217 Lind Hall: I can't tell you how many classes I had in here as an undergraduate. Now, I'm back, but on the other side of the table. Intro to C.W. 2008.

The Loft Literary Center holds a poetry conference, featuring Martin Espada and Linda Hogan.

Also of interest: a panel on the poetry of witness, with local poets Bao Phi, Jim Moore, Jude Nutter, and Mike Rollins.

This time, it's Whitman: as a part of the Minneapolis Unconvention, a protest against the Republican National Convention, a collection of us are reading parts of Song of Myself outside the art museum on the Minneapolis campus.

Reading at Magers & Quinn:
Shana Youngdahl (chapbook: Donner: A Passing)
+ Eireann Lorsung (music for landing planes by)

Split Rock Arts: The Work and Play of the Poem, with Michael Dennis Browne.
July 2008. MDB was an instructor of mine as an undergrad at the U of MN and will be again in the MFA program; I thought it would be good to return to that just before delving into the seriousness of my new degree. The Cloquet Forestry Center is gorgeous, and there were plenty of wonderful classmates, including Laura Goldin from NYC and Wilt and Jenny, etc. I love these experiences--both to be outdoors and to celebrate poetry every day.

See more from the trip here.

I'm a godmother! Christian Steven was born June 22, 2008, and I was blessed enough to witness the event. Congratulations, Kelly and Richard.

It's strange, but I'm saying good-bye to another classroom now, and I have no idea if I'll ever return to high school teaching: who knows what will happen at the end of three years? Here are post-its where I've collected my own beloved words along the rims of the computer monitor.

My program allows for funding for all, most of which is paid through TAships. I will be teaching Introduction to Creative Writing in the fall; a perfect ease into the school year.