godspeed, Lucia
11/16/2004 @ 3:30 am Comments (17)proud and thankful as I am to hold my newborn daughter to my chest and listen to her murmur and breathe, my heart is heavy today.. I learned this morning that Lucia Berlin died early last Saturday, just a few hours before Emerson Jane arrived on the planet. Lucia was the most saintly person I’ve ever met, one of my favorite professors, a loyal friend, and a brilliant and heartbreaking short story writer.. the author of such collections as Homesick and where I live now, among others.. all published by Black Sparrow Press, the house of Bukowski. she had a beautiful voice and the most stunning blue eyes you ever saw, eyes that could cut through glass as easily as they could warm a room. Lucia taught me a lot about storytelling and she taught me to look for the humor that comes with despair, and she taught me a few things about compassion and faith and courage. Lucia was very ill and in great pain for most of the years I knew her, though she tried as best she could to be fearless about it. one of my favorite things was dropping by her house early on a sunday morning to drink a cup of her strong coffee and talk about books.. she loved raymond chandler and Cormac McCarthy.. she always stole a cigarette from me, and she always blushed when she did so. Lucia was like a second mother to me when I was far from home and I would have thrown myself in front of a car for her. I have no doubt that she and little Emerson passed each other coming and going in the dark hours Saturday, that Lucia blew my girl a kiss and watched over her between worlds. so please, light a candle for Lucia Berlin and ask the gods to look out for her and if ever you get a chance, read one of her stories. you won’t be sorry.
I will fear no evil, for thou art with me.
-wcb
Emerson Jane Baer
11/13/2004 @ 8:30 pm Comments (28)November 13, 2004. O Happy day
Emerson Jane Baer entered the world this afternoon at a healthy, happy six pounds, 14 ounces, 20 inches!
Penelope is doing great and recovering nicely. Everything is on “cruise control” according to Craig’s message which I guess means everyone is cosy and comfortable and busy getting aquainted.
So be sure to post your congrats to the weary parents and a big welcome to little Emerson who can’t yet begin to imagine all the fun she’s going to have. I’ll vouch for it and throw in some Cat Sytevens lyrics:
I’m glad I’m alive am I
I’m glad I’m alive am I
I’m glad I’m alive
I’m glad I’m alive
I’m glad I’m alive am I
-Mirka
act two
11/7/2004 @ 3:32 pm Comments (7)Mirka here, posting to let you know that blood porn, act two posted this morning. Chris and family are still hunkered down awaiting the new arrival so Dennis or I will be filling in to keep you updated.
Enjoy act two, and be sure to keep the discussions lively over at our own special corner of the internet, the velvet.
Talk to you soon,
-Mirka