On June 27-28, at the Spring Bedlam Farm Open House (the second Open House will be held in October, on Columbus Day Weekend), Mary Kellogg will read from her newest volume of poetry “How To Dance,” published by Bedlam Farm Books, the publisher of her first two volumes of poetry. Maria and I are proud to present this work and sell it at our open house, Mary is a dear friend and inspiration to both of us, and a witness and supporter of our love and connection.
Mary Kellogg is a powerful warrior for creativity and encouragement, she started writing poetry when she was six years old and never showed it to anyone until she showed it to me when she was 80 years old. We are proud to be welcoming Mary to the open house, she came to Maria’s studio today to go over the final proofs for her new book. A number of poets – Doug Anderson, Kate Rantilla, Tom Atkins – will be reading from their works at the Open House.
Maria will be selling her work and the of other talented artists. People can meet Chloe, our new pony. They can tour Maria’s studio and see the art displayed there. Blue Star Equiculture is planning to bring some big draft horses to the farm that weekend, Pamela Rickenbach of Blue Star is planning to speak. So is Joshua Rockwood, the young farmer from Glenville, N.Y., so unjustly accused of animal cruelty and abuse. He is coming to speak as well. The famed photographer George Forss is coming to do portraits for people who are interested.
They can also visit with Lulu and Fanny, our sweet donkey sisters, see Red work with the sheep and watch some herding lessons with Fate. We are asking that people not bring any dogs or other animals to the farm, it is disturbing to the people and animals here. More details about the Open House here.
Mary’s book is about the dance of life, something she knows very well. I’ll quote from one verse in the book, the poem is called “Dance Of Life.”
“question
how to dance
within the frame
step within sight
where walls are high
feet tangle
dance of life is full.”
Mary knows how to dance, she teaches us every day of her life. You are welcome to come and meet her and the rest of us on June 27 and 28.