And just like that...

One minute I was contemplating witchcraft to get rid of ants, and the next I was in the classroom telling students about contemplating witchcraft to get rid of ants, and how that connects (maybe) to the craft of writing poetry.

Yes, this week was hectic. It took me a really long time to line all of those metaphorical cones (see above) up just right. But I did, and here we are.

At this time of year I am always extra thankful that I get to do what I do. I'm also kind of shocked that I get to do what I do, even though I've been here in Akron since 2005. I am very aware of the fact that my 1:2 load is going to be a thing of the past as of next year, when I am no longer program director, so I am trying to enjoy it. Less administration, or rather, NO administration, will be nice.

The Monkey and the Wrench is getting some rather awesome reviews in magazines, including ALA Choice:

As editors of the "Akron Series in Contemporary Poetics," Biddinger and Gallaher have compiled an exceptionally fine sampling of reflections on contemporary American poetry. The first selections are playful, pithy examinations of noteworthy trends; the last section is devoted to ongoing debate in the field on attempts to classify American poets and their work into distinct schools--a debate to some degree launched in Cole Swenson's American Hybrid." A Norton Anthology of New Poetry, ed. by Cole Swensen and David St. John (2009). Less experienced audiences, including lay readers, will find the essays refreshingly clear and the threads of the discussion easy to follow, and they will appreciate the wealth of illustrations and suggested further reading. At the same time, practicing poets and instructors in MFA programs will find the critique of such programs invaluable. Delightful in terms of style, broad and perceptive in subject and treatment, this book is a must-read for those interested in writing poetry. Though not exhaustive in coverage, it represents the current conversations of some of the most prominent writers and critics publishing today. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty and professionals; general readers.

--C. E. O'Neill, New Mexico State University at Alamogordo

I am so excited to hear what people have to think of the book, especially because we're working on volume 2 in the series right now.

The biggest development of the week: I now have a 4th grader and a KINDERGARTENER. Ray's first day was today. He loved it. Then we went out for Thai food. He didn't want the mild-ish pad thai I ordered for him, and instead ate Eric's spicy vermicelli. I think he is ready for the real world.