Read when you're hungry

Take a break,

You should really eat. I've got a couple of Japanese yams we can cook together in my yellow oven. A bit of agave nectar, butter, and brown sugar before we bake them will do the trick. I never asked you: Do you like pork chops? I'd like to eat pork chops with you. And creamed corn. I can tell that you're hungry. The next time we hang out let me take you out for dinner. I've got a great restaurant in mind, or you can let me know what you're feeling. Maybe ramen?

You've inspired me with your rest, even though you're so busy right now. Fall is always so busy. I admire so much what you've shared with me about it. I've been working really hard and am kind of tired. No, I'm actually exhausted. It's time for a break -- soon you won't hear from me for a while. The rain has started here in Seattle and I love it. My dear friend was excited by the windy nights last week, called it his favorite weather. He eats Pho and curry and soups that he makes for himself. I adore him so much. You're right, he is similar to you but I won't tell you how. I adore you, too. One doesn't take away from the other. It's so nice to feel love and share it with people. That's what keeps me alive.

I started writing poems on Instagram again after being inspired by an invitation to the Vivian Laramore Rader Reading Group. We were going to share poems and there was nothing new for me to show -- so I wrote a pome called Plums. It was such a delight to read and listen during the zoom call and I look forward to more! My friend started posting pomes to Instagram as well. I love reading and thinking about how we can write poems to each other when we're both inspired by the world or our emotions. Poetry in conversation with other poetry is my favorite thing. This all got me back on my grind, writing a poem a night for a little bit using memes, my ongoing obsession with Pietro Aretino, lunch breaks on the Madison Park Beach shores of Lake Washington, and pictures of animals as inspiration. It's been fun.

I was able to take a long weekend for a trip to Bremerton & Silverdale. I tried asking a few people to come (you, even) but no one was available or wanted to come except a very dear pal. He travelled on the ferry with me and stayed the first night before getting bored, which I predicted. I mostly sit by myself and stare into space, especially on trips. My favorite thing is remembering everyone I care for while I look at the trees. The reason for the trip was a book launch -- the Unnerving Phobia anthology from Blue Forge Press -- at the Barnes & Noble in the Kitsap Mall. We had a panel about publishing and I got to read form my story Paradise.

(Just looping you in. I know you were probably expecting something else, but this is who I am. I'm honest. I do care about you. I think we want the same things, ultimately. It's not pressure I promise. Just vibing. :P)

Drawing mushrooms. It feels good to play with the colors, hang them on on a special piece of wood. My art is immeditely sorrounded by my home, my studio. How lucky I am to work, play, and live in one place. It does drive me crazy sometimes, bieng so immersed, but it's a privilege. The environment drives me to create. I got a new book from the library about artists in their studios that I hope will inspire me.

Of course, publishing so much lately -- that's what my break will be from, maybe. 2 interviews, poems from others, poems by myself, A restaurant roundup. It was fun but I'm tired. A pal is taking a break from poetry and publishing and social media and I feel him (I love him!). His rest is inspiring me. Life requires it, especially when fall begins.

I'm proud of myself even if you don't notice. It's okay though. While I've been tired I've been a bit mean. Moving forward, I want to be more careful because you deserve the best from me. I'll keep watching you, or what you show me. I'll always be on your side. But the time has come for a midnight snack and a long break. Enjoy it, buddy, but don't forget that I'll be here when you need me.

Good Night,

Joe