Over the last few years, I’ve posted mega-lists of works I’m either just starting to chew on or digesting. I’ve tried to write about this more frequently this year. I decided I’d also do a set of mid-year lists of favorites so far. General Favorites 2017–So Far Books that left traces. Fiction Einstein’s Dreams: Alan … Continue reading Mid-Year Reading
Erick Forsyth still is or has been a boxer, bartender, organizer, writer, blacksmith, photographer, and soul disc jockey. He’s probably had a whole range of curious employments I don’t know about. Currently, he’s running The Three Graces Studio, which specializes in blacksmithing and ironwork, wet plate photography, and writing. His ironwork is impressive and photography … Continue reading A Project That Could: Erick Forsyth and The Three Graces Studio
A few friends of mine have worked through the “Favorite Films for Every Year I’ve Been Alive” and it looked like fun. Zine-Queen Delaine Derry Green posted hers on Facebook and digital slayer and general maker-of-things Trey Lane made a rad Storify version of his. My Favorite Film for Every Year I’ve Been Alive 1977: … Continue reading Might as well….
I’m rereading a collection of Bruno Schulz’s writing. It’s dense, lyrical, strange. I had to type up this section below about the reading experience. This reminds me of certain experiences as a young reader, or being an older listener to music of my youth, music that had seemed vital, but only feels frail and false … Continue reading for that single moment we love them ever after
Even Dwarfs Started Small (1970) I expected to not like this as much the second time around, though it’s been about two decades since my first viewing. I think I like it even more. This is not a movie for everybody: cruelty, violence, and an all little person cast, which then throws up the “exploitation” … Continue reading Recent Viewing: February
For years, I have celebrated Day of the Dead by writing “calaveras literarias.” Some people write poems for loved ones, but another tradition is to write humorous “tombstones.” I write the latter–or try to. I mostly try to make fun of myself for my students. This year’s is Bama-centric. I’m constantly asked about what team … Continue reading ¡calaveras!
I started the year with the intention of writing in this space more. I even had outlined topics through February. Obviously that didn’t happen. But here’s some of what did: Baby still can’t walk, but—like her dear old dad—has taken to climbing on couches, chairs, and tables. She likes to awkwardly bounce and shriek like … Continue reading Do I dare disturb the universe?
Since 2012 began with the world’s end in mind, I thought I’d start 2013 with something else in mind. From Sir James George Frazer’s The Golden Bough: “In some parts of Breadalbane it was formerly the custom on New Year’s Day to take a dog to the door, give him a bit of bread, and … Continue reading Allow the soul time to return
If there’s ever been a constant in my life, it’s been books. My grandparents had a massive collection and my mother and grandmother regularly took me to the library. I remember the day I was finally old enough to get my own card. It was exciting, particularly for such a shy and nerdy kid. Right … Continue reading I like big books and I cannot lie…
Stephen McClurg 