Wednesday, April 28, 2010

You Have Another Secret?


My friends and family don’t really know me because…

Monday, April 26, 2010

Natalie Merchant's Leave Your Sleep


Yesterday, I attended The Poetry Center of Chicago’s invited performance of Natalie Merchant’s, Leave Your Sleep.  This is a collection of poetry that Natalie Merchant composed music to and sang the poems and/or excerpts.  She took children’s poems from poets such as Charles Causley, Rachel Field, Robert Graves and E.E. Cummings to name a few.  It was a great way for me to enjoy National Poetry Writing Month.

Natalie admits to not having an interest in poetry until now, saying, “The poet holds the mirror that reflects the true shape and touch and taste and sound of all the things that bind us together and keep us apart.  The poet’s work is putting silence around everything worth remembering.”

I’ve been a fan of Natalie Merchant since her days with the 10,000 Maniacs drawn in by her unique voice.  When I saw her in concert years ago with the 10,000 Maniacs, I remember the closing of the concert, the bow and then the stage became empty.  There was a hush that spread throughout and Natalie Merchant came back on stage alone, sat behind a piano and played Verdi Cries.  It was the first non-classical/operatic song I cried to listening to her solemn voice take a strong hold of my emotions.

Natalie Merchant didn’t surprise me demonstrating her growth in talent.  During her performance of Leave Your Sleep, she had a slide show behind her as she clicked from slide-to-slide showing the name, dates, poem and pictures of the poet.  Natalie gave a small synopsis of the poets with intelligence and wit then sang the poems with an instrumental accompaniment of two guitars and a cellist.  Her voice fit perfect with every poem, and the music she composed only made the beauty of the poems shine more.


I urge anyone, especially parents with small children to go out and buy this wonderful collection of musical poetry.  You won’t be disappointed. 


Saturday, April 24, 2010

Politically Correct vs. Speaking Your Mind

In a recent interview, Jillian Michaels caught plenty of looks and comments when she stated she wants to adopt so she can keep her physique.  And that’s bad?  OMG!  She spoke about how she felt and decided to take another path to having children.  Why is it so wrong for people to say what’s on their mind?  Is her way of looking at things going to change your way, or start a revolution?  Did she threaten anyone in the process?  Or is what she said making you mad about your choices?

For one, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with Jillian Michaels saying what she did.  She makes a living inspiring people to change their bodies through healthy eating and exercise and set them on a path of healthy living.  That’s her livelihood.  And if she doesn’t want to change her body in any way, such as having a child then she has that right, and should be able to say it without backlash from society.

We live in a world that has made rules and laws as to how we should act and what to say to avoid offending someone.  Face it, someone is always going to be offended.

I’ve always been blunt with people and say what I feel.  Many people hate me for it, and many love me for it, either way, I’ve always been true to myself.   I’d rather hear how someone feels about a particular subject then hear nothing at all because it’s politically incorrect. 

This is the speak your mind thread.  In the cyber world, people get away with more than they would if they were in a room full of people.  You can say anything; something you’ve been afraid to say, or know it’s not ‘socially accepted’ and post it here.  As long as it isn’t threatening someone, or vicious in nature let the words come through.

What do you feel strongly about, but never say?

What’s in the news that simply infuriates you?
Come on, tell us!!!!

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Tell Me Another Secret!



I snuck out of the house and went to the park…

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Time Stands Still


42-years old for you today
no wrinkles embroidering your face,
or stress making its daily visit.
You're fresh in age as beauty never left.
A smile dimpling your cheeks.
Glossy green eyes inviting everyone over,
contrast with your dark mystery.

That’s how I remember you at nineteen.
Through all these years you remained ageless.
Sun still soaking into your olive skin;
your cackle still music to my ears.


Earth has been your home for almost 23-years,
now defrosting from past months.
But at forty-two you’re as beautiful as ever,
still living in my heart and playing in my memory.

Happy Birthday, Ann!

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Sunday Sermon


My friend, Kim Michele Richardson has overcome her abuses inflicted by Catholic nuns and priests experienced at an orphanage when she was a child.  She wrote about such ordeals in her book, The Unbreakable Child.  Kimmi reveals the horrific acts the nuns and priests’ conducted on a daily basis.

On her blog, The Unbreakable Child, Kimmi wrote a letter to Pope Benedict XVI reaching out for an apology and assistance in helping with those still struggling over these abuses along with prevention.  If you get a chance, please stop by Kimmi’s site and leave a comment whether it’s to support her request, or to just say hello.   Abuse and silence isn’t a part of God’s teachings, but in truth this isn’t about religion, it’s about moral neglect. 

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Another Secret!


There’s still no word…

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

A Blessed Day!


Today, the love of my life received wonderful news, which paves the road to our future, and I received great news regarding my poetry.  A month ago, I entered the Summer Literary Seminars (SLS) 2010 Unified Literary contest.  The winners are published in Fence Magazine along with the participating Canada and Kenya journals plus a free trip and tuition to participate in the 2010 SLS Montreal and/or SLS Kenya programs, or Vilnius, Lithuania in 2011. 

A few days ago, I received notice of the contestant winners, but I was not one of them.  Then today I received an email stating, “Our judges were strongly impressed with the work you submitted, and we are pleased to offer you an SLS fellowship, in the amount of a 20% tuition waiver.”  The email also explained the number of submissions, 1200 and additional information regarding each program, although it was that line that stopped and made me cry.  I felt such joy to read those words, to know someone believes in me and my works.  The fact I didn’t win the contest didn’t matter after knowing my poems were held in high esteem.


I’m not saying I wouldn’t have wanted to win, but I’m filled with gratitude for such wonderful words, offer and an opportunity to allow my writings to flourish. 

No More Butts about Baseball Season!


Did you know that today is two-years since I quit smoking?  You didn’t?  *smiles* I kicked my 26-year addiction 2-years today and I feel better… fatter, but better.  I think I fell in love with food after I quit because my taste buds actually devour flavor now.

Did you know the Chicago White Sox won their 2010 season opener?  You didn’t?!  I’m a HUGE football fan, but I do love watching my White Sox when I can.  Some games are on when I’m working, or on a channel I don’t get so I miss a lot of the games.  Just like I missed yesterday’s win over Cleveland Indians 6-0.

http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100405&content_id=9079870&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=cws
 
Yes I know it’s one game, and the first one, but Buehrle's play was great and the win gives us one up over our beloved north side rivals the Chicago Cubs.  *BIG GRIN*
 
Let’s repeat a 2005 Championship!!!!


Sunday, April 4, 2010

Belief!


Belief, a clever unanswered word
that leads blindly from gut and heart.
Defending the need to hold onto it
past sorrow swept with punishment.

Legend says he died on the cross for sins
committed, along with continued acts.
A Savior we obey and ask forgiveness,
Love held true to our dying days, thereafter.

Friday, April 2, 2010

Good Friday!


It’s Good Friday and once again I’m blessed to have a poem published in Danse Macabre.  You’ll find my poem, Time under Villanus poetica.  This not only is Good Friday, but the second day of National Poetry Writing Month.  I hope to write a poem every day.

You can recognize National Poetry Writing Month by writing a poem, reading a poem, etc.  I have a link on my side bar that offers ways to celebrate Poetry Month.  If you’d like, please post a poem here for all of us to enjoy, or email it to me through my profile and I’ll post it.  
  
Have a wonderful Good Friday, and I wish you and your family a safe and happy Easter!

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Secrets!


I’d like to try something with my present and future readers. Every week, I will make a new post about secrets. I will start a sentence and you complete it with a true or false secret, or I will use one that someone sends to me in an email. You can email me from my profile. The secret(s) can be funny, sad, dirty, serious, poetic or goofy, but no one will be the wiser. You can leave an anonymous comment without putting your name too. For example:

“I didn’t mean to hurt … “then you finish it off. “I didn’t mean to hurt those closest to me, but love stopped by and then moved in.” Or. “I didn’t mean to hurt myself while sitting on the toilet.”

Today’s Secret!

Everyone knew about…