Here we go again. And again.

Every year I seem to have a different feeling about the beginning of school, ranging from "Oh shit!" to "hoo-ray!" Right now it's "Huh?" It feels early this year, but not early. It's been cooler for the past couple of weeks, and in the mornings it is definitely Septemberish. I am planning the NEOMFA Fall Gathering & Orientation, and it's a lot of fun, but good golly, all of the details. At least (most) of the books for my classes are in.

I guess this is a bittersweet sort of fall for me, because next year I'm slated to take over as director of the NEOMFA program, and I won't be teaching as much. This year I've decided to start making more detailed lesson plans again. I'm always going back and forth between using my instinct and planning things out (i.e. dorky years, and non-dorky years). I have declared AY 2008-2009 a dorky year. At least for now.

Meanwhile, we've picked up a few more poems, and some critical prose, over at Barn Owl Review.

If you haven't already seen it, here's the gorgeous cover of Justin Evans' new chapbook, Working in the Birdhouse. I do not recommend leaving it next to the piles of work on your desk, because you will find yourself very distracted. My favorite poem in the book: "Over Christmas Break, I Walk to Camden." Many congrats on a wonderful new collection, Justin!