This weekend I went to my chain supermarket (Jewel) and spent a good deal of time in the produce department staring at something. I didn’t know what it was but I got out my phone to take pictures. It was the size of a watermelon and its rind was fantastic. My mind flashed to that handsome actor Kevin McCarthy in Invasion of the Body Snatchers, that wonderful and campy 1956 movie about pod people. I tracked down the produce guy and asked what this crazy thing was. It’s … [Read more...]
Puckered and blurred
Sometimes I come across things that aren’t necessarily solace-y but I want to share anyway. They amuse me somehow. Such is the case with a definition I came across. It’s from the article “Why It Pays to Be a Jerk” written by Jerry Useem in the latest (vol. 315, no. 5) issue of The Atlantic. The lengthy article considers all the facets of success, jerkiness, and niceness. I was particularly happy to read a specific citation, which quotes Aaron James from his 2012 book, … [Read more...]
June moon meant for strawberries and kissing
Yesterday, June 2, a full moon shone. According to the The Old Farmer’s Almanac, June's full moon is the Full Strawberry Moon and got this name because the Algonquin tribes knew it as a signal to gather ripening fruit. It was often known as the Full Rose Moon in Europe (where strawberries aren't native). Lyricist Edward Madden also had ideas about the June moon: “Place park, scene dark, silvery moon is shining through the trees; Cast two, me, you, sound of kisses … [Read more...]
When envy shows itself
The other day I was with writer friends and someone mentioned something (a new placement, a publishing deal, a new confidante), and was a little timid about going into specifics, but then did, and, wow, the feeling I was left with was . . . envy. I was quiet about it. Didn’t mention it to anyone. I was ashamed and embarrassed I felt this way. But deep down I couldn’t help myself from thinking: When will it be my turn? No wonder Envy is in the top seven. When it … [Read more...]
Massachusetts State Poetry & Amy Dengler Memorial Poetry Contest
“Sweetness comes from the baker’s hands, / the art of rising from generations / making their way in the world. The making / begins with breaking the egg, / releasing the small sun within, stirring . . ..” These words from “Portuguese Sweet Bread” introduced me to Amy Dengler from Gloucester, MA. She is one of the contributors to Solace in So Many Words who has passed away. As I reported in January 2012, Amy’s fellow poets in the Wordcrafters chapter of the Massachusetts … [Read more...]
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