Appleton, Wisconsin Skyline with Lawrence Universityin the foregroundAppleton West High School
Once upon a time, I lived in Appleton, WI. It was while I was a student at Appleton West High School that I took my first creative writing class, began reading poetry seriously (thanks to the stacks of the public library). It is also where I published my first poems, in the student-run literary publication, Patterns of Stardust. That was back in the days of construction paper covers, staples, mimeographs, and manual typewriters. (Juvenilia, anyone?) (Sorry, I have glued the pages shut!)
This Thursday, January 23, 2025, from 5:00-6:30 p.m., poet Susan Jaret McKinstry will be reading at a wonderful independent bookstore, The Book Store, located at 801 West College Avenue. This venue offers used and new books and hosts a variety of events, including one for knitters and readers. It opened its doors in 1977, the year I graduated from high school. I am delighted that it has thrived all these years, and even more thrilled to return as an author and to be able to read there with Susan. If you are in the area that evening, please join us!
I am so pleased to be reading via Zoom with my friend and Third Wednesday Magazine colleague, poet Katherine Edgren, in the monthly series. I will be reading first, mostly poems from my new collection, Geranium Lake: Poems on Art and Art-Making; Kathy will be reading both poems from her newest collection, Keeping Out the Noise, as well as some newer work published recently in journals. After the two readings, there will be an Open Mic event–with sign-up starting at 6:45 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time)–so consider coming to listen and staying to read your own work or work you love!
Katherine Edgren has authored four collections of poetry, the most recent being Keeping Out the Noise. Her work has appeared in Coe Review, Birmingham Poetry Review, ThirdWednesday. Before retirement, she headed a department at University of Michigan Health Service and served as a City of Ann Arbor Council Member.
Leslie Schultz has five collections of poetry; Geranium Lake: Poems on Art and Art-Making is her most recent. Her poetry has appeared widely in Poet Lore, Able Muse, and other journals. She also publishes photographs, essays, and fiction, and happily mucks about in a garden plagued by shade and rabbits.
Until further notice, all sessions are virtual and accessible through Zoom.
Featured readers are followed by Open Mic reading. • FREE • All writers welcome • Readyour own or other favorite poetry. • Sign up begins 6:45 p.m. • Poetry Series readings every fourth Wednesday hosted by David Jibson, Ed Morin & Lissa Perrin. See our blog at https://cwcircle.poetry.blog/
Last evening, it was my great pleasure to share the podium with poet Susan Jaret McKinstry at Magers & Quinn Booksellers at 3038 Hennepin Avenue South in Minneapolis–a few blocks from where Tim and I lived before we moved to Northfield. It was a dramatic evening in every respect, including a duet with Venus and the Crescent Moon and over-the-top weather conditions.
Leaving Northfield at Dusk
Despite howling Arctic winds gusting up to 45 miles per hour, dustings of new snow, and wind chill temperatures at nearly 30 below zero, necessitating the prudent cancellation by a dozen or so registrants, nearly 50 people braved the meterological hoopla to attend. We were so glad you did! Your thoughtful questions and audible appreciation made it a night to remember for Susan and me, and we both appreciated the chance for conversations after the reading.
It was my first visit to Magers & Quinn, and it seemed that everywhere I turned there was a book I knew I loved or one I wanted to get to know.
Behind the podium, Ina Garten’s memoir, Be Ready When the Luck Happens, which I felt very lucky to read last month.
The first thing I saw upon entering Magers & Quinn Booksellers was this calendar with images by Ansel Adams. Because my new book contains the poem, “Motif for Ansel Adams”, I thought it was a good omen–and it was!
HERE is a link the YouTube recording of the evening.
Motif for Ansel Adams
I knew my destiny when I first experienced Yosemite. Ansel Adams (February 20, 1902 to April 22, 1984)
He could see and was able to convey, this keen devotee of Yosemite. We need to hear what he needed to say.
As a boy, he was too sick to play, so he studied each musical key. He could see and was able to convey.
His father’s house, overlooking the bay of San Francisco, framed city and sea. We need to hear what he needed to say.
At fourteen, with family, on holiday, he first glimpsed his artistic destiny. He could see and was able to convey.
Dazzled by the soaring Sierra Madre, he fell headlong into photography. We need to hear what he needed to say.
Using black, white, and shades of grey, He reveals our land’s innate symphony. He could see and was able to convey. We need to hear what he needed to say.
Leslie Schultz
I had a marvellous time reading at this one-of-a-kind independent bookstore, and I shall be heading back to Magers & Quinn as an eager customer early in the new year. With their large inventory of new and used books (and other items) and exceptional staff, I know I will uncover literary gems I do not yet know exist. If I cannot find them on my own, well, I shall ask for ….
Wishing you happy reading over the holidays and into the new year! Hope to see you, too, browsing the shelves!
A very big thank you to Content Bookstore, especially to reading organizer Ellie Ray, and to all the friends who attended my first reading from Geranium Lake last Thursday evening.
Despite the torrential downpour that began half-an-hour beforehand, it was a really good crowd, both in the store and on Content’s livestream via Facebook. I was buoyed up by all of your friendly faces and your excellent questions and comments afterward.
Thank you!
LESLIE
(Note flowers sent by a kind friend!)Photo by Timothy BraulickRaincoat, Reading Copy, and Roadmap, i.e., Lineup of Poems to Read!
