FROM THE ZEN CAVE

CELEBRATING THE MOTHER WITH SOAPBOX POETS

Look forward to partaking at “Celebrating the Mother with SoapBox Poets” in honor of Mother’s Day Sunday, May 12TH at the renowned Beyond Baroque Poetry Center in Venice, CA. I will read a poem in honor of my mother which was the first poem I ever read in public as her eulogy as well as a couple of others including “In Honor of Woman” and work embracing the feminine spirit. Grateful for your presence. https://www.facebook.com/events/145832098930576/

Justin Bieber on Anne Frank: “Hopefully She Would Have Been a Belieber”

http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/justin-bieber-on-anne-frank-hopefully-she-would-have-been-a-belieber-2013144

These are the type of crass and disrespectful remarks that are induced by financially supporting commercialized soulless drivel and the ego of a pompous young man. The cutesy mentality and allowing people to spew such feeble minded nonsense and accept it as is for more PR, music sales, and live shows to feed the corporate entertainment industry till is a sad reflection of our current state in promoting such individuals with shameful acts of irresponsibility to themselves and others. However, the more this continues and becomes accepted along with many other contemporary areas of branded and marketed entertainment behavior we see the tide of society ills rise and pollute.

When I attended the House of Anne Frank in 1995 there was complete silence with the exception of a couple of loud mouth U.S.A. tourists who were stared at until they shut their trap. Mind you that included the line waiting to get in at 263 Prinsengracht Street. One of the most powerful and moving experiences. The energy presence was strong and the rooms left as is after the Nazi occupation per her father Otto Frank with a model in the center of room displaying how the room was originally set up. The whole Bieber entourage of managers, agents, PR, and corporate interest including Justin should be ashamed of themselves. These type of incidents are most definitely what we don’t need in a time of nuclear threat and other heightened international security, environment, and violence problems that are looming large in a dark cloud.

A FACE IN THE MIRROR IS ALL THAT WILL EVER LAST

ANY LOS ANGELES TUMBLR’S ???

Reaching out to connect with Tumblr’s in LA. Say hello.

“WITNESS” The Collected Poems of Mario Benedetti

A former colleague from Mexico introduced me to Mario Benedetti during a literary chat while working together. She spoke of him with highest praise and respect stating that her favorite poem from his collection is “A la Izquierda del roble ~ To the left of the oak tree” and that I must read this poem along with his other works. She followed up the day after by presenting me a CD of audio recordings from Benedetti which I listened and did my best to comprehend since English is my primary language.

I looked online and discovered White Pine Press released a selected poems edition called “Witness” translated by Louise B. Popkin http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13236959-witness and then contacted the wonderful indie bookstore Small World Books in Venice, CA to order directly from the publisher. I shared with my friend about the order then picked up the book and started with “To the left of the oak tree” after reading the preface. I was totally enraptured by this piece of writing then reread a few more times in both English and Spanish. I went further bringing it to work and surprising my colleague by pulling it out and reading it to her in Spanish. Reading aloud made me love it even more so I carried on to read a shorter poem called “Angelus” from the Office Poems section with imagery unfolding in the visual sense and rhythm of a cinematic piece projecting on a screen.

Each poem is like digesting a literary meal of words and language. Rereading each one three, four, five times, then switching to reading in Spanish I’ve been spending great moments with this book during the past eight months at many intervals. The translation flows superbly and the informative notes provide wonderful insight to the culture and how Benedetti was drawing from inspiration using words within the context of each notable poem. Props to Louise B. Popkin for her word choices that could not be put into English.

This collection is relentless from youth until the year within in his death displaying his poignant gift of the poetic and written word. Benedetti’s soul sings from beginning to end and with age continues to delve deeper within the wells of his soul. I’m delighted to have connected with such brilliant writing and highly suggest this book for anyone interested in discovering the work of a poetic titan.

Valley Poets East Presents “MEN IN THE COMPANY OF WOMEN”: Book Launch

Welcoming you to join in the celebration of the book launch. I will be reading a selection chosen for the anthology and honor your presence. https://www.facebook.com/events/348980745217217/

A VISION OF POETRY

Exciting and busy time reading, writing, and interviewing.

Grateful for this interview exm.nr/11Flo19 Thank you for taking the time to read and share.

Ties my roots, journey, Venice Art Crawl, poem “The Deep Wet Cafe Kiss”, essay on Valentine’s Day, and anthology “Men in the Company of Women” altogether.

Essay: Reflecting on Valentine’s Day

My first guest editor essay is now published http://bit.ly/TRmGBv Thank you for taking the time to read and share with friends.

“MEN IN THE COMPANY OF WOMEN” NOW AVAILABLE

Grateful to be selected as part of this creative endeavor exm.nr/WQHxCM now available via Amazon amzn.to/XSIsl5 Thank you very much for your support.

I’ll be writing a blog on the creation of the poem next.

“MEN IN THE COMPANY OF WOMEN” Available Worldwide January 30, 2013

I’m grateful to be part of this creative accomplishment. Thank you for your support and sharing with others.

Word from publisher Alicia Winski:

“Gentlemen, Apryl and I would like to thank you for your infinite patience and your breathtaking contributions to this endeavor.

The book has long been a work in process but Edgar & Lenore’s Publishing House is now pleased to announce that this book, YOUR book, OUR book, will see its official publication date of January 30, 2013.

Please make sure to check your email regularly as we will be sending out information as to how you can assist in promoting your work in order that it may match the sister collection, In The Company of Women, as Amazon’s #1 Bestseller in poetry collections. In addition, we will have pricing information. That being said, we will also announce shortly how the books can be preordered so that you can inform friends and family about your contributions to this anthology.

Once again, we thank you. This has been a long, arduous process but worth every gray hair, every nano second of effort. In the meantime if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at eapbooksubmissions@gmail.com.

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Gentlemen, if you could please share this post, it would be hugely appreciated. Thank you!”