Mad Rush

I am writing a short story about a woman's day in the city. I have two prose poems that I'm revising and editing. One of them has been one of the most difficult pieces of writings I done. There's a couple of book reviews and a internet radio show coming up. As you can see there is much writing and reading in the coming days. I'm sure some of you have had times like these. 

Words Of Wisdom

To effectively communicate, we must realize that we are all different in the way we perceive the world and use this understanding as a guide to our communication with others.


~Tony Robbins

Many Ways Of Learning

The education paradigm currently in place needs to be radically overhauled. I was a tutor for five years and tutored students that were not only bright but very creative and innovative. The educational paradigm wasn't conductive to innovative and critical thinking.  These days is testing and a dumbed down curricula. No more some kids are bored.

Isn't it strange that the arts are always taken out of the schools when budget cuts are necessary. I'm thankful for the artists, writers, anarchists, and rebels  because they aren't tied down by conformity and convention. 

Looking at the circle above there are many ways to learn. Stifling people's creativity does nothing to improve the conditions of our world. I have met some wonderfully creative and innovative people. It is they that fuel me to become a better person who gives back to others.

Jazz Is My Religion

Book

This is my current read.

Words Of Wisdom

Poetry comes come alive to me through recitation.


~Natalie Merchant

A Half Drunk Man Talked About Writing On The Train

I was riding the subway when a half drunk man entered my car at 42nd Street. He sat down next to me and started talking in alcohol laced slur. I happened to be writing in my notebook at the time. He began talking about the book he had written about his life. I shared his story of his life in the streets. Whether it was true or not the point was that he was sharing his story. All while he swigged intermittently on a pint of vodka.

He read was I was writing. I was preparing for my internet radio show. I didn't think much of it. All the while he talked I came up with a character in my head for a future story. Ideas come in not only at strange times but places. That's the beauty of going about our daily lives as writers. There's a myriad of ideas just floating by or, in this case, sitting beside me. 

Words Of Wisdom

Your goals are the road maps that you and show you what is possible for your life.


~Les Brown

Arts Needed More Than Ever

The arts have always played a part in education whether inside a classroom or outside. The arts are important in the development of people throughout their lives. Looking ahead, the arts will be needed now more than ever.

In college I took a course on William Shakespeare and his work. Usually plays and performances were restricted to the aristocrat class. Shakespeare performed his plays for people of all social stations. Many people could not read or write but art and performance taught them lessons about life. One reason the arts are usually taken out of schools is that the power structure knows the power and influence arts have on the masses. It's happened in many countries such as Pinochet's Chile, Castro's Cuba, and Assad's Saudi Arabia. It's is happening here.

As a poet and storyteller, I am doubling my efforts to be open and educate people on what is happening. Much is needed: encouragement, educating the masses, rallies, and the belief that things must and will be changed. We cannot sit back anymore and let the powers take away our freedoms. Recently I and others performed in a play about affordable housing which is a big issue in my neighborhood. The arts opens people's minds to the possibility that they are important and that our involvement in fomenting change is critical.