In December, I worked on publishing a book of poetry written by L.L. Barkat, whose memoir, Stone Crossings: Finding Grace in Hard and Hidden Places, came out in 2008. Ms. Barkat and I met early last year, when I sang at her church in NY, and at that time she gave me a copy of her book. When we next connected, she was becoming a more intentional patron of the arts, encouraging others to get involved with International Arts Movement (a movement I am part of) and make the arts a bigger part of their lives. When she came to IAM with a collection of poetry, we were delighted to publish it as the first of (hopefully) many books that embody IAM's commitment to filling the world with cultural artifacts that are good, true and beautiful.

Tomorrow night, L.L. Barkat will appear at IAM's Space 38|39 in Manhattan to do a reading from her book, InsideOut. Also appearing is musician Brooke Campbell, who has also been featured on Ferry Dust - I'm a big fan of her music.

If you like poetry, or if you have thought of getting more into poetry, might I suggest that you pick up a copy of InsideOut, poems by L.L. Barkat? Ms. Barkat's poems are accessible and artistic, simple yet profound. I dare you to look at your life as mundane after reading InsideOut. You won't be able to. Ms. Barkat has a gift for turning even the most insignificant tasks of our daily lives into divine encounters. As G.K. Chesterton once said, "An inconvenience is only an adventure wrongly considered; an adventure is an inconvenience rightly considered."

And if you happen to be home tomorrow night - snowed in or just in the mood to hang out at home - you can join us virtually for the reading and music performance via IAM Live. The performance will be live streamed at our web site, beginning at 7 pm. 

Look for me on your computer screen! I'll be wearing bright pink.