I am still here, cobwebs

I've taken a sabbatical from here. And it was unintentional.

Things I'm doing/still doing:

cycling

writing

reading The Difficult Farm

STILL reading The Mysteries of Pittsburgh

(not sure why I only seem to get 2/3 the way through a Chabon book before I peter out...)

And planning. Always planning.

And Dubstep.

Thin Kimono

So I just noticed I never updated the Michael Earl Craig situation.

Got Think Kimono.

Read Thin Kimono.

Thought Thin Kimono was surprisingly illogical of MEC. And I mean that in all the right and wrong ways. Actually just the right ways.

It's been a rewarding experience for me. This is what poetry should feel like. I also feel like I get a sense of MEC's growth as a poet from book to book. TK was a predicted growth yet with a windfall of possibilities. He did things I didn't expect and kept me tripping for the things I already like (while evolving those techniques even more).

Bravo.

READ IT!!!

And this is for all of you

An Joyous Occasion

Got the good word over the weekend: 5 of my poems will graciously be published in Connotation Press. I will keep you in the loop.

Working on some neat stuff lately. You be prepared.

New Book by Schomburg... when!?

According to a recent post on Zachary Schomburg's blog The Lovely Arc, he's got a new book lined-up. If you don't check his blog daily, there's a darn good chance we have no business talking.

On the recommendation

Courtesy of Aaron Rote, I'm now reading a new poet (to me): Jack Gilbert. He's a good mix of what I think others value in poetry, what I value in poetry, and what I'm trying to value in poetry.

Here (there) 'tis.

Reading Now

Okay, just finished reading Can You Relax in My House and it was easily fantastic. Michael Earl Craig seems to be the synthesis of something good for me. I'm eager to get Thin Kimono in which hopefully happens soon. Not quite sure which I like better of the two books I've read of his. I like them both quite a lot. Yes, Master was my first experience, and I think, for whatever reasons, I'm on board the most with that one. Reporting soon on TK.