Prompt Me to Greatness

13 Favorite Picture Books

2012-05-10T23:53:00.002-05:00

1. I Can't Said the Ant by Polly Cameron

Wonderfully clever rhymes.

2. Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney

Gorgeous illustrations and a touching story

3. The Very Best Picnic by Eugenie

I pretty much just loved this one because the girl's name was Jessie, like me.

4. The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig by Eugene Trivizas and Helen Oxbury

Hilarious. I always wanted to live in the flower house.

5. The Eleventh Hour: A Curious Mystery by Graeme Base

AMAZING illustrations and a built in mystery and puzzles.

6. Round Trip by Ann Jonas

Read the book, flip it upside down and it continues...so cool!

7. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

A no-brainer.

8. Love You Forever by Robert Munsch

Another obvious choice.

9. The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton

*Sob*

10. The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka

So funny...

11. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett

Yummy.

12. The Travels of Barbar by Jean De Brunhoff

13. And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street by Dr. Seuss

2012-04-06T14:57:00.000-05:00

Happy Easter to all who celebrate it! Here we go!

1. Eggs are my most frequent source of protein.
2. Boston is awesome!
3. When I look in the mirror, I wonder how I got so old.
4. Good cheese, better bread and soup these are the things I like for a special dinner!
5. Currently, my head feels like its going to split.
6. I love word games.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to sleeping, tomorrow my plans include writing a paper and Sunday, I want to see The Hunger Games!

13 Common Misconceptions About Mental Illness

2012-04-05T21:24:00.000-05:00

I apologize if some things come off as angry. They are not intended to be.

1. It Doesn't Automatically Make You Dangerous
I'm not violent. I don't throw chairs or slash throats. Sure, I get mad; everyone does. I may at times get mad more easily than others or over seemingly inconsequential things but it doesn't mean that I will hurt you.

2. Meds Don't Fix Everything. They Treat Symptoms.
"Did you take your meds today?" Drugs aren't miracles. They can't cure everything. They can't cure HIV or Cancer. Don't assume that just putting me on meds makes it all perfect. It just controls the symptoms.

3. Mental Illness Is Not Synonymous With Learning Disabilities.
I can understand complex issues. I do not have a low IQ. Just like the rest of the population some of us are smarter than others. In fact, some of are smarter than some of you. :)

4. Everything I Do Is Not Just Because Of My "Mental Health Issues".
In the hospital once I was scared, sad and alone - so I cried, a normal reaction for most people. Because of my diagnosis they sedated me because I was showing signs of "distress and depression". The next time I made sure to stay calm because being sedated messes with anyone's cognitive skills. Yet I was told I appeared unconcerned and detached. When the mind is preoccupied with the diagnosis of mental illness it is hard to recognize that such emotions are normal, not everything I do is because of what it says on my chart.

5. It Is An Illness - I Can Have Relapses
People sometime comment that they can't believe I just came out of the hospital or can't believe I have a mental illness because I don't fit into their mental schematic of "crazy". It's an illness that can come and go, some days are better than others. Just like cancer. In fact grief and post-partum depression are both sometimes referred to as temporary mental illnesses. (The plea of "temporary insanity" anyone?) I don't go around talking to imaginary people all the time and even those who do have moments of lucidity. In fact they could probably have more and/or longer moments if they had access to the right medications and/or treatments.

6. There Are Many Types Of Mental Illness
People have a perception and stereotype many times of mental illness being the homeless man wandering and muttering to himself but mental illness comes in many forms. Emotional instability, anxiety, depression, paranoia, to name just a few.

7. People Can't Succeed In Life With Mental Illness
It does not have to be debilitating. Many with mental illness are crippled by the discrimination and judgment of others just as much as by the illness itself. A new book by Nassir Ghaemi, A First-Rate Madness, argues that many of our most respected world leaders may have been given a creative edge via mental illness. Joanne Greenberg, author of I Never Promised You a Rose Garden (a semi-autobiographical account of her youthful experiences with schizophrenia), not only became a respected author of many novels and short stories but also a lecturer, mental illness and deaf services advocate and a volunteer EMT. Many people with mental illness lead "normal" lives and raise "normal" children.

8. You Don't Have To Walk On Eggshells
As an individual diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (as well as depression and PTSD) I personally take offense to the title of the popular book Stop Walking On Eggshells. You don't necessarily have to. Ill or not, we are all different. Many of us don't get upset over every little thing although a few may. Don't feel like you can't ask questions. As long as you don't ask judgmentally, I'd rather be asked than have misconceptions grow. Curiosity is not a crime. However we might not always have an answer. Sometimes things just happen, sometimes actions don't have a rational reason behind them. Sometimes I can't even remember doing certain things. As long as you don't mind not always receiving an answer, I don't mind receiving the question.

9. There Isn't Always A Direct Cause.
Many mental diagnosis are more common in people with a history of sexual abuse or other past traumas but this does not mean that this was the cause. If a person tells you they are schizophrenic, bipolar or histrionic it does not mean that they were sexually abused as a child.

10. We Can't Hold Onto Stable Relationships
Although this may be a subset of leading a "successful" life, (who determines success anyway?) it is such a prevalent misconception I feel that it needs its own section. Mary Todd Lincoln is usually cited as "suffering" from bipolar disorder, (another pet peeve, who are others to determine that we are always "suffering") yet she remained with her husband until his death and had 4 kids with him.One may argue that she couldn't have gotten a divorce anyway as the First Lady in the year 1861. But even if she had wanted to, hers is only one of many examples.

11. People With Mental Illness Always Want To Die Or All Suicide Victims Have Mental Illnesses
Many entries in the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) have as a criterion "suicidal ideation" but this does not mean it must be present since many diagnosis require only a certain number of the criteria to be met. It also does not mean it's present all the time. Moods change as situations vary. As stated above, extreme grief is sometimes seen as temporary insanity with strong emotional responses and irrational thinking. A person who has just lost a spouse may wish to join him or her but it is generally a temporary feeling. (This is the reason suicide hotlines are so important, just being there until the feeling subsides.) With mental illness the feeling may simply be longer, more frequent or with less obvious provocation. For many it does not occur at all. We are not all "suffering, all of the time but we would like help when we are just like everyone else having a bad day.

12. There Is No Hope
It is true that many mental illnesses are innate and not curable but this does not mean that there is no hope for a better tomorrow. I'd like once again to compare mental illness to physical illness (because I don't believe there is much of a difference). I have a friend who has many sever allergies. A few years ago this would have been seen as an unfortunate thing she would just simply have to work around. For some different strains that is still the case. However for a few strains she is currently receiving a series of shots that will eventually build up her immune system against the allergic reactions. They may not be able to prevent or cure the allergies but they are helping relieve the symptoms. Those whose lives are being disrupted by mental illness symptoms can be helped by SSRIs, SNRIs, anti-psychotics or other medicines. As medical research continues other symptoms may be regulated by treatment as well even if it cannot be cured. Just because someone is currently having a hard time and their disorder is incurable does not mean that they cannot reach a better place in the future with the right treatment.

13. We Would Give Anything To Be "Cured".
Although mental illness can be extremely hard at times I fear what I may have been without it. Would I be less accepting of differences? Would I have less fortitude? I personally disagree with the term "personality disorder". Everyone has a different personality. What makes some people's personality "disordered"? Normal is being different and I am different. Therefore it follows that I am also normal.

http://thursday-13.com/

13 Kids Movies That Aren't Just For Kids

2011-08-04T22:04:00.000-05:00

I'm babysitting my four and nine year old siblings for the next few days. Tonight we grabbed Rango from Redbox to watch. I have to say that I'm surprised that despite the PG rating (and animation) that most of the concepts (and jokes) were over the head of the average 10 year old. So here are 12 other films that have mass appeal and you might want to pick up to watch with your kids.

13 Sexy, Troubled Characters

2011-07-21T11:22:00.006-05:00

Troubled characters are by far the most interesting and I think, the most sexy. Perhaps it has something to do with that longing look in their eye or the adorable face of confusion underneath their seemingly hard exterior. Whatever the reason here are 13 troubled characters played by 13 sexy men.

Character: Sherlock Holmes

Portrayed By: Jeremy Brett

Dilemma: How to deal with his downtime and depression without succumbing to his cocaine addiction

Character: Sir Percy Blakeney from "The Scarlet Pimpernel"

Portrayed By: Anthony Andrews

Dilemma: Rescuing fugitives from the French Revolution without his wife knowing. He loves her but believes she has betrayed him.

Character: Oskar Schindler from "Schindler's List"

Portrayed By: Liam Neeson

Dilemma: Battling his own moral beliefs and how to save Jewish workers from Auschwitz

Character: Captain Jack Sparrow from "Pirates of the Caribbean"

Portrayed By: Johnny Depp

Dilemma: Keep all the booty and treasure for himself or help his friends

Character: Rhett Butler from "Gone with the Wind"

Portrayed By: Clark Gable

Dilemma: Stay with the woman he loves although she loves another

Character: Severus Snape from "Harry Potter"

Portrayed By: Alan Rickman

Dilemma: Moral considerations and how to be true to his lost love even if it means protecting the son of his greatest rival for her affection

Character: Indiana Jones

Portrayed By: Harrison Ford

Dilemma: Save your father, the girl or the treasure...

Character: Benjamin Braddock from "The Graduate"

Portrayed By: Dustin Hoffman

Dilemma: What do to with his life and if it's ok to sleep with the mother of the girl you love

Character: Javert from "Les Miserables"

Portrayed By: Geoffrey Rush

Dilemma: What is greater? Compassion or the Law?

Character: John Adams from "1776"

Portrayed By: William Daniels

Dilemma: How much is he willing to sacrifice for Independence?

Character: Doctor Who

Portrayed By: David Tennant

Dilemma: How much control should one person have and does anyone have a right to decide who lives and dies?

Character: Captain Jack Harkness from "Torchwood"

Portrayed By: John Barrowman

Dilemma: Like his mentor, the Doctor, does he really have the right to put individuals in peril for the greater good?

And the poster boy for troubled protagonists...

Character: Hamlet

Portrayed By: Kenneth Branagh

Dilemma: Is he justified in killing his uncle on the suspicion of killing his father? What about killing his mother? Should he just kill himself instead?

Thursday 13

13 Great Movie Tracks

2011-07-14T13:42:00.001-05:00

So, Harry Potter tonight at midnight! I just love the music (as well as everything else). In honor of Harry Potter: Deathly Hallows Part 2, here are some of my favorite movie tracks. Links go to Youtube.

1. Schindler's List

Main Theme - John Williams/Itzhak Perlman

2. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

The Bridge of Khazad-Dum - Howard Shore

3. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Black Pearl

He's A Pirate - Hans Zimmer

4. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Double Trouble - John Williams/Shakespeare

5. Goodbye Lenin

Summer 78 - Yann Tiersen

6. Sherlock Holmes

Discombobulate - Hans Zimmer

7. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Flight of the Order of the Phoenix - Nicholas Hooper

8. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Fireworks - Nicholas Hooper

9. Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End

Parlay - Hans Zimmer

10. Amelie

La Valse d'Amelie - Yann Tiersen

11. Star Wars: A New Hope

Binary Sunset - John Williams

12. Disney's Beauty and the Beast

Transformation - Alan Menken

13. Exodus

Main Theme - Ernest Gold

Thursday 13

2011-06-22T14:29:00.000-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-20T20:12:00.000-05:00

Much Love Monday

Movies with Men in Tights

Raspberry Flavoring

Nail Polish

2011-06-18T14:13:00.000-05:00

Saturday 9: You May Be Right

1. What is the craziest thing you've done in the last Year?
A year is a very long time to think back on! I moved 2500 miles with my whole life in a Hyundai Sonata..that was kind of crazy.

2. What is something that you've lost recently?
I'm constantly losing earrings. I have about 20 earrings but I think none of them have a match! I don't know where they go. I think there is an earring stealing elf...or it's my four year old sister.

3. Where does your patience suffer the most?
Facebook. I'm suddenly inside the minds of tons of people and I realize how stupid they are. I have to practice large amounts of self-control not to post my opinion on every status/comment.

4. Have you ever reread a book?
I have reread several books and I've reread some books several times. The Pushcart War being a point in case.

5. What is a TV show that you absolutely HATE to miss?
Doctor Who!

6. How old do you wish you were?
I'm fine with my age. I just don't want to get much older. :)

7. Do you know your neighbors?
The children, they come over an average of 10 times a day asking to play with my younger siblings.

8. Do you believe that opposites attract?
In some aspects, but if you are too far apart on too many important issues...

9. Who was the last person that made you laugh?
Crankshaw. :) I'm glad I called her.

2011-06-17T12:55:00.000-05:00

1. One of my favorite birthday presents was Broadway tickets.

2. I cried the whole session, it was as simple as that.

3. The moon looked like a friend but I couldn't get to sleep.

4. Memory includes pain and laughter.

5. I was tempted by confession.

6. Horseback riding, shopping, and sight-seeing are some of the things I like to do on vacation.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to the usual, tomorrow my plans include nothing much and Sunday, I want to dream!

Friday Fill-Ins

Thirteen Words I Had To Look Up This Week

2011-06-16T12:36:00.000-05:00

As an English person, I very much enjoyed someone's list from last week of 13 words that are no longer in common usage. When I got a smartphone for my birthday this week one of the first apps I downloaded was a Dictionary. Yes, I'm one of those geeks who had a pocket dictionary and then an electronic dictionary. Well without further ado, here are 13 words I had to look up this week. (Most from reading John Stuart Mill's Autobiography)

1. Obloquy - noun censure, blame, or abusive language aimed at a person or thing esp. by numerous persons or by the general public

2. Palliate - verb to relieve or lesson without curing; mitigate; alleviate

3. Cottiers - noun A rural worker; a laborer on a farm or in a small village

4. Redaction - verb to put into suitable literary form; revise; edit

5. Excogitate - verb to think out; devise; invent

6. Jejune - adj without interest or significance; dull; insipid

7. Macadam - noun the broken stone used in making a road or pavement

8. Goosed - noun slang. a poke between the buttocks to startle

9. Amanuensis - noun a person employed to write what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another; secretary

10. Tyro - noun a beginner in learning anything; novice

11. Umbrageous - adj creating or providing shade; shady

12. Creche - noun a small or large mounted representation or tableau of Mary, Joseph and others around the crib of Jesus in the stable of Bethlehem, as is displayed in homes or erected for exhibition in a community at Christmas

13. Bruin - noun a bear, esp. a European brown bear

Thursday 13

2011-06-09T23:15:00.000-05:00

1. I remember when I first heard Elizabeth Sladen died, I'm still sad.

2.Glitter showering down is a huge mess.

3. Most humans strike me as hypocrites.

4. This is the song that doesn't end --- sound familiar?

5. I was inspired by my fellow patients in IOP.

6.My brain is who knows where!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to celebrating my birthday, tomorrow my plans include a pool party and Sunday, I want to relax after the festivities!

Friday Fill-Ins

13 Of My Favorite Poems

2011-06-09T15:43:00.001-05:00

1. Sunday Morning by Wallace Stevens
I took a class in college where we studied ten different poems the whole semester so we went pretty in-depth. This as well as the next two were from that class. It makes a lot of difference once you've dissected the piece and really understand it as well as you can. The lovely idea in this poem that heaven is basically earth because what is the greatness in unchanging bliss if there is no death to compare it to is a supremely interesting notion. Favorite Line: Death is the mother of beauty, mystical

2. For the Union Dead by Robert Lowell
A mixture of history and english...me in a nut-shell. I'm so excited to be moving to Boston so I can actually see the Boston Commons and the monument for myself. :)
Favorite Line: Once my nose crawled like a snail on the glass

3. Directive by Robert Frost
A return to simplicity and nature.
Favorite Line: And if you're lost enough to find yourself

4. If by Rudyard Kipling
I memorized this poem for extra credit in sixth grade and can still recite most of it without looking. It is full of wonderful advice.
Favorite Line: If you can dream and not make dreams your master

5. If I Can Stop One Heart From Breaking by Emily Dickinson
A short by wonderful poem.
Favorite Line: I shall not live in vain

6. A Linnet In A Gilded Cage by Christian Rossetti
There is good in every situation, sometimes you just have to look a little bit harder.
Favorite Line: All of them :)

7. The Highway Man by Alfred Noyes
A more popular poem, it's a beautiful story.
Favorite Line: The moon was a ghostly galleon, tossed upon cloudy seas

8. Dreams by Langston Hughes
I wrote this poem inside the door of my dress cabinet in middle school....probably not the best thing for furniture but its lovely and encouraging
Favorite Line: All of them

9. He Who Wishes For the Clothes of Heaven by W.B. Yeats
I had this one taped to my mirror. Yes, I was a dreamy romantic Anne of Green Gables type of child.
Favorite Line: But I being poor, have only my dreams

10. In Memoriam by Lord Alfred Tennyson
This one is really more of a book than a poem.
One of my favorite passages is section seven when Tennyson hesitates in front of Hallam's front door.

Dark house, by which once more I stand

Here in the long unlovely street,

Doors, where my heart was used to beat

So quickly, waiting for a hand,

A hand that can be clasp'd no more—

Behold me, for I cannot sleep,

And like a guilty thing I creep

At earliest morning to the door.

He is not here; but far away

The noise of life begins again,

And ghastly thro' the drizzling rain

On the bald street breaks the blank day.

11. Portia's Speech from The Merchant of Venice by Shakespeare

A classic of course. I once recited this for a theater class in high school
Favorite Line: It droppeth as gentle rain from heaven

12. In Memory of W.B. Yeats by W.H. Auden
Auden struggles with his impressions of Yeats as well as the purpose of his own calling as a poet.
Favorite Line: You were silly like us, you're gift survived it all

13. When I Was One-and-Twenty by A.E. Houseman
Tomorrow I turn twenty-three and "tis true, tis true" :)

Thursday 13

2011-06-03T21:28:00.000-05:00

1. Hey! I actually worked this week.

2. I wish my corn on the cob had a kernel of truth.

3. Eat rice pudding, it's good.

4. My sister Jenna is in the middle.

5. First thing to note: Our potatoes in the pantry have grown spuds.

6. Friday Fill-ins are a great distraction.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to next week because it's my birthday, tomorrow my plans include working and Sunday, I want to read!

Friday Fill-Ins

13 Reasons I'm Excited for Boston

2011-06-02T19:45:00.001-05:00

Ok, after my kind of depressing list of reasons why I'm worried about grad school....here is 13 reasons why I am uber excited!

1. Boston - Grad school is cool in and by itself but to be able to go to school in such a lovely city with so much history. Not to mention all the libraries!
2. New People - In the year I have lived in Texas I really haven't made any close friends who I feel like I really relate to. I am glad to have new faces. A lot of new faces since this is such a small town here. Simmons is within walking distance of 15 other colleges...I'm not too old to date a college guy. :)
3. Intellectual Work/Conversation - Yes, I am a nerd. I enjoy all those philosophical discussions and I can't wait to do something with my mind. The past year of sitting here unemployed has been nerve-wrackingly boring
4. Step Towards Career - This is the next step in being able to get the type of job I want. It feels good to be accomplishing something
5. Independence - I lived on my own for tow years and then moved back in with my parents and four younger siblings. I love them but it was a very hard adjustment. I cannot wait to have my own place again and not have to feel like I'm intruding on anyone or keeping anyone up. And just not have to answer the question, "where are you going? can i come?" Lol
6. Break From Family - There can just be too much drama sometimes
7. Weather - I miss autumn! I miss snow! I miss wearing long sleeves and scarves! I MISS THUNDERSTORMS!
8. Familiar Places - There are so many restaurants/stores that exist on the east coast but not down here. Dunkin' Donuts here I come!
9. Library - I read somewhere that Boston has more libraries than any other region and as a grad student in the MLS program I not only will be able to use libraries that actually have books (thank god) but also will be interning.
10. More Job Opportunities - Yay! There will be a larger number of jobs available overall but also more in the professional/educational realm that I would much prefer to work in
11. Fresh Start - I don't know anyone in Boston. I can reinvent myself and make new impressions.
12. Diversity - There is not much cultural diversity here...
13. Exercise - I will be walking around campus....ok, so its not a lot of exercise but its more than I'm getting now lol

Thursday 13

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-01T15:13:00.001-05:00

It's my birthday next week! I turn 23, yikes! 10 cakes I wouldn't mind having....

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-27T08:55:00.000-05:00

For my birthday on June 10th, I'm asking my friends and family for a special gift: help me raise $250 for RAINN: Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network. It's a great cause that provides 24/7 help via the phone and IM to assault victims

I chose RAINN: Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network because I have used them myself and think it is a very good program that should continue

Please consider giving to my Birthday Wish, and together we can help the men and woman who desparetly need it. If you can't give now, I'd really appreciate if you'd share this page with your friends.

My Birthday Wish!

Thursday 13 - Worries About Grad School

2011-05-26T09:54:00.000-05:00

Ok, so this is not the most encouraging or exciting list but I'm killing two birds with one stone here. As part of therapy homework I am supposed to make a list of the things that I'm worried/fearful about concerning grad school. I'm sure there are many more than 13. I'm moving from south Texas to Boston...that's a colossal fear in and of itself.

1. Money - of course that's the big one. Full cost of tuition and housing for one year at Simmons is 44,000. Stafford loans available to me? 20,500 (actually the max amount so it could be worse) I am hyperventilating.

2. Transportation - My car is old. Its the only car I've ever had and although it made it from NJ to South TX last year I do not think it will make it from South TX to MA this year. I'm thinking that the money to upkeep it plus insurance is not worth it if I'm living on campus in the middle of a city. Yet I hate to be without a car.

3. Job/Time - I'm going to have to have a job, perhaps even full time. How the heck am I going to manage that? Can I find a job that pays enough? How long will my unemployment last me before its crucial to find a job? If it's not within walking distance I have to add the cost of the subway or buses. I have to do an internship for the masters program...will I have enough time?

4. Mental Health - I have to start all over again with a new therapist. This will be number 5 in 3 years I think...I need to stop moving. And being all alone in a new place is never good for a sane person, let alone me. Lol I need to find a psychiatrist too...well there's probably one on the school health staff

5. Co-ed Bathrooms - Ok, sounds kind of trivial but I didn't live on campus for undergrad so I have no experience with communal bathrooms/showers to begin with lol. The fact that the grad school apartments have co-ed bathrooms kind of freaks me out. Are there urinals in co-ed bathrooms? Lol. I guess that doesnt really bother me, it's the thought of some guy jumping in my shower lol

6. Weather - I spent 22 years in NJ and only one in TX so I'm going with colder weather. However I really don't like the idea of having to walk in snow...

7. Summer/Vacation Housing - If I manage to get a job I will want to stay in Boston during the summer and breaks but I'm in campus housing...have to figure that one out.

8. Moving - If I'm not taking my car that means I'm going to have to be very picky about what I take since I'll have to fill suitcases a/o ship things. I don't really want to moved back down here so I don't like the thought of leaving all my books because either 1. I'll never get them back or 2. I'll feel compelled to take the easy route and move back down here

9. Future Housing - I'm doing on campus for now but once I know the area and can find someone to room with I'd rather have an apartment. Furniture? Ugh I got rid of it when I moved from NJ to TX since I moved in with my parents. I have to re-buy everything

10. Classes - I'm doing a dual degree. The history part I'm fine with. The MLS part...I really have no idea what to expect....

11. Technology - I'm getting a new phone for my birthday so that should be fine and I can live with the camera on a smart phone since I'm no longer really doing much photography. But my laptop situation worries me. Granted I'll be at a school with a computer lab but for those late night papers...my laptop that is currently working is about 6 years old and missing half its keys. It has no battery and has a short in its cord. I don't think its going to last much longer. I have a newer laptop but something fried in it a few months ago and I have yet to get it fixed and I don't want to spend the money really since the other one is fine for now.

12.Food - I hope the school has good vegetarian options...

13. Worth - Please let me get a job with these degrees!

Thursday Thirteen

Stationary Pedestrian

2011-05-22T14:20:00.000-05:00

Stationary Pedestrian

April 03, 2010

I lost myself on the way to lunch today

And did not find myself again

Until 16^th and Latimer

In a little artist’s garden

Beside an 80 year old print shop

At first I did not see the hidden paradise

Across from a construction zone

Hidden behind brick walls

I only saw its guardian

A wide-eyed wild ass glaring at me

Daring me to think him absurd

Waiting to punish me for disrespect of his position

I laughed to myself at his expression

Prided myself in mine

Thought how superior I was

To be able to walk up and down the street

And beyond to Spruce

To Chestnut

To Market, to Market

And back again

I imagined his pained look

Came from staring at the same view

Day after day

Unable to turn his head

Unable to close his metal lids

While I – flesh and blood

Circulated and saw the whole of the city

While I – flesh and bone

Rode him into another state

While I – flesh and lust

Soft and supple

Moved freely and loved freely

Or did I?

Ruled by passion I loved

Dictated by location I traveled

Urged by curiosity I explored

The necessity to eat drove me out for food

The need for money pulled me

Back to work again

And he – this wild-eyed ass

Had commanded me to stop and ponder

Yet he had no obligations

Besides arresting my eyes

And the eyes of passerbys

For 94 years

I had seen the city

He had seen its history

And every person walking by

Had brought a little bit

Of themselves and the other streets

And while I had seen 40 streets

He had seen 94 years of 40 streets

And had allowed more

Than 40 times 94 flesh and blood humans

To sit and rest

Beneath his non-sleeping, all-seeing eye

In a garden paradise

Beside an 80 year old printshop

On 16^th and Latimer

And who was I to think I was wiser

I said I found myself

I found my place in the world and time

I was on 16^th and Latimer

On April 3, 2010

My Life Photo Essay (Swapbot)

2011-04-28T13:45:00.000-05:00

1. The Outside of My House

I live in Harlingen, TX. That's about 30 minutes north of Brownsville/Mexico

2. Where I Do My Craft Stuff

I have my craft table set up upstairs in the game room. No, it is generally not that neat. Actually it is never that neat.

3. Where I Do My Grocery Shopping

Sorry, some of these are cell phone pictures. I actually do most of my grocery shopping at HEB or Super Walmart but being a vegetarian, this is the store I like the most. :)

4. How I Get Around

I have a '99 Hyundai Sonata. It's name is Jacob. It's the dirtier one on the right. :) It is slowly falling apart. It's the only car I've ever owned.

5. Favorite Place to Eat

Don't laugh, but it's true. I love coffee and I love their wraps.

6. My Mailbox

It has been depressingly empty lately.

7. Your Place of Worship

Yes, its a crappy cell phone out of a car window picture. I completely forgot about this one. We have a pretty fountain. :)

8. My Kitchen

Complete with my sister and brother cooking.

9. Favorite Place to Shop

We don't have many choices in town. :)

10. Picture From My Last Vacation

We went up to San Antonio for a week. This was from a wax museum. I'm on the left, my sister Jenna is on the right...and that's supposed to be Johnny Depp

2011-04-26T16:14:00.000-05:00

So I have decided to do away with the schedule because I'm not going to be posting here every single day so I don't want to be restricted to something depending on the day I do post. The sad truth is I'm back on mood stabilizers which have the annoying side effect of zapping away all your creativity....and that my friends is why the world's most creative people are crazy.

Hello Kitty (Swapbot Saturday)

2011-04-23T23:58:00.000-05:00

So I don't really have any swapbot swaps running at the moment. I had to cut back but here is a little something from a Craftster Matchbox Swap I finished today.

And Blogger pictures are being dumbasses again.

Easter (Photo Friday)

2011-04-22T23:26:00.000-05:00

Honey, there are spoons for a reason...

Moody Monday - Easter

Resonance (Poetry Thursday)

2011-04-21T21:38:00.000-05:00

Each clang of the bell
Echoes in my lonely soul
I'll become a nun

Haiku Heights #39 - Resonance

NaPoWriMo (Wilcard Wednesday)

2011-04-20T23:36:00.003-05:00

Prompt: Conversation is grist for the poetry mill: overheard conversation especially. Today’s challenge is to write a poem inspired by something you’ve overheard.

"Is there anything else you want to tell me?"

"What do you want me to do about this? Grill you every time and make sure you tell me everything?"

Yes

Cryptic conversation

Start

Stop

Rewind

Wait

But

Maybe?

I can't remember my lines

Well

Not

Really

Sure

Kinda

I guess

Yeah

Sorta

Sometimes

You could say that, more or less

Yes

Trying

Just

Can't Say

All

The

Things

I'm feeling

Day
by
Day

Does it matter
anyway?