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Making Change
by Cynthia E. Jones
September, 2006
...and a penny for your thoughts.
It seems like yesterday when I was a girl living at home, day dreaming about only God knows what when out of the corner of my eye I would catch a glimpse of my Dad. Coming back to reality, I would see the penny he held in his fingers. He would wait patiently for me to take the bribe and offer up what was on my mind. It always ended in me grunting at his gesture, taking his money, and most likely never giving him exactly what he waited to hear.
The creative mind. It is always moving, sometimes not so swiftly but on the go and to where we can not be sure until we arrive. That is too much for some, not enough for others, but the route traveled in most cases.
Just over three years ago David asked if I would be interested in writing an article for NetNacs! and the feature would be called LitKorner. I was so excited and it was the dreaming in me that made this endeavor so much fun. I dream all the time that we as a society will find a way to better our world. I believe we can do this more easily when introducing literature to our children, our neighbors, friends, the elderly and then work together to carry our message to other countries where children and especially young girls are surely deprived their right to an education. All of that was in my head and heart when David asked me to write an article for him.
When I wrote my bio I stated the following: 'There is so much power in one book and reading is fun! We must live that belief and encourage our children to do the same. For it is that fun in reading that steers us towards the more serious needs of the world. When we forget to read, we forget to imagine. When we forget to imagine, we forget to dream and have hopes for tomorrow. It is when we see our dreams as realities that we have faith in our future. Words can give us the aspirations we need to achieve higher goals. Our imagination can help us to create those goals and put them to mind set. What an amazing feat in such little creatures called words.'
I promised short stories, poetry, literary sites, authors, both renown and unknown, and what ever else we could find with words that would tease our minds. I hope I have lived up to that and given an article each month that introduced a book, an author or a reason for you to be excited about literacy and to do something to encourage another to embrace words, education and learning.
I have second guessed every article sent and felt concern about if I had offered up enough of what anyone would want to hear.
This month is the last LitKorner article that will be published on the NetNacs! site as David closes up shop. I will make an effort to continue the article and my drive to share the importance of literacy in any way that I can. It was left up to me rather I wanted to write a last article or not and there is absolutely no way I could not. This little spot has been golden for me and given more to me than what anyone will ever realize. Let me just say that the article has served me well and I feel I have grown because of the efforts that I put into each piece.
Before I end this one, I would like to remind you aboutFirst Book. Book Relief gives children from low-income families the opportunity to read and own their first new books. This summer, First Book along with Random House celebrated 'Literacy and Justice For All' in Louisiana and across the country by distributing 150,000 books throughout Louisiana. Please consider donating to this organization that strives for all children to have the same opportunity for literacy.
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Truman Capote
by Cynthia E. Jones
August, 2006
Truman Capote (1924-1984)
Truman Streckfus Persons
Southern Gothic novelist, journalist, and celebrated
man-about-town authored several great
writes giving to us 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' and 'In Cold Blood'.
"Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor."-Capote
Major works of Truman Capote:
- Other Voices; Other Rooms (1948)
- The Grass Harp (1951)
- Beat the Devil (1954)
- Breakfast at Tiffany's (1958)
- In Cold Blood (1965)
Excerpt from Breakfast at Tiffany's
When 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' was first published in 1958, 'Time' Magazine described its heroine, Holly Golightly, as "the hottest kitten ever to hit the typewriter keys of Truman Capote. She's a cross between a grown-up Lolita and a teen-age Auntie Mame ...alone and a little afraid in a lot of beds she never made." Of all his characters, Capote later said, Holly was his favorite, and it is easy to see why. This wacky hillbilly-turned-playgirl who lives in a Manhattan brownstone shares not only his philosophy of freedom and acceptance of human irregularities but also his fears and anxieties- "the mean reds' she calls them. For her the cure is to jump into a taxi and head for Tiffany's; nothing bad could happen, she says, amid "that lovely smell of silver and alligator wallets," and her dream is to have breakfast in that soothing setting. "Holly Golightly is outre, funny , touching-and real," remarked 'The Atlantic'. This volume also includes three of Capote's best-known short stories: 'House of Flowers', "A Diamond Guitar", and "A Christmas Memory", which the 'Saturday Review' called "one fo the most moving stories in the language".
Excerpt from In Cold Blood
I THE LAST TO SEE THEM ALIVE The village of Holcomb stands on the high wheat plains of western Kansas, a lonesome area that other Kansans call "out there." Some seventy miles east of the Colorado border, the countryside, with its hard blue skies and desert-clear air, has an atmosphere that is rather more Far West than Middle West. The local accent is barbed with a prairie twang, a ranch-hand nasalness, and the men, many of them, wear narrow frontier trousers, Stetsons, and high-heeled boots with pointed toes. The land is flat, and the views are awesomely extensive; horses, herds of cattle, a white cluster of grain elevators rising as gracefully as Greek temples are visible long before a traveler reaches them.
Holcomb, too, can be seen from great distances. Not that there is much to see -- simply an aimless congregation of buildings divided in the center by the main-line tracks of the Santa Fe Railroad, a haphazard hamlet bounded on the south by a brown stretch of the Arkansas (pronounced "Ar-kan-sas") River, on the north by a highway, Route 50, and on the east and west by prairie lands and wheat fields. After rain, or when snowfalls thaw, the streets, unnamed, unshaded, unpaved, turn from the thickest dust into the direst mud. At one end of the town stands a stark old stucco structure, the roof of which supports an electric sign - DANCE - but the dancing has ceased and the advertisement has been dark for several years. Nearby is another building with an irrelevant sign, this one in flaking gold on a dirty window -- HOLCOMB BANK. The bank closed in 1933, and its former counting rooms have been converted into apartments. It is one of the town's two "apartment houses," the second being a ramshackle mansion known, because a good part of the local school's faculty lives there, as the Teacherage. But the majority of Holcomb's homes are one-story frame affairs, with front porches.
"Holcomb, Kan., Nov. 15 [1959] (UPI) - A wealthy wheat farmer, his wife and their two young children were found shot to death today in their home. They had been killed by shotgun blasts at close range after being bound and gagged... There were no signs of a struggle, and nothing had been stolen. The telephone lines had been cut."
It was those words, that article, very short and to the point, published in the back of the New York Times that caught Truman Capote's attention and was the driving force in his life for the next six years until the completion of 'In Cold Blood'. His next novel 'Unanswered Prayers' remained unfinished.
It would be my guess the two mentioned titles 'Breakfast at Tiffany's and 'In Cold Blood' are the most recognized works of Truman Capote. However, all his works combined give description to him as a Southern Gothic novelist, journalist, and celebrated man-about-town. You can read more about Capote at the following sites online.
Books and Writers - Truman Capote - Screen Plays
http://www.kirjasto.sci.fi/capote.htm
Truman Capote - The Beat Generation
http://www.levity.com/corduroy/capote.htm
Truman Capote - From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Truman_Capote
Teenreads.com - Author Profile
http://www.teenreads.com/authors/au-capote-truman.asp
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Where Is Our Gift of Reading?
Authored by Denny Lancaster
used with permission
Introduction:
All of us receive and give gifts during our life while on mother earth. Some of these gifts become old and torn, others are no longer relevant in our lives as we grow older and some, which we receive are given to others on Christmas or other holidays and occasions. But one gift given to me by my mother and grandmother is still retained. Which is the gift of reading on a regular or consistent basis.
Forward
The reality that more impressions are received from reading than from all other sources combined, is more relevant to me today, than it was in my younger years. I obviously dreamed or thought that all of my fellow human beings also read on a regular basis, that is until a National Endowment for the Arts Survey in 2004 was revisited in light of recent studies which indicate a national decline in math skills, the inability to find well known countries on a map of the world, what seems to be a general decline of ethics or morality in business and with respect to our elderly, defenseless children and so forth.
NEA Survey
While the reasons for a decline in reading are not spelled out in the NEA study and we are left to ponder this decline which is across gender, ethnicity, age and education lines, we can none the less evaluate the decline based upon our own experience by exploring some of the major obstacles to reading on a regular or consistent basis.
Obstacles To Regular or Consistent Reading
Not Reading To Someone
Few pictures will invoke fonder memories of reading or being read too, than a picture of a child in a grandfather's lap, looking up as if to grasp and understand every word uttered, while the grandfather smiles as he reads, in enjoyment a story or nursery rhyme which was read to him as a child, by an adult.
The value of reading to our children was called into question by Jean Piaget, whose research showed children are not ready to learn until the age of six or seven; teaching styles were thought to be the problem and rote was replaced by phonics; brain science was becoming of age and baby speak or talk gained greater acceptance as fact rather than fancy; Sesame Street came to television and our very young associated a visual presentation to learning subject or object; and in our quest for material objects and just getting by, our children were literally forced to find books as a companion to replace the lack of parenting.
While we can either agree or disagree with any or all of what has been presented so far, none of us would discount a value of Lent, which to we Catholics is giving up something like cigarettes, but apply this objective in reverse, by doing something of value we do not do at present, like read. To ourselves, to our children, to an audience and in the process develop diction, self-confidence and a feeling of self worth as a parent and world citizen.
Lack of Oral Tradition
Another picture, which comes to our minds at birthdays and other occasions, is that of a loved one who took the time with children and other adults to recall a mind-boggling story, which we can remember even in our later years. Remember this dear reader. Prior to 900 A.D. the world read aloud until Seymour Simon, the scribe made a discovery, white spaces; Gutenberg elevated manuscript culture to an art form; Sputnik gave us ecology which became an art form; and electronic media forged ahead in western culture, while oral traditions dominate eastern culture, not because books, television or electronic media are not readily available and every society realizes the value of listening to an oral presentation, coupled with visually following along, while reinforcing this process with recital. So why not eliminate an obstacle to reading by revisiting or renewal of oral traditions. Just remember this picture of your grandfather with you sitting on his knee long after he has left mother earth and do what your heart says for you to do.
Drudgery Not Pleasure
A man in the mid 1600s named Antonio di Marco Magliabechi confessed that he could read, comprehend and memorize entire volumes at a rapid rate, yet when we were reading Dick and Jane in the first grade it took hours, the reading list in high school and college took weeks to complete, leaving very little time for actual study or going to the movie show and then we realized the problem. We just read too slowly, did not remember very much of what we had read, what we did remember was not retained from reading until test time. Reading became drudgery not a pleasure, until Evelyn Wood burst upon the scene with a few discoveries, which firmly established speed-reading. Reading at last became a pleasure. While our readers may agree or disagree with what has been written, is there any one of us who would not gladly trade our current reading or not reading habit for one in which we can triple reading speed with the same comprehension or better?
Conclusions
While there are many more obstacles to loosing our friend, reading, this short list is at least an excellent start. Now having said that and written this paper, I must contemplate the reaction to having a published something to read, which just may benefit non- readers who have not been exposed to the value of reading on a regular and continuing basis. Perhaps you dear reader could help by engaging in our oral traditions by telling someone about this article, and then let them read the article and both of you reinforcing by discussion what has been learned.
Citations:
History of Speed Reading and Evelyn Wood, by H. Bernard Wechsler, March
31, 2003
The Reading Matrix, Volume 1, Number 1, April 2001
National Endowment for the Arts Survey, 2002
Schools Attuned Online, All Kinds of Minds, 1999-2006
Kump, Peter (1988). Break-through rapid reading. New York: Prentice Hall.
Redway, Kathryn (1999). Here’s How: Be a rapid reader. New York:
Learningworks.
Statement of Dr. G. Reid Lyon, Committee on Labor and Human Resources, April
28, 1998.
David Bouchard (2001) The Gift of Reading
Footnote
This article is dedicated to Bill Morgan, Webmaster of
Lagoon View Yacht Club Award Program
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Titles For June
by Cynthia E. Jones
June, 2006
The Piano Man
EXCERPT - Chapter One - September 2005
Claire O'Neal switched off the car radio with an impatient flick of her wrist. After two straight weeks of temperatures above a hundred degrees, the weatherman was heralding a cool front tomorrow.
Don't count on it, she thought. Nothing in this world is predictable. Not even San Antonio heat.
She parked her SUV in the driveway of the Spanish-style four bedroom in Terrell Hills. It was 8:30 a.m. and the clients were due at nine. Claire gathered her clipboard and stepped out onto the driveway, her linen slacks sticking to her legs.
Hotter than Hades, but at least it's humid, Nathan joked. His voice was a constant presence in her head, frozen forever in the self-assurance of seventeen.
Prologue
Empress
EXCERPT
Endless moons, an opaque universe, thunder, tornadoes, the quaking earth. Rare moments of peace; forehead up against my knees, arms around my head, I thought, I listened, I longed not to exist. But life was there, a transparent pearl, a star revolving slowly on its own axis. I was blind. My eyes stared into that other world, that other existence that dwindled a little every day. Its colors were extinguished, its images blurred. I was still left with cries of astonishment and feeble sobbing. I was oppressed by the impotence of these vague recollections, burned by their melancholy. Who am I? I asked Death as it crouched at my feet.
Death moaned and gave no reply.
Where am I? I could hear laughter, voices saying, "It will surely be a boy, my Lord. He is moving. He is full of life."
It mattered little who I would be. I was already weary of this vastness. I was weary of hoping, of waiting, of being myself-the center of the world.
I was soothed by the rustle of the wind. I listened to the trickle of rain. Across my sky in which the sun never rose, I could hear a little girl singing. I was lulled by her gentle, innocent voice. My sister, I foresaw great sorrow for her. A hand tried to caress me. But a wall lay between us. Oh Mother, the shadow outlined against the screen of my thoughts, do you realize I am already old, condemned to live within the prison of your flesh?More...
A Slight Trick of the Mind
EXCERPT - Chapter 1
Upon arriving from his travels abroad, he entered his stone-built farmhouse on a summer's afternoon, leaving the luggage by the front door for his housekeeper to manage. He then retreated into the library, where he sat quietly, glad to be surrounded by his books and the familiarity of home. For almost two months, he had been away, traveling by military train across India, by Royal Navy ship to Australia, and then finally setting foot on the occupied shores of postwar Japan. Going and returning, the same interminable routes had been taken-usually in the company of rowdy enlisted men, few of whom acknowledged the elderly gentleman dining or sitting beside them (that slow-walking geriatric, searching his pockets for a match he'd never find, chewing relentlessly on an unlit Jamaican cigar). Only on the rare occasions when an informed officer might announce his identity would the ruddy faces gaze with amazement, assessing him in that moment: For while he used two canes, his body remained unbowed, and the passing of years hadn't dimmed his keen gray eyes; his snow-white hair, thick and long, like his beard, was combed straight back in the English fashion.
"Is that true? Are you really him?"
"I am afraid I still hold that distinction."
"You are Sherlock Holmes? No, I don't believe it."
"That is quite all right. I scarcely believe it myself."Continue...
The Good Earth
EXCERPT - Chapter 1
It was Wang Lung's marriage day. At first, opening his eyes in the blackness of the curtains about his bed, he could not think why the dawn seemed different from any other. The house was still except for the faint, gasping cough of his old father, whose room was opposite to his own across the middle room. Every morning the old man's cough was the first sound to be heard. Wang Lung usually lay listening to it and moved only when he heard it approaching nearer and when he heard the door of his father's room squeak upon its wooden hinges.
But this morning he did not wait. He sprang up and pushed aside the curtains of his bed. It was a dark, ruddy dawn, and through a small square hole of a window, where the tattered paper fluttered, a glimpse of bronze sky gleamed. He went to the hole and tore the paper away.
"It is spring and I do not need this," he muttered.Continue...
A Summer of Faulkner: Three Novels: As I Lay Dying/ The Sound and the Fury,/Light in August
EXCERPT - From As I Lay Dying
Darl
Jewel and I come up from the field, following the path in single file. Although I am fifteen feet ahead of him, anyone watching us from the
cotton house can see Jewel's frayed and broken straw hat a full head above my own.
The path runs straight as a plumb-line, worn smooth by feet and baked brick-hard by July, between the green rows of
laid by cotton, to the cotton house in the center of the field, where it turns and circles the
cotton house at four soft right angles and goes on across the field again, worn so by feet in fading precision.
The cotton house is of rough logs, from between which the chinking has long fallen. Square, with a broken roof set at a single pitch, it leans in empty and shimmering dilapidation in the sunlight, a single broad window in two opposite walls giving onto the approaches of the path. When we reach it I turn and follow the path which circles the house. Jewel, fifteen feet behind me, looking straight ahead, steps in a single stride through the window. Still staring straight ahead, his pale eyes like wood set into his wooden face, he crosses the floor in four strides with the rigid gravity of a cigar store Indian dressed in patched overalls and endued with life from the hips down, and steps in a single stride through the opposite window and into the path again just as I come around the corner. In single file and five feet apart and Jewel now in front, we go on up the path toward the foot of the bluff.Continue...
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Anne Rice's Christ The Lord Out Of Egypt
by Cynthia E. Jones
January, 2006
Bound in a smooth white hard back, the 321 page book is protected with white paper that is trimmed in gold. A small image encircled also in the same shiny gold sits in the center. It is an angelic young man and the title reads 'CHRIST THE LORD' in all capitals. Could this be from the same author that has strengthened her writing career with the infamous Vampire Lestat and the Mayfair Witches? This book promises something entirely different and to those that love Anne Rice for her ideals and methods, it is something very much the same.
A triumph of tone - her prose lean, vivid - and character...'Christ The Lord' is a cross between a historical novel and an update of Tolstoy's The Gospels in Brief; it presents Jesus as nature mystic, healer, prophet and very much a real young boy. -Kirkus Reviews
Once calling New Orleans home, Anne Rice now resides in La Jolla, California with her properties in Louisiana being for sale even before the hurricane Katrina. She has fought a battle with diabetes and lost her husband, poet Stan Rice, far too soon. She announced on television in an interview that she had been in a very dark place of her life. When she was coming out of that dark period she was able to write her latest novel and dedicated to her son Christopher.
It is fiction. We know it is fiction by its genre and she makes no other claim. However, she writes with a realism, as if she was there, or is there and we are getting the story first hand. This is the style of Anne Rice, literary diva of the dark, so she has been called. I was a bit surprised by the title of her new book and what to expect from it. All other books I have read from Anne Rice have been thrillers about vampires or witches and when not, they were about haunting or memories of a darker time period. The single thing that always remains giving her books their flavor, is she becomes the main character herself. It would be a challenge for most but for Rice it is art, her art.
Excerpt from 'Christ The Lord: Out Of Egypt'
Chapter 1
I was seven years old. What do you know when you're seven years old? All my life, or so I thought, we'd been in the city of Alexandria, in the Street of the Carpenters, with the other Galileans, and sooner or later we were going home.
Late afternoon. We were playing, my gang against his, and when he ran at me again, bully that he was, bigger than me, and catching me off balance, I felt the power go out of me as I shouted: "You'll never get where you're going."
He fell down white in the sandy earth, and they all crowded around him. The sun was hot and my chest was heaving as I looked at him. He was so limp.
In the snap of two fingers everyone drew back. It seemed the whole street went quiet except for the carpenters' hammers. I'd never heard such a quiet.
"He's dead!" Little Joseph said. And then they all took it up. "He's dead, he's dead, he's dead."
I knew it was true. He was a bundle of arms and legs in the beaten dust.
And I was empty. The power had taken everything with it, all gone.
Continue with more of Chapter 1
'Christ The Lord; Out Of Egypt' is one of 26 books authored by
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Cinco de Mayo
by Cynthia E. Jones
May, 2006
May 5, observed by Mexican communities in Latin America and Mexican-American communities in the United States in commemoration of the 1862 defeat of French troops at the Battle of Puebla.
"They say that every time an Indian dies in Mexico an entire library dies with him. This anthology by Miguel Leon Portilla and Earl Shorris does not merely re-create a lost library, it brings back the eloquence of the indigenous people of Mexico past and present. We are assured by it that our men and women-those who best remember, imagine and dream-will be heard in the future. Without their voices, we cannot compose the great chorale that is Mexico."
-
The following reads are both educational and enlightening especially at a time when the United States is facing serious immigration issues. History tells us that Mexicans contributed highly to the growth and strengthening of the United States. Perhaps without their efforts and support, the US would have been defeated in those early years. Perhaps, without the Mexican soldiers, America would have taken a different turn with governing of another sort.
Cinco History
Battle of Puebla
The Battle of Puebla and Cinco de Mayo
Mexican Arts and Entertainment introduces
Suspend, Singer Swan
Suspend, singer swan, the sweet strain:
see how the lord that Delphi sees
exchanges for you the gentle lyre for pipe
and to Admetus makes a pastoral sound.
As gentle song, though strong, moved
stones and tamed the wrath of hell,
so it retreats, abashed, when you are heard:
your instrument blames the church itself.
For though the works of ancient builders
cannot match its columns,
nothing's greater than your song
when your clear voice strikes its stones,
and your sweet tones surpass it,
dwarf it, while making it grow the more.
-Sor Juana Ines de La Cruz
Sor Juana Ines de La Cruz
Born the illegitimate child of Pedro Manuel de Asbaje y Varga Machusa. Her
Mother, Isabel Ramirez, was born in the new world to Spanish parents and was
illiterate, earning her living farming.
Not only as a devotion to God but also to further her education, Sor Juana
became a nun. Her writings are in Spanish
and reflect her political stand for her Native Mexicans, for women who are
religious or not and for women artists to be seen as that, artists. Her work
will often times divulge her love for Greek and Roman mythology.
'Oh, how much harm would be avoided in our country if older women were as learned as Laeta and knew how to teach in the way Saint Paul and my Father Saint Jerome direct! Instead of which, if fathers wish to educate their daughters beyond what is customary, for want of trained older women and on account of the extreme negligence which has become women's sad lot, since well-educated older women are unavailable, they are obliged to bring in men teachers to give instruction...As a result of this, many fathers prefer leaving their daughters in a barbaric, uncultivated state to exposing them to an evident danger such a familiarity with men breeds.'
-Sor Juana Ines de La Cruz
Sor Juana Ines de La Cruz (1648 - 1695)
Sor Juana Timeline
Sor Juana Poetry Translated
Try Amazon.Com for more on Cinco de Mayo, with select books providing excerpts.
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Spring Forward
by Cynthia E. Jones
April, 2006
...even when the weather refuses to remember,
we can set our mood for the season with some creative readings.
my spring is just this:
a single bamboo shoot
a willow branch
Haiku of Kobayashi Issa
Kobayashi Issa From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobayashi_Issa
Spring Selections
Silent Spring by Rachel Carson
Page 1.
Chapter I. A Fable for Tomorrow
Excerpt: There was once a town in the heart of America where all life seemed to live in harmony and its
surroundings. The town lay in the midst of a checkerboard of prosperous farms, with fields of grain
and hillsides of orchards where, in spring, white clouds of bloom drifted above the green fields. In
autumn, oak and maple and birch set up a blaze of color that flamed and flickered across a backdrop
of pines. Then foxes barked in the hills and deer silently crossed the fields, half hidden in the
mists of the fall mornings.
Ostara by Edain McCoy
Eggs-actlly Ostara
Excerpt: The not-so-humble egg is inarguably the most pervasive symbol of the world's spring festivals,
Ostara included. Within its shell is contained all the archetypical connections of humanity has ever
held with life, death and life renewed. This eternal cycle of rebirth at spring is a major theme in
the spring holidays of virtually every one of the world's religions, from the most ancient Pagan
expressions of spirituality to the most modern sects of Christianity.
Experiencing the Passion of Jesus - A Discussion Guide by Lee Strobel, and Garry Poole
Excerpt: The Passion for the Christ illustrates the ability of film to engage its audience. In shock
and disbelief, repelled by the brutality and suffering, we witness the gruesome crucifixion of
Jesus-and our instinct for justice is stirred. 'Who did this?' we want to shout. 'Who's to blame for
this atrocity?' The endless flogging, the swollen eye, the shredded flesh-all of the horrific
violence compels us to demand, 'Who is responsible?' Surely the guilty party must pay for this?'
Spring's Sprung by Lynn Plourde
Excerpt: 'Mother Earth rouses her daughters -March, April, and May. "You must wake the world to start a new day".' I chose this selection as it would be a fun and
an easy read for new
readers and something a parent may consider for an Easter basket
filler. This is one for the night stand for story time.
Recommended reading ages for this illustrated book are 4-8 years.
New Illustrated Guide to Gardening by Reader's Digest editors
Excerpt: 'Updated to take your garden into the 21st century, the
NEW ILLUSTRATED GUIDE TO GARDENING is the definitive practical
volume on the subject. It's an indispensable gardener's bible
that covers every aspect of growing healthy flowers, trees,
shrubs, vegetables, fruits, and herbs. It is the only gardening
book you'll ever need.'
Gardening for Dummies by Mike MacCaskey, and Bill Marken
Excerpt: 'You've probably heard about the green thumbs and the
brown thumbs. Some people seem to have an almost magical ability
to raise beautiful, healthy plants, whereas others seem to turn
out only withering brown husks.
No matter which group you identify with, take note: Anyone can
become a gardener.'
Gardening in Containers: Creative Ideas from America's Best
Gardeners by Fine Gardening Magazine (Editor)
Excerpt: 'COLOR THROUGHOUT THE SEASON in just one 22
inch-diameter terra-cotta pot there in out entrance garden, we
created a wonderful progression of color from April until the end
of October: brilliant red tulips for almost a month, which we then
uprooted and replaced in mid-May with the dark red Fuchsias.' This
book is beautiful illustrated with garden photos of their
projects.
All of these selections can be found at Amazon.com with excerpts.
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Creative Writing?
Authored by Cynthia Jones
The distinction rather a piece of writing is indeed creative or not can be argued and is a controversial issue in literary circles. Often times, leaving the proclamation up to the reader if a piece is to be considered creative or not.
The above is a good example of how someone can without deliberation hinder a writer from continuing on and perhaps growing more creatively. Too much emphasis is then put on the quality and not enough is directed toward the effort, and in a nut shell can be a determining factor of literacy and literary maturity.
In my opinion, when one writes they are certain to use a form of creativity. Creative writing does cover a large spectrum of forms. When writing fiction, drama, poetry, prose, screenwriting, autobiographies, one is using creative writing.
The list does go on. It can be the two paragraph caption that you add to your photo in your gallery. Perhaps you have written a one page story about all that has gone into the restoration of your 1968 Mustang. You might even have a complete website detailing the 'how to' and 'how not to' win awards. It is the creativity in the technique that will give audience or not, and bestow a voice upon the words. Finding the right word to say what you want takes imagination, thought and flare. In essence, your artistry is involved in creating a piece of writing. Now you are writing creatively.
There are other forms of writing that are considered separate from creative writing. While I tend to believe there is always room for the creative side, once explained I think you will agree to the need of creative absence when using one of the following examples to write.
Take for instance technical writing, a form of writing that is used when writing instructions or assembly directions, hardware and software documentation, online help, technical definitions and technical product descriptions on Web sites. Most often with little time and preparation, the needed writing is completed and therefore referred to as technical. There is little room to deviate from the subject. The author does not have time to develop a persona or voice to his words, nor should he as it is crucial the work he/she is creating must be void of manipulation but clearly understood by the mass.
As with professional writing, used for reports, position papers, policy statements and academic or scientific journals. One can easily understand why professionalism is an absolute necessity in these types of documentation. Should the author approach personal opinion the document may not serve its purpose.
Journalistic writing is clearly based on facts. It is the presentation that has been described as an artistic expression. We are also reminded of the wordage 'Just the facts Mam'. Although journalism does deal with facts and stays true to the subject, how that subject is presented to the public is what makes creativity. That is the art of the personality that is actually doing the reporting or reading of the piece that is written.
The argument here may begin when someone is blogging a fact. If it was written with facts only, it may not be that interesting and would lack a certain appeal to be read. That is why the author will most likely decide to add their opinion or take on the matter with some extra flare.
It may be creative with their thoughts involved and we might really enjoy reading what is written, however it is clearly marked then as creative writing and can not be considered true journalism. Most are already familiar with the rule, when writing the news, only write the news and not how you feel about it. Describing how you feel about it is using your thoughts, your imagination and flare, making it creative.
I found the following definition on line and I love it!
Creative writing is a term used to distinguish certain types of writing from writing in general. The lack of specificity of the term is partly intentional, designed to make the process of writing accessible to everyone and to ensure that non-traditional, or traditionally low-status writing (for example, writing by marginalized social groups, experimental writing, genre fiction) is not excluded from academic consideration or dismissed as trivial.
Labels: article, creative, writing
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Green Lit
by Cynthia E. Jones
March, 2006
...because it is the color of spring time, of Ireland and the seamrog, attracting faeries,
aiding in crops and bringing us all good luck.
When Irish eyes are smiling,
Sure 'tis like the morn in spring.
In the lilt of Irish laughter
You can hear the angels sing
When Irish hearts are happy
All the world seems bright and gay
And when Irish eyes are smiling
Sure, they steal your heart away.
Irish Song by Chaucey Olcott and George Graff, Jr.
The seamrog or shamrock has three leaves and is highly used to depict St. Patrick's Day and Ireland's history. Stories explain that St. Patrick used this greenery to symbolize the trinity while introducing Christianity to Ireland. Why green? Because green is the color of spring time, of Ireland and the seamrog, attracting faeries, aiding in crops and bringing us all good luck. And the saint, Patrick himself? As I was researching for this article the one conclusive bit of information is that none of the details about the man are actually confirmed. There are several suggestions as to where he may have been born, none of which are Ireland. His birth name may have been Maewyn, Succat or Maewyn Succat and even his actual birth year is undetermined.
In observation of this holiday during the month of March, I have gathered several different pieces of Irish related literature. We may begin with the honored patron saint himself...
St. Patrick
"St. Patrick
Apostle of Ireland, born at Kilpatrick, near Dumbarton, in Scotland, in the year 387;
died at Saul, Downpatrick, Ireland, 17 March, 493."Read More....
Who was St. Patrick?
The History of St. Patrick
The Birth place of St. Patrick
Irish Writer and Poet - James Joyce (1882-1941)
Irish novelist and poet, whose psychological perceptions and innovative literary techniques,
as demonstrated in his epic novel Ulysses,
make him one of the most influential writers of the 20th century.Read more here...
James Joyce (Literature Network)
James Augustine Aloysius Joyce
Ulysses (Episodes 1 - 18)
Irish Short Stories
The Confirmation Suit by Brendan Behan
For weeks it was nothing but simony and sacrilege, and the sins crying to heaven for vengeance, the big green Catechism in our hands, walking home along the North Circular Road. And after tea, at the back of the brewery wall, with a butt too, to help our wits, what is a pure spirit, and don't kill that, Billser has to get a drag out of it yet, what do I mean by apostate, and hell and heaven and despair and presumption and hope. The big fellows, who were now thirteen and the veterans of last year's Confirmation, frightened us, and said the Bishop would fire us out of the chapel if we didn't answer his questions, and we'd be left wandering around the streets, in a new suit and top-coat with nothing to show for it, all dressed up and nowhere to go. The big people said not to mind them; they were only getting it up for us, jealous because they were over their Confirmation, and could never make it again. At school we were in a special room to ourselves, for the last few days, and went round, a special class of people. There were worrying times too, that the Bishop would light on you, and you wouldn't be able to answer his questions. Or you might hear the women complaining about the price of boys' clothes.Continue reading here....
First Confession by Frank O'Connor
All the trouble began when my grandfather died and my grand-mother - my father's mother - came to live with us. Relations in the one house are a strain at the best of times, but, to make matters worse, my grandmother was a real old countrywoman and quite unsuited to the life in town. She had a fat, wrinkled old face, and, to Mother's great indignation, went round the house in bare feet-the boots had her crippled, she said. For dinner she had a jug of porter and a pot of potatoes with-some-times-a bit of salt fish, and she poured out the potatoes on the table and ate them slowly, with great relish, using her fingers by way of a fork.Continue reading here...
The Reaping Race by Liam O'Flaherty
At dawn the reapers were already in the rye field. It was the big rectangular field owned by James McDara, the retired engineer. The field started on the slope of a hill and ran down gently to the sea-road that was covered with sand. It was bound by a low stone fence, and the yellow heads of the rye-stalks leaned out over the fence all round in a thick mass, jostling and crushing one another as the morning breeze swept over them with a swishing sound.Continue reading here...
"May the road rise to meet you,
may the wind be always at your back,
may the sun shine warm upon your face,
the rains fall soft upon your fields
and, until we meet again
may God hold you in the palm of His hand."
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My Little Green Mark
Authored by Cynthia Jones
In my Firefox browser I look at the lower right hand corner to see the green circle with a white check inside. This little mark tells me that the page I am viewing is validated HTML with no errors and no warnings. If a page is not validated with fixable errors, a yellow warning sign shows. If the page has HTML errors that tidy can not fix, a red circle with a white x shows, something similiar to our browser's stop button.
This tidy tool is an extension that you download and install into Mozilla Firefox. It is very easy to install, easy to understand and easy to use. The HTML is not being sent to any third paties. The HTML is validated locally on your machine.
How to Install? Go to
How to Uninstall? In Firefox browser go to Tools and then select Extensions. You should see a small pop up window that lists all of the Extensions you have Installed. Find HTML Validator and click it to highlight it. Now click Uninstall. When the process is complete you will need to close Firefox. When you open Firefox again, the Extension will be removed.
Adding that this neat little tidy tool is not fool proof, you will not get a 100% accurate HTML with the cleaning tool. However, if you are not a HTML guru, the tool will set you in the right direction to cleaning your page and you will be much closer to making it validated.
If your page is really off the mark and you choose to clean it with the tidy tool, you will get HTML code that is cleaned. Your first thought will be to copy and paste that entire code into your page and all will be finished. Not so. You will need to put your DOCUMENT Type back in and most likely loose all of your proper closing tags. (ex. this is correct /> and will be over written by this > which is incorrect) This will also happen to html breaks. Some things we do not see at first glance and it feels impossible to find the mistakes. Practice does make perfect and even if it seems difficult in the beginning, the more use brings more ease. Plus, in the HTML Tidy while looking at the source, you can click on the error or warning and it will page to that mistake within your html and highlight it.
I still recommend validating your HTML with W3C and insert a link so your visitors can verify. I have found the yellow warning sign may show up but my page may still be W3C validated. It is those kinds of warnings, not actual errors, that I would surely miss if I was not using Firefox. I do still use I.E. and it is thrilling to see a page look the same in both browsers.
There is mention of this tidy tool and the use of Firefox in my scoring for a couple of reasons. One, it makes it easy for me to see very quickly if a page is validated and is a large portion of why I use Firefox. Another reason is to encourage others to take a second look at their coding which is exactly what Firefox may insist on us. While Internet Explorer is more forgiving and a page can look ok when being viewed, the coding will not always need to be written correctly.
Why is this so important? You may say to yourself that if a page looks ok then why worry if it is written correctly. To answer the question simply, if your page is viewable in mulitiple browsers, your page is accessable to all users and your page will get viewed by more people. Not everyone uses the same internet tools and as a web designer it is your responsiblity to consider that fact.
On another note, if your page is not written correctly, your page can cause your visitor problems. Download time can be slowed or halted. Their computer can freeze leaving them no choice but to hard boot. Their browser can simply give up trying to read the page and crash. Of course if these things happen and you have applied for an award, the evaluator is going to disqualify you and your site. Not to mention, it is going to be very difficult for you to keep visitors returning and suppling a flow of traffic to your site. Depending on what your reasons are for developing a site in the first place, these mistakes could cost you big in the end.
The tidy tool is absolutely free and I highly recommend trying it out. If you do not use Firefox, now is a great time to download it and begin using it. It costs you nothing except a little bit of your time and space on your computer. You can just use this browser as an alternative, but use it. There are differences between Mozilla and Internet Explorer. However, I am finding more every day that there are very few differences IF the page is written correctly.
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O' Valentine
by Cynthia E. Jones
February, 2006
I swear to thee by Cupid's strongest bow,
By his best arrow with the golden head,
By the simplicity of Venus' doves,
By that which knitteth souls and prospers loves, ...
By all the vows that ever men have broke
(In number more than ever women spoke).
On February 14th, love songs will play, poems of love will be written and vows will be taken to celebrate a holiday devoted to a Saint. Who is this Saint? Why exactly do we celebrate Valentine's Day? Many think it is just a conjured up fable to mark a day on the calendar to boost sales in flower shops and candy stores. Well...as the fable goes there once lived a man and his name was Valentine, a priest who served in Rome during the third century. Claudius II was the Emperor and made a choice that every soldier should be single. He had come to the conclusion that love, marriage and family clouded a man's vision in a time of war. With his thoughts, he outlawed marriage.
Valentine right away realized the wrong in this act and became an activist for the sanction of love. He defied the law and as a Priest continued to wed young lovers. He was discovered and jailed until he was finally put to death and
martyred for his cause. While he was waiting his execution in prison, he fell in love with his jailor's daughter and wrote her love letters signing them, Your Valentine.
And then, there is Cupid. Cherub boy verses Roman God. In any case he carries a bow with a quiver of arrows. If Cupid's aim is on target, you might find yourself head over heals, OR picking yourself up from the floor if he forgets to fire at your chosen one. You might even find truth to Jerome K. Jerome's words - Love is like the measles; we all have to go through it.
In Roman mythology, Cupid was the son of Venus and she was the Goddess of love. And, as the story goes Cupid is the young God who falls in love with Psyche, a beautiful maiden and very much mortal. As Venus was jealous of Psyche's beauty, she allowed their marriage but did forbid Psyche to ever cast her eyes upon Cupid. Psyche was alright with that until she was coaxed into disobeying her Mother In-Law and by her own sisters no less. Cupid's reaction was of both shock and dismay that his loving wife could betray his dear cherished Mother and off to Mommy he stormed to report how betrayed they were.
Psyche was punished and left completely alone. In disbelief that the one she loved would oppose her, she wondered looking for him where she found the temple of Venus. Venus still held ill toward the young maiden and ready to destroy her, she paused giving Psyche tasks, confident she would fail.
Psyche finished all and with her last task she was given a small box. She was sent to the underworld and told to capture a little beauty of Proserpine. It was made clear not to look into the box but to simply bring it back to Venus. Maybe in her way of thinking, if she opened the box and looked into sheer beauty, she would then know how to regain her husband's love and affection. Perhaps she did it out of desperation to have Venus love her and accept her as a daughter.
When she opened the box she did not find the beauty that she believed she had confined, but in it's place a deadly slumber. Cupid came to his wife finding her lifeless body. With his love for his wife, he gathered the death grip and placed it back into the box. All was forgiven, for the love he could not deny. When Venus saw how much one loved the other she was moved and she too forgave Psyche, making her a Goddess.
I do not love you... by Pablo Neruda
http://www.public.asu.edu/~nielle/neruda.htm#idonot
I do not love you as if you were salt-rose, or topaz,
or the arrow of carnations the fire shoots off.
I love you as certain dark things are to be loved,
in secret, between the shadow and the soul.
I love you as the plant that never blooms
but carries in itself the light of hidden flowers;
thanks to your love a certain solid fragrance,
risen from the earth, lives darkly in my body.
I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where.
I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride;
so I love you because I know no other way
that this: where I does not exist, nor you,
so close that your hand on my chest is my hand,
so close that your eyes close as I fall asleep.
Love and Romance Poetry Galore
The History Channel
St. Valentine
Saint Valentine
Cupid
The History of Cupid
May Cupid's aim be sure and true, and your days there after be filled with love.
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For December
by Cynthia E. Jones
December, 2005
A month of celebrating. A time for gift giving. You can always find a literary gift for giving. Here are a few selections I have chosen. You can also try doing a search using keywords, author or title to find that perfect gift for the reader and writer on your list.
Favorites & Bestsellers
John Paul the Great (Hardcover)
by Peggy Noonan
The author brings her sharp observations, acute sensibility, warmth, and wit to the life of the pope and shows the personal effect his journey had upon her and millions of others. Written with heart and depth, this is at once a moving elegy and a brilliant celebration of a man whose life taught others how to live.
-BAMM
The Lighthouse (Hardcover)
by P. D. James
Combe Island off the Cornish coast has a bloodstained history of piracy and cruelty but now, privately owned, it offers respite to over-stressed men and women in positions of high authority who require privacy and guaranteed security. But the peace of Combe is violated when one of the distinguished visitors is bizarrely murdered.
Commander Adam Dalgliesh is called in to solve the mystery quickly and discreetly, but at a difficult time for him and his depleted team. Dalgliesh is uncertain about his future with Emma Lavenham, the woman he loves; Detective Inspector Kate Miskin has her own emotional problems; and the ambitious Sergeant Francis Benton-Smith is worried about working under Kate. Hardly has the team begun to unravel the complicated motives of the suspects than there is a second brutal killing, and the whole investigation is jeopardized when Dalgliesh is faced with a danger more insidious and as potentially fatal as murder.
This eagerly awaited successor to the international bestseller The Murder Room displays all the qualities that lovers of P. D. James's novels the world over have come to expect: sensitive characterization, an exciting and superbly structured plot and vivid evocation of place. -BAMM
Harry Potter Box Set I-VI Collection (Hardcover)
by J.K. Rowling; Mary GranPre
For the Harry Potter fans on your list. This collection features Harry Potter's first six years at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry including The New York Times bestsellers The Sorcerer's Stone, The Chamber of Secrets, The Prisoner of Azkaban, The Goblet of Fire, The Order of the Phoenix, and The Half-Blood Prince. -BAMM
Other Gift Ideas
If you need a little help in the kitchen coming up with new and easy to prepare dishes, or know of someone who does,
How about a new
You can give Books for FREE!
I have several suggestions I could recommend for you to give now and all year to help better the world. My number one choice is relevant to LitKorner and I do hope you find time to contribute for this holiday season and even then after.
Access to books is essential to reading development. However, 61 percent of low-income families have no books for the children in their homes. Over 80 percent of childcare centers serving low-income children lack age-appropriate books. Now you can help each day with a free click!
Visit The Literacy Site at
There is no cost to you! Funding for the books is paid by site sponsors and goes to First Book, an award-winning nonprofit that uses all funding generated by The Literacy Site to provide free books to children from low-income families -- books that they can take home and keep.
The Literacy Site is new, and its success depends on the number of people who visit the site and click every day!
Please click at The Literacy Site once a day and pass this information to friends and family. Together, we can give more books to children in need and help spark a life-long love of reading.
The Literacy Site
Box Tops Education
Build A School
Whatever you are doing for the holidays, make it a
happy and wonderful time. Remember your old books, magazines and even
newspapers would be appreciated by someone in the hospital, nursing home
or homeless shelter. Think about donating your literary hand-me-downs to
schools and libraries.
May the magic of the season be with you and yours.
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Literacy For All!
Authored by Cynthia E. Jones
Literacy for every Child, and adult, for boys and girls, for men and women, for those in school and out of school, for all communities, rich, poor, rural and urban, for all countries, for all the world and eliminate despair.
Chances are, if you are reading this, you personally are not dealing with literacy or illiteracy issues. There is a possibility however, that you know someone who is. Maybe you are like me and struggle with literacy, making it a daily practice to improve your vocabulary and writing skills. You may be a Parent or Grand-Parent of a Child learning to read or having difficulty with reading and comprehension.
'Early language and educational experiences for children have been found to be particularly critical to adult literacy levels. Early education activities such as learning nursery rhymes and stories, watching Sesame Street, playing word and number games, being read to at an early age, all positively relate to a students' ability to read. Children who learn to read early typically are better students and have higher reading levels. If our nation's schools are going to have an impact on literacy rates, then clearly all children must be given every possible opportunity to learn to read. Policy makers, teachers and parents alike need to work cooperatively with schools in order to achieve this goal.'
Found at
With the tools and information to help build literacy in children.
These examples are challenging for anyone who faces them.
Must one be illiterate before literacy issues are considered severe?
Literacy and the lack of, surrounds us all. It is not a matter of genius or scholar, nor simply the eloquence of one's penmanship. It is however a matter of necessity. Even so, we often times shrug off the notion when our schools are denied funding for books and supplies. We do not take time to research our local libraries to understand how they are funded and how we can help assure that they remain open for our community.
How Libraries are Funded
The Campaign to Save America's Libraries
Reach Out and Read
Worldly View of Literacy
In developing countries, children are deprived of books and education as frequently as medicine and food. These Children are far too sick and hungry to even think about learning. However, with continual support to organizations that are changing these statistics, wrongs can be corrected. With proper instruction and education, poverty, disease, and the neglect of human rights may all be reversed. Literacy may seem to be a minimal resolve to such huge issues. However, literacy does seem to hold a bright beginning to creating change and the lack of literacy may after all be the rooting factor to many of these problems.
'For millions of children across the world, access to a quality education is a luxury beyond their reach. Every child should be able to benefit from education, but around 113 million children are denied this fundamental right. The majority is female.' UNICEF
'HIV/AIDS is decimating education systems across the developing world. Children, and girls in particular are staying away from school to look after sick relatives, the number of children under 15 orphaned by AIDS stands at 10.4 million globally, and in Sub Saharan Africa alone close to 1 million children have lost a teacher to HIV/AIDS.' UNICEF
Poverty is not the only thief of literacy. Cultures and beliefs are also common factors. In some societies, it is thought to be needless for a little girl to go to school or to learn to read.
"… the best way to fight this is to educate the young girls so that they KNOW that they are not being treated right. Many women just feel that that is the way things are, and that they cannot change." Mareka, 15, from Australia
"Change must take place through evolution, through educating the young people of today. We can only hope that the adults of tomorrow will make the right choice." Girl, 16, from the UK
Labels: article, literacy, litkorner2005
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The Historian
by Cynthia E. Jones
October, 2005
In the distinctive styles of The Vampire Chronicles, The Davinci Code,
Angels and Demons, comes...The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova. A novel sure to please those that enjoy the tales of Dracula in the genre of thrillers, mysteries, and historical fictions. This hard cover is filled with 656 pages that will keep you in
suspense with rich vampire lore.
The information for this article was found at Barnes&Noble and Amazon.com where you can find The Historian.
FROM THE EDITORS at Barnes&Noble Review.
For centuries, the story of Dracula has captured the imagination of readers and storytellers alike. Kostova's breathtaking first novel, ten years in the writing, is an accomplished retelling of this ancient tale. "The story that follows is one I never intended to commit to paper... As an historian, I have learned that, in fact, not everyone who reaches back into history can survive it." With these words, a nameless narrator unfolds a story that began 30 years earlier.
Late one night in 1972, as a 16-year-old girl, she discovers a mysterious book and a sheaf of letters in her father's library -- a discovery that will have dreadful and far-reaching consequences, and will send her on a journey of mind-boggling danger. While seeking clues to the secrets of her father's past and her mother's puzzling disappearance, she follows a trail from London to Istanbul to Budapest and beyond, and learns that the letters in her possession provide a link to one of the world's darkest and most intoxicating figures. Generation after generation, the legend of Dracula has enticed and eluded both historians and opportunists alike. Now a young girl undertakes the same search that ended in the death and defilement of so many others -- in an attempt to save her father from an unspeakable fate. (Fall 2005 Selection)
FROM THE PUBLISHER
"Late one night, exploring her father's library, a young woman finds an ancient book and a cache of yellowing letters. The letters are all addressed to "My dear and unfortunate successor," and they plunge her into a world she never dreamed of - a labyrinth where the secrets of her father's past and her mother's mysterious fate connect to an inconceivable evil hidden in the depths of history." "The letters provide links to one of the darkest powers that humanity has ever known - and to a centuries-long quest to find the source of that darkness and wipe it out. It is a quest for the truth about Vlad the Impaler, the medieval ruler whose barbarous reign formed the basis of the legend of Dracula. Generations of historians have risked their reputations, their sanity, and even their lives to learn the truth about Vlad the Impaler and Dracula. Now one young woman must decide whether to take up this quest herself - to follow her father in a hunt that nearly brought him to ruin years ago, when he was a vibrant young scholar and her mother was still alive." "What does the legend of Vlad the Impaler have to do with the modern world? Is it possible that the Dracula of myth truly existed - and that he has lived on, century after century, pursuing his own unknowable ends? The answers to these questions cross time and borders, as first the father and then the daughter search for clues, from dusty Ivy League libraries to Istanbul, Budapest, and the depths of Eastern Europe." Parsing obscure signs and hidden texts, reading codes worked into the fabric of medieval monastic traditions - and evading the unknown adversaries who will go to any lengths to conceal and protect Vlad's ancient powers - one woman comes ever closer to the secret of her own past and a confrontation with the very definition of evil.
Library Journal
Did Bram Stoker base his character Count Dracula on the historical Vlad Dracul, the cruel 15th-century prince of Wallachia? Some believe this despite scanty evidence, but in Kostova's first novel there is no doubt. In the early 20th century, Paul, a young graduate student, learns from his advisor, Professor Rossi, that Prince Dracula is still alive as one of the undead. When the professor disappears one terrifying night, Paul goes in search of his mentor, whom he knows to be in Dracula's clutches. His search takes him to secret archives and libraries of ancient monasteries throughout Eastern Europe; he is joined by his daughter, his wife, and friends, all historians and scholars themselves. (There's even an evil, undead librarian!) The writing is excellent, and the pace is brisk, although it sags a bit in the middle. There is plenty of suspense so that readers will want to find out what happens next. Ten years in the writing, this debut is recommended for readers who enjoy arcane literary puzzles la Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code and Ian Caldwell's The Rule of Four. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 2/15/05.]-Patricia Altner, Information Seekers, Columbia, MD Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
Part One
~
How these papers have been placed in sequence will be made manifest in the reading of them. All needless matters have been eliminated, so that a history almost at variance with the possibilities of later-day belief may stand forth as simple fact. There is throughout no statement of past things wherein memory may err, for all the records chosen are exactly contemporary, given from the stand-points and within the range of knowledge of those who made them.
- Bram Stoker, Dracula, 1897
Excerpt from The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
Undead Chant
Copyrighted 10.31.04 Cynthia E. Jones
Now that my true self has come alive
the day is not what I longer need.
My chants can be heard for the night;
it is my survival for which I feed.
Down the road, the bells they chime.
A sound of muse for death and dine
calling to the halls and tombs.
A resting place, though not for mine.
Dancing on the edge, a skipping wake;
I walk the earth steady and firm.
For death has found and tries to take...
what is not his. Out of reach I squirm.
Dripping wet colored with blood,
my thirst is not denied;
emotions
flood, the dark is warm,
cradling me as if I died.
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Tears For Water
by Cynthia E. Jones
September, 2005
The long-awaited songbook of poems and lyrics, penned by one of the most acclaimed music artists of her time.
She has been reported stating that her musical influences are Chopin, Marvin Gaye, Mary J. Blige, Miles Davis, The Notorious B.I.G., Stevie Wonder, Curtis Mayfield and Beethoven. Perhaps another influence and factor of her unique musical flavor is that of her diverse and bi-racial upbringing.
Native of New York, Alicia Keys was born January 25, 1981 and first began expressing her love for music at the age of 4. It was at the age of 7 that she began serious musical instruction. There were struggles and it was stressful. It was expensive and her single Mother had little money but Alicia was able to study a Suzuki method of classical piano and told by her Mother "You can quit anything else but you can never give up on your piano lessons."
Her pre-teen years were filled with her performing music. She continued to perform through her high-school years while attending Manhattan's Professional Performing Arts High School where she was an A student AND graduated as Valedictorian at the age of 16.
When reading about Alicia Keys, one may get the impression that it was not always easy for her but she doesn't blame what could have been a difficult obstacle course. She makes it sound easy and instead of finding excuses, she embraced those qualities to her advantage. In light of that, she now gives that kind of hope back to others in her community. Through her demeanor and music it is impossible to not see the light that she has to share with all of us.
A brilliant pianist, her music is soul touching. At the root of the melodies that captivate the listener, are the words. It is the words, her own words, that has introduced her to the literary world, not only as a musician and song writer but as a Poet.
~
| Excerpt from - Tears for Water : Songbook of Poems and Lyrics "I Call this Tears for Water because in looking through all these words I have come to understand that everything I have ever written has stemmed from my tears of joy, of pain, of sorrow, of depression, and of question. Every single word has come from some form of my tears. I use them as water to nourish me, quenching the thirst for understanding myself, and because of them I am able to survive, I am able to stay alive, I am able to breathe. So I don't mind drinking my tears for water." ~Alicia Keys Buy 'Tears for Water: Songbook of poems and lyrics by Alicia Keys at Barnes&Noble.com |
~
FROM THE PUBLISHER
The long-awaited songbook of poems and lyrics, penned by one of the most acclaimed music artists of her time, Alicia Keys, is finally here for her throngs of fans. When she burst onto the scene, Alicia's years of intensive classical piano study and musical schooling paid off with over 12 million copies of her two albums sold, a huge international fan base, and an arena tour with female musical contemporaries, Beyonce and Missy Elliot. Her talent has been rewarded with nine Grammy Awards (including Best New Artist), four American Music Awards, two MTV Video Music Awards, a Billboard Award, and two Soul Train Awards.
Though Alicia has been very vocal through her career, there were always "delicate thoughts" that she never before imagined she'd share with anyone else-until now. Alicia Keys opens the journals and notebooks that she has kept throughout her life, documenting her growth as a person, a woman, and an artist, and reveals her heart to her fans in return for all the love they have shown to her and her music.
- Facts for this article were found in the following links.
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An August Son
by Cynthia E. Jones
August, 2005
Theodore Dreiser (1871-1945)
Born August 27th and being second to the oldest, Theodore was one of 13 siblings. Only two, including Theodore seemed to rise above their family's poverty. He had one brother that became a song writer. Theodore started very early to support himself and with a teacher's help, he attended Indiana University where he only stayed one year. He worked as a journalist for the Chicago Globe and continued working in journalism until he finished his first novel 'Sister Carrie', published in 1900 and said to have changed the direction of American literature.
Soon after the publication of his first book, he did suffer a mental breakdown and was cared for by his brother. Yes, it was the sibling that shared his love for words, the song writer. Theodore then became a magazine editor and resigned in 1910 due to a scandal that involved an employee's daughter. He went back to writing novels and authored several more including
Jennie Gerhardt,
The Financier, and
The Titan.
It would seem that the single piece of his works to draw the most success would be labeled 'An American Tragedy'. After it's publication he began to advocate reform. A trip to the Soviet Union led to another book, 'Dreiser Looks at Russia' with politics remaining his vocal point until his death.
- Dreiser Links
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Painted with Patriotism
by Cynthia E. Jones
July, 2005
A person gets from a symbol the meaning he puts into it. ~The United States Supreme Court
My suggested reads are inspired with America celebrating her independence. As a proud American and a proud Military spouse, it is not a difficult task for me to be moved by such. While we may be divided somewhat by issues, we all stand united at the core of what America is all about. What is America all about? I would say freedom comes to my mind first, but it is even more in-depth then a simple word. Perhaps diversity and with the ability to be who we are? That could even be argued by some. The idea to argue the point in the first place? Now we are getting close. We may not always agree with each other on our beliefs, our sexuality, religion, the way we bring up our children or our politics, but we most likely can agree that we have not known any other way to live. I would like to believe that we are trying as a nation to live by one rule and that is 'live and let live'.
I pledge allegiance to the Flag
of the United States of America,
and to the Republic for which it stands:
one Nation under God, indivisible,
With Liberty and Justice for all.
I love the flag of United States of America. I don't pray to it like a god or believe it holds magical powers, but it does hold something. It shares with the public a visual strength that trembling fingers sewn together expressing liberty, hope, courage and bravery. When I think of Betsy Ross and that first flag made, I can not help but be grateful for her display and giving unity. That is definitely what our flag serves and serves us well. Now, sadly there are those that want to burn old glory. Why they want to do this isn't exactly clear to me. Are they destroying our flag as a personal message of insult or are they burning it to prove they can? While I would never burn the flag I do not take offense at seeing it in flames. That sight only proves to me that nothing can destroy what this country is all about, nor flames may touch her core.
Popular school song, as recalled and submitted by Anne Dreisbach, an American patriot.
Said Washington to Betsy Ross, "A flag our nation needs
To lead our valiant soldiers on to high and noble deeds
Now can you make one for us, to which she made reply,
"I am not certain if I can; At least I'll gladly try."
Chorus:
So she took some red for the blood they shed
Some white for purity,
Some stars so bright from the sky overhead
Some blue for loyalty,
And sewed them all together,
For loyal hearts and true,
And hand in hand as one we stand
For the red, the white and the blue.
Said Betsy Ross to Washington, "Your country's flag behold!"
And through his tear-dimmed eyes he saw the stars and stripes unfold.
Then to his breast he clasped it, and looked to heaven above.
"Oh may it ever stand," he cried, "For rights and truth and love."
- Patriotism at its BEST!
"One day some of the other teachers and I decided to go on a trip to 14,000-foot Pikes Peak. We hired a prairie wagon. Near the top we had to leave the wagon and go the rest of the way on mules. I was very tired. But when I saw the view, I felt great joy. All the wonder of America seemed displayed there, with the sea-like expanse."
~Katharine Lee Bates
Listen to the melody and read the lyrics to America the Beautiful by Katherine Lee Bates.
Celebrate your freedoms, debate your differences, raise the flag in honor and don't forget to say a prayer for those still fighting for liberties for all.
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Poetry Galore!
by Cynthia E. Jones
June, 2005
Thank you David Bancroft, Denny Lancaster and Bernard Howe for hosting us a word palace.
Poetry Galore has a brand new look with the promise to
bath us in words of waking dreams. I would invite anyone who appreciates literature, poetry, short stories, or inspiration in general, to visit and submit your writings. while you are there, give the staff
a high five in appreciation for their efforts to get all of this to us while
giving authors a place to share their works.
Your poem may very well be the one that is selected as Poem of the Month (POM). The winner each month receives a badge for their site. Their winning poem is listed with the poem's title and comments presented by the critics panel. The critics Panel are those that make the decision as to which poem will be featured. All you need to do is have your poem listed at Poetry Galore to have it considered for POM.
While poetry is a key word in the inscription, you will not be deprived of complete stories, as well. You can submit your stories too! Resources you say? Of course there are plenty of
resources for all visitors to collect valuable information that includes poetry and literary partnering sites with reciprocal arrangements, Online Education and Learning, Medical and Health Libraries, Public and college Libraries, and Special Libraries. I am confident you will find a vast selection of resources along with poetry and stories that you will want to visit again and again.
Before you go today, please take a moment to visit the CureNow Team. I did and
I look forward to becoming a CureNow Team member! Now I know I am participating in the efforts to find a cure for Cancer. You can too by going to CureNow!
Just another example of the fine aspects of Poetry Galore!
Revision: January 6, 2007
As an update since writing this article, I have been included as part of the staff at Poetry Galore and we invite everyone to share their words at Waking Dreams. Your writings may be selected for Showcase Poems. Be sure to try the Writing Fest where a theme is introduced monthly as a writing challenge and a winner is picked for Poetry and Short Story.
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The Beat Goes On
by Cynthia E. Jones
May, 2005
A movement with innovative literary technique, challenging society or 'The Establishment'.
I can almost see and smell the smoke filled cafe with the small crowd that has gathered and seated themselves at the tiny tables centered with candles at dusk as the author takes the stage to spill his beaten soul to the weary who wait and listen with the sound of blues played with heart.
'Beat Poetry'...a movement beginning in the early 1950's with a phrase coined in the late 1940's. It was considered more of a slang term used in America after World War II. It means exhausted or beat down with a taste of jazz rustling in its bones.
It is a word that is used to describe carnies from the circus or carnival world and also used in
reference to drugs as meaning robbed or cheated. In 1945 Herbert Huncke introduced the word to William Burroughs, Allen Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac intending
the definition toward him self or against him self, and with this introduction the 'Beat Generation' was born.
The Window by Diane Di Prima
you are my bread
and the hairline noise
of my bones
you are almost
the sea
you are not stone
or molten sound
I think
you have no hands
this kind of bird flies backwards
and this love
breaks on a windowpane
where no light talks
this is not the time
for crossing tongues
(the sand here never shifts)
I think
tomorrow
turned you with his toe
and you will
shine
and shine
unspent and underground
This poem is written in the style of Beat and by one of the few prominent female writers of this form.
"The point of Beat is that you get beat down to a certain nakedness where you actually are able to see the world in a visionary way, which is the old classical understanding of what happens in the dark night of the soul." (quote from The Beat Page)
I am including a few of the writers considered part of the 'beat generation' along with a list of beat books, the top ten actually posted by The Beat Page.
- 'Beat Generation' with their works:
- Top Ten Beat Books (from The Beat Page):
- Beat Generation: Glory Days in Greenwich Village
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Are You A Blogger?
by Cynthia E. Jones
April, 2005
An indispensable literary tool for publishing your writings to the web rather your work is personal or professional.
Blogdrive.com, just one of many blog sites, offers several key features with a free membership. Give your email, choose an account user name, password and if you are over 13 years of age you are ready to begin once you receive a confirmation email. You will need a title for your blog, a name to insert for the URL and decide what category best suits your subject matter. Later you can make changes to some of your settings in the blog configuration. Although, your sign in name and URL will not change,
you might want to give some thought as you make that URL to your blog.
Now that your account is created, you are just a few steps away from being among the bloggers of the world. There are several styles for you to choose from to use as your template, if you are not up for the challenge of writing the html yourself. There are quite a selection of fine layouts with a wide variety of colors and designs with any host. Most blog sites will host your blog for free with a banner likely added to your page. If you do not like having an advertisement you can always upgrade to the premium package for a small monthly fee or you can have the entire site uploaded via FTP to your own host.
If you find that one blog simply is not enough to cover all that you have to write about, you can create more then one blog with a single membership ID and even have multiple authors to one single blog. It really isn't a ridiculous notion at all. Either of these options would serve well if you were hosting a group event with more then one participant responsible for updating.
At blogdrive.com, the WYSIWYG Editing tool makes it easy to create a really great looking post, as it gives the "what you see is what you get" editing abilities so you do not have to be a web designing guru to have a blog with a professional feel. Also available in the built in options are tag board, comments, and permalink, which is very handy if you want to create a permanent link to the side within your navigation. You can even post your entry by email. Yes, if you have an email account, the ability to access that email account and the ability to send, then you can update your blog from anywhere. Mini Mediator also gives the ability for you to post while surfing the web without going to your blogger page.
All of that still does not conclude the free membership features. You also get a contact form for you visitors to easily fill in and send to you, an optional ping to weblogs.com, an email notification for your guests to add their email IF they wish to be notified when you update and an archive calendar to access all of your past posts by date.
The abilities I have mentioned are the ones I have found at blogdrive.com but generally speaking most blogging sites offer the same key features. I suggest that you have a look around. Pick one that suits your needs with the features that you know you will use most. Here are a few more blogging sites to get you started on your own blog.
- BLOGS
Have fun blogging!
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March
by Cynthia E. Jones
March, 2005
'Daffodils'
I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.
Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the milky way,
They stretched in never-ending line
Along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.
The waves beside them danced; but they
Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:
A poet could not but be gay,
In such a jocund company:
I gazed--and gazed--but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:
For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.
-- William Wordsworth
Daffodils? Really? I'm not positive that Mr. Wordsworth was writing about the yellow drops of sunshine at all. In any case, I enjoy this piece for that very reason and I love the thought of Daffodils in March.
William Wordsworth mastered the idea of teasing, awakening, challenging and sometimes fooling the senses in believing what was being read was truly nature in subject. A beautiful example of what art is and what art should be. Something to cause controversy, something to cause a scene, something to read a second or third time and smile at what the author may have actually been referring too.
- Read more of William Wordsworth
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February
by Cynthia E. Jones
February, 2005
Rich... with much more then the sweets we give.
February, the shortest month and definitely filled to its capacity. While
marking the death of a Saint that gave with his life for his love of Christianity,
America also marks the lives of brilliant
African-Americans that gave tremendously of themselves. At African-American Literature, you will find many wonderful reads and introductions including the first African-American writer as well as civil writers. Biography.com also contains a growing list with one of my favorite authors and poets of all time, Maya Angelou.
During this month, many are thinking of valentines to share with one another. The little romantic notes of love consisting of poetry, songs, flowers and sweets. The man responsible for all of this was actually considered a Saint for his abiding love for his God even when Christians were being executed for marriage and for their religion. All the while St. Valentine held strong to his undying love and did die a martyr but with never losing sight of his beliefs.
The Magic of Thinking Big
Before leaving
Ohio, our daughter had to double up on her school work to complete the grading period
for the transfer. Her teachers were impressed with her dedication to her goals. I have been impressed too. It was explained to her Dad and me that Mr. Sanchez was very emotional
when he announced to the class that he would be looking for a new copy
over winter break to replace this one. The one he was holding up for the
them all to see. The one used time and time again to illustrate a message
that could change any one of his students course of action. Torn, faded
and marked with many personal notes of teaching previous classes to never
settle for NO. He handed his copy of The Magic of Thinking Big to my
daughter Ashley. He told her "this copy is now yours" and reminded her to
hold onto all that she believes in, that she can accomplish anything. Although I was not there, I did get to meet this magnificent teacher that
is surely one of those that has changed my daughter's life. The book is a
powerful read and should be a high school requirement for all juniors and
seniors before graduating.
Life is Changed
My family and I were on the road, considered homeless I guess, on our way
to a new duty station. We briefly heard of the horrible tragedy that had
taken place over the holidays. Asia was finding ways to survive and cope
with what nature had dealt them. Our world had been geographically
changed. As the days went by, it really put things in perspective for us when we were
complaining about our long trip in a small camper with 2 adults, one really bored
teenager and 2 pets. However, we did have a place to go, we were aware of
our reasons. We truly had nothing to complain about indeed!. There was light at the end of our tunnel.
Now we can shed some light at the end of their tunnel and help Tsunami victims
with our donations to the American Red Cross.
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Mind, Body and Soul
by Cynthia E. Jones
January, 2005
a new beginning for the spirit...........
With a New Year comes resolutions for ways to improve on ourselves and our surroundings. We aim for a better healthier way of life all year and some how it feels more obtainable with a marked holiday, a new beginning. There are many self help books that often times present resources for us to discover things about ourselves and ways to improve, motivate or give the support we need to break away from a habit we have been trying to kick. Sometimes we just need an incentive or an inducement. There is plenty of inspiration waiting in words and here are a few that might give you that lift needed to move.
- Motivation
How about Feng Shui?[Chin. feng wind + shiu water.] Explained by Dictionary.com, is a system of spirit influences for good and evil believed by the Chinese to attend the natural features of landscape; also, a kind of geomancy dealing with these influences, used in determining sites for graves, houses, etc. A change in our surroundings may be a great idea, clearing clutter and prevent trapping of a positive energy flow. Here are a few Feng Shui titles that may assist you in finding your Chi, the circulation of life energy with a happy balance of negative and positive.
- Feng Shui
I wish you a most happy and peaceful new year.
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Who Is Santa Claus? December, 2004 and while we are at it, let us share more magical reads for the season........... Who is Santa Claus? Hmm...I guess he is not a jolly figure in a red and white suit created by Coca-cola according to Are you in the mood for more holiday reading material? We can take a look at the season with rituals, traditions, recipes, activities, stories, ideas on how to create your own traditions and
ways to celebrate a life-affirming festival with While living in Spain, I was first introduced to Three Kings' Day, a Spanish holiday celebrated on January 6th. The children will leave a slipper or maybe a boot out side their door to be filled with candy and toys.
Vivan los Reyes Magos gives us a fun story to follow and enjoy this celebration
with her book
What ever you read this season, make it an enjoyable and learning experience. Have fun and have a wonderful holiday season! |
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In Writing November, 2004 literary reads from yesterdays to lift us, to inspire us, to improve upon and grace our minds for tomorrow...> My daughter Ashley, a junior in high school, had to deliver 'The Gettysburg Address' both vigilantly and accurately. It was her assignment that brought this piece of literature to light for me again after all these years. It touched me greatly that the words written so very long ago could be the very words written today for our own comfort and solace. The Gettysburg AddressNov. 19, 1863
Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
Yet, after all, though the problems are new, though the tasks set before us differ from the tasks set before our fathers who founded and preserved this Republic, the spirit in which these tasks must be undertaken and these problems faced, if our duty is to be well done, remains essentially unchanged. We know that self-government is difficult. We know that no people needs such high traits of character as that people which seeks to govern its affairs aright through the freely expressed will of the freemen who compose it. But we have faith that we shall not prove false to the memories of the men of the mighty past. They did their work, they left us the splendid heritage we now enjoy. We in our turn have an assured confidence that we shall be able to leave this heritage unwasted and enlarged to our children and our children's children. To do so we must show, not merely in great crises, but in the everyday affairs of life, the qualities of practical intelligence, of courage, of hardihood, and endurance, and above all the power of devotion to a lofty ideal, which made great the men who founded this Republic in the days of Washington, which made great the men who preserved this Republic in the days of Abraham Lincoln.
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Spine Tingling Reads October, 2004 Tales to make you tremble with fear and send shivers down your spine........... It is a perfect time to spook things up a bit. I have quite a few chilling tales to share with you and hope you find something that will scare the wits out of you.
Mmmmuuuaaaaahhhh! What does give you a good scare? I still
enjoy What about Vampires? Do you believe they are real? Vampires: The Occult Truth by Monstantinos will make you ask if they do exist. If you have the courage to read a book that may put to rest all myths and misconceptions, this is the one. Containing never before published case histories with vampires and their victims. Then again, Monsters are only figments of our imagination...hmm...perhaps this is so but people continue to encounter such beings and with vivid tales to tell. Give Monsters a ready, by John Michael Greer that uncovers ghost stories, werewolf legends, dragons, tips on investigating a monster sighting and more to make a believer out of you. Still not scared? Well then take a look at the
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Celebrate Your Freedom to Read
In a search for September books or back to school reads for young people who will soon be deciding upon an author for
reports and assignments as well as something to read leisurely. I came across Open Your Mind to a Banned Book Throughout the country, most children are starting a new academic year. Teachers are sending out their lists of required readings, and parents are beginning to gather books. In some cases, classics like 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,' 'The Catcher in the Rye,' and 'To Kill a Mocking Bird,' may not be included in curriculum or available in the school library due to challenges made by parents or administrators. Since 1990, the American Library Association's (ALA) Office for Intellectual Freedom has recorded more than 7,000 book challenges. A challenge is a formal, written complaint requesting a book be removed from library shelves or school curriculum. About three out of four of all challenges are to material in schools or school libraries, and one in four are to material in public libraries. The Office for Intellectual Freedom estimates that less than one-quarter of challenges are reported and recorded. It is thanks to the commitment of librarians, teachers, parents, and students that most challenges are unsuccessful and reading materials, like 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,' 'Slaughterhouse Five,' and the Harry Potter series remains available. When parents in a south Georgia school this summer challenged the use of John Steinbeck's classic 'Of Mice and Men' in the sophomore advanced-level English class, the school superintendent and others rallied to keep the book available. The most challenged and/or restricted reading materials have been books for children. At the same time that families nationwide have embraced the series that has encouraged many youth to delve into thousands of fantasy-filled pages, the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling has been the most frequently challenged title in the country. In fact, this spring a U.S. district judge ordered the books back into general circulation in the Cedarville (Ark.) School District after the district restricted access. Challenges are not simply an expression of a point of view; on the contrary, they are an attempt to remove materials from public use, thereby restricting the access of others. Even if the motivation to ban or challenge a book is well intentioned, the outcome is detrimental. Censorship denies our freedom as individuals to choose and think for ourselves. For children, decisions about what books to read should be made by the people who know them best -their parents or guardians. In support of the right to choose books freely for ourselves, the ALA is sponsoring Banned Books in September, an annual celebration of our right to access books without censorship. This year's observance is themed 'Open Your Mind to a Banned Book', and commemorates the most basic freedom in a democratic society -the freedom to read freely -and encourages us not to take this freedom for granted. Since its inception in 1982, Banned Books Week has reminded us that while not every book is intended for every reader, each of us has the right to decide for ourselves what to read, listen to or view. Thousands of libraries and bookstores across the country will celebrate the freedom to read by participating in special events, exhibits, and read-outs that showcase books that have been banned or threatened. The American Booksellers Association, the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression; the ALA; the American Society of Journalists and Authors; the Association of American Publishers; and the National Association of College Stores sponsor Banned Books Week. The Library of Congress Center for the Book endorses the observance. American libraries are the cornerstones of our democracy. Libraries are for everyone, everywhere. Because libraries provide free access to a world of information, they bring opportunity to all people. Now, more than ever, let freedom read at your library! Open your mind to an old favorite or a new banned book this month.
'Where they have burned books, they will end in burning human beings.' (German: 'Dort, wo man Bucher verbrennt, verbrennt man am Ende auch Menschen.') -Heinrich Heine, from his play Almansor (1821)
Information attained for this article was found at
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Haiku
Often times when writing a poem of any kind the writer will dig deep into their subconscious, releasing emotion and feeling that other wise would be retained and pent up. While all forms of poetry have this cause and effect, a Haiku may be the easiest from to get our feelings quickly written and explained. A haiku can also be considered an exercise to help with writer's block, forging a beginning to something more with greater detail. One outstanding example of enlightenment in this manner is indeed Basho; Japanese poet considered master of the Haiku form and author of "Oku-no-hosomichi (Narrow Road to the Interior)">. He shared with us his meditative way of life through his writing style, leaving us with the most wonderful pieces. The reader is made aware of his attitude and focus as he writes skillfully with a light texture to his words. In his most solitary moments he found beauty in everything around him and conveyed that in depth for our pleasure. Shared below are a few links that better introduce Basho Matsuo and his creatively written Haikus.
These are poems that contain 17 syllables in total. Line one will contain 5, line two will contain 7 and line three will contain 5. When writing a Haiku, one should avoid writing with similes, meaning words or phrases where anything is likened to something else. Metaphors are also another aspect to not use when writing in this form. Omit the figure of speech that a word or phrase ordinarily designates one thing, then used to designate another. As an example of a metaphor; That garden is like a paradise. A Haiku should reflect lightness, simplicity, openness and depth while always maintaining Japanese values. An example from me while watching my fish tank: |
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Independence!
It was never my intent to turn this space into an editorial. Although I admit the difficulty I do have writing and not stating my opinion. Sometimes I guess I lean on my own emotions to begin something. It has also been important for me to write literary likes for every reader. NetNacs! is read by those all over the world, and I try very hard to open LitKorner! up for all, and not only focus on one interest group. With that being said, please forgive me as I have felt compelled to write with maybe a little too much emotion this time. My Country is in turmoil really. We all are confused and sad by our every day's events. The news is filled with tragedy both at home and abroad. How can any of us do anything to make a significant change, to feel happy and glad to celebrate at any kind of celebration? I have been asking myself this question in a very much more serious mode for a few years now, since I witnessed the falling of the Twin Towers and that horrific day. I try with all my might to put it into God's hands and live my normal everyday life. It has been an impossible task though; nothing is, nor ever will be normal again. Then something touches me, maybe it's an angel, a spirit of a loved one or maybe even God him self, but something much more powerful then I, simply touches me, reminding me of great things. Tears will fall and I will ask my self how can I ever not write with the emotion that has been laid upon me? How can I go without giving some words of praise, offering a little space to that which needs to be uplifted This time my heart is filled with patriotism and especially so with being the wife of a sailor. My husband is a career recruiter for the U.S. Navy, his rate is that of a Navy Counselor (NC). When he joined the Navy he became a Hull Tech (HT) and served on several ships before switching rates. I personally know how it feels to be separated from your loved one, how their life is put into harms way for the good of all. His dedication to his job and Country have astounded me in our years of marriage. He remains dedicated even through times of trouble and strife, he puts politics aside and pays no mind to crude insults of fellow Americans. He simply does what he swore he would and does it with all of his heart. It would be a lie if I said I have served equally the same as a Military Wife. No, I have both questioned my government at times as I have my husband's job. He reminds me all the time that each one of us has a job to do and it all comes together. He often times uses the explanation of a ship with all the crew having assigned duties. Some duties seem less relevant then others but without one, the ship simply will not motivate. Our Country in essence is the very same, we need everyone, all kinds and all views to motivate. My tears will continue to fall for our young people, their loss of youth and innocence... their loss of life. Sometimes it is simply impossible for me to justify any of it, but I will do my part just the same, to be a hopeful citizen and live my life in the best way I can, thankful for it and my freedoms. I will remain thankful to those who have given this to me and thankful to God. As we suffer these trials and tribulations together as a nation, as a world, may we take solace and reverence in remembering those in harms way, and try to recall the good that prevails. Between words, arguments and all of the political correctness, let us find the strength to support one another, our families, the troops of the United States and the world. Before closing, I would like to invite you to
We are a nation that lives free, as is the world really,
for each of us are free. |
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A Father to Me
There are too many wonderful Fathers of Literature that have influenced me
through out the years. I can not mention them all
here. A good place to start is My Dad has also been a great influence in my life. He is not a writer or a literary buff, but very much deserving of a poem and I have tried to do him justice with my words. It is sometimes easier to write our feelings when we can not express them out loud. We are able to tell a story with incomplete sentences and getting to our point rather quickly. It is my belief that Poetry is a wonderful honor or tribute. In honor of my Dad, I have written the following. "When I Was Your Girl" When I was little I was your girl,
I would also like to suggest that you visit Happy Father's Day to my Dad and every Dad! |
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A Woman So Well
My thoughts of Mother's Day cause me to take pause and reflect on my Mom. The quote above is from a poem I wrote for her a few years ago. My mind wondered on thinking of all Mothers of the world. With a literary notion, I discovered that women writers have been Mothers to each and every one of us. While visiting
Emily Dickenson's beautiful poem "We never know how high we are"; We never know how high we are
My Mom may not be a published author, writer or poet, but she was the first to introduce me to books and the love of words. She encouraged me to have faith in God and in myself to achieve my dreams and do what ever makes me happy. It is with her nurturing and teaching that I find the woman within me today. It is her light that gives me the desire to learn and look deeper for answers. It is that light that leads me to find the list of Women in Literature that I present to you today. Happy Mother's Day to my Mom and every Mom! |
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Spring is Spiritual!
What is Easter? There are different religions, different beliefs and cultures that tell us of sacrifice and alterations of many kinds. When I think of this time of year, I am taken to my knees with so much emotion and healing. It is a time of new, a time of life, a time of change and beginnings in our world. All that has been buried and sleeping during our past winter months will now pop up, open their eyes and begin a new cycle of life. What ever religion, belief or culture; is that not what it all represents? This is the time for me to celebrate a man's rising to Heaven to sit in my defense so that I may be reborn. It brings me great pleasure to have the opportunity to share with you a poem I have written. I began writing this for Easter in 1999 and it was so long that it was more of a short story. Continually revising until my words formed what I have today. My verse is not meant to detour from the beauty of spring with blooming beauties such as lilies and daffodils, or to take away from the fun of the Easter Bunny, hiding colored eggs or filling baskets with candy and toys! My verse is a remembrance to me of what a man suffered and endured for me. It is a time for celebrations and everyone celebrates in their own personal way. We are a diverse people and I respect that! This is my own personal homage to my faith and without that faith, I would not survive one day in this world.
"He Lives" |
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My Library
Our Libraries need their community to volunteer and donate as funding is quit limited. It would be my guess that if a Library is unused it could be removed and duly missed by its community. In essence, the more you visit, volunteer, check out books and perhaps donate your old books, you are helping to keep your Library open. A Library is a wonderful source of informative material. A visitor may have access to computers, scanners, printers, copiers, fax machines, and the internet as well as video, television, CD's, cassettes and other audio equipment. You will also find Magazines, Local News Papers, Large Print Books and Electronic Books. Libraries are not only filled with books but also with countless tools to help us find our answers and to learn more on any given subject. Many of the tools available are fun to use and will encourage us and our Children to fit reading and learning into our lives. I'm using my local Library as a model resource in my article but if you visit your local Library I am positive you will find the same resources in your area. There are Reading Discussion Groups for Adults on every 2nd Monday in the Meeting Room. A Youth Reading Group can also be arranged by request. These groups are similar to book clubs. From personal experience I would recommend anyone, rather you have enjoyed reading in the past or not, to give a book club or discussion groups a try. These groups are developed to introduce new titles and subjects to you, books that you would not normally seek out. I can visit my
local Library ' For Ohio residents you can visit I realize that many who will be reading this will not be
residents of Ohio. It is my hope that my article
will bring an invitation or challenge for you to seek out your local library,
either in person with a visit or by accessing them online. I found a nifty
search engine to help you find your local Library! Ask a Librarian at |
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A Sonnet
There are many ways we can arrange our words into lines and form our thoughts to create poetry. A type of poem is a descriptive way of doing this. Some different types of poetry to mention are Acrostic, Ballad, Cinquain, Concrete, Elegy, Epic, Epistle, Epitaph, Free Verse, Haiku, Limerick, Ode, Sonnet and Villanelle. In most cases when I begin writing a poem I do not choose a particular type or style to write. I allow my words to flow freely and once I have something written I will then begin to structure my words, replacing some words with others or moving them around, to give my words meter. In the process a verse may be formed and a poem will take shape, sometimes correctly reflecting a type of Poem. Other times a verse is written with no rules applied. Some writers refer to this as Prose. A Sonnet is the poem type I am sharing here. It did take a little thought as each line should hold 10 syllables. Using fingers and toes, I believe my count is correct. As the line count goes, the correct number is 14 lines in a Sonnet. The stanzas should be arranged as 4 lines, 4 lines, 4 lines and ending with 2 lines. A Sonnet should also have an Iambic Pentameter. This is a measurement of meter in which each line will have five feet (foot). A foot will be 2 syllables. Here is an example of a Sonnet that I have written. My dedication to my husband for our Valentine's Day, Feb. 14, 2004. Belonging To Him My Love, my love, today this is for you. Met you on a Summer's eve; Our first night. Nothing on Earth can be assure for me. I grieve my love, and it must be for you,
Brief Descriptions for Poetry Types Acrostic - The tile is written vertically, each line begins with a letter in title.
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2004 Reading January, 2004 A year has passed us and a new one begins. One of my resolutions this year is to read more books! When my daughter was too young to read on her own I always found time to pick up a book and read to her. Things have changed so much in the last years. It is a busy world and we love fast pace things. My own family and I, we are now in love with our computers, video games, movies and televisions. Our books sometimes rest too long on the shelves. It is more and more difficult to find time to devote to an entire book. I recently asked several ladies of WOSIB ("Women of Strength and Inner Beauty") to answer a few questions and share their favorite reads. A few ladies did share their reads with me and adding my own favorites the following list of books was created. I thought it would be fun to share the list with you. Some of the following books I read in 2003 but a good book always deserves a second or even third read. Maybe one or more of these titles will appeal to you and you will want to begin your own book list.
Ann Rice is my favorite author. In addition to the list above, this year I will be adding "Blackwood Farm" and "Blood Canticle" to my collection. If you are looking for one of Anne's books to give her a read, I would recommend "Servant of The Bones". It is in my immediate plans to give this book another read myself! I hope with the titles given here you find something to get you on your way to reading this year, I know I have! Happy reading and have a wonderful New Year!!! You can find your books online searching by title at |
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Say Merry Christmas with
Literature December, 2003
Have you started your Holiday shopping for this Christmas Season? May I make a few suggestions for anyone young or old? Why not give a book or poem? You can even write a poem yourself! If your special someone enjoys putting pen to paper, they may like a journal. There are a beautiful assortment of styles at your local book stores. Find one that reflects their character and make a little entry inside. This will surely make a personal and touching gift. You may want to try your local Library and gain a library card. This is a fun gift for yourself! Take your friend for a holiday lunch and stop by your local library. Encourage your friend to apply for their own library card as well. While you are there check out a special book for your child or spouse. If your child does not have their own library card, now is a great time to sign them up! This would make a cute stocking stuffer! Find out the opening times for your Library. It is a possibility that your Library will have special hours during the Holidays, allowing you to keep your book or books a little longer. You may also find postings for holiday poetry contests. These are great for the entire family and a joy to hear the literature being read aloud. You can also take this time to go through those boxes and closets with all of your stored books. You probably have several in great condition! Perhaps you have finished them. While you prepare to make more needed storage room, why not share your books with others. You may want to consider donating a few of your books to your local book drives. Another gift idea would be two or three books, similar in size and topic, stacked one on the other and tied with a beautiful ribbon. This always makes a charming gift. Don't forget to add your card! A home made card is a wonderful touch. Take a moment and write a few words to your loved one. You will be surprised how quickly a short verse will form. The kids will be home for winter break during this month. If you would like
to give them something to do or something you both can share together, here is a
great link for Christmas!
Happy Holidays to you and your family! |
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Thanksgiving November, 2003
It is impossible for me to approach November and write a single word without mention of Thanksgiving. A time for family, memories and stating our appreciation for the people and things we are most grateful. A time for harvest and celebrating what the earth has given us. It is a time that we remember to thank God for so many blessings. My celebrations come with hope that our Country will be wise, filled with people who are diverse, accepting and understanding to one another. My family and I will celebrate Thanksgiving by sitting around a table that is filled with our favorite dishes. We will be thankful to have that table and the food on it and a place to lay our heads. We will be thankful to have one another. We will break bread together, a meal prepared with love and a prayer will be sent to the heavens. Our grace will include our thanks for our Freedom and the prices that have been paid by all. We will pray for those less fortunate and ask that our family will have another year together. We know that the coming year may bring turmoil, debt, goodbyes, illness, worry, fear, needless arguments and what ever else is presented to us. However, when Thanksgiving rolls around, we will do the same finding good reasons to praise the heavens. As the time drew near for me to work on my article, I began searching for
holiday poems and short stories. I found a few pages of holiday reading material
to share with you. One site in particular will provide you with thought
provoking words on the first Thanksgiving. When you visit
May you and yours know peace and harmony with a wonderful November. Many blessings to your family this Thanksgiving. |
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A Season for Poe October, 2003 'The leaves will begin their descend, as the
wind It is October and the ninth day of Fall. Autumn is brisk, bringing the perfect kind of evenings for a chiller of a tale. There is something about October that reminds me of Edgar Allen Poe and his tales of the dark places in his mind. Maybe it's the pumpkins we light and sit along our step to ward off the evil that may pass by on All Hollow's Eve. It could be that I have become accustom to ghost stories and haunts during this time of year. It is a season celebrated, with different views on faith and the after life. In my part of the world, it is a season when life becomes dormant and prepares for the winter to come. While you cradle something warm in your hands, let's share one man's season. My copy of 'The Poe Reader' was found at Barnes&Noble located in Erie, PA. Isn't that just perfect? I searched online for a book store that carried the same title. My exact copy was not found. However, I did find 'The Tales of Poe'. There are many titles available with an assortment of his writings. I am positive you will find one perfect for you. In The Poe Reader I found his writings divided into sections containing 4 Tales of Deduction, 7 Satires & Occasional Writings, 7 Tales of the Imagination, 9 Poems including 'The Raven' and 'Lenore'. 'The Rationale of Verse' provides informative tips on creating verse. Crowning words for any writer, beginner or established. To name a few of the titles listed in this book are 'The Mystery of Marie Roget', 'Diddlings', 'Berenice' and 'Ligeia'. Also included are the following Tales of Suspense which are perfectly suitable for any October evening in partnership of course with Poe's dark and elusive poetry.
My fascination did not begin by opening 'The Poe Reader'. His dark writings
were introduced to me long ago and opened my own Pandora's box for this style of
writing. Poe and his words have aspired me and my desire to write, his movement
so impelled mine. In search of more information about my life long impetus, I
found the
His death is a bizarre tale similar to his art. During a train trip from Virginia to New York, Poe left the train for no apparent reason and was lost for approximately one week. When Poe was finally found he was severely ill and taken to the hospital where he died. He was 40 years old. Sadly, a season's end. |
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One Hundred Seventy One
Pages September, 2003 Within this small number of pages, contains a story with a large impact. As I hold the hardcover book, I feel the binding crease and trace over the lettering on the edge. Title reads 'The Bridges of Madison County' by Robert James Waller. The author begins in 1989 by introducing us to the main characters and how his story finds him. Right away he introduces us to Carolyn and Michael, the children of Francesca and Richard Johnson. They find their Mother's journals along with other evidence of her time spent with Robert Kincaid. We are then taken back to August 8, 1965. There is an old green Chevrolet pickup truck containing knapsacks, rolls of film some fresh fruit and clothing. Photographer Robert Kincaid leaves for Madison County, Iowa from Bellingham, Washington. It would be his job for the following days to photograph the covered bridges in Madison County. While working his craft he would meet Francesca. Robert and Francesca would begin a relationship that physically lasted days but will spiritually last beyond their deaths. Richard and their children go to the Illinois State fair to show Carolyn's prize steer for 4-H, leaving Francesca alone for a few days. Looking forward to the quiet baths, the radio on her favorite station and no slamming of the screen door, Francesca waves good bye to her family. While her family are gone, without prediction or planning, Francesca will find remnants of her soul that have been safely tucked away. There will be moments, hours and days she will not want end. There will be decisions to be made. Her choices will bring wonderment along with heart wrenching pain and tears of torment. The author speaks of how writing this book altered his perspective to world views and what is possible of human relationships. It had the same impression on me. What could be a travesty is set to such gentle explanation, one can not hope for anything more then happiness for Francesca. We are left with wondering of Robert Kincaid and his life as a photographer for National Geographic. No real evidence is found to express this man's art with exception of Francesca's keep sakes. Even so, the author continually flirts with the suggestion of this being a true story. See you in October when we will celebrate a season for Edgar Allen Poe! |
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A Place of Literature August, 2003 Are you looking for some reading material online? Here is a link to a reader's and writer's portal,
Another wonderful aspect of this site, when you do find a read, you can easily select "Print This Story". You then are given a printable version to print and take with you. This is exactly what I did this week while preparing my article for LitKorner. This little feature is key when we do not have much time. Perhaps we can not read the article in it's entirety while online or we would like something to take with us to the beach. I found a few reads to take with me and would like to share them with you now. Read the following pieces of work in their entirety at
It certainly presents a challenge finding family safe material to share online and I liked the fact that Lit.Org will not accept pornographic material, erotica, etc. On Sunday nights two authors are chosen and given the same story starter to do a Write Off! With an onsite dictionary, random readings, newsletter, interviews, contests and forums, there is plenty to do at this site... A Writing Scene exists with agents listed and writing tips, you can add your site to the listing or search the many wonderful resources. You can also find books on writing and writing software. I found myself intrigued and wanting to sign up for their mailing list which is separate from their free membership. You can enjoy this site fully without becoming a member or being on any mailing list, however, to post you must be a member. My favorite part of this site is the 'Print This Story'; link to print and take the literature with me when I log off line. Lit.Org was a definite bookmark for me and I will certainly return. Until next time, be safe and find some cool literature to read on your hot summer days. |
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Summer Time July, 2003 Welcome to LitKorner and its first snippets about the literary world and creative writing. So, I thought it would be ideal to start about Summer, since it is July... And we are all looking for some ways to catch a few rays with our families. Nor should you get lost alone in a room with a book. Make some lemonade, grab your book, a blanket and make a family day outside! As I thought about what to review, the idea came to me to share with you what we have been reading at home. Our family has plans of being in the water along with camping as much as possible this season. Perhaps these will not make the more serious literature list, but they are fun, and just right for summer. Pick one or all of them up from your local news and magazine stand, book store or find them online at Amazon.com. 'Camping Life' - We brought this one home to get ideas of some new gear we might need. I found great articles, one to mention is 'Astronomy' by Dave Kelly. I think everyone enjoys being under the night sky on a clear night. This article made me hunger for those evenings, sitting with family, no tv, no computer, just us and nature. There are quit a few articles for those who enjoy this state of mind. 'Soundings' - In our issue we found a 'Safety Special' article with tips on how to run in rough water, being seen - flares vs. flashlights, and equipment to save your life. There are listings of waterfront real estate along with classifieds listing watercraft for sale. Motor boating - Filled with fun articles displaying different sized and styled water crafts, great deals on supplies and accessories for your boat, along with safety tips and gear. "KOA Directory" - This one is a must have if you are an avid camper. We would be lost without our directory. We find complete details of what to expect at our next location. The price to expect for tent, camper or kabin and if they have kabin or lodge facilities. We have contact information so that a quick call answers any concerns. It is always best to check when you are bringing your pets as we do. Each state has its own map and highlighted KOA camp sites with full description. Also, tips and fun ideas to make your camping experience a good one. This magazine is found at KOA camp sites. POETRY HOT DEALS FOR SUMMER! PERSONAL READS |
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