Recently I have had some things happen that I had no control over. Sometimes these things happen and we are forced to take a step backwards (or sometimes numerous steps).We have to take a look at things in a new light,focus,and get back on track.I have learned this lesson the hard way.
I have been writing since I was 13 years old.It's all I want to do with my life.But what happens when your dream is shattered by the unexpected? How do you face the reality of it all being gone? I recently lost almost everything I owned in a fire.It hurt to realize it was gone and I wouldn't get it back. Along with numerous possessions I lost most of my writing material.
That was it,the end of my dream,or so I thought.With the support of friends and family I was able to put the focus back on my dream.I wasn't about give up on what drove me to live.I knew I was meant to write,and share,my story with others who have been dealt a major blow to their dreams.That and I live by an excellent quote from the great Walt Disney, "KEEP MOVING FORWARD".
I forced myself to face each day with new eyes.To look for the silver lining in my cloud.I had to keep writing.
And then another blow came.I lost something irreplaceable. My best friend passed away suddenly.I felt my whole world came crashing down around me.How could I go on without her in my life?Where would I get my advice and support?Could I go on without her?
After felling lost and alone for about a week I decided I had to go on.If not for myself,then for my best friend.She had believed in me and was proud of me.She had told me that she loved the idea that I wanted to further my education.I decided that I would do that for her.Make her even prouder of me.
And through it all I continued to write.I wrote in my journal.I wrote poetry in her memory.I kept going forward in my life.
We are dealt some pretty bad times in the storms of life.How can we get through these storms?My way of "getting through" is to write. Writing makes me happy and sets me free,It helps me to remember people and difficult times.It gives me strength.
My advice to all the writers out there in the world (and even those who don't write for a living) is to WRITE! Even if you aren't able to tell people through your stories or poetry,write in a journal. No matter what happens...just write!!!
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Time Is A River
I just recently joined a book discussion group at my local library.It is great to have someone to share and discuss these books with.
The first book I was given to read was "Time Is A River" by Mary Alice Monroe.Monroe is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author.This book was instantly one of my favorites to read.
Mia Landan survives breast cancer only to find that her husband has been unfaithful to her.Traveling from her home in South Carolina to a friends cabin in North Carolina,Mia has to find herself,her inner strength,and her journey out of the past.Unraveling the mystery of the owner of her cabin in the woods,Mia makes many new friends along the way,and uncovers the truth about a murder in the small town of Watkins Mill.
Mia finds herself to feel close to Kate Watkins (previous owner of the cabin in Watkins Cove).Especially in their love for fly-fishing. Kate's and Mia's lives seem to intertwine and Mia feels a deep love for the woman whom she knows only through Kate's diaries.
The book includes the poem "Holding Each Other Up" by Mark Nepo.A beautifully written poem that appeals to survivors of any kind.
"Time Is A River is a story of adventure,mystery,betrayal,and love.An excellent book from beginning to end.
The first book I was given to read was "Time Is A River" by Mary Alice Monroe.Monroe is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author.This book was instantly one of my favorites to read.
Mia Landan survives breast cancer only to find that her husband has been unfaithful to her.Traveling from her home in South Carolina to a friends cabin in North Carolina,Mia has to find herself,her inner strength,and her journey out of the past.Unraveling the mystery of the owner of her cabin in the woods,Mia makes many new friends along the way,and uncovers the truth about a murder in the small town of Watkins Mill.
Mia finds herself to feel close to Kate Watkins (previous owner of the cabin in Watkins Cove).Especially in their love for fly-fishing. Kate's and Mia's lives seem to intertwine and Mia feels a deep love for the woman whom she knows only through Kate's diaries.
The book includes the poem "Holding Each Other Up" by Mark Nepo.A beautifully written poem that appeals to survivors of any kind.
"Time Is A River is a story of adventure,mystery,betrayal,and love.An excellent book from beginning to end.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Writing to free your soul
Writing to me isn't just about letting someone know how you are.It's about so much more than just telling others how you feel.It's more than hello and goodbye.It's,for the writer,a way of life.To write is to vent and rage about all the wrongdoings that happen in the world.It's a way to express yourself,especially when verbally is the best way you do so.It's a way to touch the lives of others and to help them in their difficult times.It's a way for others to get to know you through your stories and poems.To feel what your characters are feeling and be with them on their journeys.Writing ,in,itself,is what I love to do.It's what keeps me happy and motivates me to keep going.It's a way to escape. When I write it's as if I'm taken to another time and place.To other worlds and past times.Writing is what sets my soul free from any and all of the turmoil that happens,either in my personal life,or the world.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Cowboy Conspiracy by Joanna Wayne...a review
Cowboy Conspiracy is an excellent book.It's edge-of-your-seat action from beginning to end.A must read book.Joanna Wayne is a skillful writer who keeps the suspense coming.Once you pick it up,you won't be able to put it down.
Ex-detective Wyatt Ledger returns to his hometown of Mustang Run,Texas with a mission...Find his mother's killer! Wyatt has to face his father Troy,who was sent to prison for the crime.Wyatt doesn't believe his father is guilty,but has to prove it,not only to The people of Mustang Run,but himself as well.
On the way he meets a widow with a young child,who find themselves in danger.Wyatt has to come to the rescue of Kelly and her daughter Jaci.Only he finds himself falling in love with the woman he has sworn to protect.
Mystery and danger ensue as they set out to find the person haunting Kelly and Jaci.Wyatt doesn't give up and saves the day,with a little help from the sheriff.In the end he marries Kelly and they live happily ever after.
My niece just recently got this book as a gift for me.It was sweet of her because she is only ten and was willing to give up her money for me.This is one book you won't want to miss out on!
Ex-detective Wyatt Ledger returns to his hometown of Mustang Run,Texas with a mission...Find his mother's killer! Wyatt has to face his father Troy,who was sent to prison for the crime.Wyatt doesn't believe his father is guilty,but has to prove it,not only to The people of Mustang Run,but himself as well.
On the way he meets a widow with a young child,who find themselves in danger.Wyatt has to come to the rescue of Kelly and her daughter Jaci.Only he finds himself falling in love with the woman he has sworn to protect.
Mystery and danger ensue as they set out to find the person haunting Kelly and Jaci.Wyatt doesn't give up and saves the day,with a little help from the sheriff.In the end he marries Kelly and they live happily ever after.
My niece just recently got this book as a gift for me.It was sweet of her because she is only ten and was willing to give up her money for me.This is one book you won't want to miss out on!
Monday, April 2, 2012
What Draws Us To Read What we Love?
What is it that draws someone to read an author's book?There are various reasons one may read a book.A title,genre,or even an amazing plot?Characters someone can relate to is another way we get drawn to a work of Literature.When I find a book that intrigues me I tend to read it over and over again.I enjoy reading various genres and authors.For me it is always a challenge to find the "perfect" book. I have my favorite authors that I continue to look for and read their work,but I am always looking for new authors and am so excited to read their work and get to them through their writing. I am often tempted to read a book due to the plot and the characters.I love when I read something someone else has written and yet I can completely relate to it.There are so many wonderful books out there by such amazing authors.
Some of my favorite books and their authors would have to include these great works:
1.) "A Child Called"IT" by Dave Pelzer
2.) "Sugar Baby" by Karen Young
3.) "Oliver Twist" by Charles Dickens
4.) "Cowboy Conspiracy" by Joanna Wayne
5.) "The Hunt for Hawke's Daughter" by Jean Barrett
6.) "Jacob's Girls" by Tara Taylor Quinn
And the list goes on and on..... I love to read a book or even a poem and be able to feel what the writer/character is going through at the time.For me reading a book is always an adventure and I love to go on these adventures with these wonderful,compelling characters!!!
Some of my favorite books and their authors would have to include these great works:
1.) "A Child Called"IT" by Dave Pelzer
2.) "Sugar Baby" by Karen Young
3.) "Oliver Twist" by Charles Dickens
4.) "Cowboy Conspiracy" by Joanna Wayne
5.) "The Hunt for Hawke's Daughter" by Jean Barrett
6.) "Jacob's Girls" by Tara Taylor Quinn
And the list goes on and on..... I love to read a book or even a poem and be able to feel what the writer/character is going through at the time.For me reading a book is always an adventure and I love to go on these adventures with these wonderful,compelling characters!!!
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Time to Write
Finding the time to write is never an easy task.Sometimes it can be downright daunting and annoying.There are so many things happening in our everyday lives that we just seem to have time for everything,except writing.Let's face it,to a writer finding the time to let your creativity flow can be a demanding and frustrating challenge! We have to plan time to cook,clean,call,email,etc.Then we have to plan the time to write.by the time we focus on our writing we seem to have very little time left.it seems that time is simply wasting away.We have families to care for and obligations to keep.
We must find the time to write (even if it's only a few minutes at a time).We sit down whenever the chance arises and write till our hearts content.Or until something pulls us away from our work.
I have recently come into some spare time and I hope this time can be well spent.I plan to make the best of it and focus on my writing. (Since I will have at least until the cast comes off of my ankle.)This gives me time to focus on my poetry and stories,and work on my blog more often.I guess it's true accidents do happen,however some of them can be a blessing in disguise!
We must find the time to write (even if it's only a few minutes at a time).We sit down whenever the chance arises and write till our hearts content.Or until something pulls us away from our work.
I have recently come into some spare time and I hope this time can be well spent.I plan to make the best of it and focus on my writing. (Since I will have at least until the cast comes off of my ankle.)This gives me time to focus on my poetry and stories,and work on my blog more often.I guess it's true accidents do happen,however some of them can be a blessing in disguise!
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
POETRY
I LOVE TO READ POETRY. IT BRINGS ME SO MUCH JOY.I LOVE TO WRITE IT AS WELL.IT IS A GREAT WAY TO EXPRESS HOW WE TRULY FEEL. A POEM CAN BE WRITTEN ABOUT SO MANY THINGS AND INSPIRATION COMES FROM ALL AROUND US.MOST OF MY TIME IS SPENT WORKING ON MY POETRY. WHEN SOMEONE READS YOUR POETRY AND IT HELPS THEM THROUGH DIFFICULT SITUATIONS IN THEIR LIVES,IT BRINGS YOU A PEACE OF MIND KNOWING THAT YOU HAVE HELPED THEM.
SOME OF MY FAVORITE POEMS INCLUDE "DREAMS BY LANGSTON HUGHES, "A BOOK" BY EMILY DICKINSON, AND "DO NOT GO GENTLE INTO THAT GOOD NIGHT" BY DYLAN THOMAS.
I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE A POEM BY A GOOD FRIEND OF MINE WHO WAS KIND ENOUGH TO LET ME DO SO. IT IS ALL ABOUT HER LATE GRANDFATHER AND IS SO BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN.SHE IS SUCH A WONDERFULLY TALENTED AUTHOR.
"MY SUNSHINE"
SPECIAL
I WAS TO YOU.
YOU'D INCLUDED ME
IN ALMOST EVERYTHING YOU'D DO.
TIME FOR ME,
YOU'D ALWAYS MADE.
ATTENTION TO YOU,
I'D ALWAYS PAID.
YOU'D BEEN WISE
BEYOND YOUR YEARS.
AND YOU'D CALMED ME,
WHEN I'D HAD TEARS.
YOU'D REASSURED ME
THAT THINGS WOULD BE O.K.
AND IN YOUR HOME FROM ABUSERS,
I'D HID AWAY.
YOU'D SHOWN SUPPORT
AND HAD KEPT ME SAFE.
KNOWING THAT I WAS NOT OKAY,
AND THAT KEPT MY TERROR,AWAY.
YOUR HUMOUR AND KINDNESS
MADE ME SMILE.
YOU'D KNOWN JUST WHAT TO DO
TO GIVE ME PEACE FOR A WHILE.
AND WE COULD TALK,EASILY,
YOU AND ME.
WHICH HAD HELPED USTO ESCAPE THE ABUSE WE HAD
BY OUR IMMEDIATE FAMILIES.
YOU'D SEEMED TO SENSE MY THOUGHTS,
AND I COULD,YOU.
MY FEELINGS,YOU'D ALWAYS KNOWN,
AND YOURS,I DID,TOO.
THAT CONNECTION AS THOUGH BEST FRIENDS.
WE UNDERSTOOD AND SUPPORTED EACH OTHER
BECAUSE WE BOTH KNEW
THAT WE'D HAD NO OTHER [TO HELP].
YOU'D BEEN THAT SHINING LIGHT
IN MY LIFE FULL OF SADNESS -
A KIND SPIRIT SENT FROM HEAVEN.
ABOUT WHICH I'D HAD GLADNESS.
YOU'D BEEN MY BEST FRIEND,
MY SHINING LIGHT.
MY SUNSHINE THROUGH THE CLOUDS,
WHO'D HELPED ME IN MY FIGHT IN LIFE.
BUT NOW,YOU'RE IN HEAVEN,
FROM ME, GONE.
AND IT MAKES IT HARDER FOR ME
TO CONTINUE ON.
I MISS YOU,
MY GRANDFATHER
AUTHOR: APRIL MORONE
SUCH AN AMAZING,BEAUTIFUL POEM WRITTEN IN MEMORY OF SOMEONE WHOM SHE CARED SO DEEPLY FOR.IT BROUGHT ME JOY AND INSPIRATION AND I HOPE IT CAN DO THE SAME FOR EVERYONE.
A SPECIAL THANKS TO APRIL FOR ALLOWING ME TO SHARE THIS SPECIAL PIECE WITH EVERYONE. :)
SOME OF MY FAVORITE POEMS INCLUDE "DREAMS BY LANGSTON HUGHES, "A BOOK" BY EMILY DICKINSON, AND "DO NOT GO GENTLE INTO THAT GOOD NIGHT" BY DYLAN THOMAS.
I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE A POEM BY A GOOD FRIEND OF MINE WHO WAS KIND ENOUGH TO LET ME DO SO. IT IS ALL ABOUT HER LATE GRANDFATHER AND IS SO BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN.SHE IS SUCH A WONDERFULLY TALENTED AUTHOR.
"MY SUNSHINE"
SPECIAL
I WAS TO YOU.
YOU'D INCLUDED ME
IN ALMOST EVERYTHING YOU'D DO.
TIME FOR ME,
YOU'D ALWAYS MADE.
ATTENTION TO YOU,
I'D ALWAYS PAID.
YOU'D BEEN WISE
BEYOND YOUR YEARS.
AND YOU'D CALMED ME,
WHEN I'D HAD TEARS.
YOU'D REASSURED ME
THAT THINGS WOULD BE O.K.
AND IN YOUR HOME FROM ABUSERS,
I'D HID AWAY.
YOU'D SHOWN SUPPORT
AND HAD KEPT ME SAFE.
KNOWING THAT I WAS NOT OKAY,
AND THAT KEPT MY TERROR,AWAY.
YOUR HUMOUR AND KINDNESS
MADE ME SMILE.
YOU'D KNOWN JUST WHAT TO DO
TO GIVE ME PEACE FOR A WHILE.
AND WE COULD TALK,EASILY,
YOU AND ME.
WHICH HAD HELPED USTO ESCAPE THE ABUSE WE HAD
BY OUR IMMEDIATE FAMILIES.
YOU'D SEEMED TO SENSE MY THOUGHTS,
AND I COULD,YOU.
MY FEELINGS,YOU'D ALWAYS KNOWN,
AND YOURS,I DID,TOO.
THAT CONNECTION AS THOUGH BEST FRIENDS.
WE UNDERSTOOD AND SUPPORTED EACH OTHER
BECAUSE WE BOTH KNEW
THAT WE'D HAD NO OTHER [TO HELP].
YOU'D BEEN THAT SHINING LIGHT
IN MY LIFE FULL OF SADNESS -
A KIND SPIRIT SENT FROM HEAVEN.
ABOUT WHICH I'D HAD GLADNESS.
YOU'D BEEN MY BEST FRIEND,
MY SHINING LIGHT.
MY SUNSHINE THROUGH THE CLOUDS,
WHO'D HELPED ME IN MY FIGHT IN LIFE.
BUT NOW,YOU'RE IN HEAVEN,
FROM ME, GONE.
AND IT MAKES IT HARDER FOR ME
TO CONTINUE ON.
I MISS YOU,
MY GRANDFATHER
AUTHOR: APRIL MORONE
SUCH AN AMAZING,BEAUTIFUL POEM WRITTEN IN MEMORY OF SOMEONE WHOM SHE CARED SO DEEPLY FOR.IT BROUGHT ME JOY AND INSPIRATION AND I HOPE IT CAN DO THE SAME FOR EVERYONE.
A SPECIAL THANKS TO APRIL FOR ALLOWING ME TO SHARE THIS SPECIAL PIECE WITH EVERYONE. :)
Friday, February 17, 2012
Anyone enjoy reading the classics?
I love to read pretty much anything,from novels to the back of the cereal box,as long as it sparks my interest.(And let's face it...because I get bored!) I enjoy finding books by new and upcoming authors,as well as my favorite authors.But what I am really a sucker for is the classics. I just love the smell of old books!
I would like to take the time to share a few of my favorite classics...
White Fang by Jack London
The Pearl by John Steinbeck
Charlotte's Web by E.B. White
A Seperate Peace by John Knowles
The Neverending Story by Michael Ende
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Old Yeller by Fred Gipson
There are so many great authors who have left behind their legacy through writing. Not just through novels such as Dickens or Knowles,but also through poetry like Emily Dickinson and Langston Hughes.No matter how old I get or how many new authors I enjoy...I will never tire of the classics!
I would like to take the time to share a few of my favorite classics...
White Fang by Jack London
The Pearl by John Steinbeck
Charlotte's Web by E.B. White
A Seperate Peace by John Knowles
The Neverending Story by Michael Ende
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Old Yeller by Fred Gipson
There are so many great authors who have left behind their legacy through writing. Not just through novels such as Dickens or Knowles,but also through poetry like Emily Dickinson and Langston Hughes.No matter how old I get or how many new authors I enjoy...I will never tire of the classics!
Monday, January 30, 2012
Help prevent Child Abuse
Child abuse is a disease that we need to put an end to.Everyday a child is senselessly abused.Child abuse can occur in any home,school,organization,or community a child is involved in.there are four major catergories of child abuse.Neglect,physical abuse,psycological/emotional abuse,and child sexual abuse.
Physical abuse is any type of physical contact:hitting,pushing,shoving,choking,etc.It can result in cuts,bruises,broken bones,and even death.
Child sexual abuse is any unwanted sexual contact to a child:indecent exposure,pornography,etc.
Psycological/Emotional abuse is by far the hardest to define.It includes name-calling ridicule,degradation,destruction of personal belongings,excessive criticism,and humiliation.
Neglect can be withholding food,clothing,or even medical treatment from a child.
Effects of child abuse include guilt,self-blame,nightmares,insomnia,self-esteem issues,sexual dysfnction,and chronic pain.It can also cause someone to suffer from addiction,self-injury,suicidal ideation,depression,and PTSD.Victims are likely to suffer from anxiety,mental illnesses(borderline personality disorder,dissociative identity disorder),bulimia nervosa,self-blame,and even fighting back against the abuser.
The causes of child abuse include substance abuse,unemployment,and even being a step-parent.
It doesn't have to be this way.WE can prevent child abuse from happening.We just have to be willing to stand up and fight for these children!
For more information or to report child abuse please contact these resources:
Child Help USA
1-800-4-A-CHILD
http;//www.childhelp.org
Administration for Children and Families
http;//www.acf.dhhs.gov
Missing Children Web Page
http;//www.missingkids.com/
National Data Archive on Child Abuse and Neglect
http;//www.ndacan.cornell.edu
Physical abuse is any type of physical contact:hitting,pushing,shoving,choking,etc.It can result in cuts,bruises,broken bones,and even death.
Child sexual abuse is any unwanted sexual contact to a child:indecent exposure,pornography,etc.
Psycological/Emotional abuse is by far the hardest to define.It includes name-calling ridicule,degradation,destruction of personal belongings,excessive criticism,and humiliation.
Neglect can be withholding food,clothing,or even medical treatment from a child.
Effects of child abuse include guilt,self-blame,nightmares,insomnia,self-esteem issues,sexual dysfnction,and chronic pain.It can also cause someone to suffer from addiction,self-injury,suicidal ideation,depression,and PTSD.Victims are likely to suffer from anxiety,mental illnesses(borderline personality disorder,dissociative identity disorder),bulimia nervosa,self-blame,and even fighting back against the abuser.
The causes of child abuse include substance abuse,unemployment,and even being a step-parent.
It doesn't have to be this way.WE can prevent child abuse from happening.We just have to be willing to stand up and fight for these children!
For more information or to report child abuse please contact these resources:
Child Help USA
1-800-4-A-CHILD
http;//www.childhelp.org
Administration for Children and Families
http;//www.acf.dhhs.gov
Missing Children Web Page
http;//www.missingkids.com/
National Data Archive on Child Abuse and Neglect
http;//www.ndacan.cornell.edu
Thursday, January 19, 2012
"Sugar Baby" By Karen Young - A book Review
"Sugar Baby" , the story of Claire Woodson,a single mother just trying to raise her son.When the unthinkable happens and her son is in danger,Claire must turn to the people she despises most,her son's fathers family.
If you love mystery,romance,and a strong-willed female protagonist ,then this is the perfect book to turn to.Karen young is an amazing storyteller,who keeps you coming back for more.
If you love mystery,romance,and a strong-willed female protagonist ,then this is the perfect book to turn to.Karen young is an amazing storyteller,who keeps you coming back for more.
Inspiration is all around us
Where exactly does inspiration come from? Is there a rulebook that says it has to be limited to a certain thing or group of things?I find inspiration in my everyday life,all around me.You get inspiration through so many valuable sources. Books you read,songs you hear,people you know.Inspiration comes to us through good and bad experiences or even thinking of a special person in our lives.No matter where we are or what we do,inspiration is all around us!
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Quotes to live by
Do you have any quotes that you live by? I have found that some quotes have been very helpful in my everyday life.Some teach us how to be stronger,while others just make us smile.I continually write down quotes that inspire me and where I read them,or saw them,or even heard them.These are just a few of my favorite quotes.I will add more and more whenever I get A new one that I want to share.
"Mistakes are always forgivable,if one has the courage to admit them." - Bruce Lee
"The only way to have a friend is to be one." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
"A poem begins in delight and ends in wisdom." - Robert Frost
I hope these can be as helpful to everyone else as they are to me.And to quote the late,great Walt Disney - "Keep Moving Forward." (And that is the one I live by everyday!)
"Mistakes are always forgivable,if one has the courage to admit them." - Bruce Lee
"The only way to have a friend is to be one." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
"A poem begins in delight and ends in wisdom." - Robert Frost
I hope these can be as helpful to everyone else as they are to me.And to quote the late,great Walt Disney - "Keep Moving Forward." (And that is the one I live by everyday!)
Friday, January 13, 2012
Working to achieve my goals
If there is one thing I know to be 100% true,it's to never give up on your goals.No matter how hard things are in my life I will keep moving forward!I have a plan to make things happen.I make lists and do research.I do all the work for myself(unless it requires someone else's help,of course). I do internet searches,visit the local library,and make appointments.My goals are going to take up alot of time,but I will pursue them and never give up on my dreams. Isn't that how we should all be?
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Keeping myself busy with my writing
I have been writing so many poems lately.There is something I need to get out on paper,and I have just been letting it flow freely.I am going through a difficult situation concerning my best friend.That has been great inspiration for me.I have decided to use this situation to help myself,instead of letting it get me down. That's how I plan to do things from now on.If I've learned one thing in this life it's this: You have to fight to get what you want.Don't let anything get you down.Keep the focus on your writing!It's the best therapy in the world!
Monday, January 9, 2012
Working on furthering my education
I am currently trying to further my education.I plan to take courses to get my Bachelor of Arts, and then my Masters in either English Lit or Fine Arts. I know this will take up a considerable chunk of my time, but it will be well worth it in the end. I am focusing all my time on getting my education,my writing, and my blog. I hope to be able to post more often and to share my journey with everyone. It will be a exciting experience for me. Can't wait to share it with you all!!!