Solace in a Book

Ireland calls

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Can you be homesick for a place that was never your home? I don’t know, but that’s how I feel about Ireland lately – that it is calling me. The feeling was intensified this weekend when I attended iBAM!, the festival of Irish Books and Music at the Irish American Heritage Center. Mary Pat Kelly spoke about her books, Galway Bay, and especially the latest Of Irish Blood. She said she learned from the McCourt brothers to talk about her book, rather than read from it. She … [Read more...]

Go, read, submit

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Hey there.  Hope all is well with you. Mark your calendar for Book Fort's winter Pop Up Book Fair presented by Curbside Splendor, which will be held Sunday, November 8th, from 1:00 to 6:00 pm at Empty Bottle (1035 N Western). This is a great event and always a lot of fun.  You get to support Chicago's literary talents and enjoy a tasty beverage (I've heard the Bloody Marys are great). There may still be spaces available for exhibitors -- contact Catherine Eves (catherine … [Read more...]

Glimpse of Solace: Laura Rodley

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Laura Rodley is a writer whose poetry has appeared here many times. She is also a feature writer and photographer for Country Folks, Country Grower, Mane Stream, and other publications. Some of her recent features include “UMass Cherry Bomb Ice Cream and Maple Valley Creamery” and “Cartwheels at the 147th Cummington Fair.” When asked about the photo, Laura replies “I love all creatures--squirrels, mice, chipmunks, including a huge frog that was hanging out in a bucket of … [Read more...]

Commiseration

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Last week was National Suicide Prevention Week.   I should have posted this poem then. No matter. I offer it to anyone who has screwed up, to anyone who feels shame so deep they don't know how to get out from under it.  I'm rooting for you. Commiseration This poem is for those who have whispered in desperate urgency: “Let me get away with it this time.” Perhaps finished this invocation with a promise to change: “Lord,” you may have called upon a power … [Read more...]