't lots to get off my chest, but that time is short. I have a big deadline at work (was supposed to be last week, but now it's this Friday) and I am leaving for Arizona (by way of New Mexico) tomorrow (which was to have been post-deadline, but is now not.)I haven't been writing much.I did finish Mark Doty's book. I

Proposal

2008-06-14T18:47:00.000-07:00

I know I've been remiss in writing lately. With the new job, moving, teaching, and two term papers still to write, I've been a little blown over with work. I hope to catch my breath by the end of this week though, and I hope to be able to start poem-ing and writing again soon. But in the meantime, I thought I'd share with you my good news. Today I submitted my first-ever proposal for a

When I Watch You (deb)

2008-06-10T06:20:00.000-07:00

When I Watch YouStrut down the sidewalk.Early sun glimmersOn your smudged cheeks.Eyeliner cascades in poolsShadows run in longGone stockings. Your netIs undone. An ankleEscapes. A little tooLarge matching wristAnd I wonder who setYou loose on the streets.No coffee, no breakingThis fast. Pride propelsWhat undone tulle cannot.For Read Write Poem; a nod to Lucille Clifton.

Confession Tuesday (deb)

2008-06-10T05:51:00.000-07:00

Another trip to the confessional…~ My creative non-fiction (CNF) class is over and I have no plans for any more classes until January 2009 when this group (hopefully 7 of our 9 stick with it) reunites, as we've all promised each other. I’d love to take another poetry class (David Biespiel is teaching both summer and fall) but I am not up for it financially or temporally (I’m time-challenged).

Another poem is up!

2008-06-08T16:22:00.000-07:00

I am pleased to announce that my poem Thirty-two has been published by Juliet over at Bolts of Silk today. If you get a chance, check it out, as well as the rest of the great work she has showcased over there. She's had a rash of beautiful, spring-like poetry lately that is definitely worth your time to check out.This poem started as a response to some of my graduate-school late nights, and one

Confessions of the incompetent (pt 2)

2008-06-03T15:27:00.000-07:00

Last week, I blogged about teaching my first college class and my nervousness about it. It turns out, teaching is fun! I've had two class sessions so far, and it is going well. My students are smart, engaged, and interested in the subject matter. My friend is "auditing" the class- and so it's also been nice to have an expert face in the crowd who I can look to to make sure what I'm saying is "

Confession Tuesday (deb)

2008-06-03T06:22:00.000-07:00

The week in review...what went not so well, as well as a few good things:~The puppy and I had a fine weekend. I was exhausted by the time Mark came home Sunday evening, but it was a (mostly) good exhaustion. If I could keep this up - walking Sport 2-3 times a day - I might just lose a few pounds.~ "Mostly", because I lost my patience with the puppy when he peed in the house again. It is my fault.

A new kind of submission

2008-06-02T20:41:00.001-07:00

I turned in my first ever application for external funding (scholarship) today. It was quite an ordeal- 12 copies of an application, an essay, my transcripts, and two letters of recommendation. Now, I just have to wait- I think I'll find out in the fall. It would be nice to win, but I don't have my hopes up, as it is a statewide competition.I'll keep you posted!I've had one of those no-good,

Harriet

2008-06-01T23:23:00.001-07:00

I haven't written much about Harriet lately. Some of you know that I had to send her back to Oregon in February. My life hasn't been the same since. I miss her terribly- it's hard to think about her without crying. She is in good hands, though- and has been living probably her dream life with my friend Karin in Scappoose. They have horses, goats (although the goats kick Harriet), dogs, and a

I'm in love with Mark Doty

2008-06-01T07:35:00.000-07:00

I'm at page 65 in Dog Years, a memoir by Mark Doty about his - and his partners' - dogs. Of course, this carries over into a story of his life, his companions (human and otherwise) and the general human condition.I'd been told it was a good read. That doesn't begin to say what a marvelous writer Doty and how compelling his story is. I've had several tell me I should read it. They were right. Why

Switcheroo

2008-05-31T08:36:00.000-07:00

For this week's Read Write Poem prompt, I'm turning a series of American Sentences into a triolet.Borrowed Home, Borrowed LifeLeaving this borrowed home I feel relief, regretat missing the watchful eyes of your grandchildrenstaring down at me even while I try sleep yetto leave this borrowed home I feel relief, regretI will miss the cardinals in their pirouetteand the piano I promised to play but

Our backyard zoo

2008-05-29T11:48:00.001-07:00

Today, we saw a fox. Jon took a picture, but it was blurry so not fit for publication. Counting the cats, foxes, chipmunks, squirrels, mice, rabbits, and 20 variety of bird we have here, it's almost like living in a zoo. As excited as I am to move to PA, we're going to miss the nature show right in our backyard.

To Doug

2008-05-29T10:16:00.000-07:00

Your Life in a BoxThe day we went through your things,friends and your sister mixedin an awkward martini (Manhattans in your honor)of respect and discomfort dirty with grieftripping overyour underwear and diariesstale pot you hadn't smokedorphan socks and missing keyscondoms Cormack McCarthyand the Zen of Motorcycle maintenancethe lock of hair of your dead loved one andweathered bones of a cow

Confession of the completely incompetent

2008-05-27T19:31:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, I start teaching my first college class. Need I say more?-Up until 11pm last night, I thought my class was on Tuesdays and Thursdays. After confusing my students via email, and sending an incriminating email to the director of undergrad education, it turns out I actually teach Weds and Thurs! Somehow, I had the dates wrong. At least I didn't miss class on Monday night!-But I dream that

Confession Tuesday (deb)

2008-05-27T04:00:00.000-07:00

I'm lightening my load, clearing my mind, setting little scraps of paper to the wind, to the flame... I'm confessing:~ I squandered much of my time this 3-day weekend and I don't care. The R&R was delightful. I could have used a nap today, though. Puppy and I went for a walk and he was so good. Tonight friends stopped by to meet him and have a glass of wine and he turned into a monster-dog. He

Coffee Grounds (deb)

2008-05-26T00:02:00.000-07:00

Coffee GroundsIf I were to hold my heart in your kitchen,with its pink curtains and chartreuse stove and plasticburners glowing supernatural orange, I’d fire upthe griddle and open freezer doors. Streaming hot milk,I would call you on the backline, I’d use the numberI’d found as the train lurched by, in my favorite bluejournal I’d sketch with my favorite black pencil.There I would copy – I’m only

A Triolet

2008-05-21T19:29:00.000-07:00

To VioletTo run a soft hand over your warm wallsI feel history echo in my palmsEvery day I'm away from your nooks and hallsI yearn to run a soft hand over your warm wallsNot to change you in ways big or smallbut to feel your heart connect with minewhen I run a soft hand over your warm wallsI feel history echo in my palms.

Confession Tuesday (deb) on Wednesday morning

2008-05-21T00:03:00.000-07:00

Confession is good for the...~ My husband says I am not tough enough on Sport. I am a little soft. My hand motions are a little weak, wimpy, unclear.~ This might be because I am a cat-person who adores dogs. I am not a natural at the dog-thing. I always misspell dog by writing god. There was a Portland fellow who created a "dog is god" book and claimed a national following if not a nice wad of

Two pieces of good news!

2008-05-16T20:30:00.000-07:00

Number 1: I bought my house today! The more time I spend there, the more I like it. I think she (of course houses are always girls!) and I will become friends. My last house, the one I still haven't gotten over, was named Agatha, and names came trickling through my head this afternoon as I walked through her walls, running my hands over her body and feeling her. The one name that kept popping up

My feminist ballot is mailed in, voting for Obama

2008-05-16T12:20:00.000-07:00

If don't mail your ballots today, Oregon, you should probably drop them off at sites sprinkled thoughout your community; find a directory here. Find Multnomah County's here.Have questions about voting? (I overheard someone on my bus say he didn't realize we were all vote-by-mail all the time...he thought he'd been doing absentee ballots for the last 7 years!) Find out here.The sign is one my

The hum of battling Peacocks

2008-05-15T16:30:00.000-07:00

Easter Sunday BrawlFrom behind the alter feathersfly on their own unattachedto bird parents blue and yelloweyes wink as they flickerover our heads to land on platformsof golden straw with pink ribbons:Easter hats on Sundayare supposed to keep heads coolbut hot heads in the back tearcommunion wafers in twos and throwwine in protest of a too-longsermon and wounded egos.

Published in Asphalt Sky

2008-05-14T18:19:00.000-07:00

The inaugral edition of Asphalt Sky is here. My poem, Ten Items or Less, is a part of a terrific lineup of poetry, art and fiction.Thanks to Jessica Fox-Wilson for creating and editing Asphalt Sky and to Jo Hemmant and Kate Sloan Fiffer for editing. Congradulations!The next submission deadline is due on September 1 for Volume 1, Issue 2.

Confession Tuesday (deb)

2008-05-13T05:00:00.000-07:00

The creative week in review:~I’ve written one creative non-fiction (CNF) piece…and revised it. It’s taken me 4 weeks to do so…and has not been an easy process. I’ve struggled with it. I‘m thinking it needs another “big” revision and a series of small ones.~I’ve started my next assignment. It’s “due” in 10 days and I have a lot to do. I am putting off working on it for some reason, and I am not

Mother's Prose Poem (deb)

2008-05-12T12:19:00.000-07:00

Smoke curls from the turquoise ash tray. Mother wets the cake mascara with a brush; short black bristles stiffly scrub the contents of the red pull-out case. It’s better than the match-stick trinket cabinet I made out of glue and bright felt, sequins and beads. Mother favors pastels, pinks, blues and the lavender that decorates my room. I tell her, embarrassed, as I am to enter Junior High, “I

An Audubon Portland Action Alert

2008-05-12T11:53:00.000-07:00

Metro and Counties Prepares to Designate Long-term Urban and Rural Reserves.Decisions will shape regional growth for decades and determine the fate of some of the region’s critical biodiversity lands and surrounding farmland.Should Metro expand the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) south of the Willamette River?Should additional urban development be allowed on the west flank of Forest Park?Should we

Western tanager

2008-05-11T15:03:00.000-07:00

My husband came back from the gym telling me about a bird he'd seen that he was sure wasn't in our yard, at least when we've been looking.Not long after he came home, he hollered for me to get to the front window, that the same species was in one of our trees. Sure enough, there was a Western tanager, who thankfully stayed in the area while I retrieved my binoculars from the other room.Not only

River submitted

2008-05-10T22:14:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Deb's announcement, I've decided to submit a revised version of my poem swim to qaartsiluni. This was an intimidating step for me- I've been honored that two of my poems (and an upcoming third) have been selected to be placed on Juliet's Bolts of Silk- but qaartsiluni seems somehow...different. More intimidating. Less of a blog, more of a "real journal." So I fully expect to be rejected

qarrtsiluni is looking for water

2008-05-10T16:13:00.000-07:00

Submissions are open for qarrtsiluni's May-June theme, "Water," with guest editors Lucy Kempton and Katherine Durham Oldmixon.Water is the moving skin of our planet, the most part by far of our bodies; we drink it, we bathe in it, we waste it and taint it, we may yet again wage wars for it. In all its forms — saved in vessels, falling as rain, fountains from rock, wells and springs, woodland

Ray Carver Event in Lake Oswego, Oregon

2008-05-10T15:55:00.000-07:00

MOONSTRUCK POETRY READINGEnjoy memorable words and celebrate the birthday of Oregon's great poet and story teller, Raymond Carver.Sunday, May 25, 6:30 PM, free and open to the public.Arrive early to order coffee and chocolate for listening to these local authors and live music:John Morrison, author of Heaven of the Moment, Joan Maiers, Ritz Moriyasu, Leah Stenson and KC Killlingsworth,

Confession Tuesday (deb's via free write)

2008-05-06T15:12:00.000-07:00

Little is getting written in my notebooks or computer. My poetry is in the shop for maintenance. It’s up on blocks, but no one’s looking at it. There’s no pit crew replacing tires and fluids, no one has flagged me down or waved a sign from the corner quick-change shop saying “bay now open”, offering $5 dollars off. "Right now". My poetry lives in an old garage where sunlight filters through dirty

One Big Confession

2008-05-06T13:59:00.001-07:00

Most people who know me, know me as an over-doer (I won't say over-achiever, because that implies some achievement where I don't think there is necessarily any). In any case, I continue to over-do it. I'm also known as something of an eccentric. Lately, that over-doing and eccentricity, in addition to some events from my far and recent past, and my ability to survive quite nicely on 3 hours of

A new salutation!

2008-05-06T05:38:00.001-07:00

Look what I got in my email box the other day:***Dear Professor Burrows,blah blah..***The content of the email wasn't noteworthy (an email from the competing bookstore in town, who wants me to order their books through them and not through the college)- but the salutation was. Technically, of course, I am not a "professor"- although some grad students like to be called that. I think I'll prefer

Our new friend

2008-05-04T21:20:00.000-07:00

Look at who has been hanging out at our house lately. Handsome fellow!

Brain Swap

2008-05-01T08:13:00.000-07:00

Brain SwapYou're heavy inside megrey matter weighing on my mindor in my soulyour words escape my lipsand I gasp at my thoughtbut chuckle at your cleverness

New job

2008-05-01T07:36:00.000-07:00

Check out what I got in my email today:***Hi, Kate:This e-mail is to confirm that I am offering you a 10-month GA position for the 2008-2009 academic year. The position will cover your salary, health insurance, tuition (up to 9 credits each semester) and fees. The funding comes from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention of the U.S. Department of Justice.Congratulations!***So

Another poem is up!

2008-05-01T07:27:00.001-07:00

I am pleased to announce that my poem, Cloud Atlas, has been published today over at Bolts Of Silk. A different version of this poem appeared here a few months ago, so many of you are probably familiar with the poem. In the past, I provided a lengthy explanation of the poem here, but I feel as though Cloud Atlas is pretty self-explanatory, and is probably more fun to read if you don't know

Why I bonked on NaPoWriMo (deb)

2008-04-30T08:59:00.000-07:00

I didn't get very far at all. But I am (mostly) okay with that.I got a dog. A puppy. A cute new furry family member. April 10th.For lots of photos, click my Flickr photo-stream on the sidebar and look for Sport.For instant gratification, here's one from last night, taken by friends who came over bearing gifts: a teething toy for Sport, a tiny stuffed sheep (since Sport is a herder), and a bottle

Confession Tuesday (deb)

2008-04-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

It's a light confession week, not that I don't have lots to confess, but that my confessions are:* little different than last week's* focus less on art than on the boring old daily grindI will tell those who might wander by that I had a couple of odd thoughts last week that might turn into pieces of writing some day:* I imagined learning how to do hand-stands as a novel bit of physical

American sentence

2008-04-28T20:49:00.000-07:00

Lip-shaped cardboard floats in a spittled gutter, lipstick side down.

NaPoWriMo 4.18+ (WD) Acceptance

2008-04-26T11:12:00.000-07:00

I am pleased to report that Jennifer Karmin has selected my 3-word submission for her memorial/protest poem to be read at Looptopia in Chicago in May. She writes:"if you are thinking about attending or sending friends to see the chicago performance, it will take place on may 2nd and begin at 5pm in front of the vietnam war memorial (located at wabash & wacker along the chicago river). the

NaPoWriMo 4.16+ (WD) Some Outrageous Fibs

2008-04-25T15:44:00.000-07:00

4.16Dressing RoomIwokeup thismorning tofind a kangaroojumping up and down in my clothesbut alas, poor himmy size 12sare toosmallha!4.17My MistakeYouwouldthink I'dhave learned thisby now, but somehowI think sunscreen is for babiesso I crinkle and roast a red potato on rice

Reminders from pals

2008-04-23T12:33:00.000-07:00

Linera reminded me last night that doubt is a part of the art and craft of writing.I quote a quote, on writing:I don't teach writing. I teach patience. Toughness. Stubbornness. The willingness to fail. I teach the life. The odd thing is most of the things that stop an inexperienced writer are so far from the truth as to be nearly beside the point. When you feel global doubt about your talent,

Confession Tuesday (deb) NaPoWriNoMo

2008-04-22T05:00:00.000-07:00

Well my dear friends, poets and co-confessors. I hereby pull the plug - officially - on my NaPoWriMo daily writing practice.It's just too hard with managing Read Write Poem (even with all the incredible help from the team there) and taking a creative non-fiction class with Martha Gies. (I started April 3rd and it goes 10 weeks.)I had my first draft ready to distribute to 8 other writers and

The last set

2008-04-20T20:32:00.000-07:00

In this last set of photos, the first three show the master bedroom. It has a decent size closet, and a door that leads up to the attic. The attic is full sized, and could be turned into usable space, I think. In the meantime, it seems to make for good storage, or perhaps a little getaway spot- although without insulation it is boiling hot up there, even in the winter!For any of you people out

More photos!

2008-04-20T20:25:00.000-07:00

" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_mM4qC4yRSw4/SAwJ4UR3LaI/AAAAAAAAAQc/Ypjjrc_WFSc/s1600-h/DSCF0009.jpg"> In this group of pictures, the first three photos are of the living room and dining room. When you walk into the house, the kitchen is right in front of you, and immediately to your right is a small open sitting room, which leads into the dining room. From the dining room you can either go

Pictures from the house

2008-04-20T20:03:00.001-07:00

It's official! As of May 16th, or before, i will officially be a homeowner (again). The new place is in Easton, PA, which is in the Leheigh Valley, about 55 minutes from school. The commute isn't fantastic, but because I don't typically need to be at school more than 3 days a week, and I don't normally travel during peak hours, I'm hoping it'll be ok. If gas goes up to over $4/gallon, it'll

NaPoWriMo 4.15+ (WD) Catching up

2008-04-20T10:09:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess I've officially bombed on NaPoWriMo- seeing as though it's been almost a week since I've poemed last. Jon came back from 3 weeks away in Portland on Tuesday, and that, combined with term papers (title for the one I'm working on now- Warriors and Survivors: Creating the Gendered Cancer Patient) has conspired to make me particularly un-poetic. I'd like to get a few out there, though-

NaPoWriMo 4.## (deb) The Special Representative Regrets

2008-04-19T22:53:00.000-07:00

The Special Representative RegretsA ten-month-old child who’s not seenHis father since March 4, 2008. Papa isDetained. A journalist from Afghan arrestedIn Iran. He left his home and stoppedWriting. Blasphemy. His wife,Silenced. In her home silencedin their home- silence. Three menEnter and take what they want. A computer,Handwritten notes, their marriage license.Sahar Mohaqiq Nasab is silenced.In

NaPoWriMo (deb) A Poem in My Pocket

2008-04-17T06:49:00.000-07:00

Tuesday I wrote that I'd be reminding everyone to carry a poem in their pocket today. And to think me good birthday thoughts.Dale wrote me a wonderful poem and that's the one I will be carrying in my pocket and heart today.Poetry is a gift. Poetry-pals are a blessing.Carry a poem in your pocket today.

NaPoWriMo 4.13 (deb) Confessed Illusions

2008-04-15T12:41:00.000-07:00

Illusions are often DelusionsAnd the idea I could writePoem after poem during this monthWas based on some other woman'sCalendar. Commitments a steadyStream of loves and laughs. A chore.Give over to realities and let mePoem in peace, when I can stareAt a sleeping puppy's whiskersAnd think of the soft brushing weBoth are in need and want of.Let the joy still and pool at my feetbefore I kick through

NaPoWriMo 4.14 (WD) A Man I know

2008-04-14T22:21:00.000-07:00

White shoes with black highwater pants: Did your puppy teach you how to dress?***You thought a turquoise necklace was festive, hate to say it just looked gay.***I heard you scream your own name when you come- that's just like you, isn't it?***You're easy to critique, it's harder to admit the depth of my awe.

NaPoWriMo 4.13 (WD) A line for Aunts

2008-04-13T10:13:00.001-07:00

Here is my one-line contribution to the collaborative poem over at Read Write Poem about Aunts.Family secrets too late at night are safe in her hands

NaPoWriMo 4.12 (WD) Zombies on a plane

2008-04-12T22:12:00.000-07:00

Here is a small snippet of one of my favorite TV shows (which I know is a funny thing for someone to say who doesn't own a TV, and hasn't watched more than an hour or two of it since January of 2006), but it seemed fitting for my poem today, and for the prompt of "flight" over at Writer's Island. Ever since my second international flight in September of 2001 (September 14th, I think it was) to

NaPoWriMo 4.12 (deb) Blue Jay Sunning

2008-04-12T17:16:00.000-07:00

Blue Jay Sunning The first time I saw the jayI thought he was deadface down, wings spreadon the compost pile in the backyardI drew closer and he flew to lifeand we both startledToday was the second timetwelve years from the firsta blue jays bright blue wingsspread eaglefallen forward as if in faintbeak open but not pantingtop not pointed high as a punknot slicked back like a croonerand he was

NaPoWriMo 4.10 and 11 (deb) Sentences

2008-04-11T20:51:00.000-07:00

Puppy Sentence:Puppy grabs a spring dandelion pod, it explodes in his mouth: Ha!* * *How WD blows me away:Shared blogs create diversity: thoughts fragmented odd random brilliance...

NaPoWriMo 4.9+ (WD) Better late than never!

2008-04-11T18:10:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm three days behind on NaPoWriMo, without a good story about a new puppy as an excuse. I have some excuses- none of them are worth reprinting in public, except for the obvious stressors of the last 4 weeks of the term (6 papers due!) colliding with buying a new house and arranging summer employment that will possibly move into next year and change the direction of my graduate career.

Why I Missed a Poem Yesterday (deb)

2008-04-11T09:43:00.000-07:00

Introducing: Sport!

A short question list

2008-04-10T12:43:00.000-07:00

I have 6 papers due in the next 4 weeks; two of them are 20 pages +. The next one coming due is next Wednesday, about symbolism and semiotics. I still don't know my topic (this is not a good sign). I thought I'd add to my running question list, with a few ideas I have gathered since the last time I posted a list. Hopefully this will help me develop an idea for my upcoming paper!Semiotics/

NaPoWriMo 4.8 (WD) A few for 4000

2008-04-09T12:56:00.000-07:00

I've decided to send a few words to Jennifer Karmin for her 4000 Words, 4000 Dead project in memorial for passing the mark of 4000 American soldiers killed in the Iraq war. I'm waiting for the time when we talk openly about the tens of thousands of Iraqis killed and the hundreds thousands more who have been orphaned, widowed, and displaced.Here is what I have submitted:Exhuming Dante's nightmares

NaPoWriMo 4.09 (deb) Fear List, Part One

2008-04-09T05:36:00.000-07:00

FEAR LIST, Part OneI’m afraid of colorI’m afraid of choosing colorI’m afraid of breathing pigment’s fumesI’m afraid of coffee, bitter and weak coffeeI’m afraid of pedigrees (I come from working stock)I’m afraid of high degrees, anything over 75I’m afraid of sub-zero degrees (I’ve never felt them)I’m afraid of online degreesI’m afraid of loose rhymeI’m afraid of spelling rhyme wrongI’m afraid of

NaPoWriMo 4.08 (deb) ARMSONG

2008-04-08T20:46:00.000-07:00

ARM SONGA mangled sign says: ARMSONG. A memorialI can’t understand, fragments from some other’sdream or nightmare.How can the arm have a song unlessit is the maestro’s? That arm canbring and reach, poke and scold, enjoin and capturesong.Can a song be armed? Ask the protestor or activists.Ask a mob or a generation. Ask: Do we have our ownJoan Baez?Ours is a mangled movement.* * *I have a fragment

Calling Portland, Oregon Poets (or those that are interested in Portland)

2008-04-08T10:32:00.000-07:00

Powells.com celebrates National Poetry Month with an invitation to write a poem of your own. Before midnight on April 30, 2008, submit an original poem — under 20 lines and in some way about Portland, Oregon — via our our contest page for a chance to win 26 books of poetry (from small press poets to contemporary prizewinners to classics) and a handy Powell's rucksack!Click here to see the 26

4000 WORDS 4000 DEAD: call for submissions

2008-04-08T10:19:00.000-07:00

4000 WORDS 4000 DEAD: call for submissions"I want to start with the milestone today of 4,000 dead in Iraq. Americans. And just what effect do you think it has on the country?"-- Martha Raddatz, ABC News' White House correspondent to Vice President Dick CheneyPoet and artist Jennifer Karmin is collecting 4000 WORDS for the 4000 DEAD in Iraq. All words will be used to create a public poem. 4000

NaPoWriMo 4.7 (WD) Late Fear Confessions

2008-04-08T06:39:00.000-07:00

FragilityPictures from childhoodone hanging on the wallsmaller shot on the deskhaunting reminder of dangers lurking on the mountain.Father: Broken Arm.Don't. Go. Skiing.You will Break.Climbing stairs, hikingcycling down hills too fastfor my grandma's comfortteenaged driving hijinks andPhileas Fogg adventures itsneaks around the corners of safetypeaking and taunting.Don't. Fall.You will Break.One

(deb's) Confession Tuesday

2008-04-07T22:37:00.000-07:00

Last week was a mixed bag:~One rejection letter, ~One poem published in a new online journal,~One acceptance letter from Tin House (with me footing the bill, no word on scholarship until mid-May),~One "honey-we-can't-afford-it" from my husband for Tin House (it is expensive; we probably can't afford it),~One therapy-realization that I take all my fun hobbies and make them into work or "projects",

NaPoWriMo 4.07 (deb) Broken Glass

2008-04-07T20:04:00.000-07:00

Broken GlassI’m afraid of broken glass.Glass like a sliver of ice holdingthe lime slice above a crackedrim of holy tequila’s tumbler.Tiny shards of crystal flakes floatin organic spinach leaves. Swimbalsamic dressing. Drift among molars.Broken plates thrown in a rage.White crumbs on my tonguewhen I lick the floor in remorse.Houdini can escape without injury.Broken shimmers mend, the pondreturns

NaPoWriMo 4.6 (WD) Under the wire

2008-04-06T23:35:00.000-07:00

3 hours later, I'm still shaking; truth is cold water on trauma.***Unburied secrets don't go back underground unseen or unblemished.

NaPoWriMo 4.06 (deb) Paper Towel Test

2008-04-06T15:15:00.000-07:00

Paper Towel TestToday he laughed and said he was going to start administering a daily test.A test to see how I would respond to an object presented to me.For inspection?A gift?Inspiration, admiration, adulation?What sort of test?Am I MacGyver now?Do I take a paper towel roll and reassemble it into fireproof garb?Is it a Rorschach test?Shall I fling the roll across the room and divine what the

NaPoWriMo 4.05 (deb) American Sentences

2008-04-05T18:00:00.000-07:00

I am too literal, I'd rather be literary, tell stories.* * *I have a wanterproof notebook, somewhere; dust collects but doesn't stain.* * *...

NaPoWriMo 4.5 (WD) Lost Highway

2008-04-05T17:15:00.000-07:00

For the MissingBeyond the point of diminishing returns andcan't turn back nowbeyond yellow yields and red stopssomewhere back there we took a wrong turn.Mourn the tumbleweed that cartwheeled over the cliffand the porcupine bodyquills plucked out by an industrious passerbyleaving a hardened body rawwith no defenses. Mourn theheroic roadrunner and his anvilvictorious in the crushing of his