Mash Potato Poet

Big News!

2011-10-13T07:54:00.000-07:00

In a little less than an hour I'm going to be on the road en route to New York City for Comic Con. Tickets are for Friday, so when I get there I'll very likely be gallery hopping. Including a stop at The Cotton Candy Machine in Williamsburg.
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Why am I doing this? I can happily announce that I will be blogging for Saranac Lake's own botique gallery The Local Fringe It will be art and culture, so you can expect interviews, discussions, reviews of films, including documentaries, music, etc. There is the possibility of a zine in the future for submitted work as a way to expand and encompass creative culture.

I am excited about this trip, even if it is going to be rather whirlwind. I love NYC, plus I really need to get out of town for a couple days. It seems that this week has been full of crazy between the paying job, a water main break in the town, my significant other experimenting, etc. A bit of traveling and hopefully some networking will let everything here set itself right.

They Had it Coming

2011-09-27T18:55:00.000-07:00

Every child who attends school should feel they are in a safe, nurturing environment. Schools all over the country have failed children in this respect.

A recent case in my community, is a perfect example. Despite an alleged anti-bullying policy being put in place, the victim was continually harassed. You can't just tell a child to "turn the other cheek" and expect the bullies to go away. If anything they appear to have become crueler.

Bullying is an issue that's close to my heart. As a child I myself was bullied. While not as bad as what this poor girl has gone through, elementary through middle school was filled with name-calling, shunning, the occasional physical altercation and phone calls to the school or bus garage. The only way anything was done, was when my parents demanded it. They had to tell the bus garage that I was to sit in the front of the bus because of all the times I've been tripped, had things thrown at me, had my hair pulled, been hit and other forms of harassment. I was to blame for the smell whenever the bus rolled by a skunk or some rotting roadkill.

One incident in sixth grade sticks out in my mind. When I entered middle school word got around that I was the "weird kid" who was a popular target in my elementary school. I was being bullied but kids I never met. One group of "popular girls" decided they would pretend to be my friends, so they could tell me to ditch my true friends at the time. The school knew about it from day one thanks to some concerned students. The ringleader let her cohorts do much of the harassment when it was found out I knew what they were up to. The following weeks were filled with nasty phone calls to my house, me getting chased, verbally harassed, my desk was vandalized. The teacher knew and lightly disciplined the students by making them write meaningless apology letters. They didn't actually do anything until one day I snapped and almost beat some kids with my chair. If the teacher hadn't walked in I would have beaten these kids. IT TOOK ME ALMOST COMMITTING ASSAULT FOR THE SCHOOL TO TAKE IT SERIOUSLY! My proper complaints to the teacher just weren't working. The discipline was so weak that the kids harassing me just kept it up and "played" nice.

Of course this isn't about me moping over my past. I've made peace with some of my former bullies, and the ones who haven't grown up have grown up to remain losers going nowhere.

It's sad to see that things haven't changed much since I left middle school a half a lifetime ago. The family suing has had to deal with their daughter facing racism, assault including sexual assault, and property damage to name a few from her peers. The slur (fxxxxxg nxxxxr) written on the sidewalk in her deodorant wasn't cleaned off until a week later. She was place in situation where she had to work amongst her attackers. Anti bullying policy my ass. If they had a real anti bullying policy something would have been done about the assaults, something would have been done about the fact this poor kid was stuck going to school in a hostile environment. To be honest, they had it coming. It's about time somebody sued them. Handling these problems on school level haven't worked. Getting the police involved hasn't worked. Maybe a lawsuit will open their eyes.

Been a While

2011-09-20T13:06:00.000-07:00

Sorry I don't keep up on this blog often enough. I don't really feel that everyone wants to hear about my adventures in schoolwork. The good news is I should be updating more as there is more going on in my life now.
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Regarding school, I am taking my final class, it's a literature one so it'll be an enjoyable end. Plenty of intriguing books to read and discuss.

Open mics at BluSeed start up this Thursday! It'll be exciting to take the stage again. I took a break over the summer after spending the last two summers working on my own shows. I spent my non paying job and school time relaxing and doing nerd things. Sometimes you need that downtime to sort your thoughts and refresh your energy. Now that I'm getting back into the swing of things I am revved up and ready to go.

Speaking of which, I shall soon be blogging for art gallery The Local Fringe! Things are still in the planning stages right now but so far the plans are for an art and culture blog. This gallery is an awesome place and if you're ever in the Tri-Lakes area I encourage you to visit! I'll give more details as things pull together.

With this new gallery gig, activities related to it, and possible opportunities I'll have more to talk about.

Wrapping-Up

2010-12-16T10:37:00.001-08:00

The year is winding down, and I am wound-up.

The semester is coming to a close (thank goodness!) and I have been rushing around trying to finish up final projects. Three classes after this and I'll graduate. Already registered for the spring!

Holidays, Mom put me in charge of dessert for Christmas dinner this year. I'm known for making lots and lots of amazing cookies. I'll probably start on more cookies tomorrow evening. I'm too busy today. Got half my gift wrapping done, still need to wrap gifts for my family.

Last Friday I had my first non Open-mic or personal show performances. It was for an art reception. Okay it was at BluSeed, but the suggestion that I read came from an artist friend who thought it would be cool, and BluSeed has a stage so there was no special set up involved.

I've had two meetings this week, and another one to attend this afternoon. I went to the ArtWorks meeting Tuesday morning, paying job meeting yesterday and a business meeting for Art Works members from the entrepreneur center. It's free and will help the group orchestrate a five year plan since Art Works is growing.

I also have Open-mic tonight! Getting poems ready, show's just mere hours away and I'm putting finishing touches on pieces, but that's how I apparently roll. I'll be fine, just a matter of getting my mind in gear. Don't worry mind, you'll get to relax soon!

Whirlwind

2010-11-26T08:03:00.000-08:00

Life has been a whirlwind lately.

I registered for classes a short while ago, and I'll need to start buying books. Fortunately if you look in the right places the financial pain isn't as bad. I'm finishing up my American History credits with a course on The Pursuit of Happiness. I don't know why, but up until this point all the classes I took were only partial credit and two halves don't seem to make a whole. I'll also be taking a course on visual literacy, which seems like a good follow-up to communications analysis seeing the unit I had to do on mass media.

Thanksgiving was okay. I had to work at my paying job, and got extra hours because a co worker broke her leg. It was okay until I got the "fuck you" from a guy for just doing my job. Carding laws are a pain in the neck I know, I don't have a choice unless I want to get fired or arrested. I just remind myself that some day I'll be doing something more worthwhile. I've been looking into social media management and maybe I'll contract myself out to area businesses. Do their social networking in exchange for money. It's modern work, and it would give me plenty of time to work on my writing. Weekends and holidays may be a must, but won't be an issue, taking my work with me won't cut into vacation fun, etc. Basically up my alley, especially since I have been having a blast doing social media for Saranac Lake Art Works.

Went to Paul Smiths College for a show last week. Performed at open mic right after. I had to pull a set out of my ear because of all the time I've had to devote to class work. I did okay I feel, it really could have been better. Since I told Steve he could go in my place if I'm not there, I had him on stage with me doing audio experimentation. I guess it made up for the one good, one okay and half finished, and one crappy poem I read. I'll do better next time.

I was also asked to host open mic this coming April for National Poetry Month. Yay I'm moving up in the world. Somewhat. I'm being given local opportunities where venues allow. I've been also asked to read some time in the future at the AUUC (Adirondack Unitarian Universalist Community) which would be awesome too. I recently joined the congregation there, I like the whole here and now focus and lack of dogma. My leanings have always been towards being more humanist-driven and feeling one can make the world a better place, for the sake of just making it a better place.

Peace out.

Why are we a Culture of Baby Eaters?

2010-11-04T13:44:00.000-07:00

I ask because I was making a salad for lunch, to see it is labeled as 'baby lettuces'. Now I have to write a poem about baby eating, we eat baby carrots too. Yet tiny tomatoes are named in comparison to other small fruits, they're not called 'baby tomatoes'.

Been keeping busy, and behaved. School, paying job, volunteer job. Losing motivation but maybe it's because of how I'd been cruising along with homework for these past several weeks. Now between the cold, rain, snow and weeks of work I'm feeling unmotivated. My paying job is over the worst of the renovations, just nuts and bolts. It feels so different now, not the old, dingy, cramped store it once way. Yet working in that dingy old place for nearly seven years has kind of messed up my mind. The volunteer job, well that's a whole new experience. I do get paid, it's a barter system. I offer one service, and get another in return.

My world has been stable. Seeing if I can get some transportation for the 18th. Another installation of Word! at Paul Smiths' College. I'd have to miss performing at open mic very likely, but it's a sacrifice I'll make to see other awesome poets in action.

Glad election season is over too, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I didn't have as many calls, although the mailings have been regular. Crazy Carl wasn't elected which is a relief. Political parties aside, he was just so inconsistent and came off as unstable. Remember the Dean Scream years ago? Picking fights, words and actions not matching up, not sure if I'd have someone like that running my state. We'll see how the country fares in the next couple years.

Another Week In the Hamster Wheel of Life

2010-10-27T12:03:00.000-07:00

I'm adjusting to my new social media position. Taking the time to learn how to optimize the pages I run for Art Works and what I can do in the near future. I have a ton of ideas, but many of them will have to be proposed next meeting. I'm excited to do a presentation on what I can do for Art Works and the benefits of using online mediums for promotion/connection to the audience.

I'm so excited for Word! tomorrow night. It will be an exciting evening of poetry. Always refreshing. Speaking of refreshing, I've discovered Indiefeed a regular podcast of performance poetry. Plus I've discovered so many other wonderful things through listening, such as different projects and YouTube channels for performance.

Not much else going on, open mic was great. I had another outstanding performance that I'm still receiving compliments for. Thank you everybody, it really means a lot. Compliments keep me going, I know I'm in a productive direction when other artists say nice things to me!

School is the usual. Starting a paper on Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, since her work was interesting. Communications analysis is on a unit on mass media. Intriguing stuff really. I've been on a roll and I'm almost halfway through the term. Plan on wrapping up my studies for the day so I can get some rest before the paying job.

I also discovered something new and awesome. Neatorama has a sub-blog titled Bit Lit which features chapter-by chapter postings of novels, stories and poetry. A new chapter is added every day until a novel is done, and yes they have the rights to post published material from major publishers. A great way to read without adding yet more books to my already crowded apartment.

I'm Excited!

2010-10-18T12:16:00.001-07:00

First, these three fantastic poets (Roger Bonair-Agard, Samantha Thornhill and Rachel McKibbens) will be performing at BluSeed Studios on the 28th. It will be an amazing event. I've been attending the Word! shows for the past few years, and the first one I attended was the one that inspired me to write again.

I feel poetry is an art you need to hear to fully take in. Speaking poetry gives it life and makes it grip the listener's soul. It can give the listener shivers, make a lump grow in their throat, puts the mind to work.

Speaking of BluSeed, Open mic is Thursday. I'm considering reading something by Edgar Allan Poe in celebration of the season. I'm thinking of reading "A Dream Within a Dream". I also have an election poem churning further in my mind. It's a piece already drafted, but ready to make the steps towards maturity.

Thursday the Youth Center is holding an open house. I'm thinking of paying a visit to propose my plans for hosting workshops there. I want to teach kids an art form that can give them a voice and help them overcome their troubles, teach themselves how to get more out of life.

I also have another job to add to my list of writer, student and lowly store clerk. I am now the social media manager for Saranac Lake Art Works, I've set up a twitter page and a facebook page. Please join!

All's Quiet on This Front

2010-10-08T09:34:00.001-07:00

Not much news, but I've been really busy with school. Moved on from argumentation to learning about influence and the science behind it. Interesting stuff, especially since we're being influenced on a daily basis, everything from advertising to politics uses influence. I even conducted my own experiment one day to consciously use influence in action. Don't worry, I use these things for good.

I've also been reading through some guides and taking notes in hopes of doing workshops next summer. I'm not an expert by any means, but I'm active and enthusiastic. I've had experience to a degree working with what resources are around me.

I'm also enjoying this sunny day after so many days of clouds and rain. Kinda wish I could go out, but I have work to do. New poems are forming in my mind and I have to keep up with my schoolwork in a timely manner unless I want to become a stress case.

New Network

2010-09-26T20:43:00.000-07:00

I got a Dreamwidth account tonight. It will be a mix of personal and professional. Most of my blather here regards my writing and the local art community. I'll have some of that there, but I'll also have more personal material there. Nothing incriminating though, like I have time to be getting in trouble.

My journal is here-> http://potatopoet.dreamwidth.org/

Sorry I haven't been updating much. My Communications Analysis course has been taking over a good chunk of my time. I've mainly had time to write and that's been it. The poems are the most important part, without them I'd be nowhere.

I did have a fantastic performance at Thursday's Open Mic at BluSeed. I wasn't sure if I could make it due to family plans, but everything was timed well. It felt great to take the stage again in front of an audience. Unfortunately my shows this past summer didn't turn out as large as I had hoped.

Moving forward, I'm already planning for next summer. The new Art Annex has opened downtown, offering workshop/performance space for $5 a session! I'm researching to hopefully teach work shops at the Youth Center next summer. I have a note taking binder ready since I'll be flying by the seat of my pants on this one. I have some good guides though for exercise ideas and coaching information. I'll see what happens when the time comes, but in the meantime I'll prepare.

It's late, feeling tired. I hope some of you went out and enjoyed the Artists at Work Studio Tour. I took a couple hours on Friday to make some rounds, and spent much of Saturday out and about. Art Walks are always fun, but with the Studio Tour you can actually see works in progress.

What We Should Remember

2010-09-11T08:54:00.000-07:00

As we all know, today is the ninth anniversary of 9/11. I remember that morning as if it were a recent memory. I was a freshman at NCCC getting ready to make the trudge up the hill for class; when I heard my Mother in her upstairs bedroom shouting. I turned on the television and saw history unfold before me.

In wake of such tragedy I also saw the country band together. Not just at Ground Zero, but everywhere, I saw unity. Something that has sadly crumbled and been replaced with ignorance and misunderstanding.

Today it is hard to believe that at times this country seems more divided than ever. The small minority of hatemongers unfortunately has such a loud voice that everyone is forced to hear their vile rhetoric. We have a small church in Florida that wishes to hold a "Burn the Koran" event because the 9/11 attackers have somehow represented all Muslims in this church's eyes. Even some of my own friends are against the proposed Muslim community center two blocks from Ground Zero. They're being told to believe that such an establishment will piss on the graves of those who lost their lives that day. Although there were American Muslims who felt the same tragedy that was also felt by Christian, Jewish and people of every other faith who died that day. USA Today has a wonderful article about this issue. They shared the story of Salman Hamdani and his family. Hamdani was an EMT who ditched work when he saw the smoke coming from the towers. He sacrificed his life to help others and is a 9/11 hero, who happens to be Muslim. Yet his Mother, Talat, has to feel old wounds open as she receives hate mail for her beliefs. We've forgotten about the Muslim passengers on the planes, and the workers in the Twin Towers and the Pentagon.

We as Americans, and as human beings, shouldn't let the twisted beliefs of a few yahoos ruin our whole perception of a major religion. Al-Queda is not the whole of Islam, just a small radical fraction. Just like Westboro doesn't represent the whole of Christianity. We don't attack Christianity based solely on the beliefs of Westboro, or Dove Outreach. As much as these churches leave a sour taste in my mouth, I would never host a "Burn the Bible" event. Burning books is the first act in attempting to eradicate a culture. It is a destruction of knowledge and culture.

The more we live and act in fear, the closer the real villains are to winning. To reach out our hands in understanding and reject fear, the closer we will be to defeating our true enemies. We forget they want us to fear and attack. To attack would be to prove their point and fuel their fire.

Please, let's keep the spirit of unity that had first followed us in our darkest hour. Through that we can find strength.

NYC Oddysey

2010-08-31T09:59:00.000-07:00

Last week I was in NYC, my first "real" vacation as an adult. Not staying with any relatives. It was just me and the boy, staying with the friend of a friend and his room mate. Steve and I were all over the place seeing both the cultured and the freewheeling. It was an inspiring experience.

I visited museums, the Bronx Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and the New York Aquarium. I also wandered Chinatown, St. Mark's and Coney Island. I found inspiration in The Cyclone, the subway stations, walking the streets, seeing classic works of art, eating street food, seeing fossils, etc. I met with an online friend and tried Korean food for the first time. There's still so much I want to do. Fortunately it looks like we now have the connections to stay in the future.

Maybe it's because I'm so smalltown, but I took in everything. There were instruments from all over the world playing in the stations. I heard everything from a saw player, to a violin duo who stood on opposite sides of the tracks, to an accordion player doing Lady Gaga and Blondie covers. I went to the Cloisters and saw the unicorn tapestries after years of dreaming. Coney Island is such a center of Americana. There's just so much I took in from my week there, it will take some time to digest.

I wasn't able to make it out to watch any shows with the exception of the Dir en grey concert on the 24th, but I feel I've gained so much on a spiritual level. In a way it is almost zen seeing how much changed since my last (and brief) visit two years ago. Last time I visited St. Mark's on suggestion of a friend, it was fairly quiet, today the streets are crowded. Bamn, the automat, is gone which disappointed me. I lugged along what change I couldn't roll for a visit there. Even the Port Authority bus terminal underwent changes. When I arrived they had the big board listing which gate your bus is at, when we left it wasn't there. It was a good reminder of how impermanent the world can be, how everything is in a constant state of flux. Some things will always remain because our culture wants to hang on to them and honor heritage, while other things change. What is preserved evolves to fit today's needs and wants. What doesn't change gets placed in a museum.

I could go on forever on how much I saw and felt during my vacation. I think it's left better for my writing. I have so much new material for poems and stories that it will take a while to get it all out.

Earthshattering

2010-08-12T10:42:00.000-07:00

I've been wrapped up in my final project, it's due this weekend. I can say I'm satisfied with my progress. I still see ways I can change the story, but that will be left to future work, on my own. I'll be glad when the class copy is done and sent in, loads of pressure will be off me.

I do have a show tonight at BluSeed, I have some new material all ready to present. I will mention not all of it is exactly happy, but I've been in yet another funk.

Last weekend I learned one of my favorite bands, Ayabie, split, which came as a total shock. I went out of my way to see them in NYC two years ago on their first and only US tour. It was one of the best nights of my life, I met so many awesome people there and the show itself was loads of fun. As a band they did something for me on a personal level, cheered me up when I felt sad, calmed me when stressed and helped me find parts of my identity which has been crumbling as of late anyways. Yeah I'm bummed, will be bummed for a while. Just tired and stressed in general anyways between school and work.

I'm keeping my head up though, somewhat. Pressing on, getting the projects done, taking some time to relax. Talking with a friend next week about her business plan she wants me to be a part of. It's a handmade craft shop where part of the profits will go towards local nonprofit organizations. I'm psyched by the idea but it's been hard finding the time to actually sit down and talk about how it will be approached, my role in the business, etc.

Festivals, Stories, etc.

2010-07-31T08:37:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I contributed a couple poems for the Art Works booth that will be up at the Farm 2 Fork festival in September. Visual artists are more than welcome to illustrate my pieces, I have one on mashed potatoes and one about raspberries. I'll be looking forward to what comes out of it.

I finished the rough draft of my classic folktale reinterpretation project. Now I'm in the midst of rewriting it. Hopefully I'll be sharing it with an audience at some point, which could be months down the road. I'll probably rewrite it again after I turn my project in. Rewriting is pretty common, you want to make a work be the best it can be for readers. It is also a service to your characters as well since they will be full and mature.

I realized when I finished my draft and studied some critical analysis that my initial writing was too gentle. Everything was too soft, and too understanding (as weird as that can sound, the world needs more understanding). It was honest about the gruesome aspects but not about the painful aspects of human nature. It makes a handy guide so to speak though and I've been working through for a more elegant work.

Not to say I am ignoring all my poems. I am getting my latest art machine contributions ready to turn in. The "scrolls" are coming along, I'm 1/3 of the way done and then have to start rolling up my Art Walk round for after the Block party.

2010-07-26T13:44:00.000-07:00

I've been keeping busy. My mind has been so full lately I've been feeling the stress.

Thursday I took a hike up Baker, fell down a couple times on the way down and still have the bruises. It was worth it though, it's been about ten years since I was last up there, and I call myself a local. The view is incredible, and the weather was fantastic.

Been gearing up for the Block Party on August 5, the art machine will be there. It was emptied last Art Walk so I need to double the printouts to provide for the Block Party and the August walk.

I'm also planning my vacation, booked bus tickets today. I do not know how Steve got the page listing standard and refundable fare and why the normal old refundable was several times cheaper than the standard. Of course we went with the refundable, and I will make this an educational trip and go to some shows in the evening.

I am working to up my game. Yeah I get told I'm talented, and I believe it. If I didn't I wouldn't be investing the time and energy I have been investing for the past couple years. But there is always room for improvement, no matter who you are and I'm taking the time to work on that. I've ordered some books to assist and inspire me and am right now reading Poemcrazy: Freeing Your Life With Words. I've only read one chapter, but it inspired me, and the chapters are short and sweet. It won't help with formality or really push on the scholarly level, but I like the casual feel.

Aside from poetry, I've also been drafting up my rewrite of The Little Mermaid. I've taken a more novella/teen lit slant to it rather than try to rewrite it in the fairytale format it was originally written. Take the time to use more dialogue with the characters, embellish events while keeping the spirit of the original story. I felt it would be a good starting point for working on lengthier stories and I have been having so much fun writing it.

The only downside I've experienced is that all the stress and excitement have made me feel a bit unwell. Combined with the bruises I've gained over the weekend between hiking and other events. I'll give my spirit a few days to calm down.

Progress

2010-07-21T08:16:00.001-07:00

My final project story is coming along. Now that I have my other assignments behind me for now I have more energy to devote to writing. Starting out I had such a hard time with voice and tone, the plot was coming along, but it wasn't coming out the way I wanted it to. It took rewriting the beginning to find a presentation that suited the actual story itself.

Poetry wise I've been working on a poem about raspberries. I've also ordered some books to help me up my game as a writer and performer. There is always room for improvement, no matter how good everybody says you are. There is always something more you can give, it's just learning how to find and express it.

I am also planning my vacation. Everything's a go, so I'm scoping out things to do, places to go, etc. It'll feel nice to get away for a bit, put myself in a new environment. Got somewhere to stay, will book bus tickets soon and get directions. I'll see how educational I can make my trip too.

I also got an offer to go into business with a friend. I'm supposed to meet with her tomorrow evening about it. I'll give more detail as everything becomes clearer.

Back....I Guess

2010-07-12T07:52:00.001-07:00

So that's the art machine, isn't it a beauty? I've already used it several times. Tuesday there's going to be another party to replenish the stock. Expect it somewhere around town during Thursday's Art Walk.

So luckily, my Dad doesn't have cancer. He does have COPD, still lung disease, but at least it's not cancer. I am relieved about that.

I've been trying to keep my mojo up with writing, and have a few pieces in the works. I've been feeding myself inspiration in the form of Brave New Voices on DVD. My mind's been locked as of late and watching has become a sort of cerebral ex-lax, when I have the time to write. I had a long week last week honestly, extra hours at the paying job. Then I was feeling a bit ill over the weekend which kept me resting most of the time when I was home. I did take the time to go to Pendragon for a show, I needed the laughs.

I did have a show in Thursday, but there was no turnout. I haven't had a turnout that bad since March 09. It was the heat, ninety degree weather all week. The heat may have been part of why I felt so unwell these past few days too. Better luck next month.

I should get plenty done this week though. My paying job's giving me a little break hour-wise. Plenty of time to finish projects and hobknob around town.

Sorry I've Been so Quiet

2010-06-27T15:06:00.001-07:00

I've been very busy with this literature course. I'm preparing to write a story/novella for a final project, on top of the other assignments. It's a final project so I'm going to be busy with that. I'll admit I've been slacking with submissions because of this class.

Plus there is a possibility that my Father might have lung cancer, which has left me in a state of worry for the past week. I'll find out tomorrow if he actually has cancer or not, but the waiting part is straining.

I guess I'm just going to be a bit quieter here. I'll still continue to write and the July show is still on. If I don't have much for material I'll most certainly bring some poetry books to share poems from. For readers in the neighborhood I'll still be out and about as I have been. I'll attend what art openings and shows I can paying job and school permitting. I feel in a time like this it's probably best I am out and about. The world still moves on even if you're sulky. I will update if anything happens (writing wise, etc.), but this blog will probably be quiet for a little bit. You can follow me on twitter if you want, I'll be more likely to update that with anything small and/or random. In the meantime don't be alarmed if I'm not updating regularly.

First Art Walk

2010-06-19T11:53:00.000-07:00

The First Art Walk of the season was an awesome experience. It was a beautiful day which made the event even better. Wandered all over town taking it all in. Live music, gallery showings etc. There was a book release at the Adirondack Artist's Guild for a cookbook of local recipes featuring some of these recipes prepared for tasting.

The art machine was a blazing success! Every time I went by it I saw a crowd of people. 2/3 of the art was sold that day so there is a call for more contributions. It will only run at certain times fully supervised, because there are times the machine jams up. I even put some coins in for a few pieces. It's almost like Christmas because each box is a surprise. Apparently the Village Justice got one of my poems. An artist friend of mine got one of my handwritten pieces. I can't wait for the next art walk.

Today has been a good day so far. I went to the village farmer's market for some honey and iced wildflower tea. Afterward I went to one of the many little parks dotting the village and sat in the shade with my homework. It looks like it might storm later, glad to have spent some time outside in the fresh air. My porch garden is beginning to bloom too, already the planters are overflowing. I even have plants growing from under one of the pots. Seems some seeds were under the pot but exposed enough for sunlight. It looks odd, but kind of cool.

Shows and Such

2010-06-14T09:07:00.000-07:00

Thursday's show went over very well. I am very pleased with how things turned out. Turnout was small, but everyone who attended was very enthusiastic and helpful. I live for nights like that actually, they fuel me as an artist.

In other news I have been slacking with submissions. Mainly because I've been in a writing slump of sorts. I've been filling it in with related work. I have performances uploaded on YouTube and Viddler now, and I'll have Steve make buttons on the main page for those sites. I've done some journal reading and once I have appropriate poems ready I will send in my submissions.

Tomorrow evening I'll be attending the box-stuffing party at the 7444 Gallery to help prepare the art dispensing machine for the first art walk. Grand unveiling is Thursday and four quarters will get you something wonderful.

Summer Series Starts Tonight!

2010-06-10T10:14:00.000-07:00

Tonight will be the inaugural show of my summer series. Anyone is invited to read whether you're a writer or want to share the work of your favorite writer(s)! Shows will be the second Thursday of every month June through September, and the best part is they're free! We read outside weather permitting, and if the weather is still rainy then the gallery space upstairs is free. Hopefully by next month I'll have use of the outdoor stage to throw these shindigs.

Until then I'm trying to hustle today. Upload a bunch of videos onto YouTube and Viddler. Hoping to make a fb fanpage for my work and have them all linked from here. My tech guy is feeling not-so-well mindwise today. That's how it usually works though, days I'm psyched he's dragging, but on days he's psyched I'm the one slacking off.

I also have to admit that I am such a nerd. Against better judgment I've started another game of Final Fantasy XII. For those who don't know it takes approximately 400 hours of gameplay to get the most out of the game, as in side quests and extra goodies. Less if you're going with a straightforward game. Last time I played I had much more free time on my hands. My internship was postponed and I only had my paying job to work with. It was my pre-performance days since open mic started late that year. It's good relaxation though in between all the other things I've been doing.

Open Mic All-Star the other night was fantastic. Everyone was great that night and I was so happy to see everyone. Picked up some photos of Steve and I performing taken by BluSeed artist in residence Shaun Ondak, seriously this guy is amazing. He's a wonderful photographer and he plays the digeridoo.

The art dispenser is almost up and running too! Tuesday night is a box-stuffing party to prepare the machine for its unveiling. It will be up on June 17, the first Art Walk of the season. For just four quarters you can get a piece of art, one of my poems or coupons from Pendragon Theatre for shows. I urge anyone in the neighborhood to use the machine!

Upcoming Events

2010-06-03T22:52:00.000-07:00

Well tonight I attended SCTY's opening, I learned about it last night. Fantastic show, interesting and whimsical art. Very fun and surreal. I met SCTY member Joshua Ray, and he's an awesome fellow. I wish I could have stayed longer at the gallery but my paying job needed me to save the day. Scheduling there will be a pain for a while, so long as I have a couple certain evenings off next week it's good.

I have two performances. On Tuesday I will be reading at the Open Mic All-Star Invitational/fundraiser event at BluSeed Studios. Then on Thursday I will be back at BluSeed for the first of my summer shows. In conjunction there will also be a paper-making social. For ten dollars you can make your own paper from fabric based pulp. There aren't many places around here where you can make paper. Whether you want to write on it or do some pulp painting (using different colored pulps for abstract creations). I might have a go at it as well depending on time.

In the meantime I've been keeping busy with school and journal submission things. I've had to give myself two weeks for this latest read through/submission because of how much I had to read for my class last week. So long as work to keep myself on track I won't mind the occasional delay. If I'm productive that's what counts.

A Better Week? I Hope

2010-05-31T08:07:00.001-07:00

Hoping this week is better than last one. A lot of people seemed to be having a horrible week last week. For me it was just an emotionally off week. I made sure to end it on good notes though. Visited the grand opening receptions of two new art galleries in town. Funny that some people are complaining about how all these art galleries are stealing space from more "commercial" businesses downtown. Well there's less empty store fronts, which many of us don't like seeing. We can't say all the commercial businesses have no room when a clothing store just opened and a French style cafe will be opening once renovations are finished. I'm pretty excited about this new cafe.

Yesterday I went to a birthday party for a couple friends whose birthdays are two days apart. Met some new people, got to talk with other people I haven't seen in a while. Steve got to play bass until his fingers hurt. We also had delicious pie. It was a great night.

Now it's back to the grind. Hoping to get another submission out soon. Have school assignments. This submission might be a little delayed because of school, but as long as I'm productive that's okay with me. It's when I start slacking things aren't good. That was my big problem last year, I became too much of a slacker. School was over so I took as much of a real break as I could. Keep myself to be inclined towards productivity.

Existential Crisis Mode

2010-05-28T07:57:00.001-07:00

My mind's been in a weird place as of late. Maybe I'm just pushing myself a little too much and have little time to relax my mind. Being driven is a good thing, but I wonder if I'm burning my candle at both ends. Lately my dreams have been weird and my mood has been snappish.

I got my first rejection for "not following directions", and it feels like a slap in the face. And for such a "warm" journal the message I received was rather cold. I'm a bit confused as to what I didn't follow since quantity and spacing were considered as requested, and all fields on the digital form were filled. Only other thing I could think of is some bureaucratic fine print. This led to my first real "drama diva" moment as I felt frustrated the rest of the day and the bitch in me said "they'll regret it when I'm famous". Honestly, I have never shown that before concerning my writing, I have had no acceptances yet, haven't one an open mic and have had nights where reception to my work has been lukewarm and I haven't had a fit. But the thought of my submission being discarded without ever being read makes me feel insulted, even if I have wound up to be at fault. I'll just not send anything to that journal again, simple as that.

Maybe I need a real day off. The self conscious part of me started questioning myself. I realize that I'm in an area where although there are other writers, I'm not taking their approach. I have little to base my performance work off of and learn from what and who I can access. Basically I'm all variable and no control right now. I'm just hoping I'll be over this slump in time for my first summer show in two weeks.

Another Education Post: Say No to Retconning

2010-05-25T17:32:00.000-07:00

I know my last post became education focused, but now I have another one.

It's funny that a lot of lit. students apparently go into education, I don't want to. If I am to educate I'd rather do so in an unconventional manner. Mainly because I can't stand the bureaucracy of education.

A few days ago I read about some of the new textbook standards for Texas. I've heard the horror stories of poor editing, typos not caught, information that should have been fact-checked. Plus a crap-load of textbooks are published in Texas that are sent all over the country.

Personally, I feel their new textbook standards are unconstitutional. They ignore separation of church and state and freedom of religion. If someone want's to be conservative Christian that's fine by me. If you don't want your kids in a secular public school you're free to send them to a religious private school or home school them. Don't take over education boards to spread your brand of religion to other students. Hell, most schools are okay if parents send a note excusing their child from sex ed. and maybe science class when it comes time to teach evolution. It's disrespectful to other families that don't practice evangelical denominations or aren't Christian.

Too liberal? When I was doing my time in public school as a student I don't think textbooks were all that biased. They weren't telling me who to vote for or which way of life was better. They said the beauty of America was that you as a citizen had a choice in how you lived and America was all about the concept of freedom. Apparently now if you don't go by certain ideologies you can't have that freedom.

Some of the concepts the new standards will introduce in history textbooks:
Teaching the laws of nature vs. God's laws- For one, this is History, not Science class. Whole other subject, get your creationist debate out of US History.

Replacing how we call the government "democratic" and changing it to "Constitutional republic": From what I know, our government is called a "Democratic Republic", so stop being fussy over jargon. Terminologies haven't kept some of my classmates from growing up to be Republican. When I went to high school my region was known for being rather Republican politically.

Focusing on the Second Amendment: Yes the Bill of Rights is an important document on our freedoms. I also find it funny that the people saying that we need to keep our right to guns are also the same people who don't give a flying rat's ass about the First Amendment.

Teaching the students the Conservative Resurgence: Bias, bias, bias. Why do we students need to know about political party "trends". Teach kids that there are political parties, you can even teach the history of major political parties, but please teach students about both major parties, and not just the party of your preference.

Teach students about the Black Panthers as well as Martin Luther King Jr.: Okay in studying civil rights I agree that it's good to learn the different facets of a movement. There was a peaceful movement for equal rights and a violent one. Yet I've heard rumors that they're going to put both the Black Panthers and MLK in the same league. Don't do that. They're different entities who had different approaches. If you want to teach both, teach as a way to show things aren't as simple, not as a way to find means to brush aside a movement. That goes for any other social movement, teach it as history and don't just teach the "bad" stuff as a way to push the whole movement aside.

Also state that German and Italian Immigrants were also put in internment camps, so America doesn't sound so racist: Ummm.... don't rewrite history to make this country sound like it's not full of racist assholes. It still is full of racist assholes. It's actually pretty disturbing that people want history to be retconned.

Teaching the history of McCarthyism and why McCarthy was a good guy: Because we don't want all those filthy communists. Kids need to know how to sniff them out. I wonder how some of the conservative nutjobs would feel if it became a more well-known fact that McCarthy liked men. Yes he was gay, gay, and gay. Just like all those other "homophobic" conservatives who get caught in gay sex scandals.(note: I am not homophobic, I just find homophobic paranoia funny) He also a pro-temperance alcoholic.

A focus on "difficult life choices": Okay, this doesn't fit History and politics either. I believe in educating students about issues such as dating violence, eating disorders, and suicide, but not in History class. And the POV they may want to teach on some of these issues may cause more shame than help.

Reducing the importance of Thomas Jefferson: WTF? He wrote the Declaration of Independence and did a lot for our country. He's no saint, but he's still a Founder of our country. Yet it's okay to teach the sentimental smarminess of Thomas Kindade, a charlatan who likes to pee on things when he's drunk. Okay, I have a couple framed Kinkade puzzles, they were free and I got them before I know how much of a hack he really was. I guess I can keep them for irony? Or is that too "hipster" of me.

msnbc article

Guardian article

Newsweek

What can we do? Well not much on an individual level unless we work together. We could do what some are doing with Arizona and have a boycott against the state. Don't give your money to Texas companies, don't visit Texas, etc. Historically they're alright with being seen as not part of the rest of America anyways. Teachers could stop using textbooks from Texas based publishers, even if it means dropping the use of a textbook altogether. Kids would be happy to have one less huge book to lug around anyways. At my high school some of the classes didn't even have enough books to distribute to all the students and for some classes it was okay to do without. The Chemistry book I used was from the 1970s and was only seen as a "study supplement" the material we needed was taught right in class or was given in handouts.

I will admit that personally I'm pretty liberal. At the same time I'm annoyed that bias is being taught in schools, and that bias is coming from actual education boards. Even if they say it's at the teachers' discretion what and how to teach, there's no denying that there's bias in the actual textbooks that most students are told to read from. I want to see kids learn history, not some glossed-over neocon fantasy that both diminishes important parts of non-white male history and covers up the ugly stuff we've done. Students deserve to learn the facts and be allowed to come to their own conclusions.

*steps down from soap box*

School's Here Again, Literature and Education

2010-05-19T12:21:00.000-07:00

My Children's Lit. course has started. The actual literature focus on this unit is poetry, rhyme and verse. I spent much of last evening reading old nursery rhymes and nonsense verse. It was a pleasant trip down memory lane as well as a discovery as I read rhymes, street games and folk songs from other countries.

I've also enjoyed how my textbooks are encouraging an interest through enjoyment. I feel that is the key to keeping people interested in poetry. All too much, especially later in childhood, we get all caught up in the structures and "deeper meanings" of poems and not the pleasure one can find from reading or hearing these poems. Poetic devices are fine and dandy, but they aren't strictly what makes a poem. To interpret meaning should be left to the individual and not an instructed meaning.

It brings me to a memory of "learning" about poetry in tenth grade. Aside from the stories, I don't remember much from tenth grade literature/english. I read some interesting stories, and some literary canon, but the actual teaching I feel kind of sucked joy from literature. Specifically I'm thinking of a poem about a butterfly on a rock. I forgot the title and author, even though it may be classic. The class was told it is to be interpreted as a message on overcoming life's obstacles because the butterfly is on a rock and not a flower. Like that could strictly be the only meaning to the poem. Fortunately my love for reading overrode my frustration with that particular class.

It also illustrates one of the problems with keeping people interested in poetry as an art. We love it as children and find it pleasant. Then along comes the need to analyze and be uptight on the education of poetry. It is not just an art to be appreciated and explored, but something to be dissected and pored over until it twists your brain into knots. That is also the flaw in teaching interpretation and critical thinking, it's enforced rather than encouraged. Kids get forced to poke and prod a piece and take it to levels that might not be appreciated yet.

Maybe we need to change our approach a little when teaching literature to students. Teach an appreciation for an art rather than a formula. Fortunately I see more and more of a relaxed approach being taken. Seeing things like high school writers' retreats where students meet and work with professional performance poets. It becomes a place where students learn of the art form outside the classroom, and are introduced to works that can be easily related to or touch on a subject that's close to a person. This is an art form for everybody, not just the small child, the "disaffected emo kid" or the literary scholar. It's for anyone who has a love for expression.

Losing a Friend

2010-05-14T08:32:00.000-07:00

After work Saturday I got the call from my Mom that Trixie passed away. She was a very special cat to me. The family's had her, and her sister Alice, for nearly seventeen years. Luckily it was a peaceful passing, age and illness took her. Last fall she had a stroke which amazingly she recovered from, we were afraid we'd lose her then. She's always been tough, even in her last days despite her weakness she was climbing stairs.

Growing up is a strange experience. For me Trixie helped me through many of the rough spots; bullies, my parents' separation, coming home after my first ventures into the big wide world. Whenever I got home from school or visited with my moms she'd be there to greet me by rolling on the floor. I wasn't her only buddy, but we had a special bond.

I've been feeling rather moody the past week because of it. A bit more down than usual. I didn't have a chance to say goodbye between my paying job and all the other things in my life. I wasn't there to get the phone until it was time for burial. It leaves me feeling a little guilty that I wasn't there for her in her final days. Luckily for me my paying job had already scheduled an extra day off for me out of pure luck, so I've had some space for the most part away from all that madness.

I'm carrying on though. Still reading journals for submissions, sent out my first one on Monday and got a rejection (don't worry noobs, it happens to everybody, a lot). I put up fliers around town on Tuesday for upcoming shows. I also got some business cards made, mainly because I need them for the Art O Matic project I'm contributing to. They have my blog url and my professional email address. Soon I'm hoping to get more social networking things set up. I'll be making a facebook fan page, and I'll look into the new facebook alternative Diaspora. For those who don't like facebook's bullshit. I'll upload some stuff to my Viddler too at some point. I'm not going to set up a Myspace though, it's definitely become old hat.

So as you can see, my world has been a mix of busy and dreary. I went to Mom's to celebrate Mother's day early under morose circumstances. There was snow afterward and I've been grieving while working my ass off.

Summer Shows Scheduled!

2010-05-06T10:20:00.000-07:00

Next week I'll be posting print copies around town. I'm just waiting on a shipment of color ink since I didn't make it in time for the print shop's 29 cent color copy sale. Unlike last year this flier lists all the dates for the season and I've used the ever-popular Bleeding Cowboys font as a header.

Design is important if you're trying to get something across. Last year's shows were an experiment both in scheduling and design. I experimented with dates and found it best to schedule when there's nothing else going on. When I held a show right after an art walk I found that most people were too tired to trek out and stuck around downtown. I had only one person show up, my last show of the summer was the same way. Now though I've had a year's more experience and more support so hopefully more people will come. I don't care if they're writers or appreciators, everyone is welcome.

My creative mind is loving this little break from school. I have several pieces in the works now and just feel motivated. In my spare time I've been watching Asian horror flicks. The paying job's been alternating between giving me extra space and putting me on whole weekends. The week after next I start my summer class. I should be able to balance work/school/writing though. It's only one class.

Great Show Thursday, feeling pumped

2010-05-01T10:08:00.001-07:00

Thursday's show, Word Spring, was excellent. I had a fantastic time. I'm glad the show was packed, it shows how inspirational poetry can be.
It just shows how much poetry can be modern, and how it can be a beautiful and exuberant blend of thought and feeling. It really is all about the art here folks.

Jon Sands and Jeanann Verlee first took turns reading. Jon had us waving our hands in the air, shouting etc, and would apologize for making us do all that "silly shit". Jeanann didn't work the crowd in that manner, but reminded us all it's okay to be crazy. Liza Jessie Peterson had her own little time block since she also performed an excerpt from one of her one woman shows featuring the character Merlina. And Liza wants us all to get out and write!

All three are wonderful performers who can captivate the audience. It's people like this I aspire to be like some day. I want to go out and use my art to encourage others. I want to be using my art to help people and entertain them. I will work my way towards that.

As a medium I've found performance poetry to be very encouraging. While getting my books and DVD signed I mentioned how I'm a performance poet as well whose been reading for about a year and a half, and I got so much encouragement. Like I said above, it really is about the art and sharing it with others.

Speaking of sharing the art I drafted up the flier for my summer series. Once again I want an open reading where I flush other area poets out of the woodwork to share their art. I'll have better promotion this year. The Adirondack Center for Writing will be posting the dates for my shows on their calendar. I'll be printing fliers soon and sharing .pdf copies online.

I should also be able to look through journals this summer and work on submissions now that the homework load has lightened.

WordSpring, Concert, Writing

2010-04-28T11:37:00.000-07:00

Open mic went off fantastically. I'm hoping to get the performance videos up soon. Since April is National Poetry Month there were more poets reading. Almost half the performers on the sign up were poets.
The day after I had a nice chat with one of the other poets and let her know I'm organizing some poetry only shows for the summer. I'm waiting for approval on the proposed dates and then I'll have fliers prepared. This year should be easier since I've had one more year of experience and I'm more recognized in the art community now. With reputation and networking I'm hoping to create a poetry scene in the community. There's people who write, but keep it to themselves. I want them to come out and share their art.

Saturday I attended the concert at Bluseed. It was a fantastic evening. The show was great, and I stayed pretty late after the concert. Natalia Zuckerman is an awesome guitarist. I love her slide playing. Andy Friedman had some hilarious songs, and I learned he started out as a poet before he did music.

Tomorrow evening there will be a more professional show at North Country Community College. The Adirondack Center for Writing has invited poets Liza Jessie Peterson, Jon Sands, and Jeanann Verlee to perform. I'm really looking forward to the show. I'm still growing and learning as an artist so I like to see more experienced artists. It helps me see what I can do to define my art. Especially since growing up I never saw anything like this. If there were writers' retreats for students and professional poets reading up here when I was in high school I may have started my career earlier instead of the on/off writing I did. Better now than never, and hopefully my efforts will contribute to creating a literary art scene in my community. We have a huge visual art and music scene. There's concerts all the time. In the summer we have the monthly art walks. We even have a First Night celebration.
Theater does well here too, we have a LPCA (Lake Placid Center for the Arts) and Pendragon Theatre
I'm glad there's more professional artists of all forms of expression coming to the region. Hopefully I'll see many more. A great ending to National Poetry Month.

Penguins! And a Busy Week Ahead

2010-04-21T10:30:00.001-07:00

These cute little guys are in the Central Park Zoo. I went there June of 2008. What transpired here got national attention and became part of the inspiration for a hilarious play I saw this past Sunday.

The local theater hosted a staged reading of Stephen Svoboda's "The Penguin Tango" to raise money for the local chapter of the Wildlife Conservation Society. I linked a review for the NYC production to give a better idea of what the play's all about. The event was hosted by WCS members and Svoboda. I found the play to be very cute and charming as we look into the fictional lives of penguins. After the play we went to the WCS offices for a talk back on the writing process, the events that inspired the play and acting. And we watched the Daily Show clip on gay penguins.

As an artist I like how artists outside the area are taking interest. Svoboda brought up two actors from the original NYC production, and had local actors from all over the Adirondacks work with these professionals. Svoboda is also involved in the Adirondack Lakes Center for the Artshttp://www.adksummertheatre.com/ as well as their Out in the Adirondacks event for members of the LGBTQ community as well as their friends, family, and supporters.

It's taken me a few days to post about this since I've been swamped with school work. That cold I had last week sidelined me for a bit, and the extra hours at my paying job this past weekend didn't help. I need to make sure the stress doesn't interfere any further with my motivation, I've been doing well so far. And if I get my work done I'll be able to enjoy some upcoming events.

Like open mic tomorrow. I don't think I'm going to be doing anything particularly theatrical this time unless I have a last-minute idea that could work. I have material ready to go and I got my flip cam in for filming. It should be a good night, hopefully this one won't start as tensely as the last one. Last month the list filled so fast and we had extra acts added in which made timing kind of tight.

This weekend is going to be a busy one event-wise. I'm actually a little torn on where to go. Saturday night there's three different arts events going on. Saturday afternoon I will be attending the NCCC Environmental Club's Junk to Funk fashion show. Where entrants make trash into fashion. In the evening there's four events in town. First one I heard about was High Peaks Opera Studio's Operetta and Broadway evening.
Also on Saturday Bluseed will be holding a concert featuring Natalia Zuckerman and Andy Friedman.
Pendragon Theatre is holding a reading of A.R. Gurney's play "Love Letters". This is a joint event with North Country Public Radio and the Adirondack Nonprofit Network.

I know I kind of crammed a lot into my latest entry. I'll be so busy this may be the only real time I have this week to post between school, work and the arts. My schedule should breathe a little easier this summer as I'll only have one class to worry about.

Stress

2010-04-17T21:43:00.001-07:00

I haven't felt this scattered in a while. Doesn't help that I was fighting a cold all week, and have to work all weekend on top of that. I'm in the final stretch of the semester and am totally unfocused. When I do have the focus I'm getting interrupted. I just want this semester to finish so I can have my couple weeks break and then start the summer class.

Other than that things are well. Just got a Flip cam which I'll be using to record performances. Next week is open mic.

I have a few ideas to work on. Hoping I can get them out in just the right way to be thought provoking and entertaining.

Not much really to update on. Just gearing up for the summer. Planning when to hold my summer shows and set up a reading schedule to work on journal submissions. I should have an easier time now since I'm mixing my gratifications. I have my performance videos which get me out there, and I can work on submissions for journals for "official" credentials. Maybe my current presence on the net will help with the getting published part. Never know until I try.

Fracturing Fairy Tales

2010-04-11T19:59:00.000-07:00

My layout is finally up! So far for outside networking there's just the link to my Twitter. Hopefully I'll get my other network links up during the week.

Doing last-minute touch-ups on my latest story for my fiction class. I like the story, but it still need something before I turn it in. I really need to send it in soon.

I've gotten my second cold in less than a month, lucky me! I went almost a year without getting sick and now there's something wrong with me all the time. I'm catching colds, messing up my ankle, etc.

As the title states, I've been thinking of fairy tales. Fairy tales have always fascinated me. At first it was the fantasy element of fairy tales, and as I grew older it was knowing how dark and gruesome many of them really were. I've had a tendency to fracture the occasional one for my own amusement. I wrote a series of poems a couple months back focusing on that. It involved people getting arrested, and plastic surgery.
I decided to do something different, and actually write a serious story based off a fairy tale. I got the idea from reading Chekhov's "The Lady With the Pet Dog" and then the version Joyce Carol Oates wrote. Oates took a classic Russian short story, gave it a setting familiar to American audiences and wrote it from the woman's perspective. I've been doing a similar treatment to The Little Mermaid. I want to write a modernized and mature story that further explores the mermaid's character. Of course I'm leaving in all the gruesome parts.

Pop's Not All Mindless Crap

2010-04-06T08:21:00.000-07:00

I feel I should just make a post on just how awesome the new Gorillaz album is. I've always loved Gorillaz, I love the music, I love the concept. I like how the ultimate prefabricated band is at times more real than a lot of the so-called "real" things that are out there. You're invited to indulge in the fantasy of a cartoon band and take it as a believable fantasy. Behind it though there's a lot of fantastic artists working together to raise the bar with pop music and re-define it as something anyone could appreciate. Not just twelve year old girls. And far as I know the twelve year old girls who have discovered Gorillaz went on to liking more eclectic music and have stepped away from the bubblegum stuff "normal" society thinks they should listen to.

Dang I would have shared the video for Stylo but embedding was disabled. Bruce Willis looks like he's having a ton of fun.

I've also found that the latest album, Plastic Beach, is great mood music. Some of the songs have made for great mood music in my story writing. I've been having a difficult time focusing. I never really worked with redrafting until I took that story writing class. I don't know how many times I restarted my latest story before I wrote a draft I actually liked. Poems seem to come easier to me, I write bad ones every now and then, but it's rare I have to completely re draft from scratch. Most of the time editing individual lines and stanzas is enough to give a poem its full potential.

I've also been checking my YouTube stats lately. It seems out of all my poems the most viewed would be my poem slamming bullies. I'm glad people are liking it though, it was very intense for me to write. I spent an afternoon of blood, sweat and tears writing that piece up. Not to mention dredging up my own personal experiences with bullying. I hope those who have suffered through bullying take comfort in my words and those who have bullied see the error in their ways and change for the better. They may eventually become victims of schadenfreude like many of my unapologetic bullies.

Well here's hoping my focus returns so I can finish my school assignments and get these latest poems out of my mind and onto something more tangible. Open mic's a couple weeks away and I've had so many ideas incubating in my brain.

Sorry I Forgot About Things

2010-03-31T09:57:00.001-07:00

Steve's finally working on a layout. I kept telling him simple because I knew he'd return to square one a million times, and he did. At least the layout's almost ready and should be up soon!

I've been getting a better feel for writing stories thanks to the fiction writing class I'm taking. Inspiration for stories is coming to me quicker. I remember back at the start of the semester I'd have such a difficult time trying to find idea since I'm so used to more abstract forms of expression. Maybe I'll start submitting short stories this summer too.

The last open mic was off to a rough start, but when showtime came things were pulled off beautifully. The sign up sheet filled up almost instantly, and we had two write-ins who were promised performances that night. Some people had to be turned away from the main performance. Musicians were invited to play in the after-show jam session if they wanted to play for the sake of playing. I ended up writing a couple new pieces in between sets that I'll probably showcase in April's open mic.

That Voyant Chai Cream Liqueur I tried was super tasty! I was sipping it on the rocks all evening. Unfortunately Steve didn't film my last set of performances, he was too caught up in the moment. His set went well as well, probably the best set he's had there so far.

On a more serious end, I've been feeling the personal changes I've undergone these past couple years. I know I have been changing a lot since I've started reading, and it's great, I've come a long way from who I used to be. I'm very happy about that, but it comes with its own growing pains. In a way all the things I took as influences for so many years have become discarded. The core of who I am is changing and it's been difficult. I've been in a funk these past few days because of it. I know I'll be fine, it hasn't changed my goals of how I'm going about achieving them.

2010-03-18T12:42:00.000-07:00

Another open mic tonight. Should be a good one, the weather's beautiful today. I think this will be the first open mic this season that has nice weather. All other times it's been rainy, slushy, or really friggin cold.

It looks like I will be covering Horse Latitudes tonight. Steve's been working on an audio track. I'll be bringing along some Voyant Chai Cream Liquor for the evening. I love chai, so this should be really delicious!

Got a copy of the new Gorillaz album Plastic Beach I forgot how much I love Gorillaz, the whole concept to me is fantastic. When taken as a fantasy it's weird, wild and wacky. When taken as an art project there's so many influential artists who contribute.

School, well the interesting part is story writing class. The focus this unit is on setting and I got a good idea. Yesterday I came across a website that claims that a lot of pop stars and whatnot are really Illuminati puppets who underwent mind-control experiments and are recruiting the youth of America to do so as well. I think it's daft, but the idea of writing a story about it and having it take place in the mind of an experiment subject who is promised superstardom in return is something new for me. I'll see how it turns out.

Another Day Another Term Paper

2010-03-13T09:43:00.001-08:00

Finished up an American History Through Literature paper on Alice Walker's The Color Purple. I focused on racism in the South during the Depression, the Civil Rights movement and black music culture. Specifically early Blues and juke joints.
Now it's on to a paper on the historical aspects of Ethan Canin's America America on the Ted Kennedy Chappaquiddick scandal, the end of the Vietnam War and urban sprawl. The novel was enjoyable, I liked reading it. I found it very intriguing how the political scandal in the novel was slowly unpeeled. I could enjoy it when I was reading it, but when it came to finding time I ended up distracted.

Currently I am reading Barbara Kingslover's Animal Dreams I'm having a hard time taking time away from it. I got through the first hundred pages in a day and the only thing keeping me from reading further is the rest of my homework. I really like the main character Codi, her out-of-place feelings are relatable to me in a way. I'm more comfortable in my differences, and I find embracing them gives you place, but I can understand the difficulties when you feel you've never fit in.

Listening to The Brightness by Anais Mitchell. I remember when I wrote the article about her upcoming show a few months back. I really enjoyed her interview responses and wish I could have included everything in my article. I got pages of information on her folk opera Hadestown and how it came to be. I should get the album soon.
Tonight I'm going to be seeing The Honey Dewdrops. The reviews I've heard on their music make the emotional pallet sound intriguing. I know, the little glam poet has been enjoying folk music. I enjoy work that has thought put into it, in any way.

Open mic is coming up, and I'm getting ready. Unsure on whether or not I can perform Horse Latitudes. Steve still hasn't done the audio track I want yet. If he can pull that together in time I'll do it. He's promising to work on my blog layout again this evening. I just need to find one or two more pieces to perform as well and I'll be ready.

Now I must sign off, I'm hearing too much from the fuzzy peanut gallery.

Latest Performance and Preparation for the Next

2010-03-08T10:02:00.001-08:00

Finally have video of my latest show, it's the full set. Steve was working the camera from his station by the piano, he has it set so you can watch him manipulate the music while I'm reading.

I have to link it since he posted it on his Facebook

I got more audience feedback this past Friday while I was at BluSeed for an art opening. It was great, and a lot of people found the irony of the poem itself to be funny. I was a little insecure after my last performance, but it's all good.

And now I'm working on my latest piece. It's inspired by the article I posted the other day. Once again, a stage presentation, no music for it, but I'll be planning out a "costume" to go with the poem. I am also thinking of still covering Horse Latitudes mainly to collaborate with Steve. I told him the sound pallet I want, and he can take that and do whatever.
Back to the new poem I've been writing, I am taking the feeling of being lied to and deceived. I became a fan of visual kei because I believed in the artistic integrity of many of the performers. It's heartbreaking to learn that even the integrity of the artists is some lie contrived by greedy businessmen. And it's so hard to find the few exceptions because culturally it's all about that professionalism, so to tell the difference between a genuine band with real sentiments and a contrived band is difficult.
Image wise I'm trying to figure out how to do a bastardized visual. I do have some clothes by popular VK labels, but I don't want to ruin the actual clothes themselves. I have to mock it through accessories, hair, and makeup. Show that this has been a part of my life and it's left a significant impact on me, but at the same time I've been so disillusioned lately I want to display that as well.

I devote attention to all my writings, but I always seem to get that one showcase piece where I can put on a show with it.

Music Rambling

2010-03-03T09:00:00.000-08:00

I'm a poet, but I love music. I am influenced by rock stars just as much as I am by other poets, if not more at times. Over the years I've been a fan of a style of Japanes rock called visual-kei. Most Westerners who've heard it seem to see it as weeaboo music. Much of it is highly-stylized and has image as much as it has music.

Last night I found an article one of my fellow visual kei fans found and shared from Tokyo Damage Report. Now I know and am cool with these bands being all about image and illusion, the fantasy on the surface is cool with me. What bugs me is learning how that illusion goes deeper than stage costumes and makeup. Reading the article is very shocking, and you think Western artists get financially screwed by label executives. At least Western artists can make money off merchandise sales and aren't forced to psychologically manipulate their fan base.

The level of seediness and manipulation is more seen in international pop outfits. Last year The Guardian ran an article on the dark underbelly of Japanese boy bands, which sounds like the same story we hear when 90s American boy bands are filing lawsuits against that Pearlman dude who manipulated and molested several of his acts.

I guess in a way I feel hurt as a fan. All that sentimentality bands have for their fans is just part of the illusion as they've become nothing more than trained Circus poodles. At the same time I feel sorry for a lot of these bands since they're being used. You really have to read the article to understand that this particular genre has executives who pretty much run their own music mafia. There's one artist in particular I can think of where I really think his fame actually kept him from any harm or blacklisting.

Onto a different subject, all of this inspired me to write a killer poem! I've developed an odd liking to ruining the things that make me feel sentimental. But when those things are gone, they're gone. I've realized in my online snooping that I'm one of those poets who goes beyond verbal aesthetics and goes for the grit. I could write about moonlight on roses, summer thunderstorms and morning dew, but I also want to write about hearts betrayed, the jaded pain of being on the bottom rung, the things that twist people.

Another Show Over With

2010-02-27T11:01:00.000-08:00

So Thursday's open mic was just weird.
For one the weather sucked. I don't mind snow, and it wasn't too cold out. The slush was another story, that and the super sticky snow made walking miserable. You didn't even have to stick your tongue out to catch snowflakes, they'd just fly into your face.

Much of the core audience and core performers weren't there. For some it's likely the weather, there were others I know were out of town. The lack of their energy just gave an odd vibe to the night. A lot of people were coming who were people I didn't really know. I don't think it's a bad thing, I like seeing newcomers come around.

My performance was in top form, I was at my best on stage that night. Yet my first piece was being interpreted as being funny ha-ha. The costume, props and music were not for comedic effect. I just find it kind of off-putting to be doing this serious and intense piece just to have people laugh. I know I do funny, I do lots of funny poems, but this wasn't one of them. Not to mention that when Steve was starting the music Renoise wasn't working and he had to reboot Sammy (our netbook).

A few people got it, and they're the ones who count. The host of the evening liked it, the people running the show and the other artists liked it. Out of towners just passed me off as another mad-poet. I guess it's put me into a little artistic identity crisis. Am I just the funny person who occasionally has angry poems? Am I just passed off as pure comedy? I want humor, but I also want to wow people too.

Maybe next time I'll do a cover of Horse Latitudes.

Poetry to Music? Of Course!

2010-02-25T11:21:00.000-08:00

Tonight is open mic, and another performance for me. I'm doing things a little different this time. Steve is going to be mixing music live while I do my reading. I'm also going to be reading in costume, it's a bridal theme. Inspired by my sister-in-law's upcoming divorce.

It's going to be unconventional and bombastic. You can do poetry to music though, it's been done before. As seen in the Poetry in Motion project from a previous post. Jim Morrison also had poems set to music. The album Strange Days featured the poem Horse Latitudes, with audio track, and the music made it even more frightening.

There was also his posthumous album An American Prayer, where the surviving members set music to many of Morrison's poems. Of course we can't forget Celebration of the Lizard which has been performed live as well.

It was actually getting into the music of The Doors and Jim Morrison that made me want to first become a poet. This was a little over a decade ago and my easily-influenced teenage mind found something dark and subversive about Morrison's work. I wanted to do the same and was writing on and off for about ten years before I decided to take poetry seriously in terms of my own writing. At the time I knew nothing of contemporary poetry, or poets who broke boundaries. The most contemporary poet I knew of at the time was Shel Silverstein (whose poetry I've always loved). Other than that, I only knew of the classic poets you learn about in school. There was no writer's retreat back then, no focus on modern poetry in English classes, just a unit on classic writers and poetic devices.

I would like to see things modernize a bit more. Part of the problem is that people usually associate poetry with stuffy grad-students/academics and beginners just starting who might not even think of making some sort of career out of it. You know, the stereotypical "emo-kid" who "whines" in their livejournal. Not a lot of people think of the world outside of those extremes. It's sort of like wine, how some people see wine drinkers as either snobs or the cheap wino. Take that dichotomy away and wine can be a fun thing to get into. It's fun to experiment with wine/food pairings, or see how different kinds of wine taste, and some are pretty tasty!

Speaking of which, do I want to bring wine to open mic? If so what kind?

My Latest Performance Piece

2010-02-16T09:24:00.001-08:00

Well yesterday was my birthday, it was the lamest ever. I sat around at home all day and then worked at my paying job, wouldn't be as bad if I had something more enjoyable.

I did write a new poem in lieu of my sister in law's upcoming divorce. I learned that her marriage was ending on Valentine's day, of all days. I came up with a good performance piece, my second that will actually have a costume to go with it. Hey, I like playing dress up! I'm going with a semi-bridal theme, I found a dress and ordered a tiara, already have shoes, jewelry, and even a scarf that could double as a veil. I'll also incorporate a souvenir bell I have from my sister in law's wedding. I asked Steve to set up some music to play while I read, I'm going to have him render Pachabel's Canon into a twisted, smoldering wreck. I know a stage show seems to be a bit much, but I do things my way. If I want to show the world that poetry can be an enjoyable art form I'm going to make things fun for the audience.

This whole setup is also going to be funny because afterward I'll probably read a piece I wrote about the virgin/whore dichotomy and how silly it is. I got the idea from the big Taylor Swift debate since she won album of the year at the Grammys. She is appreciable in the fact that she is self-made, and has artistic integrity and consistency ie: what she says and what she does are closely related unlike other pop stars. Yet her whole ultimate Good Girl message grates on a lot of us people who don't believe in the virgin/whore dichotomy her music sometimes projects.

My life has felt a bit more disorganized as of late, and I'm trying to keep it all together. Working on yet another paper, reading books for class, working on my poems and looking about the web. And I felt so together the other week.

Video Poetry on the Web

2010-02-12T08:22:00.001-08:00

I recently set up a Viddler account for myself to go with my YouTube. Since Viddler is uncharted territory for me I thought that I should explore first before I put up any of my performances, and so far I've found some neat little projects. Not all of them are my style exactly, but have great concepts!

One concept I see is titled Poetry in Motion (Not to be confused with the MTA project that posts poems in NYC public transit systems)
This video project features poems both classic and original with video and music. There is not much information on the actual account
This is a project by Full Sail University, a media arts college based out in Florida.

http://www.viddler.com/explore/Theater561/videos/1062/

I also came across another video poetry project by user scumnation. The poems are all original works, with alternating images and text with music. There are several lyrical references in these poems, but it's got a good hip/fresh vibe to it. I particularly like this one called Barbie's Night Out. Plus you get to see Japanese Lolitas and VK cosplay fashion. Another interest of mine ^_^

http://www.viddler.com/explore/scumnation/videos/22/

I apologize if the videos only show up as links, I still can't seem to find the embed code if there is any. I can just find the permalink. I'm not the most code-savvy person out there, part of why I'm having my fiance work on my eventual new layout.

Videos are up!

2010-02-10T09:16:00.000-08:00

The videos from my latest performance are up on YouTube! I will be posting them on Viddler in the near future as well. Keeping both accounts, but material may vary between them.

Steve's been working on the layout in between his music work. I'm hoping he finishes it soon, I asked for something simple and easy to navigate. I know he likes giving everything full bells and whistles which can become further time-consuming.

Not much else to report, wrote up a few more drafts to work on as well as my schoolwork. I finished Little Women and now have to move on. I love the novel even more now that I've read the full version and would love to read the sequels on Gutenberg if I had the time.

Without further delay, three originals and a spoken word cover.

Chugging Along

2010-02-05T16:41:00.000-08:00

I've been plugging away at a lot of things as of late. I bless my random mind for it's wonderful ideas. I think I shall write a poem about the Tidy Bowl Man for the next open mic. The world needs more whimsy.

Steve's been working on a layout for me. Since we've separated our desks we're both being much more productive at them. Both of us aren't really the type who like having others peek over our shoulders. Now that we have our own makeshift desks we're both working a lot more.

I've been reading right through Little Women, it's such a sweet book. Alcott herself had an interesting life as well. She had to play breadwinner while her idealist Father was doing his own endeavors that never paid much; he was a poet too. I'm an idealist at times too, but more sensible I guess. I also wrote a five page story for my story writing class. The draft needs to be gone through again, and then I'll post it for peer critique. I would very much like to learn how to improve my story writing skills. I did finish my paper on the Salem Witch Trials, and it was interesting going in-depth on some of the key figures. I've taken a bigger interest in history over the past few years.

I will get the latest videos up soon. And I will be sharing a bunch of other places you can find me at online as well. Those will be shared once my new layout is up and running. In the meantime I will keep the content going!

Where to Start

2010-02-02T14:04:00.000-08:00

It's been an eventful week in my writing and pop culture.

First, open mic was another fantastic evening, videos to come soon. The host said my poem about dinosaurs and eating chicken is the best piece of literature ever, I'm not sure about the best, but it is entertaining. I autographed the printout and gave it to him, my first ever autograph :D It is a surprise, but I'm happy. I will be working to expand and tie my networks together. I made a test blog for Steve to tinker with so he can get templates configured.

J.D. Salinger passed away, read the news shortly after my last post. Best known for The Catcher in the Rye, the epitome of teen jadedness. It's a challenged staple of high schools, and it's even influenced mentally unstable assassins in horrible ways. My father's girlfriend, who works as a teacher, hates teaching it, but love it or hate it, it's a modern classic.

Been plugging away at my schoolwork. I've actually been keeping good pace with my work, hopefully it continues throughout the semester. I'm almost finished writing about the Salem Witch Trials and McCarthyism.

And because I am an armchair pop-culture analyst, I've been seeing all this stuff about the Grammys and how Taylor Swift won album of the year. I haven't jumped on the GaGa Got Robbed bandwagon fully, as much as I love Lady GaGa. I saw the other nominees as well. I guess my opinion is that I'm not going to say Swift is out of her league; but it's too early to tell what league she's in. The artists she was up against have all made a strong impact on music, and she may have won a slew of awards and broke download records, but in terms of her place in popular culture she needs more time. For all we know she may just fade in a couple years into pop-country obscurity. I know her music's not my cup of tea. Never really been into country music, it's too much schlock for me.

It's That Time Again!

2010-01-28T10:37:00.000-08:00

Open mic night! A week late, but still happening! Yay I'm psyched!

I just need to finish looking over the drafts for my latest poems and decide which ones I will read for the evening. I also plan on sharing a Tom Waits spoken-word piece as well, because Tom Waits rocks.

Still bugging Steve to design a layout and setup here to help connect me with the rest of the web. I'm thinking Saturday would be a great business day since we will both be off from our paying jobs together. He can work on the layout and I can organize my networking accounts to make my work more reachable to the rest of the world!

I just finished reading Crush It! by famed netizen Gary Vaynerchuk. I recommend it to anyone wanting to do something with themselves, no matter what it is. It really helps with giving advice, ideas and organization to help make whatever your passion is your life. Once I have all my bearings together the rest should be a busy (but smooth) ride. Not that things are ever supposed to be easy, but getting started is usually the toughest hurdle, but once you're fired up it's just keeping up on fuel.

School has been off to a great start for instance. I just started on my paper about The Crucible for my American History Through Literature course, and am already starting on reading the beloved classic Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. As a child I had a Great Illustrated Classics copy of Little Women and I loved it. Even though Great Illustrated Classics seems to condense a lot of literature, breaking down a 450 page, two-part novel into something that can be read within the span of a few hours if given the time. Not complaining though, I'm glad my parents encouraged my reading habit, and the actual full novel is even more exciting!

Benefit Concert

2010-01-23T10:44:00.000-08:00

Tonight there is going to be a Haiti benefit concert at the Waterhole, featuring some wonderful music, a silent auction with some pretty awesome goods and services and Haitian cocktails. Proceeds will go to the local chapter of the Red Cross for the earthquake relief effort. There's no cover charge, give money as you wish, whether you bid, buy drinks or just put money in the donation pool.

Today's local paper actually ran a story on a group of Haitian refugees who were incarcerated in the early 80s. These men didn't even know they were going to be incarcerated until they arrived at the prison, they just wanted to emigrate to America to work and earn money to help their families. Fortunately out of the situation many locals helped these men out during their time at the prison, providing supplies and care while rallying for their release.

The more I learn about this town, the more amazing it is, even though I've lived in the area practically my whole life. Local history is indeed a very interesting thing. The building I live in first housed a grocery store, which was the first in the village to have a walk-in cooler. Later it became the newspaper offices for almost half a century. Funny seeing that I interned for the local paper last semester.

Classes are off to a start. Been reading and discussing. Today I'm feeling a little tired which is expected after another late night. It was Steve's birthday and we had a friend over as well. It was a fun night overall though. I just need to get my energy back for tonight's show.

This is Disgusting

2010-01-20T10:41:00.000-08:00

I just learned that open mic is on for this month! It's going to be a week later than normally scheduled, but it's still happening apparently. I'm glad. Now to figure out what poems I will read there for the evening.

I also learned something today that upsets me. I heard of how Borders is closing 200 of their Waldenbooks stores. For a while the company has not done well at all, which is say when hearing that in their heyday they were known as a company for people who love reading. The worst part is that they've decided to destroy unsold product, rather than donate it.

Once again it's putting pennies before people. The decision to render an item useless because a company is unable to sell it, rather than give it to someone who normally wouldn't be able to afford it. We've already heard of how some H&M stores are destroying unsold clothing that could go to thrift shops and homeless shelters. Now to hear of the thousands of books that will be destroyed that could go to shelters, libraries, reading programs, schools, etc. (never thought I'd link anything here by Perez Hilton) Just because you can't make a profit on something shouldn't mean that it has to be needlessly wasted. It's sickening how much corporations who adhere to the old ways of things would rather put pennies before people.

After this I don't know if I'll be able to set foot in a Borders again. I love going to Borders because there's such a wonderful selection of books, but a lot of the news I've been hearing about them lately sickens me. It's all about the money and not about reading anymore. Either they're breathing down the necks of workers to upsell like crazy, or they're destroying stock that could go to worthy causes.

There is a Facebook fan page created regarding this issue. I suggest that facebook users who are just as outraged add it.

Attempting to Settle

2010-01-16T11:42:00.000-08:00

I'm attempting to get things settled down around here. Hoping to tie my networking together in an organized manner so no matter where people find me, they'll be able to see my other platforms as well. I'll create a new YouTube account just for my performances (unless you want to see some goofy cat videos as well). I should link my Twitter as well, and at some point create a facebook fan page. I know I've blathered about this all before.

I'm feeling kinda bummed, there's no open mic this month. Between winter break/semester starting, and the director needing a little break there is no open mic. Open mics are one of the highlights of the month for me, not just because I perform, but I get to meet other wonderfully talented people. At least there's one next month.

February should be interesting. I'll have more material than usual to go through and pick from if there's no open mic this month. I'll be turning the big 2-7 in a month. In terms of entertainment the new season of RuPaul's Drag Race will begin in February. I'm usually not into reality shows, but I love watching RuPaul's Drag Race. Plus it's always good to be reminded to be fierce, everybody needs a little fierce in their lives.

Other than that, just trying to keep the winter blahs away. Writing helps on the therapeutic end. Because my mind wanders I also like escapism. Lately I've been watching Farscape, I got my fiance the whole series for Christmas, and we've been watching it together. I don't know why I didn't get into it when it was on television, then again I would probably have had to fight with my sister over the TV since she prefers sports.

New Decade

2010-01-11T10:14:00.000-08:00

I don't feel it's too late to think about leaving the previous decade and entering a new one. There is a lot to think about concerning the decade (how do we name it, what mattered most, what mattered least, etc. ) Plus we think of what we gather from the previous decade that will help us launch into the new decade.

First there's all this talk of what do we call the previous decade. The Oughts? The Noughties? the Nulls? etc. Maybe it's best to leave it nameless. Part of the conundrum is that it's hard finding something with a good ring to it, it's not like you can have a simple, catchy, explanatory name like previous decades from the teens on. Does it even need a catchy name? We know it's already defined by some strong moments.

It was a decade where the modern generation lost its identity and innocence. 9/11 was a changing moment in history, Americans hadn't felt that fear since Pearl Harbor. What happened in the aftermath were a bunch of political snafus that we still feel the effects of. Two wars in the Middle East, an economic downturn that was a combination of the costs of war along with corporate greed. The job landscape is changing, and there are a lot of questions now.

As a member of the millenial generation there is a level of uncertainty. We first saw it a few years back with the "quarter-life crisis", graduates having a hard time finding employment in their degree fields. Which has now expanded to finding employment, period. Even though I'm working towards what can be called a flexible degree, I wonder if I'll even be able to find anything after graduation. Especially with discussion of it taking this whole decade for the job market to stabilize. Unemployment statistics are not accurate because they don't count people who have lost hope of finding work. They say that more jobs will be temporary, unstable, and employers will be much harsher on their help, with more work and less pay. It begs the question of if there will be such a thing as a "good" job. I even see it in my current employment. It is not the company that hired me years ago, the way things are conducted now are like many businesses. It's about making profits, upselling, the employer end creates a more restricting, pressured hold on the employee. It seems to be like this everywhere though.

It looks like the best way to accomplish anything in these uncertain times, is to work towards being self-made. We've been seeing this over the past couple years, consumers aren't as swayed as marketers want them to be, and people who have their own branding power are able to take control. Especially in this digital age, where anyone with talent and charisma (and sometimes lack thereof) can become a star if they know the right buttons to push. More and more that's becoming the way to take control of your future. Those with privilege are shutting out the little guys to protect their own assets and the world has gotten a little more dog-eat-dog. Now the best strategy is to bypass all of that and use accessible resources for all they can be worth. The marketing-focused business giants are slowly dying because they have forgotten the passioned, and human element. They forget such things as pride in work, and encouraging such pride through strong values beyond dollar signs.

I'm not a business person, I'm just a writer. But, one major thing that helps in my writing is the ability to observe and analyze the world around me. I can give the perspective of a blue-collar retail worker, I can give the perspective of a college student uncertain about my future even if I know the ways my degree can be used. I can speak as someone concerned that post-graduation there will be few stable jobs that pay enough to make ends meet, and I can speak of my frustrations towards these concepts. I need to feed myself too, I know poetry is a career of passion and not money, so I need a paying job to at least sustain myself, and want to go beyond being a convenience store clerk. The cocky part of me says I'm too smart for that kind of work, but cockiness and pride have to take a back seat in times like these. One of the few things I've learned from growing up poor. You have to give up pride to feed yourself.

Innovation is making the way, we're already seeing this in pop culture, and if it grows the next decade will be a changed, but hopefully fruitful one. I know that I will be utilizing these ideas more in the future as a writer, if anything just to let my voice reach out.

New Year's Post

2009-12-31T13:47:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-12-21T14:56:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-03T15:44:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-23T11:25:00.001-08:00

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

2009-10-08T13:27:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-20T12:12:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-07-23T13:08:00.001-07:00

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.

2009-07-16T12:05:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-03T11:41:00.001-07:00

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

2009-06-25T08:45:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-15T12:34:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-06-07T12:09:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-04T09:51:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-27T13:55:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-23T09:50:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-18T11:21:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-05-12T21:47:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-06T10:33:00.001-07:00

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

2009-05-05T08:25:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-02T14:38:00.001-07:00

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

2009-04-26T23:03:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-22T11:32:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-04-20T09:42:00.001-07:00

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.