Jackson's Actions

All human actions have one or more of these seven causes: chance, nature, compulsion, habit, reason, passion, and desire. --Aristotle (384 BC - 322 BC) <

Just feeling the need to put completion on a long, hot summer in Asheville. We hit record-breaking temperatures this year, and the "mild" Asheville climate I sought was not exactly evident. However, the absence of humidity and the glorious beauty of these mountains made it a good summer nonetheless. The drought has killed off half of my new camellia bushes (planted last fall) added to the damage of our late, April frost this Spring. My poor yard. The weeping cherry bloomed and was struck down by frost, and the crepe myrtle never got enough water to sustain flowers for more than a day. But the air is turning crisp on these September mornings (in spite of 80 plus degree days) and I do think Fall is on its way. Anyone who doesn't believe in global warming after the worldwide insanity of this year's weather is simply in denial.

For all intents and purposes, I'm finished editing my chapbook of poetry. I sought mentoring and help from peer poets. But in the end, I had to gather it all back to myself and make final decisions. It's done--my way. I'm going to submit to the few remaining 2007 contests (the devil take the consequences) and move on. Old history, old poems, old goals. Finally have a new poetry group which starts this Monday, and I want to work on NEW poems. I'm excited about the group. Seven poets, most of them living in Black Mountain (with its formidable literary history).

I'm teaching "Poetry: Finding the Deep Voice" an 8-week course starting week after next at UNCA's center for creative retirement. I've got ten students (a full class) and I'm very excited at the prospect of sharing my passion with other poets. Part of the summer was spent putting together lesson plans, a new challenge for me.

Labor Day has come and passed. Some friends and I drove to Lake Lure, a finger lake that lies at the bottom of Chimney Rock mountain. There's a river full of huge boulders and lagoons that runs along the highway. North Carolina has scenery that goes beyond beautiful. It's breathtaking. I never tire of driving to new places here. And soon the leaves will be turning and a different panorama to be savored.

My killer cat is still dragging in baby bunnies, chipmunks, sparrows, mourning doves and voles. He doesn't actually kill, but sometimes maims. He somehow has learned how to hunt without his bell (on his collar) moving. I have become the ever vigilant rescue crew, hovering to pounce and save after every discovery. A bird flapping in my bedroom yesterday had the good sense to let me catch it, cup it in my hands and release it to the sky. Henry watched without malice. He figures his person is a pretty good hunter too.

Hope your summer was productive and satisfying.

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