The View from Panama

To all of you who have faitfully been following my Blog:
Yes, it has been a long time since the last entry here.
Why? You ask.
I've been moving to Panama, where I currently reside somewhere in one of the many meandering bends of The Canal.
I had to jump a cruise ship to establish residence.
I landed in a wonderful spot on The Canal.
Thank God we gave it back.
But there are so many Americans here with me that I think there is a plan afoot to reclaim it.
Fortunately, I am able to access the The Hampshire School of Art from my computer here.
I don't know what I'd do without it.
I am currently reading a wonderful anthology put together by Joyce Carol Oates. Love the author and you'l love her choices in the anthology. I've discovered so many excellent writers through this large volume.
For those of you who hang on my every word and recommendation, the official title is:
The Ecco Anthology of Contemporary American Short Fiction. (Not to be confused with Eccho La Barba, the famous opera) Slections are by Joyce Carol Oates and Christopher R. Beha. I think he was included so that he could pick a story by Joyce Carol Oates, since it might have looked a bit egotistical for her to include herself. Although, I personally, do not see any wrong in that.
One of my favorite authors thanks to Kirk is Charles Baxter, and he's included.
Others, including Manny: Pinckney Benedict (No relation to Arnold), T.C. Boyle, whose short stories are better than his novels, E.L. Doctorow, also easier on the eye in the short story genre, Deborah Eisenberg, Louise Erdrich, William Gay, Antonya Nelson...just to name a few and not the entire contents page.
I'm hoping that if any of you are around The Canal in the near future, please jump ship, come visit me. I'm not difficult to find. Keep looking for the giant "I support The Hampton Street Art School" poster near the water's edge.
Jim, just one of La Perdutta Gente