I am sorry that I won’t be seeing the awesome poets at the West Hollywood Book Fair today – so sorry Cati Porter, Michelle Bitting, and many others who I hoped to meet at the Poemeleon reading! I’ve been in bed with the worst (and longest-lasting) stomach flu I’ve ever had – and on top of that, had my ankle x-rayed because they now think it might be broken. Boo! And, can I point out I’m really tired of the taste of rice broth and Pepto and ginger ale?

In other news, click here for a great call for submissions for a persona poetry anthology!

I also got a really, really nice rejection yesterday from a really great journal – it was the kind of rejection that said so many nice things, I almost forgot they weren’t taking my poems. Anyway, it cheered me up – and they specifically liked one of my “Robot Scientist Daughter” series of poems, which made me feel better about that whole project. I’ve felt a little discouraged trying to get my second book published – who knew it would take so long? But persistence, persistence, persistence, right? Anyway, it just goes to show how a thoughtful rejection can cheer you up almost as much as an acceptance.

Still beautiful in Napa. Sun is shining, clear blue skies, perfect 70-degree weather during the day. Seriously, why don’t you all move out here? It’s got a good library, a good bookstore, and a LOT of wine. Palm trees and oak trees right next to each other, cacti growing next to rose gardens. I can’t wait to grow some herbs out on our apartment balcony, and maybe some hummingbird-attracting flowers – we’ve already got two regulars at our hummingbird feeder, two Anna’s hummingbirds.