THE RAM’S HEAD REVIEW

Oct. 20, 2007

Only four of us met here on that dark and stormy night that was Thursday. Ellie, Carolann and Elaine were the brave souls who wouldn’t be stopped by the weather, or the Surrey International Writers’ Conference, or the Boston Red Sox playing in a baseball game. Margaret stayed home in case her power went out. Bob stayed home to watch baseball. And Amanda was going to the Conference.

Had two emails. One from Susan to say she’s due in about 3 weeks, and that she is going to submit her novel “Geofind” to the Atlantic Writing Competition in December. The other was from John Ireland to say he and his wife are now in High River, Alberta and that he’s working for The Calgary Herald. Nice to know what members who have moved away are up to these days.

Ellie read the remainder of the story about their trip to the desert in Saudi Arabia to watch Halley’s Comet. The star cluster she had spotted was really the comet, but she was disappointed not to see its tail. She saw many constellations and different planets as well. It was very cold on the desert at night and they were wishing for arctic sleeping bags from back home. There was a heavy dew and their tent got very wet. One security detail showed up and drove right around them with bright lights aimed at them, and then it left. After the night’s sojourn, they drove home at dawn for breakfast.

Carolann read a poem called “Leaving” about a little boy saying goodbye to his Dad who is marching in a militry parade, on his way to war. The child reaches out to touch his Dad’s hand, and the Dad also reaches out to touch the son. She said this poem was inspired by a WWII photo she had seen.

Elaine had three poems to read. “Little Creatures” was a whimsical view of Halloween meant for an audience of children. “We Remember” is a poem for Remembrance Day and we suggested she send it to the local newspaper. “Eagles Of Terror” expresses her disgust with the hypocrisy of the American over-reaction to 9/11.

Both Carolann and Elaine have both admitted to writing some harsh pieces that they haven’t read to us, but we would still like to hear them.

I did not read, with very little excuse except being restless and bored. I think I’m procrastinating because the next chapter in my novel contains violence, and I have a hard time writing that. I think I would probably balk at writing a sex scene, too. Hard to admit I’m such a coward, but I guess I am.

Next meeting here at my place on Thursday, Oct. 25th at 7:00 p.m. Hope to see you then, but I see Bob might be watching another baseball game. Does anybody have any ghost stories to bring, since it’s almost Halloween? Thursday, then.

Lisa