Hello! I’m writing from the first day of my residency at Centrum in Port Townsend, a little cabin – all mine – overlooking the white stone cliffs and beaches around Fort Warden. My cabin has three bedrooms and a baby grand piano. No internet though, so blog posts may be fewer and farther between. I have already played the piano (in tune!) and I plan to sleep in all four of the beds. I feel so jacked up and excited. I brought my sketch pads and stuff too, I haven’t done any visual artist-type stuff in a long time and spend so much time being in-control, analytical girl that will be nice to be more laid-back and focusing on the, you know, creative bohemian self. I was thinking about the fact that I pretty much actively suppress my inner poet (you know, the dreamy, sensitive version of me, not the kick-ass, gets stuff done, doesn’t take crap version that spent time in the business world) almost all the time. Discipline, I think to myself as I write queries, work to finish articles before deadline, negotiate payments, send out submissions…I rarely give myself permission to do what I want during the day. I have a lot of rules for myself: work first, then blogging and internet surfing, no television during the day, healthy snacks instead of junk food. Some exercise every day (although right now most of my exercise time is being spent at physical therapy.) These are all probably requirements of being able to work from home. But I need some time to indulge, to be unstructured, to dream. This residency may be a key to that. And, right now, I have to go shopping for snacks and drinks. I’m afraid this creative outlet may also channel my inner six-year-old’s eating habits.

The right response to why poems don’t rhyme, etc: a funny little piece over at Slate responding to “non-poetry-people” questions about poetry: http://www.slate.com/id/2189318/
(Addendum: My husband the engineer’s comment on the article: Doesn’t Pinsky know any contemporary poetry? Way to reach out and introduce new poets to the masses, man!)

And, the Poetry Foundation features Colleen McElroy, a mentor and friend of mine who also happens to be a terrific poet and fierce storyteller. She really encouraged me when I first came to Seattle, and has continued to be a feminist (and a humanist) heroine.

Here’s to a more right-brained Jeannine, who will be more creatively productive (plus write some reviews and other admin work…) I’m crossing my fingers. Or, maybe I’ll just watch the blustery clouds and the deer and play the piano.