When I came up with the idea for this magazine, it never occurred to me what various paths it might lead me down in my personal life. I fully expected it to be a journey, to be certain, one with highs and lows, successes and failures, and along the way I’d get to be part of a dynamic team that published a LOT of art. Fair enough, but I had no idea, whatsoever, that it would lead to me to an opportunity to direct a “making of” documentary for a feature film. And yet, that is exactly what’s happened.

 

I’m writing my blog tonight from the Microtel Inn near the Pittsburgh International Airport awaiting the flight, weather permitting, which will take me first to Dallas and eventually to John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California. From there, I’ll meet up with my cinematographer and we’ll head out to Palm Springs to join the team at Wonderstar Productions and Ordinance 14 on the set of their new project, A Thousand Cuts. Written by Marty James & Eric Barr, A Thousand Cuts is directed by Connotation Press contributor and Advisory Board Member Charles Evered. Principle photography started two days ago. I’m already late. Yikes!

 

And since I’d like to try and sleep for two hours (after teaching for nine and then reading poetry at a Faculty Talent Show and then posting this magazine today…weeeeeeee!), let’s kick this pig!

ED WEATHERS is a fascinating individual. A writer, editor, teacher, and avid tennis player, in May 1989 while an editor at Golf Digest Ed wrote a haiku on a $20 dollar bill—logged the serial number and date—and then spent it. A simple gesture that’s been done, from what an informal poll I took tells me, by quite a number of people…well, at least the writing on the bill part. Where Ed’s story differs is that he then repeated the process 170 TIMES! And now, over 20 years later, get this, he’s offering $1000 DOLLARS for anyone that can produce one of those $20 bills. In my mind this easily qualifies Ed to be our Featured Artist of the Month. Check out what he has to say about the project, and pay special attention to the list of poems in the Print2Flash file at the bottom of the post. You could be 980 dollars richer! We couldn’t be happier Ed chose us to first publish this amazing project. Thanks Ed!

 

Hoppenthaler’s Congeries this month is another knock-out effort by our most prolific editor. John brings us, for your literary delight, Sue Goyette, Marge Piercy, Afaa Michael Weaver, Ada Limón, Diana Park, Philip Terman, Brian Brodeur, Stacey Waite, Leslie McGrath, Nicky Beer, and RJ Gibson. Excellent! Thanks John & all the Congeries contributors.

 

From Plate to Palate with Amanda McGuire focuses on family and food with an eye on the upcoming holiday season. I LOVE Plate to Palate this month! We get a glimpse into Amanda’s life with recipes by her mom, her in-laws, family and friends. It’s a lot of fun and there are some great recipes I can’t wait to try. Thanks to the McGuires, the Rzicznek’s, Amanda and all her friends.

 

Kurt Brown & Laure-Anne Bosselaar are our first Guest Editors for Volume II of Connotation Press. Both brilliant writers in their own right, Kurt & Laure-Anne bring to the table a stunning list of contemporary artists. Leading with David Starkey, who not only gave us some great poems, but also provided us with a couple of audio clips to go with them, Kurt & Laure-Anne then brings us work by Kamilah Aisha Moon, Elena Karina Byrne, Steve Huff, Eugenia Leigh, Suzanne Lummis, Shawn Delgado, Andrey Gritsman, Ginger Murchison, Virginia Slachman, Bruce Willard and Janlori Goldman. Outstanding! Thanks, Kurt & Laure-Anne!

To fill out this December 1^st issue, Drama Editor Josh Fardon brings us Kevin King’s 2009 Ovation award winning play, The Idea Man. Travel Editor Nicholas Baker takes us with him on the first of a three-part, gorgeous installment this time to Brazil—starting with Rio De Janeiro. A teacher at the prestigious Irish Writers Center in Dublin, John Givens joins us with a terrific fiction piece. And JP Reese writes a fantastic book review of Brian Turner’s new book of poetry titled Phantom Noise. All in all, a holiday issue absolutely packed full with new literary art. And we’re not done yet. Don’t forget to come back on the 15^th for more new poetry, including another State Laureate, new Creative Nonfiction and Fiction offerings, and as always yours for the price of a click on your mouse.

 

It’s after 1AM and I’m leaving for the airport at four so I’d better go. All that’s left is to offer my deepest gratitude to my amazing editorial staff that makes my crazy life possible, director and friend Charles Evered & producer Kim Waltrip for giving a guy with no experience a chance at a new career, and to my friends an family for putting up with a very busy me. Love you guys!