19 March 2015

out in the world: tanzania

Over winter break, I traveled to Rwanda to visit some family, and we took a side-trip to Tanzania. The Ngorongoro Area is a protected reserve that includes the Ngorongoro crater and the Serengeti National Park, stretching all the way to the border of Kenya. I came to understand why there are so many ocean metaphors for this part of the world: the English language lacks descriptors for such vastness, sky and rolling grasslands. The Maasai word for this place is siringet, which translates roughly to "the place where the land runs on forever."


In the Rift Valley, we visited one of the Leakey archeological sites where that same vastness moves temporally. The experience shifted so much for me, even months later, I am feeling its effects.


Asante sana. Thank you. I remain grateful for the opportunity.

 ~ sherri

01 August 2014

announcing utah lit for august

Co-editors Kase Johnstun, Sherri Hoffman, Mary Johnstun
I am thrilled to announce that Utah Reflections has been selected by the Salt Lake Tribune as the Utah Lit for August. The Tribune book club will discuss the essays and poetry this month, publish a feature piece on August 24, and host an online TribTalk on August 29 at 12:15pm, moderated by Jennifer Napier-Pearce.

This is some exciting attention to the terrific writers collected in our book, all of whom have personal connections to the Wasatch Front, including Utah's poet laureate Lance Larson, poet Katharine Coles, and authors Terry Tempest Williams, Pam Houston, and Stevan Allred. I know I speak for all of the editors when I say it has been a joy to work with each and every one of our contributors, including some stunning images of the Wasatch Front by photograhers such as Danel W. Bachman, Jason Chacon, Ben Steiner, Aric Russom, and Kathryn Hale.

You can participate in the book club reading and discussions. Post comments and questions about the book at Facebook/UtahLit or send them in email to ellenf@sltrib.com or jnpearce@sltrib.com.

"Like" our Utah Reflections Facebook page for ongoing updates and details about all the monthly happenings for the book, including some upcoming reading events with our authors.



15 July 2014

all roads lead to utah

Since school at UWM let out in May, I've not stopped in any one place for more than three weeks at a time. Utah, Washington, California, and Colorado with a second round of Utah, California, and Washington left to go before I return to Wisconsin. It's a classic summer road trip.



Part of the circle back to Salt Lake City is for the launch of Utah Reflections: Stories from the Wasatch Front. This has been such an exciting project. I have enjoyed working with my fellow editors, Kase Johnstun and Mary Johnstun, and I have been so impressed by each of our contributors. The reach of these writers touches and inspires me. As well, the quality of photography captures the unique range and scope of the Wasatch Front.

The Salt Lake valley is my birthplace. To some extent, it will always be a touchstone wherever I may roam.

Here are the details for the launch party:

Utah Reflections: Stories from the Wasatch Front.
Tuesday, July 22
The King's English Bookstore
1511 South 1500 East
 Salt Lake City,  Utah 84105

Reading: 7:00 - 9:00pm (MDT)
Authors attending: Jana Richman, Chadd VanZanten, Sylvia Torti, Joni Haws, Phyllis Barber, Jeff McCarthy, and Stevan Allred.

You can RSVP on our Facebook event page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1513196785569867/

And stay updated on upcoming readings:
https://www.facebook.com/WasatchFrontReflections

Hope to see you there!

~ sherri



Rover, wanderer, nomad, vagabond
Call me what you will

~ from "Wherever I May Roam" by Metallica, written by James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich