Wonderful World of Worders is Nearly Here

Jen Doherty is the editor of the
Wonderful World of Worders. I was lucky enough to have some worders accepted for the book and have just had word from Jen that the book will be out in a few weeks - the book launch is on Friday the 12th of October in the
Verbal Arts Centre,Derry, Northern Ireland. Unfortunately, I won't be able to be there - can't wait to see the book though....here's wishing everyone involved a great launch party: )

Who is Foxy-Lady?

While we were away on holiday, Foxy-Lady came to hang out in our garden. On seeing her there, I immediately thought 'Oh no, not another furry-friend saga!' Luckily, Anahi, the Animal Protection Society, are taking her in a week or so. We went to get her vaccinations and passport today. She is so good-natured and very quiet - must admit to wanting to exchange Dick for her! She lay in the back seat of the car as calm as can be...she is real scared of noises though and she is a nervous dog - we had to soothe-talk her quite a lot to be able to lift her into the car. She will be taking off to either Holland or Germany in a month or so.

Has Dick-the-Escape-Artist Quietened Down?

Dick, is a bit more settled. He has been the cause of Vladi doing DIY left, right and centre so that he stays in his den. He is still as nimble and acrobatic as can be - we think we might have stopped his climbing the fence antics - Vladi put some wood there and we let him run around outside his den all morning and afternoon and in the evening he goes indoors again- he stays around the house and doesn't wander off as much as he used to....but he is still a totally crazy but very lovable rogue!

Whatever Happened to Bombon?

Bombon, the little hunting dog puppy who we rescued a few months ago is living in doggie Heaven with Loly and Manolo. They are the Treasurer and President of Anahi the Animal Protection Society here. Loly told me that he would be going off to Germany with his three other hunting dog friends but she just couldn't give him up .....from the photos you can see how he lives like a king and is the most gorgeous little dog....I hope to get to visit some time soon : )

Flashquake Acceptance

Flashquake have accepted A List of Asides (with a triumphant aside to Ralph Fiennes) for their Fall issue...I am tickled a rosy shade of pink at this news...I really enjoyed reading the editors' comments on the piece...and I get $5 and a CD version of the zine.

Here are the editors' comments that Debi forwarded me...: )


We thought that you would like to see the comments from our editors:

Editor 1 Vote: Maybe
Ed. 1 Comments: I like the writing but have no idea what this is about.

Editor 3 Vote: Yes
Ed. 3 Comments: A very nicely woven string of thoughts.
Editor 4 Vote: Yes
Ed. 4 Comments: I love the way this comes together.
Editor 5 Vote: Yes
Ed. 5 Comments: This voice has momentum
and gritty drive. Very compelling.
Editor 6 Vote: Maybe
Ed. 6 Comments: There's a certain Dada
quality about this poem that provides narrative
drive. It doesn't make much sense,
but it kept me entertained.

Thank you for trusting us with your work.

Fishing, Tumbling, Diving....

A grassy river bank, a sunny sunday and Liam, another nephew, is taking the plunge!

Red and Yellow and ... Cows

Emmet, my little nephew, absolutely adores cows and they seem to find him intriguing too!

Nominations for Best on the Net Anthology

New Puppy in the Family



Me, Being Pleased : )

Some more good news that came my way during my stay in Ireland was that I have received 2 nominations for the
Best on the Net Anthology. : )) Maybe being on the green-green-grass-of-home is bringing me some luck (must get over there more often then : ))

Joshua, from
Big Toe Review has nominated In the Kitchen with Chestnuts and Tomatoes for the Best of the Net Anthology. Thanks Joshua : )

Cynthia, from Kaleidowhirl
has nominated Deposits in the Heart Region Thanks Cynthia : )

Best New Poets 2007

My little nephew Colm, saying it with flowers...and shells

I've been bursting to blog about the Best New Poets 2007 news all during my time away - can't quite believe I got in to the top 5o and to put the shiny tin hat on things, I ended up being one of the top two in the Open Competition and will be receiving $200 : ))) Needless to say, I did jigs, downed guinness and danced with cows at Lughnasa when I heard this news ; ) The poem that made it for me was The Poem that Thinks it Has Joined a Circus , a previously published poem. Thanks once again to
30:30 and my fellow poets there for the motivation, inspiration and general-good-fun-in-writing atmosphere that exists there ....xxxx

It was strange receiving this news while being in Ireland and with my parents. It was fun to share it with them and they were so happy for me even though my dad's comment was that 'it's a pity there isn't any money in poetry' and then two days later I get the news that I was going to receive the $200 : )) It seemed like fate was jibing a little and saying 'Not so!' : )

A Sign of the Times...A Holiday Snap or Two

Trapped Cow on a Bed of Flowers



A Rainbow Outside the Kitchen Window



Jesus, Accompanied by One of the Seven Dwarfs

I've just returned from my 6 weeks away to find myself no sooner in the door but buried up to my chin with laptop and Internet-catching-up. I had the eejy-jeebies from being offline for so long apart from the very odd and speedy visit to an Internet cafe every so often. We have been travelling most of today from 3 am onwards and am feeling very drowsy, dopey and yet exhilarated ...if such a mix is possible : ) I have loads of news - both v. good and not so good. : ) I must hold back slightly and get myself together though....it's good to be back : )