Pigs Fly Under Extremely Happy Circumstances

Joshua Fischer, Clint Weathers, T.J. Kampa, Misha Jameson, Matty Spillum and Suzanne Nielsen

As Jeanne Burns passes on the torch to Becky Haven as managing editor a few of Haute Dish’s editors/contributors wanted to send her off with these messages:

A GRANDIOSE TRIBUTE: JEANNE THE LEGEND

As Managing Editor, Jeanne has truly been the journal’s godsend. For three Haute Dish issues, I was bestowed a blessing by some nondenominable omniscient spirit to behold Jeanne annihilating insurmountable feats with uncompromising gall. (Translation: Jeanne gets legendary results.)

Single-handedly Jeanne built Haute Dish from the ground up to become a sanctuary. Haute Dish expanded exponentially beyond any person’s capabilities or audacities could ever have possibly imagined. Jeanne’s editing accomplishments are so vast, her legendary contributions will never be surpassed. Hopefully for the future, Haute Dish will soar amongst Jeanne’s gift of zephyrs, and if the journal ever whisks off course, Jeanne alongside her savvy Mac can steer it back towards its epic destiny. (Translation: Jeanne again gets legendary results.) Joshua Fischer

Lede:  The Vision Lives On

When I started Haute Dish, there were just a handful of people and a vision.  I couldn't even articulate that vision sometimes, but I knew I wanted it to be about adult students finding their voices through art and literature.  Jeanne Burns coalesced that vision into a tangible reality in ways that I could only dream of.  Her leadership has turned Haute Dish from a pet project into a Metro State fixture.  In ten years when people ask about how Haute Dish started (or restarted!), I hope that Jeanne's is the name shines above all the rest.  She's truly a queen amongst Piggies. Clint Weathers

Midwest Staple goes Literary....
Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of Jeanne Burns, "hot dish" has gone gourmet. Much better than hamburger surprise-this Haute Dish has cool artwork, a fabulous new layout and is available in print. This literary feast is delicious, especially with tater tots! Jeanne, your recipe is AWESOME! Thanks for sharing it with us.  TJ Kampa

Great Editor = Better Writer

“Relax! This is supposed to be fun.” With a smile and those reassuring words, Jeanne Burns eased me through my first editorial writing assignment. She wanted a profile of our accomplished Haute Dish guest alumni editor, Andrea Worth. I, however, had barely read a profile before, let alone written one. Jeanne calmly taught me the basics. She suggested reading profiles from The New Yorker to see how the greats do it. When the chaotic first draft was in, Jeanne didn’t criticize. She presciently picked up on a small musical term Andrea had used. “I’d like to see you pull that musical idea into the rest of the piece. But go easy; don’t let it get out of hand.” Jeanne’s suggestion and wise caution became the thread that tied the article together and gave it a subtle shape. She and I were both happy with the result, and the profile garnered two of the finest compliments my writing has received. Those compliments belong to Jeanne, as do my gratitude and admiration. She is an extraordinary writer, strong organizer, and excellent coach. I predict that we will hear great things in the future of Ms. N. Jeanne Burns. Misha Jameson

If it had not been for the laughter, well…

I would have missed it. All of it.
Which is not to say that I wouldn’t have taken
all those classes that we had together,
or gotten to learn about thong pads.

It isn’t to say that we would not be haunting the same
drab halls of Midway’s converted cube farm,
or making what magic we could, separately,
using only three-syllable words.

But I knew you were a friend because of your ready laughter

I know you fear poetry because you laugh.
I know you to be an exquisite wordsmith because you laugh.
I know your genius for shaping other’s writing because…

Taking time to celebrate your work with Haute Dish,
your onrushing graduation (an aside: savor those last weeks for the jewels they will be)
and your general brilliance, I thought it proper to celebrate
your friendship, for which I am ever grateful, and the fact that you laugh
in a world where that is made harder by the day.

Thank you, Jeanne. Matty Spillum

Pigs Fly Under Extremely Happy Circumstances

When Jeanne Burns agreed to take on the challenge as managing editor from Fall 2006 to Fall 2007, I knew pigs proudly stretched their wings and took flight announcing: “Something Spicy’s in the Works for Haute Dish.”  Clint Weathers looked up, saw his little porkettes and instantly sprang into song that carried through the ether.  Soon all online literary magazines were inspecting their ingredients, adding fistfuls of magic to mindful wills in hopes of competing with one Haute Dish.  Pigs only fly under extremely happy circumstances, and Clint rarely sings accopello I am told. Thanks for a blissful year, Jeanne.  Suzanne Nielsen