1 week ago
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
I Want to Use a Theremin During My Poetry Readings.
DeVotchKa "C'est Ce La" from Marshall J. Baumgartner on Vimeo.
The above video is of DeVotchKa performing their song "C'est Ce La," live at The Vogue in Indianapolis.
Dig the theremin. ;-)
***
Speaking of theremins, wouldn't it be an interesting poetry reading prop? I know a couple of poets have a shtick, maybe the theremin could be mine. I'd open each reading with the Original Star Trek Theme Song. I'd boldly take the audience where no man has gone before . . .
***
As you can see, I'm a bit loopy. I need a vacation and it's coming up. The family and I are heading over to Ontario, OR, as I've mentioned in previous posts. Ontario's my childhood home. It may be the last time I see the place for a long time since my parents are moving to Bellingham. They just bought a house in town. Let me tell you, Meredith and I are relieved. We love L., we just need help. Our house is way out in the country, so our working logistics are complicated. We've been handing off L. between classes. Meredith's classes end at 11:50AM and mine start right at 12PM. We literally hand the baby off in his stroller in the hallway. With my parents moving here, not only do we get free babysitting, but Meredith and I will also get time to actually spend time together. As I've mentioned before, I've not seen a movie in a movie theater since this summer and there are a number of films I want to watch.
***
My uncles and aunts will also be going to my parents' house for Thanksgiving. It'll be very crowded. Growing up, we had no family in the states. For the most part, we were the only Filipino family for miles. My dad has successfully petitioned all his brothers and sisters over for citizenship and most of them live in Portland, OR. So not only will my parents be closer to us, but they'll be closer to my aunts and uncles on my father's side. That's a relief for me as an only child. My parents are getting older. It's visible, the way they move around now. They're still quite active, but they're slower and they're very concerned about our hilly Western Washington.
Ack, didn't mean to be glum. The bottom line is we'll have a crowded and happy banquet come Thursday.
***
L. just squawked at Gordon on Sesame Street. I squawk at Gordon too. Dude was around when I was watching Sesame Street and he aged very well.
***
Current spins: Calexico's "Carried to Dust," and The Rachel's "Songs for Egon Schiele." The Rachel's is good writing music. Very moody.
Current reads: I'm ashamed to say that I've been reading these books and nothing "literary."
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Sunday Interlude: A Conversation with Mama de la Paz
[Telephone Rings]
ME: Hello?
MOM: How's Lucas?
ME: Um, hi mom.
MOM: How's Lucas? What's he doing? Can you put him on the phone?
ME: Sure. (putting the phone next to Lucas)
LUCAS: (breathing heavily and reaching for the receiver)
ME: How's that? He's playing with something right now so he's a little distracted.
MOM: Oh. Your Tita bought him some clothes.
ME: Great! (hears a slot machine sound in the background) Um, is that a slot machine?
MOM: We're at the airport.
ME: What? Why are you at the airport?
MOM: We went to Las Vegas. I told you that. Didn't I?
ME: No.
MOM: I don't like Las Vegas anymore. The Mirage is changed. I couldn't find the buffet, and when I did, it was $27. They had a Japanese food section, a Chinese section, a Thai section. (slot machine sound in the background)
ME: Um, are you playing a slot machine now?
MOM: Yes. I put five dollars in. I have to go. Bye. (hangs up phone)
ME: Mom? Bye.
***
Neil Young fans, go here
ME: Hello?
MOM: How's Lucas?
ME: Um, hi mom.
MOM: How's Lucas? What's he doing? Can you put him on the phone?
ME: Sure. (putting the phone next to Lucas)
LUCAS: (breathing heavily and reaching for the receiver)
ME: How's that? He's playing with something right now so he's a little distracted.
MOM: Oh. Your Tita bought him some clothes.
ME: Great! (hears a slot machine sound in the background) Um, is that a slot machine?
MOM: We're at the airport.
ME: What? Why are you at the airport?
MOM: We went to Las Vegas. I told you that. Didn't I?
ME: No.
MOM: I don't like Las Vegas anymore. The Mirage is changed. I couldn't find the buffet, and when I did, it was $27. They had a Japanese food section, a Chinese section, a Thai section. (slot machine sound in the background)
ME: Um, are you playing a slot machine now?
MOM: Yes. I put five dollars in. I have to go. Bye. (hangs up phone)
ME: Mom? Bye.
***
Neil Young fans, go here
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Sexy Sexy
MiPo's Sexy Issue is up! Check it out here. There's a great interview with Terrence Hayes.
***
Speaking of sexy, here's Jenny Lewis:
Strangely, she's also here on the Bolt soundtrack. I wonder if she was "drop[ing] acid on [her] tongue" for this newer production? Gotta love her, though.
***
Rec. letters that were on my plate are now finished. I can now resume my normal life. My students are great, but some of them really need to research their prospective schools. Some of them just don't fit the school's aesthetic at all. Perhaps, though, that's the point. Maybe they're trying to go in a different direction, though I doubt this is truly their intent.
***
Thanks to CDY for my latest internet addiction. I'm currently listening to a sample of Ryan Adams.
***
Speaking of sexy, here's Jenny Lewis:
Strangely, she's also here on the Bolt soundtrack. I wonder if she was "drop[ing] acid on [her] tongue" for this newer production? Gotta love her, though.
***
Rec. letters that were on my plate are now finished. I can now resume my normal life. My students are great, but some of them really need to research their prospective schools. Some of them just don't fit the school's aesthetic at all. Perhaps, though, that's the point. Maybe they're trying to go in a different direction, though I doubt this is truly their intent.
***
Thanks to CDY for my latest internet addiction. I'm currently listening to a sample of Ryan Adams.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Warm Sounds
Mr. Bobby "Blue" Bland for you. I first heard "Two Steps from the Blues" when I was in grad school at ASU. I was over at Michael Guerra and Thea Kuticka's house and Michael had this song playing during a party. They had stained cement floors throughout their rental house, so the sound kicked into every single room. On top of that, the deep tones of this particular song shook the windows. Wow.
***
Speaking of my ASU days, much has been made of the current crop of potential grad students who have asked for letters of recommendation from me. And I've been a bit whiny, so sorry for that. Thinking back on what I did for grad school, I was no different. I had been a pre-med student prior to my rebirth, but a lot of the core principles of my pre-med lessons were still intact--namely when you want to get into med. school, you've got to apply to a lot of schools because it's ultra competitive. So I applied that practice when I applied to MFA programs. From the top of my head, here's where I applied back in 1995:
American University
Arizona State University
Emerson
Penn State University
University of Maryland
University of Oregon
University of Pittsburgh
University of Virginia
Mind you, there weren't as many MFA programs out there. I didn't apply to U of Iowa because, well, as you can see, most of my selections were coastal or semi-coastal. I didn't want to live in the Midwest because I had been living in Los Angeles for five years and I figured I wouldn't be able to stomach the cold (sorry Midwest people). I got into all the schools I applied to except UVA.
ASU called me first and they were actually the VERY last application I had filled out. I even had to send it via FedEx because I was running out of time. If I remember correctly, the deadline for the ASU app. was at the end of January and I received a call from them the second week of February. Penn State and U of Oregon called me, maybe a week or two after ASU accepted me. Then came U Maryland and U Pitt. Emerson and American never called me, they just sent me a mailed acceptance letter. UVA's rejection letter came fairly early, like in the early months of February.
Anyway, what I'm trying to say about this whole process is that I don't think it's the same process any longer. I think it's much more competitive. There are a lot more schools and there's a lot more attraction to MFA programs for undergrads. Additionally, a lot of schools are now creating Creative Writing majors, which really wasn't happening when I was in school. Mind you, these are my observations. They're not based on any statistics or statistical analysis. It's just what I see.
So I GET why my students are applying to so many schools. Totally.
***
Almost done with the letters, so I'll get parts of my life back soon. Until then, I've got three letters I have to create and a few more that I have to print and stuff into envelopes.
***
The budget crunch has hit Washington State and I'm worried, especially since WWU is a state school. We're a union school now, so there's a bit of a safety net, but still, something will get squeezed at it will affect the family in some way, I'm sure.
***
I want to go to a movie.
***
I know what I want for Christmas . . . how about debt relief?
***
Currently reading American Born Chinese for my Asian American Lit. class next quarter. The special theme of the course will be Asian American Masculinity--because I am the prime example of the Asian American male (chuckle).
Currently spinning Paste Magazine Sampler #49.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Spindizzy
Kid Koala on the turntables, ladies and gents. One in a line of many Asian American turntable gurus. And damn, how did he know exactly where the individual notes were on the record?
***
I've been chatting (grumbling) about all the requests for letters of recommendation that I've been receiving and I've been having conversations with Mere about why I do so many. Because of the sheer volume of the requests this year, I've been a bit grumpy about the process, but you know, I chose to be an artist in academia in order to support fledgling artists. Does that take away from what I do in poetry? Sometimes--these rec. letters are difficult and time consuming, but ultimately this is the path I chose.
It's not for everyone. There are lots of non-poetry things that I have to do in order to be a part of academia and, I'm sure you're all aware, that sometimes it can seem like hoop-jumping.
Still, there's nothing more gratifying than when an undergraduate student that you've been working with closely has been accepted into a grad school (not just in poetry, but in any discipline).
I was a teacher before I was a poet--when I was an undergrad at Loyola Marymount, I was a chemistry T.A. and a biology T.A.. This was long before I decided to go into the writing field. So, I've had the teaching bug for awhile now. Handling the teaching bug takes effort and so does writing rec. letters.
Okay, I've talked myself back into finishing up my rec. letters. Thanks for listening to me talk myself off of the roof.
***
Heading to Eastern Oregon for Thanksgiving. While I'm looking forward to seeing my family I'm not excited at all to be driving ten hours with an 7-month-old. Yuck.
***
Current spins--The Grey Album. I could tell you how I acquired this illegal bit of art, but I won't. I did not obtain it from the link, I can tell you that much.
Current readsNational Geographic Magazine.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
I Sometimes Don't Know What I'm Talking About
First, go here and check out these MP3's of Johnny Cash singing with Bob Dylan: An Aquarium Drunkard's Music Blog.
Then, tell me . . . isn't it Miranda July in this Blonde Redhead video? Strange.
***
Other music news, Neil Young is going to release a 1968 Live Album. I heard the "Sugar Mountain" track here.
***
A student asked me how to read line breaks and I found myself saying something I heard from an old teacher--that a line break was "half a comma." WTF?! I'm sounding more and more like my old profs. I THEN followed up by saying, "Yes, a line break is musical, visual, and narrative in nature, so you need to honor them as you read them." Woah. There are some gray beard hairs in my milk.
***
Current spins--See the above Dylan/Cash link.
Current reads--Student poems. Want a peak?
Then, tell me . . . isn't it Miranda July in this Blonde Redhead video? Strange.
***
Other music news, Neil Young is going to release a 1968 Live Album. I heard the "Sugar Mountain" track here.
***
A student asked me how to read line breaks and I found myself saying something I heard from an old teacher--that a line break was "half a comma." WTF?! I'm sounding more and more like my old profs. I THEN followed up by saying, "Yes, a line break is musical, visual, and narrative in nature, so you need to honor them as you read them." Woah. There are some gray beard hairs in my milk.
***
Current spins--See the above Dylan/Cash link.
Current reads--Student poems. Want a peak?
Monday, November 17, 2008
Steady as a Freight Train
DVD Teaser Trailer for Johnny Cash: At Folsom Prison.
I'm not sure if the film has actual live footage of Cash performing. It seems like it's mainly interviews and photos. Still, might be worth putting on my Netflix queue.
***
48 Hour Rule in place. As soon as a rejection rolls in for a batch that is not simultaneously submitted, out it goes again. So, today a batch is going out. There's no time to grieve.
***
We're at the high water mark of the quarter, where papers are coming due, students are catching flu, and the sky is no longer sunny and blue. (Sesame Street taught me how to rhyme today).
***
Looks like it'll be a partly sunny day. I need more sunlight--feeling a bit slothalicious. I need a million dollars, too. Got a grant from school which'll help me survive the summer without teaching, but just barely. People need to pay artists. let me tell you . . .
***
Currently reading Tinderbox Lawn by Carol Guess. ;-)
Also reading the latest issue of The Missouri Review and the latest Rolling Stone. Interesting article about Republican gaffs in the recent election found in the latest RS.
Currently listening to St. Vincent, Madlib, and Cold War Kids (shout out to Lee H.).
***
HA! Word Verification=acelit
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Freak Folk--Those hairy dudes from Seattle do good.
Fleet Foxes - A Take Away Show from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.
This video combines two things I love: Paris and spontaneous (or seemingly spontaneous) musical activity. Watch it all the way through.
***
I know I've been complaining a bit 'bout time and all that (L. is falling asleep in my lap as I'm typing), but it's good for us to gripe once in awhile. I generally don't complain--it's not how I'm wired. I'm just a bit overwhelmed.
For my work, I've been bombarded with a tremendous amount of requests for letters of recommendation. By my count right now, there are at least ten students who are applying to multiple schools that are requesting letters from me. Their dossiers range from completely organized to absolute messes. And truth be told, while a lot of these students may get accepted into some schools, chances for funding are slim. I'm just being real. I want all my students to get into grad schools, if that is truly what they want, but it may not happen for a number of them. That's a big part of my stress, I suppose.
On top of all that, we're nearing the end of the quarter, so students are, for the most part, check out of classes already.
***
Since classes started, I've only written one poem. That's the usual pace when I'm teaching. Maybe a poem or two here and there, but for the most part long bouts of nothing. This year, though, I'm finding I'm quite frustrated by my glacial writing pace because I really am almost done with my third manuscript and I've started a fourth. I've never had so many projects going at once. I just wish I had time to finish what I've started.
***
So the Fleet Foxes video is to calm my stirring brain. Deep breath. Deep breath. Sigh.
Daddy's Glee (or There Must Be Indie Hipsters on the Sesame Street Staff)
Tilly & the Wall on SESAME STREET from Team Love on Vimeo.
Saw this Tilly and the Wall bit. They're a funky little band. All their percussion's done by the tap dancers you see in the video. At first, I thought it was a gimmick and that it'd die quickly, but they're actually still around after a couple of years.
***
Mixed day on the writing front. On the one hand, I've been getting handed rejections left and right. On the other, I did get a mini-grant from the school so that I can at least write this summer.
I'm very close to finishing up my third manuscript. All I need is two weeks. Just two weeks. Maybe Christmas break will be productive.
***
I'm mightily tired these days. It gets dark at 4PM here. I need a vacation.
Luckily Thanksgiving is around the corner. I was hoping that I wouldn't be traveling, but it looks like we've been summoned to go to my parents house in Oregon. It'll be my last Thanksgiving in the house where I grew up. My folks are moving closer to the grandchild very shortly. They're closing on a house. I'll be grateful when they get here because Mere and I do need the help. It's tough work raising a kid in a household of professionals. Don't get me wrong. I love the little guy. We both do. We just need an hour here and there for our careers which allow us to take care of the little guy.
I can't wait for free babysitting. So I suppose the travel to Oregon will be worth it. I'll take a few last photos of the place. Maybe see a few old neighbors and friends . . .
***
I want to see Quantum of Solace very badly, but I can't seem to find the time. It's been over four months since I've seen a movie in a movie theater. You just can't go to a movie theater with an infant.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Stephanie Strickland at WWU
Stephanie Strickland will be reading from her new book, Zone:Zero.
The reading will be held on Thursday, November 13th at 4:00-5:30 at Western Washington University's Wilson Library, Room 167.
The reading will be held on Thursday, November 13th at 4:00-5:30 at Western Washington University's Wilson Library, Room 167.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Why we love Keith Olbermann and Countdown in the de la Paz Household
***
Props to CDY and Collin for posting this on their blogs.
***
Perez vs. Sharp, another civil rights case in California, happened in 1948. Sixty years is not that long ago. . .
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Adding a few things
Added a few links to music blogs I follow, since so much of my brain has been involved with music lately (politics aside). More links to come.
Nothing Profound
Nope. Nothing profound to say. Just posting out of some weird feelings of obligation.
***
Okay, maybe I'm thinking about changing/updating the blog look. I'm a little bored of the all-black background and also the focus of the blog's changed a bit over the years. Originally I thought I'd be speaking eloquently about poetry and teaching, but after a long day of teaching the last thing I've wanted to talk about was poetry. Don't get me wrong, I still love talking about poetry . . . but I can only blog in very brief spurts, so I'm finding my discussions about poetry or anything that I sincerely care about beyond my family has been clipped.
Like, I'm having interesting conversations with my students about the prose poem, but . . . baby's crying. Ack. See?
***
I'm rambling. I know. That's ok, I suppose. Maybe I'm in a blogging rut.
***
HA! Word Verification: buster
***
Okay, maybe I'm thinking about changing/updating the blog look. I'm a little bored of the all-black background and also the focus of the blog's changed a bit over the years. Originally I thought I'd be speaking eloquently about poetry and teaching, but after a long day of teaching the last thing I've wanted to talk about was poetry. Don't get me wrong, I still love talking about poetry . . . but I can only blog in very brief spurts, so I'm finding my discussions about poetry or anything that I sincerely care about beyond my family has been clipped.
Like, I'm having interesting conversations with my students about the prose poem, but . . . baby's crying. Ack. See?
***
I'm rambling. I know. That's ok, I suppose. Maybe I'm in a blogging rut.
***
HA! Word Verification: buster
Saturday, November 08, 2008
I've been underwater
Meredith, L., and myself attended a spectacular election day party on Tuesday--complete with fireworks. Lots of cheers. Lots of high-fives. We drank champagne.
***
My students were amped for the election. During small groups workshop, I told them that the youngest person should be the first reader. As I was walking around the room hearing their ages, I realized that for a number of them, this was the first election where they could actually vote. A handful of my students who reside in different counties missed the Tuesday class because they were voting.
Boy, it was hard to keep them focused in class.
***
While I feel relieved and elated that Barack Obama won the election, I'm incensed at the passage of Proposition 8. My sister-in-law and her spouse plan on being a part of the litigation frenzy that will happen and I absolutely will support them both monetarily and spiritually.
***
GLAAD and Asian Pacific Islander Outreach:
GLAAD Works with No on Prop 8 for Asian Pacific Islander Outreach
GLAAD has been working closely with the No on Prop 8 campaign to share its messages of marriage equality and fairness with people from all across the state including communities of color. GLAAD and the No on Prop 8 campaign collaborated to conceptualize and produce print, radio and television advertisements reaching Asian Pacific Islander communities across the state. The ads in Chinese, Korean, Filipino, Vietnamese and Japanese feature prominent Asian American leaders including California State Controller John Chiang, Board of Equalization Chair Judy Chu and Rev. Dae Jung of the First Congregational Church. Both Chinese and Korean advertisements were created to counter false claims about marriage for same-sex couples impacting schools and churches.
GLAAD also recently partnered with Chinese for Affirmative Action and the Asian Pacific American Legal Center of Southern California to secure media coverage for their joint press conferences in Los Angeles and San Francisco on why Asian Americans should vote no on the unfair ballot initiative. High-profile Asian American public officials, community leaders and celebrities spoke out at the event including actors George Takei and John Cho, Survivor: Cooks Island winner Yul Kwon, journalist and scholar Helen Zia, Board of Equalization Chair Judy Chu, and California State Controller John Chiang.
George Takei
***
Check out Overturnprop8.com. It may be slow because I know it's been receiving heavy traffic lately.
***
My students were amped for the election. During small groups workshop, I told them that the youngest person should be the first reader. As I was walking around the room hearing their ages, I realized that for a number of them, this was the first election where they could actually vote. A handful of my students who reside in different counties missed the Tuesday class because they were voting.
Boy, it was hard to keep them focused in class.
***
While I feel relieved and elated that Barack Obama won the election, I'm incensed at the passage of Proposition 8. My sister-in-law and her spouse plan on being a part of the litigation frenzy that will happen and I absolutely will support them both monetarily and spiritually.
***
GLAAD and Asian Pacific Islander Outreach:
GLAAD Works with No on Prop 8 for Asian Pacific Islander Outreach
GLAAD has been working closely with the No on Prop 8 campaign to share its messages of marriage equality and fairness with people from all across the state including communities of color. GLAAD and the No on Prop 8 campaign collaborated to conceptualize and produce print, radio and television advertisements reaching Asian Pacific Islander communities across the state. The ads in Chinese, Korean, Filipino, Vietnamese and Japanese feature prominent Asian American leaders including California State Controller John Chiang, Board of Equalization Chair Judy Chu and Rev. Dae Jung of the First Congregational Church. Both Chinese and Korean advertisements were created to counter false claims about marriage for same-sex couples impacting schools and churches.
GLAAD also recently partnered with Chinese for Affirmative Action and the Asian Pacific American Legal Center of Southern California to secure media coverage for their joint press conferences in Los Angeles and San Francisco on why Asian Americans should vote no on the unfair ballot initiative. High-profile Asian American public officials, community leaders and celebrities spoke out at the event including actors George Takei and John Cho, Survivor: Cooks Island winner Yul Kwon, journalist and scholar Helen Zia, Board of Equalization Chair Judy Chu, and California State Controller John Chiang.
George Takei
***
Check out Overturnprop8.com. It may be slow because I know it's been receiving heavy traffic lately.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Election Watch
Currently, I'm flipping channels while watching a sleeping baby. So much riding on this election . . .
***
I lived in Pennsylvania in 2000, and I remember going to bed thinking that Gore had won. What a horrible thing it was to wake up the next morning hearing otherwise. I was tuned to NPR constantly.
***
My students were anxious during class. They were watching the clock and talking excitedly about the elections--so good to see.
***
Been listening to The Pretenders lately. I don't know why.
***
I lived in Pennsylvania in 2000, and I remember going to bed thinking that Gore had won. What a horrible thing it was to wake up the next morning hearing otherwise. I was tuned to NPR constantly.
***
My students were anxious during class. They were watching the clock and talking excitedly about the elections--so good to see.
***
Been listening to The Pretenders lately. I don't know why.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Halloween's a Buzzin.
My busy bee and my queen bee.
***
Crazy busy this past week. Students have come to my office almost every day of the week so I haven't gotten a lot of work done.
Everyone seems to be worried about graduate schools these days.
***
My truck's in the shop getting both fender's repaired. For now, I'm driving a sleek black Hyundai Sonata rental car with an auxiliary plug for my iPod and XM satellite radio. Insurance is paying for the car, so no worries.
***
In other busy buzzness (yeah, lame), I'm trying to figure out the schedules for my various Midwest trips. On January 19th, I'll be reading in St. Louis for the River Styx Reading Series and I might be heading over to SIU Carbondale for a reading . . . it's still in the works.
I'll also be going to AWP in Chicago from February 11th-15th where I've got two panels and a book signing.
Then later, I'll be at the Whidbey Island Writers Association Conference from February 27th to March 1st.
Finally, at the end of March, I'll be the Eddice B. Barber Visiting Writer at the University of Minnesota at Mankato. It should be fun! I may try to swing over to New York before the residency with Meredith and L..
Overall, I'm getting tired just thinking about my winter schedule and I'm worried that I'll be missing too many classes--not that my students would mind.
***
Busy bees can have fun, though.
I've been listening to Bruce Springsteen and Grampall Jookabox.
***
Crazy busy this past week. Students have come to my office almost every day of the week so I haven't gotten a lot of work done.
Everyone seems to be worried about graduate schools these days.
***
My truck's in the shop getting both fender's repaired. For now, I'm driving a sleek black Hyundai Sonata rental car with an auxiliary plug for my iPod and XM satellite radio. Insurance is paying for the car, so no worries.
***
In other busy buzzness (yeah, lame), I'm trying to figure out the schedules for my various Midwest trips. On January 19th, I'll be reading in St. Louis for the River Styx Reading Series and I might be heading over to SIU Carbondale for a reading . . . it's still in the works.
I'll also be going to AWP in Chicago from February 11th-15th where I've got two panels and a book signing.
Then later, I'll be at the Whidbey Island Writers Association Conference from February 27th to March 1st.
Finally, at the end of March, I'll be the Eddice B. Barber Visiting Writer at the University of Minnesota at Mankato. It should be fun! I may try to swing over to New York before the residency with Meredith and L..
Overall, I'm getting tired just thinking about my winter schedule and I'm worried that I'll be missing too many classes--not that my students would mind.
***
Busy bees can have fun, though.
I've been listening to Bruce Springsteen and Grampall Jookabox.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Old School
The book, 1000 Recordings to Hear Before You Die has me going back into my CD catalog. It's really cool to see some of those old albums in that volume. Additionally, I've been introduced to some new work.
Back catalog-wise, I've revisited De La Soul's THREE FEET HIGH AND RISING, which was ground breaking. All those skits, those fillers, and the exquisite sampling (for which there were many lawsuits).
I'm also listening to Pink Floyd's DARK SIDE OF THE MOON. No, I've never listened to this while watching The Wizard of Oz. Have you?
Finally, there's a reissue out now of Iggy Pop and the Stooges' Raw Power. This version's actually mixed by Iggy and NOT by David Bowie. It's interesting to see hear the differences. The Bowie version sounds overproduced. This reissue sounds . . . well, raw--maybe truer to the punk movement.
***
So, in the spirit of 1000 Recordings, I'm remember five "old school" poems that pushed me towards writing poetry as a calling. There are a lot of recent work that sets my pulse, but I'm just thinking about the poems that stayed with me even before I got my MFA.
These five are just off the top of my head and NOT in any order, plus reasons why:
Li-Young Lee's "The Gift." I was a social worker when I first read this collection, dealing with a schizophrenic in an assisted living program. The patient would take long, medical-induced naps and I would spend hours reading while he slept. ROSE was the one book I kept rereading and "The Gift" in particular, was the poem I kept returning to. It's hard for me to articulate the relevance of my reading this poem and the hours I spent working in the assisted living program, but strangely they fit for me because both things, at the time, seemed ultimately important.
Galway Kinnell's "Little Sleep's-Head Sprouting Hair in the Moonlight." Maybe because I'm a new father and this poem is, to me, about fear and about blessing. Anyway, I bought THE BOOK OF NIGHTMARES for my very first advanced poetry workshop when I was an undergrad. There were a bunch of grad students in that class at LMU. My good friend Joseph Legaspi was in that class as well as Kristen Tracy. It was Gail Wronsky's Graduate level workshop and I was a sophomore in the class. Somehow I got into the class because I had entered the campus poetry contest and took second place (Joseph took first). Because of the award, I decided to try my hand at poetry and . . . well, Galway's book and especially the poem stuck with me.
Sylvia Plath's "Mary's Song." Because today I can still remember the opening stanza--"The Sunday lamb cracks in its fat/ the fat/ sacrifices its opacity. I read this poem as an undergrad and I can confidently say that this is the poem that awakened the notion of sound as a unifying impulse in the written word.
James Wright's "A Blessing." Gosh darnit, he knows how to end a poem and to write with such economy.
Robert Hayden's "Those Winter Sundays." Talk about economy--he's immediately rhetorical with "Sundays too . . ." and the repetition of "What did I know" towards the end of the poem. My goodness, how seemingly effortless it was for him to get to a point of hard, bare-faced ambivalence.
***
Just came back from a grant-writing workshop. I've been to a few of them in my past. This one was quite good. It was run by Artist Trust of Washington, and I hope they do more workshops. It was also VERY good to see some students there. Even though they're not eligible for grants, this is stuff they need to know and stuff I never got when I was an undergrad.
***
Poetry reading tonight for The Whatcom Poetry Series.
Nance Van Winkle and Dan Raphael will be reading at 7:30 in the Lucia Douglas Gallery. It's a great space for a reading.
Back catalog-wise, I've revisited De La Soul's THREE FEET HIGH AND RISING, which was ground breaking. All those skits, those fillers, and the exquisite sampling (for which there were many lawsuits).
I'm also listening to Pink Floyd's DARK SIDE OF THE MOON. No, I've never listened to this while watching The Wizard of Oz. Have you?
Finally, there's a reissue out now of Iggy Pop and the Stooges' Raw Power. This version's actually mixed by Iggy and NOT by David Bowie. It's interesting to see hear the differences. The Bowie version sounds overproduced. This reissue sounds . . . well, raw--maybe truer to the punk movement.
***
So, in the spirit of 1000 Recordings, I'm remember five "old school" poems that pushed me towards writing poetry as a calling. There are a lot of recent work that sets my pulse, but I'm just thinking about the poems that stayed with me even before I got my MFA.
These five are just off the top of my head and NOT in any order, plus reasons why:
Li-Young Lee's "The Gift." I was a social worker when I first read this collection, dealing with a schizophrenic in an assisted living program. The patient would take long, medical-induced naps and I would spend hours reading while he slept. ROSE was the one book I kept rereading and "The Gift" in particular, was the poem I kept returning to. It's hard for me to articulate the relevance of my reading this poem and the hours I spent working in the assisted living program, but strangely they fit for me because both things, at the time, seemed ultimately important.
Galway Kinnell's "Little Sleep's-Head Sprouting Hair in the Moonlight." Maybe because I'm a new father and this poem is, to me, about fear and about blessing. Anyway, I bought THE BOOK OF NIGHTMARES for my very first advanced poetry workshop when I was an undergrad. There were a bunch of grad students in that class at LMU. My good friend Joseph Legaspi was in that class as well as Kristen Tracy. It was Gail Wronsky's Graduate level workshop and I was a sophomore in the class. Somehow I got into the class because I had entered the campus poetry contest and took second place (Joseph took first). Because of the award, I decided to try my hand at poetry and . . . well, Galway's book and especially the poem stuck with me.
Sylvia Plath's "Mary's Song." Because today I can still remember the opening stanza--"The Sunday lamb cracks in its fat/ the fat/ sacrifices its opacity. I read this poem as an undergrad and I can confidently say that this is the poem that awakened the notion of sound as a unifying impulse in the written word.
James Wright's "A Blessing." Gosh darnit, he knows how to end a poem and to write with such economy.
Robert Hayden's "Those Winter Sundays." Talk about economy--he's immediately rhetorical with "Sundays too . . ." and the repetition of "What did I know" towards the end of the poem. My goodness, how seemingly effortless it was for him to get to a point of hard, bare-faced ambivalence.
***
Just came back from a grant-writing workshop. I've been to a few of them in my past. This one was quite good. It was run by Artist Trust of Washington, and I hope they do more workshops. It was also VERY good to see some students there. Even though they're not eligible for grants, this is stuff they need to know and stuff I never got when I was an undergrad.
***
Poetry reading tonight for The Whatcom Poetry Series.
Nance Van Winkle and Dan Raphael will be reading at 7:30 in the Lucia Douglas Gallery. It's a great space for a reading.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Kick Out the Jams
***
Today, I will attempt to convince several twenty-somethings that formal poetry is not only "good for you" but that it's possible to write a "kick-ass" pantoum.
I know this. You, dear reader, know this.
***
Going to a grant-writing workshop this Saturday. Frankly, I suck at writing grants and I need help.
***
As I mentioned on Facebook, I'll be spending a lot of time in the Midwest this coming winter (what's considered Midwest, by the way? Is Chicago Midwest?) I'll have stops in St. Louis, possibly Edwardsville, IL, Chicago, and Mankato, MN. That's not one trip . . . that's several different trips spread out over three months. Yeesh.
Now that I'm a dad, these trips are getting harder and harder to take. But take them, I must.
***
Currently reading Salvinia Molesta.
Currently listening to the above band, Orquestra de Casino de la Playa . . . but I'm also listening to Husker Du
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
I've been a busy bee
Yes, that's L's Halloween costume, sans the feet from his pjs.
***
I mentioned that I was down in San Francisco for a wedding. It was a gorgeous affair. So many couples were getting married that day and shouts of joy echoed through the halls. Later, we partied. There was much to eat and drink.
For L's aunties who we love, Vote No on Proposition 8
***
I'm reading 1000 Recordings to Hear Before You Die. I'm a sucker for big lists. What I like about this particular book is that in addition to the selected recording, Tom Moon also offers additional catalogue selections and then other artists who you might be interested in.
I've heard a lot of the rock/electronica/hip-hop/ and jazz collections. I'm really awful with the classical, country, and world music collections. Guess I'm not as well-rounded as I thought I was.
***
Teaching forms to undergrads isn't so bad . . . it's the workshopping that's difficult.
***
I mentioned that I was down in San Francisco for a wedding. It was a gorgeous affair. So many couples were getting married that day and shouts of joy echoed through the halls. Later, we partied. There was much to eat and drink.
For L's aunties who we love, Vote No on Proposition 8
***
I'm reading 1000 Recordings to Hear Before You Die. I'm a sucker for big lists. What I like about this particular book is that in addition to the selected recording, Tom Moon also offers additional catalogue selections and then other artists who you might be interested in.
I've heard a lot of the rock/electronica/hip-hop/ and jazz collections. I'm really awful with the classical, country, and world music collections. Guess I'm not as well-rounded as I thought I was.
***
Teaching forms to undergrads isn't so bad . . . it's the workshopping that's difficult.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Off to a Wedding!
Off I go with M and L. to San Francisco for the weekend to see S & C get married. Be good!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Crappy Day
So, on top of having a cold and feeling generally lousy, I got rear-ended today with L. in the car. But not only did I get rear-ended, I rear-ended the car in front of me. I was stopped at the stoplight in a 4-way intersection when I got plowed into by a lady in an oldsmobile. Her front end's mashed up. My rear and front are a bit dinged--the front end got the worst of it with the imprint of a pick-up's hitching pole imprinted into my fender. The car's still drivable and no one was hurt, but what a pain in the ass. L. was screaming his head off after the impact, but he wasn't hurt. Just scared. Again, we're okay. Everyone's okay.
***
At least it's Wednesday. That means the week's half way through.
***
All that said, I need to pack for a trip to SF on Thursday. We're heading out to celebrate Mere's sister's wedding. Unfortunately we won't be in SF for long . . . in and out rather quickly and heavily scheduled. For those of you in the Bay Area, this is me waving to you.
***
I'm just miffed. That's all. This too will pass.
***
At least it's Wednesday. That means the week's half way through.
***
All that said, I need to pack for a trip to SF on Thursday. We're heading out to celebrate Mere's sister's wedding. Unfortunately we won't be in SF for long . . . in and out rather quickly and heavily scheduled. For those of you in the Bay Area, this is me waving to you.
***
I'm just miffed. That's all. This too will pass.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Friday, October 10, 2008
Poll on PBS
Courtesy of Chicky:
"PBS has an online poll posted asking if Sarah Palin is qualified.
Apparently the right wing knew about this in advance and are flooding the voting with YES votes.
The poll will be reported on PBS and picked up by mainstream media.
It can influence undecided voters in swing states.
Please do two things -- takes 20 seconds.
1) Click on link and vote yourself.
Here's the link: Click Here
2) Then send this to every single Obama-Biden voter you know, and urge them to vote and pass it on.
The last thing we need is PBS saying their viewers think Sarah Palin is qualified."
"PBS has an online poll posted asking if Sarah Palin is qualified.
Apparently the right wing knew about this in advance and are flooding the voting with YES votes.
The poll will be reported on PBS and picked up by mainstream media.
It can influence undecided voters in swing states.
Please do two things -- takes 20 seconds.
1) Click on link and vote yourself.
Here's the link: Click Here
2) Then send this to every single Obama-Biden voter you know, and urge them to vote and pass it on.
The last thing we need is PBS saying their viewers think Sarah Palin is qualified."
TGIF
I'm sitting in my home office glancing over my shoulder as I type this. L is in the co-sleeper fitfully sleeping. He'll doze for about 15 minutes, wake up crying, and then fall asleep again with assistance. So it's a little tough to do things around here during my "morning shift."
I've got this poem idea in my head and I've already got a title, but I ain't got time to deal with it. So I had to write out the title and save it on my hard drive, lest it float away into the ether.
Hold. The child awakens.
***
Okay, now that he's back asleep. Hi again.
***
Mornings are cold these days. I woke up and I could see my breath in the bedroom, so I suppose I need to turn up the heater (don't worry, kiddo's actually very warm). The leaves are turning colors here and I've got to find some time to clean off my roof and the gutters.
Fall is my favorite time of year. I tend to overheat. It might be hormonal. Anyway, I love Fall because I can wear just the right amount of clothing. I'm not a fan of shorts for daily wear. I'm a pants and sweaters kind of guy.
***
My parents have been looking for a house near us for the better part of four months. There are plenty of houses around here, what with the crappy market, but they can't seem to agree on what they want. It's driving me a little nuts. They actually put in bids for two houses (not at the same time) and they retracted both times. I feel for the realtor. Really, I do.
***
For some reason, I've been humming this song:
I've got this poem idea in my head and I've already got a title, but I ain't got time to deal with it. So I had to write out the title and save it on my hard drive, lest it float away into the ether.
Hold. The child awakens.
***
Okay, now that he's back asleep. Hi again.
***
Mornings are cold these days. I woke up and I could see my breath in the bedroom, so I suppose I need to turn up the heater (don't worry, kiddo's actually very warm). The leaves are turning colors here and I've got to find some time to clean off my roof and the gutters.
Fall is my favorite time of year. I tend to overheat. It might be hormonal. Anyway, I love Fall because I can wear just the right amount of clothing. I'm not a fan of shorts for daily wear. I'm a pants and sweaters kind of guy.
***
My parents have been looking for a house near us for the better part of four months. There are plenty of houses around here, what with the crappy market, but they can't seem to agree on what they want. It's driving me a little nuts. They actually put in bids for two houses (not at the same time) and they retracted both times. I feel for the realtor. Really, I do.
***
For some reason, I've been humming this song:
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Thursday, Thursday, Thursday
The weekend starts after I teach my classes today. Whew. It's been fairly busy, but I'm at that point in the quarter where I've got a bit of a rhythm with my classes and my schedule. That's always a good and comfortable thing. I know poor Mere is WAY busier than I am, so I feel guilty. If it's any consolation to her, I haven't been writing jack since I sent out my work. I've got a couple of essays I need to finish up. Maybe I can get to 'em this weekend.
***
I didn't like the Town Hall style debate. I thought it was fairly boring and a bit over-moderated as opposed to the prior debate which was under moderated. I kept hearing stump speeches and no actual . . . well, debate. Still, I do think Obama won the round. McCain looked rather old and seemed to have trouble walking as he entered the arena. And if I hear "My friends" one more time . . .
And WTH does "That One" mean?
***
Listening to:
***
I didn't like the Town Hall style debate. I thought it was fairly boring and a bit over-moderated as opposed to the prior debate which was under moderated. I kept hearing stump speeches and no actual . . . well, debate. Still, I do think Obama won the round. McCain looked rather old and seemed to have trouble walking as he entered the arena. And if I hear "My friends" one more time . . .
And WTH does "That One" mean?
***
Listening to:
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Feeling a Bit
overwhelmed these days. We're in the 3rd week of the quarter and poems are coming and going across my desk. I'm getting a lot of students visiting during my office hours to talk to me about their futures, grad school programs, etc., and in the meantime I've got poems to send out and grants to apply for--one of which I need to rewrite tonight.
Oh yeah, and then I have to be a fully attentive dad. I swear I'm getting so forgetful these days. I've been leaving things. I've been misplacing keys, wallets, etc.. And for those of you who know me, I'm usually quite together . . . anal, in fact.
Today, so that I could take a shower, I moved the exer-saucer into the bathroom. It's fine because L. loves his exer-saucer and he giggles while I'm doing my thing, so it's all good.
Sorry to complain. Okay. Back to it.
Oh yeah, and then I have to be a fully attentive dad. I swear I'm getting so forgetful these days. I've been leaving things. I've been misplacing keys, wallets, etc.. And for those of you who know me, I'm usually quite together . . . anal, in fact.
Today, so that I could take a shower, I moved the exer-saucer into the bathroom. It's fine because L. loves his exer-saucer and he giggles while I'm doing my thing, so it's all good.
Sorry to complain. Okay. Back to it.
Monday, October 06, 2008
Crisis
I've been quiet for a spell 'cause I've had visitors, but there are many things I've been chewing on for the past few days.
***
There are several reasons why Trickle-Down economics don't work. The idea that we provide benefits to the rich/wealthy suppliers and that their good fortune will "trickle-down" to the middle-class or the poor--it'll only work if there is no corruption at the top. What we so often see is the rich/wealthy selling to each other or providing each other benefits to keep each other on top.
Now, apply the theory of trickle-down economics to the arts . . .
***
Concerning Gov. Palin, and the debate . . . I'm a bit upset with Gwen Ifill. It seems to me that in some ways she allowed Palin to skirt the issues she was supposed to address in her allotted time. Rather, there was a lot dancing, highlighting, and bullet-pointing without any substance.
***
What's wrong with sounding "Professorial"? Personally, I want to elect someone who's smarter than me. Further, I don't want to be "best buddies" with my elected official. I want someone who can run a country and not someone who's my peer.
***
In lighter news, I'll be heading down to San Francisco for my Sister-in-law's wedding. Alas, I won't have time to mingle. We get into SFO at 10:30PM, the wedding's Friday, and then we had back home on Saturday. Maybe I can loiter in SF some other time.
***
I'm rereading Joseph Legaspi's IMAGO and I'm reading Meteoric Flowers by Elizabeth Willis.
I'm listening to Hot Chip, and Okkervil River, and The Knife.
***
There are several reasons why Trickle-Down economics don't work. The idea that we provide benefits to the rich/wealthy suppliers and that their good fortune will "trickle-down" to the middle-class or the poor--it'll only work if there is no corruption at the top. What we so often see is the rich/wealthy selling to each other or providing each other benefits to keep each other on top.
Now, apply the theory of trickle-down economics to the arts . . .
***
Concerning Gov. Palin, and the debate . . . I'm a bit upset with Gwen Ifill. It seems to me that in some ways she allowed Palin to skirt the issues she was supposed to address in her allotted time. Rather, there was a lot dancing, highlighting, and bullet-pointing without any substance.
***
What's wrong with sounding "Professorial"? Personally, I want to elect someone who's smarter than me. Further, I don't want to be "best buddies" with my elected official. I want someone who can run a country and not someone who's my peer.
***
In lighter news, I'll be heading down to San Francisco for my Sister-in-law's wedding. Alas, I won't have time to mingle. We get into SFO at 10:30PM, the wedding's Friday, and then we had back home on Saturday. Maybe I can loiter in SF some other time.
***
I'm rereading Joseph Legaspi's IMAGO and I'm reading Meteoric Flowers by Elizabeth Willis.
I'm listening to Hot Chip, and Okkervil River, and The Knife.
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Currently Listening to . . .
Horse Feathers, Curs in the Weeds
****
The quarter is in full swing. We've been trying to figure out our child-care times. So basically there are a couple of days in the week where we pass the baby like a baton.
****
I've been keeping close tabs on the financial crisis. Madness. It really is.
****
In light of the madness with the housing market, my parents have decided that it's a good idea to buy a house.
It's true. My parents are planning to buy a retirement house nearby. That'll help with the kid-care, for sure, but our area's not cheap so I'm worried 'bout their savings.
****
In spite of all my worries I have not caught a cold . . . yet.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
If Your Strength is Foreign Policy . . .
. . . don't you think you should be able to say Ahmadinejad?
Also, shouldn't you know the name of the president of Pakistan?
Oh my.
Also, shouldn't you know the name of the president of Pakistan?
Oh my.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
And so it begins
The official start of the quarter was yesterday, but for me the teaching part starts today.
Two fun courses: ENG 460--Multi-genre, which I'm teaching as a conversation about prose poems, short-shorts, and lyric essay forms.
ENG 453--Advanced Poetry, which I always teach as a poetic forms class.
Fun abounds.
***
I'm listening to this and having fun. Every track is like playing "Name That Tune."
I'm also listening to these guys.
***
I'm still in the throes of submitting work. So far, 5 journals and they all take online submissions. I can't tell you how much time I've spent converting and compressing documents. I made the mistake of upgrading my Microsoft Office program to 2008, so I've been changing every .docx document BACK to .doc or .rtf
(sigh)
***
L. is with a babysitter for the first time. :-(
Two fun courses: ENG 460--Multi-genre, which I'm teaching as a conversation about prose poems, short-shorts, and lyric essay forms.
ENG 453--Advanced Poetry, which I always teach as a poetic forms class.
Fun abounds.
***
I'm listening to this and having fun. Every track is like playing "Name That Tune."
I'm also listening to these guys.
***
I'm still in the throes of submitting work. So far, 5 journals and they all take online submissions. I can't tell you how much time I've spent converting and compressing documents. I made the mistake of upgrading my Microsoft Office program to 2008, so I've been changing every .docx document BACK to .doc or .rtf
(sigh)
***
L. is with a babysitter for the first time. :-(
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
By the way . . .
I AM sim-subbing. This is a newish development. Before, I never simultaneously submitted my work. Now, because of the wonders of my magic spreadsheet, I can keep track of everything and color code poem packets.
Of course, if a journal doesn't want me to simultaneously submit work I've sent to them, I don't do it. I get it. It's work for them and if they like something of yours and you pull it after they've devoted space to you, they get pissed. I totally understand.
Happily, last year's endeavors with the spreadsheet were fruitful. I sent a total of 7 packets of poems ranging from 4-6 poems per packet. From those seven packets of poems, I had about 25 poems taken. Mind you, this is work I generated over 4 years and had finally sent out in one big shebang, so don't get uppity. ;-) It had been awhile since I sent out anything.
Anyway, I'm still in my office. I did NOT go to the gym. I wanted to make the most of my non-child-care time and take care of my professional life.
Of course, if a journal doesn't want me to simultaneously submit work I've sent to them, I don't do it. I get it. It's work for them and if they like something of yours and you pull it after they've devoted space to you, they get pissed. I totally understand.
Happily, last year's endeavors with the spreadsheet were fruitful. I sent a total of 7 packets of poems ranging from 4-6 poems per packet. From those seven packets of poems, I had about 25 poems taken. Mind you, this is work I generated over 4 years and had finally sent out in one big shebang, so don't get uppity. ;-) It had been awhile since I sent out anything.
Anyway, I'm still in my office. I did NOT go to the gym. I wanted to make the most of my non-child-care time and take care of my professional life.
Right now . . .
. . . I'm in my office at school and I'm arguing with myself. Should I walk across campus to the parking lot, drive to the gym, workout for an hour and a half, drive back to campus, and wait until 5:00PM? Or should I just sit here, read other people's blogs, and wait till 5:00PM?
***
This is a good album
***
Sending poems out today and tomorrow . . . RIGHT before the quarter gets crazy.
***
It's starting to get really cold. It was in the 30's this morning.
***
Hmmm . . . I should go to the gym.
***
This is a good album
***
Sending poems out today and tomorrow . . . RIGHT before the quarter gets crazy.
***
It's starting to get really cold. It was in the 30's this morning.
***
Hmmm . . . I should go to the gym.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Fall Harvest
Tonight we'll be headed to the annual Foothills Fall Harvest party where cider will be served and where perhaps performers from the Subdued String Band Jamboree may be performing.
We went to this shindig last year and it was tons of fun--lots of food and locals. If you haven't figured it out yet, I live out in the boonies.
***
At any rate, it's certainly Fall. The maples are starting to turn and it's becoming scarf weather. I have to say that Fall is actually my favorite season. I can't stand being too hot or too cold. And I love coats!
***
I've been following this AIG and Lehman Brothers collapse. Locally, we've also been dealing with the WaMu problems. I almost got a home loan from WaMu. Scary stuff, and even though I'm financed through a different lending institution I'm sure that it'll effect my loan in some way. Fingers crossed.
***
My goal is to send work out next week. Hold me to my goal please.
We went to this shindig last year and it was tons of fun--lots of food and locals. If you haven't figured it out yet, I live out in the boonies.
***
At any rate, it's certainly Fall. The maples are starting to turn and it's becoming scarf weather. I have to say that Fall is actually my favorite season. I can't stand being too hot or too cold. And I love coats!
***
I've been following this AIG and Lehman Brothers collapse. Locally, we've also been dealing with the WaMu problems. I almost got a home loan from WaMu. Scary stuff, and even though I'm financed through a different lending institution I'm sure that it'll effect my loan in some way. Fingers crossed.
***
My goal is to send work out next week. Hold me to my goal please.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
School Daze
Yesterday I had to stop many times for school buses unloading its cargo. We up at Western Washington U. haven't started classes yet, but to be sure, that day is coming in the next couple of weeks.
I'm always excited about school starting. This year, though, I expect some major adjustments will be in order. Meredith heads back to the classroom and we've been trying to adjust our schedules to accommodate L's needs as well as our own as active people. She's got her classes lined up for the mornings up until 12:00PM. I start at 12:00PM and go until 4:00PM. So basically, I'll have to take L. to school and pass him like a relay baton right at my classroom door. It's far from ideal and I'd rather have at least an hour between my class and Meredith's class, but such are the breaks.
At any rate, something will have to give and already I'm cutting back.
***
Back to the poem-a-day thing in August. It was quite productive for me and already I had three poems from that "celebration" picked up. The Chattahoochee Review will be publishing three of my "Self Portrait" poems. Very cool. Anyway, I need to start sending more of the poems out. The plan is to have everything off my desk by the end of the month . . . before the quarter is in full swing.
I owe Didi Menedez some poems and I fully plan on honoring my word. Sorry Didi, life happened. So did teething.
***
Forgot to mention that the reading at SAM went really well, and it was great seeing Shin Yu. We both read new work, which felt really good. I was nervous as all heck.
***
I've been breaking my own writing taboos lately, which has been refreshing.
***
Two classes for the Fall: ENG 453--Advanced Poetry Writing (I always teach this as a poetic forms class), and ENG 460--Multigenre: The Short Prose Form (A way for me to teach prose poems, short-shorts, and lyric essays).
***
On spin in iTunes:
Blitzen Trapper
Silversun Pickups
Bon Iver
Ra Ra Riot
Okkervil River
Admittedly I've been buying music . . . even though I have no money. Don't read this, Meredith.
I'm always excited about school starting. This year, though, I expect some major adjustments will be in order. Meredith heads back to the classroom and we've been trying to adjust our schedules to accommodate L's needs as well as our own as active people. She's got her classes lined up for the mornings up until 12:00PM. I start at 12:00PM and go until 4:00PM. So basically, I'll have to take L. to school and pass him like a relay baton right at my classroom door. It's far from ideal and I'd rather have at least an hour between my class and Meredith's class, but such are the breaks.
At any rate, something will have to give and already I'm cutting back.
***
Back to the poem-a-day thing in August. It was quite productive for me and already I had three poems from that "celebration" picked up. The Chattahoochee Review will be publishing three of my "Self Portrait" poems. Very cool. Anyway, I need to start sending more of the poems out. The plan is to have everything off my desk by the end of the month . . . before the quarter is in full swing.
I owe Didi Menedez some poems and I fully plan on honoring my word. Sorry Didi, life happened. So did teething.
***
Forgot to mention that the reading at SAM went really well, and it was great seeing Shin Yu. We both read new work, which felt really good. I was nervous as all heck.
***
I've been breaking my own writing taboos lately, which has been refreshing.
***
Two classes for the Fall: ENG 453--Advanced Poetry Writing (I always teach this as a poetic forms class), and ENG 460--Multigenre: The Short Prose Form (A way for me to teach prose poems, short-shorts, and lyric essays).
***
On spin in iTunes:
Blitzen Trapper
Silversun Pickups
Bon Iver
Ra Ra Riot
Okkervil River
Admittedly I've been buying music . . . even though I have no money. Don't read this, Meredith.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Farewell, Reginald Shepherd
The lovely and brilliant poet, teacher, and blogger Reginald Shepherd has passed away. He had been battling illness for quite some time. I've linked you to his last blog entry. Please say goodbye when you get a chance.
***
Manifest by Reginald Shepherd
***
Manifest by Reginald Shepherd
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Reading at the Seattle Art Museum
Hey y'all. I'll be reading with Shin Yu Pai at the Seattle Art Museum on Thursday, September 11th from 8:00-9:00PM.
Here's the info:
Date: Thursday, September 11, 2008
Time: 8:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Seattle Art Museum, South Hall
City/Town: Seattle, WA
Poetry reading with Oliver de la Paz & Shin Yu Pai
Shin Yu Pai is the author of Haiku Not Bombs (Booklyn Artists Alliance), Works on Paper (Convivio Bookworks), Sightings: Selected Works [2000 - 2005] (1913 Press, 2007), The Love Hotel Poems (Press Lorentz, 2006), Unnecessary Roughness (xPress(ed), 2005), Equivalence (La Alameda, 2003), and Ten Thousand Miles of Mountains and Rivers (Third Ear Books, 1998). She is the recipient of awards from 4Culture and the Cambridge Arts Council.
Oliver de la Paz is the author of two collections of poetry, Names Above Houses, and Furious Lullaby, both published by Southern Illinois University Press. He is a co-chair for the advisory board of Kundiman, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the creation, cultivation, and promotion of Asian American Poetry. A recipient of a NYFA Fellowship Award, his work has appeared or is forthcoming from many journals like the Quarterly West, The Virginia Quarterly Review, North American Review, Tin House and in anthologies such as Asian American Poetry: The Next Generation and Language for a New Century: Contemporary Poetry from the Middle East, Asia, and Beyond. He teaches creative writing at Western Washington University.
I hope you can make it!
***
I've been really busy with Fall Academic Advising. Students are starting to trickle in to my office hours and my e-mail's been saturated with questions about courses and the major, so sorry it's been awhile since I've posted.
On top of the job duties, there's the parenting duties and my futile attempts to maintain some balance. I'm sure it'll work itself out soon.
***
I haven't seen a theater movie in a month, which is a long time for me. Though, Netflix has been good of late. Got any recommendations?
***
I need to revise.
Here's the info:
Date: Thursday, September 11, 2008
Time: 8:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Seattle Art Museum, South Hall
City/Town: Seattle, WA
Poetry reading with Oliver de la Paz & Shin Yu Pai
Shin Yu Pai is the author of Haiku Not Bombs (Booklyn Artists Alliance), Works on Paper (Convivio Bookworks), Sightings: Selected Works [2000 - 2005] (1913 Press, 2007), The Love Hotel Poems (Press Lorentz, 2006), Unnecessary Roughness (xPress(ed), 2005), Equivalence (La Alameda, 2003), and Ten Thousand Miles of Mountains and Rivers (Third Ear Books, 1998). She is the recipient of awards from 4Culture and the Cambridge Arts Council.
Oliver de la Paz is the author of two collections of poetry, Names Above Houses, and Furious Lullaby, both published by Southern Illinois University Press. He is a co-chair for the advisory board of Kundiman, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the creation, cultivation, and promotion of Asian American Poetry. A recipient of a NYFA Fellowship Award, his work has appeared or is forthcoming from many journals like the Quarterly West, The Virginia Quarterly Review, North American Review, Tin House and in anthologies such as Asian American Poetry: The Next Generation and Language for a New Century: Contemporary Poetry from the Middle East, Asia, and Beyond. He teaches creative writing at Western Washington University.
I hope you can make it!
***
I've been really busy with Fall Academic Advising. Students are starting to trickle in to my office hours and my e-mail's been saturated with questions about courses and the major, so sorry it's been awhile since I've posted.
On top of the job duties, there's the parenting duties and my futile attempts to maintain some balance. I'm sure it'll work itself out soon.
***
I haven't seen a theater movie in a month, which is a long time for me. Though, Netflix has been good of late. Got any recommendations?
***
I need to revise.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Now back to your regularly scheduled cuteness.
See Title.
* * *
Done with the poem-a-day thing for August and I'm coming away with a knowledge of some habits and of the fact that I think I have a manuscript and a half between 2007 and this new 2008 material.
My habits/observations--when I'm in a rut, I fall back to cataloging lines or lists. Nothing wrong with this, but I know I get tired of what's going on and there's only so far I can take said catalog.
When I get stuck, I quit on a poem or I cannibalize it into another poem. Just an observation.
Writing in such a deliberate way became a chore and at many points, I hated the process--a community helps at this point, so I'm grateful for the five other poets who were doing this with me.
I only cheated once, otherwise thirty of the thirty-one days were filled with new work.
Mostly, I learned how hard but doable it is to create new work with an infant in the house. The bottom line--you need to have someone to support you, so thank you Meredith! You're a saint. Really really really.
* * *
Done with the poem-a-day thing for August and I'm coming away with a knowledge of some habits and of the fact that I think I have a manuscript and a half between 2007 and this new 2008 material.
My habits/observations--when I'm in a rut, I fall back to cataloging lines or lists. Nothing wrong with this, but I know I get tired of what's going on and there's only so far I can take said catalog.
When I get stuck, I quit on a poem or I cannibalize it into another poem. Just an observation.
Writing in such a deliberate way became a chore and at many points, I hated the process--a community helps at this point, so I'm grateful for the five other poets who were doing this with me.
I only cheated once, otherwise thirty of the thirty-one days were filled with new work.
Mostly, I learned how hard but doable it is to create new work with an infant in the house. The bottom line--you need to have someone to support you, so thank you Meredith! You're a saint. Really really really.
Friday, August 29, 2008
August Poem A Day
Once again, I'm writing a poem a day with a fabulous group of writers. I'm putting the poems in various states of completion up on my blog for added incentive.
Pressure works for me.
The poems will live here for the day. The poems will disappear within 24 hours.
*****
Poem draft for August 31:
*POOF!*
Pressure works for me.
The poems will live here for the day. The poems will disappear within 24 hours.
*****
Poem draft for August 31:
*POOF!*
A Happy Tale from Stacey
Congrats, Stace!.
***
Having my parents here has made quite a difference. I can actually enjoy my meals instead of wolfing them down. I can also get some writing, reading, and administrative work done.
They're actually here to not only visit their grandson, but to look for a retirement house, and I think they found one. Yay!
***
Books that came in the mail:
Mistaking the Sea for Green Fields
All-American Poem
Colesseum
Meteoric Flowers
Rimertown
Thanks for the book suggestions MB, PB, EM, & JC!
***
I've got 'bout 90 something pages of poetry that I've got to whittle down for a new something-or-other. As I've mentioned, I'm pretty sure I've got two books, one more finished than the other. I need to spread all my pages out on the floor and sort--figure out where the gaps are, and proceed from there.
***
Big debate/row involving translation in the Letters to the Editor section of Poetry Magazine. The links might not bring you to any text . . . suffice it to say that the fight's getting nasty.
***
Having my parents here has made quite a difference. I can actually enjoy my meals instead of wolfing them down. I can also get some writing, reading, and administrative work done.
They're actually here to not only visit their grandson, but to look for a retirement house, and I think they found one. Yay!
***
Books that came in the mail:
Mistaking the Sea for Green Fields
All-American Poem
Colesseum
Meteoric Flowers
Rimertown
Thanks for the book suggestions MB, PB, EM, & JC!
***
I've got 'bout 90 something pages of poetry that I've got to whittle down for a new something-or-other. As I've mentioned, I'm pretty sure I've got two books, one more finished than the other. I need to spread all my pages out on the floor and sort--figure out where the gaps are, and proceed from there.
***
Big debate/row involving translation in the Letters to the Editor section of Poetry Magazine. The links might not bring you to any text . . . suffice it to say that the fight's getting nasty.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Good Readers
I just finished up commenting on a friend's manuscript and I was surprised that she said she had never had so much feedback before. I actually felt like I didn't give her enough (3 pages, typed).
Often, I just call the friend who's sent the manuscript and we talk, which works too.
Maybe I've been spoiled, but I'm used to getting, say 2-3 pages of typed feedback from friends who've read my manuscripts. Now, I know not to expect that all the time, but it's happened enough times for me.
I've also gotten some good feedback on poems . . . not 2-3 pages, mind you, but lots of annotation. So I'm curious . . . what's the most feedback you've gotten on, say a manuscript of poems? I know it's a vague question, especially if feedback came in the form of conversations, but maybe you can distill that to a number--like an hour conversation, for example.
***
My parents are coming tomorrow. Yippee! Mere n' I would LOVE to be able to go to a restaurant without having to get up at least 3 or 4 times a meal.
***
Noticing some very bad habits with the poem-a-day thing. I've fallen in love with the catalog and I need to "break up" with it. So I'm reading lots and lots of long narrativish (yes, I know that's not a word) poetry.
***
Unseasonable weather. It's been in the mid to low 60's and rainy. Good for the dogwoods I planted. Bad for my bald head.
Often, I just call the friend who's sent the manuscript and we talk, which works too.
Maybe I've been spoiled, but I'm used to getting, say 2-3 pages of typed feedback from friends who've read my manuscripts. Now, I know not to expect that all the time, but it's happened enough times for me.
I've also gotten some good feedback on poems . . . not 2-3 pages, mind you, but lots of annotation. So I'm curious . . . what's the most feedback you've gotten on, say a manuscript of poems? I know it's a vague question, especially if feedback came in the form of conversations, but maybe you can distill that to a number--like an hour conversation, for example.
***
My parents are coming tomorrow. Yippee! Mere n' I would LOVE to be able to go to a restaurant without having to get up at least 3 or 4 times a meal.
***
Noticing some very bad habits with the poem-a-day thing. I've fallen in love with the catalog and I need to "break up" with it. So I'm reading lots and lots of long narrativish (yes, I know that's not a word) poetry.
***
Unseasonable weather. It's been in the mid to low 60's and rainy. Good for the dogwoods I planted. Bad for my bald head.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
A Cautionary Tale from Stacey
Welcome to the blogosphere, Stacey Lynn Brown who also serves up a cautionary tale.
***
Stacey's husband and my good friend, Adrian Matejka had his manuscript, Mixology chosen for the National Poetry Series! Congratulations!
***
My parents are coming this week . . . thank goodness. Meredith & I are in need of a minor rescue.
At least football season's starting up again.
***
Still dealing with the ebb n' flow of inspiration. Some days I want to do this poem-a-day thing, but most days I'm coming to the computer pretty spent. I'll keep at it. Only 7 more days . . .
***
Stacey's husband and my good friend, Adrian Matejka had his manuscript, Mixology chosen for the National Poetry Series! Congratulations!
***
My parents are coming this week . . . thank goodness. Meredith & I are in need of a minor rescue.
At least football season's starting up again.
***
Still dealing with the ebb n' flow of inspiration. Some days I want to do this poem-a-day thing, but most days I'm coming to the computer pretty spent. I'll keep at it. Only 7 more days . . .
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Jewel Box Poetry Series
Had a great time at the Jewel Box Poetry Series in Poulsbo, WA.
Here's the crew from L to R:
Me, Meredith, Lucas, Henry, Oskar, Sarah, Todd, and Jenifer.
Thanks to Jenifer for setting up the reading!
Here's the crew from L to R:
Me, Meredith, Lucas, Henry, Oskar, Sarah, Todd, and Jenifer.
Thanks to Jenifer for setting up the reading!
Wearing Out
Oh boy . . . I'm getting tired of writing a poem a day. I feel I started with quite the flourish, but now I'm laboring . . . my drafts are feeling more and more forced and my inner critic is getting more critical.
I'm going to persist, though. Maybe something workable will come from the schlock.
***
All that being said, I printed out all my pages and it's clear I've got a book and a half between what I've started here, and my other writings. I know it's two books because of the content and the tone. The half book is a lot darker and external while the whole book does have some darker poems, but also has junctures where the "I" doesn't take itself seriously.
For the "whole" book, I need a "pivot foot," to use a basketball term--a poem or an idea that allows the body of the book to rotate. Yes, there are several similar poetic sequences, but tonally, many of them are quite distinct.
***
I'm finding that it's easier for me to write narratives while donning a mask. Maybe that's my latent Catholicism preventing me to lie as myself.
***
Man, that VQR Book Series makes gorgeous books. Just read through Boy, now I'm reading Field Folly Snow. I had read The History of Anonymity, of course, and I love it. It's really interesting to see this book series come together. The voices are quite different, which is an admirable thing for a book series. The covers--lovely, and I wouldn't mind having a book published with that series.
***
I need to pick up a book that's highly lyrical--so much so that the narrative or the concept of the narrative is emotive. Weird request, I know, but got any recommendations?
***
I'm going to try to finish up my new prose poem project this September . . . I've got a ton of "Dear Empire" poems that need to be typed.
***
I want a Hershey's Dark Chocolate bar.
I'm going to persist, though. Maybe something workable will come from the schlock.
***
All that being said, I printed out all my pages and it's clear I've got a book and a half between what I've started here, and my other writings. I know it's two books because of the content and the tone. The half book is a lot darker and external while the whole book does have some darker poems, but also has junctures where the "I" doesn't take itself seriously.
For the "whole" book, I need a "pivot foot," to use a basketball term--a poem or an idea that allows the body of the book to rotate. Yes, there are several similar poetic sequences, but tonally, many of them are quite distinct.
***
I'm finding that it's easier for me to write narratives while donning a mask. Maybe that's my latent Catholicism preventing me to lie as myself.
***
Man, that VQR Book Series makes gorgeous books. Just read through Boy, now I'm reading Field Folly Snow. I had read The History of Anonymity, of course, and I love it. It's really interesting to see this book series come together. The voices are quite different, which is an admirable thing for a book series. The covers--lovely, and I wouldn't mind having a book published with that series.
***
I need to pick up a book that's highly lyrical--so much so that the narrative or the concept of the narrative is emotive. Weird request, I know, but got any recommendations?
***
I'm going to try to finish up my new prose poem project this September . . . I've got a ton of "Dear Empire" poems that need to be typed.
***
I want a Hershey's Dark Chocolate bar.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Reading this Sunday
I'll be reading this Sunday for the Jewel Box Poets Sunday Reading Series.
The reading will be at 3:00PM with the fabulous Sarah Vap. It'll be a real treat 'cause I'm such a fan!
Anyway, I'd love to see some of you there.
***
I'm watching the Olympics quite a bit. I mean, really . . . I stayed up late watching the clean & jerk. Crazy. I hear it's stunning in HD. I can't imagine what the opening ceremonies looked like in High-Def.
***
The geek in me wants to see this.
***
What are you listening to? Just curious.
The reading will be at 3:00PM with the fabulous Sarah Vap. It'll be a real treat 'cause I'm such a fan!
Anyway, I'd love to see some of you there.
***
I'm watching the Olympics quite a bit. I mean, really . . . I stayed up late watching the clean & jerk. Crazy. I hear it's stunning in HD. I can't imagine what the opening ceremonies looked like in High-Def.
***
The geek in me wants to see this.
***
What are you listening to? Just curious.
Saturday, August 09, 2008
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
How I Write
I've long said that I'm a binge writer--that I store up materials over a long period of time, digest them, and then spit 'em all out in a quick and furious burst.
I'm beginning to rethink that. Only one of the poems I've written in the past 6 days was from stored materials. The other poems just happened. I'd write a line or think of some scenario and suddenly "poof" out of curiosity I've pursued a poem to its end.
Yes--curiosity. I am at once surprised by lines that I'm writing and I'm curious about where they'll eventually take me.
I still write in poetic sequences--I'll pursue a trope, an idea, an image, a story, and I'll write several poems from that. I'm making a conscious effort this time to break up each day so that I'm alternating between lyrics and narratives.
So I'm feeling somewhat schizophrenic about the poems I'm writing--like I can't bite down to any one artistic series. But I'm also aware of the fact that it's allowing me to continue writing without fatigue. Again, a thing I've found when I've been writing poetic sequences at previous junctures: I'd get supremely bored of the sequence I was inhabiting.
One thing I know, however, is that I'm still a planner. I want my exercises to fit a scheme and I'm quite deliberate about the trajectories these August poems travel. I'm sure you've all noticed a pattern (if you're out there). In my mind, I think I'm working on two manuscripts, one that's very involved with the self and one that's political, darker, and from a distant POV. I can't see the lyrics I'm writing dwelling with the lyric-narratives of, say the Nocturne poems. (Oh god . . . I wrote a sequence of Aubades and now a sequence of Nocturnes? Kill me).
I realize I'm rambling but ain't that what blogs are for?
I'm beginning to rethink that. Only one of the poems I've written in the past 6 days was from stored materials. The other poems just happened. I'd write a line or think of some scenario and suddenly "poof" out of curiosity I've pursued a poem to its end.
Yes--curiosity. I am at once surprised by lines that I'm writing and I'm curious about where they'll eventually take me.
I still write in poetic sequences--I'll pursue a trope, an idea, an image, a story, and I'll write several poems from that. I'm making a conscious effort this time to break up each day so that I'm alternating between lyrics and narratives.
So I'm feeling somewhat schizophrenic about the poems I'm writing--like I can't bite down to any one artistic series. But I'm also aware of the fact that it's allowing me to continue writing without fatigue. Again, a thing I've found when I've been writing poetic sequences at previous junctures: I'd get supremely bored of the sequence I was inhabiting.
One thing I know, however, is that I'm still a planner. I want my exercises to fit a scheme and I'm quite deliberate about the trajectories these August poems travel. I'm sure you've all noticed a pattern (if you're out there). In my mind, I think I'm working on two manuscripts, one that's very involved with the self and one that's political, darker, and from a distant POV. I can't see the lyrics I'm writing dwelling with the lyric-narratives of, say the Nocturne poems. (Oh god . . . I wrote a sequence of Aubades and now a sequence of Nocturnes? Kill me).
I realize I'm rambling but ain't that what blogs are for?
It's a Knockout
KNOCKOUT LITERARY MAGAZINE POETRY CONTEST
Knockout, a print literary magazine that publishes a 50-50 mix of work by LGBTQ and straight authors, announces its first poetry contest. Judge: James Bertolino. Winner receives $100 gift certificate to Powell's Books (redeemable online) and publication of their winning poem. All poems submitted considered for publication in Knockout. Submissions of up to three poems of any length must be received by August 31, 2008. $5 entry fee per submission. Multiple submissions allowed. Simultaneous submissions allowed (with prompt notification if accepted elsewhere). For complete guidelines and for more information about Knockout, visit www.knockoutlit.org/contest.htm
Knockout, a print literary magazine that publishes a 50-50 mix of work by LGBTQ and straight authors, announces its first poetry contest. Judge: James Bertolino. Winner receives $100 gift certificate to Powell's Books (redeemable online) and publication of their winning poem. All poems submitted considered for publication in Knockout. Submissions of up to three poems of any length must be received by August 31, 2008. $5 entry fee per submission. Multiple submissions allowed. Simultaneous submissions allowed (with prompt notification if accepted elsewhere). For complete guidelines and for more information about Knockout, visit www.knockoutlit.org/contest.htm
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
An announcement and some aphorisms.
Barbara Jane has some news!
****
I'm feeling philosophical
****
This has been the summer of pedagogy essays. I've had multiple requests for essays on craft/essays on poetry/essays on the teaching of poetry.
I have this much to say--there are many things that I cannot teach. I can only hope to inspire.
****
Sometimes, writing while assisting in the care of an infant feels like having to mow the lawn or do the dishes. Yes, a chore.
Personally, when it comes to making a choice between creating art and being a father, I'll choose being a father.
****
Narratives tire me. I really hate listening to what I say. If I ever want to go to sleep I talk to myself.
****
When I put together a book of poems, I look for two things--tonal consistency and tonal dissonance. If a book is tonally consistent, I strive for a movement to disrupt the music. If a book is tonally dissonant, I impose an order, which may for a time be arbitrary.
Both requests are my downfall.
****
An artist should always strive to surround themselves with art--which is justification for my gigantic music and book collection.
****
In this summer of comic books to big screen, it's funny to see the marriage between so many films and comics become such a leading story in arts and entertainment circles--I've always recognized there was a relationship there: from the storyboarding process of comics to the storyboarding process of film. Both traditions are wedded so overtly and I see it happening in the poetic line as well.
*****
People wonder why is it that I talk about so little poetry on my blog--the answer is that I blog the most when I'm teaching (during office hours). The last thing I want to do is talk about more poetry. Yes, I love poetry, but sometimes I get tired of hearing myself talk.
Summers, of course, I start to miss the discussions. I also have the luxury of reading during the summer.
I just finished Insomniac Liar of Topo by Norman Dubie--one of my teachers at ASU. I love the man's work, though this book felt the most ethereal to me. My attention was stuttering, and I think that's mostly due to having one ear craning towards my son's co-sleeper.
****
I see myself gearing up for the poem a day exercise that I do every August . . . my mind is spinning.
****
I'm feeling philosophical
****
This has been the summer of pedagogy essays. I've had multiple requests for essays on craft/essays on poetry/essays on the teaching of poetry.
I have this much to say--there are many things that I cannot teach. I can only hope to inspire.
****
Sometimes, writing while assisting in the care of an infant feels like having to mow the lawn or do the dishes. Yes, a chore.
Personally, when it comes to making a choice between creating art and being a father, I'll choose being a father.
****
Narratives tire me. I really hate listening to what I say. If I ever want to go to sleep I talk to myself.
****
When I put together a book of poems, I look for two things--tonal consistency and tonal dissonance. If a book is tonally consistent, I strive for a movement to disrupt the music. If a book is tonally dissonant, I impose an order, which may for a time be arbitrary.
Both requests are my downfall.
****
An artist should always strive to surround themselves with art--which is justification for my gigantic music and book collection.
****
In this summer of comic books to big screen, it's funny to see the marriage between so many films and comics become such a leading story in arts and entertainment circles--I've always recognized there was a relationship there: from the storyboarding process of comics to the storyboarding process of film. Both traditions are wedded so overtly and I see it happening in the poetic line as well.
*****
People wonder why is it that I talk about so little poetry on my blog--the answer is that I blog the most when I'm teaching (during office hours). The last thing I want to do is talk about more poetry. Yes, I love poetry, but sometimes I get tired of hearing myself talk.
Summers, of course, I start to miss the discussions. I also have the luxury of reading during the summer.
I just finished Insomniac Liar of Topo by Norman Dubie--one of my teachers at ASU. I love the man's work, though this book felt the most ethereal to me. My attention was stuttering, and I think that's mostly due to having one ear craning towards my son's co-sleeper.
****
I see myself gearing up for the poem a day exercise that I do every August . . . my mind is spinning.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
The New Face of Asian American Masculinity
Behold.
Here's me and Lucas (freshly shorn) heading back to the car after landing in Seattle. Not only am I lugging the son, but I'm also towing a suitcase and a backpack stuffed with a laptop.
***
Been catching up with life-stuff. You should've seen how overgrown the lawn was. I'm in Get-Your-House-In-Order mode: landscaping, responding to e-mails, sending out mail, etc., so if you've e-mailed me and I haven't gotten back to you, you're probably next on my e-mail reply list.
***
I haven't seen Dark Knight. :-( Maybe this week?
Here's me and Lucas (freshly shorn) heading back to the car after landing in Seattle. Not only am I lugging the son, but I'm also towing a suitcase and a backpack stuffed with a laptop.
***
Been catching up with life-stuff. You should've seen how overgrown the lawn was. I'm in Get-Your-House-In-Order mode: landscaping, responding to e-mails, sending out mail, etc., so if you've e-mailed me and I haven't gotten back to you, you're probably next on my e-mail reply list.
***
I haven't seen Dark Knight. :-( Maybe this week?
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Notes from Isle of Palms, SC
I almost wrote Isle of Psalms. My dormant Catholicism is stirring.
***
Got here on Saturday and we'll be staying for a week in this exorbitant/extravagant beach house (8 rooms, 9 bathrooms, swimming pool, a walk from the beach). Among the many benefits of this house--three AC units, TV/DVD in each room and a main room 52" projection TV, wireless internet, fireplace, wood floors, granite counter tops, stainless steel fridge, freezer unit, two ovens, two dishwashers . . .
***
I had hoped to get a little bit of writing done, but the ocean keeps calling.
***
L. is not so fond of the ocean, but he likes the pool.
***
Got here on Saturday and we'll be staying for a week in this exorbitant/extravagant beach house (8 rooms, 9 bathrooms, swimming pool, a walk from the beach). Among the many benefits of this house--three AC units, TV/DVD in each room and a main room 52" projection TV, wireless internet, fireplace, wood floors, granite counter tops, stainless steel fridge, freezer unit, two ovens, two dishwashers . . .
***
I had hoped to get a little bit of writing done, but the ocean keeps calling.
***
L. is not so fond of the ocean, but he likes the pool.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Friday, July 11, 2008
Heading to South Carolina
We're off to S.C. this morning, making a quick stop in Athens, GA to see Mindy Wilson and Mike Mejia.
After, we'll stay with Meredith's 102-year-old grandmother for one night before heading off to the SC beaches.
I think the house we're staying in'll have an i-net connection . . .
After, we'll stay with Meredith's 102-year-old grandmother for one night before heading off to the SC beaches.
I think the house we're staying in'll have an i-net connection . . .
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Writing Itch
Still here in Atlanta . . . Douglasville to be more precise. Our support crew flies in today from San Francisco and elsewhere, so we'll have folks that can spell us relief from some of our childcare duties. Traveling with wee ones is hard, though it wasn't harder than I had originally anticipated. I think Mere and I have been adapting well. Some things have gone by the wayside--originally I was planning on making trips to the local gym--but they're not horribly important.
We've been hopping from visit to visit with either my friends or Meredith's friends, so it's been busy, but a good busy.
Today will be calmer, but Friday we head out for South Carolina. We'll see how the Peanut will do.
***
I'm getting the writing itch, as I mentioned in the title above. For those of you who know me, I'm a binge writer. I, for the most part, don't write until the summer and . . . it's summer. I plan on doing that poem a day thing in August that was so productive for me. Meantime, I'm reading lots of National Geographic magazines. I just got a subscription (it replaced my New Yorker subscription).
Currently, I've got two or three projects that are distinct from each other--they'd be impossible to combine into a single manuscript effectively. That's okay. I'm getting better at knowing what works with what. Hell, it's taken me ten years, but I'm getting better at it. I'm not sure if I can sustain work on any one project, but since I've got a few to choose from, I can keep myself preoccupied for a time.
I've also got a couple of pedagogy essays I need to conjure up, so I've got a full summer at the mid-point.
***
I'm rather excited about The X-Files: I Want To Believe. I had such a crush on Gillian Anderson who did rather excellent work on BBC's Bleakhouse.
It's okay, though. Mere has a crush on David Duchovny's character, Fox Mulder. I'm careful to make the distinction here.
We've been hopping from visit to visit with either my friends or Meredith's friends, so it's been busy, but a good busy.
Today will be calmer, but Friday we head out for South Carolina. We'll see how the Peanut will do.
***
I'm getting the writing itch, as I mentioned in the title above. For those of you who know me, I'm a binge writer. I, for the most part, don't write until the summer and . . . it's summer. I plan on doing that poem a day thing in August that was so productive for me. Meantime, I'm reading lots of National Geographic magazines. I just got a subscription (it replaced my New Yorker subscription).
Currently, I've got two or three projects that are distinct from each other--they'd be impossible to combine into a single manuscript effectively. That's okay. I'm getting better at knowing what works with what. Hell, it's taken me ten years, but I'm getting better at it. I'm not sure if I can sustain work on any one project, but since I've got a few to choose from, I can keep myself preoccupied for a time.
I've also got a couple of pedagogy essays I need to conjure up, so I've got a full summer at the mid-point.
***
I'm rather excited about The X-Files: I Want To Believe. I had such a crush on Gillian Anderson who did rather excellent work on BBC's Bleakhouse.
It's okay, though. Mere has a crush on David Duchovny's character, Fox Mulder. I'm careful to make the distinction here.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Sweet Tea
Met up with Stacey at this eating establishment in Atlanta.
We discussed the finer points of BBQ . . . the noun and not the verb.
We discussed the finer points of BBQ . . . the noun and not the verb.
Saturday, July 05, 2008
Heading to Atlanta This Afternoon
Heading out across the U.S. once again. I'll be in Atlanta for the next five days and then from there, heading to South Carolina for Meredith's annual family reunion/beach trip.
While I'm in Atlanta, we'll catch up with the fabulous Stacey Lynn Brown.
I'm also hoping to get food at Mary Mac's.
L. is too young to enjoy the aquarium, though I want to see it. It'll just be tough carrying him around.
We'll also be heading over to Athens to catch up with some friends.
This year's trip should be quite busy!
***
I still haven't recovered from Kundiman. My sleep's a little off, so going back to EST might do the trick.
***
I hate it when Netflix movies start to pile up. It makes me feel like I'm not doing my job.
***
Poems soon. I've just been in motion.
While I'm in Atlanta, we'll catch up with the fabulous Stacey Lynn Brown.
I'm also hoping to get food at Mary Mac's.
L. is too young to enjoy the aquarium, though I want to see it. It'll just be tough carrying him around.
We'll also be heading over to Athens to catch up with some friends.
This year's trip should be quite busy!
***
I still haven't recovered from Kundiman. My sleep's a little off, so going back to EST might do the trick.
***
I hate it when Netflix movies start to pile up. It makes me feel like I'm not doing my job.
***
Poems soon. I've just been in motion.
Shout Out
To Meredith & Suzanne for surprising me with a TLC-style "While You Were Out" home office makeover.
This is part of the after pics. Those are most of my poetry books (some are in my office at school). The bottom shelf's reference.
This is part of the after pics. Those are most of my poetry books (some are in my office at school). The bottom shelf's reference.
Dry Wall is Good
Here, Suzanne & Meredith covered up the paneling with sheet rock. Looks better, doesn't it?
Before Picture III
My computer sat below the window. Here, it's in the process of getting dismantled for the makeover.
Before Picture II
That was the wall that now holds all those books. Note the horrifying wood paneling.
Thursday, July 03, 2008
The 2008 Kundiman Fellows, Faculty, and Staff
The week came and went.
We "graduated" five Kundiman fellows.
We walked back and forth from Brown College to the Lawn.
We walked from the Lawn classrooms to the Cabell classrooms to the dorms to The Biltmore Grill.
We ate lots and lots of sandwiches.
We changed clothes many times because of perspiration.
We had equal weight and equal volume.
We had strawberries.
We had yogurt, though some had more yogurt than others.
We had lessons from Bei Dao.
We had lessons from Tan Lin.
We had lessons from Aimee Nezhukumatathil.
We had a night of sing-alongs.
We had cupcakes.
We had all you can eat from China King Buffet.
Anything else?
We "graduated" five Kundiman fellows.
We walked back and forth from Brown College to the Lawn.
We walked from the Lawn classrooms to the Cabell classrooms to the dorms to The Biltmore Grill.
We ate lots and lots of sandwiches.
We changed clothes many times because of perspiration.
We had equal weight and equal volume.
We had strawberries.
We had yogurt, though some had more yogurt than others.
We had lessons from Bei Dao.
We had lessons from Tan Lin.
We had lessons from Aimee Nezhukumatathil.
We had a night of sing-alongs.
We had cupcakes.
We had all you can eat from China King Buffet.
Anything else?
You Want a Knuckle Sandwich With Those Fries?
Yeah, I served hamburgers at the retreat. Believe me, if I didn't, it would've taken forever for everyone to get their order.
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Staffers Unite!
2008 Kundiman Staff, from L to R:
Vikas Menon, Jennifer Chang, Sarah Gambito, Oliver de la Paz, Joseph Legaspi.
Vikas Menon, Jennifer Chang, Sarah Gambito, Oliver de la Paz, Joseph Legaspi.
Translation Reader
I read the translated versions of Bei Dao's poems. I probably butchered the poems.
Translation Cupcakes
We gave away cupcakes to anyone who translated a poem from another language into English.
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