creative faery

More Poetry Treats & some healing ones

The other day while I was in the Craft Warehouse, I found some awesome bookmarks.  They were just on display while I was waiting in line.  Each of them had a very cool picture on the front with a title "Advice from..." - there was a river, a tree, a bear, and host of others.  When I gave one to my teacher, she had us brainstorm several objects we could get advice from, first we started with inanimate objects like rocks, shoes, thimbles, cameras, etc.  Then, we made a list of living things...Making the lists was almost as much fun as writing advice...I wrote a poem about advice from rain; or least that's what I thought.  When I actually started writing the poem and reread it, I found the advice was "to" rain, which could be equally as fun.  Where could YOU get advice FROM?  A river might saw, "go with the flow," "go with the current, not against it,"  "watch out for rocks," "move gently and calmly," "bring peace to all in your presence."  I double dog dare you to try it!

The healing exercise was about saying "hello and goodbye."

Hello:   to peace                Goodbye: to people who disrupt it

Hello: conversations          goodbye: to arguments, petty fighting and criticisms

You can also do it in reverse, which my friend said worked better for her.  Start with goodbye to something and hello....I liked the energy of this.  It seemed more positive.

I hope whatever you choose, that you choose to use writing for healing and of course, for pleasure.  It's one of the greatest healers I've known!

Some more poetry fun

Hello!  Some poetry fun brought to you by my very fun poetry writing group facilitated by a dear friend of mine.

First, we did a teasing out of writing by setting out photo postcards on the floor.  Choose a postcard  that reflects your mood at the moment. Then use that photo to metaphorically explain your mood.  For example, if I was feeling extremely happy about something, I might choose a photo of a bird flying and describe my mood as I soar over the various landscape, etc.    - Try it!  It's quite fun!

Another one we tried was reading poetry from beloved poets and either using a phrase or two of the poets', or, using the imagery of memories conjured up while listening to the poem.  I took notes as the poem was being read to see where it jumped started me.  One such poem by Mary Oliver got me thinking about what I miss about Texas.  Though it still needs some reworking, what I like is it's energy and it's robust fullness of childhood memories.

Random thoughts on the Flavors of

Texas

I’ll tell you a

half dozen things about

the flavors of

Texas

The best bar-b-que ribs

and brisket you

ever did taste

because it’s grilled

in a brick fire pit

with

Mesquite

wood

and a homemade with a

vinegar/beer concoction.

even Bill Miller’s

on the corner can make

it almost like that

unlike Dickey’s

whose food tastes

cold and processed…

The sauce isn’t too bad though.

And  Ahhhh…

the Mexican food

so close to the border

has its advantages.

Those Mexican mamas making masa.

Enchiladas made from real corn tortillas,

with joy from hands which love

to dish deliciousness

to make your tongue tingle with taste

Now that’s

Texas

            -a true taste corner.

And did I tell you

about Big Red,

bubble gum soda,

the flavor of childhood

and firemen’s picnics…

and Blue Bonnet icecream…

You can’t buy that here in

Idaho

,

       a state

so lackluster in flavor.

Is it because the

borders are so far way?

or is it because I miss

The Taste of Home…

Even

Idaho

potatoes

tasted better in

Texas

grilled with my daddy’s hand

for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Is it because my daddy

is a good cook?

or do the potatoes

gain flavor

being trucked

all that distance?

I’m not dissing

on

Idaho

I just miss the

Flavors    of     

Texas

            …….mmmmmmmmm……..

Poetry Games :)

Hello Poets!  Yes, you!   I'm excited to keep up with these writing exercises while I'm feeling hot!  It's not that my poetry is "wow" or anything, it's just that it feels good to be writing and not struggling.  Mostly it feels good to do something other than work at school!  Something creative!

Here's a link to a poem:  An Empty Suit by Robert Phillips.  The poem talks about how much you could tell who the man was by his suit, what material it was made out of, how tall he was, and other odd and end facts.

Most stanza start out, "You can tell.."  which is a repetitive format called anaphora.  I love this style because it allows you to intrigue and entice and even build your poem as you get deeper and deeper into the poem.

Here are some ideas for writing YOUR poem:  If someone were to go through your closet, what item would they find that best describes you or things you like?   (a dress, shoes, hat...or how your closet or drawers are organized)   Your clothes will be a metaphor for your personality or style...

Other options:  What does your trash or your recycling say about you?  What do the colors in your wardrobe or closet say about you?

I must say this was soooooooooooooo fun!  WHO are you?  Please feel free to share what you learn or write.  I always enjoy hearing people's experiences and delights when playing with language.

Have fundiferous weekend!

Marie

Another creative lesson to get rid of that editor

Well, let's try this again shall we?  I've numerous trouble getting a post out, including computer problems and a total wipeout...

I've been excited to tell you some things I've learned in my poetry class and some writing exercises that might assist in several areas, including healing and art!  It involves getting rid of that eternal editor trying to tell us we are not good enough or that our writing or art is not good enough...we get to create just for the sake of creating...hmmmm...what would that be like?

Here's the exercise that can be played with others or alone.

Get a wide variety of photos - about 10-20 - Many of you are excellent photographers...so feel free to use your own!  (I have an awesome photographer for a sister)   Spread them out on the floor.  Without hesitation, each of you pick a photo and hold it upside down in your lap.  Ask someone to keep the time in one minute intervals.  Ready, set, go...look at the photo and just begin writing first thoughts - one word, phrases, or an entire story if it comes to you.  At one minute, SWITCH!; pass the card to the next one in the circle.  At each minute, switch, and begin weaving the new picture into your writing.  You will be surprised how you find associations and get so excited,that the editor is confused and stops bugging you!   Continue this cycle until you get your own photo back and include this photo as the ending of your story too.  Read them aloud one at a time, while someone is holding your photos in order.  You will be surprised what happens.  You will also notice how each person in the circle has weaved a perfect story with seeminly unrelated items.  What a gateway to new ideas...and maybe some healing.  I've noticed many healing phrases enter because the characters and plot usually revolve around something on your mind.  Besides, it's fun!

Yes, you can do this as an individual to keep the creative juices flowing.  You will find that it inspires you in both your writing and art.  I have several new topics because of this exercise...

May you be blessed this weekend in your adventures in creativity and self exploration.  May you find the peace you so deserve...You were created to "live."

Silencing the Critic - A Tool for Celebrating YOU!

Hello my friends!  I learned a great new technique in my writing class this week.  Actually, the lady is a poetry therapist, but we recovering writers join the club to get ourselves out of the slump...but the tools she gives us are often healing and revealing and very helpful.  The tool this week is a tool I think will assist everyone, even if they aren't writers.  I offered it as a tool for my friend who is going through getting out of a very emotionally abusive situation.  May it assist you!

You are writing a story wherein everyone whom has ever criticized your writing gets put on a bus.  In this case, I think it works if you've ever been criticized about anything, especially an emotionally abusive situation, or a voice holding you back from doing what you were created to do.  Whose voice do you hear?  What are they saying?  Put them on the bus and send them to who knows where?   They don't have to be comfortable, just get them out of there!  Continously write and don't stop...scream it out!  Shout it out!  YOUR voice will be heard on the pages.  If you get stuck, keep the metaphor going!  Make it a boring, drawn out, hot trip....keep writing!

Then, to change the channel, you begin to write about all the voices you hear that encourage you as a writer, or as a person.  Who are THESE people?  Make THEIR voices heard!  Is it a sister, a friend, a teacher, or even a stranger?  Who recognizes what you are trying to accomplish?  Who celebrates the gift of you? These are the voices you want to record, and these are the voices you want to hear over and over.  Write it!  Type it!   and put it on your mirror!   May YOU see the beautiful woman in the mirror like WE see her!

Enjoy!  And if you try this exercise and feel it's helpful, let me know.  I'm curious to see the results.  Have a blessed weekend!

Poetry Exercise - The Messenger

My poetry class this week was exceptional!  We did 6 different writing exercises to get our juices flowing.  I LOVED it!  What I love about these type of exercises is that when you do them, they are full of energy and raw emotion.  Sometimes this is the best writing because you aren't trying to hide anything or cover anything up.  The teacher only let us write about six or seven minutes, so we didn't get to complete our thoughts, but there are still a pile of great starts with no editing!

At first, I was hating it because it's hard to get an idea at first, but then you write through it and sometimes, well, miracles happen.   

Think of a situation where people or objects look all the same yet one stands out.  i.e.  Everyone is dressed alike or looks alike at a football game (team colors) or a party (jeans or tuxes), a stack of all yellow balloons, etc.  What makes someone or something stand out?

I'm putting my first raw draft out there for you to read with no editing so you can see how it looks raw.   The poem is  for my friend going through some tough times.   She doesn't know it yet, when her trials and tribulations are waning, she is going to be this blossom, this messenger for God.  She has to learn first that she is worthy, and that sometimes it's okay to stand out in a crowd.  It is with purpose.

The Messenger

Look out across

The massive field of

Red bulbous tulips

Row after row

They are the same

2 foot tall structures

*

And you

Lone blossom

Head held

One blossom

Higher than

The others

You,

Face tilted

Heavenward

Soaking in

God’s

Secret messages

And piping

Them to

The earth

You

Whom are

His messenger

When the sun

Beats upon

Your tiny shoulders

And you grow

Weary of

It’s weight

May you

Find

The strength

To last a

Little longer.

The world needs your healing power.

                My dear friends, are you the messenger?  I know there are many us out there.  May your shoulders be full of strength and your ears open to receive...and may our world begin to heal.  Have a blessed blessed Sunday!

Poetry is for Everyone!

I'm really enjoying my poetry class!  Though it's strange to be in a class with my husband.  I get to see a different side of him that I haven't seen before, and it's interesting and fun and even touching. 

You see, my husband's story is that he had a teacher in high school who told him what a terrible, terrible writer he was, and sadly, he believed them!  For all these years, he has done very little writing because of his fear that he "sucks."  I have read his letters and poems to me and told him that I have read a lot, and I KNOW that his poetry doesn't suck.  He believes it's just because I'm biased.

Well, in class, he has learned different.  Just by reading it out loud to others, he has learned how his great wisdom and view of the world can touch and inspire the lives of others.  He sees the world through a very spirtual lens.      Last week when we read in class, he was shocked when there were tears in the room and that the teacher commented on how touching it was!  I was proud and honored that he got to feel validation.  And stinkies to teachers who criticize a writer only for their mechanics!

I have enjoyed Mary Oliver's poems before, but I hadn't read them in a collection.  For the first time we read: American Primitive.  All I can say is WOW!  I love the way she weaves golden nuggets into her rhythms and makes me see the world in new and inviting ways...more than once I remember thinking to myself, I hadn't thought of that...or marveled with her metaphorical images or catchy rhythms.  A treat!  really...you should read this!

Frank O'Hara, on the other hand, was difficult to wade through!  I couldn't even finish it...nor did Joe...It felt as if you had to take drugs to understand what he was talking about...mostly it seemed disconnected and disjointed.  Each person I had read the poems couldn't finish!  When I asked my daughter to read just two more, she adamantly refused, "no!"    So, if any one of you, can explain them to me, feel free.  I did finally get a better when I realized he was just taking notes of his walking and riding adventures.

Next up: Lucille Clifton

Poetry Class

Exciting news!  I started my poetry class with my husband yesterday and it was AWESOME!   I really wanted to do an art class, but it's very difficult starting a new school year with an art class that takes two nights a week plus lab time - about 20 hours extra a week...that's if the project goes well!  So, yeah, I took a more low key class on Saturdays... Yes, my husband and I will get to spend time together.  He would like to improve his technical writing, and I'd like to improve my writing.  I'm kind of the Rachel Ray of poetry.  I enjoy it and I can do a pretty good job of getting by and expressing myself, but real poets (like 5 star cooks for Rachel) really don't like my poetry because it's not formulaic.  I'm excited about getting some form and learning some tips and tricks.  But mostly, it's fun to try this new adventure with my guy.  Since our last daughter moved out last month, we've been kind of staring at each other and wondering what we will do, though work keeps us really busy during the week.   I'm very excited about what we will be doing.  For now, we have some cool new poetry books to read and some new poets we're learning about!  I've missed hanging out with these wise souls...so it will be fun to visit them.  One of my favorite poets is Naomi Shihab Nye.  She came to Boise a few years ago, and she had such a peaceful, elegant presence.  Another of my favorites is Mary Oliver...so we get to read both, in addition to some poets I haven't heard about.

I can't wait to share with you!  Have a blessed Sunday and create, create, CREATE!  (art, music, poetry, handmade cards)  just be....

Woman in the Mirror

While I was going through the trials with this friend, I was inspired to write a poem.  You see, when a woman is abused, physically, sexually or emotionally, there are scars that won't heal, like the ones that tell you that you are less than worthy, and no matter who else talks to her of her beauty, even people who know her inside and out, she won't believe it.  She believes she has brought this disgrace and shame upon herself and that she deserves the treatment.  Someday, I want to be that mirror that reminds those women of their beauty and reflect true images.  (p.s. It needs some work in format, but the passion and emotion are there, and I want her to read it, really read it and anyone else who needs to believe in the mirror.)   My husband thinks it could apply to anyone, not just women.

*

*

Woman in the Mirror

Brushing her grizzled hair

She gapes emotionless in the mirror

Battered, bruised

Tattered, confused

*

A spy could not detect

What she witnesses…

The shattering

On the inside

 

The image looks

fuzzy

So she asks him

What do you see?

 

A dandelion

Lawn cluttering pest

grass choker

worthless 

_ _ _ _ _

 “But please, please

Ask me,” the mirror begs.

“But don’t just ask me…

Believe me…”

 

For I have known you best

I have appraised

your heart  and soul

since you were a little girl

 

I have no intentions

Nor desire to distort you

Or lie to you

Only to reflect what I see

 

You…you my dearest…

 

You are a lily

A day lily

With its radiant face

to the sun

 

You, who blossom

With the slightest ray

You who invite with

Arms flung open wide

 

To allow the drink of your nectar

You, who provide the

Bees with the sweetest

Of nutrients for their honey

 

Look…

look closely

Your lines are not

Prickly needles

 

Look even closer,

The lines

Your lines

Softly curve and flow.

 

 

Look again

You are unwrapped

You invite

You inspire a second look

 

In this breathless moment…

You are cherished

You are valued

You are amazingly beautiful.   

 

Spiritual Darkeness & Spelunking

My daughter, Kendra and I were talking spiritually yesterday...and I remembered a question Mitch had posed to us with something to the affect of visiting our deepest darkest places.  (I wish I could quote it...but the point is, going there..to the deep dark places.)  Kendra said she couldn't go where evil lurks that she is afraid...she is but a bud in her spirituality, but she is exploring her faith deeply...and  the soul can be damaged if the search begins before it's ready.  For me, going "there" is important, no matter how ugly, because then I know this beast and I can fight it if it comes in my path.

Then, I awoke this morning with Josh and Caris still on my mind.  For the depth of their journey and what they learned affected me in a profound way.  These two young people are my heroes...and the young shall teach the old...combined with the conversation I had with Kendra, I understood a little better why I was affected in such a way by what I witnessed on Wednesday...these young people have gone spelunking in these cavernous places and found the treasure...the first poem is to honor Josh, and the second to honor Caris...who never got the credit she deserved for being righ along side him and encouraged him while she was on her journey...much as women do........

Remember, these poems were a rough sketch for this morning...but I had a burning desire to share.  You might get to hear it again when I clean it up...The second poem is not only for Caris, but for all you women out there...

Pock marks

Scratches

Pockets for eyes

Shaved head

Skinned head

Jerk head

Self destruction

Self disgust

Self loathing

It’s time.

The cavernous journey has begun.

Rummage around those bottomless, murky places

Look, over there!

Go ahead,,,

Touch it…

No, grab it…

No, rip it & chuck it!

Look! There’s more!

Over there…

And there…

And there…

Go deeper

This cave is filled

with oozing muck.

You’re lucky..

Most people never come here

They won’t examine the evil

And eats them from the inside out

Leaving just a sheath

Now, my friend…

Look to your right

See that glow?

Follow it.

As you do

the light will glow brighter

And more purposeful

Go ahead

touch it,

Embrace it…

Drink it…

This is what your soul tastes like.

Sweet isn’t it?

Not the bitter cup you’ve been drinking

Not the

Nurture it

Love it

Embrace it

Bring this light with you everywhere you go

For you will find more darkness

Later in your journey

It’s never completely gone..

But this journey is different

You will always have your light

And if it begins to fade

You know it’s source

Go there

Replenish your supply.

They never noticed you.

       You were there…a few steps back.

As a matter of fact,

Without you

The journey would not have been made.

The cave would not have been explored.

You held the map.

You held the compass.

You held the bottle of courage to sip from.

And when the time came…

You allowed the spelunker his cave

While you ventured into your own deep darkness

You found your own treasure

And you let its radiance glow and shine in your face..

When complete,

Only one got credit for the journey.

You deserved it

But you didn’t need it

For you were there.

You were the witness.

And THEY thought

The treasure was the prize

The real prize was the journey

For now you both know

The Source.