Ann Cefola's Blog, page 10

your very merry annogram

Ann reads at Cornelia Street CafeKattywompus at Cornelia Street Cafe
What a pleasure to read with Kattywompus poets Susana Case, Cornelius Eady, Robin Messing, and Margo Stever at the Hudson Valley Writers Center last month! We also enjoyed music by Cornelius's band, Rough Magic. We took the show to Cornelia Street Café this week. Hosting was poet and Kattywompus publisher Sammy Greenspan, and poet Leah Umansky, both of whom also shared their gifted work for a spectacular evening (photos courtesy Michael Holstein).
Cornelius EadyCornelius Eady and Rough Magic
Commissioned by the Poetry Society of America, Corneliusset poems by Sterling A. Brown (1901-1989) to music—and Rough Magic was born. Fronted by Cornelius and Robin Messingon vocals, the band features Charlie Rauhon guitar, Emma Alabaster on bass, Leo Ferguson on drums, and Lisa Liu on keyboards and electric guitar. 
Charlie RauhA mesmerizing mix of lyric and sound, the poems contrast Cornelius's own tributes to Sandra Bland, Trayvon Martin and John Snowden. Note: Rauh’s own haunting debut EP Innocent Speller also blends ethereal chords with whimsical hints reminiscent of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."
The Wanderlust: A South Carolina Folktale
Congratulations to memoirist Sarah Bracey White and illustrator Linda Simone on the debut of The Wanderlust: A South Carolina Folktale. This wonderful, beautifully illustrated tale is great for all ages, so be sure to get your hands on a copy. To order, email the author at bracey0114@aol.com. Here's a delicious sample:
Walter Morgan had a bad case of the wanderlust. Way befo’ he ever finished grade school, he’d been to visit more parts of the state of South Carolina than the post office had ever heard tell about. Once, when his ma whipped him for wanderin’ off, Walter told her, ‘Sometimes my feels git real itchy and the only way to ease the itch is to walk down the road a piece. After a while, the walkin’ feel so good I just can’t stop.’ After Walter married Mae Witherspoon, the preacher’s daughter, everybody expected him to settle down. And for near ‘bout two years, Walter did. He worked real steady in the saw mill and went no further than the Santee River. But many’s the time I seen him sittin’ on that river bank, pluckin’ on his guitar and starin’ off to’ards where the river flowed.
Santa Clops for Christmas
Scratching your head for perfect gifts for little ones in your life? Look no further than A Visit from Santa Clops or the Fright Before Christmas and The Cave of Santa Clops by Gig Wailgum, available in paperback from Amazon. Visit has received glowing reviews from The Picture Book Review, Dial for Books, and I'd So Rather Be Reading; and Cave from Dial for Books, I'd So Rather Be Reading, and Best Sellers World.
More poetry
Kevin Pilkington's new and selected Where You Want to Be (Black Lawrence, 2015) is back in Amazon stock. Ciara Miller's Silver Bullet (Mindmade Books, 2015) meditates on the film industry's use of entertainment to mask race and racial injustice. In Quit (Burning Deck, 2015), Lissa Mclaughlin gives voice to a grief worker within the hospice landscape. And consider these fine chapbooks: Gary Glauber's Memory Marries Desire (Finishing Line Press, 2016), and Jessica Lynn Dotson's Time Trials (L&S, 2015).
Highland Park Poetry Challenge
Highland Park’s 2016 Poetry Challengehonors the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death by offering poets one of the following prompts: Shakespeare’s life, identity, plays, character; a sonnet, or subject of "night." Poets of all ages may submit. Deadline: Monday, February 29, 2016 at 11:59 p.m. Send poem(s) as text in an e-mail to Jennifer@highlandparkpoetry.organd write “2016 Poetry Challenge” in subject line. 
Poetry Readings
Sunday, December 20, 1:30 p.m. – Natalie Safir, Geri Rosenzweig, JCC on the Hudson, $5Sunday, December 20, 6 p. m. – Kevin Pilkington , Le Poisson Rouge, freeSunday January 10, 4:30 p.m. – Jonathan Galassi, Hudson Valley Writers Center, $10
Wanderlust Sweet Potato Waffles
Let's celebrate the debut of The Wanderlust with yummy southern sweet potato waffles! Gluten-free options below–delicious either way and great for a lazy New Year's day spent in your PJs:  1 cup mashed sweet potatoes (instructions below)juice from an orange or lime3 eggs, separated1 cup milk or almond milk1/4 cup melted butter or sunflower oil1 1/2 cups flour or gluten-free flour such as Bob's Red Mill All-Purpose Gluten-Free Flour2 tsp baking powder1 tsp salt
Cut sweet potato into even chunks, and boil or steam under tender. Remove skin. Put in a bowl with juice from lime or orange, and, if too tart, a drop or two of maple syrup. Beat with hand-held blender. Add to the sweet potatoes: 3 egg yolks, milk and butter or sunflower oil. Stir in flour which has been mixed with baking powder and salt. Beat three egg whites to soft peaks and fold into sweet potato mixture. Cook in an oiled waffle iron until crisp.
’Round the Net
Thanks and/or congratulations to the following:
Editor Joel Allegretti on recent launch of Rabbit Ears (NYQ Press, 2015),Boston Globe review, Pittsburgh Post-Gazettte review , and book marketer blog interview
Poet Terry Duganon high praise for her work in Bellevue Literary Review's Embattled Issue, and for sharing this great interview with poet Rowan Ricardo Phillips
Food Democracy Now! for promoting a new thriller on GMOs called "Consumed"
Poet Gary Glauber on his first chapbook and being nominated for a Pushcart Prize
Translator Daniel Hahn for his new Asymptote Fortnightly Airmail column, "Ask a Translator"  Poet Ruth Handelon having her work in the Hudson Valley Center of Contemporary Art's "Writing the Walls" Exhibit this month
Editor Cindy Hochman on the latest issue of First Literary Review East
Poet J. Chester Johnson for this video of his highly successful play on Dietrich Bonhoeffer, For Conduct and Innocents
Editor Karin Miller on this moving short film based on a poem from The Cancer Poetry Project 2
Poets House on PBS featuring Bill Murray explaining why he recites poetry
Poet Linda Simoneon having her poem, "Teahouse of the Texas Moon," accepted in the new Dos Gatos Press anthology of Southwestern Persona Poems; and for sharing yoga for writers
Music archivist Jay Shulman for alerting us to Rubber Soul's 50th anniversary this month, and remembering Cynthia Robinson of Sly and the Family Stone
Poet Elaine Whitman on winning the first prize in the 40th annual Yuki Teikei Haiku Society Haiku Contest
Wishing you peace and joy in this season of lights, and a very Merry Christmas to all!
Until next time,
Ann

your thanksgiving annogram

Photo found by Linda SimoneA lot happening: Linda Simone's fantastic review of Face Painting in the Dark (Dos Madres Press, 2014) appears in First Literary Review East . If concerned about race relations, you will also want to read my interview with memoirist Sarah Bracey White in the Southern Literary Review . Three of my poems are also in Cicada , a hip teen journal full of intelligent cartoons. Thanks to editors of AMP, Hofstra University's new digital magazine, for accepting my poem, "Signs and Wonders," for their 2016 inaugural issue.
Kattywompus Poets read
I'll be reading with Susana Case, Robin Messing, and Margo Taft Stever this Friday, November 20, at 7:30 p.m. at the Hudson Valley Writers Center in Sleepy Hollow. We'll be joined by fellow Kattywompus poet Cornelius Eady and his band, Rough Magic. Come for a fun evening of poetry and music (admission $10). You can catch this same lineup, with Leah Umansky and Kattywompus Press publisher Sammy Greenspan, at the Cornelia Street Cafe on Monday, December 14, at 6:30 p.m.
Rabbit Ears launch
Debuts December 1Congratulations to editor Joel Allegretti on the upcoming publication of Rabbit Ears:TV Poems (NYQ Books, 2015),a tribute to the medium that has influenced America's tastes, politics, language, and lifestyles. I'm pleased it includes my “Velocity" alongside work from Billy Collins, Ellen Bass, Dorianne Laux, Timothy Liu, and Tony Hoagland. The poems are funny, poignant, witty, mysterious, and educational, much like TV itself. You can hear mine in this short YouTube film.
One Hundred Years of Marriage
Louise Farmer Smith’s One Hundred Years of Marriage (Upper Hand Press, 2014) is an extraordinary novel, and as poet Terry Dugan says, “It’s the perfect book club book”; also for academic courses on American women or our literature. While noting great books, be sure to get Kevin Pilkington’s latest Where You Want to Be (Black Lawrence Press, 2015), and a charming collaboration between poets Eric Greinke and Glenna Luschei, Zen Duende (Presa Press, 2015). Happy holiday gifting and reading!   Peanuts are back!
Congratulations to Anthony Nisi, Blue Sky Studio production manager, on the new Peanuts Movie. It has an important message about values and highlights all the great characters and lines we've always loved—"Good grief!", "Curse you, Red Baron!" and "You blockhead!" My favorite: seeing all those Peanut dance moves again, which I could probably perform from memory. The Peanuts Movie also utilizes innovative 3D animation. Be sure to take the little Peanuts in your lives to this fun family movie!
"Yellow Lit" by Diane GreenDiane Green at Madelyn Jordan
You are invited to a champagne brunch at the Madelyn Jordan Gallery this Sunday, November 22, 12 noon – 2 p.m.  Art Historian Beth Gersh-Nesicwill host a Q&A with artist Diane Green on her work in the exhibition The Space Between.  RSVP info@madelynjordonfineart.com
Poetry readings / conversation / music
Kevin YoungThursday, November 19, 7 p.m. - Nick Flynn and Gregory Pardlo, Fordham University, Lincoln Center Campus, 113 West 60th Street, 12th FloorThursday, November 19, 7 p.m. - Kevin Young and Gabrielle Hamilton, New York Public Library at 42nd and Fifth, register Rosamond KingFriday, November 20, 7:30 p.m. - Susana Case, Ann Cefola, Robin Messing, Margo Taft Stever, and Cornelius Eady and Rough Magic,Hudson Valley Writers CenterSunday, November 22, 1:30 p.m - Susana Case, Sally Blumis-Dunn, Jennifer Franklin, and Margo Taft Stever, JCC on the HudsonFriday, December 4, 6:30 p.m. - Rosamond King, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gallery 681Sunday, December 6, 4:30 p.m. - Nick Flynn and Kathleen Ossip, Hudson Valley Writers CenterTuesday, December 8, 7 p.m. – Helen Vendler, New York Public Library, tickets $20-45, register Golda SolomonFriday, December 11, 7 p.m. - Sharon Olds and Cynthia Nixon, New York Public Library at 42nd and Fifth, registerFriday, December 11, 7:30 p.m. - Three local MFA poets, Hudson Valley Writers CenterSunday, December 13, 4:30 p.m. - Golda Solomon, Hudson Valley Writers CenterMonday, December 14, 6 p.m. - Susana Case, Ann Cefola, Robin Messing, Margo Taft Stever, and Cornelius Eady and Rough Magic,Cornelia Street CafeSaturday, November 28, 8 p.m. - Jay Shulman, cellist with Windham Festival Chamber Orchestra, Doctorow Center, Hunter, NY; ticketsSunday, November 29, 6:30 p.m. - Jaime Lee Lewis, Bowery Poetry Club
Moosewood Pumpkin Pie
In time for Thanksgiving!  From Mollie Katzen’s Moosewood Cookbook (Ten Speed Press, 2014), this recipes depends upon fresh pumpkin for its wildly satisfying flavor. Remove seeds and stem from a sugar pumpkin, then cut into chunks. Boil or steam until a knife glides easily through pumpkin. Drain, remove and discard skin from each chunk, and puree with handheld blender. Makes two and sometimes three pies, depending on size of pumpkin.
3 cups pumpkin puree¾ cup honey2 Tbsp molasses¼ tsp ground cloves3 tsp cinnamon1 ½ tsp ginger 1 tsp salt4 eggs, slightly beaten1 12-oz can evaporated milk (or 1 cup scalded fresh milk, or nut milk for a dairy free option)frozen or homemade pastry pie shell
Combine ingredients in order given in a very large bowl.  Pour into two pie shells and bake 10 minutes at 450 degrees, then 40 minutes at 350 degrees, or until center ceases to wobble when gently shaken. Or omit pie shell for a delicious pumpkin pudding. Bake filling in buttered baking dish and serve with vanilla ice cream or heavy cream.
’Round the Net
Congratulations and/or thanks to the following for news and links:
Actors Jane Bradley and Chris Coffey
read Terry Dugan's poetrySinger/songwriter Eric Andersen on writing fourteen new songs based on Byron's poetry
Memoirist Sarah Bracey White on receiving recognition as one of the YWCA's "Mover and Shaker" this year

Guitarist Michael Cefola on great musical discoveries, Vintage Trouble and guitarist Neil Zaza
Artist Lidia Chiarelli, via poet Neal Whitman, for this video of an exhibit based on Ferlinghetti's “Chagall's Magic Lantern” poem
Poet Terry Duganon having her work read by actors Jane Bradley and Chris Coffey at Bellevue Literary Review' s poetry event last month
Self Portrait, Paula Moderson-BeckerArt Historian Beth Gersh-Nesic for this exhibit of work by Paula Moderson-Becker(1876-1907) and for Beth’s wonderful PostModern Mom blog
Poet Gary Glauberfor his poem in Bookends Review and Calliope M agazine
Writer Carolyn Gregoire on this new look at the creative brain
Poet Cindy Hochmanon having five poems appear in the fall Muddy River Review
Novelist Laura Morelli on the publication of her short story, "The Tapestry," now available
Gail and Frank ZappaTranslator Cindy Schuster on recommending this Paris Review interview with poet/translator Peter Cole
Publisher James Sherry on Roof Books' new Parsival by Steve McCaffery and we plié by Patrick R. Phillips
Music archivist Jay Shulman for this tribute to Ringo and remembering Gail Zappa Poet Laureate Juan Felipe
Herrera and  Linda Simone
Poet Linda Simoneon meeting US Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera, and for this article on grammar distorting history
Actor Dagmar Stansova for sharing this rare film clip of her in an early acting class with Angelina Jolie
Publisher Ann Starr for this great review of Cuban-born Dominican artist Quisqueya Henriquez
Photographer Joe Vericker on covering Pope Francis's visit to New York in September
We close with love and prayers for dear friends in France, especially poet Hélène Sanguinetti and our mutual friend Claire Barre. There’s no explaining such tragedy, but this father made a good attempt helping his son understand. Wishing us all candles and flowers, and deep gratitude this Thanksgiving for those we love and the life we cherish.
Until next time,
Ann

your random acts of annogram

                                                     
Random Acts of Poetry Day
So happy today, October 7, is Random Acts of Poetry Day.  According to Jennifer at Highland Park Poetry, we should be pinning poems on grocery bulletin boards and scrawling verse in chalk in the street.  Sounds good!  My random acts have included three poems recently accepted by Zoomorphic , and one by Main Street Rag Publishing for its ghosts anthology.
Photo by Jeff PangWomen Poets of the Hudson River
Ruth Handel, Natalie Safir, Meredith Trede, and I will read at the Warner Library in Tarrytown on October 24 at 2 pm.  Ruth’s most recent book is No Border is Perennial (Dos Madres, 2015), Natalie’s Love Like Snow (2011), Meredith’s Field Theory (SFA Press, 2011) and mine, Face Painting in the Dark(Dos Madres, 2014).  Hope to see you there!
Writing & War
Bellevue Literary Review presents “Embattled,” a performance of poetry and prose on Wednesday, October 21, 2015, at 6 pm. Two actors will read select poems by BLRpoets, featuring work by my dear friend Terry Dugan.  Free and open to the public at NYU Langone Medical Center, 550 First Avenue (30th-33rd Streets), Schwartz Hall E.
Dietrich BonhoefferCommemorating Bonhoeffer
“For Conduct and Innocents,” a multimedia drama in verse written by J. Chester Johnson, will take place Sunday, October 18 at 2 pm at Trinity Church (Wall Street).  Directed by Alan Baxter, the performance portrays significant moments leading to Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s death, with choreography by the Trinity Movement Choir, and Paul Knopf’s original score for an upcoming film on Bonhoeffer (1906-1945). 
Collaborations in DanceRacoco
This Brooklyn festival, on Sunday, October 18, at 8 pm, celebrates movement-based performance developed in collaboration with artists in film, sound, costuming, visual art, and more. Racoco, featuring Rachel Cohen, Remi Harris, Masumi Kishimoto, and Meghan Schardt, with live music by Lynn Wright and guests, rejoins visual artist Stephanie Beck on a shared program. At TRISKELION ARTS, tickets $16.
 October Poetry Readings
AiThursday, October 7, 7 pm: Matthew Zapruder, NYU Lillian Vernon Creative Writing HouseFriday, October 9, 6 pm: Michael Klein, Andrea Cohen, Poets House Saturday, October 10, 4:30 pm: Katie Degentesh, Katy Bohinc, Zinc BarMonday, October 12, 7 pm: Jane Hirshfeld, Poets House Tuesday, October 13, 7 pm: Robyn Creswell, Dunya Mikhail, Nat’l Sept. 11 Museum; register 911memorial.orgTuesday, October 13, 7 pm: Cate Marvin, Robin Beth Schaer, McNally Jackson BooksThursday, October 15, 7 pm: Rachel McKibbens, Hieu Minh Nguyen, Casey Lynn Rocheteau, BookCourt
Wednesday, October 14, 6:30 pm: Lynn Emmanuel, Sarah Lawrence Slonim HouseSaturday, October 17, 4:30 pm: Ben Tripp, Boni Joi, Zinc BarSunday, October 18, 3:30 pm: The Widows Handbook, All Saints Catholic Church Library Edwin TorresSunday, October 18, 4:30 pm: Edward Hirsch, Hudson Valley Writers Center, $10Monday, October 19, 7 pm: Ai Tribute, Proshansky Auditorium /CUNY Grad CenterThursday, October 22, 7 pm: John Wieners Celebration, Poets HouseSaturday, October 24, 2 pm: Ann Cefola, Ruth Handel, Meredith Trede, Warner LibrarySaturday, October 24, 4:30 pm: Rodney Koeneke, Edwin Torres, Zinc BarThursday, October 29, 7 pm: Liwaa Yazji, Poets House
Friday, October 30, 6:30 pm: Randall Horton, Cheryl Boyce-Taylor, Center for Book Arts
Chocolate Walnut Scones
Thanks to my dear friend and translator, Ligia Yamazaki, I learned about eating “Clean” and later discovered this delicious recipe.
1/2 cup coconut oil + 1 teaspoon for greasing baking sheet
1/4 cup water
1/4 to 1/2 cup pitted and mashed-up dates (soak until soft)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup gluten free all-purpose flour (Bob’s Red Mills) +1 tablespoon gluten free flour Pinch sea salt
2 oz organic dark chocolate (preferably sugar/dairy free, like Gnosis or Green & Black), coarsely chopped
1/2 cup raw, organic walnuts, coarsely chopped
Preheat oven to 350. Mix all dry ingredients in large bowl.  In separate bowl, mash dates until you have a thick paste and set aside. Warm coconut oil until it's liquid and add to date paste with vanilla and water.  Add wet to dry. Then add chocolate and walnut pieces and mix until just combined. Dough should hold together; adjust water and flour if too dry or sticky.  Form dough into a round and place on lightly floured (leftover gluten-free flour) surface and cut in half.  Roll each half into another round.  Cut one round in half and then cut each half into thirds and repeat so you have 12 wedges.  Lightly grease baking or cookie sheet with coconut oil and place wedges in oven for 16 minutes (rotating pan after 8 minutes).
’Round the Net
Thanks and/or congratulations to the following people:
Writer Cindy Beer-Fouhy on her Life Stories class at the Sarah Lawrence Writing Institute
J. Chester JohnsonPublisher Guy Bennett on debut of Piotr Macierzyński’s If father dies first (Mindmade Books, 2015) translated from Polish by Aleksandra Małecka and Piotr Marecki
Essayist Jeanette Briggs on “City Stories” appearing in Diverse Voices Quarterly
Poet Terry Dugan on having her poetry selected for Writing & War (see above)
Poet Ruth Handel on her upcoming book No Border is Perennial (Dos Madres, 2015) and 10th year teaching Enjoying Poetry at Scarsdale Adult School
Poet Cindy Hochman for this article on the publishing industry’s thoughts on editing
Poet J. Chester Johnson on his upcoming drama in verse on Bonhoeffer (see above)
Poet Amy King for nominationsto the volume Bettering American Poetry
Novelist Petra E. Lewis on appearing in the Daily News , speaking at the National Action Network, and hosting an anti-violence panel at the New School
Poet Sherry Loeffler on the best rejection she ever received—part 1and part 2
Robert MurphyTranslator James Manteith for pointing out the new Iris DeMent album is based on Babette Deutsch and Lyn Coffin translations of Akhmatova
Poet Mary McCray for the results of this survey of online learning
Poet Don McIver and the 2015 ABQ Slam Team for appearing in a TED talk
Art expert Laura Morelli on her latest book on vacation treasure-shopping, Naples & the Almafi Coast
Poet Robert Murphy on his recent NYC reading at the Swift Hibernian Lounge
PBS for Jim Henson documentarysharing his early coffee ads (PS: If asked if you want Wilkins Coffee, the answer is yes)
Sports broadcaster Steve Overmyer for highlighting the New York Sharks—a women’s professional football team
Poet Kevin Pilkington on his master poetry class, starting October 20, at the Sarah Lawrence Writing Institute
Poet Claudia Rankine on winning the Forward Poetry Prize
Music archivist Jay Shulman for this book reviewof Chrissie Hynde’s memoir Sarah Bracey White and winning plant
Poet Linda Simone on having “Rara Avis” accepted in Grabbing the Apple: An Anthology of New York Women Poets
Memoirist Sarah Bracey White on winning the First and Growers' Choice Awards at the Parkway Gardens/Parkway Homes Fall Flower Show
Poet Neal Whitman on having “When Dusk Falls” appear in this Italian journal and for recommending this video of poet Alice Oswald
Before we leave off, I want to remember Ann McGovern, author of the children’s classic, Stone Soup .  When I was little, that story often inspired me to pretend my lunchtime soup was the savory one described in her tale. Later, when pursuing my dream of being a writer, I heard her speak at a writers’ conference. She was warm-hearted and approachable, and led an amazing life.  Here’s to making delicious soup out of stones!
Until next time,
Ann

your golden light of august annogram

  Best American Poetry
 Good news! This month The Best American Poetry Blog highlights my Illuminationsinterview with J. Chester Johnson, and Sophie Chouinardreviews Face Painting in the Dark (Dos Madres Press, 2014) in Cahoodaloodaling . In addition, Earth’s Daughters accepted my poem, “Royal Quiet DeLuxe,” and my interview with memoirist Sarah Bracey White will appear next month in the Southern Literary Review .
Little Games at Growlers
  Join us Saturday, September 5, at 9:30 p.m. for energized blues-rock at Growlers Beer Bistro in Tuckahoe!  Little Games features vocalist/guitarist Michael Cefola, bassist Larry Schwartzman, drummer Tommy Vinton, and guitarist/vocalist Don LaSala.  Speaking of blues, Michael highly recommends this collection of interviews with B.B. King in the latest Guitar Player. View from the Chair and New Mobility
Maggie and Jim SinocchiA great gift in my career has been working closely with members of the disabilities community—although “disabilities” hardly describes professionals whose talents far exceed my own. In View from the Chair , Jim Sinocchi faces some end-of-life planning most of us avoid; and in New Mobility , Jim Barry recalls one spring when he got “hammered.” I adore both Jims, and now you can get to know them too. Eric Greinke and Dolly Poets in Review
 Thanks to Eric Greinke for including his review of Hence this cradle (Seismicity Editions, 2007) in Poets in Review (Presa Press, 2015). Hence is my translation of the second collection by French contemporary poet Hélène Sanguinetti. Eric’s essay joins many notable reviews he has written over two decades. 
Brilliant Blunders at Iona Astrophysicist and cosmologist Mario Livio will speak at the Murphy Center auditorium at Iona College in New Rochelle on Thursday, September 10, at noon. The talk will focus on “Brilliant Blunders,” major errors committed by such luminaries as Darwin, Einstein and Pauling, in describing the evolution of Earth, human life, and the universe as a whole. Free. Directions here.

1.5 Million Black (Wo)Men Missing

A panel, “More Than a Protest Novel: Connecting the Dots - 1.5 Million Black (Wo)Men Missing,” will take place Tuesday, September 15, 2015, 6:30 – 10:00 p.m., at The New School’s Lang Center. While looking at policy initiatives and antiviolence solutions, this free event will consider the deaths of Freddie Gray, Sandra Bland, and Charleston victims. Book-signing of Petra Lewis’s Sons and Daughters of Ham (PEL Press, 2014) follows. 
A Fast Niçoise

Oh, the lowly can of tuna!  Soon drenched in mayo and hidden in rye. Redeem your modest can of tuna with this one-serving recipe which is both healthful and tasty:
1 5 oz. can albacore tuna in water (avoid brands with soy in ingredients)1 handful of baby spinach or mixed greens10 Kalamata pitted olives1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive (EVO) oil
Place greens in bowl and top with olives.  Drain water from tuna can and break up tuna over greens. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and EVO.  Toss and enjoy!
’Round the Net
 Congratulations and/or thanks to the following:
  Regi ClaireEditor Rachel Adamson latest issue of Lines + Stars
 Poet Joel Allegrettion Rabbit Ears (NYQ Books, 2015) launch scheduled for December 14, 6:30 p.m., at Bowery Poetry Club
 Poet John Amen on his  Novelist Regi Claireon chairing the Scottish PEN/Amnesty International Imprisoned Writers Series at the Edinburgh International Book Festival
 Artist Deborah Coulter for her Visual Playblog
 Feminist Studies on their Multimedia Issue (available through JStor)
Hans Hofmann, The GateArt historian Beth Gersh-Nesic for this last call to see murals by Hans Hofmann
 Translator Ann Gwinfor noting that two Hugo Awards went to translated work
 Poet and editor Cindy Hochman on the latest issue of First Literary Review-East
Actor Tony LoBiancoon offering acting and coaching lessons
Poet Mary Ladd McCrayon 10 Ways to Be a Better Poetry Reader
 Poet Kevin Pilkingtonon Michael Dennis’s review of Ready to Eat the Sky (River City
Publishing, 2004)
  Linda Simone at the TwigTech guru Justin Simone for 29 Incredibly Useful Websites You Wish You Knew Earlier
 Poet Linda Simoneon her Archeology (Flutter Press, 2014) book-signing at San Antonio’s Twig Book Shop and Tina Tocco’s book review in First Literary Review-East
 Music archivist Jay Shulman for this article on Groucho Marx’s passion to master guitar
The brouhaha over Go Set a Watchman (Harper, 2015) has died down.  Some have read it; others, like me, have not.  Happily for all, the controversy revisited the profound impact of To Kill a Mockingbird, as well as the movie, upon the American imagination.  The week that Watchman appeared, the journal Still Crazy published Neal Whitman’s poem which he generously shares here:
 Our Kind
“I think there’s just one kind of folks. Folks.”        -- To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee (1960)
It was an old town,a tired old town.In rainy weather,its streets turned to red slop.It felt hotter then.It inspired her to write one book.Just one. Mary Badham, Gregory Peck
in To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)On his movie script,Gregory Peck wrote:FairnessStubbornnessCourageLove
Until next time,
Ann

your midsummer annogram

Here I am enjoying some ice cream generously shared at a client's office–mm-mm good!  And now delicious days after a New York heat wave: The glorious weather has heralded news that three of my poems will appear in Cicada , and the receipt of my beautiful copy of Raising Lilly Ledbetter: Women Poets Occupy the Workspace (Lost Horse Press, 2015).
Go Set a Watchman
Dancer Elyse Faltz asked me today what I thought about  this controversial publication. I had recently seen the PBS American Experience film on Harper Lee, and it reinforced the importance in the American psyche of To Kill a Mockingbird .  I am inclined to think that, with Ms. Lee’s lawyer-sister gone, and Ms. Lee a stroke victim, the publisher took advantage of a pre-Killdraft. After writer Jeanette Briggs shared this NPR review, I decided not to read the “sequel” if it is one. Let the original stand.
New York Poetry Festival
The New York Poetry Festival takes place Saturday through Sunday this weekend on Governors Island–a 172 acre island in the heart of New York harbor, only 800 yards from Lower Manhattan and even closer to Brooklyn. Come hear Kattywompus Press poets Susanna Case and Margo Stever read on Sunday, July 26 at 1 p.m. at the Chumley Stage, and Slapering Hol Press poets on the White Horse Stage at 2:30 p.m.
Little Games at the Eastchester Inn
Little Games will play the Eastchester Inn Saturday, August 1, at 9 p.m. The band welcomes talented guest guitarist Don LaSala, a recording engineer who did sound for NRBQ and Warren Zevon US tours. Join lead vocalist/guitarist Michael Cefola, bassist Larry Schwartzman and drummer Tom Vinton for another great night of rock!
Tribute to B.B. King
Imagine opening for the great B.B. King! That’s what Johnny Moses did with his freshman rock band at Trinity College in 1968.  Here’s his recollection behind this memorable photo: B.B. King and Johnny Moses, 1968In my eagerness I tried to show him all the styles of guitar I could in one-minute country bends, R&B chops and, of course, blues. He listened, then smiled. As he reached out to touch my shoulder (the money shot), he said, “Maybe you have a new style there”–his gracious way of saying, “Don’t play too much, keep it simple and soulful.” Then he said, “Treat your guitar like a woman, slow and easy.” Finally, he showed me a high note trick with left hand vibrato he used throughout his career to punctuate a phrase. Wow, what a lifelong lesson!
Meetinghouse Readings in Canaan, NH
Poet and translator David Ferry will read with novelist Megan Mayhew Bergman at the Meetinghouse on July 30, at 7:30 p.m.  Free admission. 
New—one free!—books
Congratulations to these talented authors on new works and one well-deserved reissue:
Rómulo Gallegos’s Doña Barbara , translated by Robert Malloy (University of Chicago Press, 2015) – free e-edition during July
Gary Glauber’s Small Consolations (Aldrich Press, 2015)
JoAnne McFarland’s LOOSE HORSE IN THE VALLEY: A Modern American Lullaby (Red Glass Books, 2015) available for $12 check to from JoAnne McFarland, 20 Henry Street, Apt. 2DN, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Hélène Sanguinetti’s Alparegho, pareil-à-rien (reissue - Editions L’Amandier, 2015)
Rosmarie Waldrop’s In Pieces (O’Clock Press, 2015)
Meatless Loaf for Your Next Picnic
Make this loaf in the cool of the day and you can slice and enjoy in a lovely summer sandwich or entrée. A family favorite chez Cefola.
¼ cup vegetable oil1 cup chopped onion1 cup your choice of any combo diced celery, green pepper, carrots, mushrooms, olives, favorite vegetables, etc.1 cup chunk-style peanut butter1 cup cooked rice1/3 cup bread crumbs1 cup grated cheddar cheese2 large eggs, lightly beatenBlack pepper
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Heat oil in a skillet and sauté the vegetables until limp. Combine the vegetables with remaining ingredients. Mix well, adding some liquid if it seems too dry. Pour mixture into a greased loaf pan and bake for 40 minutes. Serve hot or cold.
’Round the Net
Congratulations and/or thanks to:
Publisher Steve Brannon for the great Spring/Summer 2015 issue of Small Print Magazine
Essayist Jeanette Briggs for this sobering NPR review of Go Set a Watchman (HarperCollins, 2015)
Publisher Libby Hodges on the publication of issue 2 of the translation journal SpringHouse
Publishing guru Jan Kardys for letting us know that the must-attend Unicorn Writers Conference takes place next month
Publisher Simon Lewis for this memorable speech by the Rev. Pinckney, one of the Charleston nine, honoring the Civil War dead
Actor Tony LoBianco on his marriage to Alyse Best Muldoon on June 27, 2015
Fiction writer Maureen Pilkington for her essay, “Stuck in an Elevator with Sixteen Republications,” appearing in SohoNYC
Computing pioneer David SchwartzkopfPoet Hélène Sanguinetti on this fantastic podcast on FranceCulture (the “PBS” of France) on the reissue of Alparegho, pareil-à-rien (Editions L’Amandier, 2015)
Disabilities activist David Schwartzkopf on his profile in the US Department of Labor’s 25-year tribute to the Americans with Disabilities Act
Bassist Larry Schwartzman for this optical illusion
Music archivist Jay Shulman for this tribute to Dylan’s “Like a rolling stone” recorded 50 years ago this summer
Poet Linda Simone on joining the San Antonio Poet Source
Poet Margo Stever and son, James Taft Stever, on publication of Looking East: William Howard Taft and the 1905 U.S. Diplomatic Mission to Asia, The Photographs of Harry Fowler Woods (Orange Frazer Press, 2015)
Photographer Joe Vericker for this sport-legend photo (left to right) Mets pitcher Tom Seaver, Yankee shortstop Phil Rizzuto, Giants’ Lawrence Taylor, Yankee catcher Yogi Berra, Jets Super Bowl III QB Joe Namath, and Daily News sports cartoonist Bill Gallo
Here's hoping you knock it out of the park in your creative pursuits!
Until next time,
Ann

your summer solstice annogram

Still glowing
From my book launch this spring!  Thanks to the more than 40 people who came to the Hudson River Museum to hear me read from  Face Painting in the Dark  (Dos Madres Press, 2014). I have such a beautiful circle of talented artists, musicians, poets, and writers in my life, and more in the wider annogram community. You know who you are!  
Auden, Johnson, and the Psalms
When the Episcopal Church set about updating the Book of Common Prayer, its committee to retranslate the Psalms faced a daunting task: Not only did it have to rework the Psalms, but the committee’s one poet, W. H. Auden, was returning to his native England.  In the current Illuminations , I interview poet and translator J. Chester Johnson on how he came to replace Auden, correspond with him, and help refine the Psalms in light of new scholarship. 
Alan Shulman in 1954Alan Shulman and New York’s Golden Age of Music
Imagine, as part of the NBC Orchestra, rehearsing to perform for the Israel’s first president, Chaim Weizmann, in 1949.  Leonard Bernstein is unhappy with Kurt Weill's arrangement of the Israeli national anthem.  Cellist Alan Shulman offers to rearrange it and, doing so, earns the legendary conductor's “gratitude and great respect.”  To learn more, read this fascinating article by Alan’s son, Jay Shulman.
Carol Booth admires her and
Michael Holstein's photosCuba: Contrasting Visions
Congratulations to Michael Holstein and Carol Booth for photos exhibited this month in Cuba: Contrasting Visions at the Museum Gallery at the Palm Beach (FL) Photographic Centre.  Two years ago, Michael and Carol snapped up colorful photos of Cuba—while practicing their other passion—conversing in Spanish.
Texas, fair pay, and cars
I am thrilled to have work in Raising Lilly Ledbetter: Women Poets Occupy the Workspace (Lost Horse Press, 2015); Coming off the line:  The Car in American Culture (Main Street Rag Press, 2015) the  2016 Texas Poetry Calendar  (Dos Gatos Press, 2015).  Order now to receive prepublication discounts.
New books
Alexandra Van de KampA Liquid Bird Inside the Night by Alexandra Van de Kamp (Red Glass Books, 2015): “Each night I sleep wrapped in a gown / of crying stars. Whether they cry / to plea or sing is always difficult / and tenuous to decipher….” from “Nightgown.”  Send $12 check (includes shipping) payable to Alexandra van de Kamp, 206 E. Lullwood Avenue, Apt. A, San Antonio, TX 78212. 
Soft Passer by Shane Anderson (Mindmade Books, 2015) pulses with an alluring mosaic-like dissonance. Order for $7 or as part of Mindmade Books’ 2015 series for $25, which includes work by Pedro Xavier Solís Cuadra (trans. Suzanne Jill Levine), Piotr Macierzyński (trans. Aleksandra Malecka & Piotr Marecki), and Ciara Miller.
Summer Solstice Pita
Now is the time to eat light, and this pita is a no-brainer.  Serves two with side such as coleslaw:
One whole pitaJuice of ½ organic lemon2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive (EVO) oilHandful of organic baby kale½ cup shredded organic carrots¼ organic English cucumber, sliced½ organic avocado, sliced2-4 slices of smoked salmon (optional)
Halve pita so two pockets form. Toast until crisp in toaster oven.  Combine lemon juice with olive oil.  Stuff each pita-half with vegetables in above order and salmon if desired; drizzle with lemon dressing.  To make chips: Slice whole pita in pie sections, splitting each apart.  Sprinkle with EVO and broil in oven or toaster oven until curled and starting-to-brown. Great for dips and to replace potato chips!
’Round the Net
Congratulations and/or thanks to:
Guy Bennett, poet and publisher, for alert that Mindmade Books is on Facebook
Sarah Bracey White, memoirist, on giving keynote address at Morgan State's Writing Center's First Annual Open House
Lilac and Gold by Hector BitarMichael Cefola, guitarist, for this great Gibson interview with Les Paul
Terry Dugan, poet and filmmaker, for this too-true "workshop" critique of Jane Austen
Gary Glauber, for work in  Crab Fat Literary Magazine,   Pilgrimage , Beth Gersh-Nesic, art historian, for introducing me to Hector Bitar’s work, and scholarly review of the Demoiselles Staring Back
Janet Kaplan, poet and publisher, on editing Hofstra’s new literary journal, AMP
Kevin Pilkington, poet, for having his poem appear in the Poetry Society of America's Poem-A-Day
Linda Simone, poet and artist, for this fascinating history on Brooklyn's Free African-American neighborhood
Jay Shulman, music archivist, for remembering jazz saxophonist Ornette Colman and Ronnie Gilbert of the Weavers
Frank Vitale, filmmaker, for Episodes 18-20 of the Metropolis Organism

Wishing you a summer of spontaneity and joy!
Until next time,Ann

your may annogram

Face Painting Book Launch April 26
What a beautiful day at the Hudson River Museum!  In the museum’s state-of-the art planetarium, I read poems from Face Painting in the Dark (Dos Madres Press, 2014), with spectacular astro images from Doug Baum, the Hubble and others.  Prior to the reading, planetarium manager Marc Taylor lit up the dome with objects mentioned in my work. Deborah Coulter and Angela Virsinger
Afterwards, at a champagne reception overlooking the river, I celebrated with artists Deborah Coulter and Angela Virsinger; poets Myrna Goodman, Ruth Handel, Natalie Safir, and Maxine Silverman; musicians Michael Cefola and Larry Schwartzman; photographers Michael Booth (his photos here), Margaret Fox, and Randy Briggs; and writers Jeanette Briggs, Barbara Dickinson, Herb Hadad, Elaine Nole, Michelle Rawlick, and Sarah Bracey White, among many other cherished friends. Evelyn Hadad, Natalie Safir, Ruth Handel Elaine Nole and Herb HadadStew Leonard’s cake proved my book’s cover design by Gig Wailgum is as delicious as it is attractive! Thanks to dear friend Carol Booth for acting as maître d’, to Michael Booth and Randy Briggs for taking photos, and to museum staff for treating us like Vanderbilts.
The reviews are in… Kim Novak, subject of my poem,
"Miss Deepfreeze 1953"
Lyle Cataring in Blotterature, Rachel Adams in Lines and Stars , Ann Wehrman in The Pedestal ; and, in case you missed first reviews, Mary McCray in Big Bang Poetry, Ron Butlin in The Herald Scotland , and Beth Gersh-Nesic in New York Arts Exchange.
Poems, interview, and translation
“Dance in the City,” appears in the current Ekphrasis, and “Miss Deepfreeze 1953” in Cahoodaloodaling.  Blotteraturefeatures an interview in addition to review.  The St. Petersburg Review will publish my translation of section 9 from Le Héros (Flammarion, 2008) by Hélène Sanguinetti.  The entire book translation has now been published!


Michael CefolaLittle Games at Eastchester Inn and Hudson Room
Don’t miss Little Games Saturday, May 9, at the Eastchester Inn at 9 p.m. The band plays early Yardbirds, Animals and Who, as well as Eric Clapton, Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac, and Gary Moore. Fronted by my husband, guitarist and vocalist Michael Cefola, the band features drummer Tommy Vinton, guitarist and vocalist John Amato, and bassist Larry Schwartzman.  Can’t make it? Catch them at the Hudson Room, May 29, at 10 p.m.
Jeff BeckJeff Beck at the Capitol Theater
What fun to see Jeff Beck in nearby Port Chester!  The April 13 show inaugurated his US tour touting his new album, JEFF BECK LIVE+ (Atco). Beck, at ease with his immaculate band, vocalist Jimmy Hall, bassist Rhonda Smith, drummer Jonathan Joseph and guitarist Nicolas Meier, performed “Morning Dew” (Truth, 1968), “Superstition” (Beck, Bogert, Appice, 1973), “Big Block” (Jeff Beck’s Guitar Shop, 1989), the Beatles’ “A Day In The Life” and “Hammerhead.”  What made me swoon: Jimi Hendrix’s “Little Wing,” and Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come.”
Holding Fast to the Tree of Life
French composer Darius MilhaudThis spirited concert Sunday celebrated Temple Beth Shalom’s 50years in Hastings.  The temple choir, which includes the talented Carol Booth, sang everything from psalms in Hebrew to tunes from composers such as Gershwin and Bernstein.  I was especially delighted to hear selections from Darius Milhaud, a professor with students such as Dave Brubeck and Burt Bacharach, performed by pianist Cheryl Seltzer, a former student, and violinist Sylvia Volpe, among the many pleasures of the evening.
Beth Gersh-NesicPicasso in Vermont
Staring Back: The Creation and Legacy of Picasso's Demoiselles  d'Avignon at the Fleming Museum of Art, Burlington, through June 21, features Picasso's Les Demoiselles d'Avignon in interactive digital and traditional visual art.  Highly recommended by our resident curator, Beth Gersh-Nesic.
Astrophotography in Pound Ridge
Scott Nammacher will be exhibiting his exceptional astrophotographs (printed on an aluminum medium) May 23 - July 5 at the Pound Ridge Library, with opening reception Saturday, May 23, 3 - 5 p.m.  Interested in the night sky?  See convenient, local events offered by the Westchester Amateur Astronomers.
Poetry / Literary Events
May 10 – 4-6 p.m. Words Sunday: Janet Kaplan and Jacqueline Jones LaMon at Calabar Imports, Brooklyn; see Robin Messing and Renato Rosaldo May 24.

C.K. Scott Moncrieff and Marcel ProustMay 19 – 6 p.m.  Eric Banks interviews Jean Findlay on Chasing Lost Time: The Life of C.K. Scott Moncrieff: Soldier, Spy and Translator (Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2015) – first English translator of Proust, Martin E. Segal Theater at CUNY.
May 19 – 8 p.m. Gerald Stern and Anne Marie Macari in the Patricia Kuran Arts Center in Fanwood, NJ.May 20 – 7 p.m.  Friends of Black Mountain poet Edward Dorn celebrate his uncollected poems, Derelict Air (Enitharmon Press, 2015), Martin E. Segal Theater at CUNY.
 Simple Homemade Dinner Rolls
The easiest roll recipe I’ve come across has that yeasty taste of authentic bread my mother would make on special occasions.  Here’s bread-making that can be done within 90 minutes:
1 package quick-acting active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)1 1/3 cup milk (105 – 115 degrees)3 – 3 ½ cups flour or whole wheat flour (I like King Arthur)3 tablespoons oil1 tablespoon sugar1 teaspoon salt1 tablespoon melted buttercourse salt
Dissolve yeast in warm milk in electric mixer bowl.  Stir in 1 cup flour.  Beat until smooth.  Stir in enough remaining flour, oil, sugar, and salt.  Mix on low electric speed until soft dough forms. Cover and let rise in warm place until double, about 45 minutes.  Heat oven to 400 degrees.  Prep a 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.  Punch down dough and fold over a few times.  Pinch 1-inch balls of dough and quickly roll in palm of hands.  Put 3 balls to 1 muffin cup; brush with butter; sprinkle with salt.  Bake 12 - 15 minutes, until light golden brown.  Immediately remove from pan. Store loosely covered.
̓Round the Net
Thanks and/or congratulations to:
Deborah Coulter skin for your iPhoneDeborah Coulter, artist, for her original art “skins,”available for your digital devices

Gary Glauber, poet, on writing 30 poems in 30 days for PoMoSco

Peggy Harrington, for sharing her essay, “Tucker,”which appeared in The East Hampton Star

Anne James, Zymbol editor, for reaching her Kickstarter goal to fund her journal

Tony LoBianco, actor, for bringing “Little Flower” this month to Italy to entertain our troops


Percy SledgeJay Shulman, music archivist, for remembering Percy Sledge, Ben E. King and Maya Plisetskaya
Linda Simone, poet and artist, for an intimate look at Frida Kahlo and Amy Schumer’s take-down of Hollywood sexism

Frank Vitale, filmmaker, for sharing episodes 14 -17 of The Metropolis Organism
I end this newsletter with a tale.  Once upon a time, a second-grade teacher sent home a note to her student’s mother.  The mother unfolded the paper.  It said, “Your daughter speaks in poetry.”  Amazed, she put the paper away and kept it in her heart.  She said nothing but, at every opportunity, supported and cheered her daughter in any artistic or literary achievement.  As time went by, that girl became a woman, and that woman a poet.  How she became a poet felt like a delicious mystery, and yet the most right thing in the world.  I know because I am that poet.  The insightful woman who nurtured my poetic inclination left us last month at the age of 90.  As bereft as I am, I still have my poetry, in many respects, thanks to her.
Until next time,Ann

your spring annogram

Designed by Angela Virsinger Face Painting book launch

April is National Poetry Month and Global Astronomy Month.  In celebration of both, I’ll present “Furious Stardust: Poems of the Night Sky,” in the new state-of-the art planetariumat the Hudson River Museum on Sunday, April 26, at 3:30 p.m.  The reading will feature work from my poetry collection, Face Painting in the Dark (Dos Madres Press, 2014), accompanied by spectacular images by astrophotographer Doug Baum, the Hubble telescope and others.  Come help celebrate my first book!
Maxine SilvermanSunday at the J with Ann, Maxine and George

Poet Maxine Silverman and I will read at the JCC on the Hudson as part of Sunday at the J with George and Friends on March 29 at 1:30 p.m.  Poet and translator Dr. George Kraus hosts this great series which features Hudson Valley poets.  And don’t miss Maxine’s book party this Sunday, March 22, 2 p.m., at Congregation Sons of Israel in Nyack for Palimpsest (Dos Madres Press, 2015), a work I highly recommend.  Hope to see you on one of these events!
Book review in LINES+STARS

Many thanks to editor Rachel Adams for her thoughtful review of Face Painting in the Dark in the newly redesigned LINES+STARS .  The review appears, serendipitously, in the DC-based journal’s “star-crossed” issue.  I’m also thrilled that Wicked Alice has four of my poems online, the San Pedro River Review features one, and Cahaba River Literary Journal and Ekphrasis will publish work this spring and summer.
Matters of the HeArt

An opening reception, Sunday, March 22, from 2-4 p.m. (1 p.m. admission time for people with disabilities) at the Greenburgh Town Hall will herald the 11th annual multimedia art show by 80 Westchester artists over age 55.  You can support Greenburgh arts by designating “Arts and Culture Committee” on the AmazonSmileportal; Amazondonates 0.5% of the price of eligible AmazonSmile purchases to charitable organizations selected by customers.
Art by Ed Young in Bird & Diz Bird & Diz

Outstanding artist and Caldecott Medalist Ed Young dazzles once again in Bird & Diz by Gary Golio(Candlewick Press, 2015).  This young reader’s book, which follows the friendship of Charlie "Bird" Parker and John "Dizzy" Gillespie, can be read page-by-page or unfolded as a 12-foot scroll.  Bird & Diz is a work of art created by two friends that will leave readers hankering for a listen.  Thanks to Beth Gersh-Nesic of the New York Arts Exchange for alerting me to this new work!

Frida Kahlo: Masterpieces (and margaritas) at the NY Botanical Garden

Looks like a combination of margaritas and masterpieces might just push attendance to one million visitors to the New York Botanical Gardenthis year.  The Botanical Garden will stage an elaborate art-loan and garden exhibition May 16 – November 1 that focuses on the work of Frida Kahlo. Thanks to poet-artist Linda Simone for sharing this Observer article .

Poetry Caravan on the move

For National Poetry Month, the Poetry Caravan will visit local libraries.  The all-volunteer Caravan has been bringing poetry to Westchester for over eleven years.  If you have a poem to share, or enjoy hearing poetry read, join us on Thursday, April 9, at the Armonk Library, 7 p.m.; Monday, April 13, at the Dobbs Ferry Library, 7 p.m.; Wednesday, April 15, at the Greenburgh Library, 7 p.m.; Monday, April 20, at the Scarsdale Library, 7 p.m.; or Saturday, April 25, at the Hastings Library, 3 p.m.
New poetry books

Congratulations to these fine poets on their new books:  John AmenMore poetry readingsSunday, March 22, 4:30 p.m. Hudson Valley Writers CenterRichard Parisio, Ed Sanders
Sunday, March 22, 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the Why Not Jazz Room
Jazz and Poetry Choir Collective, $10
Monday, March 30, 6:30 p.m. at the English Speaking UnionRosalie Calabrese, Susana H. CaseMargaret McCarthy- rsvp emohylowski@esuus.org Margo Stever
Friday, April 17, 7:30 p.m. at the Hudson Valley Writers CenterOpen mic for poets, prose writers, musicians, comedians, singers - $3, refreshments
Saturday, April 18, 7 p.m. at the Hudson Valley Writers CenterPeggy Ellsberg, Jennifer Franklin, Margo Taft Stever
Wednesday, April 22, 7:30 p.m. at the Hudson Valley Writers CenterEllen Bass
Friday, April 24, 7:30 p.m. at the Hudson Valley Writers CenterSergio Troncoso, Wayne L. Miller, Larry Wentz
Sunday, April 26, 4:30 p.m. at the Hudson Valley Writers CenterRowan Ricardo Phillips, Terry Dugan, Margo Taft Stever, other HVWC students
Breakfast with Uncle Ike

Uncle Ike would awe us with his legendary popovers whenever we visited him in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.  The only problem: the golden popovers went down like potato chips, and I could easily consume more than a few.  Oh, calories be damned and bring on the butter and jam!  Wishing you festive mornings that celebrate spring.
1 cup flour1 cup milk2 eggs½ teaspoon salt1 tablespoon melted butter
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Spray cooking oil spray on muffin tins or ceramic custard cups.  Beat until blended.  Pour into cups ½ to 2/3 full.  Bake 45 – 50 minutes and avoid opening oven door.  Keep any leftovers—really?—in a closed brown paper bag.
ʼRound the Net

Thanks and/or congratulations to:
Duchamp, Untitled, 1945Michael Cefola, blues-rock guitarist and composer, for this great article on the last bluesmen
Beth Gersh-Nesic, art historian, for calling out the importance of modern artist Suzanne Duchamp
Gary Glauber, poet, for work in Hinged, Inner Echo, The Legendary - Issue 49 - March 2015, and Think Journal Volume 5.1 

Eric Greinke, poet and translator, for his tribute to poet John Elsberg
Ruth Handel, poet, on teaching her ninth Enjoying Poetry class now at Scarsdale Adult School and publishing recent work online
Cindy Hochman, poet, for two poems, a book review, and her own book, Habeas Corpus (Glass Lyre, 2015) reviewed in Clockwise Cat
Amy King, poet, for taking on Kenneth Goldsmith and Vanessa Place
Laura Morelli, art historian, on her two new books on Florence artisans and crafts
Jay Shulman, music archivist, for this way to find out the top song on the day you were born

Jay, also, for recommending this Mary Bauermeister exhibit at Smith College
Linda Simone, poet and dog-lover, for these photos of dogs on the way to the vet
Linda, also, for this essay contest to win an inn in Maine, how some poets make big money, and a tribute to poet Philip Levine
Frank Vitale, filmmaker, for episodes 12 and 13 from The Metropolis Organism .
So much poetry going on this and next month!  And just as important, celebrations of faith.  In this time of seasonal rebirth, I wish you perfected moments of holy contemplation, beauty, and joy.
Until next time,Ann

your valentine's annogram

Collage by Deborah Coulter 
Valentine’s Day

The gifts have already arrived— “Vermont Without Delilah,” appears in the current A Common Thread , and “Lost in Woodside” will appear in the upcoming San Pedro River Review . Of course, chocolate never hurts and that’s why you’ll find my favorite cake recipe below.  In addition, thanks to all who have volunteered to write Amazon and Goodreads reviews for Face Painting in the Dark (Dos Madres Press, 2014).
Hochman’s Habeas Corpus

Congratulations to poet Cindy Hochman on the publication of Habeas Corpus (Glass Lyre Press, 2015).  Glass Lyre is offering it at $12 with no shipping costs; e-mail publisher@glasslyrepress.com with your name and postal address.  For a signed copy, e-mail the author at 
poet2680@aol.com, purchase one and come hear her read at the Green Pavilion on February 25 at 7 p.m.


Meredith TredeTrede Opens 2015 Poetry Series
Award-winning poet Meredith Trede began the 2015 Hudson Valley Writers Center poetry series last night, joined by Joshua Mehigan.  Open Mic Night for poets, prose writers, musicians, comedians, singers and all other performers, takes place Friday, February 20, at 7:30 p.m.; and an Evening of Poetry & African Music with Bob Holman & Papa Susso, Friday, February 27, at 7:30 p.m.
Sosin on Radio Liberty and Russia
Former director of Russian broadcast planning at Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Gene Sosin, will present “How Radio Liberty in Russia Helped Win the Cold War" on Wednesday, February 18, at 3 p.m., at the Memorial United Methodist Church in White Plains.  For more information, call 914-319-1609.
John BerrymanBerryman at 100
On Saturday, February 26, a celebration of John Berryman (1914-1972) will feature readings, panels and a reception with April Bernard, Henri Cole, Cornelius Eady, Rachel Hadas, Saskia Hamilton, Cathy Park Hong, A. Van Jordan, Robin Coste Lewis, Edward Mendelson, Patrick Rosal, Evie Shockley, Daniel Swift, Kevin Young, and Rachel Zucker.  Free, at Barnard College; see Poets House information.
Lives in Ruins

Marilyn Johnson will read from her new book, Lives in Ruins: Archeologists and the Seductive Lure of Human Rubble (Harper, 2014) at the Scarsdale Public Library on Monday, March 9, at 7 p.m.  For a more metaphorical approach, be sure to read Archeology (Flutter Press, 2014) by Pushcart-nominated poet Linda Simone.
Sweetheart of a Chocolate Cake
The secret to this deep, satisfying and not-too-sweet cake is a beet and a tablespoon or two of coffee—from Cook Yourself Thin (Hachette Books, 2009).
1 1/2 cups self-rising flour1/4 cup finely ground almonds5 tablespoons cocoa powder1 teaspoon baking soda1/4 teaspoon salt1 beet, peeled and finely grated
4 ounces low-fat buttermilk2 tablespoons strong black coffee3 large eggs3/4 cup sugarFrosting1/2 cup dark chocolate, cut into small pieces2 tablespoons strong black coffee2 tablespoons honey
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray an 8-inch spring-form pan with cooking spray. In small bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, ground almonds, salt and baking soda. Set aside.
Using standing or handheld mixer on medium speed, beat eggs and sugar for four minutes until pale and fluffy. On low speed, beat in beets, followed by dry ingredients. Add buttermilk and coffee.  Beat until smooth. Pour into pan, place in middle of a hot oven and bake for 30 minutes. Test with toothpick; it should come out clean. Bake additional 5 minutes if needed.
Cool 10 minutes or so in pan, unmold onto cooling rack and then cool on wire rack. To make icing, prepare a double boiler. Combine all ingredients and gently stir until chocolate is smooth and mixture thickens. With cake on wire rack, pour icing liberally over top of cake and let it drip down sides. Transfer onto plate or cake stand for serving.
America’s Creative Class
William Giraldi’s New Republic review of Scott Timberg’s The Killing of the Creative Class (Yale University Press, 2015) packs a wallop.  Do you agree with this assessment?  Thanks to Jay Shulman for sending this to me:
Let’s forget about starving artist for a moment and get right to a more accurate, and ominous, conjugation: The artist in America is being starved, systemically and without shame. In this land of untold bounty—what is usually called, in a kind of blustering spasm, the richest empire on earth—the American creative class has been forced to brook a historic economic burden while also being sunk into sunless irrelevancy. When it came to artists, Comrade Stalin knew all about a bounty of a different sort—he stuck it on the heads of those whose pens and brushes might transgress against his galactic hubris. Remember Osip Mandelstam’s quip about how Mother Russia reveres her poets enough to murder them? Well, with our consummate lack of reverence, we in America kill our poets in quite another way: We ignore them to death.
ʼRound the Net
Thanks and congratulations to the following people for achievements and/or links:
Jeanette Briggs, essayist, on “Wild Strawberries and Moose Money,” published in the Swedish Press .
Juliet Winters Carpenter, translator, for her article on the art of translation.
Gary Glauber for work in Alphabet and You , Calliope , and Indian Summer Quarterly .
Paul Dickinson Russell, novelist, on his upcoming fantasy story, The Will of the Magi , and his publisher’s podcasts that track his process creating it.
Amy King, poet, on winning the 2015 Women’s National Book Association Award.
Laura Morelli, art historian, on her two new guides to Venetian artisanal traditions.
Linda Simone, poet, for this list of feminist picture books—no girls waiting to be rescued!
Jay Shulman, music archivist, for noting the passing of songwriter Don Covay (“Chain of Fools”), pioneering talk show host Joe Franklin, poet and lyricist Rod McKuen, and Laugh-In announcer Gary Owens.
Kim Wells, anti-domestic violence leader, for her work behind this amazing Super Bowl PSA.
Happy Valentine’s Day to you and yours….

Ann

your MLK Jr annogram

Face Painting at Amazon
You can find my poetry collection, Face Painting in the Dark (Dos Madres Press, 2014), on Amazon.  A friend found a copy at Barnes and Noble—which, for me, was like turning onto Hollywood and Vine!  If you love your annograms and enjoyed Face Painting, please write a brief review on Amazonor Goodreads.
The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.Johnson speaker at Martin Luther King Jr. service
Poet J. Chester Johnson gave the MLK Jr. sermon today at Trinity Wall Street Church; past speakers have included Andrew Young, Jesse Jackson, Marion Wright Edelman and Calvin Butts.  Johnson’s writing on civil rights is archived at Queens College which Andrew Goodmanattended before being martyred in Mississippi, with James Chaney and Michael Schwerner.  You can hear Johnson’s extraordinary story of hatred and reconciliation across generations here.
Sarah Bracey WhiteMLK Jr. Breakfast featuring Sarah Bracey White
Memoirist Sarah Bracey White,  author of Primary Lessons (Cavan Kerry Press, 2013), will be the keynote speaker at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Breakfast held by the Village of Hastings on Monday, January 19 at the James Harmon Community Center.  Breakfast will be served 9:30 – 11 a.m., and the event ends at 12:30 p.m.  Adults $15 and children $5.  Read Sarah’s reflections on how she came to write her book here.
The late Mark StrandMark Strand Memorial Reading
Poets House will host a Mark Strand Memorial Reading today at 5 p.m. Poets Laureate Charles Simicand Charles Wright, actor Mary Louise Parker, painter William H. Bailey, composer and pianist John Musto, playwright John Guarre, novelist Francine Prose, and others will pay tribute to Mark Strand (1934-2014). Free admission.
PBS documentary:  Language Matters
On Wednesday, January 21, at 6 p.m., Poets House will honor the PBS documentary Language Matters with Bob Holman with film clips and performances by Native American poets, a Hawaiian hālau hula, talks on Yiddish and Welsh, Q & A with Bob Holman and a reception.  Admission is free at the National Museum of the American Indian.  The film airs on PBS THIRTEEN Sunday, January 25 at 12:30 p.m.
Transgenres with Vijay SeshadriVijay Seshadri
Why do so many poets also write prose nonfiction? What transformations occur between poem and essay? Pulitzer Prizewinner Vijay Seshadri, whose newest book is 3 Sections (Graywolf, 2013), will discuss notions of identity, form, and fulfillment for contemporary writers on Saturday, February 7, at 3 p.m. at Poets House.  Admission: $10, $7 for students and seniors, free to Poets House members

Deborah Coulter website
Deborah CoulterDeborah Coulter’s website features a new portfolio of recent charcoal drawings, and links to latest exhibit info on Facebook, and her blog which includes a new collage each week. You can purchase ArtPrints of Deborah’s drawings and collages in various sizes at Society6.  Annogram loves Deborah’s work and wishes her all the best in 2015!
Chili Con EloteBlow off winter chill with my version of a New Laurel’s Kitchen (Ten Speed Press, 1986) chili that tastes even better the next day.  The original Laurel’s Kitchen secured my early foray into meatless eating with savory meals, sandwiches and soups.  I treasure this cookbook and its step-by-step directions for making bread. 1 onion, chopped1 clove garlic2 tablespoons oil1 green pepper, diced1 teaspoon chili powder1 teaspoon cumin1 cup chopped tomato, or2 tablespoons tomato paste2 cups of V8 juice1 cup frozen corn 4 cups cooked kidney, black, or pinto beans*1 1/2 teaspoons salt1 teaspoon oregano
Sauté onion and garlic clove in oil until onion is soft. Crush garlic clove. Add green pepper and spices. Sauté 2 - 3 minutes.  Add tomatoes, V8 juice and corn. Mash 2 cups of beans and add to pot with whole beans, salt, and oregano. Simmer 30 minutes.  A little soupy at first but great over brown rice the second day.  *If you use canned beans like I do, purchase BPA-free cans such as Eden Foods at a health food store.
ʼRound the Net
Francesco Fragomeni and Chris Limbrick
interpret Degas' "Two Dancers"Thanks and/or congratulations to:ALTA list-serve for sharing the 75 most notable translations of 2014Translation journal Asymptoteon its fourth anniversaryPoet Lyn Clague for his poem “Constitution Square” in The Potomac Food activist Ronnie Cummins on 12 ways consumers can fight GMO foods

Poet Gary Glauber for work in Calliope, Fine Flu, The Gambler, Ginger Piglet, Junkyard Kool, and Work to a CalmTranslator Roger Greenwaldfor noting the passing of Polish poet Stanislaw BaranczakPoet Cindy Hochmanfor Pedestal reviews of When I Wake It Will Be Forever (Sundress Publications, 2014) and On the Bevel (Cinnamon Press, 2014)Poet S. E. Ingrahamfor this video of ModPo’s Al Filreis on MOOCs (scroll) See http://www.demilked.com/fools-do-art-
painting-recreations-francesco-fragomeni-
chris-limbrick/
for more, this link courtesy Linda SimonePoet Meg Lindsay for her “Buddha Poem” in Tricycle Poet Robert Murphy reading in New York last fall – Part 1and Part 2; and a reviewof Life in the Ordovician (Dos Madres Press, 2007)
The Pedestal on its 14th anniversary issuePoet Kevin Pilkingtonfor his recent workshop at MIT on poet Richard HugoBassist Larry Schwartzman for the Pope’s reassurance that all dogs go to heavenMusic archivist Jay Shulman for noting the passing of rocker Joe CockerPoet Linda Simone for this workshopped Emily Dickinson poem and inspired take on classical artWising Up Press for this call for poetry on siblings Weird Al Yankovic for taking a stand on correct language only as he canWe close this annogram with a quote from the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968):I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality.... I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.

Here’s to the final word.
Until next time,
Ann