Open Mic, Insert...

I couldn't resist. Evil thoughts control my brain. But no, really, this is going to be fun. The e-mail reads:

Analecta, IUSB's literary journal, is hosting an OPEN-MIC event for IUSB students to read their creative works of fiction, poetry, drama, and creative nonfiction.

ANALECTA OPEN-MIC

Thursday Jan. 17 @ 6:30 p.m.
Third Floor Lounge, Wiekamp Hall

Emcee: Vince Bauters, Analecta editor

Analecta will continue to accept SUBMISSIONS for this year's issue. Information at: http://www.iusb.edu/~analecta/guidelines.htm

Good Stuff

I've been enjoying this blog lately: Carol Peters. I can't remember how I got there, so if I got there from your blog, forgive me. I'm notoriously bad for remembering where I've learned things. No wonder I hate writing those research papers.

Three Stories Removed

He stands beneath the eaves
at his childhood window
and watches her tramp
in the snow, the light of
the world failing,
the earth turning cold.
His hands motion above her:
Darling, come in, come home.
Wolves are descending
from the forest. Run home.
The animals breathe
behind her. She tramps
back towards his shadow.
Her feet begin to slow.

Acting Out and Joining the Marines

So, Chris and I were just minding our own business in Physics class, but poetry has a way of chasing us down. Here's our first co-curricular activity for our class, SeaChange: Reversing the Tide, but you might be interested in attending, too. Gee, Talia, this would probably be a good article for the Preface, or the Tribune, or something. It seems very naked and exploratory.

"This dramatic lecture is by Roger Payne, an internationally acclaimed marine biologist best known for his work on whale behavior, and Lisa Harrow, an award-winning actress known for her work with the Royal Shakespeare Company, and her work in films and numerous BBC and American TV shows.

"Roger Payne has been featured in over 40 documentary films for television and co-wrote and co-directed the IMAX film 'Whales.'

"The lecture includes Roger's experiences working with whales and vast understanding of environmental science combined with the power of prose and poetry by William Shakespeare, Percy Bysshe Shelley, Wendell Berry, Mary Oliver and other poets. This duo has performed throughout the United States, New Zealand, and Mexico. Their performance has been noted for its success in making the science more accessible, and for its encouragement of individual action in working towards creating a sustainable society."

Tuesday, January 15, 2008, 7:30 pm, Northside Recital Hall, NS 158.

Creek Views

Seven feet above flood stage.

Somewhere under this water is my walking path.

Writers' Meeting & Misc.

Yes, it's been dry these past few days, despite the beautiful rain. I haven't been slacking, really, just, as Rachel says, getting myself organized. Despite indications to the contrary, blogging isn't necessary for life to go on. It might even hinder life, on occasion. However, I am now sufficiently caught up and organized to return to the electronic sphere.

So --

The writers' group, still nameless, alas, is meeting on Friday at The Chicory at 4:00 p.m. Maybe we will be inspired and think up a name. This is Monday. You have time to write something. You should write something, I should write something, aside from one more blankety blank grocery list or tuition payment. Don't forget about our expanded horizons. Of course you may send out poetry, but don't forget that fiction, nonfiction, and misc. whatnot is also quite welcome. Also, you may bring fellow writers. We will be kind to them and not nip hard at all.

Whatever I've forgotten to say I'm sure you all will fill in.

Pachyderm Problems

(It's been a working vacation. Billy the elephant lives at the L.A. Zoo.)

Q. Did you ever get close enough to examine any parts of Billy, like his private areas? Were you able to get physically close enough to him to examine his private areas?
A. No.
Q. If you had been able to, do you have the expertise to know what signs or symptoms to look for for any particular kind of abuse?
A. I sure don't.

Black Skies and Meteors

Yes, as Grandpa says, it's going to be colder than a witch's tit tonight, which means it's going to be clear skies and perfect weather for sneaking out and viewing the Quadrantids. The show starts at 9:00 p.m.

Blue Skies and Snow

We got a little snow on New Year's Eve.

The woodpeckers wanted to make sure I refilled the suet.

I was standing right next to this fellow, but he didn't seem to care.

My man has a new hairstyle, I call it old kiwi dew.


The front porch is a little slippery right now.

Snow Birds

Happy New Year, everyone! Every bird and their brother showed up today at my feeders. All it took was a new year and a little snow.