It might come as a shock to readers of this blog that my owner engages in activities other than taking me for frequent walks and going on the occasional bicycle ride, but in fact this is the case.
Today, Gail wants me to tell you about the new edition of 'probably the best regional literary magazine in Scotland' (according to their website).
The magazine is called 'Pushing Out the Boat', although I don't think it has any particular connection to nautical matters. Gail is part of the team of volunteers based here in Aberdeen who produce this always excellent (she told me to say that) publication.
Well I must say, POTB Issue 16 has a vibrant and attractively geological cover, but of course the first thing I looked for inside was any story or poem about dogs, or artworks on the same theme.
It wasn't until page 80 that I found a canine-relevant piece - 'The Lead', by Calum Moore. As we all know, the best literature can support a variety of interpretations, and my response to this poem and Gail's differed markedly. What I saw as an enthralling and satisfying poetic account about an unleashed dog killing a deer (something I have done often, but only in my dreams), Gail read as a tragic work, compactly addressing issues of shame and failures in personal responsibility...
Well of course, there is lots more inside the magazine to savour - Gail particularly recommends Brenda Conn's 'Fit Like', a short and witty story in Doric in which a widower comes to terms with loss through taking up cycling.
I bet if you bought a copy of Pushing Out The Boat Issue 16, available online for £5.99 plus postage and packing, you too would find in it something to enjoy and treasure.
sadly this dream became true often here...it's brooding time and that topic turned facebook into a witch cauldron... it's time that mr. zuckerberg will add a "kill ya" button...it would come in handy for some peeps...
ReplyDeleteBertie, my human says that it sounds an interesting magazine. She, too, always looks for articles about dogs or artwork or something similar. I know she wouldn't enjoy the article you mention, and as I've never seen a deer, I'm not sure what to think.
ReplyDeleteAs my human has been waiting seven months for a parcel from a friend in the UK, she says she'll pass on buying anything that needs to go through customs in future!
Love,
Inca xx
I am impressed with Gail's extra curricular activity in publish a magazine that has more than 80 pages. wow. i looked through the web site and am even more impressed. now i wonder if your mama has anything published in it, since she has major witing skills
ReplyDeleteGail has not yet submitted any works for publication, but is always thinking about doing so. Fewer than one in ten of the submissions received make it into the magazine, so the competition is quite fierce!
DeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteI shall be getting my copy, Bertie lad - when it changes from preorder to straightforward 'buy now'. It always fascinates me to see what one group of people consider 'good writing' ... as compared to, say, Northwords. (Dunoon poet Marion McReady on page 8).
I am glad there was a poem about a dog accepted, Bertie - though one wonders if it was done so as a moral lesson??? I look forward to forming my own opinion. Hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx
Gail says: Several of the poets in POTB also appear in Northwords, perhaps not surprisingly!
DeleteBertie I had know idea! Your Gail has quite a varied fun list of activities in her retirement. WTGG (way to go Gail). I'm wondering if it will eventually be available thru Kindle or Amazon for e-reading?
ReplyDeleteHugs Cecilia
Now about the dog and the deer, Bertie. We will never forget seeing a canine chasing a deer right in front of us on our walk. It totally whigged mom out to the point that she turned us around and went home.
ReplyDeleteThis does look like a very interesting magazine!
We also wish they had a Kindle version...Mama loves all that literary stuff!
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Sunny & the Gang
Bertie we agree that getting the deer is a dream. It sounds like an excellent issue.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like an interesting magazine. We think Gail should definitely submit something since she does a pretty good job writing your blog.
ReplyDeleteThat is terrific. A tip of the tail to your mom.
ReplyDeleteIt took 80 pages for them to bring in a dog story?? You need to write a letter to the editor!
ReplyDeleteWow, that looks impressive! Your mom must be very talented to be able to play a part!
ReplyDeleteRosie and Redford