So, I’m back from four days in Homer, where I attended the Kachemak Bay Writers’ Conference and was –to my great surprise and delight – enthralled by poetry and especially the words and work and powerful presence of Li-Young Lee. I’ve already written about that for the blogspot 49 Writers, so rather than repeat myself I’ll send you there. Soon I’ll be headed out of town again, bound for Sitka and the 25th and final Sitka Symposium. It's astounding that so many Alaskans have remained unaware of, or disinterested in, the symposium, which brings together all sorts of people -- writers and other artists, activists, philosophers, theologians, scientists, the list goes on and on -- to explore the complex and often fascinating inter-relationships of culture, nature, and story. To learn more about what you’ve been missing -- or perhaps be inspired to arrange a last-minute trip to Sitka -- you can visit the Island Institute website. I’m not yet ready to dive back into other political or social commentary of any sort so for now I’ll happily continue my brief vacation from such matters.