Wednesday, Jan 16th, 2013

Of all the readings I've listened to at our writer's group meetings, none were as entertaining and engrossing as Susan Davis and Christine Burton's co-reading of T.S. Elliot's poem "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock," followed by Andrew Parker reading his tale of Reality Gone Wrong. The two back-to-back readings covered the spectrum of material normally heard by the writer's group, from classic established, recognized poetry, to an outstanding, self written politically incorrect piece developed against original rejection and dismissal. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Absolutely great stuff!

Our meeting kicked off at 6:30pm with three new first-time guests, including FWA member Pat Patterson who made the trip from Punta Gorda, and Ed and Mary Rynes. Ed's work of translating a World War I manuscript written in Czech was met with awe and admiration. We also welcomed back regulars Rod DiGruttolo, Bill Elam, Patricia LaBarbera, Andrew Parker, and Kathleen Schwartz. Richard Zimmerman of Watkinsville, Georgia, once again dropped in as a guest of George Mindling.

Announcements about upcoming events, all previously listed in the blog, and general discussions were followed by readings from members. Patricia LaBarbera made announcement about upcoming editing and publishing series in the main Sarasota Library. I'll post the details as soon as I have them.  

We will kick off next meeting, February 6^th, with Florida Writers Association Regional Director for Central Florida, A.J. Robinson, speaking on the New Publishing World. Mark the first meeting in February on your calendar. 

Rod DiGruttolo kicked off the reading part of the meeting with the Peppertree Literary Magazine's last article by our late Ed Lyman about removing black spots from bananas. The article included his award winning recipe for Peanut Butter Sandwiches, sans garnish. Joanne Phillips was up next with chapter 31 of her “Adventures of a Sea Hag,” followed by Bill Elam who read one of his pieces that again had everyone's rapt attention. His reading and delivery doesn't hurt either. Ben Daughtry then read excerpts from chapter 27 of his science fiction saga Newearth. Both Joanne and Ben are really advancing nicely with their works and their progress is really great to listen to. Ben's ability to describe with minimum use of adjectives or adverbs is really developing well.  Everyone is cutting out the excessive “ly” words, and the writing is better for it.

Our unsung hero and unofficial poet-laureate, Jim Kelly was up next, first with the three winners from a fifth grade poetry contest. Jim is active in many youth-related programs and is invaluable in helping them expand their appreciation of not just writing, but of themselves as well. The winner's poems had everyone spellbound in amazement, and showed that well-written poetry has a range and diversity that once discovered, is entertaining even when written by nine and ten year old students. Jim then followed with two of his own poems and once again drew a round of applause.

Peter Frickel followed with a piece from his River work, and this time he followed Jim, so turn about is fair play. Kathleen Schwartz rounded out the first half with a well-written story about a Jewish wedding party along with Kerri Dieffenwirth's short comments about her recent class in cold, northern Maine. Kerri also mentioned the Heritage series which I'll post at the end of this blog.

After a short break, we resumed with Christine Burton, who is developing a really great reading presence, and two of her great works, one about a five year old girl who gets everything to fit in her head. Even her Mom. Of course the highlight of the evening was Christine co-reading the T.S. Elliot poem with Susan Davis, followed by the unexpected “Reality Gone Wrong” from Andrew Parker.

We reminded everyone about the next meeting February 6^th, wrapped up and turned out the lights.

See everyone in three weeks, it should be a great meeting.

George 

BTW: George Collias's web page has been added to the links section 

From Kerri

Hermitage Artist Events (Events are free unless otherwise noted)

To keep informed of all our events and any changes or additions to our calendar, visit our website www.hermitageartistretreat.org. AND to receive the most current program information, sign up for our email notifications and like our Facebook page.

January

Tuesday, Jan. 8 Friends of the Hermitage Meeting

10 a.m. Hermitage House

Tuesday, Jan. 8 Jacquelyn Reingold

5:30 – 7:30 Conversation/mixer – hors d’eovres/cash bar

$10 reserved/$12 at door Selby Auditorium at USF

www.filmsarasota.com 1840 N. Tamiami Trail

309-1200

Thursday, January 10 Huang Ruo, Composer and Conductor

7 p.m. Historic Asolo Theater at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art

$5 Museum Fee 540 Bayshore Road, Sarasota

Free for members and students Call 941-360-7399

Friday, January 25 Beach Reading with Ginna Hoben, Actor/Playwright and Ain Gordon, Director/Writer:

4:30 p.m Tours of the Hermitage from 4:30 to 5:30; Program at 5:30. Bring your own beach chairs and Free Refreshments. Weather permitting.

Thursday, January 31 Nathan Currier, Composer and Musician

7 p.m. Historic Asolo Theater at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art

$5 Museum Fee 540 Bayshore Road, Sarasota

Free for members and students Call 941-360-7399

February

Thursday, February 14 Ginna Hoben, Actor and Playwright

7 p.m. Historic Asolo Theater at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art

$5 Museum Fee 540 Bayshore Road, Sarasota

Free for members and students Call 941-360-7399

Saturday, February 16 Arthur Kopit, Playwright, Talk and Q&A

4 p.m. Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave, Venice.

Free 941-488-1115

March

Thursday, March14 Laurie Olinder and Bill Morrisson

7 p.m. Historic Asolo Theater at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art

$5 Museum Fee 540 Bayshore Road, Sarasota

Free for members and students Call 941-360-7399

Wednesday, March 20 Docent Training with Peg Koetsch

2 p.m.

Hermitage

Friday, March 22 Beach Reading: Open studio?

4:30 p.m Tours of the Hermitage from 4:30 to 5:30; Program at 5:30. Bring your own beach chairs and Free Refreshments. Weather permitting.