Author Archives: Allyson

That you can (usually) light gas stoves even when the power is out. That we had emergency bags filled with water and other supplies. The way the neighborhood came together to help each other out. Being able to charge my phone off of my portable car jump starter. Being able to flush the toilet again.

Another month, another delayed contest result. This time it was the fault of the Texas Snowpocalypse! I’m glad to be on the other side of that and getting things back on track. This month’s winner is Peter H. Schmidt. His golden shovel, “Rise Up,” draws from John Gillespie Magee’s “High Flight,” as well as “MyContinue reading “February Poetry Contest Winner”

Having a dishwasher for the first time in seven years. For the first time in my life, having a space where I don’t have to take into account anyone else’s needs. My neighborhood Buy Nothing group. Much better lighting in the new place. Being in walking distance of Monkey Nest Coffee

I can’t wait to see what y’all write for this month’s poetry contest! There are two prize options: 1) A $25 gift certificate to the independent bookstore of your choice, or 2) A $25 donation to the literacy nonprofit, aid organization, or public library of your choice. Please see the Monthly Contest Page for completeContinue reading “February Poetry Contest: Golden Shovel”

Being in walking distance of BookWoman Being in walking distance of Nervous Charlie’s Being in the delivery radius of Ichiban Being a short drive from La Cocina de Consuelo Being closer to Emma Long Metropolitan Park

Jewel, “You Were Meant for Me“ The theme song to The Jeffersons The Chicks, “Wide Open Spaces“ The Mountain Goats, “Genesis 3:23“ The Muppets, “Movin’ Right Along“

After much delay, I’m finally excited to announce the winner of the January poetry contest! I received a record number of entries this month, and on top of that, I had to move unexpectedly after my landlord sold my house! It’s a relief to be getting settled in my new place and back into aContinue reading “January Poetry Contest Winner”

One of my (many) passion projects is serving on the board of Borderlands: Texas Poetry Review. It’s been an honor to help keep an independent print journal going during increasingly challenging times. Borderlands is currently going through a leadership transition. This fall, the board realized that we needed to split our volunteer Administrative Director positionContinue reading “Borderlands: Texas Poetry Review is Expanding Our Leadership Team”

Homemade poutine Homemade horseshoes The Democratic victories in Georgia Being 50% done with my semester prep 10 days before school starts Ordering fabric for my next quilt project

Homemade fried cheese curds Snow on the prairie Having plenty of food so we can avoid driving while the roads are a mess Having a generator in case the power goes out Turning leftovers into tasty breakfast burritos