Finishing up the final edits on By the River, my senior project. Writing my MFA application essays. Moving to a bigger apartment with a perfect little writer's nook off the living room. Oh, and tomorrow I'll be going to see Carlos Andres Gomez read. I'm just finishing up his book Man Up: Cracking the Code of Modern Manhood, so expect a full report on that coming up.
In the meantime... Here:
Showing posts with label college. Show all posts
Showing posts with label college. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Blogs, Books and Journals: A Post About Other Writers (and a couple artists)
A few weeks ago I began collecting links to blogs/websites of classmates, professors and alumni of Chester/NHIA. My intent was to simply link them on a sidebar here, and I still will but that's a project for a different day. For today, a dump of links for you to check out.
My friend over at Inciting a Riot wrote a book of poetry. It can be found here: The Playground. I haven't picked up my copy of it yet. I have read much of Don's poetry, however, so I'm really looking forward to it!
54 Devils by Corey Hutcheson is a book about the art and folklore of fortune-telling with playing cards. Corey also has a fabulous podcast about witchcraft and folklore.
It is largely agreed among his students (my wife and I included) that Eric Pinder is one of the kindest men you'll ever meet. He is a writer of children's books as well as poetry and nonfiction. I highly suggest "I'd Rather Be Riding My Bike." (One of these days I'll remember to snag a copy from you for my nephew, Eric!)
On The Deadliest Character Chris has readers vote who would win in a cross-universe battle of superheroes and fantasy favorites. This blog prompted a game of "Who Would Win?" between me and a fifteen year old boy last year that lasted for months! Chris is a student at NHIA.
I never had a class with Araminta Matthews, but she taught at the community college I attended before I transferred to NHIA. I recently picked up a digital copy of Blind Hunger and am hoping to start it this week.
Tim Horvath is the reason we ended up at NHIA. On "Accepted Student Day" at Chester College he sat at our table for lunch... or maybe we sat at his? I'm not sure which. But twenty minutes into a conversation about the story possibilities of the Desert of Maine Trisha leaned over to me and said, "this is definitely the school for us. We need to make this work." Of course, we lost Chester but we kept Tim! Check out his book, Understories. I'm a particular fan of Conversations, which got a Pushcart Special Mention this year.
Remember a few entries ago when I said that free writing in Jenn Monroe's poetry class changed the way I write? Meet Jenn Monroe. She is no longer teaching at NHIA but she and fellow former Chester/NHIA professor Chris Anderson (who was recently published on Spry Literary Journal) are the editors over at Daily Dose of Lit. Keep an eye on Daily Dose in January... *cough cough*
Meghan Carter is a current NHIA student who says she hates to blog. Hopefully she gets past that and keeps her blog up!
Greg Henry is a current NHIA student. On his blog he has interviewed Dennis Mahoney and reviewed a few literary journals. Another new blogger I hope sticks with it!
Photography of the Mind has photography, poetry, blogging and will definitely provide you some introspection and reflection time through the multiple stories appearing in Kenneth's art.
While were on art for a moment, check out my wife's Facebook fan page. Trisha brings life to paintings in a way that I rarely see.
Rachel Lieberman largely writes about writing and she has good tips and inspirational moments for writers.
On Sweaters Letters and Teacups Alyss has written some great book reviews, as well as some personal posts about writing, cooking, fashion... basically her blog covers wherever her mind goes.
Tower Journal publishes poetry, essays and short stories. The kind that you want to read a second time before that feeling passes. (I read a lot of these this morning.) Oh, and one of the editors is W.T. Abernathy.
Big Lucks has two Chester Alumni on the editing staff. There is online content, so enjoy some wonderful poetry and prose over there.
And if you want something a little on the lighter side: Marsupial Jones. Comedy that isn't for the kids. The Mission statement names it best: "Marsupial Jones tickles that part of your funnybrain that hasn’t evolved since you were chased by dinosaurs."
My friend over at Inciting a Riot wrote a book of poetry. It can be found here: The Playground. I haven't picked up my copy of it yet. I have read much of Don's poetry, however, so I'm really looking forward to it!
54 Devils by Corey Hutcheson is a book about the art and folklore of fortune-telling with playing cards. Corey also has a fabulous podcast about witchcraft and folklore.
It is largely agreed among his students (my wife and I included) that Eric Pinder is one of the kindest men you'll ever meet. He is a writer of children's books as well as poetry and nonfiction. I highly suggest "I'd Rather Be Riding My Bike." (One of these days I'll remember to snag a copy from you for my nephew, Eric!)
On The Deadliest Character Chris has readers vote who would win in a cross-universe battle of superheroes and fantasy favorites. This blog prompted a game of "Who Would Win?" between me and a fifteen year old boy last year that lasted for months! Chris is a student at NHIA.
I never had a class with Araminta Matthews, but she taught at the community college I attended before I transferred to NHIA. I recently picked up a digital copy of Blind Hunger and am hoping to start it this week.
Tim Horvath is the reason we ended up at NHIA. On "Accepted Student Day" at Chester College he sat at our table for lunch... or maybe we sat at his? I'm not sure which. But twenty minutes into a conversation about the story possibilities of the Desert of Maine Trisha leaned over to me and said, "this is definitely the school for us. We need to make this work." Of course, we lost Chester but we kept Tim! Check out his book, Understories. I'm a particular fan of Conversations, which got a Pushcart Special Mention this year.
Remember a few entries ago when I said that free writing in Jenn Monroe's poetry class changed the way I write? Meet Jenn Monroe. She is no longer teaching at NHIA but she and fellow former Chester/NHIA professor Chris Anderson (who was recently published on Spry Literary Journal) are the editors over at Daily Dose of Lit. Keep an eye on Daily Dose in January... *cough cough*
Meghan Carter is a current NHIA student who says she hates to blog. Hopefully she gets past that and keeps her blog up!
Greg Henry is a current NHIA student. On his blog he has interviewed Dennis Mahoney and reviewed a few literary journals. Another new blogger I hope sticks with it!
Photography of the Mind has photography, poetry, blogging and will definitely provide you some introspection and reflection time through the multiple stories appearing in Kenneth's art.
While were on art for a moment, check out my wife's Facebook fan page. Trisha brings life to paintings in a way that I rarely see.
Rachel Lieberman largely writes about writing and she has good tips and inspirational moments for writers.
On Sweaters Letters and Teacups Alyss has written some great book reviews, as well as some personal posts about writing, cooking, fashion... basically her blog covers wherever her mind goes.
Tower Journal publishes poetry, essays and short stories. The kind that you want to read a second time before that feeling passes. (I read a lot of these this morning.) Oh, and one of the editors is W.T. Abernathy.
Big Lucks has two Chester Alumni on the editing staff. There is online content, so enjoy some wonderful poetry and prose over there.
And if you want something a little on the lighter side: Marsupial Jones. Comedy that isn't for the kids. The Mission statement names it best: "Marsupial Jones tickles that part of your funnybrain that hasn’t evolved since you were chased by dinosaurs."
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Stop being afraid. Just write.
Ever feel like a message is being hammered at you from all directions at once? I have. And this is the message:
First this message came to me when a friend sent me Neil Gaimen's "Make Good Art" speech:
I had heard this speech before yet it somehow didn't mean as much. Because now is when I needed to hear this message. Why have I never finished a book? I've had plenty of ideas. Dozens of outlines and mounds of research.
I've never completed a book because somewhere in the process I get scared. I become afraid that I will spend months or even years of my life on a book and it will flop. That fear grows and grows until it becomes debilitating and I switch projects. Something smaller and less intimidating. Because if I spend a few days on a short story and it sucks it's just a few days.
I have known this about myself, probably blogged about it in the past. But now it is time to change it.
Today I heard Elizabeth Gilbert read from her new book "Signature of All Things." At one point during the event a question from the audience developed into Gilbert talking about fear. To paraphrase her (because my memory isn't that good) she said that you just have to go for it. When it comes down to it if you write a book or do a painting and it's horrible, what have you really lost? There's no life or death consequence. It's not like failing as a doctor or failing as a lawyer.
There is no good reason NOT to go for your dreams.
"You have to throw that flag really far ahead and just go for it," she said.
She also said that you can't look down or back or below you. She went into a metaphor about Road Runner cartoons which kind of flopped when she realized that she was sentencing us all to falling in a pile of Acme explosives. It was funny, anyway. And the metaphor worked until the explosives...
I can take all the classes and read all the craft books and do all the homework I want. But the only thing that is going to make me a writer is if I write.
Stop being afraid. Just write.
First this message came to me when a friend sent me Neil Gaimen's "Make Good Art" speech:
I had heard this speech before yet it somehow didn't mean as much. Because now is when I needed to hear this message. Why have I never finished a book? I've had plenty of ideas. Dozens of outlines and mounds of research.
I've never completed a book because somewhere in the process I get scared. I become afraid that I will spend months or even years of my life on a book and it will flop. That fear grows and grows until it becomes debilitating and I switch projects. Something smaller and less intimidating. Because if I spend a few days on a short story and it sucks it's just a few days.
I have known this about myself, probably blogged about it in the past. But now it is time to change it.
Today I heard Elizabeth Gilbert read from her new book "Signature of All Things." At one point during the event a question from the audience developed into Gilbert talking about fear. To paraphrase her (because my memory isn't that good) she said that you just have to go for it. When it comes down to it if you write a book or do a painting and it's horrible, what have you really lost? There's no life or death consequence. It's not like failing as a doctor or failing as a lawyer.
There is no good reason NOT to go for your dreams.
"You have to throw that flag really far ahead and just go for it," she said.
She also said that you can't look down or back or below you. She went into a metaphor about Road Runner cartoons which kind of flopped when she realized that she was sentencing us all to falling in a pile of Acme explosives. It was funny, anyway. And the metaphor worked until the explosives...
I can take all the classes and read all the craft books and do all the homework I want. But the only thing that is going to make me a writer is if I write.
"You gotta stop wearing your wishbone where your backbone oughtta be." -Elizabeth Gilbert "Eat, Pray, Love."
Monday, July 15, 2013
Breasts and Books
This woman sums up my feelings about breastfeeding in public:
Amanda Palmer sums up my feelings about media reaction to breasts (don't watch this one if you are afraid of the naked female body):
And here... Women in education:
Today I felt that I didn't need to write a post. These three powerful and amazing women had already said what was on my mind.
Edit:
One more...
Edit:
One more...
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
New School, New Challenges, and News
This week is my first full week of classes in the New Hampshire Institute of Art's Creative Writing BFA.
A classmate in my Creative Non-Fiction class put it perfectly last night. Loosely quoted he said, "when you finally get past the business school phase, the medical school phase and you admit that really what you always wanted to do was write, you find yourself here. Doing just that." And you find yourself happy with what you are learning.
I didn't jump schools but I did spend years thinking maybe I would manage retail, maybe I would become a veterinarian, maybe I would be a stay-at-home mom one day. But sometimes it takes a while to shed your layers and finally admit what is underneath.
One of the books for that same class, "In Fact: The Best Creative Nonfiction", says, "People in the arts, I read once, take about eight years just to figure out which art they're in. Notify your parents" (Annie Dillard).
I love all arts, but inside I am, and always have been, a writer.
That being said, this school is much more challenging, and I love that. I will be questioned, my bar has been raised. And I am excited about what that will mean for my writing and my life.
Which brings me to my last topic. Publication. This week I received a response from a publisher that a piece I wrote will be included in their online literary content, and it is being considered for their quarterly journal. More on that later.
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Hungry Reader With Insatiable Appetite
Last semester I wrote a 20+ page paper on food in literature. I began the project thinking about modern writers like Elizabeth Gilbert and Julie Powell, however as my instructor and I scoured goodreads.com we also found wonderful treasures such as "Chocolat" and prior examinations of the topic focused on Jane Austen and Shakespeare.
This class spent an entire semester on one topic which was chosen on the first day of class. By the end of the semester I didn't want to continue writing that particular essay, however my fascination with what food means in literature has not waned.
My thesis stated, essentially, that food and spirituality run hand in hand within much of modern literature, one taking the place of another or being interchangeable even within the same work, as in the case of "Eat, Pray, Love". In the Western world spirituality has been rapidly changing, and food has taken on a new role in our lives. Many of us label ourselves "foodies" (myself included). We do not eat to live, we live to eat. Meals are carefully planned for flavor rather than shoveled down for sustenance alone.
The book "Chocolat" by Joanne Harris appears to create the argument that chocolate can be its own religion entirely (and I am inclined to agree vehemently with Ms. Harris). She and the citizens of her small town find a new pathway to deity through her decadent sweets, and whatever magic she is throwing into the recipe.
Why am I writing all of this today? I recently began reading the memoir "Paris, My Sweet" by Amy Thomas and, although the food is wonderfully described and my travel bug continuously pulls me closer to eating at the Jules Verve Restaurant one day, I am not overly impressed with the book so far. It lacks a certain quality I look for. It doesn't grasp me, there is nothing going on below the surface. It is simply an account of all the food she eats in Paris while writing for Louis Vuitton, and frankly, I am not that interested.
Considering my fascination with how food is written into books, both fiction and non-fiction I feel this one must be particularly lacking for me to lose interest so quickly.
I will continue to read, and give the author a chance, however it's definitely not at the top of my list of suggested reads this summer. Anyone have a better suggestion for a book to satisfy my hunger?
This class spent an entire semester on one topic which was chosen on the first day of class. By the end of the semester I didn't want to continue writing that particular essay, however my fascination with what food means in literature has not waned.
My thesis stated, essentially, that food and spirituality run hand in hand within much of modern literature, one taking the place of another or being interchangeable even within the same work, as in the case of "Eat, Pray, Love". In the Western world spirituality has been rapidly changing, and food has taken on a new role in our lives. Many of us label ourselves "foodies" (myself included). We do not eat to live, we live to eat. Meals are carefully planned for flavor rather than shoveled down for sustenance alone.
The book "Chocolat" by Joanne Harris appears to create the argument that chocolate can be its own religion entirely (and I am inclined to agree vehemently with Ms. Harris). She and the citizens of her small town find a new pathway to deity through her decadent sweets, and whatever magic she is throwing into the recipe.
Why am I writing all of this today? I recently began reading the memoir "Paris, My Sweet" by Amy Thomas and, although the food is wonderfully described and my travel bug continuously pulls me closer to eating at the Jules Verve Restaurant one day, I am not overly impressed with the book so far. It lacks a certain quality I look for. It doesn't grasp me, there is nothing going on below the surface. It is simply an account of all the food she eats in Paris while writing for Louis Vuitton, and frankly, I am not that interested.
Considering my fascination with how food is written into books, both fiction and non-fiction I feel this one must be particularly lacking for me to lose interest so quickly.
I will continue to read, and give the author a chance, however it's definitely not at the top of my list of suggested reads this summer. Anyone have a better suggestion for a book to satisfy my hunger?
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Chester College
As many of you already know I plan to attend Chester College of New England in New Hampshire this fall. I began the application process last fall and was accepted into their creative writing program with a scholarship that would cover a large portion of my tuition.
I did not grow up with money and do not have a family that can support me financially with my education so that scholarship was a true blessing. Without it I would not be able to afford a private education.
My girlfriend and I traveled down to New Hampshire a few weeks ago to see the campus. We met a few of the professors and some students, both former and current. We explored the campus, a perfect and picturesque collection of farmhouses that have been converted into classrooms and art labs. We also began hunting for rental property further south. Everything seemed to finally be falling into place.
Yesterday we heard some devastating news. Chester College is suffering some severe financial issues and is attempting to raise money in order to keep the campus open. The website has more information about what is going on there. There is a benefit this weekend to help raise money for the school which will feature readings from a few authors, including Steve Almond.
I am quite nervous right now. I believe in the strength behind this school and its message. I believe that this school will not only further my education, but also my career as a writer. However, in today's economic world financial issues are not uncommon in small liberal arts colleges and this is not an isolated case. This school only matriculates around 200 students at a time. That environment is exactly what I want in a school, but in today's world trying to run a school that way is costly and not always successful.
I am hoping and praying that the school is able to raise what money they need this week. I am still planning on going there in the fall and, in the meantime, checking on my backup school and ensuring my paperwork is clear with them just in case. Unfortunately, they don't offer a creative writing program and my major would have to change to English with a focus in writing. We shall see what happens, I suppose...
I did not grow up with money and do not have a family that can support me financially with my education so that scholarship was a true blessing. Without it I would not be able to afford a private education.
My girlfriend and I traveled down to New Hampshire a few weeks ago to see the campus. We met a few of the professors and some students, both former and current. We explored the campus, a perfect and picturesque collection of farmhouses that have been converted into classrooms and art labs. We also began hunting for rental property further south. Everything seemed to finally be falling into place.
Yesterday we heard some devastating news. Chester College is suffering some severe financial issues and is attempting to raise money in order to keep the campus open. The website has more information about what is going on there. There is a benefit this weekend to help raise money for the school which will feature readings from a few authors, including Steve Almond.
I am quite nervous right now. I believe in the strength behind this school and its message. I believe that this school will not only further my education, but also my career as a writer. However, in today's economic world financial issues are not uncommon in small liberal arts colleges and this is not an isolated case. This school only matriculates around 200 students at a time. That environment is exactly what I want in a school, but in today's world trying to run a school that way is costly and not always successful.
I am hoping and praying that the school is able to raise what money they need this week. I am still planning on going there in the fall and, in the meantime, checking on my backup school and ensuring my paperwork is clear with them just in case. Unfortunately, they don't offer a creative writing program and my major would have to change to English with a focus in writing. We shall see what happens, I suppose...
Friday, February 3, 2012
Homework and Letter Writing
Of course the semester I decide to take on a letter writing challenge is also the semester my workload doubles. Between freelance writing, work, homework assignments and letter writing it's a wonder I ever breathe. It's also a wonder my hand hasn't frozen around a pen. However, It's day four and so far I have written at least one letter every day. Doing good! Today I even got ambitious enough to pull out my wax seal for a card I'm sending off to my baby sister.
Don't think I'm complaining about my busy life. I love to be busy. I love a full schedule. Every once in awhile it's nice to stop and take a break, but most of the time I enjoy rapid pace. Keeps my mind working which gives me something to write about.
And amongst all of this busy time inspiration hit and I've begun another book. This one is a series of short stories based around one large event in a relatively small town, told through the eyes of different people within the town. I realized my issue with completing a book is that - like most of modern America - I have a relatively short attention span. Once I'm familiar with a narrator I tend to grow bored with them. So this book is through the eyes of a few different narrators and maybe it'll hold my attention better.
Tonight I am off in search of thai food and good stationary paper. We'll see what I come up with.
P.S. If you're not already on my list for letters and you want to be drop me an email kcouchkent@gmail.com
Don't think I'm complaining about my busy life. I love to be busy. I love a full schedule. Every once in awhile it's nice to stop and take a break, but most of the time I enjoy rapid pace. Keeps my mind working which gives me something to write about.
And amongst all of this busy time inspiration hit and I've begun another book. This one is a series of short stories based around one large event in a relatively small town, told through the eyes of different people within the town. I realized my issue with completing a book is that - like most of modern America - I have a relatively short attention span. Once I'm familiar with a narrator I tend to grow bored with them. So this book is through the eyes of a few different narrators and maybe it'll hold my attention better.
Tonight I am off in search of thai food and good stationary paper. We'll see what I come up with.
P.S. If you're not already on my list for letters and you want to be drop me an email kcouchkent@gmail.com
Saturday, January 21, 2012
College Rant
Why does every class have at least one person who feels they should do one or all of the following:
-Attempt to be smarter than the teacher through an extensive vocabulary (which they usually use incorrectly)
-Speak up about things completely off topic (what does your love of "Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy" have to do with the school's plagiarism policy?)
-Use class as therapy (I don't want to know!)
-Arrive late and stoned, leave early, and roll their eyes. Seriously, why are you even here?
-Play Angry Birds. I wouldn't care except some teachers don't have cell phone rules, and apparently that means you can play Angry Birds with the volume on... you annoying child.
-Loudly complain about the teacher every time she is out of earshot... if you don't like the teacher you can drop the class... you have the power...
Rant is over. I'm done complaining and I still love going to school. We now return to my optimistic, happy, bubbly self...
-Attempt to be smarter than the teacher through an extensive vocabulary (which they usually use incorrectly)
-Speak up about things completely off topic (what does your love of "Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy" have to do with the school's plagiarism policy?)
-Use class as therapy (I don't want to know!)
-Arrive late and stoned, leave early, and roll their eyes. Seriously, why are you even here?
-Play Angry Birds. I wouldn't care except some teachers don't have cell phone rules, and apparently that means you can play Angry Birds with the volume on... you annoying child.
-Loudly complain about the teacher every time she is out of earshot... if you don't like the teacher you can drop the class... you have the power...
Rant is over. I'm done complaining and I still love going to school. We now return to my optimistic, happy, bubbly self...
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Being a Writer
suggested by Altered Words"In Letters to a Young Poet, Rainer Maria Rilke wrote to young Franz Kappus '...If you wake up every morning thinking about being a writer, then you were meant to be a writer.' What do you wake up every morning thinking about being? "
When I woke up this morning, about ten minutes ago, the first thing I reached for was my laptop. Not for facebook or skype, but to write. I often wake up and reach immediately for a pen and paper. I keep extra notebooks near my bed as well as a few of my favorite writing prompt books and inspirational words.
This semester has been the hardest of my college career, and the most life-changing. Some huge things have happened in my personal life as well as in my future plans. I don't talk about the personal here, but I was accepted to Chester College with a big scholarship. I was told by nearly everyone who knew I had applied that I was going to get in, but I didn't quite believe it and was quite shocked when they called and told me. I was more shocked by the compliments the woman had to give about my writing and the excitement of the school itself. It feels like they want me there nearly as badly as I want to be there.
I have one more semester at the community college and next fall I'll be attending Chester. I will be at a liberal arts school with an amazing writing program and I can't wait. I am looking forward to the inspiration and the challenge.
With everything that has happened this semester, all the tears I have shed and the pain suffered, I am focusing on this future that lays before me. My education, something I waited so long for and wasn't sure I would ever be able to get, has become so important to me. I relish every moment in the classroom and though I was ready for this semester to be over with because of my personal stress, I know once Christmas is over I'll be pining for next semester.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Where Have I Been?
Yesterday was easily one of the most amazing days of my life. A few years ago when I was going through a really rough time I was posting some cryptic facebook statuses, something I hate but my depression took over at that point. I received an email from a podcaster I admire. She emailed me asking if I was alright, saying she had seen a lot of sadness in my recent posts and wanted to be sure I wasn't in a bad situation. I'm not sure I had realized before that that she read my posts, that I was worthy of someone so amazing as Sparrow reading my posts. That email was a turning point for me. That email prompted me to talk about my feelings, to change my situation. That chain of events set into play me moving in with Elizabeth, looking for a job I truly enjoy and applying to college. I was bigger than the depression I was experiencing and having someone like Sparrow notice that changed everything.
Yesterday I met Sparrow and Mojo in person in Salem, Massachusetts. We spent the day laughing, shopping, walking through the beautiful Salem community. We ate an amazing lunch in The Lobster Shanty. I haven't suffered from depression in awhile and yesterday took me to a level of incredible happiness depression would never survive in. Easily one of the most amazing days of my life.
Mojo and Sparrow are two kind, incredibly powerful people. Being in their presence at first made me nervous, like meeting celebrities and then realizing those celebrities know your name. Within minutes, though, we were comfy. By the end of the day it was like we had known each other for years, old friends just hanging out doing what friends do. I feel amazingly blessed for the time they shared with me, and for the other people I got to know yesterday, Fae and Scarlet and the other podcasters, Velma, Greywolf, Oraia, Saturn. You all made my day, and I can't express how special it was for me.
In others news, where have I been? Well the semester began a few weeks ago. This semester I am taking two literature courses and a women's studies course which means I'm doing a lot of writing. I'm also working on finishing up a new article for the magazine I've been freelance writing for. It's a good life.
The time I would have normally spent blogging, however, has been going into a different project. At the beginning of this summer I began writing my memoirs. At this point I have around 40,000 words and I am still going. I'm not entirely sure who I will share these memoirs with. I thought I wanted to do more with them, but the more I write them the more I wonder if I should keep them to myself. It's difficult exposing some of the more painful sides of your own life.
Why am I writing them? Multiple reasons. The realization of some things I hadn't pieced together before is a big one. I also feel as though until I have my own life straightened out on paper I can't write as well about others. I have never become so obsessed with finishing a piece of writing like I have been these memoirs. I've never written so much on one topic. But maybe, just maybe, if I get my own pain, my own emotion, my own story out on paper, maybe I can focus on someone else's.
Yesterday I met Sparrow and Mojo in person in Salem, Massachusetts. We spent the day laughing, shopping, walking through the beautiful Salem community. We ate an amazing lunch in The Lobster Shanty. I haven't suffered from depression in awhile and yesterday took me to a level of incredible happiness depression would never survive in. Easily one of the most amazing days of my life.
Mojo and Sparrow are two kind, incredibly powerful people. Being in their presence at first made me nervous, like meeting celebrities and then realizing those celebrities know your name. Within minutes, though, we were comfy. By the end of the day it was like we had known each other for years, old friends just hanging out doing what friends do. I feel amazingly blessed for the time they shared with me, and for the other people I got to know yesterday, Fae and Scarlet and the other podcasters, Velma, Greywolf, Oraia, Saturn. You all made my day, and I can't express how special it was for me.
In others news, where have I been? Well the semester began a few weeks ago. This semester I am taking two literature courses and a women's studies course which means I'm doing a lot of writing. I'm also working on finishing up a new article for the magazine I've been freelance writing for. It's a good life.
The time I would have normally spent blogging, however, has been going into a different project. At the beginning of this summer I began writing my memoirs. At this point I have around 40,000 words and I am still going. I'm not entirely sure who I will share these memoirs with. I thought I wanted to do more with them, but the more I write them the more I wonder if I should keep them to myself. It's difficult exposing some of the more painful sides of your own life.
Why am I writing them? Multiple reasons. The realization of some things I hadn't pieced together before is a big one. I also feel as though until I have my own life straightened out on paper I can't write as well about others. I have never become so obsessed with finishing a piece of writing like I have been these memoirs. I've never written so much on one topic. But maybe, just maybe, if I get my own pain, my own emotion, my own story out on paper, maybe I can focus on someone else's.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Rosie O'Donnel, Oprah Winfrey and Imagination
I've been thinking a lot about callings and destiny today. Unless you’ve been living under a rock you know that Oprah's last show is today and although I've only watched her show a few times I have admired her. Her impact on the world is undeniable. She believes she had a calling to do what she does, and I believe she is right.
I spent a day at my gram's house when I was twelve. I was sick and laid on her couch all day. I channel surfed into an Easter special on The Rosie O'Donnell show. There was a precocious child doing an art project with Rosie. Rosie was known as "the queen of nice" at the time. This was before she came out, before she became a controversial, butt of jokes. She was handing out scholarships to teens and sending foster children to Broadway plays. She was making dreams come true. I was immediately drawn to her.
Rosie was also living a dream come true. A poor, motherless teen had become a celebrity. She imagined she could change the world and she did just that. She inspired me. She still inspires me. We did not have a lot when I was a child with a disabled father and four younger siblings, but it never stopped me from believing I could change the world. It never slowed the power of my imagination. Rosie fueled that fire within me.
I believe I was destined for the job I am doing now. I don't believe I will do it forever, but I believe that at this point in my life this is my calling. These children have come into my life for a reason. I have come into their lives for a reason. I've spent nearly a year teaching one child to tie his shoes, and the feeling I got in my stomach when he did it successfully for the first time last month was indescribable. It seems so small, but anyone who knows and loves a child with a disability understands how huge something so simple can be. He has the opportunity to grow up to be a productive member of society, and I've got the beautiful and humbling responsibility of helping him on that path. I've never felt better about the work I was doing.
I lived in my daydreams as a child. This is why the word "imagine" is so important to me. My imagination has always been my greatest asset. I believe I've written before that I worry I can't make all of my dreams come true because life is too short, but that won’t stop me from trying. I want to write, I want to inspire, and I want to change the world for the better. Cliché? Maybe. I don’t care. The key is that no one has ever shot down my daydreams, and I won't allow them to now. Never once in my childhood did my family tell me my dreams were too big. When I said I wanted to star on Broadway, they watched me sing in the kitchen. When I said I wanted to become a famous author my gram drove me to a camp in New York state for a writing competition. I’m not rich and I’m not famous. Who knows if I'll be published. But I still dream and I love that I’ve been given the opportunity to dream. No one can take that away from me.
Yesterday on NPR I heard someone say "how can we take away a child's opportunities just because of their parent's flaws?" This person was talking about a child who was slipping through the cracks of the education system because of lack of parental support, but that sentence can go for so many other children in so many other circumstances. The video below shows a young girl who could have easily been lost to the world, and instead she is changing the world. All because Rosie stepped in. Because just one person gave her a chance. Because one person allowed her to dream.
There are so many children that people believe will never amount to anything simply because of where they come from or how they are being raised. “Lost causes.” I believe in these children. I love these children. I want to help them believe in themselves. I want to inspire their dreams and make them believe they can be anything they want to be. Because I truly believe they can. Some people have told me I'm simply idealistic and naive, but imagine the difference in the world if everyone shared my idealistic views. Imagine the impact that could have on society.
Rosie and Oprah were both born into poverty. Both women suffered some sort of abuse and neglect. Both women have made mistakes in this world and been slaughtered by the media for them. Both women could have ended up very different people. But both women have touched countless numbers of lives and the world will never be the same because of them. I would never flatter myself into believing I could be what they are to the world, but I do hope I can change lives in small ways. I hope I can inspire at least a handful of children to imagine a better world. To rise above their circumstances and become better than others expect them to be.
I’m not sure what the future will bring, or if I’ve found a true calling. I’m not sure I will be a published author or that my dreams will come true. But I sure do love where I am right now in the world and I hope to continue on this path. I hope I can change at least one corner of the world. I hope I can inspire people to imagine a better future.
I spent a day at my gram's house when I was twelve. I was sick and laid on her couch all day. I channel surfed into an Easter special on The Rosie O'Donnell show. There was a precocious child doing an art project with Rosie. Rosie was known as "the queen of nice" at the time. This was before she came out, before she became a controversial, butt of jokes. She was handing out scholarships to teens and sending foster children to Broadway plays. She was making dreams come true. I was immediately drawn to her.
Rosie was also living a dream come true. A poor, motherless teen had become a celebrity. She imagined she could change the world and she did just that. She inspired me. She still inspires me. We did not have a lot when I was a child with a disabled father and four younger siblings, but it never stopped me from believing I could change the world. It never slowed the power of my imagination. Rosie fueled that fire within me.
I believe I was destined for the job I am doing now. I don't believe I will do it forever, but I believe that at this point in my life this is my calling. These children have come into my life for a reason. I have come into their lives for a reason. I've spent nearly a year teaching one child to tie his shoes, and the feeling I got in my stomach when he did it successfully for the first time last month was indescribable. It seems so small, but anyone who knows and loves a child with a disability understands how huge something so simple can be. He has the opportunity to grow up to be a productive member of society, and I've got the beautiful and humbling responsibility of helping him on that path. I've never felt better about the work I was doing.
I lived in my daydreams as a child. This is why the word "imagine" is so important to me. My imagination has always been my greatest asset. I believe I've written before that I worry I can't make all of my dreams come true because life is too short, but that won’t stop me from trying. I want to write, I want to inspire, and I want to change the world for the better. Cliché? Maybe. I don’t care. The key is that no one has ever shot down my daydreams, and I won't allow them to now. Never once in my childhood did my family tell me my dreams were too big. When I said I wanted to star on Broadway, they watched me sing in the kitchen. When I said I wanted to become a famous author my gram drove me to a camp in New York state for a writing competition. I’m not rich and I’m not famous. Who knows if I'll be published. But I still dream and I love that I’ve been given the opportunity to dream. No one can take that away from me.
Yesterday on NPR I heard someone say "how can we take away a child's opportunities just because of their parent's flaws?" This person was talking about a child who was slipping through the cracks of the education system because of lack of parental support, but that sentence can go for so many other children in so many other circumstances. The video below shows a young girl who could have easily been lost to the world, and instead she is changing the world. All because Rosie stepped in. Because just one person gave her a chance. Because one person allowed her to dream.
There are so many children that people believe will never amount to anything simply because of where they come from or how they are being raised. “Lost causes.” I believe in these children. I love these children. I want to help them believe in themselves. I want to inspire their dreams and make them believe they can be anything they want to be. Because I truly believe they can. Some people have told me I'm simply idealistic and naive, but imagine the difference in the world if everyone shared my idealistic views. Imagine the impact that could have on society.
Rosie and Oprah were both born into poverty. Both women suffered some sort of abuse and neglect. Both women have made mistakes in this world and been slaughtered by the media for them. Both women could have ended up very different people. But both women have touched countless numbers of lives and the world will never be the same because of them. I would never flatter myself into believing I could be what they are to the world, but I do hope I can change lives in small ways. I hope I can inspire at least a handful of children to imagine a better world. To rise above their circumstances and become better than others expect them to be.
I’m not sure what the future will bring, or if I’ve found a true calling. I’m not sure I will be a published author or that my dreams will come true. But I sure do love where I am right now in the world and I hope to continue on this path. I hope I can change at least one corner of the world. I hope I can inspire people to imagine a better future.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Education
I've been trying to write a post about the current education debates going on around the country for awhile now. I'm really struggling to organize my thoughts so I apologize if this comes out very disjointed.
With all the money we hand out to corporations on a daily basis, is education REALLY the area we need to be cutting in the budget? I want to see accurate statistics on this, please. The highest test scores in the world are not coming from the wealthiest countries, how are they making their budgets work?
Maine is talking about four day school weeks and nationwide we are debating how much to pay teachers and what benefits to give them. How many different ways can we find to tell our children education isn't important?
On the other hand, how many families actually feel education IS important? How many children leave school for the day and their education stops there? How do we encourage parents to continue to educate their children instead of leaving it all up to teachers?
Education is incredibly important to me. I am the daughter of a teacher, the niece of many teachers, and the granddaughter of a librarian. I wrote my first essay on why teacher's should be paid more than they are when I was in middle school, and I still stand by that view. And yet, it appears we are headed the opposite direction.
How can we justify cutting welfare costs AND education costs? Education is essential in today's world. The jobs that the uneducated used to do are being taken over by machines. The majority of welfare participants are not educated people. So we cut education, create more need for welfare and then ALSO cut welfare?
And then we have these "professional athletes" making more in a year than a teacher will make in their whole lives. Nevermind... I can't even go on with that topic...
The whole thing infuriates me. I recieved applications and resumes when I was managing the pet store that made me cringe. Incorrect spellings, red pen and in one case PURPLE CRAYON. Out of 130 resumes we went through when we were hiring we found four that looked like they were qualified.
How can we say the problem is the economy? The problem is education. The problem is a society drowning in reality tv shows and not even caring. The problem is that we can spout off all we want about how important education is to us, but actions speak louder than words. And when our children sit down to learn from a ten year old history book with "eat shit" written on the binding they don't feel like education is important.
With all the money we hand out to corporations on a daily basis, is education REALLY the area we need to be cutting in the budget? I want to see accurate statistics on this, please. The highest test scores in the world are not coming from the wealthiest countries, how are they making their budgets work?
Maine is talking about four day school weeks and nationwide we are debating how much to pay teachers and what benefits to give them. How many different ways can we find to tell our children education isn't important?
On the other hand, how many families actually feel education IS important? How many children leave school for the day and their education stops there? How do we encourage parents to continue to educate their children instead of leaving it all up to teachers?
Education is incredibly important to me. I am the daughter of a teacher, the niece of many teachers, and the granddaughter of a librarian. I wrote my first essay on why teacher's should be paid more than they are when I was in middle school, and I still stand by that view. And yet, it appears we are headed the opposite direction.
How can we justify cutting welfare costs AND education costs? Education is essential in today's world. The jobs that the uneducated used to do are being taken over by machines. The majority of welfare participants are not educated people. So we cut education, create more need for welfare and then ALSO cut welfare?
And then we have these "professional athletes" making more in a year than a teacher will make in their whole lives. Nevermind... I can't even go on with that topic...
The whole thing infuriates me. I recieved applications and resumes when I was managing the pet store that made me cringe. Incorrect spellings, red pen and in one case PURPLE CRAYON. Out of 130 resumes we went through when we were hiring we found four that looked like they were qualified.
How can we say the problem is the economy? The problem is education. The problem is a society drowning in reality tv shows and not even caring. The problem is that we can spout off all we want about how important education is to us, but actions speak louder than words. And when our children sit down to learn from a ten year old history book with "eat shit" written on the binding they don't feel like education is important.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
A Week Later...
I've been busy!
I'm in the process of deciding which school I will be attending next fall. I really like the school I am at, but I can't get my four year degree here so I'll be transfering sooner or later anyway. The debate is do I do it sooner... or later?
I've also, through this process thought a lot about what my career goals are. I'm still really undecided on that. I love the job of a freelance journalist, but I hate the uncertainty. Ever since I was little and Burger King released a series of Ninja Turtle videos I have loved April. Same with watching Superman as a kid. I didn't care so much about the bad guys and the heroes, I cared about those awesome staff journalists and newscasters who always got to be in the heat of the drama and had the important job of telling the world about it. (If the Turtles hadn't been named after artists I wouldn't have a clue what their names are.) As anyone who is on my Twitter and Facebook knows, I get pretty caught up in the big news stories. I have been known to request the day off on the day of a big election so that I could sit in front of my television all day. But that is one of many passions and I'm not sure which direction I really want to aim myself in.
As a kid I wanted to be an English teacher. As a teen I wanted to run a daycare. I love animals. I love photography. I love art. I love the work I do now with blind children and children with autism. Life is too short for so many passions.
I need to write a 250-word essay about my career goals for the school I'm thinking of transfering to and I can't really seem to figure out what those goals are. I know what I enjoy but most of the things I enjoy aren't really high-paying things, and though I hate it, money is important.
At this point I'm still sticking with a degree in English, with a focus on writing and I guess we'll see where that takes me...
I have a list of blog topics just waiting for me to have time to write them so I promise my next post will be better...
(the comic is from this site http://weblogs.variety.com/thompsononhollywood/2009/07/index.html )
I'm in the process of deciding which school I will be attending next fall. I really like the school I am at, but I can't get my four year degree here so I'll be transfering sooner or later anyway. The debate is do I do it sooner... or later?
I've also, through this process thought a lot about what my career goals are. I'm still really undecided on that. I love the job of a freelance journalist, but I hate the uncertainty. Ever since I was little and Burger King released a series of Ninja Turtle videos I have loved April. Same with watching Superman as a kid. I didn't care so much about the bad guys and the heroes, I cared about those awesome staff journalists and newscasters who always got to be in the heat of the drama and had the important job of telling the world about it. (If the Turtles hadn't been named after artists I wouldn't have a clue what their names are.) As anyone who is on my Twitter and Facebook knows, I get pretty caught up in the big news stories. I have been known to request the day off on the day of a big election so that I could sit in front of my television all day. But that is one of many passions and I'm not sure which direction I really want to aim myself in.
As a kid I wanted to be an English teacher. As a teen I wanted to run a daycare. I love animals. I love photography. I love art. I love the work I do now with blind children and children with autism. Life is too short for so many passions.
I need to write a 250-word essay about my career goals for the school I'm thinking of transfering to and I can't really seem to figure out what those goals are. I know what I enjoy but most of the things I enjoy aren't really high-paying things, and though I hate it, money is important.
At this point I'm still sticking with a degree in English, with a focus on writing and I guess we'll see where that takes me...
I have a list of blog topics just waiting for me to have time to write them so I promise my next post will be better...
(the comic is from this site http://weblogs.variety.com/thompsononhollywood/2009/07/index.html )
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Do I Need An Itinerary For Life?
This is the conversation I have had a thousand times now...
Them - "So what is your major?"
Me - "I'm a liberal studies major, I plan to transfer to a bigger school to get my degree in English/English lit and possibly minor in Political Sciences/Administration."
Them - "And what, exactly, can you DO with that degree?"
Me - "Ummm..."
I would like everyone to stop asking me what I will do with my degree. I have not even completed my first semester of college. I haven't decided yet and I'm tired of that question! There are many things one can do with an English/Lit degree. A plethora of choices and really I don't know where I'll be in my life four years. Sometime during my college education I may change my mind entirely. Who knows? What I do know is that I feel my mind is my best asset and an investment in my own education, no matter where that education takes me, can not possibly be a bad thing. Do I really need to plot out my entire future? How many people went to college with a set plan in mind and then actually followed through with that? I know I went through a portion of high school believing I would grow up to perform on Broadway. Honestly, I don't really see myself headed in that direction now. Who really knows? And who says I have to decide now?
So seriously, stop asking me that question. I am in college because I know that no matter where it takes me, I can only go up from here. I don't need to have a definite plan. I don't even need to ever leave college. Maybe I'll continue my education on the side and be a student for life.
Actually, that's highly likely...
Them - "So what is your major?"
Me - "I'm a liberal studies major, I plan to transfer to a bigger school to get my degree in English/English lit and possibly minor in Political Sciences/Administration."
Them - "And what, exactly, can you DO with that degree?"
Me - "Ummm..."
I would like everyone to stop asking me what I will do with my degree. I have not even completed my first semester of college. I haven't decided yet and I'm tired of that question! There are many things one can do with an English/Lit degree. A plethora of choices and really I don't know where I'll be in my life four years. Sometime during my college education I may change my mind entirely. Who knows? What I do know is that I feel my mind is my best asset and an investment in my own education, no matter where that education takes me, can not possibly be a bad thing. Do I really need to plot out my entire future? How many people went to college with a set plan in mind and then actually followed through with that? I know I went through a portion of high school believing I would grow up to perform on Broadway. Honestly, I don't really see myself headed in that direction now. Who really knows? And who says I have to decide now?
So seriously, stop asking me that question. I am in college because I know that no matter where it takes me, I can only go up from here. I don't need to have a definite plan. I don't even need to ever leave college. Maybe I'll continue my education on the side and be a student for life.
Actually, that's highly likely...
Friday, October 15, 2010
You Can Do Anything
Yesterday I was pushing a 6-year old on a playground swing. I said, "How high do you want to go?"
"All the way to the sky! And then I want to kick a cloud and make it rain!"
He said this with such conviction, such excitement, that I couldn't help but smile and tell him how awesome he is. This particular child is legally blind. He doesn't actually know how far away the clouds are, he only knows that someone told him they are up there raining down on him. And for a few minutes he honestly believed he could reach the sky if he pumped his swing hard enough.
This, for me, was a brilliant lesson in believing in yourself. According to the American Foundation For The Blind somewhere around 60% of blind and visually impaired people remain unemployed. At 6 years old this little boy has no idea that many people don't expect him to ever be able to work. He is absolutely brilliant. At the age of 6 he can add and subtract numbers in his head faster than I can. I have many children in my life who I firmly believe will change the world. I believe he can do anything. I believe he can figure out how to make it rain...
Because when I woke up today it was pouring.
"All the way to the sky! And then I want to kick a cloud and make it rain!"
He said this with such conviction, such excitement, that I couldn't help but smile and tell him how awesome he is. This particular child is legally blind. He doesn't actually know how far away the clouds are, he only knows that someone told him they are up there raining down on him. And for a few minutes he honestly believed he could reach the sky if he pumped his swing hard enough.
This, for me, was a brilliant lesson in believing in yourself. According to the American Foundation For The Blind somewhere around 60% of blind and visually impaired people remain unemployed. At 6 years old this little boy has no idea that many people don't expect him to ever be able to work. He is absolutely brilliant. At the age of 6 he can add and subtract numbers in his head faster than I can. I have many children in my life who I firmly believe will change the world. I believe he can do anything. I believe he can figure out how to make it rain...
Because when I woke up today it was pouring.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
"I Don't Have A Dream..." -Chandler (from NBC's "Friends")
Actually, I have too many dreams!
Last night's Intro to Education class made me really start thinking about teaching in a public school. I've never been really into that idea, which is why I'd rather go on for my Master's Degree or PHD and teach at the college level. Then some days I jump to the journalism idea, and then there is editing... And my Statistics class, which it turns out I'm actually ENJOYING, makes me think more about journalism and about politics and political sciences. Either way I'm really aiming for a bachelors in English/Arts & Humanities to begin with but where to go from there?
I think first I want to attend a few meetings of the school board, city counsel, those kinds of things. I guess I'm doing a bit of career exploration. Maybe I can see if I can shadow a teacher for a day, too. I love the work I'm currently doing as a Behavioral Health Professional but this isn't a lifetime career. This is an in-between job. It's even introduced that way in the training. Nearly everyone that does this job does it as a temporary fix while they are in school or getting the experience for whatever their goal career is.
I have been floundering on this for years. This is why I didn't go to school to begin with. I just can't commit my mind to anything for any length of time. I will for a few months or so... and then something will happen and I will falter...
Last night's Intro to Education class made me really start thinking about teaching in a public school. I've never been really into that idea, which is why I'd rather go on for my Master's Degree or PHD and teach at the college level. Then some days I jump to the journalism idea, and then there is editing... And my Statistics class, which it turns out I'm actually ENJOYING, makes me think more about journalism and about politics and political sciences. Either way I'm really aiming for a bachelors in English/Arts & Humanities to begin with but where to go from there?
I think first I want to attend a few meetings of the school board, city counsel, those kinds of things. I guess I'm doing a bit of career exploration. Maybe I can see if I can shadow a teacher for a day, too. I love the work I'm currently doing as a Behavioral Health Professional but this isn't a lifetime career. This is an in-between job. It's even introduced that way in the training. Nearly everyone that does this job does it as a temporary fix while they are in school or getting the experience for whatever their goal career is.
I have been floundering on this for years. This is why I didn't go to school to begin with. I just can't commit my mind to anything for any length of time. I will for a few months or so... and then something will happen and I will falter...
Saturday, September 4, 2010
I survived
I have survived my first week of college. I have three hours of work this afternoon and then the next two days off. Planning on apple-picking, homework and spending time with the girl.
I'm really looking forward to almost all of my classes. Statistics isn't really much fun, but it could be worse. U.S. History I think is going to be a blast. It's Saturday morning and the teacher is very laid back and cool. My college writing teacher is a journalist and has the energy of someone who is a member of the press which makes class go by really quickly. And my Intro to Education teacher is hilarious. Incredibly good sense of humor and a lot of fun. I almost wish Monday wasn't a holiday because I don't get to go back to his class for over a week.
On that note, back to the books for me. I have a LOT of reading to do.
I'm really looking forward to almost all of my classes. Statistics isn't really much fun, but it could be worse. U.S. History I think is going to be a blast. It's Saturday morning and the teacher is very laid back and cool. My college writing teacher is a journalist and has the energy of someone who is a member of the press which makes class go by really quickly. And my Intro to Education teacher is hilarious. Incredibly good sense of humor and a lot of fun. I almost wish Monday wasn't a holiday because I don't get to go back to his class for over a week.
On that note, back to the books for me. I have a LOT of reading to do.
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