Busy, Busy...
Oh, what a busy, busy week we've had. First we dragged our Book Group out to see the Book Group Play—catch our thoughts here in the Washington Post. Then there was the wonderful WIW conference at American University. For those Washington, D.C.-based writers out there who are not members of WIW, we encourage you to investigate further.
At the conference I was asked to speak about blogging— though I am a truly negligent blogger these days!— and I appeared on a panel with the marvelous C.M. Mayo, the delightful Deborah Ager, the always well-prepared Leslie Pietryzk and the provocative Shawn Westfall, DC-ist writer and teacher of comedic improv.
The conference was blast, and although I was only able to spend a brief time there I was able to catch up with some of my favorite local literati including Mary Kay Zuravleff, Susan Richards Shreve, Louis Bayard and Alex MacLennan.
Other highlights this week include 25 Questions for a Jewish Mother at Theatre J, an amazing one-woman show by Judy Gold. I attended this show with 5 close friends, Jewish mothers all, and enjoyed it thoroughly. Gold is a gifted writer as well as actress and her comic timing is impeccable. I have seen several productions at Theatre J lately and I am beginning to think creative director Ari Roth is a visionary, always filled with surprises. The show I am most interested in seeing opens next week. More info here.
As we're on the topic of Jewish Mothers, I am happy to report that Leora Skolkin-Smith's small beautiful novel "Edges" (edited by the late Grace Paley) is being adapted to film. A sneak peek at the film's website here.
So, there were Post deadlines, teaching, a conference, theatre outings, and my 2 Johns Hopkins M.A. thesis students on my agenda this week. Not to mention family, parenting, Valentine's Day baking for a children's party, and so much more… I assume everyone's week probably feels just as demanding, though I suspect most people are better at juggling.
Quick reminder: This is the last weekend to shop at Candida's World of Books. There are still plenty of books on sale (storewide 20% off & special sale items) and we encourage you to make one last foray into the shop and help them clear out as much stock as possible.
Before you head off for the 3-day weekend, stop for a moment to smell the flowers and read the poetry. Or if you prefer, you can take a listen to Reb, one of our favorite poets, here.
[blog image from here ]
