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  1. Thank you, Katia

    December 24, 2011 by Rod Peckman

    It’s been awhile since my last post, and only now do I think to thank my fabulous web designer, Katia Dickenson. Your patience with this amateur was truly admirable.

    Thank you, Katia. You are an amazing artist. You have my gratitude and respect.

    If you like The tasteful, elegant design of my humble WordPress site (both attributes I lack), give all the credit to her. If you have a notion about starting you own website, here is a link to her portfolio: http://www.katiadickenson.com

    Category People | Tags: | 1 Comment

  2. Allie Has a Tummy Ache

    July 18, 2011 by Rod Peckman

    My dog has the constitution of a Spartan soldier. In the 5 years since I’ve rescued her, her worst affliction has been the occasional ear infection. Last Friday was different. She must have eaten a poisonous plant because she came down with the worst case of, let’s call it, gastric distress I’ve ever seen in a dog. For the first time since I brought her home, she had an accident in the house—actually, she had many, many accidents. She redecorated the place. I opened the door and was hit by the stench and she came to me hanging her head in guilt. I felt so bad for the girl. Not her fault, after all. She seemed fine by that time, so I didn’t call the vet;but the next day I did buy a steam-vac.

    Category Allie, Random Thoughts | Tags: , | No Comments

  3. Waiting Is the Hardest Part

    by Rod Peckman

    A couple months ago I was told by an editor of a highly competitive anthology that he wanted to include two of my poems. I was ecstatic! This particular publication is listed as one of the top 25 most competitive poetry markets in the country, receiving over 10,000 submissions per edition, which features about 75 poets. Ah, but there was a catch: he then informed me that, while he loved the poems, they had to pass muster with his co-editor. I’m still waiting. Don’t know if that’s good or bad. Not sure if I’d rather he’d never mentioned it until the final decision had been made or not, as my hopes are high. . .

    Category Poetry, Random Thoughts | Tags: , | No Comments

  4. Ontario, California

    July 16, 2011 by Rod Peckman

    I wrote this poem as a tribute to my grandpa. I think I mostly wrote it for my mom and my uncle Howard, the latter of whom I dedicated it to. It’s not my usual style, but I think it does capture a bit of the essence of this late, great old man. It was a joy to be around him later in his life, to see his eyes light up as he told his stories. He was a an amazing man, with a greatness I certainly will never live up to.

    Category People, Poetry | Tags: , | No Comments

  5. “This is Getting Bizarre”

    by Rod Peckman

    For all you sun lovers, I’m sorry. This is from Cliff Mass, all-around weather guru and professor of meteorological Sciences at the UW:

    “I think we communally must have sinned. I have followed the weather around here for a long time and I can’t remember such sustained cool, cloudy weather during the middle to end of July (including what is going to occur). The latest round of model runs–including the ensemble forecasts–suggest this situation is not going to end during the next week. In fact, some days will be worse.”

    And believe it or not, one of the reasons he posits, although conditionally, may be due to global warming or, more accurately, climate change. I know my lilies have taken more than 3 weeks longer to bloom this year. I’m glad I didn’t plant my usual mess-o-basil.

    Category Random Thoughts | Tags: | No Comments

  6. May in Paris

    by Rod Peckman

    I’ve spent many wonderful days and nights in Paris, but it’s been too long. I will be visiting again next May to see a friend who will be there on an extended stay. We are thinking of things to do. My usual mode is to avoid the tourist areas and simply walk all day, visiting regular neighborhoods, outdoor markets, stopping for coffee or a beer at a cafe or bar. I’d usually walk so far in one direction, I’d be forced to take the Metro back to the hotel, as it would be getting dark by then.

    I always loved it when a French person came to me to ask for directions. Alas, no matter how well I dress, I’m afraid I’m too fat now to pull off the Gallic look now. I’ll just be happy if I order something in a bistro and they don’t immediately switch to English. One touristy thing I do want to do is visit the Paris Opera and spend some time looking at Chagall’s ceiling. I’ve never really had the chance, and his work is a favorite of mine. As Picasso said, “I don’t know where he gets those images; he must have an angel in his head.” I couldn’t agree more.

    Category Places, Random Thoughts | Tags: ,, | No Comments

  7. The Lexicon of the Orphanage

    July 15, 2011 by Rod Peckman

    The Lexicon of the Orphanage is a visual and emotional feast by poet/artist Jack Varnell: “An offprint-compendium from an emotional orphan. A twice yearly collection of poetry, art and the finest in modern confessional and memoir poetry from an artist experienced in confession and with a bad memory. A collection of contemporary broadside poems. Focused on paying homage to the age old printing tradition of broadsides as art and literature.” A very good read.
    Support art.

    Category Books, People, Poetry | Tags: , | 1 Comment

  8. A Cold Summer Night and a Ukulele

    by Rod Peckman

    Ask any of my friends, I don’t get out much. Tonight, however, Eddie Vedder will be wielding his ukulele at Benaroya Hall, and we’ll be watching from really good seats. That, and the promise of a superb Mexican meal before the show, is enough to drag my fat ass out of the house.  A little sample: “Longing to Belong”. . .

    Hours later, back from a very long show, and it was extraordinary. He brought more than his uke–two Fender Strats, a Rickenbacker, several acoustics, a mandolin, banjo, and a string quartet.  It was the last stop of the tour, he was glad to be home, and it showed. His voice must simply be heard live to appreciate how beautiful and powerful it truly is. And we sat 15 feet away (next to Dale Chihuly). Here is the Seattle Times review. Okay, I’ve exorcised my man-crush. . .

    Category Events, People | Tags: , | 1 Comment

  9. The Meme of Hart Crane

    July 13, 2011 by Rod Peckman

    I have a poem coming out about the poet Hart Crane. He is somewhat of an obscure figure to the general public, but was–and still is– considered one of the greatest poets of the 20th century, especially by other poets and critics, despite dying early, and despite the fact that he is so difficult. (Perhaps, beyond the exquisite images, lyric beauty of his lines, and the grand sweep of his vision, his being near impenetrable is one of the reasons critics and poets keep returning–trying to crack that nut, find the sweet meat inside that brings it all together.)

    Well, wouldn’t you know it, I was reading an article on the Wunderkind James Franco yesterday, and it turns out he is doing (maybe directing as well?) a movie on Crane. Mr. Franco needs to take a well deserved vacation, I think. I can only hope that the poem (slated for October) comes out before the movie, as I’d hate to be seen as a carpetbagger.

    Category People | Tags: , | No Comments

  10. Flatrock by Fran Lock

    July 10, 2011 by Rod Peckman

    Flatrock by Fran Lock book coverFran Lock is a U.K. poet of great emotional depth. She is able to reach these depths with a sparse and beautiful language, wielding a scalpel with great precision rather than a machete for whiz-bang effect. She is a master of her craft and in touch with the heart of the world. Her poems will stay with you long after you lay the book down on the nightstand and turn out the light. She is that good. Please consider buying a copy of her book Flatrock

    Category Books, People, Poetry | Tags: , | No Comments