Category Archives: Uncategorized

“F. Champenois Imprimeur-Editeur,” Alphonse Mucha, 1897

Lithograph.

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Jenny S. reads Rob Plath’s “a thousand cab rides away”

I happened across another of Jenny S.’ poetry readings that I especially enjoyed — this time it was her interpretation of Rob Plath’s superb poem, “a thousand cab rides away.”  It is a sad piece, with an absolutely perfect closing line, and Jenny reads it beautifully.

If you enjoy the poem as much as I do, then you should also check out the Jenny S. Poetry Readings Youtube channel.

 

Self portrait by William McGregor Paxton, circa 1910

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You know the rules. And so do I.

Today’s agenda:

1) Give you up, let you down, run around and desert you.

2) Make you cry, say goodbye, tell a lie and hurt you.

C’mon … you know that I’m KIDDING.

I’m NEVER gonna do those things!!

 

 

 

Cover to “Where Monsters Dwell” #17, Steve Ditko, 1972

Marvel Comics.

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“When a problem comes along, you must WIP it.”

This song is dedicated to writers with W.I.P.’s (works in progress) everywhere.

You know — like something that’s 75 or 80 percent finished, but lacks a proper ending. You just KNOW you need to finish it … even if it’s for no other reason than the sunk costs fallacy. (You’ve already invested so much time and effort!)

I’ve got two such projects. Let’s make a pact. I’ll finish mine if you finish yours. (I almost wrote “I’ll show you mine if you show me yours,” and that’s weirdly Freudian. I’m glad I caught myself.) Anyway, we’ll ALL be winners, so we ALL get the shiny red hats.

Now WIP it
Into shape!
Shape it up!
Get straight!
Go forward!
Move ahead!
Try to detect it!
It’s not too late
To WIP it!
WIP it good!

[Update: oh god, now this song is in my head and won’t stop! Send in Credence Clearwater Revival immediately!]

 

“Head of a Skeleton with a Burning Cigarette,” Vincent van Gogh, 1886

Oil on canvas.

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Red Clay Diaries.

Although I suppose Roanoke’s characteristic iron-rich dirt looks more tan than red today.  It still was a canvas for some of nature’s eye-catching patterns.

Man oh man, I would have loved to play on that Jurassic-looking soil with my toy dinosaurs when I was six years old.

 

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“Glow of Gold, Gleam of Pearl,” William McGregor Paxton, 1906

Oil on canvas.

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Peeking Cat Poetry Magazine interviews Dennis Villelmi

There’s a terrific interview over at Peeking Cat Poetry Magazine with my good friend and colleague, Dennis Villelmi.  Dennis speaks at length about his career as a writer, from his early inspiration by the works of Clive Barker to his current work on The Bees Are Dead.

Dennis has always been a creator to watch, and he remains one of my favorite writers.  I really enjoyed getting a glimpse of the processes behind his unique and baroquely dark poetry.

Head on over and take a look.

 

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