tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74510983783689986152012-01-26T09:14:42.896-05:00The Online Home of Maria ScalaMariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.comBlogger1891100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-39936118011831202282012-01-04T23:00:00.012-05:002012-01-04T23:42:46.443-05:00

Last year saw the official end of babyhood. Good-bye crib. Hello mattress on the floor. And while you look at us as if we're crazy ("None of you are sleeping on the floor, so why do I have to?") we know what you can do, given the chance.This poem is for Cassie, who reminded me to get started.An Acrobatic BoyAn acrobatic boywill throw you awinning smilebefore tossing his sippy cupfull of sticky

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-78255045696238921632011-11-22T22:09:00.003-05:002011-11-22T22:43:07.392-05:00

I like to keep tallies, especially when it comes to my kids. I know that in the grand scheme of things, it doesn't matter when the Bambina took her first steps or when the Bambino first started using a straw. But if I didn't write these little things down, who would remember? Like the Bambina saying "read book" at ten months of age? I remind her of that all the time, usually after we've just

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-24414548457667356902011-09-29T23:21:00.005-04:002011-09-29T23:32:58.780-04:00

I was so happy this week to receive my contributor copy of the most recent edition of Descant devoted to la bella Sicilia! I have two poems in there: "Immigrant" and "What Makes You."Here's the write-up from the journal's site:Descant 154: Sicily is a collection of poetry and prose, essay and memoir, exploring and probing the geographically and historically impressive island of Sicily. In this

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-80220485643517894382011-09-06T23:38:00.011-04:002011-09-23T15:01:56.623-04:00

This summer we discovered, once and for all, just what foods the Bambino could not eat. A skin test confirmed that he is allergic to wheat and eggs (for now, at least -- he might outgrow these allergies, as is often the case with children.) Luckily, dairy products are fine, if we could just get him to like them. Chapman's vanilla flavoured Gluten-Free, Peanut-Free Ice Cream is the exception, of

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-35304815533421451342011-08-03T00:03:00.006-04:002011-08-03T00:19:59.024-04:00

This is where I'll sit for now, with a long-neglected book. Every few minutes look up at an idyllic scene. Words, conversations, carried weightlessly by the water. How are they weightless, you ask. Without worry, is what I mean. So many summers to make up for. Pretty stones pocketed from the shore of this shallow lake. Kids do their handstands further out, and the parents look on from their cedar

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-7357733820265317952011-06-02T09:27:00.003-04:002011-06-02T09:55:32.152-04:00

This week the Bambino turned one, and I hit a milestone myself. We celebrated with two cakes, thanks to my fabulously talented sister C. The Bambino, with his allergic tendencies, settled for Cheerios, his new favourite food. It seems almost sacrilegious that he didn't get to shove a fist into homemade buttercream icing, as has been the tradition with all the babies in our family. But he really

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-25946091418412139952011-04-03T00:16:00.009-04:002011-04-03T01:09:41.758-04:00

It's National Poetry Month and my head has been in the clouds, those storm clouds that loomed over Cocoa Beach just a few days ago. Sage Cohen's reminder that many will be participating in the poem-a-day challenge for the month of April was certainly welcome after a week of non-stop theme-parking with the family. Read Cohen's post to find out about the many ways you can commit to the challenge.

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-36985400912888028792011-03-10T09:37:00.002-05:002011-03-10T09:42:48.617-05:00

First-Born SonThe old man expects youto name the child after him.It's 1975 – you want the kid to bea John or a Mikeeven Anthony would be fine.No way will you sentence your sonto something so unpronounceableso school-yard mockable.Even if you pack himpeanut butter sandwiches for lunchand teach him how to swing a bathe'll still be that kidwith the faggoty namewho never gets picked to play. © 2011

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-70214953333675712222011-01-18T14:51:00.010-05:002011-01-19T00:31:46.076-05:00

Today I was happy to finally receive my copy of Sweet Lemons 2: International Writings with a Sicilian Accent, eds. Venera Fazio and Delia De Santis. I have two poems that appear in it --"Sundays at Nonna's" and "Ray". The book features writers from Canada, the United States, Great Britain, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, as well as those from Sicily whose work has been translated into English.I

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-57903829915607951022010-12-01T14:29:00.005-05:002010-12-01T14:37:56.615-05:00

How can I feel icky when the Bambina has drawn me a Big Red Losenge?

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-43595706123821164902010-11-05T23:06:00.004-05:002010-11-07T12:17:58.875-05:00

As I'm about to pick you up, not certain what you want or need, I spy it. In an instant I'm clapping and shouting, "Your first tooth!" My finger finds it. Jaws clamp down, and then the incredible river of drool. An audible sigh from you (She finally gets it!) No wonder you always want to be outside in the cold fresh air.And so it begins...you're one bite closer to chomping that pasta you've been

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-10966506131827920242010-10-08T00:34:00.005-04:002010-10-08T14:36:53.078-04:00

When Cassie first sent me the draft of her latest Birthing the Mother Writer column, I was struck by the timeliness of the topic. In Mother Bees: Gathering the Beautiful from the School Experience Cassie writes about the challenges moms face trying to maintain some involvement in their kids' school lives without overdoing it. Read the column to get her take on this topic, and then email your

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-76326412288787809382010-10-01T14:39:00.009-04:002010-10-02T00:03:23.844-04:00

(Cover design by Ryan W. Bradley) I am so proud to be included in the latest issue of Amanda Deo's Thunderclap! Magazine -- Femme Fatale. Amanda is a New Jersey-based but oh-so-proud Canadian who, along with working full-time in academia, is the publisher and editor of an impressive collection of literary magazines and chapbooks. She's also a very talented poet whose work is included in this

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-58937494763637177572010-09-22T00:04:00.007-04:002010-09-22T22:38:50.710-04:00

My sister asked me to spread the word about this great initiative (via the pepsi refresh project) to improve the Starlight Room at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. Here's some background from the Starlight Foundation on the space and what it needs:In the fall on 1998 The Starlight Children's Foundation built a special place in SickKids hospital for patients to use as an escape from

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-90478049090838570792010-09-08T23:57:00.003-04:002010-09-09T00:21:28.202-04:00

Well, that was some kind of break I took there from the blog. But don't I have the perfect excuse? Summer. The Bambino. The Bambina.The Bambino, aka "Mommono" (more on that later) is turning out to be quite the character, the perfect little Gemini if I do say so myself. Happy. Then...Sad. Angry. Then...Sleepy? Oh well, every day's an adventure.And the Bambina, now a "Senior" in her kindergarten

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-68815422645888688592010-07-15T23:47:00.003-04:002010-07-16T00:13:26.534-04:00

Yesterday, we had "a day out at the mall" that left us drained and more than a little pissed off. I have never been a fan of unsolicited advice, but for some reason, when you're a mom, total strangers think it's their duty to bestow upon you their pearls of wisdom. Thankfully, our day out ended on a more sane note with the sudden appearance of our hairdresser on her break. She diffused the

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-70320506918569779182010-07-10T17:25:00.004-04:002010-07-10T17:29:38.512-04:00

The Bambino models the organic bodysuit. Visit the Literary Mama store to see all the cool gear.

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-73164995425708862952010-06-29T23:18:00.004-04:002010-07-03T23:53:07.768-04:00

It seems like just yesterday that the Bambina and I took that Walk to Remember the first day of kindergarten. But a lot has changed since then. Back in September it was just the two of us. Now, the Bambino is along for the ride. Summer stretches before us and that means not having to rush to eat lunch and get there in time to stand in line with the Bambina's friends before the bell rings. It also

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-51990674052289667062010-06-07T21:01:00.003-04:002010-06-07T21:12:32.955-04:00

I received a very special present last week. The Bambino decided to make his appearance on my birthday. It's been a whirlwind week, but we're all doing fine, including the Bambina. Whenever she gets close to plant a kiss on her brother's forehead he pauses whatever he's doing to gaze at her in adoration.Love them toes!

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-83280931252378416342010-05-03T09:22:00.003-04:002010-05-03T09:31:34.098-04:00

It's Mother's Day Month over at Literary Mama, so be sure to check out a new poem I have up called One Hundred and Two Degrees (originally titled "Thirty-Nine Degrees", but renamed in this instance for LM's U.S. readership.)And there's lots of other great content up this week, including a very funny, touching column by Stephanie Hunt, called Tomatoes for Casey, for all of us who don't exactly

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-18540346205172579952010-04-29T00:02:00.004-04:002010-04-29T00:20:48.208-04:00

The tiniest baby blue onesie I forgot I had. I pulled it out of a drawer to add to the pile of newborn clothes for the laundry. It was already clean, like the others, but something in me today told me I need to do the newborn pj washing now. That baby blue onesie, so simple, gave me pause. The Bambina must have worn it years ago, when she was the mini-est version of her curly-headed self: a

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-27782947043210591542010-03-31T22:38:00.002-04:002010-03-31T22:43:53.247-04:00

I come back to the tableand find you with a Greek rose.The waiter says,Only for a special girl.Outside on Carlawwe wait for the light to changeyou holding that napkin floweraway from your body.© 2010 Maria ScalaI am still (still!) on the fence about NaPoWriMo. Is it too much to take on, the writing of a poem a day for the entire month of April?

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-75479817398304886512010-03-26T13:41:00.004-04:002010-03-26T13:52:02.392-04:00

Today I had the opportunity to share some of my poetry and insights on writing, motherhood, and family life with Cassie Premo Steele on her poetry show.You can listen to an archive of the show here, at the blogtalkradio site (choose the March 26th episode), or else visit Cassie's blog and click on the button at the top right hand corner.Thank you, Cassie! You warmed my spirits on this cold

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-30276243773078062462010-03-09T14:27:00.003-05:002010-03-09T14:47:28.079-05:00

I keep hearing this, whenever I talk to anyone about the impending arrival of Baby #2. It's true, though, a cliche I'm happy to embrace.How it's been different, so far:1) I look different, with a belly that points straight out, that you can balance a tray of cookies and tea on. First time around, I got round everywhere.2) My commute to work is practically non-existent. I don't have to drive to a

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-25955503288369528972010-02-27T11:31:00.006-05:002010-02-27T11:57:54.708-05:00

Sleeping Beauty by Edward Frederick Brewtnall (1846-1902)Have you had a chance to read over Cassie Premo Steele's latest installment of Birthing the Mother Writer over at Literary Mama? Cassie puts a modern/feminist spin on Sleeping Beauty, and invites readers to do the same with their favourite classic fairy tale:I invite you to explore the psychological depth that fairy tales can reveal by

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-23566855774412899812010-02-09T22:53:00.002-05:002010-02-09T22:58:07.808-05:00

Anotherinsinuating itselfmy skin stretched tautlittle drummer insidethis is the music I likeand when I want quietanotherI forget sometimesuntil I rise from the couchclimb a set of stairsand yet so easyto carryknowing all this.©2010 Maria Scala

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-17072582171388639742010-01-15T10:49:00.005-05:002010-01-15T11:00:06.128-05:00

... In the pause between the first draft and the carbonthey glimpse the smooth hours when they were children--the ride in the ice-cart, the ice-man's name,the end of the route and the long walk home;remember the sea where floats at high tidewere sea marrows growing on the scatter-green vineor spools of gray toffee, or wasps' nests on water;remember the sand and the leaves of the country....--from

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-62958598978060051882010-01-14T22:25:00.002-05:002010-01-14T22:28:18.878-05:00

From the Canadian Red Cross Website:Canadians who wish to support relief efforts in Haiti may do so by donating online, by calling toll-free 1-800-418-1111 or by visiting any Red Cross office.Double your impact - the Government of Canada will match dollar for dollar the contributions of individual Canadians to eligible Canadian charitable organizations, such as the Canadian Red Cross, in support

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-34093302683945124242010-01-08T22:57:00.008-05:002010-01-09T00:16:34.440-05:00

The makers of Curel moisturizers are issuing a challenge for the second year in a row to Canadians: to photograph yourself making a snow angel and upload it to http://www.curel.ca/. For every photo uploaded, Curel will donate one dollar to the Starlight Children's Foundation. My niece Rachel Mangos (left) is a Starlight wish child. The day before her 4th birthday (nearly four years ago, but I

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-24190686964324849492010-01-03T11:29:00.002-05:002010-01-03T11:34:35.291-05:00

There are thingswe need to let goespecially nowthat snow is falling gentlythen melting.See? It is sayingthat's what happenswhen you look the other way.There are thingswe promise ourselvesour tired, forgotten-how-to-sit-still selvesa trip to a foreign citywhere sitting is exactly whatthey do bestat cafés in squaresthe young and oldweary of the wind picking upspiking coffee with brandy.There are

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-2210018142299561532009-12-30T11:27:00.004-05:002009-12-30T11:39:11.776-05:00

You have to go check this out. Editor-in-Chief Caroline Grant and her husband IT whiz Tony Grant have been working away diligently on updating the look and functionality of the site. The already-brilliant content now has a brilliant format to match.

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-23495239702365575152009-12-24T00:36:00.004-05:002009-12-24T10:37:55.456-05:00

Today the Bambina diligently worked on her Christmas cards, then she helped me make some brownies for sharing with the family. While waiting for the mint layer to harden (yes, these are special brownies) we chanced upon a free preview of the cable channel NickJunior. Moments later, my girl was reciting, "Buy, Buy, Buy", meaning too many commercials compared to her beloved TVO or Treehouse. I

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-79019059479054383302009-12-02T22:56:00.004-05:002010-01-03T11:36:18.750-05:00

The beautiful thingsare easy—a yes even beforeI've finished askingthe questiona small mittened handreaching for mineas we hop out of the cara flower with a yellow centreand red petalsexactly the thingshe wanted to drawa capital N, finally,the secret to writing Sall these thingswe were born to do.©2009 Maria Scala

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-25382376767249923672009-11-04T14:22:00.004-05:002009-11-04T14:44:09.193-05:00

Today's local Mirror newspaper featured a photo of a mom and her son, both of whom were in line with us last Friday at the H1N1 innoculation clinic in Scarborough. That mom, pictured here, was part of our "Group of 40", as I like to call it -- the first 40 or so adults who had lined up outside since 7 am on Friday to hold places for their kids aged 6 months to 5 years or else for other family

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-9308652237275798792009-10-28T23:25:00.006-05:002009-10-29T20:08:44.206-05:00

Last week I was so happy to receive a copy of my good friend David Derry's first short story collection. As I told David, the stories that comprise Sentimental Exorcisms (Coach House, 2009) are both familiar and new. I have known David and his talented wife the poet shannon bramer for a few years now, all three of us having met at the Banff Centre during a Wired Writing Studio session in October

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-73851857569342197062009-10-02T23:50:00.003-04:002009-10-06T23:29:18.640-04:00

The other day the sight of the garden hose coiled around itself, half buried by a pile of dry leaves (no doubt, wet now, after this day of rain) gave me pause. Summer is really over, that hose seemed to be saying. Why haven't you put me away yet? But the hanging baskets of flowers, flowers I truly babied over the past few months, are still thriving, so that whenever I look up from a sinkful of

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-23725324295068229722009-09-08T22:26:00.005-04:002009-09-08T22:36:28.328-04:00

We gave ourselves ten minutes to get there. She hung her backpack on a hook, and I helped her change into her indoor sandals. Then we walked quietly towards the small group of children sitting on the floor. I gave her a hug and a kiss and left. Through the half-open window I saw her sitting just the way I'd left her. If this sounds surreal, dream-like, that's because it was. First Day of

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-66689777878565410292009-09-06T00:32:00.006-04:002009-09-06T00:46:30.537-04:00

There were many animal friends the Bambina caught up with today at the Toronto Zoo, but she finally met this cool guy:It was a hot day to be trekking through the Arctic Tundra, but it's all in the name of squeezing that last bit of fun out of summer before reality hits next week!

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-29972260188825116952009-08-21T23:48:00.005-04:002009-08-24T00:39:20.704-04:00

Mélanie Watt's witty and engaging Scaredy Squirrel (Kids Can Press) first hit the scene in 2006, and has since garnered awards, critical acclaim, and along with international publication, will soon be made into an animated television series. But Scaredy has only just recently won the heart of the Bambina (to be fair, the age range for the books is 4 to 8). I adore Scaredy too. He came at a

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-40002912166140480832009-08-09T12:51:00.003-04:002009-08-09T13:13:30.043-04:00

I'm so pleased to announce the debut of Cassie Premo Steele's interactive column Birthing the Mother Writer over at Literary Mama. As Cassie writes in her introduction, this column "explores aspects of becoming both a mother and a writer and provides opportunities for readers to write their own responses -- and then receive feedback from me -- in order to develop and deepen their own writing."

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-46418918091630749492009-08-08T16:42:00.005-04:002009-08-09T12:50:38.578-04:00

A few weeks back when Jessica Berger Gross' enLIGHTened: How I Lost 40 Pounds with a Yoga Mat, Fresh Pineapples, and a Beagle Pointer (Skyhorse, 2009) hit Canadian shelves I snapped up one of two copies from my local Indigo faster than you can say Downward Facing Dog. I'll admit I came to this book a little biased. I've been editing Jessica's Mama's Boy column for Literary Mama for the past year,

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-15313434668303807632009-07-22T11:53:00.003-04:002009-07-22T12:31:55.839-04:00

Every year, around this time, I go into a bit of a cleaning/sorting frenzy (hmm, could this coincide with the upcoming family get-together we host in honour of a certain bambina's b'day?) First I make a list. Then I go shopping, for one needs to contain the mess, with what, containers and storage boxes (more stuff!) It all goes swimmingly at first. I feel proud and in control. A place for

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-670586739456163032009-07-06T01:19:00.009-04:002009-07-06T01:49:22.912-04:00

Twenty-five floors up, no doubt where we were: (Newish?) Bridge near Ottawa U Temporary lull in pedestrian/bike/dog traffic. Like algae off a duck's feet. A moment of wandering...

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-10157561442563442132009-07-01T11:21:00.003-04:002009-07-01T11:30:32.410-04:00

We'll hold our noses from the stench,say nothing about the paradethat's not taking place,'cause that's what we're taught to dohere in the true North.Strong and free.

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-58958061299301474562009-05-19T01:25:00.006-04:002009-05-19T01:33:34.309-04:00

Birkdale Ravine with my two favourite people.

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-75521064418684556242009-05-10T18:02:00.008-04:002009-05-10T23:30:14.345-04:00

I told my friend Miss Mo Rose to expect each Mother's Day to get better with each passing year, and this one was no exception. Yesterday, as I arrived home from grocery shopping, hubby said, "Oh good, you're back. Next time leave the car with the car seat, ok?" I felt guilty, not realizing that maybe someone might need to sneak away on a secret Mother's Day buying mission. The Bambina piped up,

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-5759046566308789272009-04-30T22:56:00.004-04:002009-04-30T23:26:04.643-04:00

So I just tallied up my total for April. I thought I was doing alright, but it turns out I wrote 26 instead of 30 poems this month. Last year, my first year doing this exercise, I was more green, more vigilant, and I met the quota.Using the word "tally" and "quota" when referring to the artsy act of crafting poems (I'm only mocking myself, folks, no one else) seems like a contradiction. There's

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-48523219779361858962009-04-30T00:44:00.003-04:002009-04-30T00:52:05.763-04:00

write poems at 12:30 in the morninglet my hair grow long like this againtolerate another cold cold winterdrink non-fluoridated waterwash another sippy cup lidhave another temper tantrumkeep up the charadedrive a car for more than half an hourtake the bus to Ottawastop Googling certain peoplepersist with this blog.Thanks to Carolee at readwritepoem for the inspiration. (And yeah, I'll persist.)

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-75372270102924823722009-04-22T23:56:00.005-04:002009-04-23T22:52:34.117-04:00

Jill of readwritepoem has suggested pulling five favourite poetry books off the shelf, using five random lines from them, then putting it all together into one poem. Here's mine:At 5 a.m. the sound of bare feet upstairs.I spoke in the darkness but wasn't frightened:Give me back my fingerprints.She didn't believe the wordswhen she first heard them, that blue bodilesssound entering her ear.I hurry

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-80097962417546623292009-04-15T23:15:00.003-04:002009-04-15T23:32:15.378-04:00

Today's readwritepoem prompt is about creating a "list" poem related to what you avoid. Here's mine:avoidancesnumber 17*bank teller25th email in my inboxconfessionalsize 2 tan capri pants circa 2001haircutginhealth clubreunionshighway drivingfacebook.Christine, who came up with the prompt, writes that most people avoid doing what they most need. I'm not sure I really need the gin or the facebook

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-40389423256073471232009-04-10T23:17:00.005-04:002009-04-10T23:36:41.336-04:00

I like today's NaPoWriMo prompt over at readwritepoem -- they are challenging poets to write a found poem: The basic strategy is to find a passage of prose, keep it exactly like you find it, but change the line breaks strategically to call emphasis to the aspects of the passage you find poetic.So here's my "found poem":Georgia O'Keeffe, from the 30th FloorI know it’s unusual for an artistto want

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-22588597833971554172009-04-01T11:12:00.003-04:002009-04-01T11:49:32.774-04:00

Like last year, I'll be writing a poem a day for NaPoWriMo, and posting selections here on this blog.A few related links:readwritepoemThe League of Canadian Poets National Poetry Month Blog 2009Julie Wilson's 30 in 30Academy of American PoetsPoets & Writers' Poetry Challenge

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-58160784916441083332009-03-30T16:30:00.007-04:002010-01-03T11:39:44.809-05:00

Three Little GirlsThe eldest, at seven,walked the middle one,who was four,back and forthfrom kindergarten.I hung on to my mother's legwaved bye byewondered what to do.Mom tried singingand skipping down the aislepast the dusty Zenith colour TVsbut I got tired like thatreaching for her warm hand.In her arms, the baby again,I listened for the bellthat meant Daddyand time to go home.School done, the

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-1215484484261025122009-03-10T22:09:00.003-04:002009-03-11T15:37:18.711-04:00

No one says "soda pop" in these parts, but I liked the sound of it for a title.Today the after-school crowd (10-ish, I'm guessing) took over one of the tiny kids' tables at the library and then proceeded to devour an entire bag of Doritos (the kind my mom refers to as "stinky feet chips".) Then came the snap of cans opening. Then the belching (this from the girls.) The Bambina didn't even look up

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-54357947282642469012009-03-06T23:42:00.004-05:002009-03-06T23:55:26.276-05:00

It's fourteen degrees outside, all the neighbours are out and smiling and so are you. Someone is even barbecuing.You get a thank-you note for work you busted your ass to complete on time.Your daughter tells you she wants to be an editor so she can stay home with her kid one day.That same daughter wants to read six to ten stories every night, even the one called Franklin and the Babysitter.More

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-19867313261795692592009-03-02T16:49:00.005-05:002009-03-03T16:58:15.226-05:00

Clearly, from my last post, I was 'having a moment'. I have been a fan of Depeche Mode since their 1987 hit Music for the Masses. My Kris Kringle at the time gave me the cassette, along with, of course, a little bit of heartache. No matter, that's just an aside. What remains, what always remains, is the music.I don't play anything as angsty or heavy for the Bambina. Her favourite car-ride anthem

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-72614487697904635082009-02-28T00:07:00.002-05:002009-02-28T11:55:26.328-05:00

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-49986094671576440252009-02-20T23:32:00.004-05:002009-02-21T10:38:14.767-05:00

Some of my favourite moments from the American president's day trip to Ottawa:Governor General Michaelle Jean and President Barack Obama genuinely hitting it off as they walked along the airport tarmac.The crowds of hardy and giddy Ottawa folk on Parliament Hill.Obama suggesting to Prime Minister Harper that they both turn around to wave.That impromptu (or was it?) visit to my old stomping

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-1325457260051224152009-02-18T22:52:00.008-05:002010-01-03T11:40:19.246-05:00

It began to fall this morning. The dirty snowbanks once again pristine. The car slides along the curves knowing the way. A kid at the crosswalk with a ball of ice in his hand. Waiting for me to pass so he can hit his friend across the street. The Bambina doesn't want to go to art class. Doesn't want to leave my side. She is counting everything. Noticing patterns in the tiles, the streaky window.

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-83865930775995736312009-02-04T17:14:00.002-05:002009-02-04T17:40:36.954-05:00

Last night the Bambina pulled out two of her baby milestone books -- books I'd been given when I was pregnant with her, books that catalogued various special events and firsts. There was lots of missing information, so I got her to answer questions like "Favourite Foods", "Favourite Toys", "Favourite Songs", "Best Friends". I wonder if anyone's ever thought of coming up with a "Milestones for

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-43631809949689735542009-01-28T16:45:00.005-05:002010-01-03T11:41:07.754-05:00

A neighbour offers to helppush up that last bit—he is one of those strong, thin menwho never seems to age past fortyshovelling everyone's drivewayand sidewalkwearing the right kind of bootsusing the best type of snowbloweran endless supply of gasolinein the bed of his pickup truck.But no hat on his head,his jacket hanging on a bushand cheeks redder than apples.©2009 Maria Scala

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-58286905869713711162009-01-20T17:02:00.007-05:002009-01-20T17:23:11.314-05:00

The Bambina and I watched the Inauguration of Barack Obama today on CNN. She kept asking, "Why are all those people so happy?" and "Why are they clapping so much?" and "Why did they write that song for him?" I'm reminded of that famous line from Philadelphia, "Explain this to me like I'm a four-year-old." So here's what I said, "Because all those people chose this man to lead their nation.

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-38854933441244534322009-01-12T11:21:00.014-05:002009-01-12T16:24:24.234-05:00

Another year has flown by for this blog! Here are some milestones:Total number of posts: 122Most popular post: Why Poetry MattersMost commented upon post: Happy Mother's Day 2008 Most frequent commenter: CarolineMost common Google search that has led readers here: "The Best Books Ever Written"Number of times I've written about The Bambina: 28Number of times food has been mentioned: 21Number of

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-31202614432276316342009-01-04T23:34:00.006-05:002010-01-03T11:41:48.388-05:00

We lean across the tableholding handsin a packed restaurantwhere the belly dancers are shy.No sense in lingering like thisover sweet mint teauntil 2009.Midnight, we reach the house,seal ourselves inwith a kissby the front door. ©2009 Maria Scala

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-33267875997101602172008-12-30T22:41:00.004-05:002008-12-30T23:32:05.261-05:00

Yesterday I was heartbroken to hear the news from my friend Ericka Lutz that her husband Bill Sonnenschein had passed away suddenly while in Madagascar. I've been working with Ericka on her Red Diaper Dharma column for quite some time now, and, like so many Literary Mama readers, I always look forward to the next exciting installment. Her most recent piece, "Holding", described so beautifully how

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-48621089873286078572008-12-25T23:13:00.007-05:002008-12-26T12:19:25.793-05:00

This time of year I alway think back to Christmases spent at the house on August Avenue, at the home of my maternal grandparents. A house with so many levels and so many nooks and crannies to explore. Like many Italians we celebrated (and still do) on Christmas Eve (something the Bambina has taken to calling Christmas Eid -- I cannot correct her, it's that cute.) After a ginormous meal, the kids

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-20081908947098083892008-12-14T02:06:00.006-05:002008-12-14T02:39:16.456-05:00

This past Tuesday I took part in the Toronto launch of my friend Michelle Alfano’s novella Made Up of Arias (Blaurock Press, 2008).The venue was elegant and chic – the upper lounge of the Globe Bistro in the heart of Greektown. I got there a bit early and met Michelle for the first time face to face after so many months of emailing and posting comments on each other’s blogs. She immediately said

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-68473279429153192972008-12-11T16:52:00.003-05:002008-12-11T17:07:06.866-05:00

I don't have too many of these moments in my life. I avoid confrontation. I usually dream up the winning comeback hours after an ugly encounter. But today, with the buffer of email, I pretty much told a potential client, "It's not me. It's you."I listened to my gut, and I listened to my body. The headache I had all morning was not from a lingering cold that's being passed around the family, and

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-66394328396361097572008-12-06T22:26:00.006-05:002008-12-06T23:22:21.263-05:00

Years ago, as a first-year Journalism student at Carleton University, I wrote an essay on the Montreal Massacre of 1989. I wish I could find that paper right now to gain some insight into how I'd interpreted the horrific event. I wonder now about what could have been for the fourteen murdered engineering students -- all of them women -- especially the work they could be doing and the children

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-84038387619013944112008-12-01T00:31:00.006-05:002008-12-01T01:19:07.054-05:00

I just finished reading Junot Díaz’s The Brief Wondrous Life Of Oscar Wao. As I held the book closed in my hands for a few mystified moments, the meaning behind that red spatter across the front-cover type truly sunk in. From all I'd read and heard about it, I was prepared for a sad story about a wonderful guy, a guy I would actually miss. Even so, I still held on until the final pages for that

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-57259231462630197662008-11-26T23:37:00.001-05:002010-01-03T11:52:33.883-05:00

White Hatwaiting for thelight to changewet snow fallsthe drivers willturn left soonshe’ll have to hurrydoesn’t havethe right shoesfor this weathermaybe a husbandwho doesn’t say muchsits at homewondering about dinneror met only by her reflectionin the hall mirrorpulls off that hatroses in her cheeksclimbs the stairsto run a bath.©2008 Maria Scala

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-43234524881205897652008-11-22T11:22:00.006-05:002008-11-22T11:48:14.097-05:00

Can't Put Down:The Brief Wondrous Life Of Oscar Wao by Junot DíazCan't Forget:The Bambina telling her father she can make her own bed because she's a professional.Can't Finish Writing:Something foolishly called "Canadian Poem" that features a drive-thru Tim Hortons, a hockey stick, café au lait, bagels, the Rockie Mountains, a snooty Venetian, and a cathartic walk along the Seine.Can't Fathom:

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-34777581576177511972008-11-12T22:32:00.004-05:002008-11-12T22:41:27.474-05:00

Literary Mama is turning 5 and we need a fresh look! We're soliciting designs for a new logo that includes our name and tagline -- Literary Mama: Reading for the Maternally Inclined -- plus, optionally, an image that captures the spirit of the site. The winning entry will become the property of Literary Mama, to be used on our site, and on any and all Literary Mama gear. We'll give the winning

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-30979329033672894622008-11-11T23:12:00.007-05:002008-11-12T00:16:56.199-05:00

Congratulations to Joseph Boyden for winning one of the richest literary prizes in Canada for his novel Through Black Spruce (Penguin Canada). I was hooked on this book from the first paragraph. Boyden reels us in with the voice, first of all. Then there are those deceptively simple allusions to the culture clash that frames the entire story:When there was no Pepsi left for my rye whisky, nieces,

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-85036903203229562962008-11-05T12:56:00.003-05:002008-11-05T19:50:12.117-05:00

Last night we stayed up watching Peter Mansbridge's coverage of the American election on CBC. Rex Murphy spent some time going through emails from Canadians reacting to Barack Obama's historic win. Many expressed disappointment in not feeling the same kind of excitement here in Canada for our own political candidates. That's exactly how I've been feeling all along. I have friends from the States

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-38631711081582960362008-10-15T00:33:00.007-04:002008-10-15T12:53:34.997-04:00

Last post was about being Thankful, and I'm glad we've had some time since then to digest our turkey. Mr. The-Arts-Don't-Matter-to-Ordinary-Canadians-Harper is back. Now I don't like to mess around too much with politics, but at least, here in our little east-end hood, the liberal incumbent won. Earlier tonight, as I cast my vote in the grade school gym, I wasn't exactly optimistic about the

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-40758407267782273542008-10-13T23:10:00.003-04:002008-10-13T23:20:41.892-04:00

25-degree weathervibrant autumn leaveswaffles with strawberriesleftover homemade apple pieword-of-mouth referralsand a child who took a nap and still went to bed relatively earlyso we could have some adult conversation.

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-9444348842211063352008-10-08T20:31:00.008-04:002008-10-08T23:01:42.405-04:00

Art Teacher: Today we're going to learn about warm colours and cool colours. Can you tell me how the colour blue makes you feel?"Five-year-old boy (in low voice): Good.Art Teacher: Cold! That's great.Five-year-old: (exchanging secret look with me, as if to say): Should I just go with this?Me (raising eyebrow, as if to say): Sure, make her happy.I wasn't actually supposed to be there today for

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-77970005948518233172008-10-06T21:27:00.003-04:002008-10-06T21:39:10.851-04:00

August Avenue is this month's featured book blog on the Coteau Books website. Thank you so much for the nod! Be sure to visit Coteau's beautiful site, all done up in funky blue, and featuring some outstanding Canadian titles.

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-34469225808680225912008-10-05T12:16:00.007-04:002008-10-05T12:58:34.690-04:00

A good friend -- I'll call her Professor Supermom -- gave the Bambina this beautiful book during our recent visit to Ottawa. It's become a beloved staple for bedtime reading.Written and illustrated by Jan Brett, Annie and the Wild Animals is about a little girl who loses her cat Taffy and then tries to replace her with another soft, friendly pet. Every day she leaves out corn cakes in the snow "

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-23728837277662866902008-09-29T14:37:00.003-04:002008-09-29T15:01:09.387-04:00

I do not know which to prefer, The beauty of inflections Or the beauty of innuendoes, The blackbird whistling Or just after. --from"Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird" by Wallace Stevens

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-31368904614242720152008-09-21T00:39:00.003-04:002008-09-21T01:02:00.661-04:00

On a Certain Incredible DayYou came to usand so we listenedwe followed.Words don't come easyharder still – song.But this is whatyou were born doingthe same way one knowsto catchwhen a ballis thrown your wayor to close your eyeswhen it's time to sleep.On a certain incredible nightwe hum some borrowed notesbecause ours are so flat.Never mind, you say,and gather us safely in.

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-58553244760018366112008-09-16T01:05:00.005-04:002008-09-16T01:51:22.541-04:00

There's a story my eldest sister likes to repeat about how my other sister and I, on the first day of summer vacation, always played school. Never mind running through the sprinkler, riding our bikes, climbing a tree, or, as in the case of biggest sister, the TV antenna. It was all about the books, the writing, and the Easy Bake Oven cakes my sister would have ready just in time for recess. Being

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-22863831152156672772008-09-07T19:09:00.003-04:002008-09-07T19:17:28.966-04:00

Literary Mama columns editor, poet and essayist Nicole Stellon O'Donnell has written a brilliant piece this week called The Sarah Myth:... She's the handbag and red lipstick the McCain campaign slapped on in their cynical attempt at drag. At first I felt sorry for her. It must be frustrating to be toted around on the right's ideological elbow. It must be painful to be rifled through and x-rayed

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-34054258877708219912008-09-01T12:13:00.006-04:002008-09-21T01:03:41.315-04:00

This weekend we celebrated fifty years of marriage for our parents. Along with a very touching ceremony in which they renewed their vows, there was a party that could well have been a wedding. There was the multi-course meal, and of course, the cake made by sister C (that's just the top of it pictured to the left.) The nephews read a poem and a speech ("You mean the world to me, Nonno and Nonna,

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-63618030480798494782008-08-28T00:02:00.006-04:002008-08-28T01:03:04.855-04:00

In our continuing quest to squeeze out as many day trips as possible out of summer, today we headed to The Toronto Zoo. It was a late start, but we still got to see all the important animals, ahem, those that live on the African Savanna, that is. Thankfully, the weather was cool enough that the giraffes, elephants, lions, and tigers were out and about, and not just lolling around in the dirt/sand

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-87056993910358566482008-08-25T10:27:00.005-04:002008-08-25T12:24:45.076-04:00

Since the big trip to Florida earlier this summer, we've been sticking close to home, picnicking on Centre Island, in Sunnybrook Park and in Edwards Gardens, and making great use of our bikes. Yesterday, after slathering on the OFF (these towelettes are very good and don't stink) we had a family bike ride at Tommy Thompson Park. There were lots of stops along the way as Daddy and I took turns

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-45020298869000149482008-08-11T23:27:00.004-04:002008-08-12T00:03:01.561-04:00

Four jobs I have had in my life:1. Counter Help/Cake Decorator at various bakeries2. Movie Extra (playing the trumpet)3. Marketing Assistant4. Reader for the BlindFour movies I've watched more than once:1. Sixteen Candles2. The Talented Mr. Ripley3. Shawshank Redemption4. Tie Me Up, Tie Me DownFour places I have lived:1. Scarborough2. Ottawa3. Vancouver4. My Imaginary Swiss VillaFour T.V. Shows

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-90092940931664486752008-08-10T22:45:00.006-04:002008-08-10T23:49:39.485-04:00

My brother gave us a priceless piece of advice shortly after we became parents. Use that camcorder. We had enough people telling us the best way to feed the baby, burp the baby, change the baby, get the baby to sleep, and still survive as a couple, blah blah blah, so this practical and specific tidbit was very much heeded.Yesterday, as the rain persisted, The Bambina and I watched all the video

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-24104308024730381712008-08-05T23:12:00.007-04:002008-08-28T11:41:40.962-04:00

The mums by the front step are fading, but they survived today's downpour -- just one of many storms this summer in this part of the world. As my weekly Bliss Notes reminds me, fall is just around the corner, and I'm looking forward to the next contract, the next literary project, the next set of self-imposed deadlines. I'm also trying to spend less time reading from a screen.Restless, the most

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-23171208144179121912008-07-25T15:42:00.002-04:002008-07-25T15:48:47.754-04:00

Evan David Kamida July 30, 2000 - July 24, 2008 All of us at Literary Mama are stunned and saddened to learn of the death of columnist Vicki Forman's son, Evan. Please read more here, where you can leave a note for Vicki and her family.It was an honour to work with Vicki for a brief time on her Special Needs Mama column. Then, and especially now, she astounds me with her strength and courage.Much

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-51456077886408861422008-07-17T00:18:00.004-04:002008-07-17T00:45:43.624-04:00

I'm really surprised by this. I wanted so badly to be an em dash. And why does that comma look like that? Oh well, I guess I'll suck this up and go inspire some people.You Are a CommaYou are open minded and extremely optimistic.You enjoy almost all facets of life. You can find the good in almost anything.You keep yourself busy with tons of friends, activities, and interests.You find it hard to

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-33244042037058852842008-07-13T23:45:00.009-04:002010-01-03T11:55:19.744-05:00

GrassEvery Monday she comesto mow the grass—Baggy grey t-shirtskinny black jeanshigh top sneakers—without fail.Once a monthrings the doorbellhands me the bill—Stringy hairToo-long-bangs.Do you need some water?She points to the truck,her unsmiling husband,No we brought our own.I asked her a while agoif she was a Maritimer(at the time I'd been listeningto Agnes Walsh's audio book)and she smiled so

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-88516121857693979852008-07-01T23:35:00.009-04:002008-07-02T00:21:08.268-04:00

I wish I had 141 reasons, in honour of 141 years of this great nation, but who has time for that? Here are my top five: 1. The weather was amazing. No clouds, just sun sun sun.2. The Bambina ate all her breakfast and lunch before we headed to Thomson Park for the day's fun. This meant no meltdowns and no constant requests for a snack, a better snack, on the way there. 3. There was an icecream

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-60757686178591431672008-06-25T11:13:00.002-04:002008-06-25T11:17:01.578-04:00

Another review of my poetry chapbook! Thank you! Read it here.

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-41715467077702454822008-06-24T22:04:00.002-04:002008-06-24T22:22:43.121-04:00

Caroline Grant, a Senior Editor for Literary Mama and co-editor with Elrena Evans of Mama PhD: Women Write About Motherhood and Academic Life has posted a review of my poetry chapbook Between O and V. Here's a snippet: "Reading these poems felt rather like sitting down with a beautiful bowl of ripe cherries, not wanting to stop consuming them till they were gone, and then sitting still, satisfied

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-25338870193663906412008-06-23T23:39:00.017-04:002008-06-24T10:29:48.161-04:00

As much as we enjoy Fort Lauderdale, this year we tried the Gulf Coast, and vacationed in the St. Petersburg area. Here's the view from our 7th floor hotel room on Treasure Island. The breeze was amazing, and the water surprisingly cool. Just follow the winding path.There was the inaugural trip to Disney for the Bambina, where she got to blow kisses and wave to all her pals during the parade. For

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-8500248611201004732008-06-15T11:31:00.004-04:002008-06-15T11:48:51.965-04:00

Hubby, who is so patient and loving with the Bambina (and who is so good at pretending to be surprised, even as she let the cat out of the bag last night.)My own dad, who has been feeding this family with his wisdom and homegrown fruits and vegetables for the longest time (the last, long before it became trendy or economically necessary!)My brother S and brother-in-law G -- you are a lot busier

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-58113107069286870382008-05-30T21:28:00.011-04:002008-06-24T22:24:05.909-04:00

My poetry chapbook Between O and V has finally arrived!Published by Ottawa-based Friday Circle, this collection features poetry inspired by family life and time spent in various cities (that's how I came up with the title.)To order a copy, contact me at mpscala(at)yahoo(dot)ca or use the handy "Buy Now" button at the top right-hand corner of this page.

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451098378368998615.post-59321550462722137892008-05-23T15:25:00.007-04:002008-05-24T12:18:39.778-04:00

rob mclennan has posted his "12 or 20 questions" interview with Ted Bishop over here (scroll down.) One of the most interesting questions on that list relates to writing routines. Here's Ted's response:"I only write in the morning, and I always begin writing with a fountain pen, because if I start on the computer I only get pond scum and mosquito eggs. After about 20 minutes my brain is up to

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419854528941166619noreply@blogger.com1