A Stude with a View

Way to go with the weird weather this weekend, San Francisco!  (We had a thunderstorm.  With lightning. That NEVER happens here.) 

Switchback Issue 12 Launch Party

Last night's celebration of our latest issue was a total blast. Books and Bookshelves kindly hosted the event and Bear Flag Wine came out to pour for us. Eight writers shared their work from the new issue to a packed house. The line-up was terrific and the energy in the room (which boasted wall to wall, floor to ceiling shelves of poetry) made me feel the excitement of the SF literary community full-force.

Photos (Left to Right):

1) Danny Bracco reads from "Dancing Pink Roses." 2) Candy Shue reads poem "Life in Necropolis: Four Letters." 3) Donna Laemmlen reads "Chimera." 4) Brian Martin reads "Tuesday Anonymous." 5) Alex and Lauren practice being serious. 6) Brigid and me reveling in the literary glory. 7) Chris gets inspired by author photos. 8) Young Elton John x3.  9) Nick savors some Bear Flag merlot. 10) Kate and Libby anticipating some sweet words.

Finally, don't miss this weekend's Small Press Traffic event being held at CCA, "The Encyclopedia Project." More information can be found here.  Poetry + Live Music + Performance Art = Weekend Win.

Janelle Monáe - Tightrope [feat. Big Boi]

Well, this woman could not possibly be any more amazing. "Archandroid" is putting a skip in my step like nobody's business. THIS IS LOVE, MONAE.

All the Way Home

Cubicle Dance Party O'Clock.

The Drums "Down By The Water" - The Soundmen Remix by foj

"Yes. Roam."

San Francisco could not have put on a lovelier face this weekend. It was astonishingly warm, making all of my plans for trekking and doing even more pleasant than anticipated.

We were so excited for Lazarus/Benoit on Friday night! Snacks and window-shopping on the way were fun, too.



Sadly, we missed a bit of Lazarus' set but showed up just in time for two songs from his latest album, "The Trickster." So hypnotic were his tunes that the crowd braved the harrowing Amnesia floor to stare up at the lyrics-shaman from a few feet away. Benoit Pioulard unobtrusively took the stage next, where, with hooded jacket zipped up tight, he worked his magic and entranced the lot of us.

Saturday night's poetry reading at Meridian Gallery was full to the brim. Sweet school-pal Alicia and I snagged hot chocolate next door before climbing to the top floor of this epic little art gallery, where we posted up on the hardwood behind the podium and listened joyously to Juliana Spahr, Elizabeth Robinson, Truong Tran.

Oh, and I only freaked out a little when Juliana signed my book.


The last day of the weekend was ushered in with a piping hot brunch, bandied ideas for three dimensional poetry installations, and my mind's eye in the direction of that ever-present homework pile. Here's to one last week of work before Thanksgiving revelry!


Yours truly,

Karen Marie

November Round-Up

I have been sitting in the desk chair before this wall quite a bit lately. The final push of the semester has begun, the latest issue of Switchback is soon to go live, Thanksgiving effusiveness is around the corner. Additionally, "cider weather" has arrived which means I am suddenly content to watch Hitchcock films and get out the sewing machine on Friday nights. (Many crafting projects a-foot. Pictures on the way!)

To counter my hibernatory thrum, here follows a list of Things I Am Excited About:

1) Lazarus and Benoit Pioulard play Amnesia tonight! Incontestably, they have written much of my all-time favorite music. The timbre of their tunes is perfect for this weather, and the magic of a city where I can walk a few blocks to see these men is not lost on me.

2) Gala Launch for "A Community Writing Itself: Conversations with Vanguard Writers of the Bay Area" tomorrow night at Meridian Gallery. The line-up of poets is delicious (Truong Tran, Elizabeth Robinson, Sarah Rosenthal) but I am beside myself with anticipation to meet the lovely Juliana Spahr. I'm going to try very hard not go go all "Poetry Fan Grrl" on her. No guarantees.

3) Switchback Issue 12 Launch Party - Thursday at Books And Bookshelves (14th and Sanchez.) This is certainly an issue we're very proud of, and I'm so looking forward to hearing colleagues read from their new work. (Oh, and free wine never hurt anybody.)

4) Thanksgiving is almost here! Soon I will be aproned and making macaroons (GOAL) with my inspiring and talented big sis, traipsing through crispy leaves with muchly-missed dear friends, and rocking out to the sultry sounds of my lovely and his Les Paul.

For now, it's work o'clock but delight is on the horizon. I leave you with a quick peek at a new poetry project I started last week.

Autumnally Yours,

Karen Marie