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 |   Talking about life and turning it into ideas for stories and poems. |
It was LostGhost: Seeking & Learning  that inspired me to start a BLOG/PLOG. I constantly have ideas flooding my mind, at least most of the time. However, sometimes I'm like anyone else and suffer from the dreaded writers block. When that happens, I can come back here to a journal of interesting topics and lists of words fit to inspire the worst best poet.Please join me as I blog about life and plog about poetry. It's all combined into one for your inspirational needs. Feel free to use anything as inspiration for yourself. Settle in and stay awhile. Visit with Angelica. Maybe she'll be as demanding awesome with you as she is with me!    My muse is a poetry pixie dressed in pink    My Muse My muse is a poetry pixie dressed in pink Yes, from her inspiring potions I plan to drink Many nights she whispers words of inspiration Until one night I need her and she leaves me in frustration She is a clever little imp, full of spice and sugar Even with her attitude, I’ll keep the little bugger ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only **
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| It's a bonus! I want to catch up before we leave this morning. The house is all quiet still, and I have had a couple hours of sleep. I added another video to youtube, and I want to catch up with my poems for Pursue the Horizon. So here is my bonus blog for the day. The poem below really was funny. I was looking for a poem reminiscent of the teen years to kind of go with my own poetry reading. And though this isn't about boys, you'd be surprised and how much they think about similar things. I know, because I have a 14 year old son, and he does like the ladies. But soon this will be Abby. She may be 10 now, but she's starting to think about the boys. Oh my! These are going to be an exciting few years I have a feeling... and not necessarily good exciting all the time. And I can see my darling daughter doing this in a few short years. And I'll probably have the same reaction.  The Romantic Age by Ogden Nash This one is entering her teens, Ripe for sentimental scenes, Has picked a gangling unripe male, Sees herself in bridal veil, Presses lips and tosses head, Declares she's not too young to wed, Informs you pertly you forget Romeo and Juliet. Do not argue, do not shout; Remind her how that one turned out. Poetry Reading: [Embed For Use By Upgraded+] |
| Blog City Prompt: If you think of energy like a bank account, how do you spend the vast majority of your daily energy? I spend the vast majority of my daily energy storing up a wealth of creative endeavors. I write and create art. Now, I spend energy in other valuable ways as well. I spend time with my children, and that's something that will see dividends ten-fold in the future. I spend energy loving my husband, and that will sustain us both through good and bad times. I spend time with God, and that controls the core of who I am. Pursue the Horizon: #4 My Voice by Oscar Wilde is full of metaphoric symbolism. Wilde was the offspring of two popular parents. His mother was a successful writer and his father was a successful doctor. It was only a matter of time before Oscar would rise to greatness. He was a playwright, story writer, poet, and did many other jobs in the writing industry. He was highly educated and went to the finest schools. He was boisterous and colorful. The religious society in his day condemned him for his flamboyance. He liked to collect blue china and peacock feathers of all things. I have a feeling that Oscar Wilde would have been an interesting character to know. Unfortunately, he only lived to age forty-six. He died without money, only fame. And for all the genius stored in his mind, his demise was caused by cerebral meningitis. This poem was written in the late nineteenth century, 1881 to be precise. I find it amusing that he thought the world back then was hurried and modern. And I'm sure it was, but what would he think of our world today? Within this restless, hurried, modern world We took our hearts' full pleasure - You and I, And now the white sails of our ship are furled, And spent the lading of our argosy. Wherefore my cheeks before their time are wan, For very weeping is my gladness fled, Sorrow has paled my young mouth's vermilion, And Ruin draws the curtains of my bed. But all this crowded life has been to thee No more than lyre, or lute, or subtle spell Of viols, or the music of the sea That sleeps, a mimic echo, in the shell. This poem describes a love full like a shop filled to the brim with goods, and even a fleet of those ships. That's how deep and wonderful his love. And his love can extract such strong emotions for us to read about. His beautiful love is gone and he feels the sorrow as deeply has he had felt the love. No poetry reading today. Sorry. I'll be traveling tomorrow. We are going up to see my Grandpa, but I will have my laptop. Just be patient with me should you need anything. |
| Blog City Prompt: Talk about your favorite woman journalist either from print media or television. Why do you respond to the way she tells a story? I remember watching an interview where Paula Zahn was the guest. I don't remember with who. But I remember her saying she was starting a new endeavor with a new crime channel on tv. At the time, I didn't have cable, so I didn't see where she went. But then, we got cable, and I found Investigation Discovery where Paula Zahn is the host of "On the Case with Paula Zahn." Paula Zahn paved the path for many women in broadcast journalism. Her voice pulls you into whatever story or message she tries to get across. I don't have ID anymore because once again we don't have cable, but I miss it. And I really miss listening to her. I guess I should try to find her on youtube or something. Anyway, Paula Zahn is my favorite female broadcast journalist. Pursue the Horizon: Day 3 of 4 (yes I'm a day behind) This is a long poem, but since it's telling a story, I kind of have to post the whole thing. You can find the poem here  If you've been keeping up, I've been rather emotional. This poem make me think of last year when my grandma passed away. I miss her so much, but this poem is absolutely perfect for her. I've never read behind this poet before, and obviously haven't read this poem before now. But it touched my heart in a big way! It talks about how God looks down and knows it's time for our weary bodies to find rest with him. It talks about how a Christian is not cringing at death, but rather looking forward to being in the arms of Jesus. My sadness is because I will miss them so much, but I know that one day I will be with them.Go Down, Death by James Weldon Johnson Weep not, weep not, She is not dead; She's resting in the bosom of Jesus. Heart-broken husband--weep no more; Grief-stricken son--weep no more; Left-lonesome daughter --weep no more; She only just gone home. Day before yesterday morning, God was looking down from his great, high heaven, Looking down on all his children, And his eye fell of Sister Caroline, Tossing on her bed of pain. And God's big heart was touched with pity, With the everlasting pity. And God sat back on his throne, And he commanded that tall, bright angel standing at his right hand: Call me Death! And that tall, bright angel cried in a voice That broke like a clap of thunder: Call Death!--Call Death! And the echo sounded down the streets of heaven Till it reached away back to that shadowy place, Where Death waits with his pale, white horses. And Death heard the summons, And he leaped on his fastest horse, Pale as a sheet in the moonlight. Up the golden street Death galloped, And the hooves of his horses struck fire from the gold, But they didn't make no sound. Up Death rode to the Great White Throne, And waited for God's command. And God said: Go down, Death, go down, Go down to Savannah, Georgia, Down in Yamacraw, And find Sister Caroline. She's borne the burden and heat of the day, She's labored long in my vineyard, And she's tired-- She's weary-- Do down, Death, and bring her to me. And Death didn't say a word, But he loosed the reins on his pale, white horse, And he clamped the spurs to his bloodless sides, And out and down he rode, Through heaven's pearly gates, Past suns and moons and stars; on Death rode, Leaving the lightning's flash behind; Straight down he came. While we were watching round her bed, She turned her eyes and looked away, She saw what we couldn't see; She saw Old Death.She saw Old Death Coming like a falling star. But Death didn't frighten Sister Caroline; He looked to her like a welcome friend. And she whispered to us: I'm going home, And she smiled and closed her eyes. And Death took her up like a baby, And she lay in his icy arms, But she didn't feel no chill. And death began to ride again-- Up beyond the evening star, Into the glittering light of glory, On to the Great White Throne. And there he laid Sister Caroline On the loving breast of Jesus. And Jesus took his own hand and wiped away her tears, And he smoothed the furrows from her face, And the angels sang a little song, And Jesus rocked her in his arms, And kept a-saying: Take your rest, Take your rest. Weep not--weep not, She is not dead; She's resting in the bosom of Jesus. Poetry Reading: Number Nine [Embed For Use By Upgraded+] |
| Pursue the Horizon Day 2: O Captain! My Captain! If you saw the newsfeed today, you know that my Grandpa is not doing well. And he lives with my parents who live about four hours away from me. It's hard to know the right time to go. I saw him at Christmas and then again at the end of January, but we have always been very close. I am really struggling with this since the hospice nurse and doctor said they really only give him about two more weeks. I want to be there to see him before he goes. And I want to be there when the time comes. There's never a convenient time for sickness or death. And I'm not trying to sound selfish here. It's more about my kids having scheduled activities and such. At least, we can take school with us because we homeschool. We may end up making more than one trip. I don't know. When I used to write poetry interpretations with Mandy for TAOC Newsletter, I did a piece on the following poem. However, I had a different perspective at the time because it was right after Robin Williams committed suicide. And now, I read it with a heavy heart and think about my Grandfather. He has meant so much to me throughout my life. I wrote my own poem about him about a year and a half ago when we thought we would lose him. But he rallied, and I'm so thankful for the extra time. Then last year my grandmother passed away. It's been hard. I grew up just down the road from my grandparents and saw them every day. They were my world until we moved 750 miles away from them when I was 15. But still we kept in touch through the years and saw each other as often as we could. So, Grandpa, this is dedicated to your quiet patient leading of the family. O Captain! My Captain! BY WALT WHITMAN O Captain! my Captain! our fearful trip is done, The ship has weather’d every rack, the prize we sought is won, The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting, While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring; But O heart! heart! heart! O the bleeding drops of red, Where on the deck my Captain lies, Fallen cold and dead. O Captain! my Captain! rise up and hear the bells; Rise up—for you the flag is flung—for you the bugle trills, For you bouquets and ribbon’d wreaths—for you the shores a-crowding, For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager faces turning; Here Captain! dear father! This arm beneath your head! It is some dream that on the deck, You’ve fallen cold and dead. My Captain does not answer, his lips are pale and still, My father does not feel my arm, he has no pulse nor will, The ship is anchor’d safe and sound, its voyage closed and done, From fearful trip the victor ship comes in with object won; Exult O shores, and ring O bells! But I with mournful tread, Walk the deck my Captain lies, Fallen cold and dead. Please read this poem I wrote about my grandfather. I think it will be a blessing.
Blog City Prompt: You are leaving earth forever on a Nasa mission. What will you miss about the blue planet? Okay, I don't know what you can and can't take with you on a forever NASA mission. I'm going to assume we have a satellite connection so I can take my Kindle. Because otherwise, I'm not going! I have to be able to read, and I have to be able to write my stories. I would probably miss my fur babies, but I'm bringing my family. No way I can leave earth forever without them. I doubt that we can take our little doggies into space, and I love them to pieces. I just don't think I can do a mission like that, so... I'm staying firmly planted on the blue planet! |
| Day One of "Invalid Item" Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou (1928 - 2014) Pretty women wonder where my secret lies. I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size But when I start to tell them, They think I'm telling lies. I say, It's in the reach of my arms The span of my hips, The stride of my step, The curl of my lips. I'm a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That's me. You can find the rest of the poem here .Maya Angelou was a popular poet of the twenty-first century. I saw her on television reading her poetry aloud several times, and she was always so poised and strong. This poem embodies how I remember seeing her. I also love this poem because it makes me feel better about myself as a woman. You see I fit the very beginning of the poem. "I'm not cut or built to suit a fashion model's size. But when I start to tell them, they think I'm telling lies." Maya Angelou makes you want to be as strong as this poem says. "Phenomenally. Phemonenal woman, that's me." This probably won't be my last poem this month by Maya Angelou. Her poetry supports, uplifts, and makes you hold your head up a little higher. Here is my poetry reading for the day. [Embed For Use By Upgraded+] |
| Hello my friends! Have you forgotten I have a PLOG? Well, I certainly have. So much going on that I often forget to come here and visit. I always make promises of being a better blogger, but I just don't know if I can. I'm not following a prompt today. Maybe sometimes that turns me away from blogging. When I think of a blog, I think of just sharing what's happening in your life. So maybe, just maybe I'll be better if I just write a little something like a journal every day. I have to share this wonderful acrostic poem I received from Steve adding writing to ntbk.  . It was a happy surprise when I opened my email and saw this:Marci of the House of Hightower. Alights upon an acrostic. Reading the review, this writer sees the heart that goes into it. Compelling are your arguments and encouraging is your tone. It is my honor to present to you MARCI, your name an acrostic. Elle - on hiatus  Got us started with reading and recording our poetry. I have uploaded five or six to youtube now, and started my own channel. I find it strangely cathartic to have my voice heard through the poetry. Instead of putting out all my silly, fantasy, or playful poems, I'm trying to stick with ones that have a message and are more powerful. I've also included some prose poetry. It reads quite like free verse. I hope you'll check out her activity.
My youtube channel: Link coming soon! I can't believe it's almost March already. Cinn is running an awesome activity and it will be great preparation for NaPoWriMo!
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| What Christmas TV Shows and specials do you watch every year to make your Christmas complete? Well, there are the old animated shows that I watched as a child and some great new shows today. And how can you have a Christmas without hearing the old crooning of Bing Crosby and White Christmas. Below is my list of absolute favorites... and there are quite a few.  Elf How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Jim Carey version) National Lampoons Christmas Vacation Charlie Brown Christmas Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Frosty the Snowman White Christmas Any and every sappy romance on Halmark |
| It was said in "The Joy in the Lines That Leap Off the Pages" in the New York Times by Dwight Garner that he did not mind writing year end top ten lists because forced choices lead to soul searching. How do you feel about top ten lists? Are they helpful? A waste of time? Do you find yourself creating lists through-out the year? I am not a list maker, but I think it's fun to see other top ten lists. But really, it depends on what the list is about. Top ten hits on the music chart, for instance, wouldn't interest me in the least. Well, except maybe on the Contemporary Christian Music or Southern Gospel Music. I like reading things like my top ten memories for the year or the top ten things I love about someone. Those sort of things are sweet. So, I decided, that even though I'm not a list maker, I would try at least on top ten here. The Top Ten Favorite Memories for 2015: 10. My daughter turned 10 which officially makes her a whole decade. She has really played this up, and cracks us up all the time with "I'm getting old." 9. My son kisses my forehead almost every time he walks by my chair. What a special thing to a mama's heart! 8. My husband found a way to light up our beautiful Christmas star that didn't come with lights. It's so beautiful. 7. My daughter wrote an amazing card for my husband at Father's Day. It talked about everything he does for the kids and how much she is thankful for it. And he does. But no one told her to do it or what to write. She is turning into a very thoughtful young lady. 6. This may seem like a bad memory, but it's not. It is, however, very personal and hard to share. But my Grandfather gave my Grandmother one last kiss before she passed away. Their love was so enduring. She went from the loving arms of her husband straight into the loving arms of the Lord. I am so glad I was with my grandparents so much last winter and I have plenty of memories from my whole life with them. I of course miss her, but her passing was so peaceful that it leaves me at peace. 5; My son and daughter bicker quite a bit. But the moments I hear them laughing and playing together is priceless. My little girl gets the giggle-snorts, and then we all crack up. 4. My husband and I had an unexpected night to ourselves when our Anniversary came around. My son had a sleepover for a friend's birthday party. And I left my daughter with some of my friends where she got spoiled rotten, and they offered to let her spend the night. That was a blessing, and we enjoyed it. 3. My son's face when he found out he could have a phone. Priceless. 2. My daughter's face when she got a Frozen doll that skates. (She's still in between baby dolls and make-up.) 1.. The Weekend With the Writer's conference I attended. I think this was a big highlight for my year. |
| Prompt: October 1. Autumn and Halloween. Do you decorate for autumn and Halloween? Do you enjoy autumn? I want to know. First of all, Autumn is my favorite time of year. I used to live where there were lots of changing leaves and beautiful Fall scenery, but now I live on the coast, and we have fewer leaves that turn and more evergreen type foliage. Although I don't bemoan where I live, I do miss the colors of Autumn. So, we always add some leaves to our normal decorations. Before I become disabled, my house was filled with a colorful array of leaves, quilts, pumpkins, cute ghosts and witches, and then in November, turkeys and Pilgrims. I would love to still do this, but it's impossible. However, my daughter, who is ten, likes to add her homemade and crafty touches. I think I adore these items even more. Of course, if you're a parent you know what I mean. But it doesn't stop there. If you'll look at the header of this blog, I have a cute animated pixie on pumpkin. I've been working on fall artwork since August, so it also decorates my desktop on my computer, and my screensaver. I like fun spooky, but not too much horror or macabre. I like foggy graveyards and hidden ghosts, fun little jack-o-lanterns and black kittens, and I'm working on a little witch in training. She has a tiny black kitten, a small magic ball, and an easy reader spell book. Her tiny broom is nearby... just in case. Really, I prefer cute things for Halloween. I've done some fall portraits, and a lovely scene with a deer in the background. So as you can see, I prefer to do rather than just decorate. I love autumn, and many say it's because I was born in November. That may be, but I've always found this to be a fun season. I remember when I grew up in Michigan, the air would begin to get a little nippy. It was time for long sleeves and sweaters. I high school it was football time, float building, homecoming, and many more fun things. Then we moved to South Carolina, and I LOVED visiting the mountains. The colors reminded me of a beautiful quilt. In fact, one time I had to go with my aunt to get some trees for their Christmas tree farm, and the foliage just blew me away. About ten years ago, I made a quilt in remembrance of that awesome day and named it A Trip with Aunt Brenda. Autumn holds memories of coming home from school with cookies fresh from the oven and a cold glass of milk waiting for me and my brother. My mom was then and is still now the baker I know. Even when we return home for Thanksgiving, I have that feeling of nostalgia as I enter the house and smell all the warm spices and savory dishes my mom works on. Can't you look outside and see the falling leaves and smell the pumpkin pie spice in your mind? Or apple crisp, oatmeal raisin cookies, or snickerdoodles? Okay, I'm raising my blood sugar just thinking about it all. Then there is the feeling of family closeness and togetherness. I love snuggling with my kids or hubby on a crisp day. Well, our crisp days don't happen now until closer to Christmas, but you get my drift. I think my favorite thing about autumn is that wonderful feeling of nostalgia. Honestly I just love it!!! And even if I can't articulate it properly, it's my birthday in November and that's just good enough! |
| Prompt: "Light tomorrow with today." Elizabeth Barrett Browning What do you think this means? What a beautiful line! I love poetry by E.B. Browning! "Light tomorrow with today." I believe this refers to behavior and attitude. The things we do today always affects our world tomorrow. If we shine a light by helping others, greeting the world with a smile, and and just being nice in general, then that's what waits for us the next day. And when we need a helping hand, it will be there for us. In the alternative, if you spend your time spurning your fellow man, then that's what you'll receive back, and your tomorrows will be filled with darkness rather than light. On a final note, I believe that as a Christian, we can only have true light through Jesus. Once we receive His gift of salvation, He brings us out of the darkness of sin, and puts us in the light of His forgiveness. In kind, we are supposed to reflect that light to the rest of the world by living our lives as Christian and spreading the gospel to those who are lost. Don't forget
And funny poem "Invalid Entry" |
| Prompt: Why are works of historical fiction so popular with today’s readers? What appeals to you the most about these types of books, if anything at all? I only like certain types of historical fiction. In truth, I prefer historical romance set in the Regency and Victorian eras in England. There's something about the chivalrous Duke finding the love of his life amidst scandal and the watchful eye of the ton, or peerage, or 1,000 as they are called. I like reading about the customs of the day, and transporting myself into a different time. I imagine myself the heroine and think about the various dresses they wore, their hair done up, and all the grand jewels they would wear to the most important balls of the season. For the Season, or the marriage mart, was the most exciting time of the year. And every girl must have at least one season with the hopes of landing someone with a title. And I would swoon over the entrance of the second son of Lord. Of course, he was wealthy, but with no title. So my father would reject him, and my mother would try to smooth things over, but keep looking for me. Alas, I was in love with said second son, and so we would run off to elope to Gretna Green. Ahhhhh.... The romance and scandal of it all. Can you tell I've read a few of these? Now, get me one that's not written well with no research done, and I'll get mad at it. For instance, the "F" word was not used in the 1700's. And it definitely wasn't used in some of the context where some writers put it. If you're going to swear in these novels, at least have the decency to do it away from women, and use the curse words of the time period. For example, in England they wouldn't have said "ass," but would have said "arse" instead. In addition to these historical romances, I also like ones that include Mail Order Brides. This is a big part of American history. Many times there would be whole towns of men only where they went and tried to settle a place. But these men needed some women folk, too. So, there were mail order bride services in America, ,and also from abroad. I love it when they start out as marriages of convenience, but turn into sweet love stories. I also enjoy reading stories of the pioneers and about the sacrifices many made to settle different parts of the country. I'm not big on stories set during war time. They are too intense for me often times. But it depends. Once in a while I will come across one that I will enjoy. I have written and self published a historical romance set in the 1920's. It's only a novella of about 17k words, but I did a ton of research to make sure that certain facts were pretty accurate. With NaNo prep coming up, I implore you to do some research on whatever topic you're going write about, if you are indeed participating in NaNoWriMo. Last year I did it at the last minute, and had to research while writing. No fun. But your book will be all the better for accuracy! My book can be found at amazon.com. A Baby Changes Everything: A Miss Lane's Home for Young Women Book 1 |
| Prompt: When was the last time you wrote something by hand? Writing by hand? Do people really do that anymore? I'm just teasing. I happen to know that several of my friends often write by hand. I'm pretty sure that ~Lifelessons~ told me she did a lot of writing by hand. I only write something down by hand if I'm not around my computer. I do carry a notebook with me. It seems ideas and such come to me at the oddest times. About two or three weeks ago, we were traveling, and I happened to forget my notebook. We just finished eating some fast food in the car, and I had a napkin handy, so my thought went down on there. In fact, it was the thought that I shared with ~Minja~ yesterday on a note. The one about "even in death there is beauty." I still have to develop that into something, so please don't take.  In fact, it might even become a prompt at "Invalid Item" next month.... Ooooo.... good idea! But seriously, I've never really enjoyed writing by hand. Even before computers there were word processors. And before that, there were typewriters, and I had one early, like from Jr. High. Please don't ask how long ago that was...  It feels like it should have just been a few years ago, but it was 25 years ago when I graduated from high school.  Yes, I said don't ask, but that was because I was going to tell you. I'm in a silly mood tonight. I'm trying to get out of my funk with this fibromyalgia and depression. By now most of you know about that. Not complaining, but rather just stating the issue. I still have some things on my to do list, but it's getting better. Remember...
Go see the final winners for "Invalid Item" Just eight days until you can sign up for...
I'm having fun with the Construct Cup, and I particularly like the poem I did today. It's talking about Thanksgiving Traditions with my family. If you are interested, here is the link. "Invalid Entry" And for the past two months I've been taking a coaching/mentoring class at deviantart for just photomanipulations. I can't believe how much I have learned. I mean really!!! But I have to show off my newest masterpiece, if you don't mind!  |
| Prompt: A book is only the heart's portrait, every page a pulse. What are your feelings on this? What a beautiful quote! I believe that every time I write, I'm putting my heart and soul on the page or computer screen as it were. If it's not a reflection of me in some way, then what's the point? I agree with this in so many ways. Think about the writer that has a passion for children. That is reflected in the carefully crafted children's books they write. I write Christian based Romance/Suspense/Thrillers. I first and foremost want to show my Christian values on the page, but that doesn't mean a non-Christian wouldn't enjoy the book. I am a romantic at heart, and I always like to add a bit of romantic tension. Finally, I love crime shows. I can't get enough of them, and so you'll see I'm always cheering for the bad guy to get caught. And then there's the poetry I write. This may come of a different side of me, but it's still a reflection of me in some way. Today for the Construct Cup, we had to write a poem about a gift that we have. Well, I have had professional voice training and I also play the piano. But I concentrated on the singing portion for my poem. I really put my heart into it. I think you'll feel even my pulse when you read it! "Invalid Entry" Now on a more personal note, my fibromyalgia really has me down. I'm hurting really bad, and my sleep is all messed up. I've been doing well with the pain part, but the sleep thing is always a constant battle. I've been in a flare for over a week now, so please be patient with me.  I'm waiting on the other two judges to finish "Invalid Item" . I hope to have an announcement by the weekend. I know everyone is anxious. I can't wait to see who's going to win, though I know who my favorite is.  Finally, as always, don't forget to add poems, images, and messages to Faerie Sounds. Even if you've already wrote something, you can go back and add something else. I plan to make her a princess picture. And I've posted a poem on the page. All of this will be something awesome for her to treasure later!
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| Prompt: Music is the art of thinking with sounds. Do you agree? I might take a different perspective than some others on this prompt. But let me start by saying that I think music is more than sound. It's rhythm. It's a feeling. Much like poetry, you can't exactly nail down a specific definitely. Now, whoever said this is thinking poetically about music. And that's beautiful. But here is my take on this... Have you ever been sitting in your car, when another car pulls up to you and you feel as much as hear the deep base pounding out of their speakers? Now think for a minute. You can't hear the words, but you can feel the beat. What if you were 100% Deaf? Do you think you'd still know that there was music coming from the other car? Of course you would. So I personally think that music is the art of feeling rhythm. But it can be both things. I bring up being Deaf because you know I was a full time sign language interpreter before I became disabled. I still have Deaf friends and interpret at church. My favorite thing to sign is music. And I have had many people, Deaf and hearing alike, tell me they really enjoy it when I sign to the music. Why? Because I let the feeling of the rhythm shine through my signing. On that note, I'm so excited. The lady at church that teaches the tween girls on Sunday night wants them to learn how to sign a song while I sing it. That's backwards to what we normally do.  Most of the time I sign while they sing. But here is a lady signing "Give Me Jesus" by Jeremy Camp. I thought maybe you'd understand what I mean by feeling the music and showing it through the signs. [Embed For Use By Upgraded+] |
| Prompt: Book covers: Which kinds of books do you NOT want to buy or read, if judging from their covers? Of course this must come from the old adage about judging a book by it's cover. I do think some books cannot be judged by the cover, but I do think the cover is important. Even here on WDC, having a nice image for your cover art compels or repels readers depending on their interests. So if you are interested in romance, a couple locked in a passionate embrace will catch your eye. If you are interested in sci-fi, people dressed in foil will catch your attention. I like murder mysteries, romance, thriller/suspense, and any kind of other detective type novels. However, if I see an abundance of blood on the cover, I'm probably not going to stop by. I've noticed that many of the cozy murder mysteries have cartoon like covers, though I'm not sure why. But they do catch my attention, and I love reading them. I avoid all things silver because that probably means sci-fi, and that is my least favorite genre. So, bloody and silver... yep, those I am probably not picking up.And speaking of book covers, I make them. I make my own, and I've made a few for a someone who specializes in selling book covers. So, if you need one, let me know. |
| Prompt: What do you think is the difference between a writing prompt and a polling question? A prompt is an idea put forth for people to write about. A polling question asks a specific question with a list of answers you can give without really putting in your own input. For example, the prompt above makes me write a paragraph about the question. However, if this was put in the form of a poll, it would like something like this: What is the difference between a writing prompt and a polling questions?  They are the same. A writing prompt isn't the same as a question. A Polling question can be a prompt, but not the other way around. They are so different I can't believe you'd ask this question None of the aboveObviously I'm joking on the fourth one, and the fifth one is included in most poll questions. Don't forget to visit "Invalid Item" and leave a message. You can always leave images, poems, and other things in addition to messages. Okay... signing off and going to bed! |
| Prompt: The person sitting next to you on the plane is quite talkative. Do you try to switch seats or make this person your new best friend? Okay, let's be honest here. I am obviously the one that's going to be the talkative person. So the question for me is, does the person get up and move, or do they stay and become a friend. Well, depending on the person, I hope it's the latter. I love to make new friends and find out about where they're from, what kind of things do they like to do, and most importantly I ask them if they know about the Lord. That's my first responsibility no matter who I meet. I talk to people at the supermarket, at the hairdresser's, at the bank, and anywhere else I need to go. I've learned that to make friends, you must first show yourself friendly. So unless you've really, really hurt my feelings or wronged me, you will always find me cheerful, bubbly, upbeat, and yes... talking!
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| Prompt: “One of the key happiness principles is savoring. That’s a fancy term for really taking a second to appreciate those happy moments in your life.” In an e-mail sent by Eric Barker of the blog Barking up the Wrong Tree In how many ways do you savor your life? I realized at one point in my life that I was wishing it away. I would say, "I can't wait for such and such." Just fill in the blanks. But I got some good advice several years ago, and though it was hard for me to take, I made an honest effort. And I learned that it was time for me to have "Joy in the Journey" rather than just anticipating the end result. It's made a huge different in my life!!! Don't forget to leave all your well wishes, donations, poems, images, etc. for Pheobe and her family at...
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| Prompt: What is a valuable lesson you learned from a teacher? I can tell that my favorite teacher of all time was Mrs. Kim Grant from Blessed Hope Baptist School in York, SC. She was very strict, but also very fair. There are many lessons that I learned from her. She taught me the importance of memorization, not only of Bible verses, but of poetry and literature. She said I would be glad I did as I got older, and she was right. She also taught me that we can never stop learning. Learning must go on and on as we leave high school, college, and whatever profession we choose. The old adage that "old dogs can't learn new tricks" was definitely not true. And I'm glad she taught that. It meant that I never quit trying new things. For if I had not learned that, I would never have learned sign language to work with Deaf people. And if I hadn't learned that, I would never have the courage to try jewelry making and design, digital art, and most especially writing... you see, I was a math major, and math majors are not writers... But the most important thing she taught me was how to act like a lady and live for the Lord not only on Sunday, but in my everyday life. I run into her once in a while when I go home for a visit. She's still living her life this way. What an example she has set forth for her students!!! |
| Prompt: When it comes to books, the only thing to apologize is for the lack there of. Author Unknown Do you agree? Hmmm... this is a tough one! In this day and age with electronic book readers and digital content, I would say we have no lack of books to read. Every person in my household has a Kindle Fire. Well, they all use theirs for streaming videos or playing games. I use mine to read and sometimes write. But I'm always getting moans and groans for the number of books I download and read. And the thing is, most of them are free. Once in a while I'll run into an author and I'll want to read more of her work. And I will pay for sequels or other books she has written. I say "she" because right now there are about four authors that I buy from, and they are all women. Now, during the school year I do make my kids read more. And my daughter enjoys reading more than my son, so I don't have to beg her. Now my son, we have to find things that he really enjoys. I'll even buy him comic books to get him to read. Okay, I have digressed from the original question. Anyway, I'm doing my part. I write all the time. And since we are on a writing site, I hope all of you do too! So we are adding to the library and we have nothing to apologize for!           Ahhhh... we have been invaded by super cute monsters!!!  I absolutely love them! If you haven't seen all the wonderful new emoticons, head over to Party Central!So much happening that my head is spinning. I've written a short story for the Bard's Hall contest, but I still need to go back and proof and probably rewrite a little bit. I'd welcome some feedback if anyone is interested! "Invalid Item" And I'm writing for the Construct Cup, and that is some tough stuff. I love, it though!!! "Invalid Entry" "Invalid Entry" If you haven't stopped by yet, please visit...
That's all for today! |
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