Milestones: Alfred Tennyson
November 19, 1850, Alfred Tennyson was named Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom. I understand that he accepted this honour on the condition that birthday odes would not be required of him.
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Milestones: Fyodor Dostoyevsky
On November 16, 1849, Fyodor Dostoyevsky was sentenced to death for antigovernment activities associated with a radical intellectual circle, The Petrashevsky Circle. The Petrashevsky Circle was formed in St. Petersburg … Continue reading Milestones: Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Milestones: Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
November 12, 1969, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn is expelled from the Soviet Writers Union. One year later, he is awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for The Gulag Archipelago. “If only it … Continue reading Milestones: Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
Celebrating Halloween with Carl Sandburg
Join me in reciting “Theme in Yellow” by Carl Sandburg! Happy Halloween!
The Poetry of Rupert Brooke
On this day in 1887, English poet Rupert Brooke, described by W.B. Yeats as “the handsomest young man in England,” is born. Rupert Chawner Brooke is known for his idealist … Continue reading The Poetry of Rupert Brooke
#KaramazovReadalong Day 1: Who is Fyodor?
The #KaramazovReadalong adventure begins with the first chapter entitled Fyodor Pavlovich Karamazov. To commemorate this special date, I steeped a pot of Russian Caravan tea, which has a bold smoky … Continue reading #KaramazovReadalong Day 1: Who is Fyodor?
Three Apples Fell From The Sky
I just finished reading Three Apples Fell From the Sky by Narine Abgaryan. My thanks go to Elisabeth Van Der Meer, from the blog, A Russian Affair, who recommended this … Continue reading Three Apples Fell From The Sky
Poetry in Brief – a day in a life – by Jean-Jacques Fournier
I had been checking the mail awaiting a special arrival. Two days ago, I received the package that held the first edition of Jean-Jacques Fournier’s poetry book, Poetry in Brief … Continue reading Poetry in Brief – a day in a life – by Jean-Jacques Fournier
Pen, Paper & Signature
My fountain pen arrived yesterday at my doorstep. It was not what I expected. The cartridges were missing. How could this be? I soon discovered that I did not look … Continue reading Pen, Paper & Signature
Celebrating Ireland with Armergin
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Tradition maintains that on March 17, in the year 432, Saint Patrick, at the young age of 16, was captured by Irish pirates from his home … Continue reading Celebrating Ireland with Armergin
Celebrating Robert Burns with Dr. Leith Davis
Tonight, we celebrate Robert Burns, affectionately known as Rabbie Burns, the great Scottish poet and lyricist. He has been given the honoured titles of National Bard, Bard of Ayrshire and … Continue reading Celebrating Robert Burns with Dr. Leith Davis
Celebrating National Hat Day 2021
Celebrating National Hat Day with Jean-Jacques Fournier with his poem, The Gift of a Day
Dave Astor’s ‘Twas the Write Before Christmas
The week between Christmas and News Years is a time of reflection and anticipation. The days are mellow, with the festive glow gently prompting us to look back to where … Continue reading Dave Astor’s ‘Twas the Write Before Christmas
On The Road Book Club 