Ann Cefola's Blog, page 7

December 7, 2017

your holiday annogram


Free Ferry Half-Price
Free Ferry is half-price through December 12. This book-length poem makes a great gift for the scientists and mathematicians in your life, and anyone appreciating a walk back through baby boomerhood or early nuclear history. My publisher has nominated Free Ferry  as one of the Best 21 Poetry Books of the 21st Century. You have to admire Ann Starr’s faith in her authors!

Review in the Woven Tale Press

Poet and artist Linda SimoneFor insight into Free Ferry , see its latest book review by poet Linda Simone in The Woven Tale Press .  An award-winning poet, Linda vividly describes the dual narratives while expertly drilling down into the poetic craft.  If you enjoy the review, read Linda’s own work—the wonderful Archeology (Flutter Press, 2014), and see her outstanding watercolors December 9 at Art on Broadway in San Antonio.

Fordham Tribute to Dr. Michael Cefola
Michael A. Cefola recalls his dadThanks to Fordham Associate Dean Carla Romney for arranging the tribute to Dr. Michael Cefola, professor of radiochemistry, whose groundbreaking microchemical techniques are routinely used today. 


Dr. Carla Romney presents Dr. Cefola's
groundbreaking thesis to Michael and meAssistant Chemistry Professor Robert Beer and I read from Free Ferry , and my husband, Fordham alum Michael Cefola, shared memories of Fordham and his father. Dean of the Fordham College Maura Mast, science faculty, and former students spoke, including
Convergence of Humanities and Sciences at CCNY
Dean Liss and I read from Free FerryCity College of New York also honored Dr. Cefola by hosting a roundtable on plutonium’s legacy at the Rifkind Center. Dean of Science Tony Lissand I first read from Free Ferry , before Philosophy Professors Elise Crull and Massimo Pigliucci, History Professor Danian Hu, and Dean Liss recalled plutonium’s origins, unethical uses, safer nuclear sources, and scientific narrative. My gratitude goes to Dean Liss, and to Dean of Humanities and Arts Erec Koch who ably hosted this memorable event.

Walter Lure at Bowery Electric
Lure (left) backs Thunders in London
circa 1978 - photo by Gus StewartWalter Lure, sole survivor of Johnny Thunders’ Heartbreakers, performed November 29th with an all-star lineup—Blondie’s drummer Clem Burke, Sex Pistols bassist Glen Matlock and Social Distortion’s guitarist Mike Ness.  

Lure (center) today
photo by Michael CefolaWalter’s college bandmate, my husband Michael, said it was like “seeing the Beatles at the Cavern Club.” The SRO audience cheered iconic hits such as “Chinese Rocks”, “Born to Lose” and “All By Myself.” The band continued to sold-out performances in LA, San Diego, and San Francisco—part of a nationwide revival of the late 70s punk scene.

Poets in Conversation and at Gordon Fine Arts
Surounded by exceptional artNorwalk Poet Laureate Laurel Peterson welcomed Robert Masterson and me to her Poets in Conversation Series in early November. Later that month, I had the pleasure of reading with Laurel at the Poets Stage at Gordon Fine Arts at the Stamford Town Center—thanks to Jerry T. Johnsonwho arranged the event. 


Howard Mandel on the Big Band Sound
Teddy Wilson, Lionel Hampton,
Benny Goodman and Gene Krupa on drumsWhich instrument was the “electric guitar” of the Big Bands? Read my interview with jazz critic Howard Mandel to find out. Mandel explores how war, race, and radio both advanced and held back the Big Band sound. Scroll to the end for Mandel’s delicious deconstruction of Count Basie’s “April in Paris.”  This, most popular of my LinkedIn interviews, has more than 500 views.

Shiva Moon Book Launch
Maxine Silvermanintroduced Shiva Moon (Ben Yehuda Press) last month at the Sundays with George Poetry Series in Tarrytown. Following the author’s journey mourning her father, Shiva Moon combines compelling imagery from nature and astronomy within the context of ancient Jewish tradition. This shimmering poetry makes a thoughtful gift to anyone recently bereaved.


New releases
Jim Daniels, Street Calligraphy (Steel Toe Books)
Elke Erb, The Up and Down of Feet: Poems 1994-2010 (Burning Deck), trans. Rosmarie Waldrop
Paol Keineg, Triste Tristan and Other Poems (Burning Deck), trans. Laura Marris and Rosmarie Waldrop
Jonathan Lewis, Babel On 
(L+S Press)

Laurel Peterson, Do You Expect Your Art to Answer? (FutureCycle Press)
Ivy Pochoda, Wonder Valley (Ecco)
Hélène Sanguinetti, Domaine des Englu é s (La Lettre Volée)
Maxine Silverman, Shiva Moon (Ben Yehuda Press)



Moosewood No-Fault Pumpkin Pies
You’ve seen this before —  but this year I discovered canned organic pumpkin, and gone are my pioneer-woman days of gutting and baking a whole pumpkin! My gratitude to Mollie Katzen of Moosewood fame for this truly no-fault pie. Get your Vitamin A on with this delicious seasonal recipe — makes two pies.
3 cups canned organic pumpkin puree 3/4 cup honey2 tablespoons molasses 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves3 teaspoons cinnamon 1 ½ teaspoons ginger1 teaspoon salt4 eggs, slightly beaten1 12-oz can evaporated milk2 frozen organic pie shells
Mix in order given. Pour into pie shell and bake 10 minutes at 450°F, then 40 minutes at 350°F, or till set. For a delicious pumpkin pudding, omit pie shell. Bake filling in buttered baking dish and serve with vanilla ice cream or heavy cream.

Poetry readings
Norwalk Public Library, December 7, 7pm, Duane Esposito and Ralph Nazareth
HVWC, December 8, 7:30pm, Melissa Febos and Nick Flynn, $10
Poet Patricia SmithPoetsHouse, December 8, Celebrating Patricia Smith, Mahogany Browne, Cornelius Eady, Rachel Eliza Griffiths, Ellen Hagan, Terrance Hayes, Randall Horton, Tyehimba Jess, Rachel McKibbens, Nicole Sealey, Leslie Shipman, Parneshia Jones, $10
92nd Street Y, December 13, 7:30pm, Memorial for John Ashbery, Elizabeth Hazan, Ann Lauterbach, Dara Wier, Trevor Winkfield
Metropolitan Pavilion, January 13, 7pm, Edward Hirsch, James Davis May

ʼRound the net
Translator Martha Collins on her article on many translations of one poem in Literary Hub
Artist Kathy GregoryPoet Gary Glauber for his poems in In Between Hangovers and The Paragon Journal
Artist Kathe Gregory for participating in last month’s Joy Street Open Studios
J Journal for its new website
Poet J. Chester Johnson for this wonderful video précis of his new book on translating the psalms
Hip Hop artist NasNYPL President Tony Marx for sharing renovations plans to the iconic midtown library
Poet John McMullen on becoming the Poet Laureate of Yorktown Heightsand for reading at the Veterans Gala of Putnam County last month
Outdoor Retailer Orvis for this much-needed Moment of Chill during the holidays
Poets and Writers for posting this interview of Hip Hop Artist Nas by Harvard Poetry Prof Elisa New
Poet Christina M. Rau on poems in Queen Mob’s TeaHouse
The Scottish Book Trust for making an audiobook of selected stories available to readers who are blind
Derek JeterPoet Linda Simone for letting us know about a Texas town called Poetry and on having her poem, “Things Closer Than They Appear,” read on It Matters Radio
Photographer Joe Vericker for sharing this great shot of young Derek Jeter
Photographer Elaine Whitman on her work in the Italian journal Immagine + Poesia
Poet Neal Whitman on poems in First Literary Review-East, Red Lights, and Immagine + Poesia , and on winning the Ina Coolbrith Circle Contest  3rd Prize and Tokutomi Haiku Contest 2nd Prize

At year-end, I want to thank you for your incredible support of Free Ferry – five-star Amazon ratings, expert book reviews; everyone who came to the June launch, purchased or gifted Free Ferry ; and all the scientists who dared read the bottom narrative with me in public – I am deeply moved by your generosity. May you find the courage and confidence to fulfill your own creative destiny — and to take time to celebrate loved ones and traditions in the holidays fast approaching.
See you, dear annogrammers, in the new year!
Until next time,
Ann

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Published on December 07, 2017 13:19

October 9, 2017

your radioactive annogram

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Published on October 09, 2017 13:36

your radioactive annogram


See Instagram time lineWhat’s all this about plutonium? The development of the first man-made element seventy-five years ago was no less than “the dream of medieval alchemists: transmuting lead into gold,” reflects the New York Times . Its little-known history forms the bottom narrative of Free Ferry , and a time line I created on Instagram which shares cringe-worthy moments—such as the unexpected spill of the world’s only plutonium.

Free Ferry Reading at Fordham – Rose Hill
I will read from Free Ferry Wednesday, October 11, as part of a celebration honoring a scientist who synthesized the first man-made element, plutonium. A professor of chemistry at Fordham, he will be remembered with tributes from family members, former students, and science professors. The event, which will be live-streamed, will take place 2:30-5:30pm in Flom Auditorium in the Walsh Library on the Rose Hill Campus, and a reception will follow.


Convergence of the Humanities and Sciences at CCNY
On Wednesday, October 18 at 4pm, I will be reading from Free Ferry at a Roundtable Discussion Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of Plutonium at CCNY.  Hosted by Dean of Science Tony Liss, the event will feature Philosophy Professors Elise Crull and Massimo Pigliucci, History Professor Danian Hu, and CCNY Dean of Humanities and Sciences Erec Koch.  The conversation, which will take place in The Rifkind Room, NAC 6/316, at 160 Convent Avenue in Manhattan, will be followed by a reception.


Alison McBain Interview

Alison McBainThanks to Alison McBain who interviewed me on her blog.  Alison is a widely published writer, poet, and book reviewer for Bewildering Stories , where she will review Free Ferry next month. It was a pleasure to read with Alison at the Stamford Arts Festival this past summer. You can hear Alison read flash fiction this Friday, October 13, at 7pm at the Best Video Film and Culture Center in Hamden, CT. 

The Anglican Auden

Think you know Auden, eh? If you don’t know his passion for preserving his Anglican roots, then you are missing the whole picture. Poet J. Chester Johnson has filled in the gaps in  Auden, the Psalms and Me  (Church Publishing, 2017).

WH Auden  (1907-1973) at OxfordThe Episcopal Church, updating its Book of Common Prayer in the late 60s, invited Auden to help retranslate the Psalms. When Auden had to give up this role upon his return to England, he wrote Johnson, his replacement, a memorable few letters. That’s the leaping-off point of this book which also gives a refreshing explanation of biblical poetic devices.
Johnson will discuss  Auden, the Psalms and Me  on Thursday, October 19, 6:30pm, at the Church of Heavenly Rest; Sunday, October 29, 2pm, at Poets House, with commentary by Cornelius Eady; and Tuesday, November 28, 6:30pm, at the Culture Center, with an introduction by Phillis Levin.


Laurel PetersonPoets in Conversation
Join me at the Norwalk Library on November 2 at 7pm for the Poets in Conversation Series hosted by Norwalk Poet Laureate Laurel Petersen.  Poet Robert Masterson and I will read, discuss the writing life, and take audience questions. Thanks to Laurel for this great opportunity!

Sunday with George at the J
Come hear me read at the Sunday with George Poetry Series at the JCC on the Hudson October 29 at 1:30pm. I am honored to join superb local poets Michael Carman, Susana Case, Ruth Handel, Ann Lauinger, Loretta Oleck, Natalie Safir, Michelle Seaman, Meredith Trede, and Estha Weiner. Our last reading together was extraordinary—so our host, poet and translator George Kraus, is putting the band back together again!


Creative opportunities
Miller ObermanLINES + STARS call for work on the theme “Inheritance”  The Ocotillo Review seeks / pays for short fiction, poetry, flash fiction and narrative nonfiction Jessica Hendry Nelson on Essay Associated: The Modern Lyric, October 11, 6pm, Slonim House, Sarah Lawrence

Writing Our Lives as Caregivers with Pauletta Hansel, October 14, 9am-noon, free

The Art of the Line with Carla Carlson, Sarah Lawrence Writing Institute, Tuesdays Oct. 14-Nov. 14, $450
Enjoying Poetry with Ruth Handel, Scarsdale Adult School, Tuesdays, Oct. 24-Dec.5, $180
Miller Oberman on Writing in the Ruins: The Poet as Translator, October 19, 2pm, Slonim House, Sarah Lawrence HVWC, Submission Sundays, open to HVWC members; contact HVWC for info



New releases
Auden, the Psalms and Me (Church Publishing) by J. Chester Johnson
Palindrome (Dos Madres Press) by Pauletta Hansel
Studied Days (Dos Madres Press) by Richard Hague


Lynne's Spiced Pumpkin Soup
You may have seen this here before but this time of year demands a reprint! This delicious recipe is from The New Laurel's Kitchen , sort of a Joy of Cooking for vegetarians.
1 small pumpkin (about 10 cups diced) 3 carrots3/4 tsp. black mustard seed1/4 to 1/2 c. veggie broth1/2 onion, chopped1/2 tsp. each turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, ginger3/4 c. powdered or regular skim milk 2 tsp. honey1 tsp. salt
Peel and chop pumpkin and carrots, and simmer in water to cover until tender. Toward end of cooking, heat nonstick skillet over medium heat. When hot, add mustard seeds. Cover pan and keep over medium-high heat until popping of seeds begins to die down, then immediately add 1/4 c. broth or more as needed, and onion; reduce heat. Cook and stir until onion is translucent. Measure spices while onion cooks; stir into the mixture and cook on low heat for a minute until fragrant. Turn into pumpkin pot, using a cup of cooking water to rinse spice pan into soup pot. Use hand-blender to puree seasoned pumpkin and carrots in their cooking liquid, adding milk, honey and salt to taste. Makes 10 cups. 

Poetry readings / literary or artistic events
Pete’s, October 13, 7pm, Ben Gantcher, Karen Hildebrand, Susan Miller
Henri deToulouse-Lautrec (1864-1901)Byram Shubert Library, October 14, 3pm, "Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in Context," Beth Gersh-Nesic, register here
The Room, October 14, 7pm, Rachel Coonce, Dustin Renwick, Evyan Roberts, Michael Salcman
The Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum, October 16, 3pm, Jana Prikryl
Scarsdale Library, October 19, 7pm, Estha Weiner and other Westchester Review poets
HVWC, Open Mic, October 20, 7:30pm, Michael Collins
Joseph-Beth Booksellers, October 24, 7pm, Robert Collins, Richard Hague
National Arts Club, October 24, Billy Collins, Aracelis Girmay, Major Jackson, Ada Limón, Jim Moore, Marilyn Nelson, Katha Pollitt, Poetry in Motion benefit, $260  
Graduate Center at CUNY, the Skylight Room, October 31, 6:30pm, Victor Hernández Cruz
Katonah Village Library, November 5, 4pm, Carla Funk, $10

'Round the Net
Memoirist Sarah Bracey White on the big welcome she received on her hometown book tour

Art Historian Beth Gersh-Nesic for curating the Bosom Bodies Exhibit, benefiting SISTAAH

Bosom Bodies artist Clarity Haynes with curator Beth Gersh-Nesic
Poet Gary Glauber for work in The Bees Are Dead and Sheila-Na-Gig
Artist Kathe Gregoryon her first open studio, October 14 and 15, noon-6pm, at Midway Studios
Main Street Rag Press for offering an advanced sale price for Of Burgers and Barrooms

The New York Public Library for its staff picks for October

The Pedestal Magazine for its war issue
Poet and artist Linda Simone for sharing San Antonio’s “Human Library”concept
University Professors Press for my poem, “Trackside Commissary,” in the anthology Silent Screams


So excited to read Free Ferry at Fordham and City College in a few days! I am grateful to see the story work on and draw in new readers.  Many of you have emailed me specific praise, and if you could share your feedback on Amazon, that would be a welcome gift in this my birthday month.
Happy autumn, everyone—leaves are just turning here in New York and we hope crisper temperatures follow.
Until next time,
Ann


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Published on October 09, 2017 13:26

September 13, 2017

your september annogram


Solar eclipse in the northeast
Photo by Michael CefolaHow amazing the eclipse, even at 60 percent partiality! Thanks to my astronomer husband Michael, we had great views through a solar telescope for the full four hours as the moon moved along the sun’s bottom edge. 
Less high-tech, a colander spread dozens of crescent-sun disks over our deck. Wildlife seemed noisier as light slightly dimmed, and the air cooled. Get your solar sunglasses now for the next one—in seven years!

Free Ferry at Fordham University
As you may know, one of Free Ferry ’s dual narratives follows one of the scientists who isolated plutonium. That scientist was a professor at Fordham, and I am delighted that I will be reading at the Rose Hill Campusas part of a STEM event recognizing the 75th anniversary of his achievement. Come to Flom Auditorium at the Walsh Library on October 11, from 2:30-5:30pm, to hear multiple speakers and enjoy a reception. The event is free and public welcome.

JohnMac Radio Show
What a great time talking with poet and program host John F. McMullen, aka “JohnMac”!  We covered writer workshops, ways writers can increase literary credits, joys of the online course ModPo, and a dose of politics. You can hear the hour-long interview in this podcast, and be sure to listen to those with Edward Ahern and Susana H. Case.

Ann Starr on Outsider Art
Ann StarrWhat does it take to create a small press? A lot of gumption, and in Ann Starr’s case, a leap of faith.  Discover how she relies on intuition, and how literature deepened her understanding of visual arts and music. Most needed? Not advanced degrees, extensive training, or cultural approval—only the realization that “the human heart is at the center of all.” Read on.

Deborah Coulter at the Alexander Gallery
Deborah CoulterDeborah Coulter, an artist excelling in charcoal, drawing, and collage, will participate in a Faculty Show at the Marjorie and Norman Alexander Gallery at the JCC of Mid-Westchester. Deborah, an instructor at the Summer Arts Center, calls teaching there “a joy.” The exhibit, September 17 – October 12, is open Monday-Thursday, 8:30am-8pm; Friday, 8:30-5pm; and Sunday, 8am-4pm.

Baring Breasts in Peekskill and Bethlehem
"Bosom Bodies,” an exhibit honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month, will be October 7 - 29, at the SIA Gallery; opening October 7, 3-6pm, and closing performances and panel on October 29, 3-5pm. A complementary exhibit, Clarity Haynes: Bearing Witness, The Breast Portrait Project, 1998 – Present at Payne Gallery, also curated by Beth Gersh-Nesic, runs September 7-October 15 in Bethlehem, PA.

Creative opportunities


Keetje KuipersBeta readers needed for art historian/novelist – email laura@lauramorelli.com
Keetje Kuipers on Beyond the Precious Self: Publishing Your Failed Poem, September 26, 2pm
Loose Moose Publishing Poetry Contest by December 1
New Millennium Writing Awards by November 30
New York Encounter Poetry Contest judged by Dana Gioia – by November 7

New releases

Auden, the Psalms and Me  by J. Chester Johnson (Church Publishing)
Carpeing the Diem  by David Lee Garrison (Dos Madres Press)
15 Flower World Variations  – revised (The Operating System) by Jerome Rothenberg
Indra's Net: An international anthology of poetry in aid of The Book Bus  (Bennison Press) The Oligarch  by James Sherry (Palgrave MacMillan)
The Standing Eight  by Adam Berlin (Finishing Line Press)
Technicians of the Sacred  - 50th anniversary ed. (Univ. of California Press) by Jerome Rothenberg

Curried Squash Soup
This recipe from The Perfect Wife Restaurant is probably the most delicious soup I’ve had in a long time. 
1 large onion2 ribs celery1 T. chopped garlic3 T. curry powder4 c. zucchini, rough chop4 c. summer squash, rough chop½ c. white wine2 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1” chunks½ gallon chicken or vegetable stock¾ c. heavy cream
Chop onion and celery roughly.  Sweat in butter with garlic.  Add curry powder and toast a few minutes.  Add squash and wine.  Deglaze.  Add stock and potatoes.  Simmer till potatoes are soft.  Puree using a hand blender, adding cream slowly.  Season with salt and white pepper. 


Poetry readings / literary events

Marianne Moore (1887-1972)Brooklyn Book Festival, September 11-17, Kaveh Akbar, Will Brewer, Carolyn Forché, Robin Coste Lewis, Layli Long Soldier, Aja Monet, Meghan O'Rourke, Morgan Parker, Tommy Pico, Erika L. Sánchez, sam sax, Nicole Sealey, Danez Smith, Mai Der Vang, Javier Zamora
Center for Fiction, September 13, 7pm – Daniel Handler, Emma Straub
Pacific Standard, September 13, 8pm – Jerry T Johnson
Charlie RauhBrooklyn Public Library, September 15, 8:30pm – Marianne Moore Tribute: Heather Cass White, Patrick Breen, Eleanor Chai, Timothy Donnelly, Margo Jefferson, Maureen N. McLane, Maria Tucci
HVWC, September 15, Open Mic, 7:30pm, $5
Park Plaza Restaurant, September 16, 2:30pmAlice B. Fogel, Howard Pflanzer, Christina M. Rau, $5
HVWC, September 17, 4:30pm – Jill Bialosky, Susana H. Case, Caroline Smith, $10
Woody Tanger Auditorium, September 18, 11am, Sandra Cisneros
Shetler Studios and Theatres, September 20-October 7, “Blood  Boundary,” by Cherokee playwright Vicki Lynn Mooney

Terrance Hayes
Photo credit: MacArthur FoundationRockwood Music Hall,
September 21, 9pm, Charlie Rauh new album,
Viriditas, release




Katonah Village Library, September 24, 4pm, Terrance Hayes, $10
Cave Canem, September 22, 6:30pm, Patrick Rosal
Hauser + Wirth, September 28, 7pm – Charles Bernstein, Sergio Bessa on Mira Schendel
Lillian Vernon Creative Writers House, September 28, 7pm – Meghan O'Rourke 
Cecilia VicuñaKelly Writers House, September 28, 6pm – Jerome Rothenberg, Charles Bernstein, Ron Silliman, Rochelle Owens, George Economou, Laynie Brown, Michelle TaranskyAhmad Almallah, Julia Bloch, Ariel Resnikoff
Howl Happenings Gallery, October 1, 7pm – Jerome Rothenberg, Cecilia Vicuña
Papa SussoPoets House, October 3, 7pm – Jerome Rothenberg, Anne Waldman, Cecilia Vicuña, Bob Holman, Papa Susso, George Quasha, Ariel Resnikoff, Stuart Cooke.
Trinity Church Wall Street
October 8, 1pm – J. Chester Johnson on Auden
The Backroom – Local 138, October 10, 6pm – Drugstore Blue by Susanna H. Case release: Mervyn Taylor, Jennifer Franklin, Elizabeth Haukaas, Myra Malkin, Lynn McGee, Margo Taft Stever, Meredith Trede, Estha Weiner

ʼRound the Net

Jessica Helen LopezProfessor Al Filreis for 64 indispensable Ashbery poemsand this transcribed interview
Art Historian/Curator Beth Gersh-Nesic for honoring Michael Richards in the Francis M. Naumanncatalog of the late sculptor’s current exhibit
Editor-in-chief Cindy Hochman for an amazing new issue of First Literary Review-East
Christina RauProfessor Paul Mariani for this insightful look at the work of John Ashbery
Poet Mary McCray for this inspiring video “starring” Albuquerque Laureate Jessica Helen Lopez
Art Historian Laura Morelli for her Ted-Ed video on the difference between art and craft
Poet Christina Rau for poems published in Grasslimb and Whale Road Review
Poet/artist Linda Simone for sharing this hilarious poem that skewers “some” poetry profs Photo by Mike Virsinger
Astrophotographer Mike Virsinger for this amazing total eclipse photo
Filmmaker Frederick Wiseman for his documentary on the New York Public Library
The New Yorker for the National Book Award longlist for poetry


Ode to Ashbery

John Ashbery (1927-2017)What an eventful few weeks—eclipse, hurricanes, and loss of John Ashbery, which is its own devastation. As a teen feeling my way toward poetry, I cut this poem out of the New York Times and first pinned it on my bulletin board, then taped it into a journal. Its lyric mediated the world in an intuitive way that felt oddly comforting; I did not understand it nor did I need to. Three decades later, when I despaired over my work ever gaining traction, its author awarded me the Robert Penn Warren Award. Life changed. Something invisible had been conferred, and I received it. Maybe it emanated from the now-brown clipping preserved in my girlhood journal; maybe it was mystery, more likely desire-starched awe.
These Lacustrine CitiesThese lacustrine cities grew out of loathingInto something forgetful, although angry with history.They are the product of an idea: that man is horrible, for instance,   Though this is only one example.
They emerged until a towerControlled the sky, and with artifice dipped backInto the past for swans and tapering branches,Burning, until all that hate was transformed into useless love.
Then you are left with an idea of yourselfAnd the feeling of ascending emptiness of the afternoon   Which must be charged to the embarrassment of others   Who fly by you like beacons.
The night is a sentinel.Much of your time has been occupied by creative gamesUntil now, but we have all-inclusive plans for you.We had thought, for instance, of sending you to the middle of the desert,
To a violent sea, or of having the closeness of the others be air   To you, pressing you back into a startled dreamAs sea-breezes greet a child’s face.But the past is already here, and you are nursing some private project.
The worst is not over, yet I knowYou will be happy here. Because of the logicOf your situation, which is something no climate can outsmart.   Tender and insouciant by turns, you see
You have built a mountain of something,Thoughtfully pouring all your energy into this single monument,   Whose wind is desire starching a petal,Whose disappointment broke into a rainbow of tears.
— John Ashbery



Until next time,Ann


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Published on September 13, 2017 19:52

August 16, 2017

your august eclipse annogram


Reading at Stamford Arts Festival


En plein air
photo by Carol BoothThanks to Jerry T. Johnson for inviting me to read from Free Ferry at the Stamford Arts Festival! Our Harbor Point amphitheater featured poets Edward Ahern, Gil Fagiani, Lisa Pierce Flores, Alison McBain Lisa Pierce Flores, John F. McMullen, Shana Melton, and Roberta Bisgyer. Jerry demonstrated on-the-spot composing skill by interviewing me and then reciting a poem that referenced Mt. Washington and the blues! Trust me, it made perfect sense.

More reviews on Free Ferry
My gratitude to Mom Egg Review ’s Book Editor Bunny Goodjohn for Grace Gardiner’s work, and to Lines+Stars Editor Rachel Cloud Adams for James Lord Parker’s article.  Authors can only pray for such thoughtful, in-depth reviews—they feel like manna from heaven. If you have not yet shared your feedback on Amazon, please do!  Almost 20 five-star reviews, and I am grateful to everyone who took time to post.

Ann on the John Mac Show
Tune your computers on August 27, at 7pm, as I have the honor to appear on the JohnMac Radio Show. John F. McMullen, poet and broadcaster, has interviewed poets such as Aliki Barnstone, Patricia Carragon, and Amy Holman. I look forward to our conversation, and hope you can join us!


Jimmy Santiago Baca on Faith, Magic and Writing
Jimmy Santiago BacaWhat does the acclaimed poet say about writing?  Pretty much: just do it. But starting unleashes a host of characters, forces, turns and twists that both delight and confound. In his new webinar series, he guides writers past the obstacles—with one simple rule: get to the end.  To learn more from this award-winning multi-genre author, read on.


Salty Workshop with Norwalk’s Poet Laureate

"Dredging for Oysters"
by Alexander RummlerOn Thursday, August 24, 3-5pm, Laurel Peterson, Norwalk’s Poet Laureate, will lead a Poetry Workshop inspired by "Oystering Then and Now," the current exhibit in the Mayor's Gallery. Limited to 10, participants will first meet in the gallery with curator Melissa Slattery to discuss Alexander Rummler’s WPA oystering murals before writing. A $10 donation will go to the Norwalk Historical Society Museum. Register here.

Open Mic Night at Hudson Valley Writers Center
Did you know that HVWC hosts a monthly Open Mic?  All genres welcome—fiction, non-fiction, poetry...music, comedy, storytelling, Friday, August 18, at 7:30pm. Featured: Vincent Bazzano.  Be on time to sign up for your five-minute slot. Suggested $5 donation. 


Laurel PetersonCreative opportunities
August 24 Poetry Workshop, 3-5pm, with Laurel Peterson, $10August 1 – October 1, Presence: A Journal of Catholic Poetry , call for work


New releases

Drugstore Blue by Susanna Case (Five Oaks Press)
Calling the Names by Mark Saba (David Robert Books)
Ghost Tracks: Stories of Pittsburgh Past by Mark Saba(Big Table Publishing)





Solar eclipse on August 21


Westchester Amateur Astronomers will host a partial (see this website for path of totality) eclipse event at the Harrison Library, Monday, August 21.  Early phases start at 1:23 pm, reach maximum at 2:45pm, and end at 4pm. Use proper eye protection when viewing partial stages.  If you have solar eclipse glasses, you need to verify they are not bogus. Virginia Beach 1970
photo by Michael Cefola
NEVER look at the sun directly through binoculars or a telescope unless they are fitted with solar filters and you know what you are doing. Using polarized sunglasses and X-ray film may permanently blind your eyes. A pinhole projection is suggested in this article from Sky and Telescope.


Eclipse Cookies

So many of you are heading south or west to enjoy totality Monday, August 21.  We say this rare event merits cookies, and maybe a reading of A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court ! At least cookies and a glass of milk . . . Twain would approve.
Thanks to Parade for the recipe1 (16 ½ oz) package refrigerated sugar cookie dough or buy a package of sugar cookies or ginger snaps4 cups powdered sugar, divided1 tsp lemon juice2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder6 Tbsp warm water, dividedYellow food coloringSalt
If baking cookies, bake per package directions and cool completely. In medium bowl, mix 2 cups powdered sugar and pinch of salt; stir in 3 Tbsp warm water and 1 tsp lemon juice. Ice flat sides of cookies, covering from one-eighth to almost completely. Freeze 10 minutes or until set. In medium bowl, mix 2 cups powdered sugar, 2 Tbsp cocoa and 3 Tbsp warm water. Spread chocolate icing on un-iced portions to represent moon covering sun. Refrigerate 5 minutes or until set. Makes 2 dozen. Thanks to Parade for the recipe.


Poetry events / readings
HVWC, August 18, Vincent Bazzano, $5
Cynthia ManickBryant Park Reading Room, Tuesdays, 7pm; August 22: Nathan McClain, Christina Pugh, Grace Bonner, Allison Benis White; August 29, Cynthia Manick, Ladan Osman,Iain Haley Pollock,Teri Cross Davis,Oliver Baez Bendorf; September 5, Tina Kelley, Jeanne Marie Beaumont, Kevin Carey, Joseph Legaspi;  September 12: Rachel B. Glaser, Emily Skillings, Geofrey Hilsabeck; September 19:Charlie Bondhus, Tony Leuzzi, Kathleen Ossip, David Groff, Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie; September 26: Danniel Schoonebeek, Jill Bialosky, Simone White, Phillip B. Williams 

St. Thomas Episcopal Church, August 27, 10am, J. Chester Johnson on Auden

Prismatic Park, August 29, 30, 31; September 2, 3; 12-5pm, Donna Masini, interactive poetry exercises

Poets House Kray Hall, September 16, 4pm, Joy Passanante


'Round the Net


Shana Melton
photo by Michael HolsteinPoet Edward Ahern for poems in Longshot Island

Poet Gary Glauber for poems appearing in Tuck and The Courtship of Winds

Poet and artistShana Melton for her Bridgeport, CT Writers Group

The New York Public Library’s August book recommendations

Poet and bassist James Lord Parker for poems appearing in Sewer Lid

Art Historian Laura Morelli for tips on how to shop in Florence

Poet and artist Linda Simone for this TedTalk on finding your life’s purpose


May the solar eclipse hold good omens for us all! Thanks for sharing the many ways you are reading Free Ferry —top narrative first, bottom next, and then each page.  It’s not unusual for people to read the book four or five times!  It’s deeply rewarding to me that Free Ferry is delighting people who normally do not read poetry.  Such joy!

Until next time,
Ann

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Published on August 16, 2017 13:50

August 7, 2017

July 24, 2017

your midsummer annogram


Free Ferry gains momentum
Thanks to everyone who continues to purchase, read, and gift Free Ferry with such enthusiasm. I am excited to be reading at events this fall at CUNY and Fordhamcelebrating the 75th anniversary of the isolation of plutonium—a largely unknown history and the bottom narrative in Free Ferry
Imagine my shock when I walked into this Vermont scene that matched the cover of the book! 

More good news
Select translations from Hélène Sanguinetti’s Et voici la chanson (Editions de L’Amandier, 2012) and Le Héros (Flammarion, 2008) will appear respectively in Transference and St. Petersburg Review .  I can’t wait to read Hélène’s latest, Domain des englu és (Lettre Volee).  In addition, Main Street Rag Press will publish “Trackside Commissary” in its anthology Of Burgers and Barrooms .

Stamford Arts Festival
I will be reading Saturday, July 29, at 2pm at the Stamford Arts Festival. Poets include Edward Ahern, Alison McBain, Lisa Pierce Flores, and Roberta Strom. In the morning, stop by and a poet will write a poem just for you! Or lend your voice in a group reading of well-known poems. Thanks to Jerry T. Johnson for organizing the 10am – 5pm event at Harbor Point, which repeats with more poets Sunday.

Ron Tanner in the Middle of the Pacific
Ron Tanner’s youth in the Marshall Islands led to his wry, politically complex novel, Missile Paradise (Ig Publishing, 2016). In my interview with him, he reveals the surprising advice he gives new writers. The long-time professor and former AWP head also weighs in if his multiple interests limit or advance his creativity.  I’ve learned from this generous writer and so will you!

Touring Vermont backroads
Rustic Vermont farmMy amazing girlfriends surprised me with a backroads adventure! In a comfortable mini-bus, we enjoyed views of Mt. Equinox and one or two of Manchester’s multimillion-dollar homes. Our guide, Sharon, shared demographics on today’s Vermonters—everyone from former CEOs and the Chief of the Abenaki Tribe, to artisans, telecommuters, and farmers.
Communing with alpacaA downpour prevented a hike into the Merck Forest, so we headed to a gift shop to sample three grades of maple syrup.  At an alpaca farm, the camel-like beasts stared at us with their otherworldly black eyes. Finally, we passed the Cephas Kent house, considered the birthplace of Vermont, 14th state to join the union. 
Such fun—and thanks to Sharon who epitomizes a Yankee welcome.

Linda SimoneSimone and Smith at the Tobin
Watercolorist Linda Simone is excited to be exhibiting artwork at the Tobin Library in San Antonio with her good and talented friend Vera Smith. "If you're in the neighborhood," Linda says, "please stop by and take a look!" The paintings will be up through the first week in September.
NYC Poetry Festival
The free NYC Poetry Festival takes place July 29-30, 11am - 6pm, on Governors Island. Be sure to see annogram friends Christine Beck, Susana H. Case,and Gary Glauber Saturday at 1:30pm, and  Meredith Trede, Mervyn Taylor, and Estha Weiner Sunday at noon—all on the Algonquin Stage.

Mad for ModPo
Emily Dickinson (1830-1886)What’s it like to take a comprehensive Ivy League poetry course? Sign up for ModPo. The University of Pennsylvania’s 10-week course in modern and contemporary US poetry, opens September 9—free, online, open to all. New poems and videos will be featured in ModPoPLUS and its Teacher Resource Center will help instructors teach the poetry. Enroll here.


The Perfect Wife and the Other Woman
I always mocked the title of this Manchester, Vermont restaurantuntil my friends and I dined there after our backroads tour—that is, in the Other Woman Tavern, on a lovely patio overlooking a wildflower garden.  Wow!  Was the meal extraordinary! Chef-owner Amy Chamberlin has a spectacular menu in a picturesque country setting.  To celebrate this find, I offer a recipe from her baker.


Amber’s Strawberry Shortcake
2 ½ cups flour
1/3 cup sugar plus extra for dusting
1 ¼ tsp. baking powder
¾ tsp. salt
2 ½ sticks butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
1 scant cup milk, whisked with
3 eggs1/4 cup heavy creamTwo pints strawberries
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine dry ingredients. Cut in chilled butter. Mix in eggs and milk (leave lumpy). Pour into greased and floured 10-inch cake pan or 12 muffin tins. Bake 25-30 minutes. Brush with heavy cream and sprinkle with sugar as they come out of the oven. Cool in pans 10 minutes, then turn out. Serve room temp or slightly warm with fresh, local, lightly sweetened strawberries.
Creative opportunities
Action Theater Improv August workshops in Brooklyn, $15 each


Hélène SanguinettiNew releases
How a Poem Can Happen (Red Spruce Press)
Domain des englues (Lettre Volee) by Hélène Sanguinetti







Readings / events Ruth Irupé Sanabria
Bryant Park, August 1, 7pm, poets Ruth Irupé Sanabria, Jose B. Gonzalez, Emanuel XavierYesenia Montilla
HVWC, August 6, 4:30pm, poets Theresa Senato Edwards, Howie Faerstein, Paul Richmond, Cheryl Rice, Neil Silberblatt, $10
HVWC, August 16, Liz Burk, Carla Carlson, Gillian Cummings, Anne Graue, Ruth Handel, Caroline Holme, Melissa Ragsly, $10 Hanif Willis-Abdurraqib
Poets House, Kray Hall, August 3, 7pm, Aziza Barnes, Ching-In, Hanif Willis-Abdurraqib, DéLana R. A. Dameron
Prismatic Park at Madison Square Park, Joshua Bennett in The Envy of the World, August 15-20, 12-5pm
Bryant Park, August 29, 7pm, Cave Canem poets Teri Cross Davis, Cynthia Manick, Ladan Osman, Iain Haley Pollock

ʾRound the Net
More alpacaBackroad Discovery Tours for its fantastic sampler tour through southern Vermont
Curator and art historian Beth Gersh-Nesic for this definitive list of must-see summer art shows
Poet Gary Glauberon having two poems in Pamplemousse
Poet Cindy Hochmanfor her poemin Unbroken Journal
Novelist Petra Lewisfor her speech at A Better Chanceon artists prospering in the digital age
Lines + Stars Journal for its half-dozen Best of the Net nominees Tracy K. Smith
The New York Public Library for its summer reading recommendations
Poet Linda Simonefor discovering the high art of the Lamp Shade Lady
Poet Tracy K. Smithon being named our new US Poet Laureate
Novelist Ron Tannerfor addressing practical questions writers have on his website
Writer’s Relief for Seven Signs a Literary Magazine is A Good Fit


Ah, midsummer! May you relax into its deep greens and oncoming August golds. As I close this annogram, I am grateful for your embrace of Free Ferry . So many say it uncannily reflects our world. If you’ve read Free Ferry , please go to Amazonand Goodreadsto review it. Thanks, and wishing you your own summer adventures!
Until next time,
Ann
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Published on July 24, 2017 15:48

July 21, 2017

June 30, 2017