Writing Conference: For writers who are having a hard time finding the words to express the last few years, Oregon Poetry Association (OPA) is having an event that will slam through writer’s block for all genres. On Saturday, October 8, writers have the opportunity to virtually attend the OPA annual conference with the theme “Poetry in Troubled Times” – although we all know that writers are never limited to just poetry.
The keynote speaker this year is Dr. Jessica Mehta, an Aniyunwiya or citizen of the Cherokee Nation, who is a poet, artist, and Fulbright Scholar based in Bengalura, India. Mehta is the creator of a form of poem called an “antipode” which is a poem that makes sense word by word either forward or backwards.
An example from Mehta’s website:
Prisons ruined the lies inside
in antipode: Inside lies the ruined prisons.
Conference admission is $55. Find out how to register here.
And, who knows, you might even write something Midway Theatre sign worthy.
New Sedaris Book Alert: Take the trip on over to 227 SW 2nd St. where Grass Roots Books has been bringing in some exceptional new books this last week. Among them is the latest from David Sedaris titled “A Carnival of Snakery: Diaries (2003-2020).” Sedaris is known worldwide for his comedic timing and intelligence. Read about two men fighting on a bus, two men fighting on a street, and how “not too long ago, Donald Trump was just a harmless laughingstock” on French television. Be the first on your block to know Sedaris’s wit and wise-crackery.
It’s Getting Halloween-y at the Whiteside: The Whiteside Theater is getting the show on for the Halloween month.
It begins with Practical Magic – a practically perfect movie with Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman – playing on Wednesday, October 12. Bullock has her perfect love match with Aiden Quinn while Dianne Wiest and Stockard Channing are their beautifully quirky selves. Tickets are $5 and the movie starts at 7:00 p.m.
Incidentally, the book by the same name – written by Alice Hoffman – is incredibly well written and highly recommended. If you like the movie, you will love the book and its sequel – I certainly do.
Then there’s The Rocky Horror Picture Show on Friday, October 14, at 8:00 p.m. – doors at 7:00. Come on down to let the sweet transvestite from Transexual, Transylvania sing their way into your heart… or bed… we don’t judge. Just take a jump to the left, then a step to the right, put your hands on your mouse, and buy your ticket early for a five-dollar discount – that’s $15 for pre-sale, $20 at the door – and your ticket price includes props! (What more could you ask for than a movie and some rice to throw?)
Don’t Miss Art Exhibit: The Arts Center, located at 700 SW Madison Ave., has an exhibit that is poignant and breathtaking called “Through a Veteran’s Lens.”
This collection of photographs taken by American war veterans depicts the truth about how soldiers become family to one another as they deal with the rigor and difficulty of battlefield situations. There is a level of beauty in some of these photos that will pull you in and a sadness to some that will break your heart. Truly a special collection of stories told through camera lenses.
This exhibit runs through November 12, with a reception on Thursday, October 20 and an Art for Lunch panel discussion on November 3. Find out more here.
A Day For Mental Health: October 10 is World Mental Health Day, and Oregon State University is there to help you reconnect with nature and improve your outlook.
Walk through the Valley Library lawn, located at 201 SW Waldo Place, between October 10-13, and you can explore the “100 Reasons” exhibit. This exhibit was created to offer everyone a reminder of the beautiful things life has to offer, and how those things have meaning to each individual. It’s been a hard few years for everyone, so take some time to look for your reasons why.
By Sally K Lehman
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