The really cool people at The Piker Press today published my humorous short poem “Accident Allison.”
Thanks, as always, to Managing Editor Sand Pilarski for allowing me to be a part of this great creative community!
“Oaks,” Arkhip Kuindzhi, 20th Century
Oil on paper mounted on cardboard.
Critterwatch 2026 marches on!
Critters spotted:
- Fireflies!
- Polka-dot beetles! (I have since come to understand that these are the nascent, dread lanternflies.)
- Raccoons!
- Spider-eating wasps. (I kid you not. I saw SOME kind of hymenoptera dragging a frikkin’ GIANT wolf spider along as takeout. I tried to get a picture of this clash of the Titans, but then the wasp dropped its meal and stated menacing ME. Got the hell out of there.)
- Deer everywhere!
- Monarch butterflies!
“American Deer,” Anthony Devis, 18th Century
Cover to “Grendel Tales: The Devil’s Apprentice” #2, Matt Wagner, 1997
Dark Horse Comics.
The Mentally Oddcast returns — with guest Rev. Josh Hosler!
The Mentally Oddcast returns for a sixth season! My friend and colleague Wednesday Lee Friday recently released a new episode of her intriguing podcast, which examines creative processes through the lens of addiction, recovery, mental and emotional health, trauma and treatment.
It is always a superb show, and her guest this week was Reverend Josh Hosler — a smart, articulate, funny and humble man with a variety of compelling insights. (You can find the episode right here on Zencaster and also here over at Spotify.) Wednesday and Reverend Hosler chatted about a number of subjects, including the differences among communities of faith — and how they may be positioned to help vulnerable people.
I think Wednesday was born for broadcasting. You might know her as an accomplished horror author and a leader in the independent literature community; The Mentally Oddcast is an outgrowth of her ongoing indie lit magazine, Sometimes Hilarious Horror. Wednesday can discuss topics from politics to zombie movies with humor and uncanny acumen, so her show is always a lot of fun.
Do check it out.
Rest easy, Professor Chris Kilmartin.
I was saddened to learn this morning of the passing of Chris Kilmartin, PhD, a pillar of the University of Mary Washington community. News of Dr. Kilmartin’s death was shared to social media today by his wife, Dr. Allyson Poska.
“Dr. K.’s” accolades as an educator and psychologist are far too numerous to list here, but he is remembered fondly by so many alumni as a favorite professor. I feel certain that his loss will be felt far and wide.
“August,” Alfons Mucha, 1898
From Les Douze Mois (The 12 Months), published in Cocorico magazine.
When you play the game of Nolans, you win or you die. There is no middle ground.
Cover to “Arkham Horror: The Terror at the End of Time” trade paperback, Rafael Albuquerque, 2025
Dark Horse Books.
Eric Robert Nolan, Author 