The New Renaissance

so it's been a long time....

2011-12-30T21:29:00.000-05:00

My book "Sacred Parodies" came out Nov. 7th and is available on amazon.com. I have not been able to write for some time but hopefully things will change soon. I am thinking of working on some of my prose projects that have been sitting for a time. I am dreaming about those projects so maybe now is a good time to revisit them.

Seattle

2011-09-27T22:51:00.000-04:00

Well I have moved from Atlanta to the Seattle area. It is very different here. The good think about this place is that it has an appreciation for the literary arts. My book is due out before the end of this year. I am writing and submitting again the magazines and journals slowly.

direction

2011-07-03T13:04:00.000-04:00

Well I am working on a new poetry mss (really 2). Sacred Parodies will come out in September. I will not complete another mss for some time. I am going to spend some time promoting this book before releasing another, besides I need the time to write. I will be leaving blogger soon and releasing a better website soon.

My book is due out Fall 2011

2011-06-02T20:18:00.000-04:00

Moving forward

2011-05-22T16:45:00.003-04:00

I am feeling strong again. I have completed my poetry mss. The book will be out this Fall. I am involved in some productive projects these days. I am looking forward to running with the horses again.

Something to be proud of

2011-03-08T14:28:00.000-05:00

Leaf Garden Press Issue 11 is out

2011-01-13T22:18:00.000-05:00

Issue 11 of Leaf Garden Press is out. I am currently the poetry editor. The editorial staff is incredible. Do check it out.

Getting close

2011-01-12T22:06:00.000-05:00

Georgia is experiencing the worst snow storm of my lifetime. So with that the building where I work is closed and may be closed for the rest of the week. This means I can catch up writing projects like my new book of poetry. I have been working on it for one year and now it is almost ready. Oh happy day!

End of the year post

2010-12-23T21:29:00.001-05:00

This year has been different. I am writing the final poems to my first book of poetry. I plan to submit for publication during the beginning of the year.

I have made some new friends and learned new things about old ones.

I've grown as a woman, artist, mom, human.

Love has a master's class that I so hope to pass someday.

I am grateful for everything I have...and look forward to sharing with others.

November

2010-11-08T00:20:00.000-05:00

I am pleased to announce that my poem "Tease" was nominated for Dzanc Books Best of the Web 2011 by Diverse Voices Quarterly.

October

2010-10-03T11:42:00.000-04:00

October began with rain, a concert from the Brown Thrashers, and a cool breeze. I am sore from moving this weekend but I do plan to write something later. The weather is getting colder and my suffering will begin.

Turnings

2010-08-22T23:12:00.000-04:00

The last few weeks have beem a whirl wind. I am still standing. My computer which holds all of my new work and much of my old died and I am working to retrieve it. I am not sending work out because I am spending the summer working on books. I have several new projects I am excited about.

Next Saturday I Become

2010-07-10T19:13:00.000-04:00

Next Saturday, I will be 34 years old. I don't mind getting older because I find honor in becoming an elder. I plan to remain intelligent and beautiful, the way I am now. The writing is going great. I hope to have an amazing manuscript completed by the end of the summer, maybe two. I will keep you posted on everything.

New Steps

2010-06-20T22:41:00.001-04:00

I am dedicating this summer to writing books. Although my life is quite busy, I feel it is time. I have several wonderful friends/amazing artists who are all pushing me forward. So stay tuned for news of new books forthcoming.

New Adventures

2010-05-15T19:19:00.000-04:00

I would like to announce that I will be co-editor of Differentia Press with the amazing and prolific poet Felino A. Soriano. My post began today. We have several collections to catch up before we will open for submissions again. I will announce when we are open.

I would also like to announce that I will be the new poetry editor for Leaf Garden Press. My tenure will begin with Issue 11. Currently, I am a guest editor with several others for issue 10. I look forward to seeing quality submissions from all of my readers whomever you are.

Life Lesson

2010-05-02T17:02:00.001-04:00

Recently, two great poets Lucille Clifton and Ai died. I was planning to reach out to the poet Ai to let her know of the sketches I had written of two of her poems. My life has been crazy and extremely unbalanced. I thought I had time to send her the email. She died in March. I missed an opportunity to converse with an amazing poet. I can't help but ponder what else I have missed that I can never regain. To Lucille and Ai-peace be unto your spirits.

BlazeVox Acceptance!

2010-04-20T10:35:00.000-04:00

I have work forthcoming in BlazeVox's Spring issue 2010! This is an honor for me because I love the work that the journal produces as well as their chapbooks. I have friends who have published there and I wanted my name to be added to the list. The day has come! Oh happy day. Writers if you are looking for a choice journal to for your work send it over to BlazeVox. You can check them out at http://www.blazevox.org/.

Guest Editor

2010-04-17T11:40:00.003-04:00

I am a guest editor for issue 10 at Leaf Garden Press! If you are a writer please consider submitting.

Two new poems up at Houston Literary Review

2010-04-16T13:02:00.000-04:00

I have two new poems published in the April issue of Houston Literary Review. Check them out here http://www.houstonliteraryreview.com/

Profile by Constance Stadler On Calliope Nerve

2010-03-31T01:32:00.000-04:00

I am so honored to have a profile and analysis of three poems by the amazing Constance Stadler. I share a few personal stories in the profile. You can read it at http://www.calliopenerve.blogspot.com/.

Two Poems

2010-03-25T01:46:00.002-04:00

Two poems and amazing artwork by the artist Never can be seen on Calliope Nerve. Go to http://www.calliopenerve.blogspot.com/.

New Series

2010-03-02T13:42:00.001-05:00

I have a new series I am working on where I write poems to poems I enjoy. I will post links were some of these are published. Well it snowing for the fourth time this winter in Georgia. It has never snowed this much in Georgia in all of my life. I have some exciting new projects forthcoming. I am slow about posting things here, but I am going to work on doing better. Keep watching. Here is a link to one of the sketches:

http://clutchingatstraws.wordpress.com/

Upcoming Chapbook

2010-02-07T18:41:00.001-05:00

My first chapbook is forthcoming with Differentia Press. I am more than 50% complete with the writing. I am excited about the project because I am featuring art from my favorite graffiti artist in Atlanta-Never. More to come soon.

First Publication Acceptance of 2010

2010-01-09T10:15:00.000-05:00

I think I have managed to write my first poem that is absent of pain. I said I think...
Thanks Molly Gaudry over at Willows Wept Review.

Final Blog for 2009

2009-12-31T18:35:00.000-05:00

This is my final blog for 2009. It has been a year of change, pain, and growth. As I look forward to this next year, I do so refreshed, renewed, and alive. It has been several years since I have felt alive and like Serena. I am pleased to have made some new friends in 2009 and I am grateful for the old ones that still linger. Gratitude has been truly felt this year.

Black Petal

2009-12-08T20:29:00.000-05:00

This poem feels. I love this.

Black Petal

by Li-Young Lee

I never claimed night fathered me.

that was my dead brother talking in his sleep.

I keep him under my pillow, a dear wish

that colors my laughing and crying.

I never said the wind, remembering nothing,

leaves so many rooms unaccounted for,

continual farewell must ransom

the unmistakable fragrance

our human days afford.

It was my brother, little candle in the pulpit,

reading out loud to all of earth

from the book of night.

He died too young to learn his name.

Now he answers to Vacant Boat,

Burning Wing, My Black Petal.

Ask him who his mother is. He'll declare the birds

have eaten the path home, but each of us

joins night's ongoing story

wherever night overtakes him,

the heart astonished to find belonging

and thanks answering thanks.

Ask if he's hungry or thirsty,

he'll say he's the bread come to pass

and draw you a map

to the twelve secret hips of honey.

Does someone want to know the way to spring?

He'll remind you

the flower was never meant to survive

the fruit's triumph.

He says an apple's most secret cargo

is the enduring odor of a human childhood,

our mother's linen pressed and stored, our father's voice

walking through the rooms.

He says he's forgiven our sister

for playing dead and making him cry

those afternoons we were left alone in the house.

And when clocks frighten me with their long hair,

and when I spy the wind's numerous hands

in the orchard unfastening

first the petals from the buds,

then the perfume from the flesh,

my dead brother ministers to me. His voice

weighs nothing

but the far years between

stars in their massive dying,

and I grow quiet hearing

how many of both of our tomorrows

lie waiting inside it to be born.

Moving Forward

2009-11-14T22:46:00.001-05:00

Moving forward is a good thing. I have chosen to reduce complaining to an all time low. It is counter productive. I am moving foward with new things, ideas, and motivations and I have decided to just lean into the things I value most and see what happens. A new Serena is emerging and I like her.

Circumstances

2009-11-05T13:02:00.000-05:00

Wouldn't you know it. I am planning to go to the studio this weekend to record some poems and I get a sore throat. Reading out loud is a new discovery into sound and what can be done to rearrange the unexpected to fit the circumstance.

Happenings In My World

2009-10-17T20:53:00.000-04:00

Well cool weather has made its way to Georgia. I detest cold weather but it is necessary to sustain life. I am presently working on a chapbook and preparing to record some audio tracks of my work. I am looking forward to that. I also plan to get my schedule in order so that I can have more time for the things I love. As a creative creature, time is so important and I admit I have not been the best steward of it. This is going to change. I plan to be more discipline with a writing schedule. I am going to post some essays to the site concerning my feeling on different issues that I care to give commentary too as well post more information to a little more insite into who I am and what I am about.

It's Flooding In Atlanta

2009-09-21T15:19:00.002-04:00

Believe it or not it is flooding in Atlanta! We have been in a statewide drought for some time. I guess the flood is over. My son is ill today and so I had to call in to work today. I will be posted at my computer all day catching up on my writing.

Stumbling into Sepember

2009-09-01T13:29:00.002-04:00

This summer has been intense. I had a lot of growing pains professionally and a major creative download. I am learning to rest more and live more for what matters to me. I am reflecting on the dreams in my heart and what really matters to me. Basically, I am cutting the fat. I look forward to presenting some new projects and ideas on this blog that will showcase what I am talking about. Stay tuned...

Elisha, Serena, & Penny @ Writers Circle Event

2009-08-16T10:41:00.001-04:00

Coming Soon

2009-08-10T18:33:00.001-04:00

I am going to add some of my poetry and links to places where I have published as well as other poet's work I appreciate. Stay tuned....

We are getting a film!

2009-08-03T16:34:00.002-04:00

I have worked in Africa for ten years. It has been a wonderful growth experience for me. We have two really talented film producers who will be going to Kenya and Tanzania in September to video our work and put together a documentary. We will be having events in NYC and Atlanta so if you are interested in finding out more please email me.

Happy Birthday to Me

2009-07-17T00:15:00.002-04:00

Today is my birthday! I plan to spend the day happy and grateful that I made it another year. I pray that I will never spend my life on foolish things, but continue to be a drink offering to the One I love.

Beautiful Faces

2009-06-29T20:02:00.002-04:00

Disrespect

2009-06-23T17:19:00.001-04:00

Disrespect is a weapon I would like to permenantly disarm. Really! In the words of Rodney King "can't we all just get along?" I don't know Rodney.

Building Global Citizens

2009-06-13T07:53:00.002-04:00

Here is a link to a video session where one of our schools in Kenya is having a meet the author day and sharing classroom time with children in the UK. Enjoy!
https://sas.elluminate.com/p.jnlp?psid=2009-05-08.0301.M.6AEDA209F969F97704D3A43ED9EDAE.vcr

Musings

2009-06-05T22:32:00.002-04:00

Last week I found out that we have been awarded a wonderful grant that will allow us to begin our farm project in Tanzania. The goal is to develop a 60 acre farm that will allow us to feed our kids and staff as well as sell to businesses, gov't, etc. to make money to put back into our project. I am really excited about this.

A New Primary School in Tanzania

2009-05-25T12:40:00.002-04:00

I can't believe that we are building our 3rd primary school.

I'm Back

2009-05-19T22:05:00.001-04:00

I made back safely from Africa but I am so tired. I will have photos to post tomorrow.

The Lonely World of Writing

2009-05-02T13:42:00.001-04:00

For the last past several months I have been able to produce 15 poem and 2 flash fiction pieces. I think pecking away at this computer is getting to me. So I am going to take my son out to play and try to invision what it was like to be a simple child again.

New Beginnings

2009-04-29T16:14:00.003-04:00

I am leaving next week for Tanzania. I am going to visit some work my organization is doing there. I am hoping that I will have some fresh material for my poetry and fiction. I will also post lots of pictures.