Verses after a Storm

I woke on Tuesday with a poem in my head. It was the morning after Hurricane Sandy made landfall, and I was relieved to discover that I had been spared the worst of the storm. The power was on, water was flowing, and both my partner and I were safe in our home. I know that many others were much less fortunate, and that, as I write this, too many are still lacking basic necessities. For them, returning to normal shall take longer. I am thankful for my good luck, and offer these verses from my perspective:

The Sensation of Subtle Sounds

I awake to a variety of subtle sounds:

A hammer tapping,

Tires gliding over damp streets,

While footfalls trod upon the sidewalk,

And from some nearby, though uncertain location,

Soft organ music surfaces.

Eventually, the more obtrusive voice of a leaf blower joins the mix

Along the front walk,

Another sign of moving on,

A partial return, at least, to a routine of daily life.

But most reassuring

(As it has been throughout the storm)

Is the sensation of your warm body

Wrapped tightly in my loving embrace . . . 

*      *     *

Best wishes to all . .  .

photo by creighton blinn, all rights reserved

 

The View from Saturday's Vantage



photo by creighton blinn,
all rights reserved



I woke up this morning to the sight of snow drifting past my window, which was not entirely surprising. After all, the forecast had predicted a combination of snow and rain for today. What was not expected was how much it was sticking to the rooftops stretching out before me. Later when I ventured downstairs for my daily paper, I would note that the snow did not survive along the well trod streets and sidewalks of Bay Ridge. Regardless, watching the gently falling flakes set against a grey sky was quite lovely, especially as I could enjoy the moment from the comfort of my bed. Eventually, though, I roused myself so that I might snap a few shots of the vista from my apartment.

                                          Enjoy



photo by creighton blinn, all rights reserved



photo by creighton blinn, all rights reserved



photo by creighton blinn, all rights reserved



Still, I am glad that I was invited to a Halloween party last night, instead of tonight . . .



photo by creighton blinn,
all rights reserved



Cheers

Sometimes simple is best . . .

While on Governor's Island yesterday, I stumbled upon an "electronic art festival" in the island's chapel. Thinking "what the heck" I decided that it might be worth a peek inside for a change of pace. The installation, Blue Morph, is credited to artist Victoria Vesna & scientist James Gimzewski. An investigation of nanos shifting within a Blue Morpho butterfly, the work itself within St. Cornelius is relatively sparse: soft ambient sounds, blue tinged windows and backscreen projection of light patterns which overlap masked stained glass. Cushions and seats are scattered about inviting viewers to sit and soak up the atmosphere. Simple. Yet, effective. I found the space to be a welcoming contrast to the humid external bustle of free bike rental day. Or, perhaps, I'm simply a sucker for flickering light effects . . .




photo by creighton blinn, all rights reserved





photo by creighton blinn,
all rights reserved



photo by
creighton blinn,
all rights
reserved





photo by creighton blinn,
all rights reserved

Cheers



The Twenties, on an Island

Sorry that I have been a bit silent of late, but the lazy days of summer have not been so laid back for me, which is not entirely a bad thing. For example, back in June, my nestmate and I were out on Governor's Island for their Jazz Age Lawn Party, where you camp out on the grass, savoring the period flavors of old cars, clothes and tasty St. Germain cocktails. Live music comes courtesy of Michael Arnella & His Dreamland Orchestra. There's also a dance floor, for those who are so inclined. Oh, and for the foodies(you know who you are ;)), a pie baking contest with free samples . . . All in all a good time. Each one of these events I have attended has been more populated than the previous with the most recent outing seeming especially so. (I could credit that Woody Allen film, however, it's more likely the word getting around). Governor's Island hosts two Lawn Parties each summer, and we were planning to venture out for the second installment this weekend, only the weather has not been promising so far. Tomorrow may be another day, but for now, here are three black and white images, bracketed with two shots of color, from earlier this summer:

photo by creighton blinn,
all rights reserved

photo by creighton blinn, all rights reserved

photo by creighton blinn,
all rights reserved

photo by creighton blinn,
all rights reserved

photo by creighton blinn,
all rights reserved

Best wishes for your weekend. Cheers. 

Video of Some Summer Verses



photo by creighton blinn
all rights reserved



A few weeks back, I read my poem "Day after May Day" at DDAY Productions' Summer Solstice celebration at the Yippie Cafe in Manhattan. We had a few difficulties that evening, though, as they say, the show did go on, thanks in large part to our hosts Puma Pearl and Big Mike (you can hear him for a moment when I exit the stage). As it turned out, however, this was DDAY's last event at the Yippie; the series is moving to the Bowery Poetry Club starting in August, and I know I am looking forward to the new home . . .

In addition, not only did my nestmate, TC, deliver a superb featured performance, but, she also served as model for the photo at left. Thanks, TC.

Thanks also to videographer, Joe Coppa for sticking it out with us throughout the reading. 

So, enjoy the video, and, as always, feel free to let me know what you think.    

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhL2XTi9DQ0

Cheers.

A Week Ago (out on the town)

Last Wednesday, my nest mate and I attended a reading at the Ding Dong Lounge. While located uptown, this latest installment in the Tract 187 Culture Clatch series also fell under the umbrella of the annual Underground Howl Festival. We each took a turn reciting some verse as part of the open mic, as well as hearing some good performances given by others. In addition, I had my camera with me that night and was able to snap some photos. I was taking both black & white and color that evening, though the former seem to have come out better on a whole. Here's a sample:



photo by Creighton Blinn, all rights reserved




photo by Creighton Blinn, all rights reserved

 And, naturally, what evening would be complete without a little . . .



photo by Creighton Blinn,
all rights reserved























Cheers all.

views from Bay Ridge (before the apocalypse)

I woke up Monday morning to a foggy sky, which was quite striking.  Thus, before I had to rush out to work, I decided to snap a few photos.  As a sign of simply how hectic this past week has been, I am only now getting around to selecting a couple good ones for sharing.  That said, it has been pretty grey and overcast all week here in New York, so the atmosphere still matches the pictures. . .   



photo by creighton blinn, all rights reserved

                 

photo by creighton blinn, all rights reserved

  . . . any blending with any potential Doomsday occurring (or not) on Saturday (though hopefully not until after teatime) is purely coincidental. Unless, of course, you believe the whole thing's a scam, in which case . . . so it goes.

As for me, I plan to be around to post some more after the weekend. 

Cheers.