Shit that matters #1: My story “Aprile del 1524″ was published a couple weeks ago on Everyday Genius. This is the first part of my book (or at least it’s the most recent revision, and I think it’s going to need to go through a couple more). It’s about Giovanni Verrazano. Not a lot of people were picking up on that, but that’s sort of exactly what I was hoping for. What’s important about this story (not mine, but Verrazano’s) is that it was the first time White People (capital W, capital P) laid eyes on Staten Island. I’m happy to be on Everyday Genius: about a year ago, I made a list of publications I dreamed of seeing my work on and Everyday Genius was at the top of that list. It’s exciting stuff for me.
Shit that matters #2: I recently received a scholarship to attend The Juniper Summer Writing Institute, where I’ll receive tutelage from folks like Noy Holland, Mark Doty (I pray), Rachel P. Glaser, and Heather Christle (I hope). This is important shit to me because these are four people whose work I’ve frequently cited as “influential,” and I don’t think I could be happier to have the opportunity to study with these brilliant, beautiful people.
One of two pet-friendly homes Mike Young and I might end up sharing: $1000 – 2br/1bt (Hampden) Comfortable townhome located 2 blocks from “the avenue”. Situated on a wide tree-lined street, this home also offers a separate lower level entrance from the front (ideal for office, etc..). 2 Bedrooms with a full bath upstairs, modern kitchen with all appliances, finished basement with flush. Hardwood floors thru-out.
A Couple of Run-On Clauses about Spring: I often wonder whether or not I am doing enough and this becomes scary and daunting because I am so frequently exhuasted, like I am now (although that comes from physically excerting myself) but what’s good and beautiful is that almost everything that can bloom is in blooming, and in the South there is very little else more perfect than a day like today, which ended up being a day with a breeze that fanned the low, loose ponytails of all the soft-skinned girls that spent their study day sunning on the sprawling green grass between the library and spiritual center– and what’s lovely about these girls (women!) is that they are idealistic enough to tell me in poorly-lit rooms that they work at charter schools because they care about children damnit and it breaks their hearts it truly breaks their hearts; sometimes I’ll see my friend the librarian at the library that these girls spread out in front of like daffodil seeds and this friend of mine–30, married, father of an infant girl–will sometimes try to talk to these women that look like girls to me but are legally women, and if these women are reading Harper’s or The Atlantic he will make book recommendations; some of these women are pretty and–although young–they will look me in the eye and smile, and it’s when I have it in me to return the favor that I realize the district is a lovely place and there isn’t a whole lot to complain about.
(edit: but i’ll love you forever, Bethany Cosentino)
