Sunday, December 8, 2013

Video and Poem from the Redmond Lights - The Erratic Dedication

In case you missed it last night, here's a little video of me reading the poems I wrote for the dedication of the Erratic as part of the Redmond Lights celebration. It was surprisingly crowded, especially since it was about 16 degrees outside, and everyone was very warm-hearted.
http://youtu.be/hSOJH72hIB0
And here is the text of the three poems. There's a QR code at the site of the sculpture where you can find out more information about The Erratic piece and how it was created by John Fleming for the city of Redmond.

The Erratic Suite
By Jeannine Hall Gailey

After the Redmond installation by John Fleming

Part I.

Build a glacier out of fragments of our past,

fragments of steel, fishplates, spikes

from a railroad forgotten, dismantled.

A brittle mountain cracked in the center,

reveals a heart of glass and light.

Between the metal sheets,

allow space for flowering,

allow for luminescence.

 

Part II.

The geode is code for something secret

in the heart of a mountain.

Here, crack the code, touch the fragile center.

Move your fingers over the surface, like water,

and it moves with you, reflects your own body’s motion,

the motion of water and rock wearing the earth’s history.

Does this inner face also reflect your future,

its bright sunless glow?

Part III

Crack the mountain -

listen to the rush of trains.

Between flowers, light.


Saturday, December 7, 2013

Poetry Tonight at Redmond Lights!

Happy holidays everyone! Tonight is Redmond's "Redmond Lights" celebration, and as part of it, I'll be reading poems as a Poet Laureate Emeritus for the dedication of the art piece called "The Erratic!" The dedication and reading start at 6:30, and I believe it's outdoors, so bundle up!
Here's the entire schedule for today and tonight's Redmond Lights events:
http://www.redmondlights.com/events/

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Reception for new Redmond Poet Laureate, Michael Dylan Welch

Welcome Redmond's new third Poet Laureate, Michael Dylan Welch, at a reception on October 30 at the Redmond Library. Read more about it here:

http://www.redmond.gov/cms/one.aspx?portalId=169&pageId=6983

Monday, September 16, 2013

So Long and Thanks for all the Fish! The End of my Tenure as Poet Laureate and my Last Redmond Reading

Yes, I thought it was appropriate, coming at the end of my tenure as Poet Laureate, to leave you with a quote from "The Hitchhiker Guide to the Galaxy," since the theme of my work here was "geeks for poety, poetry for geeks." I had a great time and have been honored to work with the Redmond community. (PS: You can read an essay account of my first year as Poet Laureate in the new Poet's Market 2014, which just came out.) I think the highlights of the last year and a half include working with local artists at VALA, working with teens and the chance to talk poetry with our mayor!

I'll still be Poet Laureate through the end of September, and I'll be reading as part of the Jack Straw Reading for RASP at the Old Redmond Schoolhouse on September 27 at 7 PM (along with fellow Jack Straw writers Chelsea Werner-Jatzke and Daemond Arrindell) so come out and see us! It seems like a nice way to end my time as Poet Laureate of Redmond. And don't worry - I'll still be around...performing at VALA as part of ArtsCrush with Kelly Davio and artist Michaela Eaves on October 9 from 6-9 PM (Poetry and Visual Art just seem to go together, don't they?) and speaking at Geek Girl Con (Oct 19-20, downtown Seattle) on some of my work in Redmond.

The announcement of the next Poet Laureate of Redmond is coming soon. Watch this space!

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Teen Workshop with Karen Finneyfrock at Old Schoolhouse September 7 at 2 PM

This is the workshop that was rescheduled from the August date. It is now on for Saturday, September 7th at 2 PM at the Old Schoolhouse.

The poetry workshop designed for teens is hosted by Redmond Poet Laureate, Jeannine Hall Gailey, and will be facilitated by the Hugo House’s Karen Finneyfrock. Finneyfrock is author of the YA novel The Sweet Revenge of Celia Door.
Using prose from Daniel Handler, Why We Broke Up, and poetry from Shanny Jean Maney, I Love Science, for inspiration, we will write list poems, poem tweets and poems about the universe or other geek-y subjects. There will be time for both writing and sharing. No experience in poetry writing necessary. 
Partners include the Richard Hugo House and WA State Arts Commission.

www.redmond.gov/poetlaureate  (425)556-2316

Sunday, August 4, 2013

Where in the World is your Redmond Poet Laureate, August Edition

If you want to catch me in action reading in August, here's where I'll be:

August 5: Reading in Auburn, Washington at the Station Bistro at 7 PM with fellow Redmond poet Dawn-Marie Oliver. Read all about it here: http://www.auburn-reporter.com/community/217414661.html

August 15: Reading with Kelly Davio at Ladies Night at The Grape Choice wine bar in Kirkland, Washington, 7 PM.

August 26: Annie's Blooms in Portland, Oregon with Kelly Davio, 7 PM: http://www.annieblooms.com/event/kelly-davio-jeannine-hall-gailey-poetry-reading

Stay tuned for information on when we're rescheduling our teen workshop with Karen Finneyfrock, hopefully for the first week in September!

Friday, August 2, 2013

Redmond Reporter Write Up

A very nice article in this week's Redmond Reporter talks about my participation in "Like One" anthology for the One Fund, a charity dedicated to the Boston Bombing Victims:
"Redmond's poet laureate helps offer hope for victims of Boston bombings"
http://www.redmond-reporter.com/news/217822101.html

Pick yourself up a copy here: http://www.amazon.com/Like-One-Poems-For-Boston/dp/0989686906/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375456329&sr=8-1&keywords=Like+One%3A+Poems+For+Boston
It's for a good cause!

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Teen Workshop Today Cancelled - to be Rescheduled for September

So sorry to announce this, but we had to cancel the Karen Finneyfrock teen workshop at the Redmond Schoolhouse today due to lack of RSVPs (perhaps too much sunshine?)
We are currently working on another date and time, probably in early September. Stay tuned!
Thank you!

Saturday, July 6, 2013

Derby Days Poetry Reading and Workshop for Teens with Hugo House's Karen Finneyfrock

In case you were hoping for a poetry fix with your Derby Days celebration plans, I'll be reading on the main stage (opening for band Recess Monkeys) from roughly 3:00-3:15. Blink and you'll miss me!

And, a joint venture with Hugo House - a Teen Poetry Workshop with Karen Finneyfrock:

Geeking Out: Teen Poetry Workshop with Karen Finneyfrock
July 24, 2013, 6:30 PM

Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center
16600 NE 80th St Redmond, WA 98052
Come geek out with us on poetry!  The poetry workshop designed for teens is hosted by Redmond Poet Laureate, Jeannine Hall Gailey, and will be facilitated by the Hugo House’s Karen Finneyfrock. Finneyfrock is author of the YA novel The Sweet Revenge of Celia Door.

Using prose from Daniel Handler, Why We Broke Up, and poetry from Shanny Jean Maney, I Love Science, for inspiration, we will write list poems, poem tweets and poems about the universe or other geek-y subjects. There will be time for both writing and sharing. No experience in poetry writing necessary.

Partners include the Richard Hugo House and WA State Arts Commission.

Please RSVP for this FREE event.

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Video from our VALA Once Upon a Time Event and an upcoming Jack Straw Reading at Redmond Library

In case you'd like to "attend" our VALA "Once Upon a Time, n Redmond" event virtually, here's the video from the event:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUNoNfL8Z5c

And now, on to the last event for the Redmond Poet Laureate's season!

June 11, 7 PM at Redmond Library - A Jack Straw Reading!

This will be the final event of the season for the Redmond Poet Laureate. The five writers will be Larry Crist, Emily Perez, Dennis Caswell, Judith Skillman and Jeannine Hall Gailey (Redmond's Poet Laureate.) All have published widely and their poetry will be available to peruse or purchase. Refreshments will be available.

Be there to celebrate our last year of events and some terrific Jack Straw talent!

Monday, May 13, 2013

Pictures from our May 11 VALA Once Upon a Time Event

I just wanted to post a few pictures from our "Once Upon a Time" Poetry and Art afternoon event at the VALA art center. It was wonderful (but very warm!) - the readers were all lovely and entertaining, the food and drinks were delicious (thanks Matt's Rotisserie and Oyster Bar for the lovely catering!) and the VALA art center a great space to host a reading. The one-day art show by Michaela Eaves - featuring arctic foxes perched on top of apples, a menacing big bad wolf, and a mysterious girl in a red cape, among other pieces - was fantastic, and it was great to hang out with some lovely East siders to talk about art, poetry, and culture in such a welcoming setting. Readers included myself, Liz Hayden, Rebecca Woods Meredith, Kelly Davio, Laura Lee Bennett, Dawn-Marie Oliver, and Pamela Denchfield.
Crowd shot! With art and VALA's name!

Mingling!

Some of the motley crew!

 

Liz Hayden reading

Jeannine Hall Gailey reading

The spread - thanks Matt's!

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Where in the World is Your Redmond Poet Laureate in May?

Hello East siders! I had a fairly hectic April, but things are settling down in May - and our final poetry event for the season!

May 11 at 3:30 PM at VALA in Redmond Town Center
Once Upon a Time: A Magical Poetry Reading, Art Show, and Reception
Enjoy art work by Michaela Eaves and poetry by Redmond Poet Laureate Jeannine Hall Gailey from her new book, Unexplained Fevers.
Other readers on the fairy tale theme will include:
  • Redmond Poet Laureate Emeritus Rebecca Meredith,
  • RASP members Laura Lee Bennett, Pamela Denchfield,  Kelly Davio, Dawn-Marie Oliver and Elizabeth Caroll Hayden.
And, if you want to see something before that...I'm reading at Jack Straw in downtown Seattle at 7 PM Friday May 3rd.

And, if you just want to see something online, I talk with Poet's Market and Writer's Market editor Robert Brewer and three other poets about the job as Redmond Poet Laureate, how to give back to your community, how I decide to read and write, and a bunch of other fun stuff on Google Hangout, which has been archived online at YouTube here:
http://www.writersdigest.com/whats-new/four-poets-read-poems-and-talk-poetry

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Where in the World is Redmond's Poet Laureate During April, National Poetry Month?

So, you're wondering what your Redmond Poet Laureate is up to during Poetry Month? Well, I'll tell you! I'm running all around town (and all around the online) to talk about poetry!

--April 16th, 2013: http://www.fieldsend.org/2013-roundtables3.aspx - 7 PM at Bainbridge Island's Library for Field's End - Discussing how to make a difference in your local poetry community.

--April 17th, 2013: https://plus.google.com/events/c87ft4tolfkkf60runr427oaqas?authkey=CL-VxuTKmY_AkAE - 4 PM Pacific/7 PM Eastern on Google Hangouts - a National Poetry Month Promotion with Poet's Market Editor, Robert Brewer, plus poetry stars Mary Biddinger, Nathan Pritts, and Aaron Belz - live readings and poetry discussions. This event will be streamed so you can watch it afterwards as well. (And I'll put up a link after it's done.)

--April 28th, 2013: At Open Books in Wallingford at 3 PM. I'm reading for my brand new third book, Unexplained Fevers, along with poet and editor Kelly Davio, who is reading from her first book, Burn This House.

If you'd like a copy of my new book, but you just can't afford it? Sign up for the Great Poetry Giveaway!

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Saturday at the Redmond Library - Teen Poetry Workshop!

Come out this Saturday at 1 PM to participate in a teen poetry workshop - this time we're writing persona poetry with characters from fairy tales, and creating fairy-tale inspired "found poems" from titles in the library for the Friends of the Library Contest.
Ages 13-18 welcome. Refreshments provided by the library.

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Pictures from the Soul Food "Freaks and Geeks" Poet Laureate Event

Some events I do as Poet Laureate are effortlessly fun, and this LA Review reading was one of them. Soul Food was a great host, about sixty people showed up to the event, the readers were wonderful, and LA Review sold out of copies they were so popular among the crowd, which included Redmond folks, and people from Seattle and outlying areas as well!

Some pics from the event:

LA Review editor Kelly Davio reading from her new book:

Seattle-ite poet and LA Review contributor Michael Shmeltzer reading:

Kelly Davio and I with our new books! (She's holding up my new third book, Unexplained Fevers, and I'm holding her new first book, Burn This House.) And a statue of a bear!

Monday, March 11, 2013

Freaks and Geeks: Redmond Poetry Meets The Los Angeles Review

This Friday, March 15, come out to Soul Food Books at 8 PM and let in a little California Sunshine!

"Los Angeles is coming to the City of Redmond with the editor and writers of the Los Angeles Review joining Redmond Poet Laureate Jeannine Hall Gailey to celebrate poetry on the Eastside at 8 p.m. on Friday at Soul Food Books, 15748 Redmond Way.
LA Review editor Kelly Davio will be on hand to read selected works and introduce local writers who have contributed to the Review. Writers will include Janet Buttenweiser, Katherine Eulensen, Jeremiah O'Hagan and Michael Schmeltzer, who will read their work from recent issues. Complimentary refreshments will be served."

http://www.redmond-reporter.com/entertainment/196538461.html

Saturday, March 9, 2013

Gala at VALA - reading and art show video

Last night, I got a chance to read a few poems on the theme of "heavy metal" - also the theme of VALA, Redmond's newest art community center's newest exhibit, with wonderful metal jewelry and screened metal paintings of eerie metallic woods. The opening gala had a wonderful crowd, including Redmond's mayor, who you can see a brief glimpse of in the video below, as well as the sketches in the background of the artist's work in progress:
A link here in case the above embed doesn't work: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wM_j0jcL2UE

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Redmond Reads Poetry - Becoming the Villainess Reading February 20th

The Redmond Reads Poetry Reading this month is tomorrow, February 20th at the Redmond Library at 7 PM. I'll be the featured reader this time around, reading mostly from my first book, Becoming the Villainess, an exploration of female comic book superheroes and supervillains! Refreshments will be provided. (I'll also be reading a few poems, as a "sneak peek," from my upcoming book, Unexplained Fevers!)

This will also be a forum for book discussions, if you have any questions or comments about the book! Use the comments!

Hope to see you at the library tomorrow night!