I had the humbling experience of entering a poetry slam last night. A poetry slam is a contest in which each writer has 3 minutes per round to recite a poem. We had 3 rounds and 6 poets in the slam. The first 2 rounds were preliminary. The final round featured the top three poets from the first 2 rounds.
There was a panel of 3 judges. They rated the poetry on a scale of 1 to 10. My scores were considerably lower than what I was hoping for. I felt a little dejected in receiving scores as low as 5. I have received a lot of positive feedback on my writing. This was one of the few times I've seen real criticism of my work.
I have come a long way as a writer since I started journaling this past year. Last night was a reminder that I still can progress much further. I'm happy to be able to view my writing in this light. I have not allowed myself to be discouraged by my experience last night. It is instead inspiring me to not get to comfortable in being the writer I already am.
On a side note the winner of last nights poetry slam was to say the least, deserving. He came across as being very real. I was amazed not really by his use of language as much as how he portrayed himself. I felt in one way that I could relate to him and in another I felt admiration. I got a chance to talk to him after the slam. I told him how much I loved his poetry. He returned the compliment. All in all I had a great night out.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Unsung Heroes
I think the role family members play in a person's recovery often can go unsung. They are crucial to recovery. I can say this from experience as I have had far greater support from my parents than I would have ever anticipated. They have stuck by me through hard times and are heroes in the truest sense of the word.
I have a wonderful relationship with my parents. I speak to them daily and see them monthly. I feel privileged to be so supported and loved. I know my parents feel that they are blessed to have me as their son.
I was adopted as an infant. I have never known my biological family and do not intend to ever get in touch. The family I have is wonderful. I could not have hoped for better. Everyday I realize more and more how important my relationships with my family are.
I have a wonderful relationship with my parents. I speak to them daily and see them monthly. I feel privileged to be so supported and loved. I know my parents feel that they are blessed to have me as their son.
I was adopted as an infant. I have never known my biological family and do not intend to ever get in touch. The family I have is wonderful. I could not have hoped for better. Everyday I realize more and more how important my relationships with my family are.
Self-Publishing
A short time ago I mentioned in an article that I'm looking to make a book. I was intending to publish all my articles I have written. I wanted to take another 6 months to get more ideas on paper. My goal was to have written a book that was approximately 200 pages long. This idea has evolved into publishing a 50 page book. It will be completed in less than a month.
My idea in publishing selected works from my blog as opposed to the whole thing is use the book for pr. I think using my best articles for a book will reel readers into the blog. The great thing about using print for promotional purposes is that it will earn a profit on its own.
Self publishing does require some money. I am going to spend well over $100 on the first batch of books. I have $20 going to a friend to have him design the cover. I will also have to pay to have the print formatted. This is still a fair price and I'm confident I will not lose out on this project.
If I want to make money this way I will have to promote the book. I intend to do a book reading shortly after it is released. I'm going to hold on to the book for a couple weeks after it has been published to promote the reading. This will give me enough time to promote the reading. All in all I am very excited about this new venture.
My idea in publishing selected works from my blog as opposed to the whole thing is use the book for pr. I think using my best articles for a book will reel readers into the blog. The great thing about using print for promotional purposes is that it will earn a profit on its own.
Self publishing does require some money. I am going to spend well over $100 on the first batch of books. I have $20 going to a friend to have him design the cover. I will also have to pay to have the print formatted. This is still a fair price and I'm confident I will not lose out on this project.
If I want to make money this way I will have to promote the book. I intend to do a book reading shortly after it is released. I'm going to hold on to the book for a couple weeks after it has been published to promote the reading. This will give me enough time to promote the reading. All in all I am very excited about this new venture.
Monday, December 3, 2012
Letter to Earth
Dear Earth,
Thank you for providing me what you have. A loving family, friends, food and shelter. This is a partial list of course. There are many treasures you have lovingly bestowed upon me.
You encompass all of life; and yet very seldom receive the credit you deserve. Instead you are often mistreated or raped. And you still bless all you give life.
I have learned many valuable lessons from you. You've taught me the value of love and patience. It is from your yielding nature that you are an example of these two qualities. I see you being abused and continuing to spread joy with your beauty. I know one day your good will prevail over evil.
Your mountains, plains and oceans are my home. Your expanse is my playground. I find in you inspiration. I try to be a friend to you. I want to show you my appreciation.
I am just one of an endless array of creatures and plants that you give life. I still feel as if you know me. You know when to let me fall. And when to lift me up. You challenge me and you spread your love through my heart.
You give all of creation equal parts of your attention. The large and small, predators and prey. Your loving embrace even spreads through disease and malice. You are graceful beyond measure. It is a joy to be in your presence.
It seems as if you know no other way than to spread love. Your embrace and compassion are without equal. What you provide is virtually endless. It is with your resources that mankind may flourish.
I wish to share with you the love that is in my heart. You deserve it more than I. It is you who taught me of love. For this you hold a special place in my heart. This gift is greater than any you may receive in return.
I can see clearly how I'm a reflection of how beautiful you are. My heart and soul are brush strokes on a canvas. Without you they have no place. They could not share as they are meant to. You lie as a back drop seemingly happy to be known through others.
You are my friend. I will spread the love you have shown me. I know it is through me you are given life. I am a vessel to your ocean. It is through your embrace that my life gains meaning. You nourish my soul and replenish my spirit. I am glad to know you exactly as you are.
Thank you for providing me what you have. A loving family, friends, food and shelter. This is a partial list of course. There are many treasures you have lovingly bestowed upon me.
You encompass all of life; and yet very seldom receive the credit you deserve. Instead you are often mistreated or raped. And you still bless all you give life.
I have learned many valuable lessons from you. You've taught me the value of love and patience. It is from your yielding nature that you are an example of these two qualities. I see you being abused and continuing to spread joy with your beauty. I know one day your good will prevail over evil.
Your mountains, plains and oceans are my home. Your expanse is my playground. I find in you inspiration. I try to be a friend to you. I want to show you my appreciation.
I am just one of an endless array of creatures and plants that you give life. I still feel as if you know me. You know when to let me fall. And when to lift me up. You challenge me and you spread your love through my heart.
You give all of creation equal parts of your attention. The large and small, predators and prey. Your loving embrace even spreads through disease and malice. You are graceful beyond measure. It is a joy to be in your presence.
It seems as if you know no other way than to spread love. Your embrace and compassion are without equal. What you provide is virtually endless. It is with your resources that mankind may flourish.
I wish to share with you the love that is in my heart. You deserve it more than I. It is you who taught me of love. For this you hold a special place in my heart. This gift is greater than any you may receive in return.
I can see clearly how I'm a reflection of how beautiful you are. My heart and soul are brush strokes on a canvas. Without you they have no place. They could not share as they are meant to. You lie as a back drop seemingly happy to be known through others.
You are my friend. I will spread the love you have shown me. I know it is through me you are given life. I am a vessel to your ocean. It is through your embrace that my life gains meaning. You nourish my soul and replenish my spirit. I am glad to know you exactly as you are.
Adding Value To My Life
I like philosophy. Life its self intrigues me. I hope to cultivate wisdom and understanding in myself over the years that lay ahead. This is in part my motivation to write. I am a little biased towards wisdom and understanding over knowledge and intelligence. I see the value of wisdom and understanding in how it permeates our souls. I feel that we can develop compassion for others if we choose to understand ourselves.
If you have read much of my work the previous paragraph was likely no surprise. I believe I have a good grasp of things and that it should be expressed. I like doing this through essays and poems. I am looking to expand from this into speaking and mentoring.
I have come far in deepening my understanding of life and other philosophical topics. I am also just beginning. I believe I will find understanding through poetry. I both write and read poetry. This is in its self quite rewarding. I think I will gain insight to the heart and soul of men and women in poetry.
I also believe in developing meaning in my own life. I think I can teach better how to provide meaning in life better the more experienced I am. I am doing things that are rewarding. And attempting to be happy with what I have. I want to share what I learn and feel that it is sharing its self that adds value to our lives.
If you have read much of my work the previous paragraph was likely no surprise. I believe I have a good grasp of things and that it should be expressed. I like doing this through essays and poems. I am looking to expand from this into speaking and mentoring.
I have come far in deepening my understanding of life and other philosophical topics. I am also just beginning. I believe I will find understanding through poetry. I both write and read poetry. This is in its self quite rewarding. I think I will gain insight to the heart and soul of men and women in poetry.
I also believe in developing meaning in my own life. I think I can teach better how to provide meaning in life better the more experienced I am. I am doing things that are rewarding. And attempting to be happy with what I have. I want to share what I learn and feel that it is sharing its self that adds value to our lives.
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Faith & Courage
I am faced with some challenges in my life presently. I am without a car. And this makes it difficult for me to get the work I want. I would like to work as a peer specialist but their is little opportunity for that where I live. I am not sure how this will work it's self out. I am confident that whatever manner in which my life unfolds that I can get through it. I will lead a life of purpose.
It took time for me to develop this faith I have in myself. I believed for a long time that I would remain lost. I did not see that there was a means for me to live according to my own aspirations and desires. This faith I now have helps keep me on course. I know that I might not get the job I want when I want to. I might have to compromise this part of my plan. However, if I'm persistent I will make this happen eventually.
My life will continue to challenge me as all our lives do. I have had to deal with severe mental illness and I have recovered. This awakens me to my own personal spirit. It is a spirit that can continue on in hard times. I know I can be successful. One day I will look back on this time in my life and be proud of how courageous I was.
It took time for me to develop this faith I have in myself. I believed for a long time that I would remain lost. I did not see that there was a means for me to live according to my own aspirations and desires. This faith I now have helps keep me on course. I know that I might not get the job I want when I want to. I might have to compromise this part of my plan. However, if I'm persistent I will make this happen eventually.
My life will continue to challenge me as all our lives do. I have had to deal with severe mental illness and I have recovered. This awakens me to my own personal spirit. It is a spirit that can continue on in hard times. I know I can be successful. One day I will look back on this time in my life and be proud of how courageous I was.
First Snow
I woke up this morning to a lovely surprise. The first snow fell last night. And it is continuing to fall as I write this article. There wasn't much in the way of accumulation (less than 1/2 an inch.) However the white on the ground is as pretty as can be.
The first snow brings back good memories. I can remember skiing with good friends and in beautiful locations. The first snow fall in the years that I skied always marked excitement and joy. I loved the winter and being outside in the mountains; the friends I had amongst skiers and snow boarders were equally valuable.
I want to one day return to skiing. I believe it will be a proud moment for me to afford my next seasons pass. I currently am not skiing as it is not affordable. I will one day change my financial standing. It will have come after a long and difficult period of my life. This period in my life coincided with my leaving skiing. I will feel in returning to skiing that I have fully recovered.
The first snow brings back good memories. I can remember skiing with good friends and in beautiful locations. The first snow fall in the years that I skied always marked excitement and joy. I loved the winter and being outside in the mountains; the friends I had amongst skiers and snow boarders were equally valuable.
I want to one day return to skiing. I believe it will be a proud moment for me to afford my next seasons pass. I currently am not skiing as it is not affordable. I will one day change my financial standing. It will have come after a long and difficult period of my life. This period in my life coincided with my leaving skiing. I will feel in returning to skiing that I have fully recovered.
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