In the Pines

I liked a lot about last night's Longmire episode, "In the Pines," but took slight exception at the heart of the standalone episode. My review here.

My Dinner with Allen Ginsberg

Ron Scheer had asked if he ever told me the story of the time he had dinner with Beat legend Allen Ginsberg. Of course, that was too intriguing to pass on and thinking that it would be a perfect story for The Fall Creek Review (which I occasionally help find content for), I asked Ron if he wouldn't mind writing it up for TFCR. And, he kindly obliged. Here is "My Dinner With Allen Ginsberg" by Ron Scheer.

Pluvial Gardens

Me at Pluvial Gardens. The sign was just installed this week. Kyle would have gotten a kick out of his poem becoming a real garden.

Nigel's Take

One Man's Opinion: THE LIZARD'S ARDENT UNIFORM by BEAT to a PULP.

Into Words

                                              At Pluvial Gardens. June 17, 2014.

Miss Cheyenne

My review of yesterday's Longmire episode, Miss Cheyenne, at Criminal Element.

Terrie Farley Moran with Dust to Dust

I’ve been blessed to be friends with Terrie Farley Moran for a number of years now and have always been touched by her kindness and steadfast support she has shown to me and my family. And I’m a big admirer of her work--I read whatever she’s done that I can get my hands on. In her writing, you won't find cheap thrills or unnecessary violence; instead, you'll find solid character development within a rich, powerful storyline slowly building to an emotional crescendo that'll stick with you long past the conclusion.

Terrie reached out to me after my nephew’s death and a back and forth discussion brought up the words "the laconic dust"--something Kyle had written in his dream journal--which she said could possibly be in reference to Emily Dickinson (who tops a Google search of those words). I mentioned to Terrie that Kyle had a collection of Dickinson poems on his bookshelf, and then asked if she’d be interested in spinning a story for The Lizard’s Ardent Uniform based on that prompt. She readily accepted, and I was floored when she sent along “Dust to Dust.” It’s one of the finest short stories I’ve ever had the privilege to publish. Please take a few minutes and read Terrie's story here.

And, thank you, Terrie. I owe you much more than a simple gratitude but know it is heartfelt and deeply appreciated.