Precious Little Story
August 20, 2009
Long time no blog, eh?
Sorry about that. I’ve got to get rejuvenated about blogging–maybe about writing in general?
I found my summer was swept away by teaching and other commitments.
Only finished my summer class a few weeks ago and this week started Fall. Eesh.
Complain complain complain, right?
Got a text from my lovely friend Kelli today who said: (from Writer’s Digest) “Butt in seat–revise, revise, revise, revise.”
Thanks, Kel! Please kick me in the butt (or kick my butt back in the seat) when I get too whiny, ok? (i’m serious).
I did conduct an amazing day workshop at a local gallery–see pics here (or on my Flickr page) that totally energized me. The people were so fun and so invested.
Currently reading two make that three books:
Still making my way through Cheever: A Life
A recent passage describing John Cheever’s mother (called Bammy by Cheever’s kids):
Indeed she [Susan Cheever] remembers Bammy as nothing but thoughtful and kind: the woman was always sending lovely little presents she herself had made–an embroidered dress, bits of jewelry–and liked to teach her granddaughter how to do practical feminine things like bake cookies and make a martini (“Just pass the [vermouth] bottle over the gin”).
(reminds me of that MikWright greeting card–god I love MikWright)
(photo from MikWright.com)
I’m also reading the novel The Folded Leaf, by William Maxwell and
Mudbound, by Hilary Jordan (a grad school friend).
Somehow I thought reading three books at one time would mean i’m/make me more productive?
Posted in 
August 23rd, 2009 at 1:46 pm
I stumbled on your blog looking for the Andrew Marvell quote (your blog, January 09 — my friend, who was an untenured English professor became pediatrician, wonderful at both, now gardens, in the same community gardens I do, and commented on the Garrison Keillor poem of the day, etc etc etc). You said several things that made sense to me, so I read more. And here I am, now….
VERY glad someone is still reading William Maxwell, he was a colleague and friend of friends of mine, in Urbana, IL, in the 50s and 60s ( yup, I am old enough to have been grown up, then, well, at least, in college, and they were parents of my peers). I read the folded leaf and carried it around with me for quite a few years. Since 1960 I haven;t read it (but others of his work), so think you have inspired me to read it again. That was a time I remember well.
I also laughed at your comments about Cheever. He – and his children – are all talented writers. It is kind of like being a voyeur to check in with all of them, I think, but I do it, and even like doing it.
what are you teaching this fall? Syllabi? I have 3 children, 2 teach college/grad schol level, one at Spelman, one about to start at the School of the Art Inst of Chicago. Good kids, good teachers.
August 29th, 2009 at 10:51 am
HI Mary!
Forgive me for not responding sooner. I just started back this week at the 2nd college where I teach. I teach at two community colleges in San Diego and occasionally at UCSD. I teach various classes, from Creative Writing to English Composition at different levels.
Of course I love my Creative Writing classes, but I do have a good time with my Comp classes. I try to make them fun, unique, and places for strong and interesting dialogues. I’ll bring in a poem by Marge Piercy and we’ll talk about gender issues, or I’ll bring in a short story or essay from the New Yorker.
Your story about knowing William Maxwell is so wonderful. I’m loving his book, The Folded Leaf, and I’ve read a few of the short stories from the Collected Early Works. His prose is so fluid and lyrical. I’m so surprised that he’s not taught in schools, especially Creative WRiting programs. Certainly I’m going to start using him when I can.
Yes, Cheever. I suppose we shouldn’t laugh at the alcoholism but… ah well! His story fascinates me to know end (well, the stories he’s written, and his own story).
You sound like such a great person– and a super mom, with children to be very proud of (of course they got it from you, right?).
I didn’t have your email, so I hope that you get this! I think my email is on my blog, or click on my name on this post/response.
Best,
Rob