Karen Faris, poet, writer, novelist and creative collaborator closed the 2016-17 “ Words on the Verge ” Reading Series at A Different Path Gallery in Brockport, NY on Friday evening, June 16 th .   Taking a creative sojourn and different path from what she is used to as far as writing endeavors, Faris collaborated with artist and A Different Path gallery owner, Katherine Weston.  Weston created a visually rich wonderland of clay sculptures to weave the tale of an enchanting, wise and erudite grand bunny (G.B.) and others that existed in a marvelous world of whimsical fantasy and captivating life lessons.   Karen’s presentation, “Bunnies in Wonderland,” enabled her to read from her story inspired by and complementary to Katherine’s sculptures.  The gallery was transformed into the enchanting environment, world, space, and ambiance that enabled the sculptures to easily transition to the real life imaginary creatures that delig...

  word, revisited Thursday, June 8 th , 6:00 PM,~Theater Mack/Cayuga Museum, Auburn, NY   bill berry, Jr. with Michael Jennings, CNY Book Award ceremony, Syracuse, NY   December 9, 2016. Photo by Lisa A. Brennan When was the last time you met someone for the first time and was impressed with their kindness, graciousness, and ability to softly embrace you into their world?   I had that experience last December when my wife, Lisa, and I met Michael Jennings at the Central New York (CNY) Book Award ceremony in Syracuse, New York where his recent book, Crossings: A Record of Travel , won the 2016 CNY Book Award for Poetry .   Now, Michael is the type of jubilant and insightful person you would want to share a pint with in a cozy pub or a cup of tea in the back of an old bookstore.  Maybe a glass of red wine at a book awards ceremony?!  Now, without a doubt, Mr. Jennings knows how to weave poetic tales that wraps your...

While it is now several days later, I can still feel how the words cascaded over my being; swept me up in a torrent of phrases and thoughts; exposed me to the power of imagery and creativity through literary genres, empowered me to ponder my place in sentences, paragraphs, stanzas, commas, and more. Oh What A Night. As the music, the Blues, inspired me to conjure up the raw beauty of life rich in experiences, nuances, emotions, expressions, and self-discovery. I skipped through half and quarter notes, rode the beat, tapped my feet. Oh What A Night Of musical history and its impact as the words carried the image and sound catapulted the words to levels of understanding and feeling my mind expand with knowledge of musical legends. Of red dresses, powerful women, horseflies and a bluesman just trying to get to work.  Of dragons and fable, of subtle words riding gracefully atop the fun and perils of childhood.  Of Harlem and gentle phrases evolving an...