Painting is poetry, and poetry is painting that speaks.
Plutarch, Greek Philosopher (46-120)
Tuesday, July 03, 2012
Monday, July 02, 2012
Boook Review Magazine
There are many magazines of book reviews. One of my favorites is Rain Taxi. Reviews of everthing from non-fiction to poetry to chapbooks are scrutinized.I also learn new words, many of which I've never heard before. I'm getting two lessons in one.
http://www.raintaxi.com/
http://www.raintaxi.com/
Friday, June 22, 2012
Immerse Yourself On Many subjects
I read books on many subjects. It's not beyond me to pick up a science book and read it. I may read the Wall Street Journal one day and biography the next. The particular subject I'm reading may not be my area of expertise but it does expand my horizons. This is important to a writer.
I am current working on a story with a castle as a backdrop. I've never visited a castle before but have a fascination with them. I find it exciting because it opens my mind to new possiblities. It's a way of challenging myself. An example is that I never liked history until I was thirty five. Now I enjoy doing historical research.
Being open to new ideas and experiences is a boon to any writer. Never limit or close your mind to areas you're not familiar with. This may be the change to work through that writer's block you may be experiencing. It could open up new avenues of thought.
I am current working on a story with a castle as a backdrop. I've never visited a castle before but have a fascination with them. I find it exciting because it opens my mind to new possiblities. It's a way of challenging myself. An example is that I never liked history until I was thirty five. Now I enjoy doing historical research.
Being open to new ideas and experiences is a boon to any writer. Never limit or close your mind to areas you're not familiar with. This may be the change to work through that writer's block you may be experiencing. It could open up new avenues of thought.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Words Of Wisdom
A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.
Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.
Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Friday, June 08, 2012
POEM
Louise Gluck
Several weeks ago I discovered
a photograph of my mother
sitting in the sun, her face
flushed as with achievement or triumph.
The sun was shining. The
dogs
were sleeping at her feet
where time was also sleeping,
calm and unmoving as in all
photographs.
I wiped the dust from my
mother’s face.
Indeed, dust covered
everything; it seemed to me the persistent
haze of nostalgia that
protects all relics of childhood.
In the background, an
assortment of park furniture, trees and shrubbery.
The sun moved lower in the
sky, the shadows lengthened and darkened.
The more dust I removed, the
more these shadows grew.
Summer arrived. The
children
leaned over the rose border,
their shadows
merging with the shadows of
the roses.
A word came into my head,
referring
to this shifting and changing,
these erasures
that were now
obvious—
it appeared, and as quickly
vanished.
Was it blindness or darkness,
peril, confusion?
Summer arrived, then autumn.
The leaves turning,
the children bright spots in a
mash of bronze and sienna.
2
When I had recovered somewhat
from these events,
I replaced the photograph as I
had found it
between the pages of an
ancient paperback,
many parts of which had
been
annotated in the margins,
sometimes in words but more often
in spirited questions and
exclamations
meaning “I agree” or “I’m
unsure, puzzled—”
The ink was faded. Here and
there I couldn’t tell
what thoughts occurred to the
reader
but through the bruise-like
blotches I could sense
urgency, as though tears had
fallen.
I held the book awhile.
It was Death in
Venice (in translation);
I had noted the page in case,
as Freud believed,
nothing is an
accident.
Thus the little
photograph
was buried again, as the past
is buried in the future.
In the margin there were two
words,
linked by an arrow:
“sterility” and, down the page, “oblivion”—
“And it seemed to him the pale
and lovely
summoner out there smiled at
him and beckoned...”
3
How quiet the garden is;
no breeze ruffles the
Cornelian cherry.
Summer has come.
How quiet it is
now that life has triumphed.
The rough
pillars of the sycamores
support the immobile
shelves of the
foliage,
the lawn beneath
lush, iridescent—
And in the middle of the
sky,
the immodest god.
Things are, he says. They are,
they do not change;
response does not
change.
How hushed it is, the
stage
as well as the audience; it
seems
breathing is an
intrusion.
He must be very close,
the grass is
shadowless.
How quiet it is, how
silent,
like an afternoon in
Pompeii.
4
Beatrice took the children to
the park in Cedarhurst.
The sun was shining.
Airplanes
passed back and forth
overhead, peaceful because the war was over.
It was the world of her
imagination:
true and false were of no
importance.
Freshly polished and
glittering—
that was the world. Dust
had not yet erupted on the
surface of things.
The planes passed back and
forth, bound
for Rome and Paris—you
couldn’t get there
unless you flew over the park.
Everything
must pass through, nothing can
stop—
The children held hands,
leaning
to smell the roses.
They were five and
seven.
Infinite, infinite—that
was her perception of
time.
She sat on a bench, somewhat
hidden by oak trees.
Far away, fear approached and
departed;
from the train station came
the sound it made.
The sky was pink and orange,
older because the day was over.
There was no wind. The summer
day
cast oak-shaped shadows on the
green grass.
Source: Poetry (January 2012).
Thursday, June 07, 2012
Today's Word
PENTAMETER
1. A line of verse consisting of five metrical feet.
2. English verse composed in iambic pentameter.
1. A line of verse consisting of five metrical feet.
2. English verse composed in iambic pentameter.
Wednesday, June 06, 2012
Words Of Wisdom
A poet is, before anything else, a person who is passionately in love with language.
W. H. Auden
W. H. Auden
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
I'm currently reading A Poetry Handbook by Mary Oliver. When I read the statement below, I decided to share it with you all.
Poetry is a river.; many voices travel in it; poem after poem moves along in the exciting
crests and falls of the river waves. None is timeless; each arrives in a historical context;
almost everything, in the end passes. But the desire to make a poem, and the world's
willingness to receive it-indeed the world's need of it-these never pass.
Poetry is a river.; many voices travel in it; poem after poem moves along in the exciting
crests and falls of the river waves. None is timeless; each arrives in a historical context;
almost everything, in the end passes. But the desire to make a poem, and the world's
willingness to receive it-indeed the world's need of it-these never pass.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Color Change
As you may have noticed, I have changd th design of my blog. Pink, carnation, and rose are a few of my favorite colors. They are bright, soft, and express what I believe represents spring.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Words Of Wisdom
Creativity comes from trust. Trust your instincts. And never hope more than you work.
~Rita Mae Brown
~Rita Mae Brown
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Wednesday, May 09, 2012
Words Of Wisdom
If you do not expect the unexpected you will not find it, for it is not to be reached by search or trail.
~ Heraclitus
~ Heraclitus
Monday, May 07, 2012
Dry Periods Have Led That Expanding My Writing Life
I have had dry periods in my writing life. I can't say why that is but it does happen. Sometimes it's good to step back and see where I am.
I took up poetry writing a year and a half ago. I felt that my short stories, essays and commetaries had grown stale. A lot of imagination? Maybe. I saw it as a chance to branch out by tackling another genre. What it has done is expand my writing. I found that some of my short stories can be written as poems and/or prose. I find that the reverse is also true . What has resulted is that my writing has more depth and quality to it. I'm venturing into emotional settings that I was reluctant to go into. There's more personality and emotions rather than just mere details and simple story telling.
I have had a long interest in playwriting. I have writing a few short plays in the past. Now I'm pursuing a full length play. Tackling classics such as Dante's Inferno, the Greek and Latin poems and plays, and modern poetry and essays have reinvigored to try my hand. I just have to tackle one thing at a time because my mind can be like a runaway train.
I took up poetry writing a year and a half ago. I felt that my short stories, essays and commetaries had grown stale. A lot of imagination? Maybe. I saw it as a chance to branch out by tackling another genre. What it has done is expand my writing. I found that some of my short stories can be written as poems and/or prose. I find that the reverse is also true . What has resulted is that my writing has more depth and quality to it. I'm venturing into emotional settings that I was reluctant to go into. There's more personality and emotions rather than just mere details and simple story telling.
I have had a long interest in playwriting. I have writing a few short plays in the past. Now I'm pursuing a full length play. Tackling classics such as Dante's Inferno, the Greek and Latin poems and plays, and modern poetry and essays have reinvigored to try my hand. I just have to tackle one thing at a time because my mind can be like a runaway train.
Thursday, May 03, 2012
Monday, April 30, 2012
Latin Poets
Here is a list of some of the famous Latin Poets.
Cattulus Persius
Ennius Plautus
Horace Propertius
Juvenal Vergil or Virgil
Lucan Sulpicia
Ovid
Friday, April 27, 2012
READING
Rutgers MFA Reading
KGB Bar, 85 East 4th StreetNew York City, NY
April 28, 2012
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
KGB Bar, 85 East 4th StreetNew York City, NY
April 28, 2012
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
WORDS OF WISDOM
The price of inaction is far greater than the cost of making a mistake.
~Meister Eckhart (1260-1328)
~Meister Eckhart (1260-1328)
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Favorite Writers
Here is a list of my favorite authors.
Edgar Allan Poe
Langston Hughes
Sylvia Plath
Paul Laurence Dunbar
Edgar Allan Poe
Langston Hughes
Sylvia Plath
Paul Laurence Dunbar
Monday, April 23, 2012
TODAY'S WORD
APOCOPE
: the loss of one or more sounds or letters at the end of a word (as in sing from Old English singan)
: the loss of one or more sounds or letters at the end of a word (as in sing from Old English singan)
Friday, April 20, 2012
Tonight @ Bluestockings
Friday, April 20th @ 7PM – $5 Suggested
Discussion: “Women’s and Trans’ Prisoner Issues”
In conjunction with the Prisoner Art Show, join us for a discussion about issues and difficulties face by incarcerated people who identify as women or trans, outlining the historical development of incarceration to issues of privatization, personal experience and resistance. Panelists to be announced.
Bluestockings
172 Allen Street
New York, NY
Subway: F train to 2nd Ave
Discussion: “Women’s and Trans’ Prisoner Issues”
In conjunction with the Prisoner Art Show, join us for a discussion about issues and difficulties face by incarcerated people who identify as women or trans, outlining the historical development of incarceration to issues of privatization, personal experience and resistance. Panelists to be announced.
Bluestockings
172 Allen Street
New York, NY
Subway: F train to 2nd Ave
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
TODAY'S WORD
CHIMERICAL
Unreal and existing only as the product of wild unrestrained imagination.
Unrealistic
Unreal and existing only as the product of wild unrestrained imagination.
Unrealistic
Monday, April 16, 2012
TODAY'S WORD
COMPENDIUM
A brief compilation or composition consisting of a reduction
and condensation of the subject matter of a larger work.
In brief form
A brief compilation or composition consisting of a reduction
and condensation of the subject matter of a larger work.
In brief form
Friday, April 13, 2012
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Divine Comedy
I'm reading Dante's The Divine Comedy. It is a trilogy of three Dante classics; Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. It's considered a great work and I've been wanting to read it for years. I do recommend it. I have thought of a few ideas for future stories just from reading Inferno.
Monday, April 09, 2012
TODAY'S WORD
LABRYRINTH
1a: a place constructed of or full of intricate passageways and blind alleys
b: a maze (as in a garden) formed by paths separated by high hedges
Wednesday, April 04, 2012
Tuesday, April 03, 2012
Monday, April 02, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
TODAY'S WORD
ENCOMIA, n.
1. A speech or piece of writing that praises someone or something.
2. Tribute; warm, glowing praise.
1. A speech or piece of writing that praises someone or something.
2. Tribute; warm, glowing praise.
WORDS OF WISDOM
Good writers are those who keep the language efficient. That is to say, keep it accurate, keep it clear.
~Ezra Pound
~Ezra Pound
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
TODAY'S WORD
DITHYRAMB
1. A usually short poem in an inspired wild irregular strain.
2. A statement or writing in an exalted or enthusiastic vein.
3. Homage.
1. A usually short poem in an inspired wild irregular strain.
2. A statement or writing in an exalted or enthusiastic vein.
3. Homage.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Thursday, March 22, 2012
TODAY'S WORD
HETEROGLOSSIC
A diversity of voices, style of discourse, or points of view in a literary work and especially a novel.
A diversity of voices, style of discourse, or points of view in a literary work and especially a novel.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Monday, March 19, 2012
TODAY'S WORD
FALDERAL, n.
1. Showy but worthless trifle.
2. Foolish nonsense.
3. (Music, often) a nonsensical refrain in old songs.
1. Showy but worthless trifle.
2. Foolish nonsense.
3. (Music, often) a nonsensical refrain in old songs.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Book Review
Title: The American Night-The Writings of Jim Morrison, Volume 2
Author: Jim Morrison
Publisher: Wilderness Publications
Rate: 8
Next to Sylvia Plath, Jim Morrison is a poet that it would take many readings to grasp a hold of what he is saying. Unconventional, bold, and startling, he displayed an intellect and depth that is confounding and creative.
I was a teen when Morrison burst on the rock scene. Jim was the charasmatic singer, sonwriter and poet the the 1960s rock band, the Doors. Their sound was like no other and Morrison's poetry is the same way. His lyric verse could be dark and stormy. Yet, it spoke of a world succimbing to war, death, pollution, and destruction by corporations. To me, Morrison preferred death over such a life.
Morrison's use metaphors and similes were were similar to Sylvia Plath's in that he often used the sea and ocean as a back drop (he was an avid swimmer). He challenged people to go beyond convention and to break down barriers. In the Paris Journal, Morrison wrote an angry and reflective poem about the world he lived in.
Jim liked to read and talk, so I would have loved to talked with him aboout literature because of my interest in it also. The American Night is not one of those books that you can easily decipher, if that's possible. I like the books because I'm drawn to cmplex characters. Jim Morrison was certainly one of them.
Author: Jim Morrison
Publisher: Wilderness Publications
Rate: 8
Next to Sylvia Plath, Jim Morrison is a poet that it would take many readings to grasp a hold of what he is saying. Unconventional, bold, and startling, he displayed an intellect and depth that is confounding and creative.
I was a teen when Morrison burst on the rock scene. Jim was the charasmatic singer, sonwriter and poet the the 1960s rock band, the Doors. Their sound was like no other and Morrison's poetry is the same way. His lyric verse could be dark and stormy. Yet, it spoke of a world succimbing to war, death, pollution, and destruction by corporations. To me, Morrison preferred death over such a life.
Morrison's use metaphors and similes were were similar to Sylvia Plath's in that he often used the sea and ocean as a back drop (he was an avid swimmer). He challenged people to go beyond convention and to break down barriers. In the Paris Journal, Morrison wrote an angry and reflective poem about the world he lived in.
Jim liked to read and talk, so I would have loved to talked with him aboout literature because of my interest in it also. The American Night is not one of those books that you can easily decipher, if that's possible. I like the books because I'm drawn to cmplex characters. Jim Morrison was certainly one of them.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Friday, March 09, 2012
Wednesday, March 07, 2012
Monday, March 05, 2012
Thursday, March 01, 2012
Book Recommendation
On ocaasion I will recommend a book that may be a valuable to writers of all experiences. Here is one listed below.
The Poetry Home Repair Manual-Ted Kooser
The Poetry Home Repair Manual-Ted Kooser
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
TODAY'S WORD
COGNOSCENTI, adj.
Wise; haviing good judgment.
A person having or claiming expert knowledge in on or more realms of the fine arts or of fashion.
Connoisseur
Wise; haviing good judgment.
A person having or claiming expert knowledge in on or more realms of the fine arts or of fashion.
Connoisseur
Monday, February 27, 2012
Thursday, February 23, 2012
TODAY'S WORD
BODHISATTVA
1. One whose essence is enlightment.
2. A being that compassionately refrains from entering nirvana in order to save others.
1. One whose essence is enlightment.
2. A being that compassionately refrains from entering nirvana in order to save others.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
WORDS OF WISDOM
Love consists in this, that two solitudes protect and touch and greet each other.
~Rainer Maria Rilke (1875-1926)
~Rainer Maria Rilke (1875-1926)
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
EDITING
Editing is the final activity before publishing. It is the opportunity to change some thing in an article. How much we exit depends on how we we wish to convey our thought to our readers.
When I complete a writing assignment, I set it aside for a day then go back to it. At times I've added a sentence or deleted a paragraph or rewrote the whole story. Editing is something that shouldn't be taken lightly. It can be the difference between acceptance and rejection. Presenting our best work is a reflection on the author.
I find editing fun some times because I found a better way of conveying my thought. It can be a metaphor, or a quote, or learning a new word. It's also an education in the writing process.
When I complete a writing assignment, I set it aside for a day then go back to it. At times I've added a sentence or deleted a paragraph or rewrote the whole story. Editing is something that shouldn't be taken lightly. It can be the difference between acceptance and rejection. Presenting our best work is a reflection on the author.
I find editing fun some times because I found a better way of conveying my thought. It can be a metaphor, or a quote, or learning a new word. It's also an education in the writing process.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Thursday, February 16, 2012
TODAY'S WORD
MULTI-
1. Many; multiple; much
b : more than two : more than one
2: many times over
mulitmillionaire; multitask.
1. Many; multiple; much
b : more than two : more than one
2: many times over
mulitmillionaire; multitask.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
TODAY'S WORD
ROOKERY
The nests or breeding place of a colony of rooks;
also : a colony of rooks b : a breeding ground or haunt especially
of gregarious birds or mammals (as penguins or seals);
also : a colony of such birds or mammals
2: a crowded dilapidated tenement or group of dwellings
The nests or breeding place of a colony of rooks;
also : a colony of rooks b : a breeding ground or haunt especially
of gregarious birds or mammals (as penguins or seals);
also : a colony of such birds or mammals
2: a crowded dilapidated tenement or group of dwellings
Words Of Wisdom
We do not need to proselytise either by our speech or by our writing. We can only do so really with our lives. Let our lives be open books for all to study.
~Mahatma Gandhi
~Mahatma Gandhi
Monday, February 13, 2012
TODAY'S WORD
ANATHEMA, n pl.
1. A formal ban or curse; as excommunication.
2. One who or that which is cursed. Or shunned.
1. A formal ban or curse; as excommunication.
2. One who or that which is cursed. Or shunned.
Wednesday, February 08, 2012
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Words Of Wisdom
Believe that life is worth living and your belief will help create the fact.
~William James
~William James
Monday, January 30, 2012
TODAY'S WORD
CONSISTORY
1 : a solemn assembly :council
2 : a church tribunal or governing body: as a : a solemn meeting of Roman Catholic cardinals convoked and presided over by the pope b : a church session in some Reformed churches
3 : the organization that confers the degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry usually from the 19th to the 32d inclusive; also : a meeting of such an organization
1 : a solemn assembly :council
2 : a church tribunal or governing body: as a : a solemn meeting of Roman Catholic cardinals convoked and presided over by the pope b : a church session in some Reformed churches
3 : the organization that confers the degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry usually from the 19th to the 32d inclusive; also : a meeting of such an organization
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Place
Just as in novels and short stories, place has a central point in poems also. I like writing poems about my own neighborhood, a park, bookstore, or a restuarant. Making the readers feel a part of a particular place puts them in tune with the author.
There are some examples. In his poem 125th Street, Langston Hughes made me feel that I was strolling along side of him during that time. Jack Kerouac's novel On The Road took me on a crazy cross country trip. Edgar Allan Poe's The Raven was both scary and haunting. If I'm not familiar with a place I'll do some research about it. If the opportunity avails me I'll visit the place and spend time there.
Places aren't limited to time or space. I have written poems about the seasons. I have used rooms, a city, or country as backdrops. Going back to a particular time in history requires more research and accuracy in the facts. I love castle but have never visited one. In my mind there are some wonderful mysteries that a poem can present to readers.
Being creative is a consitent elemnt of any genre. Writng allows one to do whatever they desire. That's the beauty of writing. Dull places can be made lively. Some of the best poems written present elemnts of creativity and imagination.
There are some examples. In his poem 125th Street, Langston Hughes made me feel that I was strolling along side of him during that time. Jack Kerouac's novel On The Road took me on a crazy cross country trip. Edgar Allan Poe's The Raven was both scary and haunting. If I'm not familiar with a place I'll do some research about it. If the opportunity avails me I'll visit the place and spend time there.
Places aren't limited to time or space. I have written poems about the seasons. I have used rooms, a city, or country as backdrops. Going back to a particular time in history requires more research and accuracy in the facts. I love castle but have never visited one. In my mind there are some wonderful mysteries that a poem can present to readers.
Being creative is a consitent elemnt of any genre. Writng allows one to do whatever they desire. That's the beauty of writing. Dull places can be made lively. Some of the best poems written present elemnts of creativity and imagination.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Today's Word
POLYGLOT
adj. Expressed in r speaking several languages; multilingual.
n. 1. A polyglot book or person.
2. A mixture of several languages.
adj. Expressed in r speaking several languages; multilingual.
n. 1. A polyglot book or person.
2. A mixture of several languages.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Words Of Wisdom
He whose wisdom cannot help him, gets no good from being wise.
~Quintus Ennius, Roman Poet
~Quintus Ennius, Roman Poet
Reading Many Styles OF Writing
As I have written more poetry, I have also written short stories and commentarites also. I have been able to come up with words when I read stories or books. Sometimes it doesn't take much to generate a poem. My wife is amazed how I can write a poem after I think of one.
I just finished a book of ancient Greek poems. I have an interest in Greek and Roman poetry. In college, I studied Western Civilization and became fascinated with daily life in those societies. I imagined myself a citizen of those places. I've done the same with ancient Africa and Native Americans.
I don't believe that there's an exact science to writing poetry. There's so many styles and experiences of different authors. I never criticise other poets because every one has a story to share from their own experiences. Herman Melville, Langston Hughes, Edgar Allan Poe, and Sylvia Plath are some of my favorite authors. They were all so different and unique.
Reading so many different styles of poetry has helped me hone my craft. I have written about nature, gender, horror, a political poem, and redemption. This just scratches the surface of what I want to accomplish as I continue to evolve as a poet.
I just finished a book of ancient Greek poems. I have an interest in Greek and Roman poetry. In college, I studied Western Civilization and became fascinated with daily life in those societies. I imagined myself a citizen of those places. I've done the same with ancient Africa and Native Americans.
I don't believe that there's an exact science to writing poetry. There's so many styles and experiences of different authors. I never criticise other poets because every one has a story to share from their own experiences. Herman Melville, Langston Hughes, Edgar Allan Poe, and Sylvia Plath are some of my favorite authors. They were all so different and unique.
Reading so many different styles of poetry has helped me hone my craft. I have written about nature, gender, horror, a political poem, and redemption. This just scratches the surface of what I want to accomplish as I continue to evolve as a poet.
Friday, January 20, 2012
POEM
Explore I must
The need to expand and grow
I can’t stay where I am.
The road is open
There are mountains to climb,
And valleys to cross.
I rest awhile
Then pick up stakes.
My spirit is restless
The urge to explore and dream is strong,
And to pass on what I have discovered.
The need to expand and grow
I can’t stay where I am.
The road is open
There are mountains to climb,
And valleys to cross.
I rest awhile
Then pick up stakes.
My spirit is restless
The urge to explore and dream is strong,
And to pass on what I have discovered.
GENEVIEVE'S GEMS
Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.
~Mark Twain (1835-1910)
~Mark Twain (1835-1910)
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Friday, January 13, 2012
TODAY'S WORD
GRIOT, N.
A member of a class of travelling poets, musicians, and entertainers in North and West Africa, whose duties include the recitation of tribal and family histories; an oral folk-historian or village story-teller, a praise-singer.
A member of a class of travelling poets, musicians, and entertainers in North and West Africa, whose duties include the recitation of tribal and family histories; an oral folk-historian or village story-teller, a praise-singer.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Read Everything
I read quite a bit. I read everything from history to economics to science to mathematics. Reading expands our knowledge of the world and our base of what kind of stories and articles we write.
I'm amazed at how many genres can be intertwined. An example is novels which have been made into movies or plays. I'm working on stories that are poems. When I moved to poems a year ago, I read my short stories and concluded that some could be turned into poems, plays, or an essay.
I'm reading much about biographies of various authors. It has helped me to understand the mind and perhaps the heart of the author. When I feel that I have a basic idea of who the author is, I have felt that I'm walking beside the author or in the same room with them.
Read everything that you can. Challenge yourself by tackling a different genre from the one that you write.
I'm amazed at how many genres can be intertwined. An example is novels which have been made into movies or plays. I'm working on stories that are poems. When I moved to poems a year ago, I read my short stories and concluded that some could be turned into poems, plays, or an essay.
I'm reading much about biographies of various authors. It has helped me to understand the mind and perhaps the heart of the author. When I feel that I have a basic idea of who the author is, I have felt that I'm walking beside the author or in the same room with them.
Read everything that you can. Challenge yourself by tackling a different genre from the one that you write.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Today's Word
TRAVERSE
n. Something that crosses or lies across.
1. To go or travel across or over.
2. to move or pass along or through.
3. To extend over.
4. Swivel.
n. Something that crosses or lies across.
1. To go or travel across or over.
2. to move or pass along or through.
3. To extend over.
4. Swivel.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Monday, January 09, 2012
Today's Word
EQUERRY
n. An officer in charge of the horses of a prince or noble.
2. A personal attendant of a member of the British royal family.
n. An officer in charge of the horses of a prince or noble.
2. A personal attendant of a member of the British royal family.
Friday, January 06, 2012
Friday, December 30, 2011
Words of Wisdom
Fortunately analysis is not the only way to resolve inner conflicts. Life itself still remains a very effective therapist.
~Karen Horney
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
~Karen Horney
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Friday, December 23, 2011
New Year Poems
38th Annual New Year’s Day Marathon Benefit Reading
Sunday, January 1, 2012
3:00 pm
There are three things to consider when the New Year’s Day Poetry Marathon sweeps you into its gracefully uncouth embrace — what it is, what it was, and who you will be when it’s over. An untamed gathering of the heart’s secret, wild nobility — over 140 poets together revealing not just that a better life could exist, but that it already does, sexy and wise, rancorous and sweet, big hearted and mad as hell. An avenging engine of resistance and eager vehicle of the nascent year. The Marathon measures its success through insurrectionist reframings of the universe, an in-it-together courage that crafts a community out of the riot of lineages and traditions we all emerge from. This collective effort also helps fund as many as 85 additional events every year — not to mention The Poetry Project Newsletter, The Recluse and legendary workshops. It’s our largest fundraiser of the year, and arguably the most inspired ongoing literary event in the city. Read more about “the Marathon” here.
The 38th Annual New Year’s Day Marathon Benefit will feature over 140 Poets & Performers:
Ace Mcnamara, Alan Licht, Alex Dimitrov, Amy King, Ana Božičević, Anne Tardos, Anne Waldman & Ambrose Bye, Anselm Berrigan, Ariana Reines, Arthur’s Landing, Barry Denny, Basil King, Betsy Fagin, Bill Kushner, Billy Lamont, Bob Hershon, Bob Rosenthal, Brenda Coultas, Brendan Lorber, Brett Price, Bruce Andrews & Sally Silvers, Bryn Kelly, CA Conrad, Charles Bernstein, Christine Elmo, Christopher Stackhouse, Church of Betty, Corina Copp, Corrine Fitzpatrick, Daniel Kent, David Freeman, David Henderson, David Shapiro, David St. Lascaux, Denize Lauture, Dgls. Rothschild, Don Yorty, Donna Brook, Dottie Lasky, Douglas Dunn, Douglas Piccinnini, Drew Gardner, Dustin Williamson, Edgar Oliver, Ed Friedman, Eddie Berrigan, Eileen Myles, Elinor Nauen, Elizabeth Devlin, Elliott Sharp, Emily XYZ, Erica Kaufman, Erica Hunt & Marty Erlich, Erin Morrill, Evan Kennedy, Evelyn Reilly, Filip Marinovich, Foamola, Frank Sherlock, Franklin Bruno, Genya Turovskaya, Gillian McCain, Greg Fuchs, James Marshall, Janet Hamill, Jess Fiorni, Jim Behrle, Joe Elliot, Joe Ranono, John Coletti, John Giorno, John S. Hall, Jonas Mekas, Josef Kaplan, Judah Rubin, Judith Malina, Karen Weiser, Kathleen Miller, Katie Degentesh, Ken Chen, Ken Walker, Kenny Goldsmith, Kimberly Lyons, LaTasha N. Nevada Diggs, Lee Ranaldo, Lenny Kaye, Leopoldine Core, Lonely Christopher, Macgregor Card, Maggie Dubris, Marcella Durand, Mariana Ruiz Firmat, Mark Nowak, Martha King, Matthew Abuelo, Miguel Gutierrez, Mitch Highfill, Monica de la Torre, Nada Gordon, Nathaniel Siegel, Nick Hallett, Nicole Peyrafitte, Pamela Sneed, Patricia Spears Jones, Patti Smith, Paul Mills (Poez), Paul Legault, Penny Arcade, Peter Gizzi, Pierre Joris, Reuben Butchart, Rickey Laurentiis, Robert Ashley Secret Orchestra, Shafer Hall, Simone White, Sinan Antoon, Stephanie Gray, Steve Dalachinsky, Steve Earle, Steven Taylor, Susan Landers, Susie Timmons, Suzanne Vega, Taylor Mead, Ted Dodson, Ted Greenwald, Thurston Moore, Todd Colby, Tom Carey, Tom Savage, Tony Towle, Tracey McTague, Tyler Burba, Wayne Koestenbaum, Will Edmiston, Will Yackulic, Yoshiko Chuma, Youmna Chlala, Yuko Otomo, Yvonne Meier, Nicole Wallace, Arlo Quint and Stacy Szymaszek.
Admission: $20, $15 for students and seniors, and $10 for Poetry Project members.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
3:00 pm
There are three things to consider when the New Year’s Day Poetry Marathon sweeps you into its gracefully uncouth embrace — what it is, what it was, and who you will be when it’s over. An untamed gathering of the heart’s secret, wild nobility — over 140 poets together revealing not just that a better life could exist, but that it already does, sexy and wise, rancorous and sweet, big hearted and mad as hell. An avenging engine of resistance and eager vehicle of the nascent year. The Marathon measures its success through insurrectionist reframings of the universe, an in-it-together courage that crafts a community out of the riot of lineages and traditions we all emerge from. This collective effort also helps fund as many as 85 additional events every year — not to mention The Poetry Project Newsletter, The Recluse and legendary workshops. It’s our largest fundraiser of the year, and arguably the most inspired ongoing literary event in the city. Read more about “the Marathon” here.
The 38th Annual New Year’s Day Marathon Benefit will feature over 140 Poets & Performers:
Ace Mcnamara, Alan Licht, Alex Dimitrov, Amy King, Ana Božičević, Anne Tardos, Anne Waldman & Ambrose Bye, Anselm Berrigan, Ariana Reines, Arthur’s Landing, Barry Denny, Basil King, Betsy Fagin, Bill Kushner, Billy Lamont, Bob Hershon, Bob Rosenthal, Brenda Coultas, Brendan Lorber, Brett Price, Bruce Andrews & Sally Silvers, Bryn Kelly, CA Conrad, Charles Bernstein, Christine Elmo, Christopher Stackhouse, Church of Betty, Corina Copp, Corrine Fitzpatrick, Daniel Kent, David Freeman, David Henderson, David Shapiro, David St. Lascaux, Denize Lauture, Dgls. Rothschild, Don Yorty, Donna Brook, Dottie Lasky, Douglas Dunn, Douglas Piccinnini, Drew Gardner, Dustin Williamson, Edgar Oliver, Ed Friedman, Eddie Berrigan, Eileen Myles, Elinor Nauen, Elizabeth Devlin, Elliott Sharp, Emily XYZ, Erica Kaufman, Erica Hunt & Marty Erlich, Erin Morrill, Evan Kennedy, Evelyn Reilly, Filip Marinovich, Foamola, Frank Sherlock, Franklin Bruno, Genya Turovskaya, Gillian McCain, Greg Fuchs, James Marshall, Janet Hamill, Jess Fiorni, Jim Behrle, Joe Elliot, Joe Ranono, John Coletti, John Giorno, John S. Hall, Jonas Mekas, Josef Kaplan, Judah Rubin, Judith Malina, Karen Weiser, Kathleen Miller, Katie Degentesh, Ken Chen, Ken Walker, Kenny Goldsmith, Kimberly Lyons, LaTasha N. Nevada Diggs, Lee Ranaldo, Lenny Kaye, Leopoldine Core, Lonely Christopher, Macgregor Card, Maggie Dubris, Marcella Durand, Mariana Ruiz Firmat, Mark Nowak, Martha King, Matthew Abuelo, Miguel Gutierrez, Mitch Highfill, Monica de la Torre, Nada Gordon, Nathaniel Siegel, Nick Hallett, Nicole Peyrafitte, Pamela Sneed, Patricia Spears Jones, Patti Smith, Paul Mills (Poez), Paul Legault, Penny Arcade, Peter Gizzi, Pierre Joris, Reuben Butchart, Rickey Laurentiis, Robert Ashley Secret Orchestra, Shafer Hall, Simone White, Sinan Antoon, Stephanie Gray, Steve Dalachinsky, Steve Earle, Steven Taylor, Susan Landers, Susie Timmons, Suzanne Vega, Taylor Mead, Ted Dodson, Ted Greenwald, Thurston Moore, Todd Colby, Tom Carey, Tom Savage, Tony Towle, Tracey McTague, Tyler Burba, Wayne Koestenbaum, Will Edmiston, Will Yackulic, Yoshiko Chuma, Youmna Chlala, Yuko Otomo, Yvonne Meier, Nicole Wallace, Arlo Quint and Stacy Szymaszek.
Admission: $20, $15 for students and seniors, and $10 for Poetry Project members.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Words Of Wisdom
Artistic temperament sometimes seems a battleground, a dark angel of
destruction and a bright angel of creativity wrestling.
~Madeleine L'Engle (1918-2007)
destruction and a bright angel of creativity wrestling.
~Madeleine L'Engle (1918-2007)
Monday, December 19, 2011
Sonnet
A sonnet is a poem of fourteen lines, properly expressing two successive of a single thought or idea. Many writers such as William Shakespeare and Edgar Allan Poe wrote sonnets.
When I started writing poetry this past January I wrote a sonnet called ‘I Never Traveled This Road Before’:
I never traveled this road before,
Lined with thick brush and boulders,
It looks strange and foreboding
There’s nothing to guide me.
Each step forward is a step closer
To an unknown destination.
What awaits me, I know not.
But I trek on.
I’m nudged forward
By an unseen hand
I turn around and
All the footprints of my life are gone.
Overhead, the sky hawk cries;
‘Follow me! Follow me!
When I started writing poetry this past January I wrote a sonnet called ‘I Never Traveled This Road Before’:
I never traveled this road before,
Lined with thick brush and boulders,
It looks strange and foreboding
There’s nothing to guide me.
Each step forward is a step closer
To an unknown destination.
What awaits me, I know not.
But I trek on.
I’m nudged forward
By an unseen hand
I turn around and
All the footprints of my life are gone.
Overhead, the sky hawk cries;
‘Follow me! Follow me!
Friday, December 16, 2011
Sunday, January 1, 2012
3:00 pm
Featuring 140 Poets & Performers including:
Ace Mcnamara, Alan Licht, Alex Dimitrov, Amy King, Ana Božičević, Anne Tardos, Anne Waldman, Anselm Berrigan, Arthur’s Landing, Barry Denny, Basil King, Betsy Fagin, Billy Lamont, Bob Hershon, Bob Rosenthal, Brenda Coultas, Brendan Lorber, Brett Price, Bruce Andrews & Sally Silvers, Bryn Kelly, CA Conrad, Charles Bernstein, Christine Elmo, Christopher Stackhouse, Church of Betty, Corina Copp, Corrine Fitzpatrick, Daniel Kent (music), David Freeman, David Henderson, David Shapiro, Denize Lauture, Dgls. Rothschild, Don Yorty, Donna Brook, Dottie Lasky, Douglas Dunn, Douglas Piccinnini, Drew Gardner, Dustin Williamson, Ed Friedman, Eddie Berrigan, Edwin Torres, Eileen Myles, Elinor Nauen, Elizabeth Devlin (music), Elliott Sharp, Erica Kaufman, Evelyn Reilly, Filip Marinovich, Foamola, Frank Sherlock, Franklin Bruno, Genya Turovskaya, Gillian McCain, Greg Fuchs, James Marshall, Janet Hamill, Jess Fiorni, Jim Behrle, Joe Elliot, Joe Ranono, John Coletti, John Giorno, John S. Hall, Jonas Mekas, Josef Kaplan, Judah Rubin, Judith Malina, Karen Weiser, Kathleen Miller, Katie Degentesh, Ken Walker, Kenny Goldsmith, Kimberly Lyons, LaTasha N. Nevada Diggs, Lenny Kaye, Leopoldine Core, Lonely Christopher, Macgregor Card, Maggie Dubris, Marcella Durand, Mariana Ruiz Firmat, Mark Nowak, Martha King, Matthew Abuelo, Miguel Gutierrez, Mitch Highfill, Monica de la Torre, Nada Gordon, Nathaniel Siegel, Nick Hallet, Nicole Peyrafitte, Pamela Sneed, Patricia Spears Jones, Paul Mills (Poez), Paul Legault, Penny Arcade, Peter Gizzi, Pierre Joris, Reuben Butchart, Rickey Laurentiis, Secret Orchestra (Clif Jackson), Sinan Antoon, Stephanie Gray, Steve Dalachinsky, Steve Earle, Steven Taylor, Susan Landers, Susie Timmons, Suzanne Vega, Taylor Mead, Ted Dodson, Ted Greenwald, Thurston Moore, Todd Colby, Tom Carey, Tom Savage, Tony Towle, Tracey McTague, Tyler Burba, Wayne Koestenbaum, Will Edmiston, Will Yackulic, Yoshiko Chuma, Yuko Otomo, Bill Kushner, Robert Ashley, Evan Kennedy, David St. Lascaux, Lee Ranaldo, Erin Morrill, Erica Hunt & Marty Erlich, Emily XYZ, Ken Chen, Youmna Chalala, Alice Whitwham, Ariana Reines, Nicole Wallace, Arlo Quint, Stacy Szymaszek and more T.B.A
Admission: $20, $15 for students and seniors, and $10 for Poetry Project members.
3:00 pm
Featuring 140 Poets & Performers including:
Ace Mcnamara, Alan Licht, Alex Dimitrov, Amy King, Ana Božičević, Anne Tardos, Anne Waldman, Anselm Berrigan, Arthur’s Landing, Barry Denny, Basil King, Betsy Fagin, Billy Lamont, Bob Hershon, Bob Rosenthal, Brenda Coultas, Brendan Lorber, Brett Price, Bruce Andrews & Sally Silvers, Bryn Kelly, CA Conrad, Charles Bernstein, Christine Elmo, Christopher Stackhouse, Church of Betty, Corina Copp, Corrine Fitzpatrick, Daniel Kent (music), David Freeman, David Henderson, David Shapiro, Denize Lauture, Dgls. Rothschild, Don Yorty, Donna Brook, Dottie Lasky, Douglas Dunn, Douglas Piccinnini, Drew Gardner, Dustin Williamson, Ed Friedman, Eddie Berrigan, Edwin Torres, Eileen Myles, Elinor Nauen, Elizabeth Devlin (music), Elliott Sharp, Erica Kaufman, Evelyn Reilly, Filip Marinovich, Foamola, Frank Sherlock, Franklin Bruno, Genya Turovskaya, Gillian McCain, Greg Fuchs, James Marshall, Janet Hamill, Jess Fiorni, Jim Behrle, Joe Elliot, Joe Ranono, John Coletti, John Giorno, John S. Hall, Jonas Mekas, Josef Kaplan, Judah Rubin, Judith Malina, Karen Weiser, Kathleen Miller, Katie Degentesh, Ken Walker, Kenny Goldsmith, Kimberly Lyons, LaTasha N. Nevada Diggs, Lenny Kaye, Leopoldine Core, Lonely Christopher, Macgregor Card, Maggie Dubris, Marcella Durand, Mariana Ruiz Firmat, Mark Nowak, Martha King, Matthew Abuelo, Miguel Gutierrez, Mitch Highfill, Monica de la Torre, Nada Gordon, Nathaniel Siegel, Nick Hallet, Nicole Peyrafitte, Pamela Sneed, Patricia Spears Jones, Paul Mills (Poez), Paul Legault, Penny Arcade, Peter Gizzi, Pierre Joris, Reuben Butchart, Rickey Laurentiis, Secret Orchestra (Clif Jackson), Sinan Antoon, Stephanie Gray, Steve Dalachinsky, Steve Earle, Steven Taylor, Susan Landers, Susie Timmons, Suzanne Vega, Taylor Mead, Ted Dodson, Ted Greenwald, Thurston Moore, Todd Colby, Tom Carey, Tom Savage, Tony Towle, Tracey McTague, Tyler Burba, Wayne Koestenbaum, Will Edmiston, Will Yackulic, Yoshiko Chuma, Yuko Otomo, Bill Kushner, Robert Ashley, Evan Kennedy, David St. Lascaux, Lee Ranaldo, Erin Morrill, Erica Hunt & Marty Erlich, Emily XYZ, Ken Chen, Youmna Chalala, Alice Whitwham, Ariana Reines, Nicole Wallace, Arlo Quint, Stacy Szymaszek and more T.B.A
Admission: $20, $15 for students and seniors, and $10 for Poetry Project members.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Words of Wisdom
There is no austerity equal to a balanced mind, and there is no happiness equal to contentment; there is no disease like covetousness, and no virtue like mercy.
~Chanakya
~Chanakya
Friday, December 09, 2011
Free Reading on Lower East Side
Friday, December 9th @ 7PM
– FreeReading: Castiglia & Reed “If Memory Serves” Without memory there can be no future. “If Memory Serves: Gay Men, AIDS, and the Promise of the Queer Past” challenges the way authorities in government and academe instructed gay men to forget the sexual cultures of the 1970s during the decades following the advent of AIDS. Challenging assumptions behind first-wave queer theory, authors Christopher Castiglia and Christopher Reed turn to a rich textual and visual archive to explore more positive takes on gay memory.
Bluestockings
172 Allen Street
New York, NY
Subway:F to 2nd Avenue; 6 to Bleeker Street
– FreeReading: Castiglia & Reed “If Memory Serves” Without memory there can be no future. “If Memory Serves: Gay Men, AIDS, and the Promise of the Queer Past” challenges the way authorities in government and academe instructed gay men to forget the sexual cultures of the 1970s during the decades following the advent of AIDS. Challenging assumptions behind first-wave queer theory, authors Christopher Castiglia and Christopher Reed turn to a rich textual and visual archive to explore more positive takes on gay memory.
Bluestockings
172 Allen Street
New York, NY
Subway:F to 2nd Avenue; 6 to Bleeker Street
Open Mic
Friday, December 9 2011 6:30pm
Stark! Wide Open Mike
Open mike for music, poetry, spoken word & featured performers
Hosted by VivianaNola Studios/
Studio C
250 West 54th Street, 11th Floor (7th/8th Avenues)
FREE Spunkypoetress@aol.com 917-292-2683
Subway: R to 57th Street or C/E/1/9 to 50th Street
Stark! Wide Open Mike
Open mike for music, poetry, spoken word & featured performers
Hosted by VivianaNola Studios/
Studio C
250 West 54th Street, 11th Floor (7th/8th Avenues)
FREE Spunkypoetress@aol.com 917-292-2683
Subway: R to 57th Street or C/E/1/9 to 50th Street
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Words of Wisdom
Gratitude is the inward feeling of kindness received. Thankfulness is the natural impulse to express that feeling. Thanksgiving is the following of that impulse.
~Henry Van Dyke
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
~Henry Van Dyke
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Friday, November 18, 2011
Greek Poets
Saturday, November 19 2011 6:00pm
Greek-American Writers Association
Featured Poets Hosted by Dean Kostos
The Cornelia Street Cafe
29 Cornelia Street (West 4th/Bleecker)
$7 includes 1 free drink www.corneliastreetcafe.com
212-989-9319
Subway: A/C/E/B/D/F/V to West 4th
or1/9 to Christopher Street/Sheridan Square
Greek-American Writers Association
Featured Poets Hosted by Dean Kostos
The Cornelia Street Cafe
29 Cornelia Street (West 4th/Bleecker)
$7 includes 1 free drink www.corneliastreetcafe.com
212-989-9319
Subway: A/C/E/B/D/F/V to West 4th
or1/9 to Christopher Street/Sheridan Square
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Monday, November 14, 2011
Monday, November 14th @ 7PM –
FreeOpening: Bluestockings “OCCUPIED: Occupy Wall Street Art Show”
Come to Bluestockings to celebrate the kick-off of our latest art show! The opening of “OCCUPIED” shows artwork inspired by, and from artists working with, the Occupy Wall Street movement. Tonight’s program also includes performance, music, and discussion about Occupy Wall Street. The art show will be up through Thursday, December 8th.
Bluestockings
172 Allen Street
New York, NY
FreeOpening: Bluestockings “OCCUPIED: Occupy Wall Street Art Show”
Come to Bluestockings to celebrate the kick-off of our latest art show! The opening of “OCCUPIED” shows artwork inspired by, and from artists working with, the Occupy Wall Street movement. Tonight’s program also includes performance, music, and discussion about Occupy Wall Street. The art show will be up through Thursday, December 8th.
Bluestockings
172 Allen Street
New York, NY
TODAY'S WORD
CATATONIC adj.
Of, related to, or marked by schizophrenia characterized by esp. by stupor. negativism, rigidity, purposeless excitement, and bizarre posturing.
Of, related to, or marked by schizophrenia characterized by esp. by stupor. negativism, rigidity, purposeless excitement, and bizarre posturing.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
TODAY'S WORD
SOLIPSISM n.
1. The theory that the self is the only thing really existent.
2. Egotistic self-absorption.
1. The theory that the self is the only thing really existent.
2. Egotistic self-absorption.
Wednesday, November 09, 2011
Friday, November 04, 2011
Poetry In Brooklyn
Saturday, November 5 201 12:30pm
Brownstone Poets Deborah Hauser, Vicki Iorio, and Brant Lyon + open
Hosted by Patricia Carragon
Park Plaza Restaurant
220 Cadman Plaza West @Clark/Pineapple
pcarragon@gmail.com 718.596.5900
brownstonepoets.blogspot.com/www.parkplazarestaurant.com/contact.html
$3 + food/drink purchase
Subway: A/C to High Street
2/3 to Clark Street
4/M/R to Court Street/Borough Hall
Brownstone Poets Deborah Hauser, Vicki Iorio, and Brant Lyon + open
Hosted by Patricia Carragon
Park Plaza Restaurant
220 Cadman Plaza West @Clark/Pineapple
pcarragon@gmail.com 718.596.5900
brownstonepoets.blogspot.com/www.parkplazarestaurant.com/contact.html
$3 + food/drink purchase
Subway: A/C to High Street
2/3 to Clark Street
4/M/R to Court Street/Borough Hall
Thursday, November 03, 2011
Changes Coming
I am in the process of adding more variety to my posts. I have added poetry, vocabulary, and announcements thus far. I have plans for a biography page, possibly adding youtube of poetry reading and story telling, and more places to go to if you can't get enough of the arts.
I will add more events such as movies, festivals, documentaries, plays, etc. It's an interesting time for me but I want to make it interesting for all.
I will add more events such as movies, festivals, documentaries, plays, etc. It's an interesting time for me but I want to make it interesting for all.
Wednesday, November 02, 2011
Words Of Wisdom
All successful people men and women are big dreamers. They imagine what their future could be, ideal in every respect, and then they work every day toward their distant vision, that goal or purpose.
~Brian Tracy
~Brian Tracy
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