Blog Posts

  • A grand weekend of Bualadh Bos(ton)

    Apparently, “Bualadh Bos” is a phrase in Irish that means applause, and there was plenty of cause for cheers at the recent Irish Literary Festival, held for the first time at the Harvard Club in downtown Boston and arranged by a whole bunch of clever cultural ambassadors from the Irish Writers’ Centre, Poetry Ireland, and…

  • 5 Tips for Your Inspiration Expedition

    A few weeks ago, all the sins published my reflections on and exhortations to the wonders of gathering artistic inspiration in museums. (If you missed it, you can find it here.) This week, they’re back with my best suggestions on how to outfit yourself for a museum exploration. Matthew Henson didn’t head for the North…

  • On stealing inspiration, and why I love museums

    My features essay, “Art Heists for Art’s Sake,” is now up to kick off Issue 3 of the lovely UK literary journal, all the sins! …the day I stood in front of that Breugel painting and talked poetry with my mother was a turning point for me. Since then, I’ve worked inspiration from other art…

  • Ready, Set, Poetry Fest!

    One of the highlights of my writing-year is always the Massachusetts Poetry Festival. I started off as an attendee, then as a museum educator offering drop-in programs that tied the visual to the verbal arts for all ages, and then as an independent poet submitting workshop proposals on ekphrastic poetry. For this year’s festival, I’m…

  • Show Up. Dive In. It’s 2017, whether you’re ready or not.

    2016 was internationally devastating, nationally confusing, and personally full of upheaval, though of the positive kind. I moved, got engaged & started planning a wedding, joined a board for an organization I deeply admire, traveled in fun places and caught up with old friends. I continue to work with people I respect for a field…