Neb in

I'm very pleased to have two poems, "Vertemus and Pomone" and "The Man with the Broken Nose", in the special International Women's Day issue of The Camel Saloon. My thanks to Editor Russell Streur.

Blast ed

I am delighted to have two rebellious poems in Vortice, a special issue of The Eye of the Needle to "celebrate the tenets of Vorticism and commemorate Blast". Many thanks to visionary editor Russell Streur.

Back trying

I have a story, "The Bull Calf", up at The Bactrian Room. I'm sincerely grateful to Editor Russell Streur for hosting my work - his support has been instrumental in getting my writing career off the ground - and The Bactrian Room's a great venue for longer works, and a compliment to The Camel Saloon. Thanks again, Russell.

"The Bull Calf" is a satire inspired by Leonard Cohen's song "The Story of Isaac", and takes its title from the Irvine Leighton poem of the same name. I wrote it almost a year before Gareth Morgan's suggestion to cull cats to save New Zealand's birdlife - predictive text, folks!

Oh Christmas three

Three little baubles of happy news to hang on your tree this December:

Firstly - huge congratulations to Isobel J Hillman for getting her first poem published at Ink, Sweat & Tears - I'm particularly thrilled for her as she's my daughter, and she wrote Avalanches when she was nine (she's the grand old age of ten now!).

Secondly - I have a story up at The Bactrian Room. I'd love your thoughts on this one. My thanks go to Russell Streur who has virtually adopted me this year!

Thirdly - the names have gone into the hat - the person receiving a copy of The Juno Charm is:

Congratulations, Dan - drop me an email at teaforthetiller [at] hotmail [dot] com and The Juno Charm will work its magical way to you.

Thanks to all who've read and or followed the blog this year - your support means so much to me. However you choose to celebrate this holiday, I hope you have a relaxing and meaningful time - and a heap of fun ;) You really are the trimmings on the tree for me.

Tarn wish

I have one more poem up at Camel Saloon.

Sincere gratitude to Russell Streur, author of The Muse of Many Names, and bar keep extraordinaire.
I must have amassed a massive tab......

Care ear

I have another poem up at the Camel Saloon.

Many thanks and much kindness to Russell Streur.

To risk

My poem "Tourists" is up at Camel Saloon. Please feel free to amble on over - would love to know your thoughts on this one.

Many thanks to Russell Streur.

Any verse ay?

April 10th would have been the birthday of poet Bella Akhmadulina, had she not passed away last year. As a fine tribute to her, Russell Streur has put together a special edition The Eye of the Needle where women writers, poets and artists have come together to mark her first posthumous birthday. I have several pieces of poetry and artwork there and am very pleased to have been asked to contribute. Many thanks to Russell for the opportunity.

Dig in

I sketched my mother some years back, the drawing has been the foundation of many other pieces and experiments including this.

I seem to be on repeat - feel free to visit My Mother's Land: it's about digging, oh and stinging.

Think I've got VIP membership now, at the Camel Saloon - else escorted off the premises for loitering! Thank you, Russell Streur.

In portent

A few things:

Welcome back, Andrea at Rainbow Notebook.

My poem "Auckland" made it over The Second Hump and was chosen among Russell Streur's favourites of February.

Thirdly, February 22nd 2011 will be a day New Zealanders remember forever, I know I will. Like many poets here in NZ, and the world, no doubt, I have been moved to write several pieces about Christchurch, however, I didn't feel it was my place to post them and wasn't even sure I should voice them at all. Perhaps a sense of guilt, or a feeling of voyeurism - being so close yet privileged and distant altogether. But having spoken to a few writing friends I have been convinced I should let them be read. Therefore, when Russell Streur asked if I'd like to submit anything to a forthcoming special edition of women's poetry I sent along a few poems including a piece I'd written about Christchurch Cathedral. You can read it now over at Camel Saloon here.

My sincere thanks to Russell.

To risk watching

Auckland, November 2007. Photo taken by me: I'd been here three months.

Auckland is now available for viewing at The Camel Saloon.

Lowly kindness and high regards to barkeeper Russell Streur.

I saloon thee

My poem "Pack Thi Bags And Guh, Lass, Teck Thi Ook Nar" is now up at Camel Saloon. Many thanks to Russell Streur. Amble on over, pull up a stool, you're in great company.