“It is love and friendship, the sanctity and celebration of our relationships, that not only support a good life, but create one. Through friendships, we spark and inspire one another’s ambitions.”

—Wallace Stegner, Crossing to Safety

The windows left open last night let in the damp, fresh almost September chill. I hear Frank’s car leaving the driveway; I hadn’t heard him rise. It’s so lovely and cool I decide to run, and start running after we pass the misty river. This weather gives me energy. And I want to be ready to run the 3 miles I need to run as part of the annual sprint triathlon I signed up for in three weeks. After my run, I weed for an hour before going in to prepare for my poetry and art presentation in Somerville sponsored by Cervena Barva with my friend, Jenny Grassl. In the lovely, small room at the Armory in Somerville, Jenny and I read and show our artwork in slideshows, and we have very thoughtful and appreciative guests, questions, and discussion. It’s so uplifting, to have this opportunity to share the images and the words. Audience members urge us to do more presentations like this together; they really like seeing out the art and words inform and inspire each other. Tonight, I’m so grateful for our literary friendship, our collaboration, and support of each other’s work and voices.

Thanks to host, Gloria Mindock (left) for hosting our reading and inviting us to present.