It was about two months ago when Tim decided to give me a job at the bike shop. I didn't know much about bicycles, but what I lacked in knowledge, punctuality, and experience I made up for with my good looks and expensive cologne.
He's been showing me how to tighten bolts and other things during the past few time-units in an effort to help me not die on the next big trip I've been planning. For this, I am forever indebted to him. For Real.
Rather than swimming to Kazakhstan for a meet-and-greet with the Olympic wrestling team, I decided that Highway 101 would be a less sweaty and more pastoral adventure. So, I'm getting on a one-way train to Seattle in September, bicycle in tow, and heading South.
"Not all those who wander are lost" is how the quote goes, I think. Anyways, for this I am excited and saving my pennies.
In other news, Eduardo Corral will be giving a reading at my alma mater, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, on September 6th. For this, I am also excited. I read his debut collection, Slow Lightning, and GOTdamn. Things are happening. Real things.
My next batch of crooked-toothed wordballs has been carrier-pigeoned to two literary journals, Jellyfish and Hobo Camp Review, from whom I am anxiously awaiting a swift and frigid rejection. Huzzah!
Mixed Fruit recently announced their Carson Prize poetry and fiction contest. Free to enter, and y'all can win $100. That's a lotta dog biscuits. Write down words!
Lastly, Jersey Devil Press announced Ryan Werner's gut-pummeling debut here. It's a surefire All-American power chord, folks. I, for one, can't wait to feast upon his words. And by that I mean I'm going to eat most of the copies they press.
AND THAT'S PRETTY RAD.
***
best,
-m
