The wind is up and the kiteboarders are aloft.

Hanging out on Hanging Rock with my cousin, Kevin, in the Norman Bird Sanctuary.

I look like I just learned to make a mouth squint. I'm celebrating with a walk on the beach after sending off a 2,500 word story which I managed to write and edit this weekend. I haven't been that productive in a while. The story lies at the intersection of baseball and body horror. Summer is here!

The sea shanty is a different kettle of fish. Don't tell Mike Ennenbach, but my first thought when he suggested shanties was "is that actually poetry?" but of course it is. So, indulge with us, as supported by @candacenola.bsky.social . candacenola.substack.com/p/06122026-p...

There is a tear in the sky at sunset here in Newport.

Stokercon is about being able to wear t-shirts that most people shrug at but instead you hang out and start thinking maybe Bizarrocon would be worth the plane ticket. @dangerslater.bsky.social wore Méliès prêt-à-porter, because, well, it was a pretentious weekend.

I took 3 photos at Stokercon. Below are Darrell Schweitzer, whom I had not spoken with in decades, and @bitterkarella.bsky.social, new spokesperson for BuzzBallz, official sponsor of Stokercon. The third is on the timeline of @kozeniewski.bsky.social, recently appointed HWA Treasurer nominee.

When your hotel room faces your old office, you can wake to it every single morning.

Why yes, we did eat well in Japan, though these photos don't do it justice.

I'll be in Pittsburgh the end of the week. Honestly, look for @texascthulhu.bsky.social because he's a lot taller than me and I'll be in his shadow. 🤣

Trevor Brownlie said, “You know, they left the gate to SeaWorld up.” Of course, we had to go see this piece of my childhood. Yes, SeaWorld started in Ohio… that was a first hint that nothing would make better sense as an adult.

Mike Ennenbach insisted we go all Robert Browning this go-round. “Poetic monologues are the next big thing.” Continuing gratitude to @candacenola.bsky.social and @danielleyvonne.bsky.social for helping spread our words.

It's hot and we are in Ginza and it's too soon to eat again... let's go to the Aquarium Art Museum (reading a nearby sign)!

New newsletter out there in the wild! craigbrownlie.substack.com/p/an-open-fi...

Memorial Day Parade yesterday. It was good to see so many folks out. Aaron is playing another one this morning.

11 views of Mt. Fuji. It was pretty exciting the first morning when the clouds parted.

Fuji Heiwa Park in Gotemba was established as a symbol of peace and felt like a necessary stop on a Japan trip.

Out this morning! Mothers sacrifice for their children. It’s expected. If you’re a god? Instead of making sacrifices for your children, you might make sacrifices of them. This month’s story might make you like your own mother a bit more. “The Gifts of Small Gods” is illustrated by Jessica Gadra.

I have more sublime photos from the trip, but Gundam, Unicorn Gundam.

Allen Agra's picture of our arrival at Haneda Airport after 13+ hours. It's been a while since I've seen such a smile on my face. Nearly 50 years of friendship will do that. Two are from Hakone Jinja on the next day. Beautiful temple in a scenic area. That would be Allen & Flo's lovely dog.

Coming out next week, The Gifts of Small Gods will appear in The Haunted Mailbox. It will be my second published story set in New Orleans, though this time it's not about cooking. It's about power and its cost, especially when your mother is a small god. The link to subscribe is hauntedmailbox.com

Let's write cinquains, suggested Mike Ennenbach. We both need better hobbies, I thought before realizing that we were still talking about poetry. Thanks to @candacenola.bsky.social and @danielleyvonne.bsky.social for facilitating our cinquains.

This week, my high school announced the passing of English teacher, Hal Donnelly. Living on campus, students spent a lot of time with the faculty and they all proved to be influential. Also, yes, we had color photography when I was in high school.

Traveling in Japan with Aaron for two weeks has been amazing; homeward bound today

This one is uncomfortable. When Mike Ennenbach suggested doing our homages to Charles Bukowski, I wondered if this was where things go off the rails. Thanks to @candacenola.bsky.social and @danielleyvonne.bsky.social for their support while we go for it. substack.com/home/post/p-...

It glows in the dark you say? And so jigsaw meditation becomes a light show.

Coffee with a zine from @briankeene.bsky.social and I'm resisting more puns because Brian has that covered.

Pics from Tuesday night at Photo City Music Hall. Turkey Blaster Omega are playing in East Hampton, Mass., tonight, so load the car now and map a stop for mozzarella sticks on the way.

April newsletter drops early next week, for reasons explained in the newsletter. You can subscribe when you click on the picture. Thank you if you do.😉

15 years ago today at the Bodhi tree. It was the one thing Aaron said he wanted to see while we traveled around India.

On Saturday morning, Strong Hospital unveiled the updated Gifts of Life Memorial Wall. The photo is from the ceremony beforehand when they showed the donors on the big screen. Please check the box on your license to be a donor and discuss with your family.

This week and next, Mike Ennenbach and I tackle the tanka. Let us know how we do. Continuous gratitude to @candacenola.bsky.social and @danielleyvonne.bsky.social for putting up with our Shenanigans. Annus Poëticus cum Michaele et Craigo (Pompous Multum). A Year-Long Friendly Duel in Poetic Forms!

10 years ago in Philly, Aaron is stepping out of City Hall.

Spring has arrived in the backyard.

Audiobook storms onto the usual platforms! @johnwayneisdead.bsky.social knocks it out of the park! www.audible.com/pd/B0GX2CHJQR books.apple.com/us/audiobook...

"Yes, we should all take a picture of the Mississippi."

Be grateful the nights are shorter in June because you'll be up all night reading (and listening for ghosts or worse, if I'm honest)! Coming June 15 from Barrio Blues Press and @drmariajestrada.bsky.social ! Plus more fantastic art from @splatterzaddy.bsky.social !

Mike Ennenbach goes for it in our alternating poetry challenge. Enjoy! And thanks to @danielleyvonne.bsky.social and @candacenola.bsky.social for hosting our endeavor. candacenola.substack.com/p/04102026-p...

Current reads! Poppy Z. Brite, David Grann, Cordwainer Smith and Peter Gay. I feel like I upped my bookmark game here. Also, you don't often see extensive quotes of Mozart's scatological humor, which would fill volumes on their own, apparently.

In our frequent drives back and forth to Boston over a couple years, we managed to work in some excellent activities. We had always meant to visit the Yale Peabody Museum.

Easter morning; Aaron generously says I look focused.

"Man is like a candle. He must radiate life by burning himself" - Deathsport Saturday was Roger Corman's 100th birthday. The Dryden Theatre showed a double feature of Deathrace 2000/Deathsport. Paul Bartel directed D2k, which makes it highly recommended. Deathsport was funny for different reasons.

I return for a swing at a nerd billionaire... stay tuned this week and next as Mike Ennenbach and I take inspiration from Edward Arlington Robinson. Thanks as always to @candacenola.bsky.social and @danielleyvonne.bsky.social candacenola.substack.com/p/04032026-p...

And here I go again with the reviewing. This time I discuss J.G. Ballard, @kozeniewski.bsky.social , @ianrankin1.bsky.social and @wertherdelledera.bsky.social , @amandaheadlee.bsky.social , and Muriel Spark www.uncomfortablydark.com/post/04-03-2...

This came out 9 years ago. How can it still apply now? Only available as an audiobook because I'm still thinking about redoing the cover... Enjoy the dulcet tones of Angus Freathy because he hit it out of the park. www.amazon.com/dp/0998115207

Earlier this year in Venice Beach.

Lingering in the HOV Lane Newsletter is out- in your mailbox or read it in the link and learn what story I might have been telling in that picture there, as well as what is forthcoming from me. substack.com/@craigbrownl...

Friday night arrives with ballads from Mike Ennenbach and myself courtesy of @candacenola.bsky.social and @danielleyvonne.bsky.social ; link to Mike’s spinning song is in the comments! open.substack.com/pub/candacen...

I read a few books 🙂; in part one I review work by John Brunner, Kevin Candela, John Bruni, Kent Hill, Mignola/Fegredo, Graham Greene and Jo Walton www.uncomfortablydark.com/post/03-27-2...