Seretta Martin, MFA, San Diego Poetry Annual, managing editor, published poet. This Poetry series has been generously underwritten by anonymous donor, a.k.a. The Moon of Happiness. We welcome writers who want to learn more about poetry craft, and revision. First, we read each other's poems and offer suggestions. As time permits, we write for 15 minutes to a prompt (optional sharing), and/or discuss the printed lesson handout which is also emailed soon after the class session.   Class Protocol: During class, please keep your mic on mute until called on. Raise your hand when you have comments. Be gentle and kind. First comment on what you like about the poem before pointing out edits. Focus on elements of craft (image, sound, senses, poetic devices used, and your emotional response to the poem.) As in our live sessions, when sharing your poem, please listen quietly as poets offer feedback. Save your comments and questions about your poem until after they have all finished. Avoid commenting on the feedback. There is no need to defend your ideas or your poem. It is understood that these poems are drafts and not yet finished poems. Keep your feedback comments brief and try not to repeat what has already been said. If anyone talks too much and too often, it takes time away from others who wish to contribute to the conversation. Please do not critique the one giving feedback. We all have our own way of looking at things and are entitled to our opinions.

Amy Beach was a true wonder! From her earliest years it was clear that she this “wonder-girl” was destined to become a powerful force in American music. Austria had Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Boston had Amy Marcy Beach. In addition to composing the first symphony by a woman in American history, she wrote and published over 300 pieces of music, that included the piano, violin, cantatas, a Mass and much more. This hour is designed to honor her courage and genius.

Explore the mesmerizing world of Gustav Klimt, the Austrian symbolist painter renowned for his opulent, gilded masterpieces and sensual, decorative style. This lecture delves into Klimt’s influences, his groundbreaking 'Golden Phase,' and the lasting impact of his visionary approach to art and design.

Jumpstart your day with nutrient-packed ingredients to fuel your mind and enhance cognitive function. Enjoy a delicious spread of brain-boosting foods rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, and essential vitamins—all crafted to support memory, focus, and mental clarity.

Venice is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with its elegant Renaissance architecture and romantic waterways. Its narrow lanes and maze of canals are hiding fascinating secrets and stories of this great historic city, from its earliest origins of a community of refugees hiding in the Italian lagoons to one of the medieval world’s most dominant maritime states and a jewel of the Italian Renaissance.

The Galapagos Islands are an archipelago, about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, that were named by Spanish explorers after the giant tortoises that live on the islands. Charles Darwin spent five years on Her Majesty’s ship The Beagle, but only five weeks on the Galapagos Islands.  His observations were instrumental in the development of his ideas about evolution.  Fred Bercovitch will describe his own trip to the Galapagos Islands, Charles Darwin, and the animals that inhabit the Galapagos Islands.