Lit for Christmas

Welcome back to the third Lit for Christmas party of Season Two!

In this episode, Marty and his wife, Beth, kill a bottle of red wine and dish about former U. S. Poet Laureate's Billy Collins' collection of poems Nine Horses for National Poetry Month.

BONUS POINTS:  Count how many times Marty uses the phrase "academic snobbery."

SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT:

SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT NONALCOHOLIC ALTERNATIVE:

Lit for Christmas Party Hosts:

Marty has an Master's in fiction writing, MFA in poetry writing, and teaches in the English Department at Northern Michigan University in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  He served two terms at Poet Laureate of the Upper Peninsula, and has published the poetry collection The Mysteries of the Rosary from Mayapple Press.  For more of Marty's thoughts and writing visit his blog Saint Marty (saintmarty-marty.blogspot.com) or listen to his other podcast Confessions of Saint Marty, also on Anchor.fm.  Marty is a writer, blogger, wine sipper, easy drunk, and poetry obsessor who puts his Christmas tree up in mid-October and refuses to take it down until the snow starts melting.

Beth has a BS in English Secondary Education.  She has worked as a substitute teacher, medical transcriptionist, medical office receptionist, deli counter attendant, and Office Max cashier.  Currently, she is the front desk clerk at a hotel and enjoys discussing/arguing about literature with her loving husband.

Music for this episode:

"Jingle Bells Jazzy Style" by Julius H, used courtesy of Pixabay.

"A Christmas Treat" by Magic-828, used courtesy of Pixabay.

A Christmas Carol sound clips from:

The Campbell Theater 1939 radio production of A Christmas Carol, narrated by Orson Welles and starring Lionel Barrymore.

This month's Christmas lit:

Collins, Billy.  Nine Horses.  Random House, 2002.

Welcome back to this special Saint Patrick's Day Lit for Christmas party!

In this episode, Marty is joined by his friend, Madeline, venturing into the land of gin again to discuss Irish writer Sally Rooney's novel Normal People.  There may be a pot of gold at the end, or some aspirin and Alka-Seltzer.

BONUS POINTS:  Count how many times Marty almost refers to Madeline as Amanda!  (Hint:  It's a lot!)

RECIPE FOR GIN AND TONIC:

Ingredients:

RECIPE FOR GIN AND TONIC:

Ingredients:

* Juniper Syrup:  In a heatproof bowl, add the peel and pith of one large lemon, two tablespoons of juniper berries (lightly crushed), and a pinch of loose black tea.  In a saucepan, bring 2 1/2 cups of water to a boil, then pour over lemon peel mixture and let set for 15 minutes to infuse.  Strain the infused water into a measuring cup, and return two cups of the mixture to the saucepan over medium heat.  Add one cup of sugar and stir until the sugar has dissolved.  Remove from the heat and allow to cool completely before using.  Will keep in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to three weeks.

RECIPE FROM imbibemagazine.com

Marty has an Master's in fiction writing, MFA in poetry writing, and teaches in the English Department at Northern Michigan University in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  He served two terms at Poet Laureate of the Upper Peninsula, and has published the poetry collection The Mysteries of the Rosary from Mayapple Press.  For more of Marty's thoughts and writing visit his blog Saint Marty (saintmarty-marty.blogspot.com) or listen to his other podcast Confessions of Saint Marty, also on Anchor.fm.  Marty is a writer, blogger, wine sipper, easy drunk, and poetry obsessor who puts his Christmas tree up in mid-October and refuses to take it down until the snow starts melting.

Madeline has a BA in English Creative Writing and gin drinking.  Currently, she works the Reference Desk at a library, but she will soon become a graduate student studying for her Masters of Library Science.  In her spare time, she enjoys reading eco-lit, true crime, and Alice Hoffman books. 

Music for this episode:

"Jingle Bells Jazzy Style" by Julius H, used courtesy of Pixabay.

"A Christmas Treat" by Magic-828, used courtesy of Pixabay.

A Christmas Carol sound clips from:

The Campbell Theater 1939 radio production of A Christmas Carol, narrated by Orson Welles and starring Lionel Barrymore.

Other music in the episode:

"People Are Strange."  The Doors.  Elektra Records, September 1967.

"White Christmas" found on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPiAkpZ_6pA)

This month's Christmas lit:

Rooney, Sally.  Normal People.  Faber & Faber, 2018.

Welcome back to the first Lit for Christmas party of Season Two!

In this episode, Marty is joined by his wife, Beth, to guzzle some New York sours and discuss Oscar Hijuelos' Mr. Ives' Christmas.  Be prepared for some drunken magical realism!

BONUS POINTS:  Count how many times Beth says Antonio Banderas!

RECIPE FOR NEW YORK SOUR:

Ingredients:

RECIPE FOR VIRGIN NEW YORK SOUR:  

Substitute alcohol free whiskey/bourbon (Ritual Zero Proof Whisky Alternative or Lyre's American Malt).  Substitute pomegranate juice for red wine. 

Lit for Christmas Party Hosts:

Marty has an Master's in fiction writing, MFA in poetry writing, and teaches in the English Department at Northern Michigan University in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  He served two terms at Poet Laureate of the Upper Peninsula, and has published the poetry collection The Mysteries of the Rosary from Mayapple Press.  For more of Marty's thoughts and writing visit his blog Saint Marty (saintmarty-marty.blogspot.com) or listen to his other podcast Confessions of Saint Marty, also on Anchor.fm.  Marty is a writer, blogger, wine sipper, easy drunk, and poetry obsessor who puts his Christmas tree up in mid-October and refuses to take it down until the snow starts melting.

Beth has a BS in English Secondary Education.  She has worked as a substitute teacher, medical transcriptionist, medical office receptionist, deli counter attendant, and Office Max cashier.  Currently, she is the front desk clerk at a hotel and enjoys discussing/arguing about literature with her loving husband.

Music for this episode:

"Jingle Bells Jazzy Style" by Julius H, used courtesy of Pixabay.

"A Christmas Treat" by Magic-828, used courtesy of Pixabay.

A Christmas Carol sound clips from:

The Campbell Theater 1939 radio production of A Christmas Carol, narrated by Orson Welles and starring Lionel Barrymore.

Other music in the episode:

"Fairytale of New York."  The Pogues.  RAK Studios, November 1987.

This month's Christmas lit:

Hijuelos, Oscar.  Mr. Ives' Christmas.  HarperCollins Publishers, 1995.

Welcome to Season Two of Lit for Christmas!

For this Shot of Christmas Spirit, Marty fills you in on what's coming up this year in the Lit for Christmas parties and shares a memory and poem about his sister, Rose.

BONUS POINTS:  Every time you see someone you love, hug them.

Lit for Christmas Party Hosts:

Marty has an Master's in fiction writing, MFA in poetry writing, and teaches in the English Department at Northern Michigan University in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  He served two terms at Poet Laureate of the Upper Peninsula, and has published the poetry collection The Mysteries of the Rosary from Mayapple Press.  For more of Marty's thoughts and writing visit his blog Saint Marty (saintmarty-marty.blogspot.com) or listen to his other podcast Confessions of Saint Marty, also on Anchor.fm.  Marty is a writer, blogger, wine sipper, easy drunk, and poetry obsessor who puts his Christmas tree up in mid-October and refuses to take it down until the snow starts melting.

Music for this bonus episode:

"Jingle Bells Jazzy Style" by Julius H, used courtesy of Pixabay.

A Christmas Carol sound clips from:

The Campbell Theater 1939 radio production of A Christmas Carol, narrated by Orson Welles and starring Lionel Barrymore.

Additional bonus episode music:

"O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" by The Piano Guys

This episode's Christmas lit:

Achatz, Martin.  "Fear Not."

Welcome to our little Lit for Christmas party this Christmas day!

For this special Lit for Christmas party, Marty drinks solo and shares his essay "How Lovely Are Your Branches" and his poem "Revision Suggestions for Luke."

BONUS POINTS:  Every time Marty says the words "Christmas Tree," add more RumChata to your hot chocolate.

TODAY'S CHRISTMAS SPIRIT:

RumChata Hot Chocolate

Directions:

Lit for Christmas Party Hosts:

Amanda got her undergrad at U of M in English, MFA from Goddard College, and JD from Wayne State University Law School.  She's a writer, fleece-legging addict, private poetry hoarder, public child herder, heirloom seed collector, candle dripper, cocktail mixer, and Christmas geek.

Marty has an Master's in fiction writing, MFA in poetry writing, and teaches in the English Department at Northern Michigan University in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  He served two terms at Poet Laureate of the Upper Peninsula, and has published the poetry collection The Mysteries of the Rosary from Mayapple Press.  For more of Marty's thoughts and writing visit his blog Saint Marty (saintmarty-marty.blogspot.com) or listen to his other podcast Confessions of Saint Marty, also on Anchor.fm.  Marty is a writer, blogger, wine sipper, easy drunk, and poetry obsessor who puts his Christmas tree up in mid-October and refuses to take it down until the snow starts melting.

Music for this episode:

"Jingle Bells Jazzy Style" by Julius H, used courtesy of Pixabay.

"A Christmas Treat" by Magic-828, used courtesy of Pixabay.

A Christmas Carol sound clips from:

The Campbell Theater 1939 radio production of A Christmas Carol, narrated by Orson Welles and starring Lionel Barrymore.

Additional Episode Music:

"O Tannenbaum" by The Vince Guaraldi Trio

"O Little Town of Bethlehem" by Jesse Wall

This episode's Christmas lit:

Achatz, Martin.  "How Lovely Are Your Branches" and "Revision Suggestions for Luke."

Welcome back to the Lit for Christmas party, the podcast where the Christmas spirits flow all year long!

For this special Christmas Eve Lit for Christmas party, Marty drinks solo and shares his essay "How the Light Gets In" and his poem "Thoughts of Darkness and Light on the Winter Solstice."

BONUS POINTS:  Every time Marty says "darkness," take a shot.

TONIGHT'S CHRISTMAS SPIRIT:

Christmas Blush Wine

Directions:

Lit for Christmas Party Hosts:

Amanda got her undergrad at U of M in English, MFA from Goddard College, and JD from Wayne State University Law School.  She's a writer, fleece-legging addict, private poetry hoarder, public child herder, heirloom seed collector, candle dripper, cocktail mixer, and Christmas geek.

Marty has an Master's in fiction writing, MFA in poetry writing, and teaches in the English Department at Northern Michigan University in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  He served two terms at Poet Laureate of the Upper Peninsula, and has published the poetry collection The Mysteries of the Rosary from Mayapple Press.  For more of Marty's thoughts and writing visit his blog Saint Marty (saintmarty-marty.blogspot.com) or listen to his other podcast Confessions of Saint Marty, also on Anchor.fm.  Marty is a writer, blogger, wine sipper, easy drunk, and poetry obsessor who puts his Christmas tree up in mid-October and refuses to take it down until the snow starts melting.

Music for this episode:

"Jingle Bells Jazzy Style" by Julius H, used courtesy of Pixabay.

"A Christmas Treat" by Magic-828, used courtesy of Pixabay.

A Christmas Carol sound clips from:

The Campbell Theater 1939 radio production of A Christmas Carol, narrated by Orson Welles and starring Lionel Barrymore.

Additional Episode Music:

"Leonard Cohen--Hallelujah for Cello and Piano" by GnuS Cello

"In the Bleak Midwinter / The First Noel" arranged by Anne Crosby Gaudet, harp

"Linus and Lucy" by Vince Guaraldi

This episode's Christmas lit:

Achatz, Martin.  "How the Light Gets In" and "Thoughts of Darkness and Light on the Winter Solstice."

Welcome back to the Lit for Christmas party, the podcast where the Christmas spirits flow all year long!

For this very late Spooky Season Lit for Christmas party, Amanda and Marty polish off a couple bottles of cheap white wine and talk about James Joyce's Christmas novella "The Dead."  Get ready for some talk about funerals, family, and drunken stream-of-consciousness.  

BONUS POINTS:  Count how many times the phrase "Swiss piss" appears in this episode!

RECIPE FOR WHITE WINE:

Ingredients:

Whatever's cheap and sweet!

Lit for Christmas Party Hosts:

Amanda got her undergrad at U of M in English, MFA from Goddard College, and JD from Wayne State University Law School.  She's a writer, fleece-legging addict, private poetry hoarder, public child herder, heirloom seed collector, candle dripper, cocktail mixer, and Christmas geek.

Marty has an Master's in fiction writing, MFA in poetry writing, and teaches in the English Department at Northern Michigan University in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  He served two terms at Poet Laureate of the Upper Peninsula, and has published the poetry collection The Mysteries of the Rosary from Mayapple Press.  For more of Marty's thoughts and writing visit his blog Saint Marty (saintmarty-marty.blogspot.com) or listen to his other podcast Confessions of Saint Marty, also on Anchor.fm.  Marty is a writer, blogger, wine sipper, easy drunk, and poetry obsessor who puts his Christmas tree up in mid-October and refuses to take it down until the snow starts melting.

Music for this episode:

"Jingle Bells Jazzy Style" by Julius H, used courtesy of Pixabay.

"A Christmas Treat" by Magic-828, used courtesy of Pixabay.

A Christmas Carol sound clips from:

The Campbell Theater 1939 radio production of A Christmas Carol, narrated by Orson Welles and starring Lionel Barrymore.

Other music in the episode:

"Dead Man's Party."  Oingo Boingo.  Sunset Sound Factory, October 1985.

This month's Christmas lit:

Joyce, James.  "The Dead." Dubliners.  Penguin Classics, 1993.

A little Lit for Christmas party for Christmas Podcast Day, featuring Marty's essay "Miracle of the Hay."

Lit for Christmas Party Hosts:

Amanda got her undergrad at U of M in English, MFA from Goddard College, and JD from Wayne State University Law School.  She's a writer, fleece-legging addict, private poetry hoarder, public child herder, heirloom seed collector, candle dripper, cocktail mixer, and Christmas geek.

Marty has an Master's in fiction writing, MFA in poetry writing, and teaches in the English Department at Northern Michigan University in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  He served two terms at Poet Laureate of the Upper Peninsula, and has published the poetry collection The Mysteries of the Rosary from Mayapple Press.  For more of Marty's thoughts and writing visit his blog Saint Marty (saintmarty-marty.blogspot.com) or listen to his other podcast Confessions of Saint Marty, also on Anchor.fm.  Marty is a writer, blogger, wine sipper, easy drunk, and poetry obsessor who puts his Christmas tree up in mid-October and refuses to take it down until the snow starts melting.

Music for this episode:

"Jingle Bells Jazzy Style" by Julius H, used courtesy of Pixabay.

Additional Episode Music:

"Prayer of Saint Francis" by Sebastian Temple (Instrumental)

"Prayer of Saint Francis" by Sarah McLachlan

This episode's Christmas lit:

Achatz, Martin.  "Miracle of the Hay."

Welcome back to the Lit for Christmas party, the podcast where the Christmas spirits flow all year long!

For this better-late-than-never eighth Lit for Christmas party, Amanda and Marty get a little buzzed on Orange Creamsicles while talking about Primo Levi's essay "Last Christmas of the War" in honor of Yom Kippur.  It's all about twerking Bigfoots, oracles, and finding Christmas spirit in the darkest of times.

BONUS POINTS:  Count how many times the word "slutty" appears in this episode!

RECIPE FOR ORANGE CREAMSICLE:

Ingredients:

Ice

4 oz. orange juice

2 oz. vanilla infused vodka

Directions:

NOTE:  Another option is to blend the ingredients with ice to make a slushy-type drink.

Lit for Christmas Party Hosts:

Amanda got her undergrad at U of M in English, MFA from Goddard College, and JD from Wayne State University Law School.  She's a writer, fleece-legging addict, private poetry hoarder, public child herder, heirloom seed collector, candle dripper, cocktail mixer, and Christmas geek.

Marty has an Master's in fiction writing, MFA in poetry writing, and teaches in the English Department at Northern Michigan University in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  He served two terms at Poet Laureate of the Upper Peninsula, and has published the poetry collection The Mysteries of the Rosary from Mayapple Press.  For more of Marty's thoughts and writing visit his blog Saint Marty (saintmarty-marty.blogspot.com) or listen to his other podcast Confessions of Saint Marty, also on Anchor.fm.  Marty is a writer, blogger, wine sipper, easy drunk, and poetry obsessor who puts his Christmas tree up in mid-October and refuses to take it down until the snow starts melting.

Music for this episode:

"Jingle Bells Jazzy Style" by Julius H, used courtesy of Pixabay.

"A Christmas Treat" by Magic-828, used courtesy of Pixabay.

A Christmas Carol sound clips from:

The Campbell Theater 1939 radio production of A Christmas Carol, narrated by Orson Welles and starring Lionel Barrymore.

Other music in the episode:

"Last Christmas."  Wham!.  CBS Records, December 1984.

This month's Christmas lit:

Levi, Primo.  Trans. Ruth Feldman.  "Last Christmas of the War." Moments of Reprieve.  Penguin Books, 1985.

Welcome back to the Lit for Christmas party, the podcast where the Christmas spirits flow all year long!

For this official seventh episode, Amanda and Marty enjoy a little Southern Comfort cocktail while discussing Fannie Flagg's novella A Redbird Christmas.  Tune in for a little downhome trash talk about Sweet Tea, book clubs, and bad endings.

BONUS POINTS:  Get vaccinated and stay alive!

RECIPE FOR BAYOU ZINGER:

Ingredients:

Ice

1 1/2 oz. Southern Comfort

1/2 oz. Grand Marnier

2 oz. lemon juice

2 oz. iced sweet tea

Directions:

NOTE:  Adjust measurements to your taste.  Amanda and Marty cut back on the lemon juice and added a LOT more sweet tea.

Lit for Christmas Party Hosts:

Amanda got her undergrad at U of M in English, MFA from Goddard College, and JD from Wayne State University Law School.  She's a writer, fleece-legging addict, private poetry hoarder, public child herder, heirloom seed collector, candle dripper, cocktail mixer, and Christmas geek.

Marty has an Master's in fiction writing, MFA in poetry writing, and teaches in the English Department at Northern Michigan University in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  He served two terms at Poet Laureate of the Upper Peninsula, and has published the poetry collection The Mysteries of the Rosary from Mayapple Press.  For more of Marty's thoughts and writing visit his blog Saint Marty (saintmarty-marty.blogspot.com) or listen to his other podcast Confessions of Saint Marty, also on Anchor.fm.  Marty is a writer, blogger, wine sipper, easy drunk, and poetry obsessor who puts his Christmas tree up in mid-October and refuses to take it down until the snow starts melting.

Music for this episode:

"Jingle Bells Jazzy Style" by Julius H, used courtesy of Pixabay.

"A Christmas Treat" by Magic-828, used courtesy of Pixabay.

A Christmas Carol sound clips from:

The Campbell Theater 1939 radio production of A Christmas Carol, narrated by Orson Welles and starring Lionel Barrymore.

"Cardinal" sound clip from:

"Cardinal."  Beck, Andy.  Alfred Music Choral, 2018.

This month's Christmas lit:

Flagg, Fannie.  A Redbird Christmas.  Random House, 2004.