So...it's Wednesday again, time for a new blog post! A couple weeks ago I posted a poem that I wrote 'outside' of my online Creative Writing class through my college, UW Sheboygan. I think I'll be posting more of my work in the future, not just for feedback, but because I want to 'get it out there' so it speak, instead of each poem and short story just sitting there marooned on my laptop! That's one of the key points in my Creative Writing class, opening up your work to other students to not only receive constructive criticism but also to help you expose your work to others. That has been one of the tripping factors for me, showing other people my work. But I'm learning that it has its benefits, and no matter how much people point out that you could improve, when you take their advice you realize that it was all for the better.
I'm also that type of writer where I'll simply sit down and type free-handed for an hour or so, then come back later or a few days after and read it over, then keep writing from there. It's always been hard for me to go back and re-edit this, take out that, fix a paragraph here, or God forbid completely delete everything and start over! But the latter is exactly what I'm going with a short story series I finished last March. After finishing the story I realized as I went along I began to see a clearer picture of what I wanted it to become in the end, but in the beginning? Not so much! So I braved it and am now roughly a hundred pages into re-writing the beginning of said short story, which is a series called Wide Open Spaces. And no, the title of the series wasn't inspired by the Dixie Chicks song, I've never liked their music save for possibly one song.
When I say 'free-handed' writing, you may be in the dark has to what it means, or perhaps you do free-hand writing yourself. If you're part of the latter, kudos to you! Free-handed writing has always been where I'm at my most creative. Whenever I want to work on one of my short stories I simply re-read what I've already written before and then build off of it to continue the story. Also, I don't like to simply stop in any old place when I'm writing, I either like to stop at the end of a chapter, or at a 'dividing' line within a chapter, where the story shifts from one scene or from one place in time to another. For some, simply writing whatever comes into their head and then making sense of it later seems too much of a haphazard way to write, but for me, even though my fingers are 'following' what my mind is telling me, I'm still in control because I'm constantly registering what I'm writing, instead of just writing 'blindly' where nothing makes sense.
Is that to say that everything I put down on the paper is perfect on the first try? Of course not! But like I said before, even with this blatant fact accepted in my mind, it's still hard for me to go back and edit things. Even though I know such changes could benefit me in the long run, I guess I look at changing such things 'in the moment' as opposed to how my story will be better because of it, say, a few days after when I write again.
Not only has my online Creative Writing class inspired me to continue free-writing it has also inspired me to once again delve into poems. I dabbled slightly in poems in middle school and maybe even early high school, but it sort of fell by the way side like old, tattered clothes ripping off of the line and falling into a muddied ditch. It may be no secret now, but I've always been inspired by old houses and as my professor for the Creative Writing class said "houses are always ripe material, because of their relation to the human body. Such as "windows like eyes," and etc. In turn, I've also been inspired by Fall and trees in general, especially when they are stripped clean of their leaves and all color, stretching from the barren and frozen Earth like skeleton hands of bleached bone.
Delving into poems has helped flex my writing muscle, so to speak. Instead of simply taking a break between working on my short stories I am continuing to write in between, whether it be a poem or two I've written outside of my class, or a poem for my class, or writing a blog post! I've learned, both from myself and from others, that it is good for a writer to write continually. What I mean by that is, you cannot just write once or twice a week and think that your writing muscle will be in top shape. You have to find a way to write a little something every day, or at least four to five times a day. Now if you're a writer you may find that claim incredulous, but it doesn't have to be anything 'big' so to speak, like pounding out a hundred plus pages on a short story of yours. Sometimes I get hung-up on such thinking. Telling myself that when I sit down to work on my own short stories that I have to write x amount of pages or it won't be significant enough. I think for writer's the claim I'm my own worst enemy has never been truer! Who's to say that writing simply three or four pages isn't significant enough? Take a few days for example, that's exactly what I wrote for my Wide Open Spaces, three pages. Within those three pages I could have captured something special, or taken the story line a step further, or reached a climax, or revealed a secret. You don't need to always write a hundred plus pages, or whatever limit you have set in your mind. Whether it's three pages, four or ten, it doesn't matter! As long as you feel both your story and you have benefited from the writing exercise that's all that matters. Within those small amount of pages could be hidden the jewels you'd been searching for, or the plot twist that your story needs to freshen it up, or keep the reader guessing.
One of the reasons I decided to continue my blog long after my English classes at UW-Sheboygan ended is because I enjoy writing, and also enjoy in sharing my random thoughts with everyone who cares to listen! Also, it's a great way to continue my writing, even when I'm taking a break from my short stories or I'm in between assignments in my Creative Writing class. But for how 'random' my blog posts are, I've always seen a common thread within them. Invariably because of my writing nature a lot of them - like today's! - have had to do with writing, but in turn a lot of them have to do with historic houses, country music, the countryside or a combination of all of these! I guess the point is, for how haphazard free-writing is, there is a constant underpinning of tight control that only emerges when we allows ourselves to reach back into the sea of words we've written and pull out sturdy sentences, whole paragraphs and poignant thoughts that'll only strengthen everything for the better.
Just so you can catch a glimpse into just how inspired I am by old houses below I have posted a poem I had to write for my Creative Writing class. It is entitled Memoir of an Old House and it is written in first person from the house's point of view, in which it is reflecting on its dilapidated state and also that of its owner, who is a lonely, aging divorced man. Ironically they are bonded together in their desolation, and find solstice in each other's aging and the blatant fact that there's nothing either of them can do about it.
In closing, I hope you enjoy my poem, as well as what I have written about my writing habits. As always...happy writing!
Memoir of an Old House
Sagging floorboards creak underfoot
As my owner pads his way to the kitchen.
My invariable early morning complaints
In tandem with his own.
My plastered walls barely restrain
Wind’s frigid exhale beyond.
Thin air curls out of wrought iron vents
His feet seek refuge from the cold floors.
Through each wavy pane in these wooden windows
With their deep sills and paint-chipped frame
I have witnessed many centuries unfolding before me,
Caught in time’s snare while the world tumbles forward.
His hand slides deftly down my banister,
Its wooden surface has lost its radiant shine.
I know the routine he follows each day,
Each of my rooms a reflection of his life.
My six-paneled doors stick when humidity rises,
He sleeps in on Saturday mornings.
My rusted screen door bangs open on windy days.
He stays up late to watch film noir on Sunday nights.
I, a lone aging sentential perched upon a hill,
He a forgotten man of divorce.
In our abandonment we have found unity,
A common ground like my cracking foundation.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Stories To Tell
Have you ever looked at your closet? I mean, really looked at it? Or do you simply throw open its doors, reaching blindly for one piece of clothing or another while your Mom yells at you to hurry up? Or do you stand there, analyzing the perfect outfit for the day, skimming over your collection?
Why would I ask these questions? The truth is, I haven't really looked at the clothes in my closet for a long time. I'm always reaching to the upper shelf to grab a scarf, or on the floor to grab a pair of shoes. Have you ever thought of the story behind each article of clothing in your closet? Have you thought of how they reflect on what type of person you are? Your class, your taste, your mood, your style...etc. You could be sending people a certain message by the way you dress and not even know it! Whether that message is positive or negative, is the true question.
Albeit, some people send a message via their clothing on purpose. Some may dress in a disheveled manner, signifying they don't care or have no ambition. Other's may choose to dress in only baggy sweatshirts and sweatpants, signifying that they value comfort and perhaps don't concern themselves with the latest fashions or what others think. Still others, like a girl in my art class at UW Sheboygan, may dress in all black and wear corsets with heavy black make-up around her eyes. She's a very nice person, and quiet like me, but the first time I saw her I couldn't help but bring to mind every judgment and stereotype about a person who dresses like that. The only reason I pushed them aside is because my best friend dresses in similar fashion, choosing to wear mostly black, dye her naturally brown hair black and wear heavy make-up. Upon seeing a person like that you can't help but think they're on the fringes of the social world, but upon getting to know her in high school, I realized that she was a very friendly, open person who dresses the way she does not to prove a point or give a statement, but because she likes to.
Just as I dress the way I do because it's how I feel most comfortable, which is basically jeans, t-shirts and the normal lot. In winter time I live in knee socks, scarves and sweaters. Not only do I like wearing all three of these things because of the blessed extra warmth they give me, I also do so because I like being wrapped tight so to speak when the wind forms a biting edge and snow flutters from the sky.
This whole blog post came about after I recently began wearing old clothes in my closet again. It's no secret that times are tougher these days and money is scarce, therefore I've had to go without virtually no new clothes this year. So, I braved the uncharted depths of my closet and pulled out some clothes I hadn't worn in a while including one thick sweater, two long-sleeved shirts, one pair of jeans and one hoodie. Sounds like a lot doesn't it? And it was! I was amazed at how many clothes I had forgotten about, and just like finding a lost book somewhere around the house you loved, you can't help but dig in, so to speak.
As I was rummaging through my closet, though, I couldn't help but think how so many of my clothes have meaning or stories behind them. Take for instance the thick sweater I found at the back of my closet, I remember getting that when I was a freshman in high school. Now a sophomore in college I found myself reminiscing of that year that I scarcely recall! Also the pair of jeans I found in my dresser drawer reminded me of all the summer's and springs I worn them out to a local horse rescue farm - Sunrise Horse Farm - that I volunteer at occasionally in Reedsville, Wisconsin. I recalled all the times I'd been on my knees, pulling out weeds, or walking through the pasture to retrieve the horses.
In addition I remember a white shirt that I had bought specifically for graduation day to wear underneath my white gown, as well as the pair of white flip-flop sandals I'd purchased that same day. Albeit I still wear the sandals - now retired for the winter! - I haven't worn the shirt since, and it now either sits atop my closet shelf, or resides at Bethesda Thrift Shop. I also recall buying a white skirt for that day as well. What a graduation that was, I received a whole new outfit!
Speaking of shoes I also have a pair of "buckle flats" that I purchased during the end-of-the-year presentation my senior class and I had to give at my high school. Those too I still wear, albeit retired for wintertime!
I also have a red, elbow-length sleeve sweater that I wore during some of my graduation pictures, as well as a brown shirt I wore for the others, both of which I still wear today. On a hook on the shadowed back wall of my closet I have three or four dresses that I wore during the numerous banquets I attended that were put on by my high school. These dresses hold special meaning to me because every banquet was special in its own way. One year I remember seeing a girl who wore the same dress as me! But I wasn't one of those girls who got all flustered, in fact, I thought it was funny. One dress in particular - a strapless number I bought from Maurice's - holds special meaning as well, seeing as how I finally braved a strapless dress and pushed aside the fear that it would fall down!
After reading all this, you might be reflecting on your own experiences with your clothes, some of them related to my own, some of them completely different. Perhaps because I'm a girl this blog post has come more easily to me but, I'm sure if they thought enough about it, guys as well could come up with stories behind their clothes. They just might not be elaborate or heart-fell as the stories we girls have!
With that said, the next time you open your closet door, whether it be to change for school, to find something to wear on a date or a day out with your friends, a camping trip, a skiing trip, changing out of your ugly work uniform...or simply searching for your old, stand-by favorite that you love to wear just lounging around the house...look deeper than the fabric, the embellishments and the labels...to the story behind that piece of clothing.
Do you ever wish you had a walk-in closet? I know I do!
Why would I ask these questions? The truth is, I haven't really looked at the clothes in my closet for a long time. I'm always reaching to the upper shelf to grab a scarf, or on the floor to grab a pair of shoes. Have you ever thought of the story behind each article of clothing in your closet? Have you thought of how they reflect on what type of person you are? Your class, your taste, your mood, your style...etc. You could be sending people a certain message by the way you dress and not even know it! Whether that message is positive or negative, is the true question.
Albeit, some people send a message via their clothing on purpose. Some may dress in a disheveled manner, signifying they don't care or have no ambition. Other's may choose to dress in only baggy sweatshirts and sweatpants, signifying that they value comfort and perhaps don't concern themselves with the latest fashions or what others think. Still others, like a girl in my art class at UW Sheboygan, may dress in all black and wear corsets with heavy black make-up around her eyes. She's a very nice person, and quiet like me, but the first time I saw her I couldn't help but bring to mind every judgment and stereotype about a person who dresses like that. The only reason I pushed them aside is because my best friend dresses in similar fashion, choosing to wear mostly black, dye her naturally brown hair black and wear heavy make-up. Upon seeing a person like that you can't help but think they're on the fringes of the social world, but upon getting to know her in high school, I realized that she was a very friendly, open person who dresses the way she does not to prove a point or give a statement, but because she likes to.
Just as I dress the way I do because it's how I feel most comfortable, which is basically jeans, t-shirts and the normal lot. In winter time I live in knee socks, scarves and sweaters. Not only do I like wearing all three of these things because of the blessed extra warmth they give me, I also do so because I like being wrapped tight so to speak when the wind forms a biting edge and snow flutters from the sky.
This whole blog post came about after I recently began wearing old clothes in my closet again. It's no secret that times are tougher these days and money is scarce, therefore I've had to go without virtually no new clothes this year. So, I braved the uncharted depths of my closet and pulled out some clothes I hadn't worn in a while including one thick sweater, two long-sleeved shirts, one pair of jeans and one hoodie. Sounds like a lot doesn't it? And it was! I was amazed at how many clothes I had forgotten about, and just like finding a lost book somewhere around the house you loved, you can't help but dig in, so to speak.
As I was rummaging through my closet, though, I couldn't help but think how so many of my clothes have meaning or stories behind them. Take for instance the thick sweater I found at the back of my closet, I remember getting that when I was a freshman in high school. Now a sophomore in college I found myself reminiscing of that year that I scarcely recall! Also the pair of jeans I found in my dresser drawer reminded me of all the summer's and springs I worn them out to a local horse rescue farm - Sunrise Horse Farm - that I volunteer at occasionally in Reedsville, Wisconsin. I recalled all the times I'd been on my knees, pulling out weeds, or walking through the pasture to retrieve the horses.
In addition I remember a white shirt that I had bought specifically for graduation day to wear underneath my white gown, as well as the pair of white flip-flop sandals I'd purchased that same day. Albeit I still wear the sandals - now retired for the winter! - I haven't worn the shirt since, and it now either sits atop my closet shelf, or resides at Bethesda Thrift Shop. I also recall buying a white skirt for that day as well. What a graduation that was, I received a whole new outfit!
Speaking of shoes I also have a pair of "buckle flats" that I purchased during the end-of-the-year presentation my senior class and I had to give at my high school. Those too I still wear, albeit retired for wintertime!
I also have a red, elbow-length sleeve sweater that I wore during some of my graduation pictures, as well as a brown shirt I wore for the others, both of which I still wear today. On a hook on the shadowed back wall of my closet I have three or four dresses that I wore during the numerous banquets I attended that were put on by my high school. These dresses hold special meaning to me because every banquet was special in its own way. One year I remember seeing a girl who wore the same dress as me! But I wasn't one of those girls who got all flustered, in fact, I thought it was funny. One dress in particular - a strapless number I bought from Maurice's - holds special meaning as well, seeing as how I finally braved a strapless dress and pushed aside the fear that it would fall down!
After reading all this, you might be reflecting on your own experiences with your clothes, some of them related to my own, some of them completely different. Perhaps because I'm a girl this blog post has come more easily to me but, I'm sure if they thought enough about it, guys as well could come up with stories behind their clothes. They just might not be elaborate or heart-fell as the stories we girls have!
With that said, the next time you open your closet door, whether it be to change for school, to find something to wear on a date or a day out with your friends, a camping trip, a skiing trip, changing out of your ugly work uniform...or simply searching for your old, stand-by favorite that you love to wear just lounging around the house...look deeper than the fabric, the embellishments and the labels...to the story behind that piece of clothing.
Do you ever wish you had a walk-in closet? I know I do!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Wisconsin Welcomes You
What is my hometown of Sheboygan, Wisconsin famous for? Well, there's the Sheboygan Burger, which is basically a brat and hamburger in one. "Sheboyganites" love their brats. Me? I'm more of a hamburger type of girl.
Anyway, back on track. What else is Sheboygan famous for? Dairy land, cows, cheese, at one time having the largest flagpole, surfing on Lake Michigan...and the list goes on.
Perhaps the most prominent aspect, in my opinion, anyway which Sheboygan is famous for...is its weather. It's probably no secret to you that Wisconsin is a generally cold state, and you'd be right. This year has been a strange one. While working at the local library I had to sort the new newspapers and discard the old ones. Emblazoned on the front of one such paper was the headline "A Year Without Summer". I think that about sums it up. I don't know about where you live, but in Sheboygan, it felt like summer decided to finally roll out the carpet in August, leaving May through July abnormally chilly. I only made it down to the beach three times, each trip feeling as if I was walking straight into a huge liquid freezer, and the door would slam shut on me at anytime. But, wanting to make the chilly days feel like summer, I braved it.
Looking back on my scarce summer it makes me wonder what Fall will bring in Sheboygan, and Wisconsin as a whole. Last Fall the colors were only muted shades of the usually flamboyant colors that paint themselves across the countryside. It was a disappointing year. Plus the winds had picked up a lot, which blew most of the leaves off, leaving the trees barren and their beautiful coats of color scattered on the floor.
While I'm looking back at Sheboygan's weather, I might as well bring up the infamous winter we had. Actually it would be two winter's ago, when my hometown was buried in a dense layer of white as if someone were spreading too much frosting on the earth. I can't remember any other winter when we had so much snow. Or for that matter remember how many snow days I had. Now, don't get me wrong, no amount of snow Sheboygan gets can compare to what my parents' home state of Upper Michigan gets. If there ever was a definition for wintertime, Michigan would be it.
This past winter seemed to be trying to out do it's predecessor, but failed. Albeit we undeniably received more snow than normal, it wasn't as bad as before. Which I was grateful for. I'll admit, living in Wisconsin my whole life I've grown to love snow. Whether it was by my own hand, or nature's, is left to be determined. Or perhaps it's my writer's eye which I look through at nature, that is the cause for this love. There's something about the way the world looks when its draped in that sparkling, pristine, uniform blanket of white. As if everything is wiped clean of its imperfections, as if nature is closing its eyes and drifting off to sleep beneath the thick snow that falls. Have you ever listened to the world as snow is falling, or after a snow storm? Everything seems quieter, and muted. That's what I love most about winter. It's beauty.
Invariably, with every season comes new hazards. Winter is the time of year in Sheboygan when driver's who are clueless, become ever more clueless. It's no doubt that accidents can happen in any season, for any reason, but in the wintertime? That chance spirals through the roof. You'd think living in Sheboygan all their lives people would be able to remember how to drive in snow. Sadly, this is not true for a lot of people. Which is probably why my brother - who is two years younger than me - loves driving in the wintertime, and my Mom....hates it. Granted, my Mom's always been a cautious driver and my brother, well, he's had his license a year, has a fast car...you know where this is going right?
As for me, I don't drive yet, so I don't worry about things like that. Okay, so that's not totally true. We should all be concerned about other driver's around us, if only for our own safety and that of others.
So, you might ask, what is the point of all of this? So Wisconsin has the potential for severe winters, is famous for its brats and unpredictable weather, and has a crop of unintelligent drivers that only come out during one season...so does every other state. That would be true, yes, but let me point out that I could say in Wisconsin, if you don't like the weather, wait five minutes and it'll change. But the truth is, everybody says that about their state, and thinks it's synonymous with it. I guess each of America's states are more alike than people realize, weather wise and with other aspects as well.
In closing, all I can say is, whenever you see the old-fashioned wooden sign shaped into Wisconsin with "Wisconsin Welcomes You" emblazoned on its facade...keep in mind what I wrote about.
Anyway, back on track. What else is Sheboygan famous for? Dairy land, cows, cheese, at one time having the largest flagpole, surfing on Lake Michigan...and the list goes on.
Perhaps the most prominent aspect, in my opinion, anyway which Sheboygan is famous for...is its weather. It's probably no secret to you that Wisconsin is a generally cold state, and you'd be right. This year has been a strange one. While working at the local library I had to sort the new newspapers and discard the old ones. Emblazoned on the front of one such paper was the headline "A Year Without Summer". I think that about sums it up. I don't know about where you live, but in Sheboygan, it felt like summer decided to finally roll out the carpet in August, leaving May through July abnormally chilly. I only made it down to the beach three times, each trip feeling as if I was walking straight into a huge liquid freezer, and the door would slam shut on me at anytime. But, wanting to make the chilly days feel like summer, I braved it.
Looking back on my scarce summer it makes me wonder what Fall will bring in Sheboygan, and Wisconsin as a whole. Last Fall the colors were only muted shades of the usually flamboyant colors that paint themselves across the countryside. It was a disappointing year. Plus the winds had picked up a lot, which blew most of the leaves off, leaving the trees barren and their beautiful coats of color scattered on the floor.
While I'm looking back at Sheboygan's weather, I might as well bring up the infamous winter we had. Actually it would be two winter's ago, when my hometown was buried in a dense layer of white as if someone were spreading too much frosting on the earth. I can't remember any other winter when we had so much snow. Or for that matter remember how many snow days I had. Now, don't get me wrong, no amount of snow Sheboygan gets can compare to what my parents' home state of Upper Michigan gets. If there ever was a definition for wintertime, Michigan would be it.
This past winter seemed to be trying to out do it's predecessor, but failed. Albeit we undeniably received more snow than normal, it wasn't as bad as before. Which I was grateful for. I'll admit, living in Wisconsin my whole life I've grown to love snow. Whether it was by my own hand, or nature's, is left to be determined. Or perhaps it's my writer's eye which I look through at nature, that is the cause for this love. There's something about the way the world looks when its draped in that sparkling, pristine, uniform blanket of white. As if everything is wiped clean of its imperfections, as if nature is closing its eyes and drifting off to sleep beneath the thick snow that falls. Have you ever listened to the world as snow is falling, or after a snow storm? Everything seems quieter, and muted. That's what I love most about winter. It's beauty.
Invariably, with every season comes new hazards. Winter is the time of year in Sheboygan when driver's who are clueless, become ever more clueless. It's no doubt that accidents can happen in any season, for any reason, but in the wintertime? That chance spirals through the roof. You'd think living in Sheboygan all their lives people would be able to remember how to drive in snow. Sadly, this is not true for a lot of people. Which is probably why my brother - who is two years younger than me - loves driving in the wintertime, and my Mom....hates it. Granted, my Mom's always been a cautious driver and my brother, well, he's had his license a year, has a fast car...you know where this is going right?
As for me, I don't drive yet, so I don't worry about things like that. Okay, so that's not totally true. We should all be concerned about other driver's around us, if only for our own safety and that of others.
So, you might ask, what is the point of all of this? So Wisconsin has the potential for severe winters, is famous for its brats and unpredictable weather, and has a crop of unintelligent drivers that only come out during one season...so does every other state. That would be true, yes, but let me point out that I could say in Wisconsin, if you don't like the weather, wait five minutes and it'll change. But the truth is, everybody says that about their state, and thinks it's synonymous with it. I guess each of America's states are more alike than people realize, weather wise and with other aspects as well.
In closing, all I can say is, whenever you see the old-fashioned wooden sign shaped into Wisconsin with "Wisconsin Welcomes You" emblazoned on its facade...keep in mind what I wrote about.
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