Monday, October 4, 2010

Miscellany

Yesterday was Evan's (my husband) birthday. He turned 27.
Hard to believe that he was only 20 when we met. And I a blushing lass of 18...
I tried to find the very oldest picture of us, but it put the "awk" in awkward. Believe me.


This one is from our first year of dating. And yes, it's a picture of a picture; I don't actually have this one in digital format. We were in Carbondale, Illinois at a theatre conference.

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Nextly, as you're reading this, I am patiently waiting while my kitty-babies get spayed and neutered and made immune to rabies. I'm killing the day in the BIG CITY!, probably at a bookstore. I'm actually writing this Saturday night, so who knows what the hell I'm actually doing while you're reading this. 

Anyway, my kitties will be pretty drugged up for the ride home. THAT should be fun...

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Lastly! 
Tomorrow night, I'm going with my brother and friends to see THIS GUY:


This is Billy Collins. He was the U.S. Poet Laureate from 2001-2003. 
I know what you're thinking: poetry reading is LAME! And probably BORING! 
But I assure you, Mr. Collins is not only wonderfully talented, but extremely hilarious. He's the number-one poet I want to see read (besides Robert Frost, but..you know), so I'm uber-excited about this. 


Another Reason Why I Don't Keep a Gun in the House


The neighbors' dog will not stop barking.
He is barking the same high, rhythmic bark
that he barks every time they leave the house.
They must switch him on on their way out.

The neighbors' dog will not stop barking.
I close all the windows in the house
and put on a Beethoven symphony full blast
but I can still hear him muffled under the music,
barking, barking, barking,

and now I can see him sitting in the orchestra,
his head raised confidently as if Beethoven
had included a part for barking dog.

When the record finally ends he is still barking,
sitting there in the oboe section barking,
his eyes fixed on the conductor who is
entreating him with his baton

while the other musicians listen in respectful
silence to the famous barking dog solo,
that endless coda that first established
Beethoven as an innovative genius. 

16 comments:

Talei said...

I love poetry readings! I must confess I haven't heard of Billy Collins until now but I do love Robert Frost. Enjoy tomorrow night! ;)

PS: And happy birthday wishes to your hubby.

Old Kitty said...

Happy birthday to your wonderful hubby!!! Thanks for sharing such a lovely pic of you two! Awwwwwwwwwwww!!!

And good luck with your kitties!! I hope they get home soon to recover!!

And poetry readings ARE FABULOUS!! I'm been to a few and I LOVE THEM!! I love the drama/music/passion when poets read out their poems. They bring the words alive, they make me want to wish I could write proper poetry, they always make me wish I could perform! :-)

I love this poem - thank you for sharing this here - it's very funny - tis irony! And shoot me but I never new the US had poet laureates. I am so sorry for my ignorance!

Enjoy!!!! Take care
x

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Happy belated birthday to your husband. Don't you guys look so young in the photo!
Enjoy your afternoon with drugged kittens - bet they're just pathetic!

Saumya said...

Poetry readings are one of my favorite things in the world!! They are so under appreciated :) Happy Belated to your hubby! I think that first picture is quite cute :)

Joan Crawford said...

You guys are so cute! I love your hair. That's not just a general statement (though it could be) but I means in your picture :)

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday to your husband--you guys look like a cute couple!

Sarah Ahiers said...

oooh, let us know how the poetry reading goes. I want to know if it's like super nerdy or cool.

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday to Evan, my b-day twin!! Hope you're having a great day, Summer! My kids are on Fall Break this week, but how about we get together next week -- hit B&N and grab some lunch? I'll email ya!

Hannah said...

I've been to a few poetry readings thinking, oh this time I'll like it. Nope. Never do. They boar the pants off of me. Meaning a boar could run in, tear my pants off and I'd still be in a trance of boredum.

DL Hammons said...

Where's your hair??? I already wished Evan a Happy Birthday over on Facebook, but I'll do it again here.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Hope the Bad Juju is all gone now!

Tara said...

Happy birthday to Hubby! I hope you had a great weekend and the kitties fared well :)

Kimberly Franklin said...

Cute picture! Happy Birthday to your hubby!

The Words Crafter said...

The two of you look so sweet and happy birthday to your Honey!!!

I write poetry, but I've never been to a reading....I might have to give that a try one day. I hope you enjoy it.

My kitty, Roo, is scheduled for spaying next month and just finished her shots today. Must be that time of year, lol. Hope all goes well with your babies!

Jemi Fraser said...

I've only been to one poetry reading - but I loved it. Margaret Atwood was the poet and she's incredible!

Cinette said...

Funny, but I don't read poetry, but I love going to readings. I guess I just don't 'get it' unless the author reads it the way it's supposed to be read:0)
Loved this poem though!

Unknown said...

I don't find poetry boring! In fact sometimes it's the most beautiful pieces I've ever read!!! I'm glad you got to meet him and really enjoy your evening!!!

Obviously you can see I am working from the newest to the oldest posts :)