Mary Kellogg at a reading for her book, “My Place On Earth.”

   Mary, me, Izzy and Lenore will be at Border’s in Saratoga at 7 p.m. July 10, where Mary will read from her new book “My Place On Earth,” which contains some photos by me. Izzy and Lenore will be available at the reading to offer some canine affection. I will introduce Mary. Thanks to Border’s, which has stocked Mary’s book and which is also displaying some of the Hospice Journal photos in its Saratoga store.
  Mary is a poet, who has been writing since she was eleven, and only recently showed her wonderful, honest and poignant work to others. Her book, published and sold at local bookstores and online by The Troy Bookmakers is now in its fourth printing, and Mary is working hard, and very successfully,  appearing at local bookstores and at libraries.
  I didn’t really know what to expect with this book, the people are liking it and Mary is a poetic success, and there could not be a more gracious, talented or worthy person. Her poems are striking, very evocative and accessible, the stuff of memory and meaning:

 
  “shirts and sheets float and flap like pirates wings
   the wash line held aloft
   like a forked stick.

   always on Monday.”

 
  From “Wash Day,” by Mary Kellogg, “My Place On Earth.”

   Mary is a close and valued friend. Her warmth, humor, insight and strength never fail to uplift and strengthen me, whenever I am around her. I wrote often about fulfillment, people taking creative risks, and Mary is a living embodiment to the idea that our stories are important, and ought send a signal to the world that we believe in ourselves and our work, and encourage others.
  I offered to run off to Mexico with her recently, and she said, quickly, and simply: “No, thanks.”
 
  So buy the book, if  you’re so inclinded ($14.95) and otherwise, come see us.