Saturday, January 12, 2008

Poetry-38


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Traditional VS Modern Anniversary Gifts
Author: Slade Hartwell
Most people are familiar with the traditional materials list that good etiquette requires us use as a guide when selecting a gift to commemorate a wedding anniversary. If you are like most people, you might find it a bit challenging to convert the materials on the list into an acceptable gift idea. There may be more choices available to you than you realize. Do you know that an updated "modern" gift list is available which is becoming more and more popular? This article touches on the history of the traditional list, highlights the differences between the modern and traditional lists, and helps you decide which is right for you.

Parts of the traditional list have existed since medieval times. Historians can trace the origins of silver and golden anniversaries to medieval Germany, where garlands made of these metals were presented as gifts for the 25th and 50th years of marriage. The rest of the list may not be as traditional as you think. I was surprised to learn that the traditional list, as we know it today, did not exist until 1937. In that year, the American National Retail Jeweler Association published a list, which associated a material for each Anniversary up to the 15th year and then each fifth year after that up to the 60th Anniversary. The following is the materials list from 1937, through the 60th year:

* First - Paper
* Second - Cotton
* Third - Leather
* Fourth - Fruit/Flowers
* Fifth - Wood
* Sixth - Candy/Iron
* Seventh - Wool/Copper
* Eighth - Bronze/Pottery
* Ninth - Pottery/Willow
* Tenth - Tin/Aluminum
* Eleventh - Steel
* Twelfth - Silk/Linen
* Thirteenth - Lace
* Fourteenth - Ivory
* Fifteenth - Crystal
* Twentieth - China
* Twenty-Fifth - Silver
* Thirtieth - Pearl
* Thirty-Fifth - Coral
* Fortieth - Ruby
* Forty-Fifth - Sapphire
* Fiftieth - Gold
* Fifty-fifth - Emerald
* Sixtieth - Diamond

The modern anniversary materials list presents us with a contemporary, easier to use alternative. The modern list has no clear beginning, but like the original, each year's gift is more precious than the last. This arrangement is intended to honor the longevity of the commitment. The new list retains the spirit of the traditional list, but loses the some of the sense of etiquette in the original. Although more convenient, the modern list sacrifices the thoughtfulness previously required to make a good gift from the more mundane materials on the old list. However, the modern list is more extravagant (expensive) than the original, which in some cases may be more appreciated than a thoughtful but humble gift from the traditional list. The following is the widely accepted modern list, through the 60th year:

* First - Clocks
* Second - China
* Third - Crystal/ Glass
* Fourth - Appliances
* Fifth - Silverware
* Sixth - Candy/Iron
* Seventh - Desk Sets
* Eighth - Bronze/Pottery
* Ninth - Linen/Lace
* Tenth - Leather
* Eleventh - Jewelry
* Twelfth - Pearls
* Thirteenth - Textiles/Furs
* Fourteenth - Gold Jewelry
* Fifteenth - Watches
* Twentieth - Platinum
* Twenty-Fifth - Silver
* Thirtieth - Diamond
* Thirty-Fifth - Jade
* Fortieth - Ruby
* Forty-Fifth - Sapphire
* Fiftieth - Gold
* Fifty-fifth - Emerald
* Sixtieth - Diamond Jubilee

For most couples, I recommend using the modern list. When selecting a gift from the modern list you have the benefit of more specificity, for example a desk set is much more clear than copper/wool. With the modern list, you won't risk insulting your spouse by rewarding 10 years of companionship with a pitiful tin or aluminum gift. Believe me, she won't be satisfied with the excuse of tradition. Also, good luck finding the ivory candlesticks for year 14! Unless you really enjoy the creative challenge of using the traditional list, try the modern list this year.

About the Author

Slade Hartwell, Webmaster at www.ezromantic.com

http://www.ezromantic.com/home.html Romance Relationship Advice We offer tons of romance and relationship help such as: great articles, advice, love poems, book reviews, gift ideas, romantic travel guides, a relationships forum, and more.

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Friday, January 11, 2008

Poetry-37

Find the Artist Within


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Find the Artist Within
Author: Eileen Bergen

Find the Artist Within
by Eileen Bergen
The Artful Crafter
www.theartfulcrafter.com

Can anyone be an artist?

People admiring my work often say, "I could never do that!" I say, "Yes, you can!"

Eight years ago, during a very difficult time in my career in finance (Downsizings, layoffs – let's not talk about it, OK?), my company sent me to a development workshop for female executives.

I came out of a particularly thought-provoking discussion group and penned the following very prophetic free verse.

Threads They Said
Mimi said, "Why don't you paint again?"

I said, "There's no time. I crunch numbers now."

Carole said, "You can do it!"

I said, "No. I don't think so."

Cheryl said, "You have an artist within. Reach down. Bring it out."

I said, "My numbers … they pay the bills.

Though, God knows, they don't feed the soul anymore!"

Martha said, "There's a strength within you."

I asked, "They why do I feel so weak, so beaten?"

Bob said, "Reach for the sky. Be your mother's daughter.

Write poetry. Perhaps the answer lies within."

I reached. I created. I wrote. I discovered.
The threads came together.
I design tee-shirts now.
On a glorious sunny beach.
I write my musings in between.
And share them with other artists
--- like me.

I didn't really dwell on these thoughts at the time since I ended up taking early retirement and had no intention of going back to work.

"Threads They Said" got filed away with my other work files. I only unearthed it recently and was stunned to realize how it all has come true.

Except we don't live on a glorious sunny beach, we live on a mountainside overlooking a beautiful lake – close enough for me! And now you are some of the other artists I share my musings with!

I believe anyone with a creative eye can be an artist. If you know what you like when you see it, you can be an artist. If you know what someone else will like, you can be a commercial artist. You only need to find your medium or craft.

To find the artistic spirit within you:

1. Think about your abilities, not your dis-abilities; what you can do, not what you can't. Maybe you're good with the computer. Think graphic arts. Maybe you wield a mean needle. Think of practical sewn items to which you can add artistic touches.

Today with the endless supply of craft materials and kits to get you started, there's something for everyone – or I should say – something for every artist.

2. Determine your bliss. I once read that if a woman thinks back to what she most enjoyed when she was between 8 and 11, she can identify her bliss. For men, it's between 10 and 14. They mature later, you know – some women would say never. If, at that age, you were always making "stuff" (doesn't matter what) and loved having your own crayons (that no one else was allowed – under penalty of death – to touch) and maybe your own set of colored pencils, art and crafting could be your bliss.

If you took particular joy in actually producing something – an end product – rather than just messing with all those neat (or should I say, messy) paints, you almost certainly have an artist within.

3. Browse a local crafts superstore or Internet crafting sites (please start by browsing around TheArtfulCrafter.com!). Go up and down the aisles, whether virtual or real, and see what appeals to you. Purchase a few kits. [Aside: If you intend to sell what you make from the get-go, be sure to consider what will also appeal to your future customers.]

4. Don't be afraid to try something new. To me, a sub-definition of artist is "someone who is always trying something new" – new techniques, new media. You have little to lose – the cost of a kit or a few tubes of paint – and very much to gain!

by Eileen Bergen
The Artful Crafter
www.theartfulcrafter.com


About the Author

Ms Bergen has had a varied career, first as a special education teacher and than, after getting a MBA degree, as a vice president of a major insurance company. For the past eight years, she has been creating and selling her crafts.

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Thursday, January 10, 2008

Poetry-36


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Critique the Poem not the Poet
Author: Rose DesRochers
The act of writing poetry is something that is very personal to us poets and sharing it for the first time can be a very frightening experience. The first experience of having your work criticized can boggle our mind and set us back a step in our writing. However critique is essential in any writer's career. Accepting criticism is something that we all must face even if we don't like it. When I received my first harsh critique it was on a ezboard workshop and right then I wanted to give up writing. They were arrogant and my opinion very mean. It was the most painful experience.

Running an online writing community for the last two years I have met a few arrogant and mean people just like the one on Ezboard. I think that some of these poets have gone to workshops and have been critique in this matter, so now they think this is how one critiques. Wrong!

How to give a critique :

Short reviews like good poem, I like this, and awesome are not useful to any poet. When giving a critique remember that poets are looking for in depth critique. As writers we strive on feedback and we grow as writers by getting both positive and negative comments on our work. At all times keep them respectful. You don't have to take a critical lengthy review approach when commenting on others poetry. You might just want to comment on the way the poem struck you, what you liked about a poem, or what threw you off about a poem. Maybe you can quote part of the poem and why you liked that verse. You don't have to write a book; just a few comments can really help someone know what works and what doesn't. Remember to be tactful and never disrespect the writer. Poets are sensitive souls and they take their poetry to heart. There is a wrong way and right way to say everything. You can offer constructive criticism where the poet is going to learn from it without being disrespectful and never mock your fellow poet.

Here is an example: You just read a poem and all you can find are reasons why the poem that you just read sucks. Maybe they had a number of spelling, grammar mistakes and run on sentences. Instead of commenting on only the bad parts of the poem start out by pointing out a good point. For instance you could say I think you've done a really fine job at expressing your emotions. I do believe that your poem could use some work on the structure to make it complete. I noticed a few spelling and grammar mistakes. I really think this is a good attempt and if you are looking for a more in depth critique I would be happy to work with you to tighten up the poem.

How to not give a critique.

Never critique the author, critique the poem. Never change the poem and put it in your own words. When you do this it no longer becomes the poet's thoughts. Never think that you are an expert in your field. All poets have room for improvement. Never look at another poet as a failure, keep in mind just as movies not every poem will appeal to you. Don't point out every line in the poem that needs work. You should save that for a more in depth critique if the poet desires it. Don't come off as an arrogant critic that is not the way to help people or win friends in the writing business.

Critique is important to all poets. However if you feel that you are a poet expert with no room for improvement yourself than maybe you should stay away from critique groups and just look at your own writing because your really not helping anyone.

About the Author Rose DesRochers, Canada admin@todays-woman.net http://www.todays-woman.net Rose is a published author and web columnist. She is also the founder of Today's Woman a supportive online community for men and women over 18. Their goal is to help writers succeed in the writing industry by offering a useful selection of services including author interviews, regular columns, interactive forums, and a place to share your writing for critique by your peers.

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Wednesday, January 09, 2008

Poetry-35

Christians, the Minority


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Christians, the Minority
Author: Joyce C. Lock
It was published that the Christian Community is taking over the net.
I thought, "Yes! It's about time they noticed!"


But, sadly, another report came. It read that Christians have used the Internet to, single-handedly, restore the love for poetry. But, it has not reached the lost world.

Perhaps, the Christian Community became the minority because of our own doing. We were called to be in the world, without being like the world, to be a testimony in the midst of them … not to separate from opportunity to minister to the world (Philippians 2:15); except in the event of an evil we need to, personally, get away from. How can they, otherwise, hear?

Scripture makes reference to sowing beside all waters, Isaiah 32:20.

A way that applies, for writers, is to submit our original writings to whomever is interested (the highways and hedges of the Internet), with the exception of x-rated sites. The only reason for eliminating those is because writings would be perverted, wherein God would not get the glory. Though, we can still sow beside those waters, without going inside.

One way writers can compel others, via the Internet, is to include a link to more of their writings; which will draw some to where they can further be ministered. Utilizing your talents, you might have other ideas.

There is neither Jew or Greek, bond or free ... red, yellow, black or white ... Protestant, Catholic, Indian, Hindu ... we are all trying to find our way to God. All things were created by Him and for Him. Our God is the God of the corn, the wheat, and the rain; the one in whom all things consist. But, Jesus was an anti-religionist. He went directly to the source because, THERE IS ONLY ONE GOD.

Regardless of what another faith believes (if our writings do not create offense), we can cross religious barriers to submit writings to them; until we all grow into a unity of faith. Likewise, we can share their non-offensive writings, because (however we serve) it is still the same God. No one religion has all the answers. If we separate from everything not like us, we lose opportunity to learn from other faiths, also.

We stand sure on what God has revealed to us, unwavering. Though, if we keep an open mind, we just might discover that there is more to God than any of us has, yet, considered.

Proverbs 8:31 refers to our freedom in the inhabitable part of the earth. If a website offers Halloween stationery, it is my conviction to not download those. But, if you want to be legal about it and dismiss the rest of their wonderful creations, you will miss a blessing. God created all things. The part that can be used as a testimony to Him, we are free use.

However, there was an occasion wherein I was even able to use an OE skeleton stationery, as it fit a writing against the hazards of drinking. We limit God when we tell Him what He believes before we hear it from Him. There is a habitable part.

Early Christians did not want to give up their festive traditions. Thus, those that could be turned into a blessing for God were adapted, converting to Christian Holidays.

We still have that option, today. Whatever Satan meant for evil, God can use for good. If we do not see the connection of how to use evil for good, we are free to move on. In such case, we either are not listening or God may not be calling us to it. But, if we see the connection, we are free to walk in the Spirit; following Christ.

Being not everyone is a writer, your opportunities may be different. We are not all called and gifted in the same way or to the same things. But, to keep an open mind until we have heard from God, our ministry can reach more for the Lord. That is the key.

"Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it:
except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain."

Psalm 127:1

~ Immortality ~

Long after we're dead,

Long after we're gone,

Through others, we pray,

May Our Seed Live On!

~ * ~

If you want to build a ministry that will withstand the Gates of Hell,
Seek the Master Builder.

© by Joyce C. Lock
http://our.homewithgod.com/heavenlyinspirations/
This writing may be used in its entirety, with credits in tact,
for non-profit ministering purposes.

About the Author

Joyce C. Lock is a published author, poet, and columnist. In addition, she founded and maintains the e-mail ministries "Heavenly Inspirations" http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HeavenlyInspirations/ and "Share a Smile" http://groups.yahoo.com/group/smilesharing/. Joyce's writings encourage us in our relationship with God and each other.

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Tuesday, January 08, 2008

Poetry-34


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Imagination
Author: Debbie Long
Have you ever sat and watch a child struggle with a blank page? Have you ever wondered why some children just seem to detest anything to do with writing? Have you seem them just give up in frustration and walk away angry and distraught? Well you are not alone. Every one possesses the capability to write stories, plays, poems or journal writings. There is something that belongs to you and nobody else – something that you can always keep a secret. There is something so special that it is priceless, and yet it costs you nothing. This is something that can never be taken away from you, but is yours to share with as many people as you choose. This is something you can keep for a lifetime and use anytime. Do you know what it is? Do you give up? This is your imagination.

Poets and artisans of ancient Greece attributed their inspiration to playful whispers from Muses. Eventually, they recognized the mystic murmurings to be their own imaginations. Einstein claimed that imagination was more important than knowledge. Knowledge was limited, he said, whereas imagination could "embrace the entire world stimulating progress, giving birth to evolution."

As co-author of a literacy program in Ontario, 'The Muse Program' Debbie has had a unique opportunity to observe children at work and see the methods that work best. The hesitation comes for some as they sit facing a blank page. Even with a vivid imagination, without the tools to utilize it, it becomes a stumbling block for many children.

Debbie has peppered her books with practical questions easily understood by children of any background. Their answers to those leading questions will provide a strong basis for a story. There is a broad comfort zone, because she leads them through familiar territory so that they can write about what they know best.

Using techniques she has developed with her own children to stretch their imaginations and her artistic background, she is able to conjure up images in their minds that are more easily transformed into words on that intimidating blank page.

The first in the series, 'Short Stories with Imagination' is designed to encourage the use of imagination and to help foster a child's self-image, opening up a whole new world to explore. Based on real-life childhood memories, these stories promote the idea that anything is possible. With a little help from our imaginations, an ordinary day can become one filled with adventure – sailing with pirates, running a race, or experiencing the thrill of a plane ride for the first time.

'Storybuilding with Imagination', the second in the Imagination Series, uses the proven techniques Debbie has developed and helps walk the child through the general principals of story writing. Following her lead helps the child untangle the confusing trail of mazes, and feel the pride of a job well done. 'Storybuilding with Imagination' is written simply, visually and interactively, so that children can follow along, regardless of reading and writing capabilities.

Kid's Writing Place could be called an Internet learning room where children are mused and/or become the muse to others, helping to spark children's imaginations and promote writing skills. Encouraging the use of imagination helps a child build strength and courage, thus fostering a child's self-image. At Kid's Writing Place, children that are intimidated by that blank page can come and get story beginning ideas, or those that are full of ideas but just can't seem to finish the ending can get help with their ideas. Those that are well on their way to becoming the next generation of authors can have their work read and critiqued by others. This not only enhances skill improvement but promotes interaction between others.

The goals of Kid's Writing Place are to Foster Literacy through the Imagination. This is achieved through the interaction, cooperation and brainstorming of the children working together and learning how to build on their ideas. This on-line forum was inspired by a writer's fascination with the ability to motivate the creative process within children using their imagination. Visit www.designsbydebbie.ca/kidswritingplace and join in the fun of letting your own imagination soar and be amazed at the places that it can take you.

"The kids of today are our future,' says Designs by Debbie founder, "I believe that we are all capable of helping to improve our children's futures, starting with their own imaginations."

About the Author

Debbie Long is a writer/illustrator and founding member of 'The Muse Program', a literacy program for children. She has currently published her first children's book, in the Imagination Series, 'Short Stories with Imagination. The second is due to be released July 2005. For more details visit http://www.designsbydebbe.ca

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Monday, January 07, 2008

Poetry-33


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Kids: Channeling Mania Towards Productivity
Author: Kate Hufstetler
More and more kids these days are diagnosed ADD, ADHD, or Bipolar. There are biological reasons for this, and there are environmental elements which can soothe or aggravate the symptoms. It becomes increasingly easy to "react" to each mood swing rather than to develop a plan for different positions on the pendulum swing. Yet, preplanning is the best chance at teaching our children coping skills that will serve them throughout life. A child will learn better during a manic or hyper state—if the parent is able to stay strong and kick into a preplanned directed goal.

Some of the most creative, successful people in the world's history are bipolar. (one small list of such people can be found at: http://www.bipolarsurvivor.com/famous.html ) There have been rulers of countries with it, artists, authors, astronauts, musicians, ball players, financiers. The goal of parenting is to help assist our children to learn the coping skill that they will need to be successful at their level in the world around them as adults. Your child may choose to be the next Nobel Prize winner, Secretary General of the United Nations, or they actually may just have similar goals on an equally grand scale.

Keep in mind that adults, who are clinically required medicine to help curb the mania, often go off their meds because they enjoy the added energy and creativity. They like feeling euphoria, accomplishment, and a higher sense of capability and esteem. Yet un-channeled, that high energy can run rampant, and create a wake of problems left behind them which will increase the slower, depression side of the mood cycle.

When our children are young, we can take the time to help them identify these moods and teach them subtly-- some ways to harness that energy, and utilize it in appropriate ways that still align with their desires. The following suggestions are modifications from the book The Ups and Downs of Raising a Bipolar Child by Judith Lederman and Candida Fink, M.D. These suggestions work well in the state where creativity & thinking out of the box is identifiable. This is not intended to treat other phases of mania such as rage, or extreme irritability & negativity.

1) Listen and Learn. Pick up on cues and subtle comments that can help you understand you child's interest at the time. Ask questions about her desires and thoughts regarding hopes, dreams, goals, wishes. Use this time to bond and grow closer to the inner part of you child that is revealing itself.

2) Encourage participation in those desires in a physical way now (right now) if possible. Writing poetry or a mini-novel—even a script for a tv show, drawing, picking up and instrument and trying it, shooting photographs, making a video, painting and decorating his bedroom, sending a letter to the President of the United States, etc.

3) Ground the child in reality of the situation & current needs. When she has to do something RIGHT now, calmly and detached state in few words what needs to take place. Also validate her desires by adding "it would be nice to do that someday". You may even want to converse further about that impulsive desire—again: listen and learn, while helping her attend to the responsibilities of the situation at hand.

4) Meet some of the desire while lowering the intensity for her. If he just has to go to a professional ball game (now!), try going through his card collection to see which players and positions he is most interested in. OR get on the computer and begin a card collection for him—let him help pick out the cards and teams. Have someone in the family take 20-60 minutes out to play that sport with him now. After energy has been released, maybe go to blockbuster and get a video where that sport is the theme.

The process to help a child deal with STRONG impulses is time consuming. Two points of reality are:

a) There really isn't any way around the time consumption. Whether we deal with the desires head on or waste time arguing and trying to shift our children to something else "more reasonable", the time expended will be relatively equal.

b) We are giving them life long skills that may save them years of frustration: by taking the time to encourage our children to think creatively, stay with a theme of desire while channeling it reasonably. And this is one of our heart's desires ? .

Until next time—all the best,
Kate

About the Author

Kate Hufstetler is a well established Personal Life Coach. Her clients come from both the United States and overseas. She offers coaching services via email and phone consultations. For more information and current highlights please visit: http://www.comedreamwithme.com

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Sunday, January 06, 2008

Poetry-32


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Backpacks and Bullies. Is Your Child Prepared?
Author: Patricia Gatto
Publishing Guidelines: You are welcome to publish this article in its entirety, electronically, or in print fre.e of charge, as long as you include you include the full byline, hyperlinks, references and Resource Box.

E-mail or courtesy link appreciated when you publish mailto:pgatto@ptd.net
-------------------------------------

Title: Backpacks and Bullies. Is Your Child Prepared?

Author: Patricia Gatto

Copyright 2004. All Rights Reserved.

Category: Parenting/Children's Social Issues

Word Count (including Resource Box and References): 700
-------------------------------------
Backpacks and Bullies. Is Your Child Prepared?
Patricia Gatto ©2004 All Rights Reserved.
Joyful Productions

As the flurry of Back to School activities subside, parents are left to ponder more pressing issues than notebooks, backpacks, and sneakers.

Will my child succeed this year? Will his academic and social growth meet my hopes and expectations? Have I done everything I can to make this possible?

If you haven't prepared your child for the school bully, not only could your dreams and aspirations end in failure, but your child could fall victim to the violence, and suffer long-lasting repercussions.

Make no mistake; bullying is a form of violence. Experts estimate that almost 75% of today's youth will be involved in some aspect of bullying before they enter high school. And chances are, your child will be among the statistics.

Humiliation, fear, anxiety and depression are the constant companions of a child that is bullied. It can lead to harmful, shocking and unexpected behavior from an otherwise shy or timid child.

Victims feel ashamed and tend to view themselves as failures. They are more prone to stress related illnesses such as headaches and stomachaches. In extreme cases, the victim of a bully can experience sever depression and entertain thoughts of suicide.

Lack of safety is one of the top concerns of young people, and bullying is a real and constant threat. A child's emotional development is just as important, if not more so, than academic development. In fact, a safe, health, emotional environment is essential to academic growth and success.

How do you prepare your child for the school bully?

Become involved and make certain your school has active anti-bullying policies in place. Disciplinary guidelines, procedures for investigating and reporting incidences of bullying, adequate supervision, and an immediate plan of action to address reports of bullying are key elements to a successful program.

Teach your child to walk tall and proud and to maintain eye contact. Portraying a positive, self-confident stature will help your child cope in many areas.

Be certain to compliment your child and gently encourage changes that will bolster self-esteem. Use positive words that valid his or her rights as a person.

Use role-playing techniques to illustrate proper responses to negative situations. This will build strength and courage and provide your child with valuable emotional resources to pull from in times of trouble.

Help your child to identify role models, from sports heroes to everyday man. Discuss the obstacles and accomplishments they endured, focusing on the resilient human spirit.

Read stories together that inspire. Discuss how strength of character and perseverance can achieve a positive outcome without resorting to violence or force.

Encourage your child to keep a diary or journal, write poetry or songs. Writing provides a safe outlet for your child and creativity and self-expression are helpful tools used to work through negative issues.

If you child has difficulties making or maintaining friends, intervene - friendships are a protection against bullying. Identify children that might have things in common with your child and arrange a visit.

Encourage your child to join activities both in and out of school that will result in friendships while building strength and confidence.

But most important, don't diminish your child's concern over a classmate's taunting and teasing, it could very well lead to damaging repercussions. Instead, prepare your child for the bully by empowering him with confidence and self-esteem through your words, actions and embrace.
-------------------------------------
REFERENCES:
Bonds, Psy.D., Marla, and Stoker, M.S.W., Sally. 2000. Bully Proofing Your School. Logmont, CO: Sopris West.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Take a Stand. Lend a Hand. Stop Bullying Now! [cited June 2004] Available from http://www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov. NOTE: This campaign is dedicated to reducing and preventing bullying and provides a wealth of information for educators, parents and children.
-------------------------------------

About the Author

Patricia Gatto and John De Angelis are the authors of MILTON'S DILEMMA, the tale of a lonely boy's magical journey to friendship and self-acceptance. As advocates for literacy and children's rights, the authors speak at schools and community events to foster awareness and provide children with a safe and healthy learning environment. For more information, please visit Joyful Productions at http://www.joyfulproductions.com

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Saturday, January 05, 2008

Poetry-31


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Find Clients By Saying No
Author: Susan Harrow
***Permissions***

You have permission to publish this
article in its entirety electronically, in print, in your
ebook, or on your web site, free of charge as long as no
changes to the content are made and you include my byline,
copyright, and resource box. Please notify me of publication
by sending an email with a copy of your publication to:
mailto:newslettereditor@prsecrets.com Thanks!

===Article Follows===

Find Clients By Saying No

1. Nourish your secret inner life.

*If we have little idea of what we really want from our
lives, or what a soulful approach might mean, then often the
only entrance we have into soul comes from the ability to
say a firm no to those things we intuit lead to a loss of
vitality....But in the continuous utterance of the no is a
profound faith that the yes will appear....One way to come
to yes is to say no to everything that does not nourish and
entice our secret inner life out into the world.* David
Whyte, *The Heart Aroused: Poetry and the Preservation of
the Soul in Corporate America.* If you're longing for
something to say yes to other than another pile of
paperwork, this book will help keep your heart in your work-
or get you out of work that doesn't have heart. Order it at:
http://www.amazon.com. Keep in mind what you're trying to
accomplish when you're marketing yourself so you can use
your inner and outer resources most effectively.

2. Say no to whatever doesn't thrill you.

In the course of every week I say no to people who want to
hire me for media coaching or marketing strategies. Not
because I don't think they have something to offer, but
because it doesn't thrill me. Over time, less and less
people who I'm not interested in call me. This week I've
brainstormed with a career counselor on discovering the type
of clients with whom she wants to work. She has extensive
experience in the corporate world with Fortune 500 companies
and is shifting her business to include artists and
entrepreneurs who are thoughtful and passionate people. I
invited her to focus on the qualities of the people she
wants as clients versus their profession. If you're
inclined, start your own list today. She continues to work
on a detailed list and already two new potential clients
called her last week that suit her criteria. To create a
swifter transition from her business background to
attracting a more creative clientele I suggested she offer
her services free to her artsy friends.

3. Say yes to the clients you want.

By actually having the experience she wants right now she is
saying *yes* to the type of future clients she desires. If
it's media exposure you want call up a friend to act as a
reporter and interview you. If you want an article to appear
about you mock up a few points and paste it in that specific
publication. Put it up on your bulletin board where you can
see it daily. If it's more clients you need then find some
friends who fit the bill and give them some of your
expertise. To further your knowledge C.J. Hayden's book *Get
Clients Now!* will help you get things moving. You can order
an autographed copy at http://www.GetClientsNow.com. C.J.
also has a newsletter packed with ideas.

4. Discover the secret of saying yes to a happy life in
three words.

The best way I've ever heard to say no to what you don't
want and yes to what you do is this: An American journalist
asked Gandhi, *Can you tell me the secret of your life in
three words?* *Yes,* said Gandhi with a twinkle. *Renounce
and enjoy.*

My agent Patti Breitman and her co-author Connie Hatch,
(also two wonderful clients of mine) penned *How to Say No
Without Feeling Guilty and Say Yes to More Time, More Joy,
and What Matters Most to You.* Called *An ultimate tool kit
for reclaiming your time without hurting feelings,* this is
one book you will want to say *yes* to. Order it at your
local bookstore or through http://www.amazon.com. I took the
class and learned techniques I use on a daily basis in my
work and personal life. I keep a few of those phrases taped
to my computer. Invaluable!

Learn more about getting good press and self-promotion to
gain publicity for your business, product or cause in *Sell
Yourself Without Selling Your Soul*(HarperCollins). Go to
http://www.prsecrets.com for your free excerpts today.

Copyright (c) 2002-2005 Susan Harrow, All Rights Reserved.

About the Author

Susan Harrow, CEO of PRSecrets.com and BookedOnOprah.com,
is a top media coach, marketing strategist and
author of *Sell Yourself Without Selling Your Soul*
(HarperCollins), *The Ultimate Guide to Getting Booked on
Oprah*, and *How You Can Get a 6-Figure Book Advance.*
Clients include CEOs, bestselling
authors and entrepreneurs who have appeared on
Oprah,60 Minutes,NPR,and in TIME, USA Today,Parade,
People,O,NY Times,WSJ,and Inc.

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Friday, January 04, 2008

Poetry-30


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Feature Article

Benefits of E-Publishing
Author: Pawan Bangar,Birbals,India
E-PUBLISHING BENEFITS WRITERS AND ARTISTS

Just like all other aspects of life, the digital revolution has taken on the world of publishing also. With digital publishing coming to the fore, the publishing world has undergone several fundamental changes. Earlier, publishing was strictly related to paper. However, now paperless publishing or electronic publishing is gaining more prominence. Electronic publishing or 'e-publishing in which books, journals and magazine are being produced and stored electronically rather than in print. These publications have all qualities of the normal publishing like the use of colours, graphics, and images and are much convenient also. Electronic publishing empowers all writers in way that no technology has ever done before. Whatever you write--- fiction, poetry, news, how-to books or business documents--- there are exciting things happening that will directly effect how you write and distribute work.

The digital revolution has not just benefit writers alone, but has also revolutionized the works of the artists, photographers, and other creative person. There are already hundreds of thousands of books and journals published in the digital format and their number is rising every day. People are looking at electronic publishing optimistically as it is going to play a pivotal role in the modern world of e-commerce. Electronic publications may be produced in a variety of formats, including online, on the disk or CD-ROM, as a fire that can be downloaded or transmitted via e-mail or as a file that that can be downloaded to a hand-held electronic reader or a similar device. Many e-publishers offer books in several of these formats. E-publishers produce and distribute new books, which are appearing for the first time and many only appear in electronic formats (though some may also be produced in a "books on demand" format as well).

Thus, e-publishing does not include the following type of electronic books production: providing electronic text versions of previously published works (such as classic literature, non-copyrighted material, or works that have entered the public domain), either online or on CD-ROM, offering on an electronic version of a book that is simultaneously being produced on print. In this case, the book would be considered a print publication, and the electronic edition would be considered a subsidiary form of publication. Electronic publishing is relatively a new concept, but offer a lot of opportunity to creative person, both for self-employment and regular jobs. The best part of this career is that since, every-thing has to be done on compute; those telecommuting can also pursue this career. These are many publishers, sites, and news wires, who want people to work from their home. The demand for such person in electronic publishing is more in B2V (business to business) portals where there are good revenues also.

As per a report, online services are worth $ 1053 million of the$ 8.1 billion business-to= business sector total and continue to expand. Therefore there lie many opportunities in a new media career within the business- to business arena with tremendous opportunities for growth. Moreover since the revenues from internet advertising are also on rise especially in the B2b sector, self employment in electronic publishing may also prove beneficial. According to the US bureau of labour 'statistics' occupational outlook hand-book 'employment of desktop/ electronic publishing specialist is expected to grow average". In fact, the outlook lists desktop publishing specialist as one of the 10 fasted growing occupations in the nation, with a 73 percent increase in the number of positions expected between 1998 to2008.

Contrary to other popular career for pursuing career in electronic publishing, you do not need any special degree or certificate as this career is absolutely based on a person's own capabilities. But, degree or diploma in journalism or creative writing or a degree or diploma in web publishing can offer a decent platform to launch career in electronic publishing. However, if you wish to have that cutting edge in this career there are several courses available abroad both full-time and through distance learning for pursuing a career in electronic publishing.

There are many courses available on this fast track career, which can offer good opportunities in the field of electronic publishing. However for existing professionals in the field of electronic publishing, the career opportunities are even brighter as you can do a lot of work on freelance basic. There are many portals, which invite people to write the reviews of the services and product and mostly the professionals in electronic publishing deal with this job. Further, since conventional publishing involves a lot of money and also infrastructure, thus the professionals in this field would find electronic publishing an exciting opportunity to become publisher themselves as it neither does not involve big costs nor does it require huge infrastructure. Furthermore, there is a death of such professionals in the field of news wires and other online electronic publications all over the world. This concept is fast becoming popular in India also as a lots of online publications are coming in and thus day is not far when this career will also become a prominent career for professionals as will as other creative persons.

About the Author

Pawan Bangar,
Technical Director ,
Birbals,
India

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Poetry-30


Article Page

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Feature Article

Benefits of E-Publishing
Author: Pawan Bangar,Birbals,India
E-PUBLISHING BENEFITS WRITERS AND ARTISTS

Just like all other aspects of life, the digital revolution has taken on the world of publishing also. With digital publishing coming to the fore, the publishing world has undergone several fundamental changes. Earlier, publishing was strictly related to paper. However, now paperless publishing or electronic publishing is gaining more prominence. Electronic publishing or 'e-publishing in which books, journals and magazine are being produced and stored electronically rather than in print. These publications have all qualities of the normal publishing like the use of colours, graphics, and images and are much convenient also. Electronic publishing empowers all writers in way that no technology has ever done before. Whatever you write--- fiction, poetry, news, how-to books or business documents--- there are exciting things happening that will directly effect how you write and distribute work.

The digital revolution has not just benefit writers alone, but has also revolutionized the works of the artists, photographers, and other creative person. There are already hundreds of thousands of books and journals published in the digital format and their number is rising every day. People are looking at electronic publishing optimistically as it is going to play a pivotal role in the modern world of e-commerce. Electronic publications may be produced in a variety of formats, including online, on the disk or CD-ROM, as a fire that can be downloaded or transmitted via e-mail or as a file that that can be downloaded to a hand-held electronic reader or a similar device. Many e-publishers offer books in several of these formats. E-publishers produce and distribute new books, which are appearing for the first time and many only appear in electronic formats (though some may also be produced in a "books on demand" format as well).

Thus, e-publishing does not include the following type of electronic books production: providing electronic text versions of previously published works (such as classic literature, non-copyrighted material, or works that have entered the public domain), either online or on CD-ROM, offering on an electronic version of a book that is simultaneously being produced on print. In this case, the book would be considered a print publication, and the electronic edition would be considered a subsidiary form of publication. Electronic publishing is relatively a new concept, but offer a lot of opportunity to creative person, both for self-employment and regular jobs. The best part of this career is that since, every-thing has to be done on compute; those telecommuting can also pursue this career. These are many publishers, sites, and news wires, who want people to work from their home. The demand for such person in electronic publishing is more in B2V (business to business) portals where there are good revenues also.

As per a report, online services are worth $ 1053 million of the$ 8.1 billion business-to= business sector total and continue to expand. Therefore there lie many opportunities in a new media career within the business- to business arena with tremendous opportunities for growth. Moreover since the revenues from internet advertising are also on rise especially in the B2b sector, self employment in electronic publishing may also prove beneficial. According to the US bureau of labour 'statistics' occupational outlook hand-book 'employment of desktop/ electronic publishing specialist is expected to grow average". In fact, the outlook lists desktop publishing specialist as one of the 10 fasted growing occupations in the nation, with a 73 percent increase in the number of positions expected between 1998 to2008.

Contrary to other popular career for pursuing career in electronic publishing, you do not need any special degree or certificate as this career is absolutely based on a person's own capabilities. But, degree or diploma in journalism or creative writing or a degree or diploma in web publishing can offer a decent platform to launch career in electronic publishing. However, if you wish to have that cutting edge in this career there are several courses available abroad both full-time and through distance learning for pursuing a career in electronic publishing.

There are many courses available on this fast track career, which can offer good opportunities in the field of electronic publishing. However for existing professionals in the field of electronic publishing, the career opportunities are even brighter as you can do a lot of work on freelance basic. There are many portals, which invite people to write the reviews of the services and product and mostly the professionals in electronic publishing deal with this job. Further, since conventional publishing involves a lot of money and also infrastructure, thus the professionals in this field would find electronic publishing an exciting opportunity to become publisher themselves as it neither does not involve big costs nor does it require huge infrastructure. Furthermore, there is a death of such professionals in the field of news wires and other online electronic publications all over the world. This concept is fast becoming popular in India also as a lots of online publications are coming in and thus day is not far when this career will also become a prominent career for professionals as will as other creative persons.

About the Author

Pawan Bangar,
Technical Director ,
Birbals,
India

...

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Thursday, January 03, 2008

Poetry-3


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Feature Article

How to Get Reluctant Kids to Write
Author: Miriam Darnell
Being a gifted/learning-disabled child has afforded me the unexpected privilege of discovering new regions of my brain that few have ever explored. Because of this, I've come to look at things upside down and backwards. This tendency comes in handy while teaching Language Arts at the Brideun School for Exceptional children. Brideun kids are unique learners who have blockages in their input or output capabilities. Our job as teachers at Brideun is to find alternative pathways in order to get to the same knowledge destination.

Creative writing is my favorite thing to do and my favorite thing to teach. And it was my favorite activity when I was a young child too, though god only knows why. I was a terrible speller. I couldn't sequence to save my life, and with my poor memory, I tended to lose track of where my story was supposed to be going. On top of this, my teachers dwelled endlessly on the importance of good grammar, punctuation, sentence structure and how to spot a verb, but never taught me how to tell a good story that would keep my audience interested. I was never taught how exciting the written word can be when presented in a thoughtful way.

My greatest barrier of all was that I was a poor reader to boot, so I couldn't learn by the example of other authors either.

Writing for me was feeling around in the dark with no guidance, other than how to put properly spelled words in a proper order on paper and make sure the periods were in the right places. I couldn't make my readers care about what it was that my words were saying. I had incredible stories with realistic characters going on in my head all the time, but no idea how to make them real on paper how to make other people see what I saw in my mind's eye.

Despite all of these disadvantages, I continued to write for my own pleasure all through my school years. No thanks to some of my Language Arts teachers, who, if I hadn't had such an internal drive to write, would have quickly driven all interest in writing out of me in the first year, with their aimless rantings about proper grammar. I learned my grammar all right, which came in quite handy when writing technical papers, but until just recently, I didn't know how to put two words together that had an emotional effect on my readers. How could I know? I was never taught this. I was never taught how to create a character that other people could relate to, or what elements went in to making an exciting page-turning story. I was never taught that concepts such as foreshadowing, symbolism and metaphor add depth to a story and give it an artistic edge.

A mechanically perfect paper devoid of decent content is nothing but a showcase of surface knowledge.

Now I know these things, but only because I've had adult writing mentors who have instructed me in the concepts. My sheer drive to write has guided me toward finding the help I need.

Most children aren't so lucky as to have an internal drive to write. When they have a writing disability and all they are taught is the horribly dry and seemingly pointless method of mechanically correct writing, they lose their creativity and imagination; they lose the joy of just telling a good story. For some of these kids it becomes mind-numbing just to lift a pen.

I'm not saying that grammar and spelling aren't important. Of course they are, but writing, just like math or science, has to be taught with the application of the skill being just as important as the skill itself.

At the Brideun School, I teach creative writing backwards, the way I wish it had been taught to me. Backwards, meaning the application of the skill before the perfection of the skill.

In ancient times, stories weren't written down at all. Spelling and grammar didn't exist. What was important was the story itself. The characters, the plot, the setting, the drama with which the story was relayed to a captive audience. In my family, Sunday nights were reserved for read-aloud. My mother read to the family from a cherished novel, and we were carried away by the amazing fantasy worlds that unfolded for us. I was always so surprised by how different the experience was for me when Mom finished a book and I loved it so much that I read it again to myself. It never sounded or looked the same. The process of decoding words on paper when reading a story can diminish the narrative in so many ways. Just as focusing on mechanics in writing, especially in the first draft, can cause a writer to lose sight of the story and the characters the things that matter most.

So, to get back to the roots, the essence of the story and the character - the things that matter the most to kids - I have created a game. I call it Legends of Druidawn, based on a science fiction/fantasy world developed by my writing club kids. The game is so different from the typical process of writing that kids are used to trudging through in school, that they don't even know I've tricked them into writing. The interaction and sheer fun of the game is a wonderful disguise. It frees them from the mechanics of putting words on paper and allows them to create the stories that live in their imaginations a place where words are heard and scenes are visualized, but little is actually written at first.

If you have ever played a fantasy role-playing game or watched others as they've played one, you've got the basic idea. All you need is an imagination, some paper and some dice. You don't need to use fantasy or science fiction as the backdrop, but one of the reasons it is so effective is that the kids love it and respond to it so readily. Magic, dragons and spaceships capture their imaginations and this is especially true for boys.

In our game, we start with a character sheet. A very long, detailed character sheet, where the only thing the kids have to do is fill in the blanks. But the questions proposed on the sheet cause young writers to think about their characters on a much deeper level than what they're used to. They can't play the game until they have a fully fleshed-out person on paper who grabs them emotionally. Next we start the story. The story is presented in a completely verbal, interactive format. The game leader, or Legend Guardian, places the newly made characters into an imaginary setting, with a plot already planned.

The setting is described in great detail, as settings should be, and then the conflict, the goal, and the reward for achieving the goal are all presented to the players. The players then set off on an imaginary adventure, led by the Legend Guardian, during which time they fight monsters, find treasures, discover new places and struggle for their lives against many obstacles. Finally the ending comes when the players achieve their goal and win the reward. This game is played with nothing but paper and dice.

I find that when I start this game, kids who were tense in the beginning when they learned that they would be doing creative writing, are now happy, relaxed, and more than a little fired up. The pressure is off. This is fun!

The game part offers students a setting and a plot to use in their stories if they don't have any ideas of their own of what to write. But it is also a great lure. They don't realize that they already have been writing a story just by playing the game. The only thing they haven't done is translate it into words on paper.

Now here's the catch. The only way their characters can move up levels in the game is to put words on paper. Words are like money. They're very valuable. The more they use, the stronger their characters become. Kids understand the process of moving up levels. It's the basis of every video game they play. This is something they're quite familiar with. I'm not particular about what words they use at first. And I never check their spelling or grammar. The only rule is that whatever they're writing has to be something they're willing to read aloud (maybe just to me, or maybe to the group). Kids won't write nonsense if they have to read it aloud. They'll write stories or poetry that matter to them. They'll also hear the flaws in their own work as they read it verbally. It will bother them enough that they'll want to improve the words so they sound better. And THAT'S where the mechanics come into play. Much later, in the second or third draft of their story at a time when they've come to care about the words that are on their paper. When they want it to not only sound good but look good as well. That's when I teach the more advanced writing technique concepts to show them that there are millions of ways to manipulate words to get exactly what you want out of them. I like to show them how many fun ways there are to add depth to their work so that others will cherish the stories that they write.

The only way you can get children to care about written mechanics (unless they're natural writers who are self-driven) is to get them to care about the stories they've created first. Writing is an emotional process. If you're not emotionally attached to your characters and your story, you're certainly not going to care if it looks good on paper or not.

To summarize, the whole point of the game is to get kids to start thinking about characters they like and putting them in settings that are important to them. To motivate them, the volume of words written is the key to moving those characters up levels. Children will care more about these words because they have to write something they'd be proud to read aloud. The editing and mechanics come in later once they're hooked enough on their stories to seek out ways to perfect them. Finally, if they're really into learning all they can, they are taught the art form of writing (adding symbolism and metaphor to give the words depth and meaning), but not all kids will make it to this stage. Only the real writers will, which is how it should be anyway. Just like only the real mathematicians will make it to quantum mechanics.

It's teaching writing backwards. But it works to turn non-writers into writers like nothing else out there.

About the Author

Miriam has been teaching creative writing for over 20 years, often to students who hate writing. She has developed many unique and valuable techniques that work to motivate students to write more original content than they ever have.
Visit: http://creative-writing-solutions.com Creative Writing Solutions website for more information.

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Wednesday, January 02, 2008

Poetry-29


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Feature Article

I Want to Do an Ezine! Part 3 What is Content?
Author: Terri Seymour
I Want to Do an Ezine! Part 3 What is Content?
Copyright Terri Seymour

When you publish an ezine, you most definitely want to
provide useful, and original content as well as promoting
your business. Some things you might want to include:

*Original Articles/Guest Articles - If you are not
writing your own articles, please try it. Although
guest articles can be very effective, it is always a
good idea to have some original content as well.

There are lots of places to get articles:

Article Announcement Lists:
mailto:aainet-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ;
mailto:reprintedarticles-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ;
mailto:aabusiness-subscribe@egroups.com ;
mailto:aageneral-subscribe@egroups.com ;
mailto:articles_archives-subscribe@egroups.com ;
mailto:QC_Reprint_Articles-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ;
mailto:ap-shorts-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ;
mailto:article_announce-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ;
mailto:articles4you2use4promotion-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ;
mailto:articlesubmission-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ;
mailto:Free-Content-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ;
mailto:Free-Reprint-Articles-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ;

Article Directories:
http://OpportunityUpdate.com/articles/ http://amazines.com/
http://ezinearticles.com/add_url.html
http://marketing-of-training.com/motoarticles.htm
http://www.womans-net.com/submit.php
http://www.MakingProfit.com
http://www.articlecentral.com/suggest.asp
http://www.articlecity.com/article_submission.shtml
http://www.bestparentingresources.com/Article.html
http://www.boconline.com/sub-art.htm
http://www.businesstoolchest.com/articles/submit.shtml
http://www.connectionteam.com/art.html

You could also ask for article submissions in your
ezine and on your website. Provide a special email
to receive the articles such as:
mailto:ter02@newnorth.net ?subject=articles

*Freebies - downloads, tools, ebooks, and any other
useful Freebie you can find. Freebies can be found all
over as well. Do a search for Free Downloads, Freebies,
Free resources or whatever type of freebie you are
looking for. There are also freebie ezines and email
lists you can subscribe to.

*A Forum for Your Readers - A place where readers can
vent, question, complain, interact, whatever comments
or feedback they might want to send in. This also helps
in starting that all important connection between reader
and publisher.

*Human Interest Items - Inspirational stories or poems,
people helping people, survival stories, whatever you
think your readers might enjoy reading about.

*A Little Fun/Humor - We all need to laugh, so why not
have a little fun with your readers!

Note: I would put the last two items together in one
section because you do not want to get too far off the
subject matter.

*Editorial/Personality - This is where you can let
your readers get to know you so they can begin to
trust you. Talk about interesting news items, things
you have learned or experienced, relate to your readers.
You need to make a connection with your readers. Make
sure your personality shines through in your ezine.
Make your ezine warm, friendly, and inviting while being
informative and helpful.

*Ad Swaps/Ezine Ads - You want to make sure and have
a section for ad swaps. Ad swapping is a great way to
get free advertising as well as making new contacts
and friends! I have a Free Ezine section which I use
for my ad swaps.

To start swapping:
http://www.freezineweb.com/ad-swaps1.html
http://www.ezinelocater.com/
http://www.internetmarketing-success.com/ad-swaps.htm
http://www.topica.com/lists/Ezine-Ad-Swaps

*Thank You Section for Your Readers - Take a small
section for your readers to get some free exposure as
a "Thank You" for subscribing. Appreciate them as they
will appreciate you!

*Resources - Of course you want to provide lots of good
and helpful resources. There are lots of places to find
resources.

Do a search at your favorite search engine. Mine is
http://www.google.com

Join discussion lists - I get numerous resources from
email lists. I just save them all in an email resource
folder.
mailto:digital-women-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
mailto:hbj_chat-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
mailto:ideasbypost-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Spam - Yes, spam. I have found lots of resources from
spam that I have received. Sometimes the sender has
some useful information to check out. ( Some spam is
just plain junk) You can soon learn to tell the junk spam
from the "might be useful" spam! ;-)

Announcement Lists - Also a good source for resources.
mailto:lists_for_all-subscribe@YahooGroups.com
mailto:Lists-4-u-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
mailto:ListYourAds-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
mailto:listyourgroups-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
mailto:Mail-Lists-Only-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
mailto:mailman-subscribe@topica.com
mailto:misterlister-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
mailto:netwrite-publish-announce-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
mailto:New_List_Announcement-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

*Tips & Tricks - Provide shortcuts, helpful hints and
ideas to save your readers time and money! Ask your
subscribers to submit their tips and tricks and use your
own as well.

There are so many things you can have in your ezine!
You will learn to keep your eyes open for useful items
for your ezine. They can pop up anywhere at anytime!
Make it a habit to save useful things you come across
in folders in your email or on your desktop. Keep them
organized so whenever you need them, you can get to
them right away.

Ezine publishing is not hard, but you need to be able
to organize and provide a quality ezine for your readers
to stick with you. Be available to help and support
your readers if/when they need you. This will go a long
way in strengthening the reader/publisher bond!

You will find publishing a quality ezine to be very
rewarding, not only financially, but personally and
emotionally. Good luck with Your Own Ezine! ;-)

In the next part of the series we will cover ezine
promotion. See you next week!

About the Author

*************
Terri Seymour and her husband Terry of
www.seymourproducts.com offer a no cost,
home business opportunity. Apply online.
Resources and more for your home business
available at www.myownezine.com Free ecourse
business-building-ecourse@getresponse.com

****************

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Tuesday, January 01, 2008

Poetry-28


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Feature Article

Poetry is the universal language of our heart
Author: Rose DesRochers
I have always had my own ideas on what makes a good poem. But who are we really as critiques to start changing how poets should write a poem. When we read a book, do you read through the book pointing out areas, saying to ourselves; "I would have written it this way?"

The same can be said about music. Do we start critiquing music and telling the artist I would have written it this way. Let's face it we have all heard songs and we have said my good gracious; I'm shocked that song made it to the top of the charts. Now back to my original question, so what is good poetry? To me good poetry should make me feel something, to grab me, to make me laugh, or make me cry or to make me happy.

To me good poetry is being able to read a poem and say "Hey that is how I felt". I often say that when reading poems throughout the net. Poetry to me is being able to write my feelings down on paper. When we pick out a card be it for a birthday, wedding, anniversary or new born baby. We pick up the card and read what is inside. We want that card to say just what we feel. Therefore we choose it for the poem inside.

Poetry is something we share that we give to our children and loved ones as our legacy after were gone. Our words will be what lives on. We may never become that published writer or sell a million copies of our book. However somewhere on a piece of paper scribbled will be a poem someone will hold dear. Who knows what meaning your poem will have to someone. My husband once said to me you never know maybe someone has one of your poems hanging on their wall because it means something to them and they printed it out. I never thought of it that way until painter Phil Roberts printed out a poem I wrote from one of his paintings and hung it in his daughter's bedroom.

My children now write because of me. Whenever I write a new poem I ask their advice. You think they would get bored. But no instead they have picked up a pen and started writing. It is not a wonder that I hear compliments like your children express themselves well. I would like to think I had some help in teaching them that through my own poetry. I never gave much thought to how much we do share as family. Poetry gets kids learning. Through my reading they are learning to write. They are learning to express their feelings and become young adults capable of realizing their emotions.

A poet once said a Good Poem Will Give You Goose Bumps! Oh how right you are. Recently a member of my website said "Some people believe that anyone can write a poem because poetry is based on what comes from the heart." It is based on what comes from the heart. Anyone can write a poem because poetry is about feeling. I write with feeling, I read with feeling and I critique with feeling. Anyone can write poetry. They just need to turn those emotions into a poem. The next time someone critiques you on a poetry workshop that your poem was not really good, not enough adjectives, abstractions and too many clichés; well you can tell them what makes a good poem because obviously they don't know.

Who are we to say that poem wasn't any good because we all have our own view of a poem and how it grabs us just like music grabs us .The writing and reading is in the feeling.

So if you are one of those who are asking what makes a poet a poet because some people believe that anyone can write a poem. You are right anyone can write a poem. There are no rules people. Pick up a pen and write from your heart. Poetry is about writing what you see around you or feel within you. If you are releasing your feelings then you are writing poetry. Don't sit and wait for the inspiration to come to you, pick up a pen and write.

Robert Frost said "Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words." So pick up that pen and express your thoughts through this form of writing we know as poetry. What makes a poet a poet? An inner calling from your heart and soul. It is a need to express emotions. Poetry is everywhere; it is the world around us. In all of us is a poet. Poetry is the universal language of our heart.

About the Author Rose DesRochers, Canada admin@todays-woman.net http://www.todays-woman.net Rose is a published author and web columnist from Canada Ontario and she is also the founder of Today's Woman a community for men and women over 18, where writers/poets/columnists meet and exchange ideas, contest, rate and review and help each other succeed in the writing industry.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.5 License.

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