How Many Slices Make Up a Whole?
Finding my tribe PART TWO
The Hudson Valley of New York State is a magical place. It’s only 90 miles from The City, and there is an abundance of writerly (and other artistic) people here. When I decided that writing was my portal to the creative life, I found Nina Shengold at The Word Cafe in Kingston. Master classes and interviews and writing prompts and…community. Oh, my. She is an expert writer and teacher. Check out her memoir, Reservoir Year. It’s one of my favorites.
One writer leads to another, and this year has been stellar in terms of contacts. I was delighted (such a 19th-century word, no?) that Sharon Israel wanted to interview me on her Planet Poet Podcast with Pamela Manché Pearce.
LISTEN to my June 3rd, 2025 WIOX show (also a podcast!) featuring Hudson Valley poet Lisa St. John. Lisa reads from her book Swallowing Stones and discusses her life as a poet. Poet-At-Large Pamela Manché Pearce also appears on the show. https://www.sharonisraelpoet.com/blog/poet-lisa-st-john
I actually left the house for an evening event. From years of teaching high school, I am, by default, an early riser, which means I'm also an early “go-to-sleep-er.” However, so many poetry events take place in the evening, I am trying to change my sleep cycle a bit. I could attend more readings at Next Year's Words: a New Paltz Readers Forum led by Susan Chute.
I am also a happy homebody. When my late husband Kent was * When my travel-writer husband, Kent, was alive, people used to ask if I was jealous that he was always going on trips. Nope. I loved all the trips I did take with him, but I was content to spend time at home. I enjoyed teaching. I loved being with my son. I crave solitude. So, going out is usually a chore. It’s a joy when I meet with my writing groups and go to their events. Premier Poet (and friend) Tina Barry’s husband is a ceramic artist. Bob Barry’s opening of the other world at the BAU Gallery was a huge success.
Community. Tribe. Slices of the whole.
1 * He was never late. I really am struggling with language about my “not alive anymore” husband. People are not comfortable with the “D” word. I don’t understand this (logically anyway). Ain’t none of us getting out of here alive.
UPCOMING
Thursday, June 26: The International Women’s Writing Guild Reading Write Forward: A Constellation of Voices. You can register for the Zoom here.
Sunday, June 29: Attending AIM Higher Press Book Launch. “[They] publish books that blur boundaries, negate binaries, interrogate, confound and delight.
Monday, August 11-Friday, 15 The International Women’s Writing Guild “Writing and Wellness Retreat” PLEASE JOIN US in person or online!
MY KITCHEN TABLE MFA CONTINUES…
Amidst & Betwixt: Fresh Shapes for Our Poetry and Prose with Marj Hahne
Speculative Poetry: Writing Past the Apocalypse with Stacey Balkun through The Poetry Barn.
The Poet's Powers: Four Routes toward Weirder Work with Joshua Davis through The Poetry Barn.
Thanks for reading……..lisa