In our yard, GLOBAL BIG DAY came early!
Global Big Day–an annual event in which birders all over the country watch and count birds in the name of citizen science–happens at the beginning of the migration season, in early May. This year, it’s next Saturday, May 9!
Although we won’t be doing our usual driving everywhere–to parks and other places–due to the pandemic, we will definitely be participating from our own back porch. You can, too! If you’ve already got some feeders up, you’re all set. Grab your coffee, cocktails and binoculars Read the rest of this entry
Announcing 34 ORCHARD’s Debut Issue Table of Contents!

The cover of the Spring, 2020 issue of 34 ORCHARD. Cover art: “Lost and Found,” by Brandon Kawashima.
On April 25, artists from all over the globe deliver visceral work that unpacks the things we don’t want to admit are in our basements. Announcing the Table of Contents for 34 Orchard’s Inaugural issue!
Cover Art: Lost and Found, Brandon Kawashima
Trenchman – John Wayne Comunale
Madame Rosio Holds a Séance – J. Federle
A Murder – Die Booth
Tales from a Communion Line – Yash Seyedbagheri
A Hand Against My Window – Deborah L. Davitt
Night Crier – Stephen Mark Rainey
Runner – Chrissie Rohrman
Bad Altitude – Luke Spooner, Carrion House, http://www.carrionhouse.com
Bones – Crystal Sidell
Kintsugi – Page Sullivan
Christmas Chicken – Ernest O. Ògúnyemí
/thestrangethingwebecome – Eric LaRocca
Laying out my dolls – Malcolm Davidson
Lust Becomes Us – Dawson M. Kiser
Like It’s A Mad Thing – Lee Ann Kostempski
the reader – Christopher Woods
The Pink Casket – Atalanti Evripidou
Dinner at the Candlestick Table – Megan Wildhood
Merry Christmas! Here’s some Christmas Tree madness to brighten your day!
My husband Nathan picked me up a couple of pairs of these glasses that turn your tree lights into funky things. Well, I promptly needed to “collect them all”—or most of them, anyway! I’ll be giving these out at my New Year’s Eve party, but I wanted to share how much fun these are with all of you.
Have a blessed Christmas and an amazing 2020!
Love,
Kristi, Nathan, Charles, and Poe and Mikey
Want more insight on 34 ORCHARD? Read the interview at SIX QUESTIONS FOR…
Jim Harrington’s Six Questions For… blog, which focuses on interviews with literary magazine editors, has published an interview with me as editor of 34 Orchard here: https://sixquestionsfor.blogspot.com/2019/12/six-questions-for-34-orchard.html
If you’re a writer, this is a WONDERFUL blog to read—especially if you’re wondering what goes on in editors’ heads before you submit!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

The Radio City Music Hall Rockettes kick lively during their Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2012 performance. These were my favorite outfits from the last decade.
For lots of people the highlight of Thanksgiving is the turkey … mine is watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (usually while I’m on the phone with my sister, who’s watching it, too) … and, specifically, the Rockettes.
My parents, who were in theater, always used to say “if the show’s going terribly, just get everybody up there for a chorus line kick and that’ll fix it.” While I’m sure that was an exaggeration, I know that every time I see those Rockettes do their famous kick, the happy tears start flowing. It’s the most exciting moment of the day. And what girl doesn’t want to wear those adorable costumes and shoes? (Take a look at some of their favorite outfits from parades past here: https://www.rockettes.com/blog/five-iconic-christmas-spectacular-costumes-we-wore-for-the-thanksgiving-day-parade/)
From our house to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!
Krissi, Nathan, Charles, and the cats (Poe and Mikey)