Tuesday, June 13, 2006

TMR and other stuff

On June 1st, I announced that The Modern Review had released their July 2006 issue. See, The Modern Review and I have a history of sorts, a friendship if you will. I submit, they reject. I'm bound and determined to get in, and they insist on holding me to their high standards. Eventually, I will write something again, something that doesn't make me cringe, and then I will submit again, in hopes that they, too, don't cringe.

Seriously, they're good people, their rejections came with very thoughtful and helpful suggestions - no snootiness, not even a hint. Their attitude convinced me to subscribe the first time, and I was more than a little disappointed that I couldn't afford to renew my subscription when I saw that the July issue was available.

In the last couple of days (oy I'm losing my mind, the days all run together and I'm not sure whether it was Friday or yesterday! Thank you insomnia!) I got a surprise delivery... The July 2006 issue of The Modern Review! Needless to say, I was thrilled to get it, and even more so now that I've begun to read it. It begins with an editorial letter that discusses friendliness, and how it differs from niceness, and how that pertains to poetry. I couldn't help but laugh while reading it, simply because it's so honest. There's also an interview with Robert Kelly that has kept me reading. I'm not generally the interview type but the questions are well chosen, and the answers, well, it is Robert Kelly! I always enjoy The Modern Review. It really is high quality.

Of course, me being me, I decided to email the editor and thank him for the surprise gift. I figured it was the least I could do, right? He emailed back, very concerned about this "expired subscription" issue, because I'd bought a one year subscription, 4 issues... and my subscription doesn't run out until September. Apparently, with all I've been dealing with, I'd lost track of time or, maybe I'd lost track of my one final brain cell. Like I said to him, I just can't pass up the opportunity to embarrass myself and solidify in peoples' minds just what a goofball I actually am. It's ok though, I embrace my mental incapacity, really I do.

So.

Thanks to a discussion I had in someone else's comment box, my husband's new nickname is "Bush-Hog." I'll say no more, let your minds wander where they will.

It's raining here. Lots of rain, all day greyness and sleepiness and the slushing of wet tires on asphalt. It's expected to last a couple of days, thanks to the Alberto's outer bands. I am as happy as I can be about that, what with all the kids out of school for the summer, and my husband unable to work in the rain. I adore rain, but this house seems awfully small, and my nerves a bit jagged, already.

Poetry. I'm going to write some. Soon. Really. Look, humor me OK? I've been staring at this 3 line sequence for days, and I just can't do anything with it. I'm having metaphor issues. I like them pure, these want to mix. For all the motherly advice I'm offering it, it has decided to be a rebellious bastard step-child of a poem.

The internet is about to go to hell. In case you haven't been keeping up. Net neutrality just went the way of the wind. I am anxious to see how it all works out, how badly it will affect the web in the end. Fucking net-nazis and greedy bureaucrats (yes, I had to look that up to spell it right, OK!?)

The mail lady took those fundraising letters today, obviously, that is her job... I'm anxious to find out what sort of response (if any) I get. Now I'm debating with myself as to whether to send one to Dr. Watts or not. He did say that if there was anything he could do for me personally, that he'd be honored. It would actually mean a LOT to me to see his name on Nova's donation board. Maybe Dr. Bensky too? I don't know, am I being obnoxious to even consider it? Seriously, I want your honest opinion... I mean, I've only gotten $1295 by asking and I know that I'll have to continue to do so, but is that over the line? Is it asking too much, or giving them the opportunity... Ugh. I hate it when I get wishy-washy.

5 comments:

  1. Erin, isn't it great when life surprises you with something like that. Sure, you feel like an ass for a few minutes, but afterward, it's a cool thing. Good for you. You deserve a nice surprise.

    As far as sending a donation request to the doctors, I honestly don't think it's a bad idea. I mean, they probably already make donations to such charities for tax-break purposes and what-not. But they're also the ones that could probably afford to make large donations. They have a personal connection to Nova as well, so it's not like you're just sending requests out willy-nilly to all heart doctors. And from your previous talk about them, especially Dr. Watts, and how he does a lot of pro-bono surgery on foreign children, he sounds like the kind of person who would give to the cause.

    Another thought would be to send one to the CVRU ladies. They may not be able to donate much on their own, but if they all chipped in together, even a couple of bucks, it would probably be substantial.

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  2. I adore your mental incapacity. It comes up with phrases like "rebellious bastard step-child of a poem," which helps me to look at my rebellious conceived before the honeymoon (not that it matters) step-child in a whole new light! He's a perplexing, uncooperative work of art! And I love art, therefore I must love him!

    Don't overthink the asking thing too much. Asking isn't demanding or expecting, right? It is offering an opportunity. These docs sound like good people. Can't hurt to ask.

    Bush-hog. Heh, heh.

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  3. It can't hurt to ask. Some doctors and the like have a policy against gifts to patients and patient families. Maybe include a note that just updates them on the Walk and say you understand if they have a policy prohibiting their contributions? Who knows - worst case you waste the stamp ... best case you raise some funds.

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  4. I'm gonna do it. The worst that can happen is nothing, right? Yup, I'm doing it!

    I already asked all the nurses in CVRU, they have a team of their own, which is why I never heard a word from any of them. I'd have loved to have them on my team, but really, we're all on the same team, and I'm glad to know they support the AHA.

    Zilla~
    That's it exactly! I have that relationship with my poetry. I've always said that my poems have a mind o their own, and it's hard to decide when to exert my parental control, and when to let them tell me what they need. I love them all, even if they make me want to scream sometimes :) They can be difficult and aggravating, but, if I handle myself just right, the end product is strong and beautiful.

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  5. Hi, hon...insomnia and mentality by way of the wind...wow, I'm right there with ya. lol

    Hope all is going well with your fundraising efforts. You've certainly made a mark and I am so proud to be your friend.

    Now as far as your poetry, you know it'll come back. I'm fighting with words too. Damn things won't cooperate and all I can seem to write is RHYME!! *curses* Anyway...that too shall pass.

    oh, and "bush-hog"?! Freakin' A!! Thanks for the visual!! LMAO

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