Historical Fiction

On October 18, 2011, we participated in a fundraiser for Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center. I wrote a three minute monologue that depicted a spirit of Felix Mendelssohn. Jesse portrayed Felix. He was great.

I enjoyed this gig. I love the music and story of Felix Mendelssohn. It was thrilling to write a character that was so elegant and direct. Likewise, it was thrilling to write for an audience that was also elegant and direct.

I'm looking forward to the next gig. In the past year, I have written historical fiction monologues about Igor Stravinsky, Robert Hall Tinker and Felix Mendelssohn. I feel like I could write these monologues and plays forever. Bringing these characters to life is a fun, intelligent way to teach adults and children about relevant historical figures. It is also an intelligent and entertaining way to enliven any fundraising event.

-Connie

Little Library

Have you stopped by the Little Library on the lawn of 1222 Harlem Blvd? It is always open and always free. There is a wide variety of literature in there including classical, new releases, best sellers, mysteries, plays, poetry, periodicals, DVD’s and CD’s. Sometimes somebody leaves concert tickets in there. I have even noticed a small package of zinnia seeds come and go. Please feel free to take whatever you like. Feel free to leave whatever you like, too.

There are no hard rules at the Little Library. The guidelines are “Take a book, leave a book.” You do not have to worry about returning the book or movie (or whatever) if you do not have the time. We offer the Little Library and its contents as a simple gift to the community. We hope the Little Library builds trust, literacy and communication.

We have noticed that the variety of literature in the Little Library attracts a terrific variety of people. We have seen young children peeking in there as well as teenage boys, dog walkers and couples young and old. Runners, bikers and people driving down Harlem Blvd. have stopped to check it out.

We first learned about the Little Library in August 2011 on Facebook. The moment I read the article, I knew in my heart we had to have one. I showed the article to Jesse and he immediately said, “Let’s build one.”

From the article, I gleaned that Little Libraries originated in Wisconsin. Since then I have read in another article that no one knows who originated the Little Library. The only thing I do know is that they are popping up all over the country as well as in Europe.

If you have any questions about building one for yourself, please feel free to talk to us. We built ours for less than $100. We recycled some wood and materials and bought the remaining supplies and lumber. The most expensive items were the post hole digger and the post. You can use our digger, if you like. If you enter “Little Library” in your internet search engine, you will find many useful articles about this exciting trend.

There are many benefits to Little Libraries. Besides building trust, literacy and communication, we have noticed that it also builds safety. Because we check ours throughout the day, we are also checking the neighborhood. The added “rounds” from our house to the front yard have helped us keep a better eye on the neighborhood. We believe our activity adds a touch of safety for all of us. I can’t help but wonder if instead of security cameras it might be better to have Little Libraries set up in the front and back yards of America.

Beware The Ides of March

Why that picture? That is what March looks like in Rockford, Illinois right now. It's ugly to some, beautiful to us. Anyway, I'll bore you with my passion for midwestern topography at some other point. Today, I want to write about our Ides of March Poetry & Prose Contest.

For those of you who don't know, I don't just work for The KFFM. I am also the editor for The Rockford Review and serve on the board of directors for Rockford Writers' Guild. Right now we are conducting our 7th Annual "Ides of March Poetry & Prose Contest." So far, we have over 60 entries in the competition. If you are a writer and have a competitive spirit, the following information may be of interest to you.


2011 IDES OF MARCH POETRY & PROSE CONTEST
Sponsored by Rockford Writers’ Guild

THEME: “The cutting edge of the human condition”
(Fresh insight into dealing with life’s challenges)

DEADLINE: March 15, 2011 (the Ides of March)

FEES: $5 per prose piece, $5 for 1-3 poems
Multiple submissions accepted with appropriate fees
Checks payable to Rockford Writers’ Guild
(via mail or Pay Pal) must accompany entries

PRIZES: Cash amounts determined by entry fees collected
(All fees returned to contest winners as prizes)

RULES: Original, unpublished hard copy or electronic submissions
Poems up to 50 lines each, Prose up to 1300 words each
Include cover page with name, address, phone, e-mail, brief bio
Indicate adult or youth category (18 or under list age and school)
No entries returned but include SASE for results
Winners will be considered for publication in Rockford Review
(and invited to a Banquet & Reading at Cliffbreakers in July)

SEND TO: RWG Ides Contest, PO Box 858, Rockford, IL 61105
(or in electronic format to editor@rockfordwritersguild.com)

QUESTIONS: President David Ross 815-963-2098 daveconnieross@aol.com

Catching Up

It has been over a year since our last post. I am sorry about that. I am going to give you the quick run-down of what we have accomplished since the last post.

(1) In January, we had another baby. Angelo is our 4th child.
(2) In July, I (Connie) became the Managing Editor of The Rockford Review with Rockford Writers' Guild.
(3) Over Labor Day, 2 of The KFFM films were screened at the On The Waterfront Film Festival. Our film DLIPS placed 3rd in the overall contest and we won $100!
(4) In October, our film CURB APPEAL was screened as part of The Halloween Edition of Zombie Night festival at Kryptonite in Rockford.
(5) In November, Jesse was the Lighting Designer at the Coronado Theatre for the ballet Nutcracker which was produced by Rockford Symphony and Rockford Dance Company. Our daughter Jocelyn danced in the ballet as a Cherub.
(6) In December, The Winter-Spring edition of Negative Space was published and delivered before the Christmas holiday.
(7) In January, I wrote the narration for the character Igor Stravinsky in the ballet "The Emperor & the Nightingale." Jesse portrayed Igor. Jesse was also the lighting designer for the production. We both were ecstatic and honored to collaborate with Artistic Director Margaret C. Faust.
(8) Jesse is currently designing the lights for the ballet Coppelia. Coppelia will take place the Coronado Theatre in April.
(9) I (on behalf of RWG) am currently accepting submissions for the Ides of March Contest which is sponsored by Rockford Writers' Guild. Visit for details.
(10) We are currently prepping new films for an upcoming film festival that will take place at Kryptonite on May 9 in Rockford.
(11) Jesse works for Chicago Stagehand and is the webmaster for Rockford Writers' Guild.


I hope this blog finds you well.
--Connie

Richard Vargas, Man About Town

(Above) The Cherry Zipper

The following is what my day with a poet, a real live poet, was like.

IF YOU’RE NOT TEN MINUTES EARLY, YOU’RE NOT RICHARD VARGAS

9:50AM Monday. Vargas arrives ten minutes early to pick me up. His promptness surprises me. He shows up sporting a Kangol and a freshly shaved head. The effect is charming and friendly and a little bit I’m A Bad Ass Mothafucka. It works.

He drives a red car. It is a happy, fun, peaceful car. There are two bumper stickers on the back. One is an Obama sticker. The other one in black and white asks the not so Yes or No question "Got Hope?”

He keeps his car tidy, inside and out. When he starts the motor, the radio does not automatically turn on. There is no clock on the dashboard. It is an automatic car and has manual windows.

IN ROSS WE TRUST

First thing he asks me is, "How is Mr. Ross?" Mr. Ross (aka David Ross) is my father. Whenever anyone asks me about my parents, I instantly respect and trust that person. I make a quiet decision to protect that person from any and all future harms. It is that simple.

We drive to Manny's for breakfast.

BREAKFAST AT MANNY’S

He orders pancakes. Me, juevos rancheros. We both drink coffee and delicious Albuquerque tap water. Chatting with Vargas is fun, but puzzling.

Here's why:

I’ve read both his books of poetry. He writes with impeccable clarity about ugly or naughty or political subjects, but his work never feels preachy or heavy handed. Just truthful and enlightened.

I’ve also been to one of his readings. It was April in Rockford. He kicked off his sneakers and read barefoot in the grass. I watched his toes clench into the soil as he read about politics and racism. His toes were clenched, but his hands and voice were calm and gentle. It was the first time I noticed a man speak with his feet. I think that is intense.

Jesse and I collaborated with him on a film (DLIPS, screened at the film festival and the reason we are having breakfast in the first place) and now I’m sitting across the table from him am wondering, “Seriously, someone? Who is this dude?”

Poets are mysterious like that. At least he is. But I decided I don’t need to know exactly who Richard Vargas is to appreciate him and his awesome talent.

Anyway, here is what we talked about:

POLITICS

He speaks to his disappointments about the current Health Care plan, Abortion Rights and Afghanistan. I am more boring and speak to my enthusiasm for cumulative change, change by degrees, change in my pocket and pirates. Richard holds a conversation with me, not a debate. I consider this is a big deal.

There are no great gestures or angry pauses. He doesn’t call each me names nor does he rely on sound bites to make his political points. He never utters what I consider the worst sentence ever and that is: "I guess we'll have to agree to disagree."

He eats his pancakes. I eat my huevos. Breakfast at Manny’s is quite fun.

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP

Richard Vargas is an established poet. He has two books of published poetry (American Jesus and McLife) and has hosted, judged and participated in hundreds if not thousands of poetry readings and slams. He is a skillful organizer and has an amazing knack for picking up the phone and making things happen.

He is a loving, gentle gentleman who happens to be the son of two people who hated each other. His childhood was unsafe. His father was a heroin addict who did not live to tell about it. His stepfather was abusive and manipulative and a child molester. His mother was unapproachable and did not tolerate or celebrate birthdays or holidays. He survived, actually triumphed over his childhood by thriving in school. He received excellent grades, played on the football team, wrote poetry and fell in love with a French Catholic girl from Louisiana.

After high school, he parted ways with his sweetheart and joined the Army. He succeeded in the Army, professionally and personally. During that time, he married the woman he credits with saving his life.

He embarked on many adventures that only the military can provide (and only those in the military can understand) and even met and talked with Colin Powell. Something, however, was amiss. Vargas left the Army shortly before he was promoted to Captain. He also left his seventeen year marriage.

Since the Army, he lived in Rockford, Illinois for seven years which is where he and his wife parted ways. After the divorce, when he was in his forties, he decided to move to Albuquerque where he knew nobody, had no friends, no contacts and, worst of all, nobody to help him move. The energy and courage to actually uproot like this astounds me and obviously this choice works for Richard. He has published two books in the seven years that he has lived there and is on a scholarship at the University and will soon be receiving his MFA in poetry.

Which brings us to:

TO ALL THE GIRLS I’VE LOVED BEFORE

When he speaks of his relationship with Albuquerque, it reminds me of the chemistry between two young lovers. The two don't necessarily have anything in common and it doesn't matter. It just works. He has lived in Albuquerque for just over seven years in a handful of different places. In terms of living spaces, he has been married, he has lived alone and he has lived with different girlfriends (and sometimes a girlfriend’s dogs.) Currently he lives alone, but enjoys a long distance relationship.

Richard is comfortable talking about the women in his life. He has had many loves. When Richard speaks of his past loves, he looks happy and kind and thankful. I appear dazed, maniacal and angry when I speak about the past so I consider this yet another astounding quality about Richard Vargas. I have heard about inner peace, but this is the first time I’ve ever actually witnessed it.

As I get to know him a little bit better, the inner peace that seems to inhabit him is reflected in his poetry. He has a way of writing about despicable subjects in a way that enlightens and provokes. That is talent.

THE CHERRY ZIPPER

We are on the road. He is a safe driver and is without a doubt someone who loves and knows where he lives. I privately refer to his car as the Cherry Zipper because 1997 Hyundai Elantra Hatchback is too hard for me to remember so Cherry Zipper it is. Cherry because it is red. Zipper, because he efficiently zips around town in it.

He has a relaxed way of pointing out the sights without selling them. He does not preface anything with, "This is the best place to_____! , or "This is the biggest ______! He elegantly points out what something is and does not tell me how to feel about it. I appreciate that quite a bit.

THE FIRST LAUGH

He drives up the path to the National Hispanic Cultural Center and points out the houses occupied by the Hispanic people who refused to sell their land. Their houses and land are surrounded by fencing. I see people working in their yards, minding their business but there is something about the fencing that reminds me of internment camps. He laughs hard at the irony of the National Hispanic Cultural Center. It is the first time I have heard him laugh. I take a moment to consider this.

EMBARRASSING

After seeing the Sandia Mountains, the Rio Grande, Rio Rancho, the Stadiums (Go Isotopes), downtown, the University, I ask him to show me something about Albuquerque that embarrasses him. “Embarrasses” is probably not the most effective verb, but you get the picture.

Richard obliges my dorky request and drives me through his old neighborhood and points out his old house which is directly across from a playground. He said the drug dealers there were despicable and prevalent. He made many phone calls about the drug problem. The drugs are out of that neighborhood now and so is he.

I take a moment to consider this. It take a lot of courage to call, call again and then call some more about a drug infestation. Nothing is anonymous anymore, if anything ever was. Violent retaliation was a possibility, but he called anyway.

NO CELL PHONE

We zip back to his place which is located in Nob Hill, just a few blocks from The Guild Cinema. I take a look inside, mostly because I am wondering what time it is, partly because I am curious about his digs. I see no evidence of a clock, but I see lots of books and his laptop. I notice his apartment has an honorable feel to it. It is decorated in a way that I consider an homage to poetry. It is dark, tidy, comfortable and uniquely connected to his past and his future. I notice a family picture, a children’s book (Roadrunner’s Dance by Rudolfo Anaya) that a friend of his girlfriend’s gave to him and a picture of Charles Bukowski. This is just a tiny sample of what I observed. My point is that they are all very different from each other, but in his home, in his presence, they are not in conflict.

He is scheduled to receive a critique that evening for his work-in-progress about the journey of employment and needs to call his prof about that. I go outside and wait. He does not have a cell phone yet is without a doubt the most effective user of the telephone I have ever met. Aside from busting drug dealers, he also has a knack for getting people to do the darndest things. I encourage you to give him a call some day and see for yourself what you end up doing.

I am outside. It is a perfectly sunny day. The neighborhood is quiet, but I can hear the city sounds in the distance. I could easily fall asleep in his backyard but think better of it because I remember reading somewhere that such behavior is considered rude.

AFTERNOON REWRITE

After chatting in his backyard for awhile, we walk directly into Nob Hill. He has his bike with him now because he has to head to the University later in the afternoon. I say a silent prayer of thanks that he actually walks his bike and doesn’t sit on the seat and propel himself forward by the balls of his feet. (This has happened to me more than once.)

He parks his bike and proceeds to give me a walking tour of the neighborhood. It is a colorful, fun, well spaced out neighborhood. There is plenty of room to walk, bike or drive and parking is plentiful for those who need it. We stop at an outdoor patio to grab an Albuquerque Lunch. Lunch consists of a beer for Richard and some guacamole and chips for me. I decide Albuquerque water is too good to be true and have a Diet Coke instead.

He is soft spoken and has a way of conducting a conversation in a way I consider egalitarian. We talk about Michael Moore (who is less egalitarian), his childhood, my kids and Jesse, potential future projects and the booming film industry in New Mexico, specifically Albuquerque. People walk by us. He advises me to move my camera and purse to the other side. I do that. As people walk by, I scan them for watches and no one is wearing one.

After lunch, we walk around. He points out a few more sights, including the motel that was used in "No Country For Old Men." I find myself ecstatic that an actual motel was used and not something built on a studio lot. There is an authentic quality to the art scene in Albuquerque and I like it. There is an authentic quality to Richard Vargas and I like that, too.

We walk and talk about the neighborhood for a little bit longer before I witness him unlock his bike, hop on and zip away to his critique at the University. I dub his bicycle The Dragonfly. Dragonfly because I notice that he artfully maneuvers through some busy spots and is traveling a long distance to boot.

WALK THIS WAY

I have a couple hours to burn, or at least I think I have that much time, so I go for long walk up into a hilly, pretty area above Nob Hill before I head back down to The Guild Cinema on Central Avenue. I look all over for a clock at the top of a bank or some building and never see one. I don’t own a watch, so I have no idea what time it is.

Richard is already outside when I go to meet him. How is it he is so dang prompt? Anyway, we check out the films and then head to the Flying Star for some dinner. I order ABQ chile stew and he orders Chicken Pot Pie. They tell him they are all out and he looks pretty bummed out. It is the first time I’ve seen him actually look disappointed. Chicken pot pie can do that to a person.

We talk about the film festival a bit. I am more inclined to talk about the films. He is more inclined to talk about the festival itself. I can’t tell exactly how he felt about the whole thing and am currently kicking myself for not asking him, “Richard. Whadya think?” Maybe I did ask him and was too busy eating my awesome chile to remember. Chile can do that to a person.

THE LAST LAUGH

We walk back to his home. He locks up his bike and we get into the Cherry Zipper. I offer him a piece of gum and he says, “I’m good.”

He drops me off at my motel and tells me he’ll pick me up in the morning and drop me off at the airport. I am thankful and say as much. I hightail it back to my room and call Jesse and tell him through laughter all about my great day. Jesse laughs, too. I don't think either one of us know what we are laughing about, but that is okay. I say Good Night and See You Soon.

I fall asleep knowing I have just been given a gift.

The next morning, Richard picks me up and drops me off at the airport. The last thing he tells me is Tell Everyone I Said Hi. I thank him and promise I will.

UNTIL NEXT TIME

Richard Vargas is the real thing. He is as authentic as Albuquerque is and the two are a perfect match, at least for now, at least by my observations. I still don’t know who Richard Vargas is, but when I think of him, I see him digging his toes into the earth when he reads his poetry. I honestly hope I carry that image with me for the rest of my life. I know that what he is feeling and thinking is not something I will ever know but I do believe him to be deep, connected, growing, changing, peaceful and acutely aware.

MONEY WELL SPENT

I highly recommend you read his poetry. It is thoroughly inspired and thoughtful writing. If you are interested in reading his poetry, you can order signed copies of his books by sending $16.00 for American Jesus or $20 for McLife. Please pay with a check and enclose your mailing info to Richard Vargas, 2132A Central Ave SE, #112, Albuquerque, NM 87106. It will be money well spent.

Connie Kuntz

The KFFM at The Guild Cinema in Albuquerque, New Mexico

WORD! 2009 POETS & SONGWRITERS MOVIE PROGRAM

I love the concept behind the WORD film festival at The Guild Cinema. Celebrating poetry through film is a great way to educate and entertain the masses, myself included, about poetry and poets.

I especially enjoyed the films by Stavros as well as Red Poet, a biographical doc that reveals the eccentricities and politics of Jack Hirschman. The hilarious mockumentary The Humberville Poetry Slam sheds just as much insight on a person’s need to express him (or her) self as it does at poke fun at the concept.

I'm just going to state the obvious here: poets can’t fake a good poem. They can't. And a city can't fake being authentic. This is why I think that poetry and Albuquerque go together so well. Albuquerque’s poetry scene is alive, fresh, exciting and provocative. They have a superior slam poetry scene and a variety of unpretentious artistic offerings.

While I was there, Albuquerque and its poetry had a way of opening my mind and relaxing my notions. When I returned home from Albuquerque, I simply didn’t have much to say. I felt the way I do after a good yoga session: awake, quiet and open. I highly recommend visiting (or even living in) Albuquerque just to soak up the essence of wide open spaces, a riveting poetry scene and sensational chile.

The film festival inspired, amused and rejuvenated me. I am so proud to have been a part of it. Our film DLIPS fit in nicely with the entire program and thank you so much to everyone who contributed to the film especially Bill Nevins, Richard Arlington Briggs, Jr., Angel R. Cosme, Rosangela C. Taylor, Dr. Susie Briggs and the poet responsible for The KFFM being involved in the film festival in the first place, Richard Vargas.

COMING SOON: MY DAY WITH RICHARD VARGAS. My next blog will be a bit more personal as I share with you what I learned about this poet after spending a full day with him.

The KFFM in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Our film DLIPS, based on a poem by Richard Vargas, has been accepted into a film festival celebrating poetry and song in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Many thanks and congratulations to the poet, cast and location provider for their efforts in creating this film.

Richard Vargas, poet
Richard Arlington Briggs, Jr., actor
Angel Cosme, actor
Rosangela Taylor, actor
Dr. Susie Briggs, location provider