http://mnlife.gather.com Recent Articles on Gather by Minnesota Life en-us Copyright Gather Inc 2013 Tue, 21 May 2013 01:40:02 GMT 2013-05-21T01:40:02Z en-us Copyright Gather Inc 2013 http://www.gather.com/images/header/logo_gather.gif http://www.gather.com/ http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981866073   Today is DNA Day , Red Hat Society Day, and World Penguin Day. It's also: Birthday - Radio inventor Guglielmo Marconi (1874-1937) was born in Bologna, Italy. He pioneered . . . Thu, 25 Apr 2013 00:14:19 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981866073 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2013-04-25T00:14:19Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981873482 Whiskers scream for shaving cream And then a splash of Old Spice Bearded lady? Raving Queen She’ll need to pluck, then cold ice. Hair upon the upper lip Can often hide a blister Or a bit of supper . . . Wed, 24 Apr 2013 23:46:32 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981873482 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2013-04-24T23:46:32Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981865472     It's Wednesday! That means it's time for a guest judge! Today's judge is Ann Marcaida , hip-hip-hooray! She'll rely on my comments regarding technicalities of form, but choose the . . . Wed, 24 Apr 2013 00:04:55 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981865472 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2013-04-24T00:04:55Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981873015 Turn to the final page of your book Start reading backwards, discover the mystery in reverse Now that you know who dies Was life worth living? Was the villain Bad enough? Will you Cry? . . . Tue, 23 Apr 2013 22:51:07 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981873015 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2013-04-23T22:51:07Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981865432     Today is World Book and Copyright Day. We promote and celebrate reading, publishing, and copyright. It's also the anniversary of William Shakespeare's death when he died at the age . . . Tue, 23 Apr 2013 00:01:35 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981865432 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2013-04-23T00:01:35Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981872328     E arth and sky, fire and sea   I am a steward of this world A ir and soil, rock and scree   I am a steward of this world R iver and butte, gale and boulder   . . . Mon, 22 Apr 2013 11:21:19 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981872328 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2013-04-22T11:21:19Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981865396     I know we just wrote Chant Royal last Friday, but today's Chant is the relaxed variety. No fears, no pressure, just share your work in the Chant form . If you are new to this . . . Mon, 22 Apr 2013 00:03:06 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981865396 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2013-04-22T00:03:06Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981871809 I started keeping lists, lots of lists. Some things I list, others I don’t. For example, I don’t keep a To-do list because I never have anything urgent to do. I don’t keep a . . . Sun, 21 Apr 2013 23:35:21 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981871809 Greg Schiller 2013-04-21T23:35:21Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981871699             April is the longest month, never mind the days a I mark this time by memories of a cataclysmic stop b These thoughts, I’d like to perish, . . . Sat, 20 Apr 2013 00:07:35 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981871699 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2013-04-20T00:07:35Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981865385         By now, you know I like history and maybe, possibly, I'm a little nerdy about it. Here's another tidbit: 1934 U.S.A. Lindbergh Baby Kidnapping 18th April . . . Fri, 19 Apr 2013 00:05:30 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981865385 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2013-04-19T00:05:30Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981865366   More rhyming with today's form, Rubiayat , but you can pick the meter. Whatever meter you choose, though, you need to stick with it. If you are new to this group or contest, you can learn . . . Thu, 18 Apr 2013 00:00:29 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981865366 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2013-04-18T00:00:29Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981870806   Back when I was seven, new decade Pop filled the twenty gallon tank, ten bucks, Which left a couple spots to tip the service boy Who always washed the windshield and then winked At my older . . . Wed, 17 Apr 2013 19:47:25 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981870806 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2013-04-17T19:47:25Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981870710 It was not a weekend you'd expect to find many sales on. . . . . . And so many stayed home. I can't afford to do that if I'm to take this business seriously.  On the face . . . Wed, 17 Apr 2013 16:56:17 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981870710 Ron Hall 2013-04-17T16:56:17Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981870619 Here's some interesting stats: Climate Information for Minneapolis - St.Paul - Minnesota - Midwest ... Wed, 17 Apr 2013 11:14:36 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981870619 Jim G. 2013-04-17T11:14:36Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981865104     Writing metered poetry reminds me of dancing with words. Today John Beck will be our guest judge and select the Poem-of-the-Day. If you are new to this group or contest, you can . . . Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:17:37 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981865104 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2013-04-17T00:17:37Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981870447 Today no waving flag Snaps smartly, ‘stead it sags limply Like a ribbon, simply Signifying deadly force, dire Actions used not higher or less Lethal, but cruel, aggress- ive and fatal. God bless . . . Tue, 16 Apr 2013 20:50:15 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981870447 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2013-04-16T20:50:15Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981865095     From The History Place : Birthday - American aviation pioneer Wilbur Wright (1867-1912) was born in Millville, Indiana. On December 17, 1903, along with his brother Orville, . . . Tue, 16 Apr 2013 00:02:36 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981865095 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2013-04-16T00:02:36Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981869851             January 27, 1945 Amass Death gas Impasse Alas Numb beyond sense amass death gas caved Imminent walk, alas impasse, saved Mon, 15 Apr 2013 10:53:03 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981869851 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2013-04-15T10:53:03Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981869597 I love Saturday morning cartoons. I love the landscapes inked in primary colors and of course, the outrageous caricatures – but what I love most of all is laughing at the same things kids . . . Sun, 14 Apr 2013 23:17:49 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981869597 Greg Schiller 2013-04-14T23:17:49Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981869412 A boy rode too fast into town on too big of a horse. At the Marshal's office, he slid off the horse too soon and landed too hard in the spring mud. “I sp-sp-spotted the Halverson Gang fording . . . Sat, 13 Apr 2013 17:20:15 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981869412 Greg Schiller 2013-04-13T17:20:15Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981869226   Garrison Keillor is quite a fine writer, but he’s getting older than Buffalo cents Although I’ve pitched to that snicketypickety star of the Almanac Left in suspense! . . . Sat, 13 Apr 2013 00:18:50 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981869226 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2013-04-13T00:18:50Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981864255   Double-Dactyl There, I've said it. This is the form today. I said it was shorter than yesterday's 44+ lines, but is it easier? Only those of you with rhythm can say. If you . . . Fri, 12 Apr 2013 00:19:58 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981864255 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2013-04-12T00:19:58Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981868753 “I’m not concerned about that now” said the mountain that spoke with his face, down from the edge of an unsheltered sky, and King went to Memphis anyway. When he was born . . . Thu, 11 Apr 2013 18:57:59 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981868753 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2013-04-11T18:57:59Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981868031 This episode covers the last weekend of March and first weekend of April, 2013.  It's awful early to be expecting much in the way of yard sales, so there's a mix of last-day-of-estate sales, moving . . . Thu, 11 Apr 2013 09:29:44 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981868031 Ron Hall 2013-04-11T09:29:44Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981863929       I did not manage a concise column last January introducing the Glossa, which is today's form. So I need to do a little "teaching" here so that we are all on the same page. . . . Thu, 11 Apr 2013 00:09:19 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981863929 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2013-04-11T00:09:19Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981868386   All over Australia, we snakes squirmed and slithered Most delightful to me, when fair maidens shivered With our bodies so slender and our victims quite tender Some snakes lay still, alert to . . . Wed, 10 Apr 2013 18:56:14 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981868386 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2013-04-10T18:56:14Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981863883   In her frustration at trying to compose a terza rima, Irina Dimitric ended up creating her very own form. I wanted to introduce Mindful Poetry members and all of Gather to her form, tercetonine. . . . Wed, 10 Apr 2013 00:01:03 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981863883 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2013-04-10T00:01:03Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981867830   My brown hands work worry beads-- a fruitless measure His hands worry my deltoids producing pleasure           Tue, 09 Apr 2013 13:15:54 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981867830 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2013-04-09T13:15:54Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981863676   From thehistoryplace.com: April 9, 1865 - After over 500,000 American deaths, the Civil War effectively ended as General Robert E. Lee surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant in . . . Tue, 09 Apr 2013 00:11:42 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981863676 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2013-04-09T00:11:42Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981867649          pea  cock  peahen  laced like gems  one iridescent  the other a geode with its  feathered  jewel incubating at . . . Mon, 08 Apr 2013 18:01:41 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981867649 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2013-04-08T18:01:41Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981863405     Today is National Draw a Bird Day. Or maybe it's International Draw a Bird Day because this originated in the UK. Our form today is as old as birds, based on the ideas and findings . . . Mon, 08 Apr 2013 00:09:34 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981863405 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2013-04-08T00:09:34Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981867025 Over the years, I have written a lot of columns for Gather Writing Essentials. I have written about my struggles with writing, about the hut I built in my woods, even about cleaning the cat box. . . . Sun, 07 Apr 2013 23:13:53 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981867025 Greg Schiller 2013-04-07T23:13:53Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981867330 Watch All Your Favorite Sports in HD Watch NCAA Final Game Online April 8th 2013 See Major League Baseball Season Schedules Follow Players and Teams Sun, 07 Apr 2013 18:11:56 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981867330 Omar J. 2013-04-07T18:11:56Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981860335 Note that there is a major announcement further down in this episode. It's been a very interesting last three weeks, and I got enough photos to do a post. Best of Show Dr. Seuss . . . Sun, 07 Apr 2013 12:06:51 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981860335 Ron Hall 2013-04-07T12:06:51Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981866949 I was born when the world had four corners When sky met the sand to form diamonds of light A time well before there lived any foreigners Because we were one flesh, one unified sight Our prayer and our . . . Fri, 05 Apr 2013 23:58:09 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981866949 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2013-04-05T23:58:09Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981863181   Today is Go For Broke Day. I'm finding these gems at National Whatever Day dot com . I don't really see the natural path between the day's title and what it signifies, but it's . . . Fri, 05 Apr 2013 00:03:31 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981863181 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2013-04-05T00:03:31Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981866552   How can I curry favor with you Make it so that you prize only me I want to fill your whole world view Honest, I bought you a kangaroo And a sailing boat on the Baltic Sea How can I curry favor . . . Thu, 04 Apr 2013 19:11:03 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981866552 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2013-04-04T19:11:03Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981863180   If you've never written a villanelle , you'll be surprised with the satisfaction you discover when you've finished. The form lends itself to a natural conclusion. Today is National Tell-a-Lie . . . Thu, 04 Apr 2013 00:09:35 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981863180 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2013-04-04T00:09:35Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981866056     I never was pretty Certain of myself, yes That’s a page of beauty Not often turned or read Not photographed to see I never was pretty Both my sisters: handsome Their passage . . . Wed, 03 Apr 2013 14:11:53 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981866056 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2013-04-03T14:11:53Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981863174   Mindful Poetry has covered at least 48 different forms of poetry. One of the forms was created by a poet who lives in Norway and to my delight, when I featured his form, he came to . . . Wed, 03 Apr 2013 00:09:27 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981863174 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2013-04-03T00:09:27Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981865686   She has arrived With her blue-devils spilling tears She has arrived Disheveled, she appears contrived We, insouciant, yet her peers Wisely shy from her artful gears She has arrived Tue, 02 Apr 2013 13:41:45 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981865686 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2013-04-02T13:41:45Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981862383     Today is World Autism Awareness Day . The color blue has been designated as a color to correspond with Autism, much like the pink ribbons we once saw highlighting breast cancer . . . Tue, 02 Apr 2013 00:15:16 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981862383 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2013-04-02T00:15:16Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981865115                 John Franken Heimerschmidt Everyone knows this twit But he'll lose his moniker 'Cause now he's a saboteur     Come . . . Mon, 01 Apr 2013 01:59:48 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981865115 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2013-04-01T01:59:48Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981864691 After an entire winter of parking in the driveway, I finally cleaned out my garage stall. Yeah, I know it’s April. Winter may be over but Minnesota mornings are still frosty, so it's . . . Mon, 01 Apr 2013 00:20:25 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981864691 Greg Schiller 2013-04-01T00:20:25Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981861729   It's a fresh start today! New month, new week, new poetic form to lampoon your favorite (or not) person! Today's form will be clerihew , which has not been featured at Mindful Poetry in . . . Mon, 01 Apr 2013 00:07:07 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981861729 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2013-04-01T00:07:07Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981864837 Casey at the Bat The outlook wasn't brilliant for the Mudville nine that day; The score stood four to two, with but one inning more to play, And then when Cooney died at first, and Barrows did the . . . Sat, 30 Mar 2013 22:00:04 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981864837 Jim G. 2013-03-30T22:00:04Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981864238 Following is a week-by-week listing of when and where I would expect to find this year’s neighborhood sales.  Understand please, that this is not gospel; some sales move from year to . . . Fri, 29 Mar 2013 13:19:49 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981864238 Ron Hall 2013-03-29T13:19:49Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981854928     My promise to you this year: You will read some memorable, stunning poems during our fourth annual contest at  Mindful Poetry . My hope: You will participate and create . . . Wed, 27 Mar 2013 22:22:44 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981854928 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2013-03-27T22:22:44Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981863649 In this weeks midweek round up I will begin to share with everyone on Gather.com every Wednesday about things I feel are important and fun stuff to share as well as some views. Right now it's the 7th . . . Wed, 27 Mar 2013 10:17:06 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981863649 Omar J. 2013-03-27T10:17:06Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981862506 When I write, I prefer to be alone.. In fact, I value my solitude so much that I built a hut deep in the woods where I can hide far from the madding crowd to write. Out there, my isolation is . . . Sun, 24 Mar 2013 23:44:41 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981862506 Greg Schiller 2013-03-24T23:44:41Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981860810           kneading under umber moon this torpid eve-dusk morning, sharp and spry, we chew our fruited baked rusk Mon, 18 Mar 2013 15:51:28 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981860810 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2013-03-18T15:51:28Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981859964 There once was a troll who lived under a bridge high on a desolate mountain. It was an odd location for a bridge that made sense to no one but him. As we all know, trolls hide under bridges and . . . Sun, 17 Mar 2013 23:29:14 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981859964 Greg Schiller 2013-03-17T23:29:14Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981860238 I decided to look and this is it now. Solar cycles 23 and 24.  I guess we’re now headed towards a new little Ice Age. How long?  I aint got a clue http://www.solen.info/solar/images/cycles23_24.png . . . Sat, 16 Mar 2013 15:57:46 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981860238 Richard B. 2013-03-16T15:57:46Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981857880 In the spring of 1880, John D. Rockefeller called the board of Standard Oil to an emergency meeting. “Our company is doomed,” he announced, “We need to find another business.” . . . Sun, 10 Mar 2013 23:42:32 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981857880 Greg Schiller 2013-03-10T23:42:32Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981857786     Before a big race, participants ease up, they don’t overwork so as to tire themselves out. Likewise, before the big poetry contest in April—Mindful Poetry’s Fourth . . . Sat, 09 Mar 2013 01:01:40 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981857786 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2013-03-09T01:01:40Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981854604 Last Thursday at breakfast, the woman in the next booth pointed toward the waitress and hissed, “Did she just call you honey?” By the way she dove headlong into indignation, you . . . Mon, 04 Mar 2013 00:11:07 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981854604 Greg Schiller 2013-03-04T00:11:07Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981855796 It's so nice to be down by the river when it's nice out! (not today, ha ha)                           . . . Sun, 03 Mar 2013 09:44:13 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981855796 Peter Joseph Swanson 2013-03-03T09:44:13Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981855493 When I was a kid at Quincy IL there was the Mississippi Queen, a riverboat that gave rides around the river area. It was just metal folding chairs on an open deck of a big old paddle-wheel boat--but the . . . Sat, 02 Mar 2013 10:36:02 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981855493 Peter Joseph Swanson 2013-03-02T10:36:02Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981853877 Tracy Fabre's Prompt: There is a list of great bad headlines here. http://littlecalamity.tripod.com/Text/Newspaper.html Among them are the classics: Eye Drops off . . . Mon, 25 Feb 2013 16:42:01 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981853877 Liz H. 2013-02-25T16:42:01Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981852828 Here I am once again glaring into the glow of my computer monitor. I know somewhere under all those pixels - lurks another weekly column. But it refuses to reveal itself. So I sharpen my glare. . . . Sun, 24 Feb 2013 22:54:05 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981852828 Greg Schiller 2013-02-24T22:54:05Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981852728 And the storm is supposed to miss us here. The very northern edge of the storm is supposed to be too far south of this city to hit it. So all of you south of me must be buried! Are you buried?   . . . Fri, 22 Feb 2013 09:28:04 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981852728 Peter Joseph Swanson 2013-02-22T09:28:04Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981852571 http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=tPg1ZMiC9pA     Thu, 21 Feb 2013 21:43:08 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981852571 Jim G. 2013-02-21T21:43:08Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981851977 These shots were all taken inside. I'm downtown on a bitterly cold morning. It's all one place, the Crystal Court. It's part of one skyscraper. It involves a mezzanine full of banks and shops and restaurants, . . . Wed, 20 Feb 2013 11:34:25 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981851977 Peter Joseph Swanson 2013-02-20T11:34:25Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981851075 Interesting bit of history. http://www.wimp.com/trainstime/ Sun, 17 Feb 2013 22:06:33 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981851075 Jim G. 2013-02-17T22:06:33Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981849766   Chanting sounds like nagging but the voice Chant Royal entails eleven magnificent lines Surprise! Only one line repeats No rhyming word repeats by design Poetry seeks to please, to enchant Building . . . Wed, 13 Feb 2013 19:56:48 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981849766 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2013-02-13T19:56:48Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981848923 One way or the other, this question always sneaks its way into every job interview. “So tell me,” the voice across the table asks, “why are you looking for a job?” The . . . Mon, 11 Feb 2013 22:11:45 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981848923 Greg Schiller 2013-02-11T22:11:45Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981848092 It happened. My wife lost her job. Though it came as no surprise, it still came as a shock. Right now, she is reeling from the blow. Though she lost her job to downsizing, it still raises . . . Sun, 10 Feb 2013 23:01:43 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981848092 Greg Schiller 2013-02-10T23:01:43Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981847993 Chesham, England Fifty miles outside of London Protected under glass desk-plate Happy snapshots, a yellowed postcard Spent bus pass, 1944 A child’s spelling test, graded and . . . Sat, 09 Feb 2013 00:03:39 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981847993 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2013-02-09T00:03:39Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981847785        I use Net10 phone service as my phone.  I had a man stalking me, texting me and calling me.  I contacted the Columbus Ohio police department to try to file . . . Fri, 08 Feb 2013 13:19:13 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981847785 lilly rose 2013-02-08T13:19:13Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981844649   Chanting occurs in many instances. Doubtless, there was chanting going on last Sunday, February 3 rd at the Super Bowl. And once a victor was declared, facebook lit up with the chant: winner, . . . Tue, 05 Feb 2013 22:48:17 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981844649 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2013-02-05T22:48:17Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981844892 Space junk is not something most people get anxious about - but I do. You see, the earth wears a halo of orbiting debris and that concerns me. Most of it is insignificant: a paint . . . Sun, 03 Feb 2013 23:27:05 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981844892 Greg Schiller 2013-02-03T23:27:05Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981843322   My trunk is far too powerful no sooner do I sneeze than windows crack and shatter from the impact of the breeze Extraordinary times call for unexpected measures My top concern in this big . . . Mon, 28 Jan 2013 01:13:27 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981843322 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2013-01-28T01:13:27Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981842756 My wife called me today, in tears. She is going through a tough time at work and calls a lot, in tears. I don’t mind, it comes with the job of being a spouse. The source of her stress is . . . Sun, 27 Jan 2013 23:14:40 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981842756 Greg Schiller 2013-01-27T23:14:40Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981843120 Each year, Americans throw away about 250 million tons of garbage. That's roughly four pounds per person per day. San Francisco and a handful of other cities aim for a once-unthinkable goal, zero waste. . . . Sun, 27 Jan 2013 15:01:37 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981843120 Peter Joseph Swanson 2013-01-27T15:01:37Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981842713       To the Horizon I believe in the future, we shall suffer no more Maybe not in my lifetime, but in yours, I feel sure These prayers, these prayers are the memory . . . Sat, 26 Jan 2013 01:46:25 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981842713 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2013-01-26T01:46:25Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981840138 One day a few years ago, my nieces, the triplets, approached my sister with what seemed to them like a great idea. “Mom,” they said, “Let’s get a horse.” . . . Sun, 20 Jan 2013 22:51:13 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981840138 Greg Schiller 2013-01-20T22:51:13Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981839283 Got up from the keyboard For a cup of java. Glanced out the patio At the snowfall.   Drawn to the door to observe. Large white flakes drifting slowly down.   They're dancing, . . . Thu, 17 Jan 2013 13:15:45 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981839283 Jim G. 2013-01-17T13:15:45Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981838988         I believe in the future, we shall suffer no more Maybe not in my lifetime, but in yours, I feel sure These prayers are the memory of . . . Wed, 16 Jan 2013 18:36:38 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981838988 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2013-01-16T18:36:38Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981837812 Born in late winter 150 years ago, Injun Joe’s real name, Hinmahtooyahlatkekt, meant Thunder Rolling Down the Mountain. His home was in the Wallowa Valley of northeastern Oregon . . . Sun, 13 Jan 2013 20:45:41 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981837812 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2013-01-13T20:45:41Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981834821     And even the suggestion of one of the forms , when a poet understands it well , can haunt a good poem like a ghost . When writing a glossa, . . . Mon, 07 Jan 2013 00:06:25 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981834821 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2013-01-07T00:06:25Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981833639 It is five o'clock in the morning and I am filling my gas tank at the Quicki-Mart. It is dark and bitterly cold. Across the highway, the sign over the bank flashes a chilly -14 ° F. . . . Sun, 06 Jan 2013 23:09:41 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981833639 Greg Schiller 2013-01-06T23:09:41Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981834585 http://huff.to/TOIo6E Sun, 06 Jan 2013 11:46:39 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981834585 lilly rose 2013-01-06T11:46:39Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981834494     I learned about a new form at Poetic Asides, Robert Lee Brewer’s column for Writers Digest during the month of November. I attempted to write a glossa, but found it a beast . . . Sun, 06 Jan 2013 03:30:33 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981834494 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2013-01-06T03:30:33Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981834491   Ink runs from the corners of my mouth There is no happiness like mine. I have been eating poetry.                   . . . Sun, 06 Jan 2013 03:11:12 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981834491 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2013-01-06T03:11:12Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981833683 Downtown Minneapolis isn't so flooded anymore. Salt dumped on the water helped it drain away, and saved the day, and there is only ice problems on some sidewalks now. Most water in the plumbing is back . . . Fri, 04 Jan 2013 10:33:40 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981833683 Peter Joseph Swanson 2013-01-04T10:33:40Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981830604 The Guaraní people of Paraguay have an unique take on reality and their language reflects it. Like us, they have words for the things that are as well as the things that were. But they . . . Sun, 30 Dec 2012 23:17:27 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981830604 Greg Schiller 2012-12-30T23:17:27Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980246721 This contains previously unreleased material from the summer of 2011.   I have about two dozen such posts in queue, and will finish them over time.  It only makes sense to present this . . . Sun, 30 Dec 2012 11:05:34 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980246721 Ron Hall 2012-12-30T11:05:34Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981828684 A mother bear's love for baby Tue, 25 Dec 2012 15:47:25 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981828684 lilly rose 2012-12-25T15:47:25Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981828683           Hope everyone is having a wonderful CHRISTMAss!!!!  Thanks for being my friend this year!! Tue, 25 Dec 2012 15:42:28 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981828683 lilly rose 2012-12-25T15:42:28Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981827213 Ahhhhh..... The last guest is out the door. The dishwasher is gurgling on its final load. The leaves for the dining room table are headed to the bedroom closet. Your holiday stress is melting . . . Mon, 24 Dec 2012 00:12:23 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981827213 Greg Schiller 2012-12-24T00:12:23Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981827431 There’s an Irish Proverb that expresses my sentiments as I open the cards you've sent during this sacred holiday season and read your Christmas postings. “When I count my . . . Sat, 22 Dec 2012 21:14:05 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981827431 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2012-12-22T21:14:05Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981820477                               I read a post on  gather . . . Mon, 17 Dec 2012 13:28:21 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981820477 lilly rose 2012-12-17T13:28:21Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981820437 This small narrow downtown grocery store looked very old when I first moved to Minneapolis in the 1980s, and hasn't changed since. Since then a Super America has opened at the edge of downtown and then . . . Mon, 17 Dec 2012 13:04:36 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981820437 Peter Joseph Swanson 2012-12-17T13:04:36Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981819940 I am back to work in the Twin Cities after twelve weeks on the farm. (Sigh) Catching up is hard and every moment of every day, I yearn to return home. Beyond that, my internet connection . . . Mon, 17 Dec 2012 07:16:52 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981819940 Greg Schiller 2012-12-17T07:16:52Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981819100 Of course, you need someone to keep an eye on the teacher.   A student, preferably the most trustworthy and well-thought of in the class, should serve as a failsafe. They will be issued . . . Sun, 16 Dec 2012 20:21:33 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981819100 Brett Ortler 2012-12-16T20:21:33Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981817893 Hi, This is Brett Ortler, and you may remember my funny letters to the President series, which I launched on Gather some time ago. Well, over the past few years, I've diversified, writing letters to . . . Sun, 16 Dec 2012 00:26:35 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981817893 Brett Ortler 2012-12-16T00:26:35Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981809383 That’s good as Adults shouldn’t drink milk or in fact shouldn’t eat cheese either.   If you have arthritis and eat cheese of drink milk, that’s probably why.  Many . . . Tue, 11 Dec 2012 08:18:36 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981809383 Richard B. 2012-12-11T08:18:36Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981808121 Yesterday I went out to take pics for Tracy Fabre's next novel cover. I needed a mansion in the snow. I'm not showing the one I'm going to use, now. he he Here's some other shots....     . . . Mon, 10 Dec 2012 16:33:05 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981808121 Peter Joseph Swanson 2012-12-10T16:33:05Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981800874 Over the last few days I spent my free time building a bookcase in the man-hut. The two I had are full, so I built another. I confess to being a bit of a lumberyard junkie. I find the scent of . . . Sun, 09 Dec 2012 23:00:20 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981800874 Greg Schiller 2012-12-09T23:00:20Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981805062       I hosted Thanksgiving this year at my house. Of course, we cleaned everything from mop boards to light fixture as well as fridge and bird cage. The last item on our cleaning . . . Sun, 09 Dec 2012 11:40:14 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981805062 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-12-09T11:40:14Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981804019 These are from two of our church member, Eldon Dunn's weekly messages and I thought you might be interested in reading them.  So I'm passing them on here, from my sister for you to read. This can . . . Sat, 08 Dec 2012 06:48:13 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981804019 Richard B. 2012-12-08T06:48:13Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981796795       A fellow poet and I were discussing adding detail to ones poetry. I ended up telling this story and subsequent poem.   Here's a story from my childhood. I would . . . Tue, 04 Dec 2012 18:24:38 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981796795 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-12-04T18:24:38Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981794127 I always love going to Orchestra Hall in downtown Minneapolis. It's really ugly. Maybe they will make it look nice. The architect is that guy who built that airport in Paris. That is super big and looks . . . Mon, 03 Dec 2012 10:15:15 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981794127 Peter Joseph Swanson 2012-12-03T10:15:15Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981780327 My wife scowls when I pluck things off the supermarket shelf. “Check the freshness date,” she tells me. She knows I never do. Those dates rarely make sense to me, at least . . . Sun, 02 Dec 2012 23:32:12 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981780327 Greg Schiller 2012-12-02T23:32:12Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981785019 I DO!!!   I HATE THEM!!!   I've never had any where I live but the next door building seems to never be able to get rid of them for good. Every few months the exterminator trucks come . . . Thu, 29 Nov 2012 11:25:15 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981785019 Peter Joseph Swanson 2012-11-29T11:25:15Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981782315   For the first time in four years, we have remained in our northern paradise to celebrate snow.Blessed with the wondrous white stuff, we've gone snowshoeing on dark afternoons on . . . Wed, 28 Nov 2012 17:47:41 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981782315 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2012-11-28T17:47:41Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981775116 We have new neighbors. I have yet to meet them but I have met their dog. The little yapper trotted over to introduce himself. He is one of those fearless little furballs who bounce with every . . . Sun, 25 Nov 2012 23:12:14 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981775116 Greg Schiller 2012-11-25T23:12:14Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981770120 Think about it: Mark Morford, San Francisco Chronicle Excerpt: "Jesus Christ, quit whining about Twinkies already ... You do not have it so bad." READ MORE Thu, 22 Nov 2012 12:22:00 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981770120 Jim G. 2012-11-22T12:22:00Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981751655 In the woods behind my house, the earth eats things. It swallows them whole. The ground beneath our feet is like sponge cake made of sand and frosted with clay. When wet, it is as yielding . . . Mon, 19 Nov 2012 00:08:34 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981751655 Greg Schiller 2012-11-19T00:08:34Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981762913 After you boycott Walmart on Friday 11-23, Support your local small business on Saturday, 11-24. Go to shopsmall.com to find local small businesses near you.   Momentum Builds for . . . Sun, 18 Nov 2012 15:28:49 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981762913 Jim G. 2012-11-18T15:28:49Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981757315 It's a bit early, but they might as well do this before the snow falls in Minneapolis, and stays...                   Target . . . Wed, 14 Nov 2012 17:15:34 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981757315 Peter Joseph Swanson 2012-11-14T17:15:34Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981754784             I’ve often wondered what it would be like to climb a tree way up high with the wind pulling me to take flight and the bright sun warming . . . Tue, 13 Nov 2012 02:27:16 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981754784 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-11-13T02:27:16Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981754123 The Sweet Colleens  recently released their latest album, Closer to the Sky . This set of songs shuffles them into a position closer to my heart. I became a roots music aficionada almost . . . Mon, 12 Nov 2012 15:28:43 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981754123 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-11-12T15:28:43Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981749337 When we were kids, my brother and I turned our attic into a studio and covered the walls with sketches. He put his work up on one side, I put mine up on the other. This made it painfully clear whose . . . Sun, 11 Nov 2012 23:01:43 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981749337 Greg Schiller 2012-11-11T23:01:43Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981751504   I have scraped clay from my body and formed it into two shapes What these forms will become I do not know I hold my breath I see how they scrape clay from one another forming more shapes . . . Sat, 10 Nov 2012 20:14:52 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981751504 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-11-10T20:14:52Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981742281 I walked and walked about 8 blocks through a cold wet dark morning in my Minneapolis neighborhood and enjoyed that because I was bundled up cozy. The line moved fast. Once I got inside the building . . . Tue, 06 Nov 2012 12:23:29 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981742281 Peter Joseph Swanson 2012-11-06T12:23:29Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981740937 In 2007, days before the election, my apartment caught fire and I lost nearly everything. I had to stay and vote somewhere else, and I had to have someone vouch for me in order to be able to vote. It . . . Mon, 05 Nov 2012 14:46:40 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981740937 Gretchen Lee Bourquin 2012-11-05T14:46:40Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981719073 I remember being ten years old and catching a fastball with my face. POW!! Next thing I knew, stars were going supernova on the inside of my eyelids. But that wasn't why . . . Sun, 04 Nov 2012 23:00:44 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981719073 Greg Schiller 2012-11-04T23:00:44Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981739304   Henry Thomas Thorson Turned up his snooty nose Why, that’s just beneath me! Surely, you aren’t asking-- I’m more than bourgeoisie!  Henry Thomas Thorson Cocked a querulous . . . Sun, 04 Nov 2012 17:39:53 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981739304 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-11-04T17:39:53Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981737133     Veronica Hosking , Doug Westberg , and I all entered the Attys poetry contest. It required ten poems written in ten different forms. There were a lot of submissions and some . . . Sun, 04 Nov 2012 01:57:36 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981737133 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-11-04T01:57:36Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981738309 Daylight saving time ends tonight, boys & girls. Turn your clocks back. Let's see: My cell phone & computer change automatically. No problem, except who changes it? Some geek sitting in his underwear . . . Sat, 03 Nov 2012 22:29:41 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981738309 Jim G. 2012-11-03T22:29:41Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981732260             Long ago, I hurt my knee Rode around in a wheelchair Snotty sis would blurt, “Whiney!” Incapable of real care This same sis, she . . . Wed, 31 Oct 2012 00:59:13 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981732260 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-10-31T00:59:13Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981731818 I learned a new form over at Poetic Asides by Robert Lee Brewer, poetry columnist for Writer's Digest. He often has challenges of a featured form and I sometimes offer something for the challenge. I . . . Tue, 30 Oct 2012 18:43:05 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981731818 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-10-30T18:43:05Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981729727   I posted my submission a few weeks ago, but have been switching around my individual poems ever since. This contest requires a submission of ten poems each written in a different form . . . Mon, 29 Oct 2012 14:03:51 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981729727 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-10-29T14:03:51Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981723278 On the night of October 31, 2011, an extraordinary event occurred in the Walnut Creek Trailer Park in the small and insignificant hamlet of Clark’s Grove, Minnesota. A trailer . . . Sun, 28 Oct 2012 23:44:33 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981723278 Greg Schiller 2012-10-28T23:44:33Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981709913 I am reading Stein on Writing by Sol Stein. I highly recommend it. For me, the test of a book is how well it stays with you after you put it down. With this book, something from every . . . Sun, 21 Oct 2012 23:09:16 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981709913 Greg Schiller 2012-10-21T23:09:16Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981700058 It is a law of human physics. The closer we get to someone, be it a spouse, a lover or even a colleague at work, the more friction is generated.  It is like our differences grind against each . . . Sun, 14 Oct 2012 23:15:37 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981700058 Greg Schiller 2012-10-14T23:15:37Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981701579 Actually, on the surface, I'm a pretty organized person. A place for everything, & everything in it's place. My daughter's friend only comes in every two weeks to do the heavy things, & I have . . . Sun, 14 Oct 2012 21:35:25 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981701579 Jim G. 2012-10-14T21:35:25Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981701469 Our home overlooks Lake Superior where we are often treated to sights of large ore boats, fishing vessels, pleasure yachts and an occasional brave sailboat. I suppose it's only natural then that . . . Sun, 14 Oct 2012 17:41:21 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981701469 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2012-10-14T17:41:21Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981701015 Here in Saint Cloud Minnesota, it will most likely be a fairly warm winter as it was last year, as the Atlantic coast is far away.   However, as Paris is further north than Minneapolis, and the . . . Sun, 14 Oct 2012 10:04:33 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981701015 Richard B. 2012-10-14T10:04:33Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981683996 This is a repost of a 2010 MWE column.   I am building a shed in my woods. When I am done, it will be a place to hide from the world and write. Meanwhile, the noise of . . . Mon, 08 Oct 2012 00:35:52 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981683996 Greg Schiller 2012-10-08T00:35:52Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981677799 I think this is a lot of ask of my Mindful Poetry/Gather friends, but would anyone like to offer me their two cents?  I am juggling these three sestinas and may only enter ONE of them into a poetry . . . Fri, 05 Oct 2012 01:14:05 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981677799 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-10-05T01:14:05Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981674805 We step more deeply into a new season with changing light and a swapping of length in our nights and days. In the end, we’ll come full circle.  October at Mindful Poetry brings us a new . . . Wed, 03 Oct 2012 15:19:10 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981674805 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-10-03T15:19:10Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981665683 I sensed something very wrong on my walk this morning. The woods was unnaturally quiet. Only the shuffle of my boots on the path disturbed the stillness, so I stopped. The . . . Sun, 30 Sep 2012 23:14:43 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981665683 Greg Schiller 2012-09-30T23:14:43Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981650552 I learned something about learning the other day in Walgreens. Ahead of me in line was a girl and her mother. The girl was a young teenager and every bit a typical American kid. She . . . Sun, 23 Sep 2012 22:30:55 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981650552 Greg Schiller 2012-09-23T22:30:55Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981639272 That is why we exist in the first place.  There will be no religion that will ever dominate the people of the USA, be it the Catholic Church or the Evangelicals.  We in the USA have our own . . . Mon, 17 Sep 2012 06:46:15 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981639272 Richard B. 2012-09-17T06:46:15Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981634151 I wrote my first story in college. It was a strange tale of strange physics that ended with a nun in low earth orbit. I was so proud of it, I showed it to a friend. He told me it was the . . . Sun, 16 Sep 2012 22:52:54 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981634151 Greg Schiller 2012-09-16T22:52:54Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981637776        I can not understand why the CHIEF OF POLICE KIM JACOBS AND MAYOR COLEMAN are allowing this to happen, I am afraid that this is not being stopped because this is in . . . Sun, 16 Sep 2012 14:21:24 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981637776 lilly rose 2012-09-16T14:21:24Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981637761      It seems as if you say one word about the muslims or their religion you get arrested!!  There is danger for the USA in what is happening here.  If I had the money I . . . Sun, 16 Sep 2012 14:15:14 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981637761 lilly rose 2012-09-16T14:15:14Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981634395          I hate to see her leave this show, but she is leaving she said last night on the show that this was her last one.  I saw on the internet the reason . . . Fri, 14 Sep 2012 20:41:41 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981634395 lilly rose 2012-09-14T20:41:41Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981630226 I a few years ago had great pain in my ankles, knees, hips, back, shoulders, elbows and neck.  I had great difficulty in getting in and out of the car couldn’t use my recliner bought a bed . . . Thu, 13 Sep 2012 14:33:10 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981630226 Richard B. 2012-09-13T14:33:10Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981574803 No one ever wrote like Big Jim Thompson and no one ever will. Big Jim wrote pulp fiction and did it so well they called him "The Dimestore Dostoevsky". His fictional worlds were . . . Sun, 09 Sep 2012 22:52:02 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981574803 Greg Schiller 2012-09-09T22:52:02Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981619622 I went to a friend's concert with some friends last night. It was at a church, so near the end was a bit of a spontaneous hymn sing (people yelled out requests). This is the last hymn (I sang out, I don't . . . Sun, 09 Sep 2012 10:29:01 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981619622 Peter Joseph Swanson 2012-09-09T10:29:01Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981618567 Navy Wavy Gravy Crazy My thoughts run wild wavy, crazy streaks As I dine on navy gravy leeks   Pretty Witty Gritty Bitty A ticklish pretty bitty tart Breaks even my witty gritty heart   . . . Sun, 09 Sep 2012 00:00:50 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981618567 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-09-09T00:00:50Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981614970 In honor of traditional marriage, I am putting my wife up for sale . Let me explain: in the upcoming election, Minnesota voters will be deciding whether to prohibit same-sex couples from marrying. . . . Fri, 07 Sep 2012 17:30:34 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981614970 Brett Ortler 2012-09-07T17:30:34Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981610909     It is our Anniversary!  Mindful Poetry celebrates Year Four this month. We try to have some extra fun in September and this year, 2012, will be no different. Our form . . . Wed, 05 Sep 2012 22:33:23 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981610909 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-09-05T22:33:23Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981610818 Wrinkled Twinkled Sprinkled Crinkled Elders raised him sprinkled, twinkled eyes saw every move wrinkled, crinkled guys     ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This is a new form, tyburn, featured at Mindful . . . Wed, 05 Sep 2012 14:33:27 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981610818 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-09-05T14:33:27Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981610755              Mr. Mayor this it to let you know that I have found out about 2 more areas that your POLICE OFFICERS are preying on underaged girlS!!  . . . Wed, 05 Sep 2012 13:59:53 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981610755 lilly rose 2012-09-05T13:59:53Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981610739             Why don't you just build your police officers a whorehouse that they can go to when they need sex???  That way maybe they would . . . Wed, 05 Sep 2012 13:48:03 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981610739 lilly rose 2012-09-05T13:48:03Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981610722         Ms. Jacobs when I was downtown today with my sign a man told me that your police officers are having sex with prostitues and underage girls in the "bottoms", . . . Wed, 05 Sep 2012 13:32:25 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981610722 lilly rose 2012-09-05T13:32:25Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981610697           I contacted Senator Jim Hughes of Columbus Ohio asking him to help stop the cop who was stalking and preying on underaged girls on the Hilltop in . . . Wed, 05 Sep 2012 13:15:30 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981610697 lilly rose 2012-09-05T13:15:30Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981610250 Rainy and a high of 63, low of 43. That’s not going to kill off the Mosquitoes, but it’s getting there.  It is September ya know and this is Minnesota, so what ya expect, as it in the . . . Wed, 05 Sep 2012 09:08:06 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981610250 Richard B. 2012-09-05T09:08:06Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981605782 This article is for those who ponder: "It's Obama that has our gas prices high" and even say "What about the BP spill and the Midwest/Canada Oil Drilling why didn't he pass that one so we can drill . . . Mon, 03 Sep 2012 00:35:33 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981605782 Omar J. 2012-09-03T00:35:33Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981600844 Last week on Gather, someone did the unthinkable. They accused me of being A LIBERAL! Let's get something straight. I swear on a 24 pack of cold Michelob Golden Light - that I am not . . . Mon, 03 Sep 2012 00:05:46 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981600844 Greg Schiller 2012-09-03T00:05:46Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981593868 Welcome to “Dr. Chocolate’s International Very Short Short Story Contest.” Dr. Chocolate’s Chocolate Chateau is located at 579 Selby Ave. in St. Paul, Minnesota, U.S.A., so, . . . Tue, 28 Aug 2012 15:22:27 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981593868 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-08-28T15:22:27Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981569452 Groat came to me last week and asked if I could help him with something. Yeah, we actually have a guy at work named Groat. It’s his last name but we use it as his first name - . . . Sun, 26 Aug 2012 22:14:49 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981569452 Greg Schiller 2012-08-26T22:14:49Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981580608 RANDOLPH E. SCHMID, AP Science Writer= WASHINGTON (AP), AP foreign, Thursday May 6 2010 You're a Neanderthal: Genes say yes _ a little bit — We have met Neanderthal and he is us — at least . . . Sat, 25 Aug 2012 15:40:07 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981580608 Richard B. 2012-08-25T15:40:07Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981579932 I know that we are all different and what ‘we’ eat now was greatly affected with what we ate as a child by our parents.  I do remember my mom telling me that as a young child I loved . . . Sat, 25 Aug 2012 09:55:48 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981579932 Richard B. 2012-08-25T09:55:48Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981573457 I bought 6 pair of Brown socks and 6 pair of Black sock from the same store, the same day and those socks are made of the same material, by the same company.  I wear those socks in rotation one pair . . . Thu, 23 Aug 2012 11:12:57 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981573457 Richard B. 2012-08-23T11:12:57Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981573102 In the earlier history of some scientists the Black Death was actually Ebola a few say.  If the warmth of the climate continues that may happen again.   Are we, the peoples of the earth, . . . Thu, 23 Aug 2012 07:52:24 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981573102 Richard B. 2012-08-23T07:52:24Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981565918 A friend of mine told me she went to a funeral for a woman she knew who died in the last heat wave (this friend goes to TWO churches so she goes to a lot of funerals, oh my). I tried to find how many . . . Mon, 20 Aug 2012 16:26:35 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981565918 Peter Joseph Swanson 2012-08-20T16:26:35Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981559167 It always goes like this. At a gathering, someone across the table will ask, “After you retire and move to the farm full time, what will you do with yourself?” “I’m . . . Sun, 19 Aug 2012 23:12:12 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981559167 Greg Schiller 2012-08-19T23:12:12Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981538010 Does this happen to you? You know what you want to write. You even know how you want to say it but when you sit down at the keyboard, everything goes wrong. Your first sentence limps . . . Sun, 12 Aug 2012 23:12:14 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981538010 Greg Schiller 2012-08-12T23:12:14Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981517984 The sun god Ra is worshiped in ancient times of the Egyptian Mystery Systems and thus creating a trinity of it's own, with Osirus, Isis and the Sun Horus.The story has many similarities later in history . . . Sat, 11 Aug 2012 07:44:30 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981517984 Omar J. 2012-08-11T07:44:30Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981533271   Generally speaking, I try to avoid talking about religion or politics. While I sometimes talk politics with my family, in all other company, I try to stay mum. Those two issues are too personal—and . . . Thu, 09 Aug 2012 23:16:30 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981533271 Brett Ortler 2012-08-09T23:16:30Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981532030 I eat a lot of that even tho it’s a lot sloppy.  Local Honey of course acclimates me to the territory as almost any Dermatologist will tell you. When I moved here in Minnesota from So. Calif . . . Thu, 09 Aug 2012 12:34:17 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981532030 Richard B. 2012-08-09T12:34:17Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981515898 I admit it. I am a thief. Last week I stole the topic for my Monday column. You might think that I would be ashamed but I am not. Actually, I am rather proud of stealing from the best. . . . Sun, 05 Aug 2012 22:54:49 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981515898 Greg Schiller 2012-08-05T22:54:49Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981517861 Obama needs to be blamed in my opinion for doing nothing to help stop the Global warming situation.  We see the results of that Global warming almost everywhere on this Earth. However, that’s . . . Sun, 05 Aug 2012 10:00:38 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981517861 Richard B. 2012-08-05T10:00:38Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981512418     August lands on my calendar like a live trout. I've hooked it and reeled it in, but now it's on the deck and I'm bending at the waist, scrambling to catch it and hold it up . . . Thu, 02 Aug 2012 16:38:59 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981512418 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-08-02T16:38:59Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981508357           Corwell, Ozmun, Kirk & Company at river’s rocky bank stands recognized. Its walls of granite mix and alabaster so regal to my eyes as I purvey. . . . Tue, 31 Jul 2012 16:25:06 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981508357 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-07-31T16:25:06Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981507852 Oil first, in the Rocky Mountains in the over-thrust zone from the Canadians down to Mexico there is a great deal of oil.  In fact we will never run out of oil at all.  The only problem is that . . . Tue, 31 Jul 2012 10:50:51 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981507852 Richard B. 2012-07-31T10:50:51Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981502057 Our house is a 70’s house. Which is to say it was designed and built during an era when architects did really stupid things. One look at our roof will tell you that. The south slope . . . Sun, 29 Jul 2012 23:10:40 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981502057 Greg Schiller 2012-07-29T23:10:40Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981499709 At the uptown side of Minneapolis is a chain of lakes. There's nice houses around it that you can see from the walkways that circle the water (and then there's a road next to that for some of it), so . . . Thu, 26 Jul 2012 09:18:01 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981499709 Peter Joseph Swanson 2012-07-26T09:18:01Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981497238 All babies should wear bear shoes. My wife and I are now the proud parents of a five-day-old baby, and as we expected, he’s already drastically changing our lives. Here’s what I’ve . . . Wed, 25 Jul 2012 02:10:37 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981497238 Brett Ortler 2012-07-25T02:10:37Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981496606 What do you think? MPR News Primer: Copper-nickel mining by Paul Tosto , Minnesota Public Radio April 11, 2012   Last updated on June 4, 2012 Mining runs deep in the culture and economy . . . Tue, 24 Jul 2012 20:26:00 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981496606 Jim G. 2012-07-24T20:26:00Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981493248 The Walker Arts Center outdoor sculpture garden is right next to the downtown park, with a big ugly highway between them. You can cross at the light at the corner of the park, or take a pedestrian bridge . . . Mon, 23 Jul 2012 10:00:20 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981493248 Peter Joseph Swanson 2012-07-23T10:00:20Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981488108 Every Monday morning before the garbage truck arrives, it is my chore to wheel the trash cart out to the mailbox and clean out all the junk that has accumulated there during the week. . . . Sun, 22 Jul 2012 23:24:58 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981488108 Greg Schiller 2012-07-22T23:24:58Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981486378 On the south side of downtown Minneapolis is Loring Park.                             . . . Fri, 20 Jul 2012 14:00:19 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981486378 Peter Joseph Swanson 2012-07-20T14:00:19Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981482237 So earlier this week, I posted an attack ad against cats (created by dogs) . Why? Well, I hate political ads, as they are absolutely fallacy-tacular, so I wanted to make fun of them. Well, the anti-cat . . . Wed, 18 Jul 2012 01:25:24 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981482237 Brett Ortler 2012-07-18T01:25:24Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981481152           JULY CLOUDS I love the clouds of July They make me wish I could fly They are so up there and I’m not I’m . . . Tue, 17 Jul 2012 12:45:41 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981481152 Peter Joseph Swanson 2012-07-17T12:45:41Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981473166 Working alone at the office late at night can be unnerving. Things go bump. Doors open and close unexpectedly. The lights suddenly go out - dousing you into darkness. You tell yourself . . . Sun, 15 Jul 2012 22:47:39 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981473166 Greg Schiller 2012-07-15T22:47:39Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981473421   I hate the political ad season as much as you do, but I especially loathe attack ads. To that end, I wanted to make fun of them. So I made my own, except instead of featuring actual politicians, . . . Sat, 14 Jul 2012 13:05:08 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981473421 Brett Ortler 2012-07-14T13:05:08Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981471809 This past winter we had the winter that never was. I didn't complain, because at my age I "Winter" badly. This summer has been unusually warm. At my age, I don't "Summer" well either. Is global warming . . . Fri, 13 Jul 2012 22:30:21 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981471809 Jim G. 2012-07-13T22:30:21Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981469699 Note: Our first son , Oliver, is due July 20, 2012, but my wife and I would like him to be get here sooner rather than later, as we really want to meet him. (Also, the 100-degree heat-indices have been . . . Thu, 12 Jul 2012 23:09:30 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981469699 Brett Ortler 2012-07-12T23:09:30Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981468669       Blank minds, blank calendars, blank looks, blank verse. Anything here sound familiar? My life these days is anything but blank. I’ve launched a new . . . Thu, 12 Jul 2012 15:27:32 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981468669 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-07-12T15:27:32Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981461496 I knew a woman named Hannah Brekke who had two passions: opera and WWE wrestling. When I tell people that their eyes glaze over. You can almost hear the gears in their heads grind in distress . . . Sun, 08 Jul 2012 23:37:01 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981461496 Greg Schiller 2012-07-08T23:37:01Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981460163 Hot hot hot hot hot weather for a whole week is just not Minnesota nice. And then on the morning of the 4th my AC broke, and it was 100. Eeek! I have just a little one for the bedroom window - and it . . . Sat, 07 Jul 2012 20:57:10 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981460163 Peter Joseph Swanson 2012-07-07T20:57:10Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981457639 I walked the land of shadows, and within its dark abyss the thudding of death's heartbeat pounded within my soul, with putrid delight.... Fri, 06 Jul 2012 19:39:32 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981457639 Andrew Stark 2012-07-06T19:39:32Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981457614 I walked the land of shadows, and within its dark abyss the thudding of death's heartbeat pounded within my soul, with putrid delight.... Fri, 06 Jul 2012 19:29:32 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981457614 Andrew Stark 2012-07-06T19:29:32Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981454563 More to come..... Thu, 05 Jul 2012 16:46:54 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981454563 Andrew Stark 2012-07-05T16:46:54Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981448476 This is the other side of the river from downtown (the downtown side is my side of the river).       First I walk across the river. The Mississippi is very big and wide, so it's . . . Tue, 03 Jul 2012 11:05:11 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981448476 Peter Joseph Swanson 2012-07-03T11:05:11Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981434819 Last week I posted this disclaimer at the bottom of my Monday column: I am an amateur writer and not qualified to advise anyone on anything. Take these ideas as just that, ideas. If they work . . . Mon, 02 Jul 2012 09:13:52 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981434819 Greg Schiller 2012-07-02T09:13:52Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981437496 I going on to being 73 next month, through my diet, that means what I eat, I have been able to stop almost all that pain by me stop drinking milk and eating cheese. Also before I did that I stopped . . . Fri, 29 Jun 2012 07:32:08 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981437496 Richard B. 2012-06-29T07:32:08Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981427768 Writing into a piece of stubborn work challenges me frequently. Most of the writing I do currently is for a magazine, This is Living Naturally . How it works is I receive the assignment from my editor . . . Mon, 25 Jun 2012 01:15:02 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981427768 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-06-25T01:15:02Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981425149 "Sometime when I sit down at the keyboard, I know what I want to say but the words refuse to flow..." No, that's not what I wanted to say. The words flow alright but they come out all wrong. . . . Sun, 24 Jun 2012 23:26:24 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981425149 Greg Schiller 2012-06-24T23:26:24Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981427242 For the last fifteen minutes, the foot traffic on Main Street ran like a confused river. The farmer's wives, in town for the day, flowed toward one end of Hayfield while their men and boys pooled up . . . Sun, 24 Jun 2012 14:15:42 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981427242 Greg Schiller 2012-06-24T14:15:42Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981413112 (This is for a contest over at Writers Digest/Poetic Asides )               Let the lonely whale swim Out on a wave; his hymn, too high For others . . . Mon, 18 Jun 2012 23:54:44 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981413112 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-06-18T23:54:44Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981409703 Back in college, I hung out in the art department. Not for official reasons mind you, my field of study was periglacial geomorphology (arctic landforms) - not art but I liked hanging out with artists . . . Mon, 18 Jun 2012 00:30:53 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981409703 Greg Schiller 2012-06-18T00:30:53Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981401703 photo provided by Atina Diffley Admit it—you’re waiting for sweet corn. Here it is the beginning of summer and you’ve been grilling, eating loose-leaf salads and relishing . . . Thu, 14 Jun 2012 21:58:02 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981401703 Charli Mills 2012-06-14T21:58:02Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981400888 My mother was born shortly after Christmas (January 1911) and my father just before Father's Day (1912), so that both were shortchanged for birthday celebrations. My father, Omer Kenneth Murray was born . . . Thu, 14 Jun 2012 14:18:41 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981400888 Stephen Murray 2012-06-14T14:18:41Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981398819 A proud moment . . . Back in 2008, local visionary and Saint Paul artist in residence, Marcus Young, started an annual sidewalk poetry contest. City residents were invited to enter the contest . . . Wed, 13 Jun 2012 22:27:11 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981398819 Marianne M. 2012-06-13T22:27:11Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981398061 As an American vet, who served in the Navy for 20 years, I soon found it difficult to find a decent paying job after retirement.  During my search I honed my writing skills into what they are today.  . . . Wed, 13 Jun 2012 17:14:19 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981398061 Andrew Stark 2012-06-13T17:14:19Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981398028 I am currently working on my forth book: Bloodbath .  My new book is a Serial Murder Mystery that takes place in Washington D.C.  I am searching for a new character; male or female, it . . . Wed, 13 Jun 2012 16:50:23 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981398028 Andrew Stark 2012-06-13T16:50:23Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981382072 In the Midwest, it is common to live by the code of protective pessimism. For us, a storm cloud lurks behind every silver lining. The glass never makes it to half-empty and a frown is a smile . . . Sun, 10 Jun 2012 23:39:54 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981382072 Greg Schiller 2012-06-10T23:39:54Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981386557 Good evening Gather.com I would love for you to joing my group: The Writer's Twisted Lounge http://twistedthriller.gather.com/   My room has no boundaries.  If you want to . . . Sat, 09 Jun 2012 16:52:07 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981386557 Andrew Stark 2012-06-09T16:52:07Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981380987 She looked behind her, the bloodied talons reaching for her. Another, much smaller explosion echoing out from behind the walls. Her fingers touched his. “Come! Please!” . . . Wed, 06 Jun 2012 20:42:03 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981380987 Andrew Stark 2012-06-06T20:42:03Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981377951 Sue stood at the outskirts of Siler’s Point, the three behind her. She looked down from a small moonlit precipice. She stood, looking deep into its dark shadow-drenched streets, peering into its . . . Tue, 05 Jun 2012 17:50:26 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981377951 Andrew Stark 2012-06-05T17:50:26Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981375859    There seems to be no end to the flow of form poetry. This month's form has a very classic, formal feel to it, perfect in light of all the commencement ceremonies and nuptials to . . . Mon, 04 Jun 2012 19:06:21 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981375859 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-06-04T19:06:21Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981369596 I spent most of last week pounding out today’s column, instead I got pounded. I couldn’t finish it and I don’t know if I ever will. It will remain tucked away on my hard-drive for . . . Sun, 03 Jun 2012 23:00:09 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981369596 Greg Schiller 2012-06-03T23:00:09Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981374261 It's been a week since I sent out pricing for my book, or an excerpt to keep you titillated.  I have been at the VA for a war related injury. I think I am ok now.  Anyways.... My two books The . . . Sun, 03 Jun 2012 22:22:33 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981374261 Andrew Stark 2012-06-03T22:22:33Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981362074 Friday I was on my own, and Saturday Janie joined me for the Kenny and Armatage neighborhood sales. These blocks are south of 54th Street to Highway 62, west of Lyndale to Xerxes. After the first . . . Sat, 02 Jun 2012 18:50:16 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981362074 Ron Hall 2012-06-02T18:50:16Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981369763 A friend gave me free tickets and I went with another friend. Woo-hoo!!! It was the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra playing at Temple Israel ( the orchestra being just back in town from playing Carnegie . . . Fri, 01 Jun 2012 10:00:58 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981369763 Peter Joseph Swanson 2012-06-01T10:00:58Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981367791 If you have an interested in booking a great artist, this guy is a DJ, and a MC, with a lot of credits and bio "Summertime Splash Mix" DJ Spank Master Boogie •••► http://soundcloud.com/hiphopmaniac/summertime-splash-2012-mix . . . Thu, 31 May 2012 15:49:06 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981367791 Omar J. 2012-05-31T15:49:06Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981366337 https://twitter.com/#!/andrewstark02 Wed, 30 May 2012 23:36:21 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981366337 Andrew Stark 2012-05-30T23:36:21Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981362731 As a vet, retired from the Navy after 20 years, I want to say thanks to all of you who have shown the Armed Forces, and those that served the respect they deserved.  As an American I have always . . . Tue, 29 May 2012 04:08:29 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981362731 Andrew Stark 2012-05-29T04:08:29Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981362723 As a vet, retired from the navy after 20 years, I want to say thanks to all of you who have shown the Armed Forces, and those that served the respect they deserved.  As an American I have always . . . Tue, 29 May 2012 03:57:20 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981362723 Andrew Stark 2012-05-29T03:57:20Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981361854 Good evening, Exert 1: Robert stood looking down at a naked man, forced to kneel, his arms stretched out to his sides and fastened at the wrists and stretched as tight as possible. The acrid stench . . . Mon, 28 May 2012 19:08:23 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981361854 Andrew Stark 2012-05-28T19:08:23Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981361340 Charlie Chaplin once said, "All I need to make comedy is a park, a policeman and a pretty girl." That sounds like a worthy challenge. Here is my take on it.  Let's see what you . . . Mon, 28 May 2012 11:07:20 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981361340 Greg Schiller 2012-05-28T11:07:20Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981357467 To my Gather friends...   My publisher has authorized for a short time, my book The Becoming Part 1, at this fantastic low price.   If you are looking for a great . . . Sat, 26 May 2012 08:34:04 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981357467 Andrew Stark 2012-05-26T08:34:04Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981352045 If you have been waiting for the best deal yet on The Becoming part 1, get it now before its gone... Perfect for Book Clubs, Hollidays and Special occasions....   Your beautiful hardcover . . . Wed, 23 May 2012 19:44:32 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981352045 Andrew Stark 2012-05-23T19:44:32Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981345290 For those of you who want a new thriller to read with your book clubs, here it is....   Get your hardcover at this remarkable deal... And if you buy it I will be happy to skipe with . . . Sun, 20 May 2012 21:46:36 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981345290 Andrew Stark 2012-05-20T21:46:36Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981345280 Good Evening Gather,              I know everyone has seen my advertisements for my work 'The 5th Brother' and 'The Becoming Part 1'.  . . . Sun, 20 May 2012 21:34:59 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981345280 Andrew Stark 2012-05-20T21:34:59Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981343406 Find out why Andrew Stark is quickly becoming America's next King of Thrillers.  Order your copy of his two new books today and travel through a mind of dementia and horror... Look into the shadows . . . Sat, 19 May 2012 18:31:04 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981343406 Andrew Stark 2012-05-19T18:31:04Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981343400 Find out why Andrew Stark is quickly becoming America's next King of Thrillers.  Order your copy of his two new books today and travel through a mind of demencia and horror... Look into the shadows . . . Sat, 19 May 2012 18:25:49 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981343400 Andrew Stark 2012-05-19T18:25:49Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981343387 Help me become the next Master of Thrillers and Murder Mysteries...   Help me become your nightmare....   Help me become the next Stephen King.... . . . Sat, 19 May 2012 18:14:26 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981343387 Andrew Stark 2012-05-19T18:14:26Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981343378 If you are shopping early for the perfect gift for birthdays and holidays, go no further...   The government is coming for you, find out why:   . . . Sat, 19 May 2012 18:01:36 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981343378 Andrew Stark 2012-05-19T18:01:36Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981343343 The Becoming Part 1 is a clasic thriller about what some within the government would do to control man-kind.  Follow Stanley as he fights for his, as well as, the survival of the world............. . . . Sat, 19 May 2012 17:28:38 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981343343 Andrew Stark 2012-05-19T17:28:38Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981343330 Sue stood, her eyes void of life. Three others stood at her side, cloaked in shadow. Two men; one tall and thin the other shorter and plump around the midsection, and a woman. The women remained in the . . . Sat, 19 May 2012 17:11:18 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981343330 Andrew Stark 2012-05-19T17:11:18Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981336889 In the night, death walked the dark cold streets; taking with it all that found themselves caught within its fury. In Siler's Point when the cold became colder, the dark became darker, and the hands of . . . Wed, 16 May 2012 21:25:08 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981336889 Andrew Stark 2012-05-16T21:25:08Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981335554 Minneapolis is a new city as cities on earth go, so it seems odd it should be bragging about its ruins already. But it is. These remains were once the world's largest flour mill. It's on the Mississippi . . . Wed, 16 May 2012 08:58:32 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981335554 Peter Joseph Swanson 2012-05-16T08:58:32Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981330692 An adorable odd open downtown Minneapolis place, for when the weather is nice ...                         . . . Mon, 14 May 2012 11:38:37 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981330692 Peter Joseph Swanson 2012-05-14T11:38:37Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981329291 The stranger struck the match causing it to burst to life, touched the tip of his cigarette and inhaled the sweet tasting nicotine, then with one quick flick of his wrist, Edward burst into flames. . . . Sun, 13 May 2012 18:52:24 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981329291 Andrew Stark 2012-05-13T18:52:24Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981327926 A neighborhood sale around Lake Phalen had about 30 homes participating. There were another 9 or so in an alley by Lake Nokomis. Add in a few sales in between, and it was a very productive weekend. . . . Sun, 13 May 2012 15:48:31 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981327926 Ron Hall 2012-05-13T15:48:31Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981328608 Look into the shadows and you will find him looking back....   http://sbpra.com/andrewstark/ Sun, 13 May 2012 09:09:03 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981328608 Andrew Stark 2012-05-13T09:09:03Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981328583 Edward’s tears fell harder. “I don’t know. He told me that he had participated in over a dozen bidding sessions. Maybe more… I could only stomach the one. And after it was all . . . Sun, 13 May 2012 08:56:54 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981328583 Andrew Stark 2012-05-13T08:56:54Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981328011 Perfectly priced for friends and family and as presents... Or to include in your book clubs.   Don't miss out!!!!!!!   Only today and tomorrow:   . . . Sat, 12 May 2012 23:44:51 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981328011 Andrew Stark 2012-05-12T23:44:51Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981327974 In the night, death walked the dark cold streets; taking with it all that found themselves caught within its fury. In Siler's Point when the cold became colder, the dark became darker, and the hands of . . . Sat, 12 May 2012 23:34:51 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981327974 Andrew Stark 2012-05-12T23:34:51Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981327962 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdiH-183Xx8 Sat, 12 May 2012 23:24:49 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981327962 Andrew Stark 2012-05-12T23:24:49Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981327960 A serial killer named The Creeper is on the loose in a small town near Washington, D.C. The 5th Brother is a nail-biter that will keep you guessing. In Gambrills, Maryland, 12 victims are mutilated by . . . Sat, 12 May 2012 23:20:46 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981327960 Andrew Stark 2012-05-12T23:20:46Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981318344  The last weekend of April was the Diamond Path sale in Apple Valley, where I went to about 60 sales.  The following Friday there was the early sales in Tangletown, where I went to about . . . Wed, 09 May 2012 08:31:35 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981318344 Ron Hall 2012-05-09T08:31:35Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981315790 The first 3 community yard sales of the year did not disappoint, but it took going to every sale, because the areas are so picked through. Here's a cartful of the stuff I bought. As you might guess, . . . Tue, 08 May 2012 09:29:11 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981315790 Ron Hall 2012-05-08T09:29:11Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981313667 “Oh,” my wife cried, “25% OFF!!” “Where?” I asked. She pointed in the direction of a quiet residential neighborhood. My heart sank. Behind the residential . . . Sun, 06 May 2012 23:38:14 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981313667 Greg Schiller 2012-05-06T23:38:14Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981299577 Please recommend this post to boost our recognition at Gather. We are an awesome group!   April's Mindful Poetry Contest III was a wonderful event. We had 393 submissions from . . . Wed, 02 May 2012 15:10:34 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981299577 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-05-02T15:10:34Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981299747   Ah, the double-dactyl . I didn't know about this form last week. Veronica Hosking used it and submitted the poem to Mindful Poetry. Its main feature is my poetic nemesis. Several of . . . Wed, 02 May 2012 10:15:11 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981299747 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-05-02T10:15:11Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981301985               Sesquipedalianism Force Song Popcorn Moonlight Cajun Minstrel Brizzle . . . Tue, 01 May 2012 01:56:41 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981301985 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-05-01T01:56:41Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981285279     Today's form couldn't be better. I know you'll love it! It's exactly what you wanted. Additionally, turn about's fair play. You may leave me a ONE word prompt and I will . . . Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:02:05 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981285279 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-04-30T00:02:05Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981297080 I stare at it all day. It stares back - all day. My computer and I have been doing this for years - keeping a wary eye on each other. You’d think by now, we would trust each other . . . Sun, 29 Apr 2012 23:24:18 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981297080 Greg Schiller 2012-04-29T23:24:18Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981298087   Sun, 29 Apr 2012 01:59:17 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981298087 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-04-29T01:59:17Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981296008 Balmy and pleasant, first Monday in May, their passions burning like fire A chickadee chirps at the crack of an egg, life in abundance abounds But on that day, it could also be heard, pistol shots . . . Sat, 28 Apr 2012 00:12:09 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981296008 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-04-28T00:12:09Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981282335     I found my Mindful Poetry column for the terza rima , but it's lacking in helpfulness. I'll describe how to write one in the rules below. It's confusing to describe, but it makes . . . Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:27:50 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981282335 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-04-27T00:27:50Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981292338 Luis punches the clock down at Kenyon Power House His brother’s ashes scattered on Plantation River The two boys, brothers, neither had a spouse Luis punches the clock down at Kenyon Power House . . . Thu, 26 Apr 2012 18:29:27 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981292338 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-04-26T18:29:27Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981292279   It is time and still she lies there. Her chest rises and falls. Sometimes her eyes track me as I pace the room. Heidi drops an orange juice glass on their new faux-marble countertop, shattering . . . Thu, 26 Apr 2012 17:58:16 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981292279 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-04-26T17:58:16Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981281903       Today's challenge is to write a triolet . It's an eight-line poem with two repeating lines, so only five original lines. And it has a rhyme-scheme. Read the specifics . . . Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:06:15 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981281903 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-04-26T00:06:15Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981277565     I will say this about the Haibun . It is deceptive. It contains prose poetry and haiku. You think it can't be hard to write prose poetry , why that's just like writing prose!  . . . Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:18:56 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981277565 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-04-25T00:18:56Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981286997 Everything must be exactly right If you expect me from my bed to jump First, have I found slumber all the night? Next indeed, I cease to be a grump Then up I hop to lessen all my plump I am determined: . . . Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:42:33 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981286997 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-04-24T15:42:33Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981286567 Minneapolis sits between a big river on one side and a chain of lakes on the other. The city itself is an "urban forest".  There are trees up and down almost every block, except downtown, of course. . . . Tue, 24 Apr 2012 12:57:55 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981286567 Peter Joseph Swanson 2012-04-24T12:57:55Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981274400     Today's form is decuain . Ideally, it is in iambic pentameter and that will be your goal today. Please note, I said goal, not requirement. If you are new to this group or contest, . . . Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:31 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981274400 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-04-24T00:00:31Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981284522                 + Earth Wind and Fire Iconic 1969 Rock Band that played a kalimba at every . . . Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:12:16 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981284522 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-04-23T16:12:16Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981283950 There is a huge Sears building in Minneapolis that closed a while ago and then the city turned it into international shopping on the first floor, and condos and offices and a nursing school on the others. . . . Mon, 23 Apr 2012 11:02:07 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981283950 Peter Joseph Swanson 2012-04-23T11:02:07Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981278168 I recently came across the best obituary ever. I was tempted to copy and paste it here but am unclear whether the entirety of an obituary falls under "fair use".  You would think a character . . . Mon, 23 Apr 2012 06:40:19 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981278168 Greg Schiller 2012-04-23T06:40:19Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981273072     You might have heard of Fibonacci in relation to mathematics. He developed a sequence of numbers that poets have turned into a form. Fibonacci Poetry uses the sequence to structure . . . Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:05:30 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981273072 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-04-23T00:05:30Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981276973 I call my daughter Little Crow She is the blackest child of all Her eyes are wide, her hands are small I call my daughter Little Crow She is the blackest child of all Born before the sun could rise . . . Fri, 20 Apr 2012 22:26:54 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981276973 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-04-20T22:26:54Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981271795 Please read through this post to the end. An announcement is contained therein.   This week we've had some edgy poetry. Today we will use a form that's very traditional. It . . . Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:03:11 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981271795 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-04-19T13:03:11Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981273488     And I'm looking for space space space space space space And to find out who I am And I'm looking to know and understand space space space It's a sweet, sweet dream Sometimes . . . Thu, 19 Apr 2012 16:41:42 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981273488 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-04-19T16:41:42Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981264891     This entire week has been filled with jocular forms and today is no exception. Except that it is an exception. We'll create concrete poetry today , sometimes called . . . Wed, 18 Apr 2012 23:20:32 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981264891 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-04-18T23:20:32Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981271218 Swiped a dollar from my brother Bought a box of Cracklejack, left me fifty cents Dropped two quarters in the jute box Now I’m broke and sitting on a fence Bought a box of Cracklejack, left me . . . Wed, 18 Apr 2012 17:24:18 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981271218 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-04-18T17:24:18Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981264935   With a name like Trimeric , you'd think the form would have three of something like stanzas or syllables, but it doesn't. Not really. It's a non-rhyming form for those of you . . . Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:23:06 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981264935 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-04-18T00:23:06Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981269004 Harriet My mother called me, Angry. Or with love: Hari Her voice brushed the air Like feathers The last time she spoke To me: in a dream. I woke To see her floating, “Oh, Hari…” Today, . . . Tue, 17 Apr 2012 19:23:26 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981269004 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-04-17T19:23:26Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981253198   Mindful Poetry is not like most poetry groups on Gather. One of the reasons is because we are truly invested in one another's poetic growth. Last year we celebrated our 2nd anniversary . . . Tue, 17 Apr 2012 00:02:42 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981253198 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-04-17T00:02:42Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981266574     I once had a kid, named him Reginald Who played rotten tricks, I was so appalled Until Life intervened And his face, it turned green When his gag went awry and then left him bald . . . Mon, 16 Apr 2012 14:06:10 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981266574 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-04-16T14:06:10Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981266434 Happy Monday Spring Break is Over, Easter is Gone, It's back to work or school this weekend what went wrong? Or did it all go right, I was out really late the other night, Bartenders and waitresses . . . Mon, 16 Apr 2012 13:45:59 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981266434 Omar J. 2012-04-16T13:45:59Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981266213 My experience with that was that it all stopped when I quit drinking Cow Milk and eating cheese and the nightshade family plants, potatoes, tomatoes, peppers and egg plant. That’s it, that’s . . . Mon, 16 Apr 2012 10:11:05 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981266213 Richard B. 2012-04-16T10:11:05Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981265940 A long while back my sister, Karen married a Korean man. He said to me in those days a long time back that those in Korea could hardly stand the body odor of the Americans as they ate a lot of dairy . . . Mon, 16 Apr 2012 06:20:24 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981265940 Richard B. 2012-04-16T06:20:24Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981251195   Let's lose ourselves to Limericks , a form designed to entertain with mirth or a tsk-tsk-tsk, but uttered with twinkling eyes and a smile. If you are new to this group or contest, . . . Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:02:35 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981251195 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-04-16T00:02:35Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981261402 It never fails. After the news on Sunday night, after my wife has gone to bed, I’ll scroll down to the bottom of my latest GWE essay where the word SUBMIT waits. “Ya think . . . Sun, 15 Apr 2012 22:48:38 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981261402 Greg Schiller 2012-04-15T22:48:38Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981262866 Note : This piece was my entry to a 24 Hour Literary Slam in Minneapolis called Spontaneous Combustion . It was one of 15 selected from 38 pieces, all written within 24 hours after a kick-starter . . . Sat, 14 Apr 2012 14:06:12 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981262866 Charli Mills 2012-04-14T14:06:12Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981261677                 The question has always been concern for a seaworthy boat They wondered, with diligence, could they make a living on a boat? . . . Fri, 13 Apr 2012 22:58:59 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981261677 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-04-13T22:58:59Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981238782 Although I said I wouldn't be teaching any forms during the contest, I've found that my Mindful Poetry column on the ghazal is woefully lacking in instruction. So I'm offering two good sites for . . . Fri, 13 Apr 2012 00:13:00 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981238782 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-04-13T00:13:00Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981258763       Cows live in green pastures chew their cud; swish their tail tilt their face to the shining sun Organic cows live three times as long as conventional ones First she’s . . . Thu, 12 Apr 2012 19:29:31 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981258763 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-04-12T19:29:31Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981258568           He said Faith requires Evidence, details, truth Facts provide assurance and proof Fence-fence-fence-fence-fence-fence-fence Voice within . . . Thu, 12 Apr 2012 18:31:47 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981258568 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-04-12T18:31:47Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981247034     Another form exclusive to Mindful Poetry on Gather. Robert-just a simple man-B. created this form back in September. He titled it Conversant .   If you are new to . . . Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:07:55 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981247034 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-04-12T00:07:55Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981256099 Bless me father, for I have sinned Five years since my last confession Envy, greed, sloth, my bitter transgression Of my faults, I with haste rescind But there is one, unfairly pinned It was not . . . Wed, 11 Apr 2012 18:02:18 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981256099 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-04-11T18:02:18Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981240688   We are jumping from short poems to mid-sized poems with today's challenge: rondel prime . If you are new to this group or contest, go here to learn more and then come back to . . . Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:28:16 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981240688 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-04-11T00:28:16Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981254441     As she showers and sings, he listens and writes, penning her name then his   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~   (ending II)   As she showers and sings, . . . Tue, 10 Apr 2012 22:38:37 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981254441 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-04-10T22:38:37Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981239672     Yesterday I goofed when I provided the rules. I made it look like my rules were how to write a tetractys in its entirety. They weren't and we all were sad because some submissions . . . Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:14:16 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981239672 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-04-10T00:14:16Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981250914       Lord You are Amazing Just last Friday Strung up, left for dead; now we pluck our zanze.     Mon, 09 Apr 2012 11:42:52 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981250914 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-04-09T11:42:52Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981237748     We will be counting syllables today: 20 of them. Look here for a more details explanation of tetractys (teh-trac-tiss). Also, please let me know if I have not commented . . . Mon, 09 Apr 2012 00:10:12 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981237748 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-04-09T00:10:12Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981250062                 April    1 - 7:  A Hearse is a Hearse, of Curse, of Curse by Atticus * April  8 - 14: Sunset . . . Sun, 08 Apr 2012 23:45:52 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981250062 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-04-08T23:45:52Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981240701 “You're dead, Grandpa!” my grand-daughter told me one day last summer. I assured her I was not. “You are deader than dead!” her sister warned. “So which . . . Sun, 08 Apr 2012 22:07:21 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981240701 Greg Schiller 2012-04-08T22:07:21Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978456370 I've been away, not physically but, how do they say - "unavailable" for the better part of a year.  All of the sales have still been gone to, the photos taken, and there's a big backlog . . . Sun, 08 Apr 2012 14:11:44 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978456370 Ron Hall 2012-04-08T14:11:44Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981243761  Have you ever met a man who said that he should have spent more time at work? Spent less time with his kids, playing stupid games, but gettin to know them as people? Spent time with an old friend, . . . Sun, 08 Apr 2012 10:39:28 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981243761 Jim G. 2012-04-08T10:39:28Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981249101 EASTER EGG HUNT IN MINNESOTA An Easter egg hunt in a snowstorm A dozen children are lost The northern woods stays brighter But blond hair is covered in frost . . . Sun, 08 Apr 2012 09:41:25 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981249101 Peter Joseph Swanson 2012-04-08T09:41:25Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981246344         The Deception of Explorer Abel Tasman Abel Tasman stepped on shore of New Zealand Lauded with glory, yet there was a glowering mark All hail the Tasman . . . Fri, 06 Apr 2012 16:26:44 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981246344 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-04-06T16:26:44Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981232612       Your method of writing a pantoum could take a variety of approaches. You might write out 5 pairs of heroic couplets, cut them up, and rearrange them to fit . . . Fri, 06 Apr 2012 00:10:30 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981232612 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-04-06T00:10:30Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981244792 I’ve been wondering each day if anyone will submit poems for this contest; they do. And I’ve been wondering if they realize how completely I read every single poem. How I sometimes follow . . . Thu, 05 Apr 2012 23:28:27 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981244792 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-04-05T23:28:27Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981243516  I was a jock. Baseball, football & ice hockey, (Hoops suck) but there's something special about baseball. Maybe it's the season. Winter is over. "The Boys of Summer." No more "Wait 'til . . . Thu, 05 Apr 2012 10:14:53 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981243516 Jim G. 2012-04-05T10:14:53Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981232608       Here's a form that's exclusive to Mindful Poetry. Last year we had a contest to create a poetic form. Here's one of them: Spiral  by Marilyn is looking for whatever . . . Thu, 05 Apr 2012 00:17:15 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981232608 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-04-05T00:17:15Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981242079 It is the first Wednesday of the month. Promptly at one o’clock in the afternoon, I hear the same sound that’s heard across America. Alarms Bells Calling Dire Early Forecast Gongs Hazards . . . Wed, 04 Apr 2012 14:55:27 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981242079 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-04-04T14:55:27Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981143549     All bards can definitely evince fabulous, gratuitous, happy ideas. Just know lotsa mavelous needless opinions perfectly. Quickly read sensational tabloids, usually volumes with . . . Wed, 04 Apr 2012 00:01:24 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981143549 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-04-04T00:01:24Z http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981239986 Picking only one-- a challenge Yet delicious as I select: succulent, perfect, utterly divine Tue, 03 Apr 2012 14:47:53 GMT http://mnlife.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981239986 Susan Budig - Mindful Poet 2012-04-03T14:47:53Z