your august eclipse annogram

Reading at Stamford Arts Festival

En plein air
photo by Carol Booth

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

More reviews on Free Ferry

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

Ann on the John Mac Show

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

Jimmy Santiago Baca on Faith, Magic and Writing

Jimmy Santiago Baca

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

Salty Workshop with Norwalk’s Poet Laureate

"Dredging for Oysters"
by Alexander Rummler

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

Open Mic Night at Hudson Valley Writers Center

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

Laurel Peterson

Creative opportunities

August 24 Poetry Workshop, 3-5pm, with Laurel Peterson, $10

August 1 – October 1, Presence: A Journal of Catholic Poetry, call for work

New releases

Drugstore Blue by Susanna Case (Five Oaks Press)

Calling the Names by Mark Saba (David Robert Books)

Ghost Tracks: Stories of Pittsburgh Past by Mark Saba (Big Table Publishing)

Solar eclipse on August 21

Westchester Amateur Astronomers will host a partial (see this website for path of totality) eclipse event at the Harrison Library, Monday, August 21.  Early phases start at 1:23 pm, reach maximum at 2:45pm, and end at 4pm. Use proper eye protection when viewing partial stages.  If you have solar eclipse glasses, you need to verify they are not bogus.

Virginia Beach 1970
photo by Michael Cefola

NEVER look at the sun directly through binoculars or a telescope unless they are fitted with solar filters and you know what you are doing. Using polarized sunglasses and X-ray film may permanently blind your eyes. A pinhole projection is suggested in this article from Sky and Telescope.

Eclipse Cookies

So many of you are heading south or west to enjoy totality Monday, August 21.  We say this rare event merits cookies, and maybe a reading of A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court! At least cookies and a glass of milk . . . Twain would approve.

Thanks to Parade for the recipe

1 (16 ½ oz) package refrigerated sugar cookie dough or buy a package of sugar cookies or ginger snaps

4 cups powdered sugar, divided

1 tsp lemon juice

2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

6 Tbsp warm water, divided

Yellow food coloring

Salt

If baking cookies, bake per package directions and cool completely. In medium bowl, mix 2 cups powdered sugar and pinch of salt; stir in 3 Tbsp warm water and 1 tsp lemon juice. Ice flat sides of cookies, covering from one-eighth to almost completely. Freeze 10 minutes or until set. In medium bowl, mix 2 cups powdered sugar, 2 Tbsp cocoa and 3 Tbsp warm water. Spread chocolate icing on un-iced portions to represent moon covering sun. Refrigerate 5 minutes or until set. Makes 2 dozen. Thanks to Parade for the recipe.

Poetry events / readings

HVWC, August 18, Vincent Bazzano, $5

Cynthia Manick

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

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

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

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

'Round the Net

Shana Melton
photo by Michael Holstein

Poet Edward Ahern for poems in Longshot Island

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

Poet and artist Shana Melton for her Bridgeport, CT Writers Group

The New York Public Library’s August book recommendations

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

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

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


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

Until next time,
Ann

your midsummer annogram

Free Ferry gains momentum

Thanks to everyone who continues to purchase, read, and gift Free Ferry with such enthusiasm. I am excited to be reading at events this fall at CUNY and Fordham celebrating the 75th anniversary of the isolation of plutonium—a largely unknown history and the bottom narrative in Free Ferry. 

Imagine my shock when I walked into this Vermont scene that matched the cover of the book! 

More good news

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

Stamford Arts Festival

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

Ron Tanner in the Middle of the Pacific

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

Touring Vermont backroads

Rustic Vermont farm

My amazing girlfriends surprised me with a backroads adventure! In a comfortable mini-bus, we enjoyed views of Mt. Equinox and one or two of Manchester’s multimillion-dollar homes. Our guide, Sharon, shared demographics on today’s Vermonters—everyone from former CEOs and the Chief of the Abenaki Tribe, to artisans, telecommuters, and farmers.

Communing with alpaca

A downpour prevented a hike into the Merck Forest, so we headed to a gift shop to sample three grades of maple syrup.  At an alpaca farm, the camel-like beasts stared at us with their otherworldly black eyes. Finally, we passed the Cephas Kent house, considered the birthplace of Vermont, 14^th state to join the union. 

Such fun—and thanks to Sharon who epitomizes a Yankee welcome.

Linda Simone

Simone and Smith at the Tobin

Watercolorist Linda Simone is excited to be exhibiting artwork at the Tobin Library in San Antonio with her good and talented friend Vera Smith. "If you're in the neighborhood," Linda says, "please stop by and take a look!" The paintings will be up through the first week in September.

NYC Poetry Festival

The free NYC Poetry Festival takes place July 29-30, 11am - 6pm, on Governors Island. Be sure to see annogram friends Christine Beck, Susana H. Case,and Gary Glauber Saturday at 1:30pm, and  Meredith Trede, Mervyn Taylor, and Estha Weiner Sunday at noon—all on the Algonquin Stage.

Mad for ModPo

Emily Dickinson (1830-1886)

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

The Perfect Wife and the Other Woman

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

Amber’s Strawberry Shortcake

2 ½ cups flour
1/3 cup sugar plus extra for dusting
1 ¼ tsp. baking powder
¾ tsp. salt
2 ½ sticks butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
1 scant cup milk, whisked with
3 eggs

1/4 cup heavy cream

2 lb organic strawberries, sliced

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine dry ingredients. Cut in chilled butter. Mix in eggs and milk (leave lumpy). Pour into greased and floured 10-inch cake pan or 12 muffin tins. Bake 25-30 minutes. Brush with heavy cream and sprinkle with sugar as they come out of the oven. Cool in pans 10 minutes, then turn out. Serve room temp or slightly warm with fresh, local, lightly sweetened strawberries.

Creative opportunities

Action Theater Improv August workshops in Brooklyn, $15 each

Hélène Sanguinetti

New releases

How a Poem Can Happen (Red Spruce Press)

Domain des englues (Lettre Volee) by Hélène Sanguinetti

Readings / events

Ruth Irupé Sanabria

Bryant Park, August 1, 7pm, poets Ruth Irupé Sanabria, Jose B. Gonzalez, Emanuel Xavier, Yesenia Montilla

HVWC, August 6, 4:30pm, poets Theresa Senato Edwards, Howie Faerstein, Paul Richmond, Cheryl Rice, Neil Silberblatt, $10

HVWC, August 16, Liz Burk, Carla Carlson, Gillian Cummings, Anne Graue, Ruth Handel, Caroline Holme, Melissa Ragsly, $10

Hanif Willis-Abdurraqib

Poets House, Kray Hall, August 3, 7pm, Aziza Barnes, Ching-In, Hanif Willis-Abdurraqib, DéLana R. A. Dameron

Prismatic Park at Madison Square Park, Joshua Bennett in The Envy of the World, August 15-20, 12-5pm

Bryant Park, August 29, 7pm, Cave Canem poets Teri Cross Davis, Cynthia Manick, Ladan Osman, Iain Haley Pollock

ʾRound the Net

More alpaca

Backroad Discovery Tours for its fantastic sampler tour through southern Vermont

Curator and art historian Beth Gersh-Nesic for this definitive list of must-see summer art shows

Poet Gary Glauber on having two poems in Pamplemousse

Poet Cindy Hochman for her poem in Unbroken Journal

Novelist Petra Lewis for her speech at A Better Chance on artists prospering in the digital age

Lines + Stars Journal for its half-dozen Best of the Net nominees

Tracy K. Smith

The New York Public Library for its summer reading recommendations

Poet Linda Simone for discovering the high art of the Lamp Shade Lady

Poet Tracy K. Smith on being named our new US Poet Laureate

Novelist Ron Tanner for addressing practical questions writers have on his website

Writer’s Relief for Seven Signs a Literary Magazine is A Good Fit

Ah, midsummer! May you relax into its deep greens and oncoming August golds. As I close this annogram, I am grateful for your embrace of Free Ferry. So many say it uncannily reflects our world. If you’ve read Free Ferry, please go to Amazon and Goodreads to review it. Thanks, and wishing you your own summer adventures!

Until next time,

Ann

your early summer annogram

Free Ferry launch at Fordham

Fordham University hosted a fantastic book launch for Free Ferry!  We had more than 40 attendees at the Westchester campus, a beautiful building tucked in the woods off Westchester Avenue.  

Dr. Larry Faltz and I read Free Ferry

For the reading, our good friend Dr. Larry Faltz agreed to read the bottom, more scientific, narrative while I covered the top more domestic poems—and our audience loved the blend of our two distinct voices. 

Afterwards, our reception featured music from Getz/Gilberto as well as a buffet from Patisserie Salzburg. Alas, I never made it to the exquisite butter cookies because I was signing books—Face Painting in the Dark and Free Ferry! 

Elyse Faltz, Helen Honig, yours truly,
Michael Cefola and Ruth Handel

A problem every author should have, and I am grateful to everyone who purchased my work.  Thanks to Deborah Coulter, Michael Holstein, and Sarah Bracey White for taking great photos, and please keep those comments coming on Amazon and Goodreads.

Suzanne Cleary on Risk-Taking in Poetry

Suzanne Cleary

I have long admired Suzanne’s poetry, and was thrilled when she wrote a blurb for Free Ferry.  Now I turn the tables to discover how she gets away with rule-breaking in “Elm Street,” which appeared this year in Poetry Daily. 

The interview, which includes the poem, features quotes such as “I feel no need to demystify poetry. A good poem is mysterious, most especially to poets. Being mystified by a poem is a great first step in reading it, but since our society values mastery, not mystery, what is a teacher to do?” Read our conversation to find out!

More good news

Deepest thanks to poet Mary McCray for the outstanding review of Free Ferry on Big Bang Poetry.  In addition, my poem, “Trackside Commissary,” had been selected for the Main Street Rag Press anthology, Of Burgers & Barrooms; and my translation of chapter 9 from Hélène Sanguinetti’s Le Héros (Flammarion, 2008) will debut shortly in St. Petersburg Review.

Sounds of Summer at Jacob Burns

Patsy Cline (1932-1963)

Jacob Burns Film Center has assembled top music documentaries for its Sounds of Summer festival through August 17. Classics like Stop Making Sense and newer releases such as Two Trains Runnin’ showcase performances by Patsy Cline, The Band, Otis Redding, Talking Heads, The Beatles, Eagles of Death Metal, and more!  Groove to the trailer here.

Stuck in driveway listening to the car radio

Freddie Mercury (1946-1991) and
Brian May

Waiting for Brian May’s guitar to erupt in Queen’s “We will rock you.” After Freddie Mercury (1946-1991) repeats the chorus three times, May rips into a lush electric solo, ably dismantling the stark if hypnotic beat. The Mirror (UK) crowned May guitarist in a fantasy super group survey with Paul McCartney (bass), Phil Collins (drums), and Adele (vocalist).  Hmm. Now how about that US super group?

Creative opportunities

Barrow Street Book Prize – submit by June 30

MassMOCA one-to-eight week residencies – apply by July 6

Presence, a Journal of Catholic Poetry call for book reviewers

New releases

The Pedestal – June issue edited by John Amen

AMP – Issue 2 edited by Janet Kaplan

Herald by Roberta P. Feins (Autumn House Press)

The Sports Bucket List by Rob Fleder, Steve Hoffman (Harper Collins)


The Bottle Diggers by Andrea Fry (Turning Point)

The Third Voice: Notes on the Art of Poetic Collaboration by Eric Greinke (Presa Press)

Big Bang Poetry Summer Newsletter edited by Mary McCray

Thank You for Listening by Sean Pessin (Mindmade Books)

Poetry / literary events

Idra Novey

Canaan Meetinghouse, 7:30pm, July 6, Cynthia Huntington, Rick Moody; July 13, James Wright, Megan Abbott; July 20, April Ossmann, Victoria Redel; July 27: Major Jackson,  Alexander Chee

Bowery Poetry Club, July 3, 6pm, Taran Singh, free

Dixon Place, July 3, 7:30pm, variety show featuring Rachel Cohen, $10 donation

Bowery Poetry Club, July 9, 3:30pm, Thylia Moss

Bryant Park Reading Room, July 11, 7pm, Cheryl Boyce Taylor, Reggie Cabico, Elana Bell, Duy Doan; July 18, Dan Magers, Monica McClure, Niina Polari, Sampson Starweather; July 25, John Andrews, Kazim Ali, Kaveh Akbar, Kazumi Chin, Michelle Lin

HVWC, July 12, 7:30pm, Idra Novey, Alex Mar, $10

Strawberry Spinach Salad

Here's what's in my lunch box—fresh, simple, delicious!

8 oz organic baby spinach leaves, stems removed

8 organic strawberries, sliced

handful of walnuts, chopped

1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

2 Tbsp sunflower oil

Layer spinach, walnuts and strawberries.  Add vinegar and oil, and toss salad.  You can also switch out the strawberries for a tart apple like Pink Lady, and the walnuts for pistachios.

ʼRound the Net

Bowery Poetry Club for alerting us to Taran’s Free Jazz Hour, radio program out of France

Readers from Whitman, Alabama

Deaf Community activist Florence Camace for sharing Minnie and Mickey’s use of sign language with a child

Filmmaker Jennifer Crandall for recording Alabamians reading Whitman—a new video each week

Poet Terry Dugan for this piece featuring three translators responding to the film “Arrival”

Poet Eric Greinke on debut of The Third Voice: Notes on the Art of Poetic Collaboration (Presa Press)

Former NYS poet laureate Marie Howe for pairing poets with commuters to write their stories

Freddie King (1934-1976)

Art Historian Laura Morelli for revealing the history of maiolica from Umbria

Bassist and blues expert Larry Schwartzman for this amazing Freddie King clip

Program host Toni Quest for doing a great interview with curator and art historian Beth Gersh-Nesic

Closing June with gratitude for the annogram community and your overwhelming support for Free Ferry.  Many are gifting it to the scientists, mathematicians, and astrophysicists in their lives! I am honored and encourage you to purchase the book directly from Upper Hand Press to support its first foray into poetry.

Until next time,

Ann