As we prepare the summer issue for a late launch, you need to get ready.   Here is a sampler from work by Alok Bhardwaj. 1. I tried to save Prostitutes Drunks Bored Couples Fallen Women Satan Worshippers Abandoned Children Homeless Derelicts Abused Men Abused Women And so many others Without very much luck I got tipsy with the drunks I failed to charm prostitutes with love poetry Out of politeness I invoked demonic spirits Talking up life’s adventure I drove spouses from boredom to adultery   Check out the rest of this poem and other works by Alok.   Coming soon.

Are you ready to let words drift over your consciousness and wrap your emotions in a road trip that may never end? Are you woman or man enough to enter a world that knows no boundaries or limits or constraints?   Do you dare? Are you ready for the wonder of magic of what you think you know while your thinking and perceptions are morphed…maybe challenged by someone you don’t know?     It starts tomorrow.   Are you ready to be teased?

A WITNESS TO HISTORY...  Harriet Tubman legacy...   As part of the 100th anniversary commemoration of Harriet Tubman's passing, a stretch of highway (Route 34) has been named in honor of her.  The City of Auburn marked this occassion with brief speeches at Memorial City Hall and then a "legacy" walk from City Hall to the Tubman Home, on South Street, a walk of 2.38 miles round trip.  At the Tubman homesite, the official sign was unvieled at the end of a brief caremony marked by greetings from federal, state, and local elected officials, as well as remarks from Tubman officials.  Karen Hill, CEO & President, Harriet Tubman Home, Inc. speaks at the Harriet Tubman Memorial Highway dedication ceremony on Friday, August 2, 2013.   . Next day, Saturday August 3, 2013, the City of Auburn celebrated Founder's Day with official remarks from local and state-wide politicians, a speech fr...

We rarely see them on the bestseller lists or serving as a talking head on cable or national TV except for an occasional appearance.   However, they shape and influence the deepest of human emotions and compel us to face demons and angels without pretense or confusion.   They have us reflect on history and ponder contemporary issues.   I think each of us wish we could position and connect words the way a poet does…and have the result not embarrass us.   The aaduna 2013 summer issue will have an eclectic and diverse group of poets whose voices weave poignant stories, remembrances, reflections and challenges for us to absorb and contemplate.   Who are they? We will start to profile these artists in a few days.   Come back for a visit.   I guarantee a poetic treat or tease.

u Cayuga Lake - one of the NY State Fingerlakes in the region Besides the days of rain that has cast an overall ambiance to my living space in the global community, the summer is casting its eminence over the vegetable garden, butterfly bushes, annual gardens and its perennial cousins.  The Japanese beetle invasion appears to be weaker this year and I am on beetle watch every 90 minutes to protect our rose bushes.  But all of this is just an aversion from what is my daily task. THE SUMMER ISSUE IS BEING PREPPED RIGHT AT THIS MOMENT.  Contributing editors are reading and editing.  I thank contributing editors Ogene, Havens and Blake and those others who like to exist behind the curtain and in the shade.  So, here is the deal:  I am getting excited over the uniqueness of the contributing voices that will frame the summer issue and how they represent our worldwide, multicultural perspective.  So, take a moment from your routi...

After a self-study and the need to take a fresh look at aaduna , in March 2013, aaduna, Inc. applied for a $6,100 grant from the Sovereign Foundation to fund operating overhead and expenses, most notably and specifically, technology updates to the journal's online presence.  In mid-June, we received written documentation that the Sovereign Bank Foundation awarded $6,000 to aaduna, Inc. to assist the non-profit corporation in this endeavor.    In part, the Foundation stated, "We value the efforts your organization makes to ensure that our community remains strong and vibrant, not only for today, but also for the future."  Under the leadership of Lisa Brennan, aaduna's visual arts editor, we will develop a look for aaduna that reflects the growth and evolution of the contributing poets, writers and artists whose work grace our pages.  We will keep the multicultural feel and diverse e...

After twenty years, the High Falls Art Gallery in the Brown’s Race Historic District of Rochester, NY will close on June 30, 2013.   Under the stewardship and direction of Sally Wood Winslow, who is on aaduna’s Board of Advisors, a dear colleague and friend, there will be a void in the cultural and artistic landscape of Rochester and the larger region.   A victim of [unwise] governmental budgetary action, the Gallery, through Sally’s vision, direction and passion for the arts, became a beacon for local, regional and nationally recognized artists, writers and musicians.   William E Berry, Jr. at High Falls bridge - June  2nd 2013 - farewell reception   In fact, I first met Sally (and eventually her partner Roy Sowers, who is also an artist and musician,) in 1997-98 when I relocated to Central New York .   In my exploration of Rochester , I came across the Browns Race Historic District and discovered the Art Gallery , which was part of the Hi...