These Are a Few of Our Favorite Things

But first another, increasingly plaintive note from the art department: Do you enjoy creating visual art? If so, we want it. Upcoming issues are chock-full of gorgeous poems and flash fiction we've received lately — but we don't get as many photos, paintings, doodles, digital oddities. All of which we'd love to consider. The cover image pulls the whole issue together each time, don't you think? If you'd like to see your artwork smack in the center of Uppagus, start with our submission guidelines.

Because Uppagus is a small operation, it is sometimes a slow operation. Among my few regrets of 2014 is that we didn't get it together quite soon enough to submit nominations for Sundress Publications' Best of the Net Anthology.

We are determined to do that next year. But now, at the end of this year, we feel compelled to share highlights. Some of these are works we've published; many are simply great moments in Uppagus that made us happy.

• Searching for Goffner by Joan E. Bauer: The first poem (we know of) that was actually inspired by our magazine.
• Breakfasts with Wurster: On the occasional Sunday morning we'll drive out to a buffet or diner. We'll sit across from each other over sausage and scrambled eggs, or tiny muffins and fruit, or all of these. Most often, Michael knows exactly what he wants to say. As he speaks, I record the old-fashioned way: pen and notebook. Now you know where the interviews come from.
• Collages by Nancy Scott: Speaking of the importance of visual art in each issue ...
• Our first reading, of course: Uppagus Speaks was well-attended, well-received, and a learning experience besides. Look out for the second installment of Uppagus Speaks, which will feature contributors from issues 3 and 4 in late February. We did promise details, and more are coming.
• Making buttons: These will accompany us to future events. Yes, you may have one. Wear it proudly. You'll help us expand the reach of the all-reading eye.

As always, thank you for reading and contributing! You guys, you who are behind the eyes reading these words, are the force that keeps this endeavor going.

All of us here at Uppagus (Upp Sr., Higgs the tech guru, and assorted figments of our imaginations) wish you a joyous winter break and countdown to 2015.