“Starlight”–a poem

“Evergreen Heights,” has nurtured six generations since the 1860s. Five of these generations produced poets. My father is now compiling a family poetry anthology from the works of these five generations. STARLIGHT Stars wink high in the sky, as dawn draws on sun reaps the sky. When she is done colors blaze as she pulls…

Generations of Poetic Heritage: “Influence” by Anna Riehl, my grandmother

Last year on April 1st, I gave a talk for the Poet Laureate of Lake County Reading. Sandra Wade became Poet Laureate of the county with Fran Ransley and me as finalists. We read in Lakeport, Northern California, at the Lake County Arts Council on Main Street. The entire text of my reading is available…

Poets Debate Poetry Month

Is National Poetry Month inane, insane, or inspirational? Newsweek looked at this question. Here’s an excerpt from the article, “The Cruelest (and Coolest) Month” with some words from Billy–Collins, that is: Billy Collins, the former U.S. Poet Laureate and current New York State Poet whose books enjoy the anomalous distinction of outselling many top novels,…

Best Travel Writing–Solas Award for Riehl’s “Driving Lessons”

Travelers’ Tales gave a Best Travel Writing Solas Award to my story “Driving Lessons” in the category of “Family Travel: The best story about traveling with family of all generations—or journeying to discover roots.” My story won a Bronze Certificate. It’s such a treat to go to an awards list an find one’s name there!…

“No Tomorrow”–A new poem by Erwin A. Thompson

When Pop, 91, got his credit card bill this month, his thoughts were inspired by those glimmering promises of billionaire futures they offer along with the free checks. He started to think about other futures we are borrowing against in relationships, the economy, and the environment. –JGR NO TOMORROW by Erwin A. Thompson No need…

Diane Thompson, Land of Lincoln Lawyer, heard on NPR’s “Marketplace”

Diane Thompson, attorney for Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation, Inc., also did an interview with Steve Tripoli of NPR’s “Marketplace” on the subprime lending issue/predatory lending (listen here). They also used a snipet of it to promote the show. We’re all really proud of her. Pop and I sat in the kitchen and listened…

Prayer: A History

Philip and Carol Zaleski have done a marvelous thing in Prayer: A History…they have brought prayer to our doorstep and into our bedroom, back to the kneeling rug of childhood. From the book jacket: “This landmark book presents prayer in all its richness and variety throughout history, across traditions, and around the globe. Focusing on…

“The Soul of a New Cuisine: A Discovery of the Foods and Flavors of Africa”

“The Soul of A New Cuisine: A Discovery of the Foods and Flavors of Africa by Marcus Samuelsson in gracefully introduced by Desmond Tutu and enhanced by photographs by Gediyond Kifle. Just think! 200 recipies from all over the continent, with insightful commentary completing our pleasure. Here’s what Samuelsson says about “Palaver Sauce”: [In West…

Diane Thompson, Land of Lincoln Lawyer, quoted by the Wall Street Journal

The Wall Street Journal online also quoted Diane Thompson Regulators Scrutinized In Mortgage Meltdown By Greg Ip and Damiam Paletta ….”It is extremely rare, for individual matters, to get relief from either the state or the federal regulators,” says Diane Thompson, her attorney. A Wachovia spokeswoman declined to comment on the settlement but noted the…