New Year's Post

Making a post before I go out to First Night. I told the paper I'm interning for I'd help take photos along with their regular photographer. Covers more ground that way. Looking forward to it, looks like there's going to be some great acts for the evening. There is going to be some poetry from local students that I'm going to catch. It's kids from the local schools, so I'll see what kind of talent is growing there.

Speaking of which, I feel I have grown a lot as an artist this year. It really helps that I've gone out and read my work for audiences and have received so much support from people. I've had room to experiment and go through phases and themes. I'll still continue to do this, but it feels great to say I've come quite a way. I'm forming my own identity over time as an artist and as a person. I'm taking elements and seeing what works for me personally, my views on the world around me are changing.

It's not always easy, and at some times it's rather painful to go through a catharsis. I've been dealing with one this past month actually. I've had good days and bad days. Days full of cheer and days where I feel completely jaded. I know I should keep pressing forward though, it's the only way to grow and improve. It gives my mind the fuel needed to create more works to share.

Holidays, Whee!

Had another wonderful open mic last Thursday. I swear I see so many delightful surprises from people when I'm there. You never know what you'll see, and it's always changing. This past open mic I saw a horn trio and someone play the digeridoo. I hope there will be one next month, it depends on demand though, since during January many of the students who populate the are go home for winter break.

I'm still figuring out which of the videos I've had taken will be uploaded and shared.

Been tired and generally bummed out, hoping it's just the winter blahs. Happy Solstice though, it means the days will start getting longer now. Can't argue with that. I have everything ready for Christmas, shopping's done, gifts are wrapped and cards sent out to family. Went to a party the other night with a huge tray of cookies I made.

At the moment I'm also reading Nightlight, a Twilight parody. I don't totally understand the hype, then again when I was a teenager Lestat was the prime vampire. Not all this Byronic *sparkle* crap. The adventures of Belle and Edwart are much funnier though, as he saves her from buying Sega products, and such.

Performance Videos Finally! and a Recent Inspiration in my Life

I finally have time to share my performance videos. I've been busy lately and had to pull out of a funk I got stuck in, but I'm feeling fine now.
And I have another open mic I'll be attending in two weeks, I'll be sure to have some material as well, been getting some good inspiration lately.

The first one is a returning favorite, I had to revise it to fit current news. It's still fun, and I ended up changing more than just to fit current events. I took out some of the more "angry" lines, feeling they took away from the general playfulness and whimsy I wanted this poem to have. I now present: Miss California's ABCs, Second Edition



And this next one, which has had a few more plays, pays tribute to a music artist I discovered back in October. I found what he did to be pure magic, even if he is an obscure artist, but I can share more videos, love him or be weirded out by him, I wrote an Ode to Klaus Nomi



Now I'll share some videos of Klaus Nomi, because he was just that awesome. First starting with a classic.






Truly unusual, but beautiful. There's a bounty of other videos on YouTube, with performances, TV appearances and a couple more music videos if anyone else is intrigued.

Interning and Performances

I'm having a wonderful time with my internship. I actually get to get out and do things because I can finally make the time. Beforehand my paying job would get in the way of any events I'd like to go to.
I attended a performance of The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later in October. At the end of the month I went to my first midnight screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Shows that I live in the middle of nowhere, seeing it took until now for such a thing to happen. Of course the venues were very happy I was covering those events.

I also went to a wonderful show presented by the Adirondack Center for Writing. Word! It was held in conjunction with a high school writer's retreat, where three professional performance poets gave workshops to students. These poets, Roger Bonair-Agard, Rachel McKibbens, and Samantha Thornhill, then gave a free public showing at Bluseed Studios. All three were fantastic live and just as wonderful to meet. I purchased some books and had them signed. I really should share some of the photos sometime soon. I can't wait for next year's show.

The other weekend I attended a blues rock concert at one of the local bars. Last weekend I attended a storytelling concert to benefit First Night activities. My latest article, which will be out on Wednesday is for an upcoming concert with folk artist Anais Mitchell. The interview was wonderful. I had to do an email interview because of scheduling issues, but the responses she gave me were wonderful. I wish I could have put everything in. Hopefully I'll get to speak with her in person on Friday after the show.
If anything these experiences are showing me how much I have my roots in this town. I'm not saying my hometown is the best place in the world, but it is home for me. I see the bad, but I also see a lot of the good about being here. I see a very strong art community, as a regular at Bluseed's open mics I see a supportive group of artists.

This past Thursday was another Open Minded Mic Night at Bluseed. As always I had a great time. I've actually decided I'm going to have my more performance oriented poems filmed to share on YouTube. I enjoy the instant gratification I get after a performance. Especially since when it comes to doing submissions you have to wait a while for a response, and usually you're at the whims of a publication's editor. I understand that's the business and it's not going to stop me from submitting when I get the time. As of now I'm taking a break from that for school since I don't have much time to pour over journals and decide what poems to send in. My focus right now is more on writing the poems themselves. I'll save submitting for winter break.

Okay, I'll wrap this entry up before it gets too long. I'll share videos of my performances soon. I promise I'll try to update my blog more, maybe get my other half to design a better layout for me. I like green, but I want something more reflective of my own personal style.

Busy Busy Busy

It has been a busy couple months for me.
My trip to Florida was great, and I got some inspiration for new material. I'm hoping I can have drafts I'm satisfied with done soon. Open mic at BluSeed is coming up in two weeks.

I started my internship mid-September. I'm doing arts and entertainment writing and photo coverage. It's been a lot of work, but it's a blast. I'm very glad I'm doing it. Right now I'm working on an article for a Rett Syndrome benefit concert in my town next weekend. My latest articles have to do with the Laramie Epilogue since two local theaters are participating, and an art showing at a local gallery.

I will be working on an article next week about a poetry show featuring renowned performance poets. Two of which were featured on Def Poetry Jam. They're participating as educators in a high school writers' retreat, and after are performing at BluSeed, oddly enough the night after I read my work at open mic. It brings back memories, it was a show very much like this in spring of 08 that got me into writing again.

Yeah, been busy but life is good. I don't know if I'll be doing my own shows since my schedule is already pretty full. It's nice to sit back and let others do the organizing so I just get to read and enjoy the other performers at the open mics. Open mic nights are a great experience, I get to meet so many talented people there. The atmosphere is so friendly and welcoming, anybody can pretty much take the stage there and not worry about being booed off. I've had my misses in terms of reading bad poems onstage, but nobody is discouraging. They'll just encourage you if you have something good.

It's Been Forever

Sorry I've been M.I.A. here. There hasn't been much to talk about really. My past couple events had small turnouts, but the people I do see like what's going on. Hopefully with fall coming I can have my events on a more regular schedule. Open mic nights at my regular venue will be starting again as well, so if I can sync it so that my events are a couple weeks before the open mic I should get a better reception. I was told not to fret, when the open mics started there were times when nobody would show up. It's all a matter of pressing on and tweaking things until you have the right formula.

Meanwhile a friend of mine who owns a coffee shop wants to hold open mics as well. I'm hoping he calls soon so we can start organizing things.

This is going to be a busy fall for me. Mid-September I start the school year and I'll be interning with the local paper. The main focus is going to be with their weekly arts and entertainment supplement, where I'll be scouting out possible events to cover, taking photos and helping with editing, possibly some writing. I'm looking forward to it since having negotiated what my tasks will be. I'll also be taking an advanced course literary interpretation, aside from the textbook and document packet I have six other books to read for that class. Not much of a problem since I love reading and the books look interesting. It's just the whole time factor, between the internship, the class and holding a paying job. I'm sure it'll be easier once I settle in. I'll try to fit in some writing and submitting when I get the time too. Nothing yet for publications, I sent another submission in yesterday.

So my life hasn't been too exciting, and in less than a month it's going to get very busy for a while. I'll be able to up the ante with school in the spring since I'm receiving a scholarship. I'll be able to afford an extra class without having to take out any student loans.

Bats, Crickets and Extra Hours Oh My!

Had an eventful week since my last reading.
The reading itself was not much of a reading. Only one person showed up, someone else had asked about it but was nowhere to be seen at the time of the reading. Still read a few of my latest pieces since the person who did show up is a writer as well. It's always good to connect with others and share ideas and thoughts on writing.

I had figured a night where there were already things going on would guarantee an audience. Unfortunately it seems that people are too tired after the initial goings on of the day. Plus the tourist crowd didn't seem to take interest either. Upon suggestions from some of my acquaintances I've spoken with, I'm going to hold the next reading on a nondescript evening again since there seems to be a better turnout. Just take one of my newer flier designs and change the date on it and it's set to print and post. I should have a more regular schedule for these things starting in the fall.

Had a long weekend at work, night shifts can be interesting to say the least. Got dive-bombed by a bag in the entrance of my building a few nights ago. Had a minor basement-cricket problem as well, only found out about it when the cats started chasing them around the apartment. The room they seemed to be in has been sprayed and I haven't seen a cricket in a couple days. Worked one of my days off to help a co worker who injured herself. Just got a call from another co worker with a medical emergency. Would have helped if I hadn't worked six days in a row already. This is the first day I can actually catch up on all my work. If I hadn't had to work the other day I may have been able to come in tonight. I feel bad, but I had no pressure on the request since I came to someone's aid earlier this week.


And to think this all happens once I start regrouping myself writing-wise. I've been trying to go over one journal a week to determine what poems I can submit where, if at all. Yet with everything else I just haven't had the time until today.

Shows etc.

Have another show tonight, hoping for good weather. There's thunderstorm warnings for today.
I've also planned out my events for August, and they coincide with other local events happening earlier in the day. Fliers are also ready as well, soon as the black ink order comes in I can print and post the next set.

I also need to get off my duff, so to speak, and crack down on sending in submissions. I've grown lazy, downright distracted. I could say it's the ADD, but my parents said to never use it as a cop-out for anything. I'm just distracted. I think it's because it's not as structured as say, making open commitments to others (events) or school or a paying job. Maybe I'll do better if I actually structure a schedule for myself, have a period where I go over a journal and send my own work in. Plus reading in public is more gratifying at this point in time. As shy as I can be, I do enjoy getting out there and talking amongst others.


Time for me to get some rest, I've been running around all day. I need to recharge for tonight.

Events, Rejections, etc

On a good note, I've got my events planned out for the rest of the summer. I'll design fliers soon so I can just print and post when it's time to change the fliers for the next event.

My last event had a smaller turnout, but all attendants were writers. Things will gain momentum as I hold these. People will tell their friends and pretty soon I hope I can see plenty of people showing up.

I also got my second rejection letter. Just gotta keep trying. I'm going to read through another journal and send in a submission in between all the other things I've been doing.

I know that this is a career where letting yourself become discouraged is a way to kill a career. I could always just sink back into the shadows and only write for myself, but what's the fun in making something when I don't feel like sharing it? I just remind myself that I do have fans in my little town. I am working in an under-represented and under-appreciated art. At the same time it's something that shows the human spirit is thriving. For all I know I could end up being the poet who makes the NYT bestseller list, or I'll just remain a poet who is appreciated in whichever community I live in. The point is to just keep going, no matter where I end up. If I bring other writers in my town out to share their work, then I know I've done something good.

Event Tonight

I'm slowly coming out of my writer's block. It's taking time but I felt the spark of inspiration the other night. It was overwhelming at one point because of the intensity. It hit me and then I had to put on some music to fit the mood and just write.
It was a little painful, but as an artist I am willing to put myself through that pain for my art. I enjoy creating something I can share with people, whether I'm writing about something serious or silly.

I am conducting another open reading event tonight as well. I need to put the finishing touches on my latest work. Maybe I'll bring some poems written by other writers I like since I have been in a block since my last event. Maybe I'll bring out some of my older material as well. I have a good while to get everything organized, I'll have my stuff together by then.

Rejection, and Writer's Block

I got my first submission response, a rejection. It's not bothering me too much, but that's because I know I need to take disappointment well and stay determined if I'm to be successful. I'm feeling a little down, but there's just so much else going on that I could consider to be "real" issues. The rejection notice is just something else added to that pile.

Got a writer's group on Thursday, hoping people show up. It's not really being advertised, just a word of mouth promotion. Other writers allowed to attend, throw ideas around. I've never done this before so I'm flying by the seat of my pants on this one. I am a little stressed over that, hoping for a turnout.

Which brings me to the fact that I've had writer's block since my last shows. I've done a piece here and there, but nothing I consider to be quality. I'm trying to pull out of it. Today I wrote something, and then went into how crappy it was and how I know I can do so much better. Interesting slant, not sure if it's publish-worthy, but I took my frustrations and made them into something. I've also tried to work with what I already have. Sent in a second submission, and recorded one of my pieces to music. My fiance says I'm the most productive person he's ever recorded with.

Much of my other frustrations are more personal life related. My paying job is stressful and at times very frustrating. I had a friend over a few nights ago and the cops showed up saying we were being too loud. Somebody called in a complaint about a party, and I think the state troopers who were dispatching that night just wanted to pin the blame on somebody and get it over with. We spoke with our neighbors and they said they couldn't hear anything from our place. Granted the music we were playing could be heard in the hallway, but it should have been quiet in the other apartments. Whatever, I still say I'm innocent, there was no party, the person they originally asked for does not fit the name of anybody in my apartment at the time.

Kinda bummed over having to postpone my NYC trip until next spring at the earliest. My fiance's sister is getting married so we're going to Daytona instead for the wedding. My job is not happy because the wedding takes place over Labor Day weekend. I earned it, I work every other holiday weekend and I haven't seen this part of my family in five years.
Sorry, I usually don't dump my personal life into this blog too much, usually I try to keep it all writing-related.

Success!

My jam and the All-Star show were a success for me. Those two nights feel like a turning point in my career.

Friday: It took a while, but around starting time people started to trickle in. It was just me and two other poets reading, but there was a decent-sized audience. The atmosphere was great, everyone felt so comfortable. I had people telling me that they feel encouraged to bring their own work next time, so there will definitely be another show on the 25th. I need to get the flyers designed and printed for that show, and hopefully after I can have one every couple weeks. I'm glad I could bring people together to enjoy something, and at the same time inspire and encourage people to let their talents out. It's kind of my mission anyways to do that so I'm especially happy.

Saturday: Open mic All-Stars, audience favorites or invited artists are the only people on this bill. A good mix of music, I was the only poet. There is another girl who writes poetry who was invited, but she didn't show up. It makes me kind of worried because she only misses open mic nights when she absolutely can't come. Apparently during my time on stage I scared a couple people away with my piece, "Miss California's ABCs". Don't know if they're against gay marriage or if they were stuffy grad-student types who don't think costumes and humor have a place on poetry. Oh well, I guess scaring people like that is an accomplishment in and of itself. More people loved it than felt disgusted by it. Hopefully if those who left were disgusted, were disgusted by having to confront something in their own lives they need to sort out. In general it was enjoyed, a lot of people liked my punked-out beauty queen look and thought it was cute, they know that fun is allowed. It was a great show in all, so many talented people. Ended up hanging out for quite a while after, got a lot of ideas, scheduled my next jam. Also will be doing a little writing group the week before. I don't have to advertise that, just get other people I know who write together.

I'm exhausted today, it took forever to get up and running so to speak. Performing two nights in a row, and planning out more events. I needed an extra long nap today to get myself energized enough for doing anything. I'll probably have to talk with my paying job again. I will be working with my manager tonight though. Just let him know my career is now booming after these two nights and I will need enough time to work on the business end of things.

I Did It

I sent out my first submission! The reality probably won't hit me until I get a response of some sort. Very likely it will be a rejection, since this is my first submission ever, but you know, I just keep working at it. Move on to the next publication to peruse, determine what I can send, and send it. Keep doing that ad nauseum whether I get accepted or not. Keep building up. Own it.

That is really all I can do at this point, and after I get a reputation I an look into actual books. Or enter book contests, I can look at Poets and Writer's website for those. The point is to keep moving and stay motivated.

I also have my Jam on Friday of this week, hoping for a turnout. I've been telling everybody I know, I also had a query in my gmail which I happily answered. Been telling my friends and people who seem interested, the flyers are all over town. Having it at a more established venue should help out a bit, seeing the coffee shop didn't work out.

The evening after I will be at the open mic night All Stars as well. I have something up my sleeve for that show regarding the piece I was asked to read. ^^ I hope the audience likes it.

Working Towards Submissions and "meeting" the Green Fairy

So I tried "absinthe" for the first time last night. Actually it was Absente, which is labeled as an anise liqueur since it has added sugar and uses Southern Wormwood instead of the traditional wormwood. A friend had bought it and wanted us to try it. Luckily it comes with its own spoon.

Now I'm not a big fan of anise at all, I hate the taste of licorice, so I wasn't too thrilled with the flavor initially. I could grow to like it over time if I wanted. The texture, that's another story. Man that stuff was smooth, soft, and maybe a bit rubbery. Like drinking a liquefied balloon. I loved the texture. I think next time I try absinthe I'll want to try the real thing though. Probably best to shop online for it, hooray for Google shopping.


In other news I got an account at Duotrope's Digest finally. It looks very convenient and would be an easy way to organize my submissions. Search for where I want to submit, take the time to read through and then decide which poems I want to send. Hopefully I can see publication somewhere in the coming months. If not, well I just keep trying and keep writing. After my last entry I ended up drafting up three pieces. One of them which I will definitely be using, it went through some editing today. Also worked on some editing for Miss California's ABCs, which I will be re-reading at the Open Mic All-Stars.

Open Mic, Events

I attended open mic night this past Thursday, it's one of the highlights of my month. Not just because I get to read for an audience, but because I enjoy watching other talented people as well, and believe me, I see many.
I also will be reading at the open mic all-stars on June 6 as well. Although I have yet to be chosen as audience favorite, there needs to be people representing literary art. I feel honored to be invited and am grateful.

I finally got my flyers up for my event on June 5. They're all over town and once I figure out how to share them online I will do that. It should be a fun night for all who attend, whether you're reading or just coming to watch and listen.

I have so many ideas for new poems in my head right now. It's kind of dizzying. Lines and concepts will come to me, and always at times when I can't just sit and write them out. Such as when I'm at work, I'm too busy there most nights to sit down for a few and jot things down. I have to remember what I want to write. Fortunately I'm improving as a writer in terms of getting my ideas out and drafting pieces. Since I moved from just writing in private to being able to read my work and beyond I've been learning. I've learned so much in these past months in terms of refining my poems and finding other ways to get them out.

Been Busy

I finally have a flyer design I like, I'll share it later. I hope to have copies printed and placed around town tomorrow.
I tried both Open Office Draw and Scribus, definitely went with Open Office. Scribus just seemed too clunky for my use. Open Office is more user-friendly, just needed to do something in terms of my design style. I also went to dafont.com and downloaded a bunch of fonts. I check the individual terms for fonts since I'm not the one who designed them. Not too concerned at the moment because I'm not doing anything that creates profit. My event is going to be free admission so the only thing I can share is my own art.

Finished up the semester, I'll miss working at the college. It was bittersweet to leave, but I have somewhere else to go this fall. Maybe if I wind up going into teaching I'll work at North Country again.

Cathy (my Mom's girlfriend) also graduated from Plattsburg State this past Saturday with a BA in Studio Art. She graduated summa cum laude, I as a non-biological daughter am proud.

Now I'm taking time to unwind. This is my first Monday after my internship, I kind of feel at a loss of what to do. I know I have plenty I can work on, but nothing structured. It's kind of stressing me out a bit, I've been a bit irritable these past couple days (sorry Steve, I know you bear the brunt of it). I'm trying to relax and get a summer plan for myself going so I can get to work. I told my paying job the kind of hours I want, basically I'm more flexible but don't work me too much. I'm focusing on my writing and of course I'd notify in advance if I'm doing something related to my writing that's scheduled. That way I have plenty of time to write, and read through journals. No guarantee I'll have anything published this year, but I'm persistent and know I have to take disappointment well. Of course I'll share the flyer when I have it finalized.

News in Writing.

I found out about Laura Dockrill (Dockers MC) through an article on young British Poets I find her to be rather awesome. Seeing that there is a growing movement for younger people getting into poetry, especially the performance end excites me. It makes me wish I lived in England.

I like to check the Poetry Foundation's news to see what is going on. Since poetry is so ingrained in our culture, even if it feels like a niche art. Plus I get to see what other amazing things are happening in the literary world. For instance, I came across an article on the Poetry Brothel in NYC, a major city for poets. I find this idea rather smashing as well, bringing a mix of old and new for art. Makes me wish I could live in NYC as well. I am planning a trip over the summer, if it falls on the night the Brothel is held, I'll see if I can go.
Other Links about the Poetry Brothel:
Official site only gives an overview and the date of the next Brothel.
Official Myspace I'll add them once I do have the time to make an elegant Myspace. Seems every night I make plans for it things come up -_-'
Another article with a video

I guess part of this shows my visual kei influence comes in. I love presentation as much as I love the work itself. I feel that if it's done right it enhances the work overall. I love the idea of people in costumes giving readings, heck I love dressing up when I go to open mic. My fiance frequently tells me I have a "poet style" on nights I go to read. I know I'm still developing as an artist, I'm still finding my voice. I take in whatever's catching my interest and what reverberates with the kind of art I want to do. I know in America much of the "hip" poetry is connected to hip-hop, making me an odd-duck for being more rock and glam. I don't feel it really sets me apart or anything, it's still all about the poems and finding the best way to express them. Speaking of which, I do hope my Def Poetry Jam DVDs come in soon. I have notices from all sellers stating they've shipped.

I also see that the White House had their Poetry Jam, I'm glad the country is growing more vibrant in the arts. Apparently the last administration cancelled poetry events because so many poets are against war. Speaking of which, poets are performing on the street again in Basra, culture is thriving.

I've been thinking of turning my planned slam into a jam. Hope it makes people feel more invited to read. I really need to get those flyers done. Couldn't print them at home, between being out of paper and finding out that Open Office can't read .pub files. I'll be sure to get them out sometime soon.

Some Work's Done

Updating from the college again.


I did get more information for my slam. Looks like I'll be holding it on June 5, the day before the Open Mic All-Stars which I will be reading at. Further details will emerge, but I now have enough info to get some sort of flyer typed up. I've already figured that if this one isn't successful I'll let it rest for the summer. It's hard getting people to art events, and the venue I'm at doesn't have stage space in the summer. I will hold the event outside weather permitting though. If it is a success, expect more in the summer. If not, I'll wait until the fall. At least by then I'll hopefully have gone to NYC for a vacation and will have seen a slam in action. Rather than just do research on how to conduct one, see some youtube clips, and fly by the seat of my pants like I'm doing now.

Gearing up

I just got a gmail account, I'll need to change the settings for that. Currently I'm using my private e mail for blogger. I"d just prefer to have a private and a "business" account for the sake of organization. Makes things easier really.

I did the draft for my flyer, I'm not used to doing one from scratch at all. I'll definitely need to do another one. Open Office Draw does not have templates to work from like Microsoft does, but why pay so much when I can have a free program that pretty much does the same thing?

Feels like a real work day for me. I just sent my advisor my revised essay for my degree plan as well, and I need to head over to Bluseed after lunch to see what help I can get for starting up a poetry slam. I have everything I need information wise, just seeing if I can get another volunteer or two to help me with the actual event. It should be cool once things get up and running. This is the first time I've tried to organize an event, hopefully take II will be a success!

Can't wait to get home and have some lunch, and coffee. I didn't get much sleep last night, my sleep schedule's been screwed up lately. My actual paying job has become more stressful with business picking up. Keeping up with things has become so much harder! Hoping things quiet down soon there, I really don't like nights where I can't get everything done. Money's money though, gotta pay the bills and put food on the table. Until next time.

Business Day

I've designated this my "business" day. Like I'll get very much done. It's may, and National Poetry Month has come and gone. It's actually pretty hard for me to write when I don't have a stroke of inspiration. I feel it's helped me grow though and I've accomplished much. I've explored different subjects and themes and can write out my aggravations and make them eloquent now. I used to only be able to write about my aggravations as rants instead of poems.

I haven't done much work today though. I actually got up from a nap a little while ago and now I'm grooving to some Lady Gaga. Was talking with a friend on the phone, he's coming up next weekend to stay. He's turning 21 next week and wants to hang out with his already over 21 friends.

Oh yeah, business. Mainly I want to draft up a flyer for an upcoming slam sometime in June. I still need a confirmed date to hold them monthly from the owner of the establishment I'll be holding it at. Discuss things with some of the local artists who hang out there since a lot of them support what I'm doing. At this point in time there's only one other poet who regularly reads her work at open mics. I have high aspirations for this thing, but who knows. Originally I was going to host them for a local coffee shop (did I already mention this?). Well nobody really showed up except for one audience member who regularly visits there anyways. And now the place is closed due to poor business.

My writing career is very young, but it has that youthful vigor like it can take over the world. Fortunately the people I meet encourage this behavior from my career. Maybe it's because I hope to show the world that poetry doesn't have to be boring, or highbrow. It's all about expression and passion ! You don't have to be stuffy to enjoy.

Home, and Beyond

Home is in that circle, Earth. This is a famous picture, taken nineteen years ago by the Voyager I space probe. It really shows our place in the universe, we're such a small part. Not that we're insignificant by any means, we are important. We're incredible, at this point Earth is the only planet known to harbor intelligent life. Life might exist elsewhere in the universe, and possibly in our own solar system, but right now Earth is the only known place to house complex life forms. When we look at the world around us it is so incredible.

I've been watching Cosmos on Hulu. Thank goodness, the DVDs are kinda expensive. Then again, when you can order a 16 disk set of the complete Monty Python's Flying Circus for less than $70, this can look a little pricey. Forget about the soundtrack, that's out of print so it's even more expensive compared to other disks. Doesn't help that it's discontinued.

As a child I was fascinated by the book, I would constantly look through it. I also thought that Carl Sagan kinda resembled my father on the back of the jacket, even though the only thing they really have in common is that both were born in Brooklyn. In a way Sagan was one of my childhood heroes, even if at the time I didn't understand everything he expressed. Now watching it as an adult, there's so much more I can understand in terms of he connections between everything. You don't have to be an astronomer to appreciate the magificence of the series. You can be interested in other sciences, history, philosophy and human culture to appreciate the beauty of Cosmos. Even after twenty nine years from its release, it's still breathtaking to watch. Hell, this series discussed environmental issues before "going green" became a fasion statement. Not only that, it looks at the big picture, beyond "don't litter", it looks at what could happen if we stop caring about the planet, and each other. Taking care of the Earth goes beyond the superficial into the spiritual when we look at ourselves as human beings.

I really, really appreciate this series now that I'm an adult. As a child I understood parts of it, I could understand sending the Viking landers to Mars. I could understand that different cultures interpreted the same constellations differently. I wasn't able to understand more of the advanced concepts though, such as nuclear winter or how folkloe can lead to sleective breeding of a species. Even reading the book I wasn't able to grasp everything in my elementary school mind. Yet my parents encouraged this behavior, they liked having an inquisitive child who wanted to learn. I feel very blessed. My upbringing wasn't perfect, but there is a lot of things I feel my parents have done right.

I will say my re-discovery of Cosmos is a spiritual journey for me. The series dubs itself "a personal journey", and as human beings it explores many facets of our kind. I feel it spiritual in our connection with the universe, and the impact we make as a species. We're naturally attuned to learn and discover, and this has worked to our advantage so many times. At the same time, we need to be aware of our destructive sides as well and channel such energies into working to learn further about what's around us. This world is a wide and wonderful place, and the whole universe can be ahead of us if we take the time to care.

Maybe I should borrow my Dad's copy of the Cosmos book again, or go bug my friend Jason. He has two copies and promised me one of them a few years ago. Maybe I can borrow some of his other Sagan books as well, or buy them when I have more money saved.

I also still need to write a poem for the day. I'm still slacking. I was inspired tonight, and I finally drafted what I've handwritten to my computer. I'm hoping that within the week I'll also be able to get more stuff set up. This weekend has been a bit lazy, but then again I've been busy. Between a paying job and an internship/volunteer work much fo my spare time has been devoted to my own pleasures. ^_^

One a Day

National Poetry Month is in its last 10 days. I've been working through the one a day challenge. Sometimes I wind up slacking and miss a day. In those cases I write two to make up for my laziness/too busy and I forgot to write.

It's especially difficult when I just don't have that *spark* as I call it. I can be inspired by anything, and everything. It's just that flash of how to put it forth. That magic needed to put it on paper or digital file and feel proud of what I've written. That's how I actually got the name for my blog, I wrote two poems about mashed potatoes. I felt very proud of myself for how both came out, and when I read them at the last open mic night everybody loved them.

I was talking about this last weekend. I went to SUNY Plattsburg's senior art show, my Mom's girlfriend is part of it. Over dinner after the reception we were talking about that "magic" you get working on some pieces. Although she paints and I write we're both artists. It's that feeling you get when you start on a piece and just know it's going to come out fantastic.

Now I'm going to wrack my brain and write two poems for today. Tomorrow I should start drafting my latest pieces to my computer. It makes editing so much easier when they're typed.

Random Fact: Drinking a shot of pickle juice during/after working out can help prevent muscle cramps.

Intro, Finally!

I set this up a couple days ago and just now got around to making an entry.

Basically, this is an introduction to my "pro" blog. I am a poet in a region known as the "North Country" smack dab in the middle of nowhere. I started writing poetry again about a year ago and have made the decision to make it into a career. Okay so I'll need to keep a day job since this makes me a starving artist, but that's okay. You don't do these things for the money.

My career so far has involved open mic performances. I was to conduct a slam at a local coffeehouse, but like with a lot of start-ups, I have to deal with disappointments as well. Nobody showed up. That's alright though, since I have plenty of supporters within the community to help me, advise me and keep me from feeling discouraged when things don't go as planned.

The reason I got this blog is to branch out basically. Yes I get attention in my own neighborhood, but if I want to share my ideas with the world I need to communicate to the rest of the world. The internet is great as a communication tool, and I plan on utilizing that. Sometime in the near future I'm going to do more social networking, I can announce events I will be at and in general just discuss life as a poet. The trials and tribulations of publishing attempts, the art community where I live, thoughts on poetry (and literature related issues, I am a literary studies major) and the world in general.