Out of Balance

I am ashamed that I have not blogged in quite some time. I'm constantly trying to balance my life. If I'm doing great at my job, chances are that I am not writing as much as I need to be. If I'm writing a lot, my apartment is most likely a mess.

My November poem a day was going well for about two weeks and then I got really involved in my job and being a good friend and all that stuff that stifles my writer self.

I miss grad school. I miss deadlines. Does that make me a poser?

And as I sit here and whine, do you think I am going to stay home tonight and write? No, I'm heading out for some Thai and maybe a little blues.

CONGRATS AMERICA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Writing about Ruins

I have been writing about Ireland. This is something I've mostly avoided for years. It's time, I think. I feel smothered by faces and ruins and ruins of faces. I hope that of the 30 poems I write this November, at least a few can put these ghosts to rest.

Saturday Thoughts

If I worked for Bulmer's, I would use the above picture as an advertisement. Everything is blurry except the can of cider that my chef friend is drinking. I snapped that shot on the 3rd of July in Doolin, Ireland.

I miss such things from my Irish summers.


This picture I snapped a few minutes ago. My friend is visiting from Ireland. She came with a suitcase full of gifts. Bulmer's is something I can't get anywhere around here. I have four glorious cans. That means that I can taste summer.

I have decided to do the PAD (poem a day) challenge for November. I can't predict what other days will hold, but as for today, I can't think of a better way to spend an afternoon: A pint of Bulmer's, a poem, and two pugs.

It's not quite Ireland, but it will do for now.

My Crib in Woodsfield

When I stay with my grandparents, I get to inhabit the apartment above the garage. It provides a country setting that is perfect for writing. It's like a cozy bed & breakfast...but with a few pictures of the Bush Family.


Yes, it is a bit frightening, but I must look past the portraits of George and enjoy the mosaic of antiques this writing haven offers.


And try not to lose my appetite when I see this picture on the fridge. Ah, the joys and pains of having Republican grandparents.

About Grandma...

She loves antiques, as you can see. She also loves to cook, but her kitchen is too small. She has to store food and pans in other rooms. She always says, "This kitchen ain't big enough to cuss a cat."

When it comes to political affiliation, she admits that she mostly votes Republican, but she says, "I vote for the best person."

We don't agree so much on the upcoming election, but she does give me some very unique blue glass every time I visit. And damn, she knows how to make the best mashed potatoes.

When asked why he is a Republican

Grandpa says, Republicans done more for the working man than the damn Democrats.

I give Crystal the poodle more of my fried steak. As long as I can remember, my grandparents have owned at least one poodle.

I like all dogs for the most part, but poodles always look like they have dirty mouths.