2015 in Review

By now, every news outlet has an article about 2015 in review where we look back at most talked about topic of the year etc. Why do we look back before we enter the new year? Why does Janus have two faces?

As we approach another year, another intersection, I leave you with "Intersections" (both I and II):

Intersections (1) Life is full of intersections, Waiting on me to choose: Go straight ahead, turn right, turn left Or make a U-turn and go back. Sometimes it is hard to choose And looking in the rear view mirror Is not looking back like Lot’s wife But watching to prevent side swipes. While I ponder how to get to my destination Go straight ahead, turn right or turn left, I catch you eyeing my ride and revving your engine And I find myself at another intersection. Now, I don’t like to lose and as a teen People said, “You drive with a lead-foot.” Yes, I’m tempted to race when the light turns green But I’m more mature now, so I’ll let you go. Waiting at that red light reminds me of a time I could have, but failed, to accomplish. So now I’m back in South Florida, a “U-turn” In my work life and I arrive at an intersection.

Intersection (II) Life is full of intersections And it is not a mere coincidence That I ponder life when I drive As the road as claimed so many lives. Each time I take that curve of road, I reach another intersection And want to start a petition Because I am still angry. Then I rationalize to calm myself down That it happens to other vehicles types And ordinary places. It’s that type of intersection Which we don’t get to choose.

from Seventieth Avenue (ISBN: 1507693629), Copyright © 2015 Suzzette Dawes

Aging

As I approach another birthday, I think of the times I used to want to be older (mostly to be 21). Now that I am older, I wish I was younger (mostly to be 21 again).

I know they say that age is a matter of the mind. Then why won't my joints stop aching and believe me.

"There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age."–Sophia Loren

Read more at http://www.beliefnet.com/Wellness/Health/Healthy-Living/Aging/Quotes-on-Aging-Gracefully.aspx?p=2#DR1oxgYMv9PIK25a.99

Your poem today is my gift from The Collection and/or Seventieth Avenue at

http://www.amazon.com/Seventieth-Avenue-Suzzette-Dawes-ebook/dp/B00UY38SCK/
http://www.amazon.com/Collection-Suzzette-Dawes-ebook/dp/B00C91OPP4/

by the way, the Kindle app is free to download and the books are free up to December 20, 2015.

Time

This past Wednesday I watched a movie FLOWERS (at Cinema Paradiso Hollywood) that made me think about flowers (because of the gorgeous bouquets featured in them), death (impact on others) and time (how spent by the characters). It was interesting how the story unfolded and we discussed after watching the movie then looking up a review to compare with our findings. 

Time is an interesting topic and I've battled with the topic in my poetry on various occasions:

In The Collection, "I’m drifting through time" where high school friends are memories then college friends are happening. Next graduation and college friends will become memories and who knows about the workplace.

A bad work experience leaves me with "Nothing But Time" in Tortured Souls which occurred after failing to navigate workplace politics, culture and colorful characters.

In Adventures In The Courtyard, time is an undertone and more subtle as in pausing to admire the various blooms such as "Hibiscus" while fear of running out of time sets the tone of "Detour" in Seventieth Avenue.

I think at some point everyone thinks about time so here are the poems:

Rain

As I lay in bed, I could hear the rain pouring down as it was quite loud on the roof, beating down rhythmically as God played drums.

As I sit in my den, I can hear the rain as drops leave the eave to hit the grounds and the cars probably splashing passersby as they slosh instead of whizz by.

I think of the time that I wrote a poem about driving through the blinding rain to see my teenage crush perform. Then I also think about my more recent poem of being drenched at a bus stop by a speeding car. When did the rain lose its romantic appeal and become a nuisance?

written in 1995

written in 2012

written in 2014

Well, I guess my love-hate relationship with rain is nothing new.

Who Are You Fooling?

Writers sometimes make up their own world but whether or not it is believable is a task for the reader. Similarly, lawyers may present their case but jury (or judge, depending on type of case) decides the credible facts. However, how is it that advertisers present early Black Friday on Thursday? It befuddles my mind because when they have a sale on Memorial Day is called a "Memorial Day Sale" so if they have a sale on Thanksgiving Day, then why not call it "Thanksgiving Day Sale?"

Even writers have to face the readers' wrath (or skepticism). For example, if a writer uses a known town then that writer should know that some readers will fact-check and call him/her on errors in describing that town.

With that spirit, here's a poem:

When I first saw him 

I had my camera waiting for nature’s perfect autograph
In the dense, lush vegetation near Lauderhill’s City Hall;
I was looking through my lens for that perfect photograph.

This is where I first saw him, glistened in the rays of the sun
That reflected on his taut skin and highlighted his firm body

As he relaxed under one of the trees towards Inverrary
And the sun shone through the canopy of leaves,
A sweet breeze reminded me that the day is done.

He then turned his head towards me and I stood still…

I stood still, hoping he wouldn’t notice me
Hoping I could blend into the background
But his eyes found me and he expanded his dewlap
So I knew that he saw me and then he scurried up the tree.

 from Seventieth Avenue, copyright 2015 Suzzette Dawes

What Makes You Thankful

Let's be thankful. No, I'm not in a cocoon nor bubble. Yes, I've heard the news!

Yes I had planned and set up a giveaway based on a date that sounded cool to me. What were the odds that other groups found the numbers intriguing too and had their own plans which were quite evil. The date "11/13/15" will be remembered for Paris as "9/11/01" has been remembered for New York.  The news have had round the clock coverage of events and the aftermath. My sympathy is with the families of the victims.

If you follow the news, you'd think there is nothing left to be thankful. Yet the news is thankful for disasters and tragedies for their ratings. Recently my father died and I was very sad and angry. Angry at the  hospital because I really felt they killed him so they could give another body to their contractual funeral home. I still find it a conflict of interest for a hospital to have a contract with a funeral home.  Sad because I didn't call my dad enough. My friend reminded me to be thankful because I always knew some gem of wisdom that I had learned from my dad.

We do have things that bring joy to our lives which we should take some time to be thankful. We should spend some time in our day to be thankful. Fear, stress and paranoia can not only overwhelm us but can affect our health over time. See these articles:

http://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/how-worrying-affects-your-bodyhttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1299209/
http://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety/effects-on-body

We could find several ways to reduce fear etc. One way that I found is writing especially poetry. Another way is to be thankful and spend some time where I focus on people or things that have a positive (or neutral impact when having a bad day) impact on my life. 

I'm thankful I can find my way home through poetry. What makes you thankful?

11/13/15

Numbers often fascinate me and today notwithstanding because the date is 11/13/15. You've got to love your odds consecutively. For some folks, it may be a sign when the numbers are so aligned. Whatever your take on 11/13/15,  Seventieth Avenue, the poetry of road signs and directions in life, is free today 11/13/15.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UY38SCK

Here is a sample of the poetry from Seventieth Avenue:

Season of Swindle

I guess it's that time of year: swindle time! Why do I say that? Because a couple days ago, I received a strange voicemail from "Sarah Wilson" of the Federal Investigation Department stating that there was an arrest warrant for me and I need to call her back.

Huh! What the ... Wait, what is the "Federal Investigation Department" and arrested for what? I was not calling anyone back. I wanted to call her back and tell her with the year I'm having, jail would be a welcome vacation and I might even have time to finish writing my novels (I have three pending that I have started some time ago). But then I recall the scam where you call back and gets charged so no thanks.

I immediately went to the computer, researched the name and phone number and confirmed it was a scam. I won't print the number here in case it's someone real whose number they're spoofing as my caller ID shows the number 2 different ways and a separate other number.

So far she has left three messages. I thought about adding callblock to my cellphone but there is a cost. I am not paying $1 more on my phone bill to block her so I will keep deleting her voicemail. Maybe it's my imagination but is there a proliferation of scams? Is it just at this time of year? Share your experience with me in the comments. In the meantime, here's a poem:

November

Today is the first day of November and I can feel that it is Fall. We fell back an hour this morning and ended daylight savings time. I started the morning working in the backyard: mowing and whacking the weeds. Yard maintenance is so much work but so worth it!

November is just brimming with activities. So much I want to do but how to make time? FLIFF2015 is here and from viewing the catalog, there is so much I want to see.

Until then, here's a poem:

Intergalactic Meeting

I sometimes wonder what our neighboring planets' inhabitants think about us and the jokes they tell between themselves. Why? I just read another dismal article on our mistreatment of our Earth. Now scientists are reporting plastic in our seafood (see Sahagun, Louis. "Plastic in seafood? Evidence runs deep." Sun-Sentinel. 25 October 2015. 11A).

 I am especially concerned about what they think about our space exploration programs in light of how we treat our Earth. Can you imagine an intergalactic meeting to discuss Earth and probably how to stop the humans from polluting the universe?

"Did you hear that Earthlings was jealous of Saturn for its gassy ring so they put a ring of garbage around Earth?" Asked the Jupiter being

"No and all this time I thought they were being careless with their waste. They didn't want to waste space on their land so they just used space!" - Martian.

"Damn they've pierced our acidic veil and probing our planet to see if it can sustain human life!"- Venetians on hearing the sad news that Earthlings' scientists have used heat sensors to determine that volcanoes on Venus are signs planetary neighbor is active.

"At least you got an acidic veil and they only can probe from the outside. With us, they have landed and have some vehicle roving about, spying on us. Our Intel has informed us that they found out we have flowing water!"- Martian.

"You two morons are in the same galaxy as those Earth morons. We're how many light years away and our Intel tells us they find us Earth-like. On top of that, our Intel tells us now their garbage has polluted their food and they're building better passenger space crafts so we're damned for being Earth-like" - Kepler-186f being.

"As if they are the only beings in the galaxy!"- Pluto-being.

"Go back under your rock in the Kuiper belt! Mature planets are having a conversation."- Martian

"You're just as bad as those Earthlings who demoted us from planet in this galaxy although our Intel tells us we will be reinstated to planet soon so their young ones will once again remember us by the mnemonic device: My Very Earthly Mother Just Showed Us Nine Planets"- Pluto-being 

Imagine yourself from another planet, what would be your comments about humans on Earth? In the meantime, here's a poem between Venetians and Earthlings:

A Certainty

Bereavement Poems - MuchLoved

www.muchloved.com/.../bereavement-poems-and-funeral-readings.htm

These include traditional poems such as Do Not Stand at my Grave and Weep, Remember and Epitaph on a ... To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: .... They watch us and help us to cope with our grief

After Loss, Turning To Poetry For Grief And Healing : NPR

www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=126282089

Apr 27, 2010 - The Art of Losing: Poems of Grief and Healing, Young's anthology, came out earlier this year. Early in the ... Stephen Dobyn's poem "Grief" employs a simple metaphor in its opening stanza: Trying to .... taking you away,

POEMS FOR BEREAVEMENT - RECOVER FROM GRIEF LOSS

www.recover-from-grief.com/poems-for-bereavement.html

Explore our collection of poems for bereavement. You'll find ... BEAUTIFUL POEMSABOUT GRIEF AND LOSS .... Speak to me in the easy way you always used

Bereavement poetry helps the grieving process

www.mtn-view.com/2014/11/bereavement-poetry-helps-grieving-process/

Nov 4, 2014 - Bereavement poetry is poetry that you can use in a tribute, a memorial service, or an online tribute site as an approach to manage the loss of a ...

All these articles plus I've often found writing to be quite therapeutic so I will be writing! In the meantime, here's a poem:

Darkness Descends

Who said that "doing the same thing again and again is the definition of insanity" needs to work at my workplace where that is the norm. And no, I don't work at an asylum or is admitted to one. It's my position on the ladder: bottom rung, the place where the leaves get blown from all the neighboring (bosses) yards. So if my boss, my boss' boss, the other manager, HR manager etc. wants to pretend that I haven't already sent them me a spreadsheet two weeks ago and asks me for the spreadsheet again, I'll forward to them that email again. Yes, I keep emails for that very purpose. Therefore mails I send to certain ladder rungs must be kept for date-time stamp.

As I stumble in the darkness known as the workplace, I dream of seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Here's my poem this week:

Space

In the last several weeks have read so many news article about space:

• Khan, Amina. "Volcanoes on Venus are sign planetary neighbor is active, scientists say." Sun-Sentinel. 28 June 2015. 5A
• Achenbach, Joel & Davenport, Christian. "Failed launch is setback for industry of the future." Sun-Sentinel. 1 July 2015. 6B
• WSVN. "Little Pluto bigger than scientists thought as flyby looms." Via http://miami.suntimes.com/mia-news/7/97/270156/little-pluto-bigger-than-scientists-thought-as-flyby-looms-2
• NASA. "NASA Confirms Evidence That Liquid Water Flows on Today's Mars." 28 September 2015. Web at https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-confirms-evidence-that-liquid-water-flows-on-today-s-mars

And so many other articles that I skipped over. Then I saw a TV ad about a movie "The Martian." Is this propaganda to brainwash us in setting colonies on other planets?  Why are us humans spending so much to explore the universe for earth-like worlds instead of taking care of our Earth? All this talk about space exploration has me wondering what aliens think of humans. Here's my take:

Annoying Ad

Anytime I see this ad, I am annoyed as I recall my horrible stay at this inn in Sarasota. The ad annoys me because it exalts this hotel chain, celebrating its great rating with their victory dance. When I stayed back in 2013, my experience was certainly "Like No Other" to the extent that I memorialized the experience in a poem.

Is there any TV ad that annoys you?

Writing Haikus Hollywood Artwalk 9/19/15

Still a hot evening
No breeze but humidity
At Hollywood Artwalk

Even the trees are still
Not swaying with a soft breeze
The last of summer

Waiting for the cool
And students are back in school
Autumn will be soon

Watching cars go by
A dark,  cloud-filled evening sky
Bringing waves of calm

It was so humid
Sweat dripped off me like rain
Later the rain came

Playing in the rain
Catching droplets on his face
These last summer days

The night echoes with sound
Shrieking crowd scatters, drumming stops
With the sudden rain

Young lovers kissing
After the rain has stopped
After the movie

Sidewalk is alive
With steps and scents of people
As the rain have stopped

Copyright 2015 Suzzette Dawes

Art & Poetry

It was so cool reading poetry in an art gallery. I am grateful to Broward Art Guild and everyone who showed up on Saturday. So many good poems were read. Sally was on a romantic theme with her selections. Ellen had romance in her selections of poems. It really fit the whole human exhibits. Rick gave us his money poems. Mara was environmental in her poetry theme. I especially liked Lenny's second poem because it reminded me of the fine print of pharmaceutical yet he was talking about a poem. Sue gave us a poem about the TSA which I still recall with a chuckle.  I wish I was better at recalling some of the lines so I could share but I really believe it would be better if you were there.

Here's one of my mind that I read:

On Rhyming

What's wrong with rhyming? Modern poets seem to frown on poems that rhymes comparing them to nursery rhymes. But what do I remember more? Which is more memorable? Their poems or nursery rhymes? 

Don't get me wrong: I do enjoy the imagery and other techniques of modern poetry but I still enjoy some rhyme. In fact, I love recognizing form and literary devices. When the rhyme is not forced, I find the poem divine. When I write, I don't always rhyme or use a form (not that I don't thrive to) as I mostly go with the flow.  

Yet most of the poetry I remember from high school had rhyme. It made it easier to memorize. I recall Rudyard Kipling's "The Secret of the Machines." It was a long poem but I memorized it as part of the speech choir.

Maybe as I age, my memorization skill has faded so it's hard to recall memorable lines in modern poetry (sorry Ezra Pound, T.S. Elliott and Amy Lowell).

In my poem this week, I used repetition, imagery and some rhyme. Do you recognize any other forms or literary techniques? If yes, share in the comments below:

Kokeshi Dreams

Friday was the opening reception and Art Exhibit "Dark Chocolate Japan" at Sunrise Civic Ctr. 10610 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Sunrise, FL 33351. Carlos Aleman was the only artist exhibiting but he gave a nice variety although all Japanese influenced. He worked with various media including paper mâché, acrylics and other media.

My favorite pieces are the Kokeshi pieces:

Kokeshi Mache - I was amazed at how it was made - looking at it I assumed it was more durable material but it is made of paper mâché and mixed media

A Kokeshi Story seem to combine many Japanese styles. I recognize a Samurai/Shogun that appeared to be woodblock print but I believe it was a painting because other styles were at play such as cosplay characters and even some realistic images. It seemed to be the crowd favorite as I couldn't get close enough to take a picture.

He seemed very good with working on masonites whether it is mixed media as in Booboolan or Traveling Companions.

Some recurring themes include space ships and tentacles such as in Attack, Wrapped Up in Tentacles and Encounter. 

I got a chance to meet Catlos and asked only two questions. He was very nice. Here are my qJest ions:: 

How long will the display be here? Until October 10th

Did you use any models? No, it was just imagination. 

I was surprised because in some of the art, the faces seem so realistic.

Overall impression

I loved the style, vivid colors and Japanese influence. Some paintings had a surreal feel but with realistic touches even the one that resembled a graphic novel. I could easily see this exhibit fitting in at nearby Morikami gallery.

If you can't make the art exhibit, check out his website at carlosaleman.com.

In honor of this exhibit, here's my first attempt at a tanka (Tanka is non-rhyming Japanese poetry form composed in five lines, in 5-7-5-7-7 format, 31 syllables in total. It consists of two elements. The first three lines (5-7-5) is called kami-no-ku (literally upper phrase) and the last two lines (7-7) is called shimo-no-ku (literally lower phrase).

See more at http://vinayaghimire.hubpages.com/hub/Japanese-Poetry-Forms-Haiku-Senryu-Haiga-and-Tanka)

Memories

As summer vacation comes to an end and school starts next Monday, I look back. I look back at leaving later and reaching work on time, thanks to lack of school speed zone speed limit. I can zip on through. Damn. Question: why is it a speed zone when we have to slow down to a 15 mph crawl. 

Monday brings the return of:

• Parents dropping off their children
• Slowing down for school speed zones and 
• Waiting behind the school bus as students get on and get off.

So as I look back fondly at whizzing my way into work this summer, I leave you a poem influenced by fond memories:

Hanging with Mommy

Sounds weird, doesn't it? Well, I was just going to stop by, see if she's there then be on my way but then I spent the whole afternoon and evening too with mom. We talked a whole gambit of topics but I was sure glad and it probably made me stay when she said that I was losing weight.

Usually it's watch your weight because of certain family straits and complications from certain conditions. Then followed by a lecture of eating right and exercise. I aim, practice for a week then fall into my old routine.

So when is the last time you visited the folks for no special reason? Do tell!
Here's a poem where I was spending time with my mom:

Politics: sometimes it's straight up bulls&@$

I don't get certain things in politics: why the ruckus for a presidential candidate born to an American mother in Hawaii and why no ruckus for a presidential candidate born to an American mother in Canada?

Isn't Canada another country?

I missed the GOP debate but that's one question I hoped the moderator would ask. I would have loved to read the headlines next day or hear the news commentary the next day. Who am I fooling? I just want to ask Trump where he stands on the birth issue of candidate Ted Cruz. If he is okay with it, I want to know why.

In the voting booth, I like independent and Green Party candidates but whoever gets the office, gets my respect. Now I don't have to agree with all their policies but our elected officials would be there to serve us.

Since I identify as Black, I find it funny at times and disheartening at times what people assume: when the Black President does a policy then all Black people agree. I got a glare one night from "Johnny" while he was performing His anti-Obama's presidency piece. The man kept glaring at me. There were other minorities but I was the only Black in there that night. After a couple rounds of open mic, I went back to my hotel and couldn't sleep right away and penned this:

Vacation Mode

I was reminded about the hop-on hop-off sightseeing buses on my recent trip to New York City and that some cities don't have these great tour options. In the past, I've used this option while visiting St. Augustine, Key West and Seattle. The tour guides tell some tall tales at times. Sometimes they provide information not readily found in books or the Internet. Overall they usually give some entertaining history.

Enough of the banter! Daytona surprised me with the lack of a trolley considering it would provide a tour guide with much fodder considering Daytona's history.

Detour

Today, downtown Ft. Lauderdale, there is an Art Walk at Fats Village, Flagler Village, Sailboat Bend etc. I am even hosting poetry reading today. A very busy day indeed!

Yet with all this hustle and bustle, they are repairing/preparing the tracks and have closed the tracks on Broward Boulevard. So plan accordingly either follow the detour or take another route but I hope to see you soon.

Colonization: Then and Again

I have been thinking about space exploration recently especially since I've been imbibed by newspaper articles. Should I be happy that Pluto will regain its planet status? Next I read about the failed shuttle which burst open like a piñata over the Florida coast. It setback hopes of economic travel to Mars vacation and possible colonization. Before that I read about Venus and how it is earth like because they sensed active volcanoes. It had me thinking. Oh why not? Here are some thoughts which hopefully are poems:

Colonization then and again

Europeans wanted to colonize America

To escape the wars and life of strife in Europe:

Religious persecution and economic blight

To set up colonies far from the crown 

Then they made it their own.

They chased them and cornered them onto reservations.

They took land and made it their own.

They traded for them and made them work on plantations.

They achieved a status in the new world like never before.

They want the status quo to stay but others demanded change

And wars were fought that brought about some rights.

They cry that rights should never extend to all

As that should clearly cause the human race to fall.

Such as the right to marry should stay ordained

But it always had a civil consequence

For serious illness and who can visit in hospital.

Then there is employer sponsored healthcare

And even intestate where some states recognize

common-law wife but not your domestic mate.

The status quo has never been the same

Not when Europeans crossed the Atlantic

And Americans they became.

So why do people expect things to stay the same?

Now Humans want to colonize Venus or even Mars

To escape the wars and life of strife on Earth

Religious persecution and economic blight

To set up colonies on earth-like planets

To explore new worlds and make it their own.

Will they chase the Venetians and Martians away?

Or will they use them for slave labor?

Will they create a new status quo?

Will the human pattern repeat itself?

Politics and Poetry

Politics can evoke strong emotions. That passion can inspire poetry. A couple politicians have been known to be poets too. One that comes to mind is A.P. Herbert and I think of his titles:

I Like Them Fluffy
At The Theatre: To The Lady Behind Me
I Cant See What He Sees in Her

My favorite three of his doesn't seem to have much to do with politics but they are quite entertaining.
Another poet, the Jamaican poet, Louise Bennett Coverly (Miss Lou) informed us, criticized us and entertained us with her poetry. Political issues of the day such as brain drain where talented people were leaving the island and going to England provided much fodder such as in "Colonization in Reverse." Miss Lou's poetry not only entertained but provided historical and political insight of events.

So to honor my influential poets at a time when so many Republican candidates are running for president and our former governor released thirty- three years of his tax return, my poem of the week:

Late Night Humor

I can't stand watching the news but I will read it online and the newspaper. I get the Sunday paper (ok, also for the coupons) and update myself with what's going on locally and the world. National news was that the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Affordable Care Act. I laugh at the late night humor usually on the opinion but I had an issue with Jimmy.

Let Jimmy Laugh

Laugh as you're neither unemployed or underemployed 

Laugh as you're the rich employee on TV

With perks and benefits wherever you go.

Laugh that "we could drink, smoke, jump mini-bikes off bridges

Or play chainsaw tag if we want to."

Laugh that "if we get hurt, it's not our problem.

It's America's problem...."

For many years, for many people

Full time jobs with benefits like healthcare

Stayed out of reach. Many people made ends meet

By working two or even three part-time jobs

And couldn't afford to buy themselves

Or their family basic healthcare.

Yet so easily go bankrupt if they 

Or a loved one became seriously sick.

They needed some healthcare

And the Affordable Care Act provided that.

Be glad for your TV gig and keep up your ratings

So you can laugh and make frivolous health things

That other industrialized countries provide for their denizens.

Your example of people doing stupid things

Mock the people who need medical coverage for serious conditions.

So you can laugh until you're no longer on TV,

broke or just working paycheck to paycheck -

Don't get sick if you have no medical insurance

Then you'd have to laugh at yourself!

Copyrighted 2015 Suzzette Dawes

Source: Kimmel, Jimmy. "Late Night Humor." Sun-Sentinel. 28 June 2015. 18A. Print.

Brace Yourself!

It's near the end of June and I am already hearing people say how hot it is in South Florida. Some say that they feel like a pizza baking in the oven. Some say when they step outside, it feels like they stepped into a sauna. Well, here's what I have to say: Brace yourself! We still got July and August!
So drink plenty of water and stay hydrated during the day. Then stop by Cinema Paradiso at 7 pm and enjoy some poetry.

Acronyms, to use and how to use

Tonight (Saturday, June 20, 2015), I will be at CP-H during the D.H.A.W. and next Saturday (June 27, 2015), I will be hosting poetry reading at CP-L and going afterwards to F.L.A.W.

When you look at that sentence above, does it annoy you?

The use of  acronyms is on of my pet peeve so I was delighted to read that someone sent a letter to Miss Manners* on "Understanding  acronyms." I wholeheartedly sympathize with the writer of the letter and disagree with Miss Manner's response that since the letter writer speak of the use of acronyms at work that it is up  to the letter writer "to learn the terms in common use."

I also acknowledge the usefulness of acronym but admonishes the use when acronym is unfamiliar to the addressees. In my work experience, I was at a meeting and saw on the powerpoint and heard the presenter use an acronym. I didn't know the meaning and since I saw  bunch of people nodding in what looked like assent, I asked. The first person didn't know the meaning so we both asked another who didn't know then we asked the presenter who also didn't know. Finally, we asked the manager who looked it up and gave us the definition of a new acronym for the new process that was presented in the meeting.
Just as how this presenter was using an acronym that was unfamiliar, people will use acronyms without knowing their meaning. I am reminded by my college classmate's sister who avoided using swear words and frequently admonish me when I did. One day, I heard her describe a fellow as a "S.O.B." so I asked her what it meant. She gave me a strange look like how is it that you don't know then told me that it was another word for "real jerk." Then I informed her it was  an acronym and spelt out the words for her. She was shocked.

Therefore Miss Manners, sometimes people just drop acronyms ( jargons and buzzwords too) to look cool. They might  not even know the meaning themselves. Moreover, I like the tip this letter provides:
"To ensure the meaning of your acronym is communicated is to precede an acronym with its expanded name the first time it's used in conversation" or a document.

This is very good advice as certain acronyms can be shared (picture this: a bunch of chemists who belong to ACS decided to participate in a run to benefit ACS; in the preceding, 1st ACS means American Chemical Society while 2nd ACS means American Cancer Society).

So to unencrypt my phrase above:
Tonight (Saturday, June 20, 2015), I will be at Cinema Paradiso in Hollywood during the Downtown Hollywood ArtWalk and next Saturday (June 27, 2015), I will be hosting poetry reading at Cinema Paradiso in Ft. Lauderdale and going to Fort Lauderdale Art Walk afterwards.

This is an acrostic poem that is in a novel (working title: Totems) that I am currently writing:

*Source: "Understanding Acronyms" (Letter to Miss Manners). Sun- Sentinel. Travel & Life section. Sunday, June 7, 2015. Print. or http://www.uexpress.com/miss-manners/2015/6/7/0/

Rock On!

A lot of events were occurring the weekend of May 29-31. Driven Music Conference was in town. I attended the first day of panels and there was plenty of information. I may not have a band touring and some of the information I already knew but I still learnt something knew. 

The evening was spent checking out the showcase at Revolution. I was encouraged to watch the whole showcase and support the last performing artists. Well, I'm glad I did because they are some gems. They had a diverse set from full bands to singers with pre-recorded sounds. 

I felt bad for the singers with pre-recorded sounds because they needed an uncluttered stage to dance to accompany the music. Revolution stage was really maximized for bands and just bobbing up and down. So hats off to Aurora who had been in a dance club with her freestyle like Shannon style instead of playing after the first band and Danielle Lyndsay, who for whatever reason reminded me of Mary J. Blige, closed out the evening. On the plus side, I really appreciate being able to hear the vocals, the lyrics.

Driven 5/29/15

(These are just some of the performances)

As much as Revolution is more accommodating to bands, the music tended to overwhelm the vocals and at times, I didn't know what they were saying so depending on if it had some catchy tune that I liked, later I researched them.

The first band, Above The Skyline ( https://www.facebook.com/ATS13 )  had the most audible lyrics and they were upbeat and quite contagious so I picked up their CD same night.

Then there was Aurora ( http://www.1auroramusic.com)  she started off with her guitar and strong vocal presence then she sung along with her tracks. I would have liked it better if I was going dancing because she had some dancing beats.

Next I liked Death By Paris ( http://www.deathofparis.com). I really liked that lead singer sang unaccompanied then the band joined in. Wow she could sing because the rest of the time she had to scream over the music. I checked them outline but couldn't find that opening song as I really liked it.

The music was overwhelming the vocals even with the amount of mic check between bands. I could hear some of the words of Elevators (http://elevatorsrock.wix.com/elevatorsrock ) but their melody really stood out so I was induced to check them out online and I have to say they got some rocking tracks.

Finally Danielle (http://www.daniellelyndsay.com/), a R&B songstress came on. Revolution was almost empty because people don't stay to the end of the showcase (not even the other performers). She belted her heart out regardless and bounced like she was in a packed club and the club was bouncing along.

Well Saturday I was done and didn't make it to any panels because I woke so late and still had some errands to run. My plan was the panels then the ArtWalk (skip the 2nd day of showcases because my ears can only take so much). I missed the panels but the ArtWalk was fun!

Here's a poem from The Collection:

Ft Lauderdale Art Walk

It was the last Saturday in June and this mouse had enough of the house. She called up her friend and to the Art Walk they went and boy oh boy, how things change in a year!

I hadn't been to the Ft Lauderdale Art Walk since last year so it was surprising to me how much it had grown. Fat Village had music screaming through almost every door and food trucks galore. Did I mention the garden of tents with vendors of various wares? T-shirts with Gogh's "Starry Night" to jewelry to organic fruit root drinks. I was glad to see it grow although I could do without the people who have to take their dogs everywhere. I only saw one dog with a service dog vest so I can't understand the need to take a pooch to a crowded place.

Oh and there was plenty of art to behold. My favorite was Mishu whose artwork is do appropriate to this election propaganda. It was funny with Bush quotes in the backdrop with a outline of a curvaceous woman with bush in display. I am in love with a baby grand piano from sixth star. My upright would be so jealous.

Then I drove over to Flagler Village because we couldn't figure out where the trolley stopped in Fats Village. Did I mention there were so many people?

Fats Village Garden of Tents

Flagler Village is what Fats Village looked like last year. A couple studios here and there. Music was only emanating from one place. I think Flager's Village best kept secret is S Leyden. I fell in love with her "Moon over Beach" but where would I put it? My living room is full. If I bought another piece, I'd need to build a wall in my living wall to fully display my pieces. I don't care if it's just a poster but Gogh's "Starry Night" stays! 

Hmm! Hmm! Hmm! "Moon over Beach," I will dream of you.

Since the moon rising, reflecting off the water is my favorite, here's a poem inspired by sunrise:

Cleaning Break Is Over

Last week it was the weeds on the outside: whacking, pulling and sweating. I was trying to save my plants from the weeds stranglehold. This last Memorial Day, I started a nightmare. All to be cooler.

I decided to rearrange my house so that my bedroom is in the coolest part of the house. I had done a week with my mattress on the living room floor. Then decided I needed to move my room and make the living room back to the showroom it was meant to be. It went a lot smoother in my head. I am still amazed at how much garbage I've accumulated which I must sort through; so I've got weeks ahead before I am really done.

Cleaning break is over so I'll leave you with a poem:

Weeding Things Out

A lot of other writers might tell you to write everything down then weed out what doesn't add to your story later.

I disagree.

If writing is like gardening, the weeds could take over. I have planted some pineapple tops some time ago. It's near the canal so I just let it grow. Yesterday I noticed that weed that climbs up wall was covering it. I grabbed the weed whacker and with a whirr, whirr, whirr, I was trimming away. Then I snagged a pineapple top and had to stop. I worked slowly to release it from the whacker and replanted it. After that ideal, I delineated the edge and worked the whacker at the edge then weeded by hand.

If writing is like gardening then editing is like weeding. Considering I still have more hand weeding to go to redeem my plantings, do you still want to let everything grow (write everything down) then weed later (that's a lot of editing)?

I'll leave you with a poem while you ponder that thought:

BTW, Poetry Reading at Cinema Paradiso on Saturday, May 23, 2015.

Procrastination

Procrastination and me have a thing...
so much to do and deadline is coming soon!

I used to be so prompt but now I'll do it tomorrow and when tomorrow comes then it's next week. You should see my lawn...as long as you're not with code enforcement.

To get going (and stop farting around with what to write on this blog), here's a poem about Congestion (you'd think I would have a poem about procrastination, no because I procrastinated on writing about it and all you get is the two lines above):