Dreaming

Outside with the Bagel Bards this morning in Davis Square.

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After visiting the Bards, Jennifer Jean and I went to the Grolier Poetry Book Shop. It is the oldest poetry bookstore in operation in the U.S., 100 percent dedicated to poetry. I signed a copy of Underlife, so run, don't walk, and get that copy off the shelf!

I picked up a copy of Tom Yuill's new book, Medicine Show. Tom and I went to Old Dominion University many moons ago. Tomorrow he's reading with Rosanna Warren in Cambridge at a reading sponsored by Grolier, which I will be attending. Yea for Tom!

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Then I headed over to Boston University for The Charles River Literary Fair. I got there late, and on a day as glorious as today, attendance was lower than expected. But several vendors were there promoting their publications. Had a chance to talk to the folks at The Boston Review. They're very excited to be the recipient of the 2010 Utne Independent Press Award for Best Writing. Congrats!

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Also spoke with Hannah Baker-Siroty of The Writers' Room of Boston. This 16,000-square-foot space dedicated to writers. For the past year, I've been dreaming of getting a space away from the house so I can write. It would mean less time at Starbucks (which is where I am now), but 24/7 access. So on the weekends with the kids away, it's conceivable that I could go to Boston and write in the overnight writing session. Why not? I wonder what a change in routine would do for my writing. Maybe I'll finally finish manuscript #2.

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Also, I've been dreaming of going on a weekend writing retreat. Brook Farm Inn is a poetry inn. Well, it's a bed and breakfast that has an extensive poetry library and hosts readings and events. I was there in 1996 with a class from NYU. I'll have to see if I can find the photos. Galway Kinnell and Sharon Olds were our hosts. That was a lifetime ago, In fact, I think NYU stopped taking classes there after our year (was it something we said?).

In any case, I like the idea of having a weekend devoted to poetry. No kids. No distractions. The question is: what do I want more, a space I can access whenever I need it, or a weekend to rejuvenate my soul? Don't think I can do both financially, so which one will give me the biggest lift?