Former Judith Arcana was in town recently doing a reading from the anthology Fresh Water , a book of essays by Great Lakes women about life next to America's inland seas. The reading took place at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and included a visit by a great blue heron as the program was closing. Perfect.

Judith is back in Portland now, but she sent along some news we'd like to share with you. You can listen to Judith talk about the life and work of American writer Grace Paley on radio KPFA here. Do you want to know the arts policies of the presidential candidates? Check out Swan Day News . Hint: Obama has an arts policy. McCain doesn't. Finally, the new issue of Persimmon Tree is out. It's a free online women's literary magazine. Read it here .