Latest news with #Notley
Boston Globe
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
Alice Notley, poet celebrated for ‘restless reinvention,' dies at 79
Ms. Notley took traditional forms of poetry such as villanelles and sonnets and laced them with experimental language that fluctuated between vernacular speech and dense lyricism. She also created pictorial poetry, or calligrams, in which she contorted words into fantastical shapes. In her 2020 collection, 'For the Ride,' one calligram took the form of a winged coyote. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up 'The signature of her work is a restless reinvention and a distrust of groupthink that remains true to her forebear's directive: to not give a damn,' David S. Wallace wrote in The New Yorker in 2020. Advertisement As Ms. Notley herself said in a 2010 essay, 'It's necessary to maintain a state of disobedience against ... everything.' She wrote without restraint, saying that she never edited or revised her work. And she largely shunned academia; poetry, she said in a 2009 interview with The Kenyon Review, 'should feel hugely uncomfortable in the academy.' Advertisement Though often identified as a key figure in the second generation of the New York School of poets -- alongside Ron Padgett, Anne Waldman, and Ted Berrigan, who became her first husband -- Ms. Notley shirked the labels critics gave her: feminist, expatriate, avant-garde provocateur. 'Each of these labels sheds a little light on Notley's work, but it's the fact of their sheer number that's most illuminating,' the poet Joel Brouwer wrote of her 2007 collection, 'In the Pines,' in The New York Times Book Review. 'This is a poet who persistently exceeds, or eludes, the sum of her associations.' Padgett praised Ms. Notley for her 'vastness of mind.' 'Alice's main influence was herself and her interior life,' he said in an interview, 'and by interior life, I mean both her conscious waking thinking and her dream life, especially.' Ms. Notley realized early in her career that, as she wrote in a 2022 essay for the website Literary Hub, her 'dreaming self was better at some aspects of poetry writing than I, awake, was.' Her dreamlike style lent a 'sort of seer quality' to her poems, Waldman said in an interview. 'There's this traveling through realms,' she added. 'There's a great fluidity in her poetry, a lyric quality -- these different voices and modes -- and then there's magic: dreamlike connections where it shifts and suddenly you're somewhere else.' In the 1980s, several of Ms. Notley's loved ones died: her husband, Berrigan, in 1983 from complications of hepatitis; her stepdaughter, Kate Berrigan, in 1987 after she was struck by a motorcycle; and her brother Albert Notley, a Vietnam War veteran who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder, in 1988. Advertisement Ms. Notley said their voices had continued to speak to her, so she translated them into poetry. 'At Night the States,' written two years after Berrigan's death, reflects on the absence of a person: At night the states I forget them or I wish I was there in that one under the Stars. It smells like June in this night so sweet like air. I may have decided that the States are not that tired Or I have thought so. I have thought that. The poem 'Beginning With a Stain' is an elegy for her stepdaughter. And 'White Phosphorus,' one of her most acclaimed poems, was written for her brother: 'He said, 'I've come home; I've finally come home' then he died' 'flowers' 'Magnolias & lilies' 'innocent now' 'I've come home. Who's there? at home? all the dead?" 'To come home from the war' 'years after' 'To die' Albert Notley's death also influenced Alice Notley's best-known work, 'The Descent of Alette' (1992). Mired in grief, she began riding the subway in New York City. 'I would go from car to car and imagine these fantastic scenes,' she said last year in an interview with The Paris Review. 'I conceived of the subway as being this place that no one could leave.' In 'Alette,' a story evoking the descents into the underworld in Greek mythology, a female narrator, banished to the depths of the subway, must kill an all-powerful tyrant. She imagined 'Alette' as a feminine epic that sought to reclaim the form from men; in 2010 she called it 'an immense act of rebellion against dominant social forces.' Painter Rudy Burckhardt, a friend, called Ms. Notley 'our present-day Homer.' Advertisement Alice Elizabeth Notley was born Nov. 8, 1945, in Bisbee, Ariz., and spent most of her childhood in Needles, Calif., on the edge of the Mojave Desert, where her parents, Beulah (Oliver) and Albert Notley, ran an auto supply store. The Latin lessons she took in high school would later inform the prosody of her poems, as did folk and country songs. Her childhood was happy, 'but I was very impatient to grow up, and I wanted to leave Needles,' she told The Paris Review. 'I knew I had to, because I was going to become a weirdo.' She moved to New York to attend Barnard College in 1963. After graduating, she pursued a master's degree in fiction and poetry at the Iowa Writers' Workshop, where she forged a close relationship with poet Anselm Hollo, who taught there, and met Berrigan. They married in 1972 and lived nomadically, keeping afloat through Berrigan's teaching jobs. They briefly stayed with painter Larry Rivers in the garage of his home in Southampton, N.Y. In Bolinas, Calif., in Marin County, they resided in what she called a 'chicken house' that belonged to writers Lewis and Phoebe MacAdams. Ms. Notley's early work, in the 1970s and '80s, centered on new motherhood -- her sons, Anselm and Edmund, were born in 1972 and 1974 -- and her writing was colored by the intermingling voices of her and her sons. 'Mommy what's this fork doing?/What?/It's being Donald Duck,' she wrote in her 1981 poem 'January.' 'Notley wrote extensively about pregnancy, childbirth and child-rearing at a time when the poetry world was often inhospitable to women,' Wallace wrote in The New Yorker, adding that 'her influence for a later generation of poets exploring these same subjects is hard to overstate.' Advertisement In early-1970s Chicago, she edited Chicago, an important mimeographed magazine, and helped build the avant-garde scene there. In New York, she taught workshops to a generation of influential poets, including Eileen Myles, Bob Holman, and Patricia Spears Jones. Despite their prominence in the community, she and her husband struggled financially and lacked medical care; Berrigan's hepatitis went untreated. 'We had 20 dollars on the day Ted died,' Ms. Notley said. Throughout the 1980s, her poems grew longer and acquired more mythical tones. That trend continued in the 1990s, when she moved to Paris with poet Douglas Oliver, whom she married in 1988. They founded two literary magazines there, Gare du Nord and Scarlet. Oliver died in 2000. In addition to her sons, Ms. Notley leaves two sisters, Rebecca White and Margaret Notley, and two granddaughters. This article originally appeared in
Edinburgh Reporter
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Edinburgh Reporter
Hibernian defender Ellis Notley signs two-year contract extension
Ellis Notley has signed a two-year contract extension with Hibernian Women. With the 26-year-old's deal originally set to expire at the end of this season, Notley has penned a new deal that will run until Summer 2027. She joined the Club aged 13 before rapidly rising through the youth ranks to make her First Team debut in 2016, going on to become a key player in the senior squad – making 227 Hibs appearances to date. Ellis Notley The versatile defender has been a part of five cup-winning squads, lifting three Scottish Cups and two Scottish League Cups as a Hibernian player. In the 2018 SWPL Cup Final, she scored the opening goal, paving the way for Hibernian's emphatic 9-0 rout over Celtic at the Falkirk Stadium. Appointed Hibs Women Vice-Captain at the start of the 2024/25 season, Notley has played a key role in the team's charge for the ScottishPower Women's Premier League title and securing a place in March's Sky Sports Cup Final. After signing the new deal, she told HibsTV: 'I'm obviously delighted. I've been at the club a long time and it's been a great season so far. 'I'm happy that I've extended my contract and that I'm staying here.' Hibs Women Head Coach Grant Scott commented: 'Ellis is a great servant to the club, a consistent performer, and someone who leads by example every single day. 'Her character and leadership make her a vital part of this squad, and we're delighted to have her commit her future to Hibs.' Like this: Like Related
News.com.au
05-05-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Mystery behind historic worker's cottage remains unsolved
The owners of one of Brisbane's oldest surviving homes have launched a push to uncover the property's forgotten past. Camden House, a restored 1800s worker's cottage at 34 Crombie Street, Clayfield, is believed to be among the earliest homes built in the city's inner north — but the story of its origins remains unknown. Owners David Notley and Amanda Neill have called on the public to shed light on the local real estate mystery, before the property goes under the hammer next week. The couple bought the character home for $1.27m in 2017 and have since enhanced it with updated fixtures, formal hedging, and a cabana providing a private space to retreat beside the solar-heated lap pool. 'It was really hard to find out a great deal about it, other than that it was a fully renovated late 19th-century worker's cottage,' Mr Notley said. 'It had the name plaque, Camden House, but there are so many Camdens through Brisbane we couldn't actually track down any further history on the house or who originally built it.' Mr Notley, a senior valuer with Herron Todd White, said the home's distinctive features were among its biggest selling points. Sonia Kruger's new $19m deal State's 15 'supercharged' investor markets revealed 'It is a very unique worker's cottage and that is what drew us to it – it has a beautiful façade with the gabled roof and the wrought iron door.' While the home had been meticulously restored prior to their purchase, the couple introduced a 'modern flair' to blend with its original 1890s features — including 3.2m ceilings, VJ walls, ornate breezeways and timber floors. Set on a 556sq m block, the five-bedroom, two-level home includes a skylit kitchen with servery window, entertainer's deck with wet bar, and a master suite with dual walk-in robes. The couple is now downsizing and have listed the property with Patrick McKinnon and Drew Davies, of Place Ascot. It goes under the hammer on May 13. PropTrack data shows house prices in Clayfield were up 15.7 per cent over the past 12 months, to a median of $2.07m.
South Wales Argus
04-05-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
Gwent properties taking part in the National Garden Scheme
The family-run flower farm, situated around a renovated Tudor cottage and barn in Langstone, will be open to the public on Saturday, June 28, and Sunday, June 29. Katharine Noteley runs the flower farm Little Caerlicyn (Image: Supplied) It offers stunning views over the Severn Estuary, wildflower meadows, ancient trees, and a peaceful woodland walk. Katharine Noteley, owner of Little Caerlicyn, described her motivation for opening the garden to the public: 'It feels so important to me. It's such a beautiful part of the world, and I feel very lucky to be here, so I want to share it with others, not keep it a secret.' Little Caerlicyn (Image: Supplied) Little Caerlicyn is one of more than 3,500 private gardens across the UK taking part in the National Garden Scheme this year. The charity has raised £74 million for health and nursing charities such as Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie and Hospice UK through garden openings, refreshments and events. Ms Notley added that she had followed the National Garden Scheme for years through her family: 'Ever since we've been here, I wanted to get involved. I've been aware of it for a long time.' This dream became a reality when she opened the farm to the public last year, raising nearly £2,000 and hosting more than 100 visitors. 'We went through 18 cakes,' she said with a laugh. Little Caerlicyn opened to the public last year and raised almost £2,000 (Image: Supplied) Founded in 1927, the National Garden Scheme has grown into one of the UK's most significant charity supporters, whilst promoting the positive impact gardens can have on individuals' wellbeing. Beyond raising charitable funds, the scheme actively promotes the benefits of time spent in nature and funds community gardening projects across the country. For Ms Notley, flower farming is more than a business, it's a philosophy rooted in care and sustainability. 'We've inherited this space for such a short amount of time, I want to add to it, not take away from it,' she said. 'It's not ours to take from, it's ours to be a part of.' Alongside the farm itself, visitors will be able to enjoy homemade cakes, teas, and coffees in the courtyard, explore the grounds, and even take part in activities such as willow weaving, essential oil making, and sewing. A small selection of freshly cut locally grown flowers will also be available to buy on the day. Little Caerlicyn (Image: Supplied) Entry to Little Caerlicyn is £5 for adults, with children admitted free of charge. Pre-booking is not required, but visitors are encouraged to check the National Garden Scheme website for the latest opening times and accessibility information. The atmosphere promises to be relaxed and welcoming, making it an ideal outing for garden lovers, families, or anyone seeking a peaceful escape into nature. Wenallt Isaf is a hillside garden (Image: Supplied) Further north, yet another personal story unfolds at Wenallt Isaf, a hillside garden that reflects the dedication behind the National Garden Scheme. Perched 650 feet on a north-facing hillside, Wenallt Isaf is a three-acre garden with sweeping views across the surrounding countryside. It has been lovingly developed by Debbie Field and her husband over the past 12 years. Wenallt Isaf has been developed over 12 years by Debbie Field and her husband (Image: Supplied) The garden is rich with life and character, with bluebells blossoming in the spring, towering hydrangeas in the summer, and wildlife that ranges from green woodpeckers to chickens. This year, Wenallt Isaf opens to the public on Sunday, June 1, for one day only, with additional group visits available by arrangement between May and October. Guests can expect stunning views, peaceful surroundings and homemade cake served on the lawn. Wenallt Isaf (Image: Supplied) Beyond Wenallt Isaf, Mrs Field plays a key role in making the National Garden Scheme thrive in the region. As county organiser for Gwent, she helps coordinate garden openings, offers support to new participants, and ensures the continued success of a scheme that last year raised more than £50,000 locally for nursing and health charities. Wenallt Isaf is opening for one day only (Image: Supplied) She's also encouraging more people in Wales to get involved with the charity, especially in the Newport area. 'We'd love to have more gardens for people to enjoy,' she said. 'It doesn't need to be huge, either a small plot with interesting flowers or even neighbours combining gardens. As long as it's got something to offer, it's worth sharing.' Mrs Field began opening Wenallt Isaf 12 years ago, 'as a dare,' she joked. She then took on the role of county organiser around three years ago. Since then, she's helped welcome new garden owners into the scheme and supported national fundraising efforts. 'We're Macmillan's biggest single donor, and we've supported them for over 14 years,' she explained proudly. Her dual role as both gardener and organiser makes Wenallt Isaf not only a beautiful destination, but also a hub for the wider NGS story in Wales. The National Garden Scheme's reach across Wales is significant. Susan Paynton, Regional Chair for Wales and The Marches, is ensuring that Welsh gardens and communities are represented at a national level. 'As chair, I support our county organisers across Wales and represent garden owners at national board meetings,' she explained, to ensure Wales receives the funding and attention it deserves. Having volunteered with the charity for several years, Paynton said she continues to be inspired by the scheme's impact. 'When you see what good is done and what has been achieved, it's quite extraordinary', such as the £2.5 million raised and donated to the Royal Glamorgan Hospital's palliative care unit. Whether you're there for the flowers, the fresh air, or the homemade cake, these gardens offer a reminder of what grows when communities come together.
Toronto Star
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Toronto Star
Alberta NDP votes to allow opting out of federal party membership
EDMONTON - Alberta's New Democratic Party has voted overwhelmingly to cut traditional membership ties with its federal counterpart. Delegates in Edmonton voted Saturday to allow provincial members to opt out of joining the federal NDP, a move Leader Naheed Nenshi campaigned on last year. In adopting the measure, the party is shedding what many considered a political albatross. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Nenshi told reporters the party's longtime practice of automatically signing up members to the federal party was a sticking point that scared some potential voters and members away. The change, he said, will allow his NDP to build a bigger tent. 'It's a great movement for the very, very many thousands and thousands of Albertans who really like what the Alberta NDP have to say, but don't necessarily agree with the federal party — and this now gives them that choice,' he said. 'We will welcome those people into our movement. While you'll still have the option of joining the federal New Democrats, if you join the provincial New Democrats, you don't have to,' he said. Nenshi said his NDP is financially independent and dictates its own policy, but party candidates spoke out, saying they needed a better answer when voters at the door tied them to the federal party's positions during the 2023 provincial election. The membership practice has long been a target for the governing United Conservatives, who say Nenshi's party answers to political masters in Ottawa that don't support Alberta's oil and gas industry. Premier Danielle Smith, speaking in the legislature Thursday, said the weekend vote suggested Nenshi's party wants to distance itself from a 'damaged brand' after the federal NDP lost 17 seats and its official party status in Monday's election. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Nenshi, like some members who spoke up Saturday, remains skeptical the policy change will shield the Alberta NDP from what they called disingenuous attacks. 'The premier treats Albertans with contempt. She takes us all for fools. She thinks that we'll fall for the most obvious lies, and I believe that Albertans are so much smarter than that,' he said. Saturday's vote required more than two-thirds approval from delegates, and in a show of hands, some two or three dozen delegates in a crowd of more than 1,000 stood firmly against the move. Some warned that allowing those who don't share New Democrat values into the fold spells trouble, and that it could divide the political movement across the country. Nenshi disagreed, saying the decision is ultimately unifying. 'It's saying to everyone, 'look, you're welcome here'.' In his first leadership review, Nenshi received 89.5 per cent support, a bump up from the 86 per cent he secured in the first ballot of the party's leadership contest to replace Rachel Notley last June. Saturday's policy shift also represents a rejection of Notley's allegiance to the federal brand. Last year, Notley called dissociating short-sighted and superficial. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW But some of the loudest applause Saturday came when Nenshi got patriotic. In a speech ahead of the vote, he asked the crowd of supporters whether Smith is a separatist, and the answer was a resounding yes. Meanwhile on Saturday, hundreds of supporters who want the province to secede from Canada gathered at the Alberta legislature grounds, with some saying the fire was lit when the Liberals' won a fourth consecutive federal win earlier this week. It comes after Smith's government introduced legislation early this week that would lower the threshold for citizens to call for a referendum on Alberta's place in Canada, sparking a vocal tide of organizers pushing for a petition. Premier Smith has said she supports a sovereign Alberta within a United Canada, and Albertans can petition for any ballot question they please. A growing group of Indigenous leaders have warned talk of separatism risks violating treaties, and some have accused Smith of attempting to manufacture a national unity crisis by enabling a referendum, and fanatics. Nenshi said Smith is dragging Alberta away from the rest of the country to feed their 'extremist fringe agenda,' and addressed her directly. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW 'Stop pretending that it's just a citizen-initiated process and you're just standing around watching,' he said in a mocking tone during his convention speech. 'I will be damned if I, if we, ever let Danielle Smith tear (this) country down,' he said to a wave of cheers. — With files from Rob Drinkwater in Edmonton. This story from The Canadian Press was first published May 3, 2025.
