Sunday, March 29, 2009
Facilitating a workshop
or giving a speech about my writer's journey or something else.
An opportunity to participate in a writer's conference in San Antonio! Yay yay
I just gotta decide what I want to do and get back to the coordinator with such.
and I gotta write a bio and send it to the gentleman coordinating the Juneteenth reading in San Fran.
But that will have to be this evening, 'cause I've, uhm, got plans for the morning.
An opportunity to participate in a writer's conference in San Antonio! Yay yay
I just gotta decide what I want to do and get back to the coordinator with such.
and I gotta write a bio and send it to the gentleman coordinating the Juneteenth reading in San Fran.
But that will have to be this evening, 'cause I've, uhm, got plans for the morning.
Man, it's early
There was a tornado watch last night. Never been through that before. The sky was crazy gorgeous with dark clouds and the rain was just this constant downpour-- for awhile -- and then the rain stopped and it didn't feel so dark, though the sky was filled with grey clouds. It was beautiful.
Anyway, this storm watch interrupted my plans for the evening so I've got to make up some time by getting my butt up and to work this morning. I would love to write, psyched by the acceptance, I've got five other new pieces out and I'd love to up that number back to six, maybe make it seven, but I've got to get those bears done. PRIORITY.
Discipline myself! Work on this project and make the $$ you need to have the REWARD: You won't have to work outside and for someone else and you can write Gwendolyn. The never-getting-out-of-your-pj's, eating-corn-pops-while-you-sit-before-the-screen-searching-for-the-right-word-on-your-quest-to-understand-the world-and-yourself-through-writing, you can have days and months of that, Sweetie, but you gotta do this other thing first.
Oh, all right.
Anyway, this storm watch interrupted my plans for the evening so I've got to make up some time by getting my butt up and to work this morning. I would love to write, psyched by the acceptance, I've got five other new pieces out and I'd love to up that number back to six, maybe make it seven, but I've got to get those bears done. PRIORITY.
Discipline myself! Work on this project and make the $$ you need to have the REWARD: You won't have to work outside and for someone else and you can write Gwendolyn. The never-getting-out-of-your-pj's, eating-corn-pops-while-you-sit-before-the-screen-searching-for-the-right-word-on-your-quest-to-understand-the world-and-yourself-through-writing, you can have days and months of that, Sweetie, but you gotta do this other thing first.
Oh, all right.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
Creative quote for 3/27/09
Child, to say the very thing you really mean, the whole of it, nothing more or less or other than what you really mean; that's the whole art and joy of words.
-Til We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis
-Til We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis
Quote for 3/27/09
Let everything that hath breath praise Jehovah. Praise ye Jehovah.
--Psalm 150: 6
American Standard Version
--Psalm 150: 6
American Standard Version
misc
God was really good to me. My current challenge is a tough one and something needed to happen and happen in a big way and quick and yesterday I prayed and prayed and prayed. The answer a "yes" though not on my timetable, but close enough (maybe I'm being given the time to get it together and grow up in regards to this predicament I repeat again and again, hmmmmmm). Anyway, I'm so very grateful God overlooks so much and extends his mercy to me.
I have a part-time job and I'm ending my first week of work; my feet hurt. Next week, I order everything for the graduation bears and get started doing that in the evenings and weekend. The money from this job is going to be tucked away for my writing. Books, writing and just-for-reading ones, and for travel. And some misc. bills.
Ireland has been delayed again and I don't even know if the anthology "24/7" is still going to come out 'cause the domain for the organization is parked and my last gmail got no response. Oh, well. Stuff happens. I remember when I was scheduled to do a reading in NJ. I talked to the woman on the phone and she was quite nice and, so it seemed, equally excited to have me doing the reading-- she selected me from a pool of poets. She said she'd get back to me but never did!
Anyway I've got to get on some stories tonight 'cause this weekend I've got to do bears and ship them back to NM for the display at the bank.
It was a wonderful rainy day. Jeffrey Osbourne is crooning "Love Ballad," the hit from when he was with LTD/ one of the most beautiful songs. I am at peace.
My world is good:)
I have a part-time job and I'm ending my first week of work; my feet hurt. Next week, I order everything for the graduation bears and get started doing that in the evenings and weekend. The money from this job is going to be tucked away for my writing. Books, writing and just-for-reading ones, and for travel. And some misc. bills.
Ireland has been delayed again and I don't even know if the anthology "24/7" is still going to come out 'cause the domain for the organization is parked and my last gmail got no response. Oh, well. Stuff happens. I remember when I was scheduled to do a reading in NJ. I talked to the woman on the phone and she was quite nice and, so it seemed, equally excited to have me doing the reading-- she selected me from a pool of poets. She said she'd get back to me but never did!
Anyway I've got to get on some stories tonight 'cause this weekend I've got to do bears and ship them back to NM for the display at the bank.
It was a wonderful rainy day. Jeffrey Osbourne is crooning "Love Ballad," the hit from when he was with LTD/ one of the most beautiful songs. I am at peace.
My world is good:)
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Another story out somewhere
A micro but I'm loving getting work out again. One day I hope to have the time to submit reprints. I have about 50 stories that have fallen off the web. I don't think I'll get some of them republished, they are some of the weakest writing I've done, but there are some stories that I want people to be able to read.
Anyway, I'm going to go take a nap and then get up and work on another story.
Adios.
Anyway, I'm going to go take a nap and then get up and work on another story.
Adios.
uncanny
I get these inspirational messages in my email. DailyOM. Sometimes I'll be facing a certain something and the DailyOM reflects that situation.
So I left here for a second to check my email and this is today's:
March 26, 2009
Over And Over Again
Having The Same Experiences
There may be times in our lives when it seems like we keep having the same kinds of experiences. The situation or the people involved may be different each time, yet one experience may feel exactly like the last one and the one before that one. Perhaps we left a job where we were unhappy and we find ourselves experiencing similar challenges in our new job. A relationship with a new romantic partner may start to seem a lot like our old relationship and the problems that we thought we had left behind. We may feel disappointed or frustrated and wonder why the same situations and people keep showing up in our lives. The truth is that the same kinds of experiences don’t keep happening to us. After all, the circumstances and the people involved are always different. We keep having the same kinds of experiences.
Subconsciously, there is great value to be had in experiencing life in the same ways until we are ready to have different experiences. Perhaps we feel unworthy of happiness, or worry that we can’t get a break. Our experiences tend to reflect what we believe about life. After all, most of us don’t like to be proven wrong. We may even derive satisfaction in being right or experience a sense of safety every time we confirm to ourselves that know the way the world works. We may choose a relationship partner who is very different from our last significant other and hope that this time love will turn out differently. Yet as long as we hold whatever beliefs we have that limit the good we can experience in our relationships, we will create the same dynamic of limited happiness with any partner.
We bring ourselves and our beliefs to every situation. If we can figure out which of our beliefs are no longer serving us, we can consciously change those beliefs, make new choices, and start having new kinds of experiences that are in line with what we want in life.
EXACTLY what I'm going through. Now to reread it and put into action what I need to put into action, i.e. changing my belief system!
So I left here for a second to check my email and this is today's:
March 26, 2009
Over And Over Again
Having The Same Experiences
There may be times in our lives when it seems like we keep having the same kinds of experiences. The situation or the people involved may be different each time, yet one experience may feel exactly like the last one and the one before that one. Perhaps we left a job where we were unhappy and we find ourselves experiencing similar challenges in our new job. A relationship with a new romantic partner may start to seem a lot like our old relationship and the problems that we thought we had left behind. We may feel disappointed or frustrated and wonder why the same situations and people keep showing up in our lives. The truth is that the same kinds of experiences don’t keep happening to us. After all, the circumstances and the people involved are always different. We keep having the same kinds of experiences.
Subconsciously, there is great value to be had in experiencing life in the same ways until we are ready to have different experiences. Perhaps we feel unworthy of happiness, or worry that we can’t get a break. Our experiences tend to reflect what we believe about life. After all, most of us don’t like to be proven wrong. We may even derive satisfaction in being right or experience a sense of safety every time we confirm to ourselves that know the way the world works. We may choose a relationship partner who is very different from our last significant other and hope that this time love will turn out differently. Yet as long as we hold whatever beliefs we have that limit the good we can experience in our relationships, we will create the same dynamic of limited happiness with any partner.
We bring ourselves and our beliefs to every situation. If we can figure out which of our beliefs are no longer serving us, we can consciously change those beliefs, make new choices, and start having new kinds of experiences that are in line with what we want in life.
EXACTLY what I'm going through. Now to reread it and put into action what I need to put into action, i.e. changing my belief system!
Not my will but Your will be done
So I have to add something to the post I made the other day about the things I'm hoping to get this year. I forgot to say if God so willed.
'cause the plan for /purpose of my life may not include a husband or the other things I mentioned. That's not saying those things won't happen. God is generous. I just need to recognize that if I really want to be baptized then I'm surrendering claim to my life and some of the things I want may be in conflict with what God has planned for me.
And God's will trumps mine.
'cause the plan for /purpose of my life may not include a husband or the other things I mentioned. That's not saying those things won't happen. God is generous. I just need to recognize that if I really want to be baptized then I'm surrendering claim to my life and some of the things I want may be in conflict with what God has planned for me.
And God's will trumps mine.
Jersey Boys
The musical about Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons is going to be at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. I hope I have money that I can spend on tickets before the show closes.
I'm not so much a FV/4 Seasons fan as much as I am a Frankie Valli fan.
I LOVE "My Eyes Adored You." Such a wonderful song. When I heard the commercial for the musical "Jersey Boys," I started singing the song and I was surprised how easily the words came back. But not so surprised. I used to have this monster crush on a guy who lived across the street and my adolescent heart dedicated it to him; it never, evidently, forgot.
"My eyes adored you
Like a million miles away from me you couldn't see
How I adored you:
So close, so close and yet so far away. . ."
I'm not so much a FV/4 Seasons fan as much as I am a Frankie Valli fan.
I LOVE "My Eyes Adored You." Such a wonderful song. When I heard the commercial for the musical "Jersey Boys," I started singing the song and I was surprised how easily the words came back. But not so surprised. I used to have this monster crush on a guy who lived across the street and my adolescent heart dedicated it to him; it never, evidently, forgot.
"My eyes adored you
Like a million miles away from me you couldn't see
How I adored you:
So close, so close and yet so far away. . ."
I'm in the middle of a crisis of sorts
challenges, challenges. . . but I'm here (again) because I'm not proactive and my thinking about this thing keeps me trapped. I'm always surprised to find myself at the same place again. Equally frustrated.
The choice(s) that will turn this around, man, I hope I make it/them.
The choice(s) that will turn this around, man, I hope I make it/them.
You can't find me there
on Facebook. My friend Maya wrote me and asked if I was really there. Uhm, no. The truth is I needed to ask someone a question and someone who had this person as a friend suggested I join Facebook, go to his friend list, and find her and write her through there, which is what I did.
Every now and then I get an email that says that so-and-so has added me as a friend. Okay. Or I'll get something from Tagged or Friendster or WAYN and I'm like, okay, 'cause I don't have to time to keep up with this. Shelfari? Can't even remember my password, it's been a minute since I've been there. I don't really even go to my Myspace page but occasionally to add people who send friend requests.
I don't understand how some people have the time to keep up with all these social networking things. I can barely handle the two blogs I've got going.
Every now and then I get an email that says that so-and-so has added me as a friend. Okay. Or I'll get something from Tagged or Friendster or WAYN and I'm like, okay, 'cause I don't have to time to keep up with this. Shelfari? Can't even remember my password, it's been a minute since I've been there. I don't really even go to my Myspace page but occasionally to add people who send friend requests.
I don't understand how some people have the time to keep up with all these social networking things. I can barely handle the two blogs I've got going.
Removing a post
'cause there are things a certain person doesn't need to know, should that person stumble upon this blog. My state of "gaga-ness" is something I should write in my paper journal and not the virtual one 'cause a certain person doesn't have access to that one.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Creative quote for 3/23/09
Creativity is the power to connect the seemingly unconnected.
--William Plomer.
--William Plomer.
Quote for 3/23/09
Put yourself in a state of mind where you say to yourself, "Here is an opportunity for you to celebrate like never before, my own power, my own ability to get myself to do whatever is necessary."
--Anthony Robbins
--Anthony Robbins
I will read this every day if I have to. Envisioning my dreams, WRITING them down, breaking things down into goals and those goals into tasks I need to complete daily.
This year I plan to get a novel into the hands of an agent, I plan to get engaged to be married, I plan to buy a house, I plan to have a business that makes use of my talents and provides viable income, I plan to meet the requirements to be baptized in the religious organization I want to belong to (and for the record, I no longer write erotica but I'm not taking down the links from the work I published previously. Think Prince; there's stuff he don't do no more, but you can still hear "Little Red Corvette every now and then).
Not everything I want but it's a start. Now, I have to put dates on these things.
When do I want them?
Uhm. . . yesterday;-)
The Office
cannot find Season 5 in chronological order. On Youtube the quality is horrible, plus you only get 5 minutes at a time. Was watching them on Netflix. Spoiled that way.
Feenin' but maybe this is a good thing. Reading about focus and handling distractions so maybe this is Life helping me out. Forget Dwight, Gwendolyn. Remember your DREAMS.
Feenin' but maybe this is a good thing. Reading about focus and handling distractions so maybe this is Life helping me out. Forget Dwight, Gwendolyn. Remember your DREAMS.
San Francisco is a go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I will be reading at a Juneteenth celebration, my story about this annual Black event.
Dancing around the living room.
Dancing around the living room.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
help a sistah out
Talia Carnes is a finalist of sorts in the Amazon Novel Contest. This is from an email she sent. Go to Amazon. Support her career.
----------------------------------
Recently I finished editing a new novel, Jerusalem Maiden. Luckily, the manuscript has just been named a quarterfinalist in a contest run by Amazon to publish a breakthrough novel in partnership with Penguin books. There were close to 10,000 submissions!
Amazon asks its customers--you--to VOTE in order to move it to the semifinal. Will you please read the excerpt on Amazon and post your impression?
Please click http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001UG3AOG. The
download is F=R#E^E even as it says "Ready to B-u^y Now?" (If you do not see the blue purchasing icon on the right and you are using AOL, Firefox or such sensitive browser, try Internet Explorer.)
Keep a copy of the review. After you post it, please check in a day or two to see if it’s up. Amazon’s software can be capricious….
Jerusalem Maiden is a story of a young woman's struggle with her fundamentalist society's religious dictates, what Hollywood would tag "The Red Tent" meets "A thousand Splendid Suns." I am certain that you will enjoy reading the short excerpt. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001UG3AOG
This is important to me, but also, each novel I publish draws attention to my previous books and gives exposure to the social issues behind my writing. I use 100% of the revenues to finance my activism.
A million thanks for your support.
Talia Carner
www.TaliaCarner.com
----------------------------------
Recently I finished editing a new novel, Jerusalem Maiden. Luckily, the manuscript has just been named a quarterfinalist in a contest run by Amazon to publish a breakthrough novel in partnership with Penguin books. There were close to 10,000 submissions!
Amazon asks its customers--you--to VOTE in order to move it to the semifinal. Will you please read the excerpt on Amazon and post your impression?
Please click http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001UG3AOG. The
download is F=R#E^E even as it says "Ready to B-u^y Now?" (If you do not see the blue purchasing icon on the right and you are using AOL, Firefox or such sensitive browser, try Internet Explorer.)
Keep a copy of the review. After you post it, please check in a day or two to see if it’s up. Amazon’s software can be capricious….
Jerusalem Maiden is a story of a young woman's struggle with her fundamentalist society's religious dictates, what Hollywood would tag "The Red Tent" meets "A thousand Splendid Suns." I am certain that you will enjoy reading the short excerpt. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001UG3AOG
This is important to me, but also, each novel I publish draws attention to my previous books and gives exposure to the social issues behind my writing. I use 100% of the revenues to finance my activism.
A million thanks for your support.
Talia Carner
www.TaliaCarner.com
Saturday, March 21, 2009
So today will end on a great note
Thursday night I went to sleep with stuff on my mind. Friday it got resolved and today another piece of news, really really good news, so I've been giddy all day. A Jersey Mike's Sub opened up (I LOVE DELI'S) and they were having this special-- $1 subs, money donated to cancer research so I had this delicious Italian sandwich for cheap and for a good cause. I got a flash finished and submitted Yay! Threw my hat in for a reading in San Fran. I wrote this woman who I'd previously contacted about reading in NY; she wrote back that the reading series was no longer and sorry that they didn't get to me :(
I also wrote that poet who had asked me to read in Chicago but I never heard from him again after I'd selected the timeframe in which I wanted to read. If that reading series is over as well or he's no longer interested, no problem. I'd just like to delete those emails in that pending folder.
Happy so I've been having a private party this evening. Lots of my favorites at Youtube. Gloria Estefan, Jeffrey Osbourne, Luther Vandross. Doobie Brothers, although they shouldn't be allowed to sing Echoes of Love w/o Michael McDonald and then seeing Jeff Baxter had me listening to Steeley Dan. Then it's Greg Allman and the Allman Brothers Band. No, no Tom Petty 'cause I'm gonna go work on another story before i go to bed and if I get started with the Heartbreakers this party'll go all night;-) .
But I did listen to Thin Lizzy. and Metallica. and The Dubliners. If one chooses to listen to "Whiskey in the Jar" one should listen to the various renditions, though Thin Lizzy does it the very very best.
I also wrote that poet who had asked me to read in Chicago but I never heard from him again after I'd selected the timeframe in which I wanted to read. If that reading series is over as well or he's no longer interested, no problem. I'd just like to delete those emails in that pending folder.
Happy so I've been having a private party this evening. Lots of my favorites at Youtube. Gloria Estefan, Jeffrey Osbourne, Luther Vandross. Doobie Brothers, although they shouldn't be allowed to sing Echoes of Love w/o Michael McDonald and then seeing Jeff Baxter had me listening to Steeley Dan. Then it's Greg Allman and the Allman Brothers Band. No, no Tom Petty 'cause I'm gonna go work on another story before i go to bed and if I get started with the Heartbreakers this party'll go all night;-) .
But I did listen to Thin Lizzy. and Metallica. and The Dubliners. If one chooses to listen to "Whiskey in the Jar" one should listen to the various renditions, though Thin Lizzy does it the very very best.
then Chicago, Aretha and Bob
I'm in love with the trombone player in Chicago. Loved their music, saddened by Terry Kath's death, loved Robert Lamm's voice, not quite sure how I felt about Peter Ceterra becoming the lead singer. Not that it mattered 'cause my favorite song is "You Are On My Mind" sung by that gorgeous chest-baring trombone player.
And then somehow I had to go listen to Aretha and ended with Bob Seger who I love more than Leon Russell though not as much as Elton John. "We've Got Tonight" and "You'll Accompany Me"-- just keep hitting that replay button.
If I'd gotten into my Tom Petty/Heartbreakers mood, I'd get nothing done today.
And then somehow I had to go listen to Aretha and ended with Bob Seger who I love more than Leon Russell though not as much as Elton John. "We've Got Tonight" and "You'll Accompany Me"-- just keep hitting that replay button.
If I'd gotten into my Tom Petty/Heartbreakers mood, I'd get nothing done today.
Hello, It's Me
Yesterday I caught a commercial with my MOST favorite song playing in it. So of course I went to YouTube and looked up Todd Rundgren and watched him sing it a few times. A clip from Midnight Special! Wow -- the 70's! Wolfman Jack and Soul Train and American bandstand. Ah, the memories. Anyway, there was a more recent clip of him when he appeared on The David Letterman Show; INCREDIBLE version.
Hello, it's me
I've thought about us for a long, long time
Maybe I think too much but something's wrong
There's something here that doesn't last too long
Maybe I shouldn't think of you as mine
Seeing you
Or seeing anything as much as I do you
I take for granted that you're always there
I take for granted that you just don't care
Sometimes I can't help seeing all the way through
It's important to me
That you know you are free
'Cause I never want to make you change for me
Think of me
You know that I'd be with you if I could
I'll come around to see you once in a while
Or if I ever need a reason to smile
And spend the night if you think I should
It's important to me
That you know you are free
'Cause I never want to make you change for me
Think of me
You know that I'd be with you if I could
I'll come around to see you once in a while
Or if I ever need a reason to smile
And spend the night if you think I should
Think of me...
Think of me...
Think of me
lyrics by Todd Rungren
Hello, it's me
I've thought about us for a long, long time
Maybe I think too much but something's wrong
There's something here that doesn't last too long
Maybe I shouldn't think of you as mine
Seeing you
Or seeing anything as much as I do you
I take for granted that you're always there
I take for granted that you just don't care
Sometimes I can't help seeing all the way through
It's important to me
That you know you are free
'Cause I never want to make you change for me
Think of me
You know that I'd be with you if I could
I'll come around to see you once in a while
Or if I ever need a reason to smile
And spend the night if you think I should
It's important to me
That you know you are free
'Cause I never want to make you change for me
Think of me
You know that I'd be with you if I could
I'll come around to see you once in a while
Or if I ever need a reason to smile
And spend the night if you think I should
Think of me...
Think of me...
Think of me
lyrics by Todd Rungren
Friday, March 20, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Creative quote for 3/19/09
If I create from the heart, nearly everything works; if from the head almost nothing.
-Marc Chagall
-Marc Chagall
Quote for 3/19/09
I know the price of success: dedication, hard work, and an unremitting devotion to the things you want to see happen.
--Frank Lloyd Wright
--Frank Lloyd Wright
A beautiful rainy day!
One meant for pondering and a certain degree of laziness.
N/R.
Today, since I'll be staying in, I am going to do some more writing--got a micro done last night (in between episodes of "The Office" Just 3 more shows in Season 4 to watch, yay!)--and also turning my attention to some things I've been procrastinating about.
Quickest way to get one's life flowing is to finish projects.
Have to get application packets ready for two different residencies. I hope to spend some time somewhere I've never been to give my writing a jolt of newness. I've applied for two grants and a writer's workshop so far. I'd like to attend a full writer's conference, but I'll think about that once I've got the residencies crossed off my list.
I'm three stories away from finishing "Gorilla, My Love" and I hope to finish the Empowerment book today.
So it only looks like I'm doing nothing, sprawled out on the floor; I'm working. I am! I am!
N/R.
Today, since I'll be staying in, I am going to do some more writing--got a micro done last night (in between episodes of "The Office" Just 3 more shows in Season 4 to watch, yay!)--and also turning my attention to some things I've been procrastinating about.
Quickest way to get one's life flowing is to finish projects.
Have to get application packets ready for two different residencies. I hope to spend some time somewhere I've never been to give my writing a jolt of newness. I've applied for two grants and a writer's workshop so far. I'd like to attend a full writer's conference, but I'll think about that once I've got the residencies crossed off my list.
I'm three stories away from finishing "Gorilla, My Love" and I hope to finish the Empowerment book today.
So it only looks like I'm doing nothing, sprawled out on the floor; I'm working. I am! I am!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
my new addiction
I'm not a television watcher but my daughters were raving about this show called "The Office."
Watched it and like crack cocaine (though I've never tried crack cocaine; I'm just repeating what I've heard) it's got me immediately hooked.
Watching prior seasons on the computer== man, a season or two can take up a day or two. I gotta stop . . . after those last seven episodes of season 4. . .
Watched it and like crack cocaine (though I've never tried crack cocaine; I'm just repeating what I've heard) it's got me immediately hooked.
Watching prior seasons on the computer== man, a season or two can take up a day or two. I gotta stop . . . after those last seven episodes of season 4. . .
But in the absence of these, condoms do help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The pope says combating the spread of AIDS requires a "spiritual and human awakening," friendship for those who suffer, and a "responsible, moral attitude toward sex."
I hate when people in a place of influence say dumb things. Arrgh!
I hate when people in a place of influence say dumb things. Arrgh!
Order
Notes from the Back Cover
What do you do when you find yourself in the company of the best poets in the world? You publish them in your magazine, obviously. But what if the poetry is so gripping, sassy, and masterful that for crying out loud, you can't stand it, you have to take it to the next level?
That's when you put out a compilation. The Best of Boston Literary Magazine features poems, haiku, prose poetry, dribbles, and drabbles, painstakingly culled from a dozen issues which represent not just the best, but the best of the best.
We're proud to present poets whose work has appeared in just about every magazine out there, in addition to brand new voices that made us say Whoa! I didn't see that coming!
American humorist Don Marquis once said that writing poetry “is like dropping a rose petal into the Grand Canyon and waiting for the echo.” Well we say, who wants to hear an echo? For us, watching the petal float scarlet in the air is enough; in fact, it's what we came here for.
Robin Stratton, 2009
Newton, Massachusetts
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
random act of kindness
My daughter and I were out and about downtown. We stopped to get something to drink (yes, I confess a soda) at a restaurant. The clerk handed us cups and told me the total. I searched inside my purse for my debit card but it was no where to be found.
"Can you just cancel that?" I said. "Sorry."
We were leaving when another worker asked if we'd gotten our drinks.
"I don't have my card with me," I explained.
"She said she'd pay." He pointed to the woman who'd been behind us.
"I'll get it," she told me.
Really?
!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"Can you just cancel that?" I said. "Sorry."
We were leaving when another worker asked if we'd gotten our drinks.
"I don't have my card with me," I explained.
"She said she'd pay." He pointed to the woman who'd been behind us.
"I'll get it," she told me.
Really?
!!!!!!!!!!!!!
not for naught
I wasn't deterred from my mission to connect but I had to go to the bathroom so my attention was on getting back to my daughter's place.
The guy on the sidewalk in front of me glanced back a couple of times, but I paid him no attention 'cause I HAD TO GO! Picking up my stride, I was passing him on the left when he said he knew me from somewhere but he couldn't place where.
I shook my head and over my shoulder, I told him that I was from New Mexico and I'd only been here a few days.
"Well, you've got a twin," he said.
"Maybe," I replied.
"They say everyone's got one somewhere."
I HAD TO PEE, but okay, okay. . .
I stopped; turned, looked him in the eyes, gave him the sweetest smile and meant it.
"I'm kind of in a hurry," I said, "but you have yourself a nice day."
He nodded. "You already made it that way," he said.
The guy on the sidewalk in front of me glanced back a couple of times, but I paid him no attention 'cause I HAD TO GO! Picking up my stride, I was passing him on the left when he said he knew me from somewhere but he couldn't place where.
I shook my head and over my shoulder, I told him that I was from New Mexico and I'd only been here a few days.
"Well, you've got a twin," he said.
"Maybe," I replied.
"They say everyone's got one somewhere."
I HAD TO PEE, but okay, okay. . .
I stopped; turned, looked him in the eyes, gave him the sweetest smile and meant it.
"I'm kind of in a hurry," I said, "but you have yourself a nice day."
He nodded. "You already made it that way," he said.
making it e-z for me not to do this
Set out this morning to be present with the world and I have found, so far, that the world is not interested. Ha! Lots of people avoid eye contact, and since they can't "see" you, they don't have to deal with you.
Hmmmmmm
Hmmmmmm
Monday, March 16, 2009
Writing today and other stuff
Going back over the draft of Soldier Boys and working on my novel. Some things to do with the bear biz and then it's back to reading: the empowerment book, the writing book,and the short story collection, "Gorilla, My Love."
Creative Quote: 3/16/09
Our voice is our most creative and musical instrument. It has great power to touch our lives and the lives of others.
--Ted Andrews
--Ted Andrews
Quote for 3/16/09
This world, after all our science and sciences, is still a miracle; wonderful, inscrutable, magical and more, to whosoever will think of it.
--Thomas Caryle
--Thomas Caryle
What I want
I was thinking of things I wanted and to get back to acting and doing comedy are there on the list. Shortly afterward, there's a notice of a casting call for a new Tyler Perry movie in my email. The call was for stand-ins and extras and although I knew it might not be possible 'cause I need to spend my time on my bear biz, I sent my pic and resume in anyway.
Just letting the universe see that I will act on my own behalf.
Just letting the universe see that I will act on my own behalf.
A lesson in love #2
By the time, the guy got on the bus, walked down the aisle and sat across from me, I'd already decided who he was. Some things he did when we stopped for breaks only served to verify my summation.
Later, my sweat jacket over my head, I was trying to sleep but couldn't because he was having a conversation with the guy behind me.
That only irritated me more but as his conversation went on (I had to listen 'cause I'm a writer and we eavesdrop and because they were the only two talking on the bus), I realized that I was so wrong.
The lesson was, Gwendolyn?
That I don't know anything about anyone until they show me who they are. I had stereotyped the guy and the things he did, filtered through my expectations of him, only seemed to support the stereotype. But what I learned was that he was a human being who had gone through some stuff and he was trying to deal with it the best that he could. I learned that he was looking for a way to grow out of his past.
That's a lot to get out of the conversation. Were they talking long?
Nope.
Then how do you know all this?
'Cause at some point I chose to listen. Not just to his words, but to his inflection. Listened to his hesitations, listened to his fear that maybe it wasn't safe to share what he was sharing, listened to his hope that maybe it was.
Wow. Anything else you learned?
Yep. This experience was quite ripe with some things to learn. You won't be happy to hear me say that I looked at him and decided certain things about him. I know we've had this conversation before, but it's habit. One I need to break.
It's hard.
Exactly, because I have to learn to be present with everyone. I have to be open and I have to be vulnerable.
And that does what to you?
It doesn't scare me as much as it challenges me to step up to a higher level of interaction with people, with myself.
Some people may try to hurt you. Deliberately.
I know, but I've been hurt before. Trying to hide the hurt and trying to hide from the hurt is what hurts the most. People will hurt me. People will disappoint me. I will hurt me. I will disappoint me. I will cry, learn from it all and move on.
Wow, again. You seem to be serious about this.
I am. It's freeing. At the next break, the guy seemed different to me. He did some things specifically for me. Maybe he was giving to me in the beginning, but I didn't see it because I'd already pegged him and wouldn't see anything outside of what I wanted to see. He gifted me with some kindness, he gifted me with his humanity. I just had to open myself--without judgment -- to receive it.
Later, my sweat jacket over my head, I was trying to sleep but couldn't because he was having a conversation with the guy behind me.
That only irritated me more but as his conversation went on (I had to listen 'cause I'm a writer and we eavesdrop and because they were the only two talking on the bus), I realized that I was so wrong.
The lesson was, Gwendolyn?
That I don't know anything about anyone until they show me who they are. I had stereotyped the guy and the things he did, filtered through my expectations of him, only seemed to support the stereotype. But what I learned was that he was a human being who had gone through some stuff and he was trying to deal with it the best that he could. I learned that he was looking for a way to grow out of his past.
That's a lot to get out of the conversation. Were they talking long?
Nope.
Then how do you know all this?
'Cause at some point I chose to listen. Not just to his words, but to his inflection. Listened to his hesitations, listened to his fear that maybe it wasn't safe to share what he was sharing, listened to his hope that maybe it was.
Wow. Anything else you learned?
Yep. This experience was quite ripe with some things to learn. You won't be happy to hear me say that I looked at him and decided certain things about him. I know we've had this conversation before, but it's habit. One I need to break.
It's hard.
Exactly, because I have to learn to be present with everyone. I have to be open and I have to be vulnerable.
And that does what to you?
It doesn't scare me as much as it challenges me to step up to a higher level of interaction with people, with myself.
Some people may try to hurt you. Deliberately.
I know, but I've been hurt before. Trying to hide the hurt and trying to hide from the hurt is what hurts the most. People will hurt me. People will disappoint me. I will hurt me. I will disappoint me. I will cry, learn from it all and move on.
Wow, again. You seem to be serious about this.
I am. It's freeing. At the next break, the guy seemed different to me. He did some things specifically for me. Maybe he was giving to me in the beginning, but I didn't see it because I'd already pegged him and wouldn't see anything outside of what I wanted to see. He gifted me with some kindness, he gifted me with his humanity. I just had to open myself--without judgment -- to receive it.
Well duh Gwendolyn
I realized this morning, after working through a few more chapters in that book, that my life is never going to be the same. I stated that I'd never felt so empowered and I realized that everything I feel from this point on, that everything I do, the way I approach people and allow them to approach me will be unlike anything I've experienced before.
I hope that makes sense.
There's a quote about stretching one's mind and its inability to return to the previous place; this is where I'm at.
I can't --and don't want-- to ever going back to where I was.
It's like when a child first learns to stand and he/she holds onto a table, flexing his/her legs and there's such delight in the knowing that those things underneath you are sturdy enough to hold you up. I'm sturdy enough to hold me up.
Oh, maybe I'll fall a time or two or twenty. I don't care. I'll face that when/if it happens. Right now I'm so eager to walk this new road until I'm ready to run to that edge of the cliff, jump off and soar. . .
:)
I hope that makes sense.
There's a quote about stretching one's mind and its inability to return to the previous place; this is where I'm at.
I can't --and don't want-- to ever going back to where I was.
It's like when a child first learns to stand and he/she holds onto a table, flexing his/her legs and there's such delight in the knowing that those things underneath you are sturdy enough to hold you up. I'm sturdy enough to hold me up.
Oh, maybe I'll fall a time or two or twenty. I don't care. I'll face that when/if it happens. Right now I'm so eager to walk this new road until I'm ready to run to that edge of the cliff, jump off and soar. . .
:)
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Writing quote for 3/15/09
We share stories not to cause separation, but to create connections.
--Laraine Herrings, from Writing Begins With The Breath
--Laraine Herrings, from Writing Begins With The Breath
Quote for 3/15/09
Success is not a place at which one arrives but rather the spirit with which one undertakes and continues the journey.
--Alex Noble
--Alex Noble
READ THIS BOOK!
When I wasn't writing on the Greyhound, I was reading this first novel. Exceptional!
I gotta get some stuff sent out
it's the 15th and that's a deadline for submitting to a publication so I gotta go.
Chris Gaines, Leonardo da Vinci and me
I was reading one of the books I brought with me. It's called Empowerment-The Art of Creating Your Life As You Want It. It's an old book. I started working through the exercises but never finished the book. It doesn't appear that I got past chapter 2 (I write in books, highlight and such so in a self-improvement book I know how far I got into it).
The responses I gave to some basic questions-- where am I going? what do I want? are the same I would give today. My wants haven't changed; they just haven't been achieved.
When I was moving out of the house I was renting, I spent one night listening to my cd singles (remember them? Ha! And I have about 500 cassette singles. Someone suggested I invest in an mp3 player but nah, I'm so old school [except that I can listen to music on my cell phone and as soon as I figure out downloading, I'll put some on but I still won't part with my cd singles and cassettes. Hell, I'd probably still have 8-tracks if my player hadn't been in my car.]
But again, I've digressed.
I was listening to Chris Gaines, the fictional character that Garth Brooks created and I thought how not every thing works out the way you want it to. The Chris Gaines thing was somewhat of a failure but you've got to give Garth props for risking. I had been reading old interviews as I packed my writing room up and I was kinda bummed that I had "failed" to complete so much. But I've got an audio tape about thinking like da Vinci which is in my writing room to push me to greater creativity and I realized that maybe like da Vinci, my thinking was ahead of my time. Maybe I didn't fail because somethings didn't happen, maybe I succeeded by risking, by declaring some intention to want something more, something that was waaaaaaaaay outside my belief system at that time.
But, now, like da Vinci, some of the things I envisioned are becoming manifest. I think I've grown and finally caught up to my truest self, my dreams my desires.
Working through some chapters in the book last night, there was such a thread of electricity running through me. The whole book is based on the aspect of a journey and we all know I'm always out and about on some kind of journey, but I think this time it's different. Some serendipity, some charmed events, things that truly matter to me.
I can see clearly where I'm going and for once I can say in all honesty, it's my path and mine alone, although I'm looking forward to all I'll meet along the way and am grateful for those who are walking with me.
The way I feel right now-- I have never felt so empowered, so real, so me.
The responses I gave to some basic questions-- where am I going? what do I want? are the same I would give today. My wants haven't changed; they just haven't been achieved.
When I was moving out of the house I was renting, I spent one night listening to my cd singles (remember them? Ha! And I have about 500 cassette singles. Someone suggested I invest in an mp3 player but nah, I'm so old school [except that I can listen to music on my cell phone and as soon as I figure out downloading, I'll put some on but I still won't part with my cd singles and cassettes. Hell, I'd probably still have 8-tracks if my player hadn't been in my car.]
But again, I've digressed.
I was listening to Chris Gaines, the fictional character that Garth Brooks created and I thought how not every thing works out the way you want it to. The Chris Gaines thing was somewhat of a failure but you've got to give Garth props for risking. I had been reading old interviews as I packed my writing room up and I was kinda bummed that I had "failed" to complete so much. But I've got an audio tape about thinking like da Vinci which is in my writing room to push me to greater creativity and I realized that maybe like da Vinci, my thinking was ahead of my time. Maybe I didn't fail because somethings didn't happen, maybe I succeeded by risking, by declaring some intention to want something more, something that was waaaaaaaaay outside my belief system at that time.
But, now, like da Vinci, some of the things I envisioned are becoming manifest. I think I've grown and finally caught up to my truest self, my dreams my desires.
Working through some chapters in the book last night, there was such a thread of electricity running through me. The whole book is based on the aspect of a journey and we all know I'm always out and about on some kind of journey, but I think this time it's different. Some serendipity, some charmed events, things that truly matter to me.
I can see clearly where I'm going and for once I can say in all honesty, it's my path and mine alone, although I'm looking forward to all I'll meet along the way and am grateful for those who are walking with me.
The way I feel right now-- I have never felt so empowered, so real, so me.
It's cold and wet here
brrrrr
people were wearing shorts in NM when I left.
(And yes I know I've said that I love cold, snow and rain but I had to make a choice between my coat and some books 'cause I wasn't intending to pay for any baggage so I'm a little chilly here.)
people were wearing shorts in NM when I left.
(And yes I know I've said that I love cold, snow and rain but I had to make a choice between my coat and some books 'cause I wasn't intending to pay for any baggage so I'm a little chilly here.)
Saturday, March 14, 2009
bittersweet
On the bus, on the way here, I finished one of the stories Bob Arter and I were writing. I wrote long-hand which I rarely do anymore, but I loved the contemplative nature of doing it that way. Not the story I think we were intending but it's a good story. I rarely start a work without knowing the last line and though I thought I had that line, I actually found the true one in some general information Bob had shared.
I'm proud of the story. Happy that it's done and sad too that I finished "Soldier Boys" alone.
I'm proud of the story. Happy that it's done and sad too that I finished "Soldier Boys" alone.
Writing quote for 3/14/09
So this is always the key: you have to write the book you love, the book that's alive in your heart. That's the one you have to write.
- Lurleen McDaniel
- Lurleen McDaniel
Quote for 3/14/09
Plunge boldly into the thick of life, and seize it where you will, it is always interesting.
--Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
--Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
so I landed in Nashville early Friday morning and of course
the job I was thinking I might have when I got here didn't pan out but I got asked out on a date, so I guess it all evens out.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
I got all kinds of stuff to do today
but first I need to go pick up my bus ticket.
Didn't leave previously because I'd have had to just return for the reading (which was fun. "I came just to hear you;" man, I love when audience members tell me that. Stroke that ego,stroke, stroke.) and for Keith Wilson's memorial.
I leave tomorrow morning. Headed to Nashville for I-don't-know-how-long. Destination after that? Who knows. All my plans-- the 49 dollar move-in apartment special-- got changed and I'm open to whatever happens.
No matter what, I will live by five words: Throw your heart into it.
So I might be absent from here for awhile or I might not be. Like the future ahead of me, we'll just have to see.
Take care:)
Didn't leave previously because I'd have had to just return for the reading (which was fun. "I came just to hear you;" man, I love when audience members tell me that. Stroke that ego,stroke, stroke.) and for Keith Wilson's memorial.
I leave tomorrow morning. Headed to Nashville for I-don't-know-how-long. Destination after that? Who knows. All my plans-- the 49 dollar move-in apartment special-- got changed and I'm open to whatever happens.
No matter what, I will live by five words: Throw your heart into it.
So I might be absent from here for awhile or I might not be. Like the future ahead of me, we'll just have to see.
Take care:)
Yesterday was a sad day
There was an announcement at an online writing workshop that Bob Arter had died:(
He was a wonderful man, an incredible spirit, a heart wide as the universe. I didn't know him as well as others, but we were working on two stories together and I'm grateful that I got to know him to the extent that I did.
Farewell, Bob.
And thank you.
He was a wonderful man, an incredible spirit, a heart wide as the universe. I didn't know him as well as others, but we were working on two stories together and I'm grateful that I got to know him to the extent that I did.
Farewell, Bob.
And thank you.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Today is February 31
Can I have another day for Black History Month? I wanted to suggest you watch Denzel Washington in every movie that you can.
--Man On Fire, that's the best.
--Man On Fire, that's the best.
I'm also tired
Stayed up to watch Jimmy Fallon, but not because of him, but because the sexiest man who ever stepped foot on this earth was making an appearance.
So mad I wanted to scream at the tv--darn it you have F****** ROBERT DENIRO on your show---don't use your lame material on him!!!!!!!!!!!!!
But props to Mr. DeNiro for taking part in that excruiatingly-painful-to-watch-cause-it's-so-dumb skit.
So mad I wanted to scream at the tv--darn it you have F****** ROBERT DENIRO on your show---don't use your lame material on him!!!!!!!!!!!!!
But props to Mr. DeNiro for taking part in that excruiatingly-painful-to-watch-cause-it's-so-dumb skit.
on the other hand
my business endeavors are moving along nicely.
Too bad there's a notice at grants.gov that says 'this ain't where you come to get money for small businesses.'
I'm paraphrasing, of course:-)
Too bad there's a notice at grants.gov that says 'this ain't where you come to get money for small businesses.'
I'm paraphrasing, of course:-)
A million times grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
I am soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo FRUSTRATED! Trying to get my application off for a NEA fellowship.
Started early. Usually I wait till hours before the deadline, but because I did that same thing 2 years ago and had to scrap the idea of getting an application in, I started a week or so early pulling everything together and I got it all together but now I'm having problems with getting it from here to there!!!!!!!!!!
Did I say grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr? And waiting for someone from the help desk to get back to me is equally as grating.
Started early. Usually I wait till hours before the deadline, but because I did that same thing 2 years ago and had to scrap the idea of getting an application in, I started a week or so early pulling everything together and I got it all together but now I'm having problems with getting it from here to there!!!!!!!!!!
Did I say grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr? And waiting for someone from the help desk to get back to me is equally as grating.
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