Category Archives: Literary Events

Posts describing literary events: what are they, how to conduct one, what all’s involved.

My Cardinal (the bird) Moment

Posted on January 30, 2011 by literarylee

Since childhood I have marveled that male birds are so colorful and bright but the females are typically plain, even dull.  Take cardinals, for example.  While growing up (and even now), glimpses of that bright red bird thrilled me.  I … Continue reading →

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Response to a NYT Editorial about Robert Burns (150 word version)

Posted on January 25, 2011 by literarylee

(I wrote the first version before finding out that the NYT has a 150 word limit on letters to the editor.  Here’s the edited version, less than half the length than the first.) NYT Robert Burns Editorial To the Editor: … Continue reading →

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Response to a NYT Editorial about Robert Burns (first version)

Posted on January 25, 2011 by literarylee

NYT Robert Burns Editorial I will agree it’s fun to give haggis a little kick in the hurdies* from time to time.  A sausage made from chopped and cooked sheep’s lung, kidney and heart (with onions, salt, pepper, suet and … Continue reading →

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In the moment/ In the aftermath

Posted on January 24, 2011 by literarylee

One of the nicest things about a Literary Event (LE) is the aftermath.  I love the sense of satisfaction after completing a big project.  When you’ve got a group of people (humans have this tendency to do whatever they feel like … Continue reading →

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Burns Bash: Boffo!

Posted on January 24, 2011 by literarylee

How can it be that twelve people can so enjoy a meal celebrating the life and work of a Scottish poet who died 214 years ago?  So unexpected, but once again, we did.  Conversation was lively.  The food was delicious.    We … Continue reading →

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Turnips, Leeks, Lady Fingers (So Obvious!)

Posted on January 22, 2011 by literarylee

I can’t believe nobody said anything.  No one at the grocery who saw me buying three pounds of turnips and a couple pounds of leeks (there were a few other shoppers, plus a store employee nearby) said a word.  O.K., … Continue reading →

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To a Mouse

Posted on January 21, 2011 by literarylee

Robert Burns Wee, sleekit, cow’rin, tim’rous beastie, O, what a panic’s in thy breastie! Thou need na start awa sae hasty, Wi’ bickering brattle! I wad be laith to rin an’ chase thee, Wi’ murd’ring pattle! I’m truly sorry man’s … Continue reading →

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Bill o’ Fare

Posted on January 21, 2011 by literarylee

On the one hand, you don’t need a menu/program at a Burns Supper with just a few friends in your home. On the other hand, why not?  Attendees will have a tangible memento of the evening (to jar the many … Continue reading →

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Immortal Memory 5: Conclusion

Posted on January 21, 2011 by literarylee

Let’s briefly visit two more poems. One is the last two verses of To a Louse.  In the poem, Burns is sitting in church behind a well-dressed young lady when all of a sudden he sees a single louse clambering … Continue reading →

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Immortal Memory 4: The Holy Fair

Posted on January 21, 2011 by literarylee

Only a few times a year, a parish in Scotland would hold a several day communion service.  Burns immortalizes such an event in The Holy Fair.  It’s too long to read the whole thing, but I’ll share a few verses … Continue reading →

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