“I owe, I owe, it’s off to work I go . . .”
Yes folks, it’s my first day at my brand new job. Did I spend my weekend brushing up on Word and Excel which I will be using in my new job? Nope. Did I do any of the vast amount of writing I have waiting for me - a flash piece for my scribes meeting tonight, the business plan I still have to present at school for my diploma, the poem I’m supposed to have ready for my poetry group tomorrow night, my piece for today’s blogfest, not to mention editing and new words on my current projects. Of course not.
Instead I gorged myself on mindless games as a coping mechanism to deal with the anxiety I’m feeling about my new job. Yes, I know I’m being unreasonably paranoid, but I can’t help it. That’s just the way I’m wired. I can shrug off bad stuff happening, but I always view the good stuff with suspicion.
RECAP
It was another blur-filled week last week. First of all, it was a short week ‘cause of the holiday Monday, and then I had to cram my last two weeks of school into the remaining four days. I took my last exam on Friday afternoon.
The good news is, I reached all my goals last week. Got all my posts done and up in time and I even managed to write my own poem to illustrate my poetry post.
I also start knitting a pair of leg-warmers for the daughter, which strikes me as a little silly considering what a mild winter we’ve had. I’m using four double pointed needles, and at the rate I’m making progress they might be done in time for next winter.
Goals for This Week:
Random Tuesday: Fortune Telling, Part Four. This week I’m trying something a little different. I’ve got a video to show a fortune telling method you’ve probably all tried at one time or another.
Whimsical Wednesday: I haven’t thought this far ahead. Will it be a cartoon? A video? A story? Guess we’ll have to wait until Wednesday and we’ll both be surprised. :-)
Thursday: This week on Passion for Poetry, is the French form of the Retourne.
Friday: Chapter 28 of the Space Opera.
This week I also have a bunch of meetings: Northumberland Scribes tonight, the meeting of my poetry group tomorrow night (I blew off the poetry reading last week to study for my exam), an administration meeting of my poetry group on Thursday, and Thursday morning I have to present my business plan to my former class. School starts at 8:30 a.m. and work doesn’t start until 9:30, which gives me just enough time, even with the commute.
Random Writing
I still don’t have my progress bars up. Will I get them up this week? No promises, but I’ll try.
DO NOT FORGET ABOUT THE 1K WORDS BLOGFEST!
I’ve picked out my picture, I just have to finish my story. Hopefully I’ll have my offering up later today/tonight. It’s not too late to join the fun, go HERE
Okay, enough about me, what about you? What are you up to this week?
Feb 22, 2010
Feb 18, 2010
Ae Freislighe
Until the 5th Century the only written form of Irish was Ogham which was used solely for carving into trees and gravestones. As a result Gaelic Poetry was based on sound structures to make them easy to remember, with rhyme not as important as repetition, alliteration and rhythm.
The Ae Freislighe (ay fresh-lee) is an Irish syllabic stanza form. Almost all the Irish and Welsh forms are complex systems of rhyme, alliteration, and consonance. It is often difficult to reproduce such forms in English, so particular attention should be paid to the rhyme scheme and syllabification.
Simplified, the Ae Freislighe is a quatrain stanza of seven syllable lines. Lines one and three rhyme in triple rhymes; lines two and four rhyme in double rhymes. The poem (not the stanza) should end with the same first syllable, word, or line with which it begins. The technical term for this ending is dunadh, and it occurs in all the Gaelic forms. The diagram looks like this:
xxxx(xxa)
xxxxx(xb)
xxxx(xxa)
xxxxx(xb)
Your poem can contain as many stanzas as you are prepared to take to tell your story, however the last line of the poem, as stated previously, should end with the same syllable or word or line that it began with.
For example, if your poem started with the line “Blowing winds change direction” then the final line of your poem should end with the syllable “blow”, the word “blowing” or the entire line.
My example was a little harder to write than I expected, for the simple fact that I found it hard to write in seven syllable lines. I kept wanting to use eight.
Gazing Into Yesterday
Gazing into yesterday
All my thoughts have gone askew
Leaving me in disarray
With new pathways to pursue.
Changing thought with direction,
The path ahead is unclear;
Hopes and dreams of perfection
Suddenly become austere.
In my path is temptation
Of all my heart could desire
Forge ahead to salvation
Spirit flying e’er higher.
Needed here, a new perspective
Maybe one that’s more mundane.
Isn’t that our first objective?
Maybe then we start again.
I have come to realize
With chosen words for phrasing,
The poet will idealize
Yesterday into gazing.
The Ae Freislighe (ay fresh-lee) is an Irish syllabic stanza form. Almost all the Irish and Welsh forms are complex systems of rhyme, alliteration, and consonance. It is often difficult to reproduce such forms in English, so particular attention should be paid to the rhyme scheme and syllabification.
Simplified, the Ae Freislighe is a quatrain stanza of seven syllable lines. Lines one and three rhyme in triple rhymes; lines two and four rhyme in double rhymes. The poem (not the stanza) should end with the same first syllable, word, or line with which it begins. The technical term for this ending is dunadh, and it occurs in all the Gaelic forms. The diagram looks like this:
xxxx(xxa)
xxxxx(xb)
xxxx(xxa)
xxxxx(xb)
Your poem can contain as many stanzas as you are prepared to take to tell your story, however the last line of the poem, as stated previously, should end with the same syllable or word or line that it began with.
For example, if your poem started with the line “Blowing winds change direction” then the final line of your poem should end with the syllable “blow”, the word “blowing” or the entire line.
My example was a little harder to write than I expected, for the simple fact that I found it hard to write in seven syllable lines. I kept wanting to use eight.
Gazing Into Yesterday
Gazing into yesterday
All my thoughts have gone askew
Leaving me in disarray
With new pathways to pursue.
Changing thought with direction,
The path ahead is unclear;
Hopes and dreams of perfection
Suddenly become austere.
In my path is temptation
Of all my heart could desire
Forge ahead to salvation
Spirit flying e’er higher.
Needed here, a new perspective
Maybe one that’s more mundane.
Isn’t that our first objective?
Maybe then we start again.
I have come to realize
With chosen words for phrasing,
The poet will idealize
Yesterday into gazing.
Feb 17, 2010
Whimsical Wednesday
Two pieces for you today. One cute story, and one equally cute video. Hope you enjoy!
Bottle of Wine
A woman and a man are involved in a car accident on a snowy, cold Monday morning; it's a bad one. Both of their cars are totally demolished, but amazingly neither of them is hurt. God works in mysterious ways. After they crawl out of their cars, the man is yelling about women drivers.
The woman says, 'So, you're a man. That's interesting. I'm a woman. Wow, just look at our cars! There's nothing left, but we're unhurt. This must be a sign from God that we should be friends and live in peace for the rest of our days.'
Flattered, the man replies, 'Oh yes, I agree completely, this must be a sign from God! But you're still at fault...women shouldn't be allowed to drive.'
The woman continues, 'And look at this, here's another miracle. My car is completely demolished but this bottle of wine didn't break. Surely God wants us to drink this wine and celebrate our good fortune.'
She hands the bottle to the man. The man nods his head in agreement, opens it and drinks half the bottle and then hands it back to the woman.
The woman takes the bottle, puts the cap back on and hands it back to the man. The man asks, 'Aren't you having any?'
The woman replies, 'No. I think I'll just wait for the police...'
MORAL OF THE STORY:
Women are clever, evil bitches.
Don't mess with them.
Bottle of Wine
A woman and a man are involved in a car accident on a snowy, cold Monday morning; it's a bad one. Both of their cars are totally demolished, but amazingly neither of them is hurt. God works in mysterious ways. After they crawl out of their cars, the man is yelling about women drivers.
The woman says, 'So, you're a man. That's interesting. I'm a woman. Wow, just look at our cars! There's nothing left, but we're unhurt. This must be a sign from God that we should be friends and live in peace for the rest of our days.'
Flattered, the man replies, 'Oh yes, I agree completely, this must be a sign from God! But you're still at fault...women shouldn't be allowed to drive.'
The woman continues, 'And look at this, here's another miracle. My car is completely demolished but this bottle of wine didn't break. Surely God wants us to drink this wine and celebrate our good fortune.'
She hands the bottle to the man. The man nods his head in agreement, opens it and drinks half the bottle and then hands it back to the woman.
The woman takes the bottle, puts the cap back on and hands it back to the man. The man asks, 'Aren't you having any?'
The woman replies, 'No. I think I'll just wait for the police...'
MORAL OF THE STORY:
Women are clever, evil bitches.
Don't mess with them.
Feb 16, 2010
Tell Me Your Fortune - Part III
NUMEROLOGY, DIVINATION BY NUMBERS
Pythagoras and other philosophers of his time believed that because mathematical concepts were more "practical" (easier to regulate and classify) than physical ones, they had greater actuality.
St. Augustine of Hippo (A.D. 354–430) wrote "Numbers are the Universal language offered by the deity to humans as confirmation of the truth." Similar to Pythagoras, he too believed that everything had numerical relationships and it was up to the mind to seek and investigate the secrets of these relationships or have them revealed by divine grace.
In 325 A.D Numerology had not found favor with the Christian authority of the day and was assigned to the field of unapproved beliefs along with astrology and other forms of divination and "magic". Despite this religious purging, the spiritual significance assigned to the "sacred" numbers had not disappeared.
Today, numerology is often associated with the occult, alongside astrology and similar divinatory arts.
To discover your personality traits through the power of numbers, write out your name in full and below each letter write the corresponding number from the chart below. Add all the numbers. If you get a two digit number, add the two numbers together and again if necessary to get a single digit.
1. Signifies drive and action. It stands for creative activity, boldness, vigour and courage. Persons with this number are likely to plunge ahead in response to a challenge, ignoring possible difficulties. They must be on guard against over-confidence and pride, but they can succeed in positions of leadership.
2. Number of balance, good judgment and quiet contemplation. Persons with this number tend to be warm, but take an intellectual approach to life. They are able to see both sides of an issue, tactful, good judges or peacemakers. Weaknesses include a reluctance to ge involved, and timidity.
3. This is the number of self-expression and the artistic temperament, of intuition and refinement. Persons with this name number should do well as singers, artists, poets, or actors, or in other fields where the ability to empathize is important. These people excel in the limelight and centre stage, but tend to be impatient of details, unwilling to take advice or make long term plans.
4. Persons with this number can persevere at a hard job through all difficulties until they're successful. They have strong scientific and mechanical ability, skilled in organization. However, they lack flash and may be hurt by this. They can be penalized by their willingness to take the hard work others shun.
5. People with this number are quite versatile, playing a number of roles or holding a variety of positions. Independent of thought, willing to try new things. Charming and changeable. May end as jacks-of-all-trades and masters of none.
6. Persons with this number are thoughtful, warm and popular. They have happy marriages, and long-lasting friendships. They must live up to their impression of trustworthiness to be successful in their careers. They must guard against making radical departures in business.
7. A number associated with greatness, renowned mystics, philosophers, composers and authors. These people tend to make few friends but to keep those friends for a lifetime. They tend to be gloomy and idealistic which often leads to impractical actions.
8. The number of power and determination, a drive to achieve success in spite of all odds. Tend to have great executive ability, set high goals for themselves and fight to achieve them. Hazards to watch out for include restlessness, lack of tact and an inability to be happy no matter what success is achieved.
9. A number for large-minded people. Persons with this number tend to seek out careers that combine busy activity with idealism. They have a humanitarian approach that gives them influence with others. Often help solve problems. They must avoid the temptation to domineer weaker personalities.
Name numbers can be changed by changing your name or the way it is spelled.
A long time ago I worked with a woman who had the spelling of her name legally changed because it gave her a better number, numerologically speaking. This may seem a little extreme, but a surprising number of people believe in the power of numbers.
Birth Numbers
Using a numerical birth date, add the numbers as for your name (ie. September 12, 1960 = 9+1+2+1+9+6+0 =2 +8 = 1+0 =1)
1. A born leader. Has strong drive and maintains independence of thought and action. Can achieve great things through originality and creative thought. A strong tendency to go it alone. Must guard against egotism and bullheadedness.
2. Naturally helpful and cooperative, willing to get along with others and ready to compromise. Natural arbitrator. Has a tendency to weakness.
3. A mercurial temperament. Reacts quickly, quick to anger but quick to forget. Relies strongly on intuition, sometimes letting it overrule common sense. Quite popular socially, but negligent of success.
4. Honesty and integrity to the point of stuffiness. Does honest work and expects justice in return. Highly organized, centering on responsibility and discipline, willing to do necessary but unglamorous work. Often easy marks for the unscrupulous.
5. Enthusiastic and curious. Ready to accept new ideas and explore the potentials. Can be great travellers. Somewhat unreliable.
6. Stable and trustworthy. Guided by deep inner convictions. Rarely led into questionable activities. Tend to lose opportunities because of doubts about unconventional propositions. Broad-minded, understanding and sympathetic.
7. An understanding nature. Tend to have great periods of thoughtfulness. A tendency to over-analysis, thought instead of action. Conservative. The intellectual approach to human problems often cause difficulties.
8. Highly developed sense of organization, a great degree of steadiness, strong feeling of discipline. Tend to make big plans. Has a great regard for worldly success, and a drive to achieve wealth and power.
9. A magnetic, warm personality. Usually surrounded by friends. Enormously popular, providing an opportunity for great humanitarian achievement. Tendency toward overindulgence.
Pythagoras and other philosophers of his time believed that because mathematical concepts were more "practical" (easier to regulate and classify) than physical ones, they had greater actuality.
St. Augustine of Hippo (A.D. 354–430) wrote "Numbers are the Universal language offered by the deity to humans as confirmation of the truth." Similar to Pythagoras, he too believed that everything had numerical relationships and it was up to the mind to seek and investigate the secrets of these relationships or have them revealed by divine grace.
In 325 A.D Numerology had not found favor with the Christian authority of the day and was assigned to the field of unapproved beliefs along with astrology and other forms of divination and "magic". Despite this religious purging, the spiritual significance assigned to the "sacred" numbers had not disappeared.
Today, numerology is often associated with the occult, alongside astrology and similar divinatory arts.
To discover your personality traits through the power of numbers, write out your name in full and below each letter write the corresponding number from the chart below. Add all the numbers. If you get a two digit number, add the two numbers together and again if necessary to get a single digit.
1. Signifies drive and action. It stands for creative activity, boldness, vigour and courage. Persons with this number are likely to plunge ahead in response to a challenge, ignoring possible difficulties. They must be on guard against over-confidence and pride, but they can succeed in positions of leadership.
2. Number of balance, good judgment and quiet contemplation. Persons with this number tend to be warm, but take an intellectual approach to life. They are able to see both sides of an issue, tactful, good judges or peacemakers. Weaknesses include a reluctance to ge involved, and timidity.
3. This is the number of self-expression and the artistic temperament, of intuition and refinement. Persons with this name number should do well as singers, artists, poets, or actors, or in other fields where the ability to empathize is important. These people excel in the limelight and centre stage, but tend to be impatient of details, unwilling to take advice or make long term plans.
4. Persons with this number can persevere at a hard job through all difficulties until they're successful. They have strong scientific and mechanical ability, skilled in organization. However, they lack flash and may be hurt by this. They can be penalized by their willingness to take the hard work others shun.
5. People with this number are quite versatile, playing a number of roles or holding a variety of positions. Independent of thought, willing to try new things. Charming and changeable. May end as jacks-of-all-trades and masters of none.
6. Persons with this number are thoughtful, warm and popular. They have happy marriages, and long-lasting friendships. They must live up to their impression of trustworthiness to be successful in their careers. They must guard against making radical departures in business.
7. A number associated with greatness, renowned mystics, philosophers, composers and authors. These people tend to make few friends but to keep those friends for a lifetime. They tend to be gloomy and idealistic which often leads to impractical actions.
8. The number of power and determination, a drive to achieve success in spite of all odds. Tend to have great executive ability, set high goals for themselves and fight to achieve them. Hazards to watch out for include restlessness, lack of tact and an inability to be happy no matter what success is achieved.
9. A number for large-minded people. Persons with this number tend to seek out careers that combine busy activity with idealism. They have a humanitarian approach that gives them influence with others. Often help solve problems. They must avoid the temptation to domineer weaker personalities.
Name numbers can be changed by changing your name or the way it is spelled.
A long time ago I worked with a woman who had the spelling of her name legally changed because it gave her a better number, numerologically speaking. This may seem a little extreme, but a surprising number of people believe in the power of numbers.
Birth Numbers
Using a numerical birth date, add the numbers as for your name (ie. September 12, 1960 = 9+1+2+1+9+6+0 =2 +8 = 1+0 =1)
1. A born leader. Has strong drive and maintains independence of thought and action. Can achieve great things through originality and creative thought. A strong tendency to go it alone. Must guard against egotism and bullheadedness.
2. Naturally helpful and cooperative, willing to get along with others and ready to compromise. Natural arbitrator. Has a tendency to weakness.
3. A mercurial temperament. Reacts quickly, quick to anger but quick to forget. Relies strongly on intuition, sometimes letting it overrule common sense. Quite popular socially, but negligent of success.
4. Honesty and integrity to the point of stuffiness. Does honest work and expects justice in return. Highly organized, centering on responsibility and discipline, willing to do necessary but unglamorous work. Often easy marks for the unscrupulous.
5. Enthusiastic and curious. Ready to accept new ideas and explore the potentials. Can be great travellers. Somewhat unreliable.
6. Stable and trustworthy. Guided by deep inner convictions. Rarely led into questionable activities. Tend to lose opportunities because of doubts about unconventional propositions. Broad-minded, understanding and sympathetic.
7. An understanding nature. Tend to have great periods of thoughtfulness. A tendency to over-analysis, thought instead of action. Conservative. The intellectual approach to human problems often cause difficulties.
8. Highly developed sense of organization, a great degree of steadiness, strong feeling of discipline. Tend to make big plans. Has a great regard for worldly success, and a drive to achieve wealth and power.
9. A magnetic, warm personality. Usually surrounded by friends. Enormously popular, providing an opportunity for great humanitarian achievement. Tendency toward overindulgence.
Feb 15, 2010
This Is Monday
After posting yesterday, I didn’t want you to start getting your days of the week mixed up, hence the short, yet accurate, post heading. :-)
Yes, it’s Monday again. And I’m late getting this post up. There’s a very good reason for that. Today is Family Day (at least in Canada it is) and I had the day off, so I slept in, just because I could. ;-)
In case you missed yesterday’s post where I mentioned the 1K Words Blogfest, then go HERE to find out all about it. As a bonus, there’s a really cute picture of a dog there as well.
Last week passed in a blur. I felt crappy off and on and spent a lot of time napping. You know the old saying, “No rest for the wicked”? Well, I must have been extra good last week ‘cause I feel like all I did was rest, or nap, to be precise. I think it’s time to start taking the B12 again.
RECAP
Last week’s goals were part two of my fortune telling series; humorous story or video; poetry form of Luc Bat; Chapter 26 of the Space Opera.
Last week I scheduled my goals post to appear on the wrong blog so it was late getting up here. I did get part two of my fortune telling series up and I didn’t have to resort to a video for my Whimsical Wednesday. Although I did explore the poetry form of Luc Bat, I was not able to come up with an original one to go with the post. I did make a couple of attempts, but they just didn’t flow properly. Friday I got the next serial chapter done in time, but unfortunately I scheduled it to appear in the PM instead of AM.
So, all in all, it was a pretty mediocre week. Except in one respect. *drum roll please* I had a job interview on Monday and Tuesday I was offered a job in an Editorial Development House that works with authors writing textbooks. Squee! I will be gainfully employed once more, starting Monday, February 22!
Goals for This Week:
Random Tuesday: Fortune Telling, Part Three. The third part of my series about fortune telling will explore Numerology.
Whimsical Wednesday: I said last week that I was starting to run out of humorous stories, yet I still managed to find a couple. But don’t be surprised to find a humorous video instead of a story this week.
Thursday: This week on Passion for Poetry, I will attempt the Irish form of the Ae Freslighe.
Friday: Chapter 27 of the Space Opera. This time I’m aiming for not only getting my post done before 2 a.m., but scheduling it for 8 AM instead of PM. :-)
This week I also need to brush up on my Excel for my new job since I’ll be working mostly in Excel and Word.
Random Writing
This didn’t go the way I’d planned either. I did not get my flash piece done for the Northumberland Scribes, so I ended up posting the prompt late.
I forgot all about the progress bars so I’ll add them to the list for this week.
I’m finding the problem with lists is, you have to look at them once in awhile to be able to follow them. :-)
I did do a post about the Chinese New Year yesterday – this is the Year of the Tiger now. There’s even a link for you to find out what animal of the Chinese Zodiac you were born under. If your birth month is January or February, you might not be the animal you think you are. For years I followed the western interpretation and believed I was born in the year of the Boar. But according to the true Chinese calendar, I was born in the year of the Dog.
So that’s what I have/will be up to this week, how about you? What’s going on with your life these days?
Yes, it’s Monday again. And I’m late getting this post up. There’s a very good reason for that. Today is Family Day (at least in Canada it is) and I had the day off, so I slept in, just because I could. ;-)
In case you missed yesterday’s post where I mentioned the 1K Words Blogfest, then go HERE to find out all about it. As a bonus, there’s a really cute picture of a dog there as well.
Last week passed in a blur. I felt crappy off and on and spent a lot of time napping. You know the old saying, “No rest for the wicked”? Well, I must have been extra good last week ‘cause I feel like all I did was rest, or nap, to be precise. I think it’s time to start taking the B12 again.
RECAP
Last week’s goals were part two of my fortune telling series; humorous story or video; poetry form of Luc Bat; Chapter 26 of the Space Opera.
Last week I scheduled my goals post to appear on the wrong blog so it was late getting up here. I did get part two of my fortune telling series up and I didn’t have to resort to a video for my Whimsical Wednesday. Although I did explore the poetry form of Luc Bat, I was not able to come up with an original one to go with the post. I did make a couple of attempts, but they just didn’t flow properly. Friday I got the next serial chapter done in time, but unfortunately I scheduled it to appear in the PM instead of AM.
So, all in all, it was a pretty mediocre week. Except in one respect. *drum roll please* I had a job interview on Monday and Tuesday I was offered a job in an Editorial Development House that works with authors writing textbooks. Squee! I will be gainfully employed once more, starting Monday, February 22!
Goals for This Week:
Random Tuesday: Fortune Telling, Part Three. The third part of my series about fortune telling will explore Numerology.
Whimsical Wednesday: I said last week that I was starting to run out of humorous stories, yet I still managed to find a couple. But don’t be surprised to find a humorous video instead of a story this week.
Thursday: This week on Passion for Poetry, I will attempt the Irish form of the Ae Freslighe.
Friday: Chapter 27 of the Space Opera. This time I’m aiming for not only getting my post done before 2 a.m., but scheduling it for 8 AM instead of PM. :-)
This week I also need to brush up on my Excel for my new job since I’ll be working mostly in Excel and Word.
Random Writing
This didn’t go the way I’d planned either. I did not get my flash piece done for the Northumberland Scribes, so I ended up posting the prompt late.
I forgot all about the progress bars so I’ll add them to the list for this week.
I’m finding the problem with lists is, you have to look at them once in awhile to be able to follow them. :-)
I did do a post about the Chinese New Year yesterday – this is the Year of the Tiger now. There’s even a link for you to find out what animal of the Chinese Zodiac you were born under. If your birth month is January or February, you might not be the animal you think you are. For years I followed the western interpretation and believed I was born in the year of the Boar. But according to the true Chinese calendar, I was born in the year of the Dog.
So that’s what I have/will be up to this week, how about you? What’s going on with your life these days?
Feb 14, 2010
Not Monday
I know I don't usually post on the weekend, so I thought I'd just make sure you all realized it was not in fact Monday yet. :-)
First off, I would like to make sure everyone knows about the 1K Words Blogfest being hosted by Ralfast. You can sign up for it HERE .
Yes, one thousand words, as in a picture is worth a thousand words.
Or is it?
That’s is the question and it is up you to answer it as part of the 1K Words BlogFest. Take a picture, any picture (preferably one you own or is in the public domain) and post it to your blog. Then write a short story/account based on the picture you posted. The story must be a thousand words or less (hence the name). Once posted, link back to this post.
Please enter the name of your blog in the Mister Linky widget or post it on the reply section. I will update this post daily with new links as they appear (if they are not in the Mr. Linky).
The BlogFest kicks off on February 22nd.
I've already signed up and I think you should too. Why? Because it's going to be lots of fun, that's why!
* * * * * * * * * *
I've received a couple of blog awards recently and felt it was high time I did something about them.
The first is from the lovely Simone, over at The Romantic Query Letter and the Happily Ever After . If you haven't been to her site before, go there now. Her writing is elegant and lyrical, and I cannot wait for the day when I can pick up one of her novels in the bookstore.
Please accept the 'Creative Writer Award' with no strings attached. You can post it within an awards page, sidebar, or new post; you can link it to me and pass it on to writers you know who host writing blogs, or you can simply read this note with my thanks attached and do nothing further. This is just intended as a gesture to further the premise 'writer' within 'blogger.' I'd love to see more writers acknowledged for the craft! Because we all are writers
I, in turn, would like to pass this award on to:
Ralfast
Frankie
Nicole
There's a couple of more I'd like to add, but they've already received this award. :-)
Next, from the equally lovely Jamie, over on the The Variety Pages I have received the Silver Lining Award.
This award comes with no conditions, but I get to pass it on to five more blogs. The chosen are:
Benjamin Solah, Marxist Horror Writer because he's not afraid to speak up for what he believes in and he's constantly making me think.
Raven Corrin Carluk who's both a writer and an artist, and whose novel, All Hallows Blood, is being published by Crescent Moon Press.
Simone because I love her elegance.
Carrie whom I've just discovered and I'm pleased I did.
Mireyah Wolfe for her wit and charm and because she masterminded the Fight Scene Blogfest.
And last, but not least, I received The Happy 101 Award.
I actually received this one a while back, but it comes with the condition that I think of 10 things that make me happy and it took me this long to think of them. :-)
1. A still summer's day that's not too hot and not too cold.
2. A good book.
3. The antics of my cats.
4. A well-written poem.
5. A walk on the boardwalk down at the lake with my friend.
6. Seeing a comment from someone new on my blog.
7. Coconut cream pie from the restaurant in Harris Park in Owen Sound.
8. A walk in the crisp, clear, winter's night after a fresh snowfall.
9. Hearing the wind whistling outside while I'm curled up in my chair reading.
10.Autumn.
I, in turn, invite anyone who can think of ten things to make them happy to accept this award and post it on their blog.
Happy Valentine's Day, everyone.
First off, I would like to make sure everyone knows about the 1K Words Blogfest being hosted by Ralfast. You can sign up for it HERE .
Yes, one thousand words, as in a picture is worth a thousand words.
Or is it?
That’s is the question and it is up you to answer it as part of the 1K Words BlogFest. Take a picture, any picture (preferably one you own or is in the public domain) and post it to your blog. Then write a short story/account based on the picture you posted. The story must be a thousand words or less (hence the name). Once posted, link back to this post.
Please enter the name of your blog in the Mister Linky widget or post it on the reply section. I will update this post daily with new links as they appear (if they are not in the Mr. Linky).
The BlogFest kicks off on February 22nd.
I've already signed up and I think you should too. Why? Because it's going to be lots of fun, that's why!
* * * * * * * * * *
I've received a couple of blog awards recently and felt it was high time I did something about them.
The first is from the lovely Simone, over at The Romantic Query Letter and the Happily Ever After . If you haven't been to her site before, go there now. Her writing is elegant and lyrical, and I cannot wait for the day when I can pick up one of her novels in the bookstore.
Please accept the 'Creative Writer Award' with no strings attached. You can post it within an awards page, sidebar, or new post; you can link it to me and pass it on to writers you know who host writing blogs, or you can simply read this note with my thanks attached and do nothing further. This is just intended as a gesture to further the premise 'writer' within 'blogger.' I'd love to see more writers acknowledged for the craft! Because we all are writers
I, in turn, would like to pass this award on to:
Ralfast
Frankie
Nicole
There's a couple of more I'd like to add, but they've already received this award. :-)
Next, from the equally lovely Jamie, over on the The Variety Pages I have received the Silver Lining Award.
This award comes with no conditions, but I get to pass it on to five more blogs. The chosen are:
Benjamin Solah, Marxist Horror Writer because he's not afraid to speak up for what he believes in and he's constantly making me think.
Raven Corrin Carluk who's both a writer and an artist, and whose novel, All Hallows Blood, is being published by Crescent Moon Press.
Simone because I love her elegance.
Carrie whom I've just discovered and I'm pleased I did.
Mireyah Wolfe for her wit and charm and because she masterminded the Fight Scene Blogfest.
And last, but not least, I received The Happy 101 Award.
I actually received this one a while back, but it comes with the condition that I think of 10 things that make me happy and it took me this long to think of them. :-)
1. A still summer's day that's not too hot and not too cold.
2. A good book.
3. The antics of my cats.
4. A well-written poem.
5. A walk on the boardwalk down at the lake with my friend.
6. Seeing a comment from someone new on my blog.
7. Coconut cream pie from the restaurant in Harris Park in Owen Sound.
8. A walk in the crisp, clear, winter's night after a fresh snowfall.
9. Hearing the wind whistling outside while I'm curled up in my chair reading.
10.Autumn.
I, in turn, invite anyone who can think of ten things to make them happy to accept this award and post it on their blog.
Happy Valentine's Day, everyone.
Feb 11, 2010
Luc Bat
I really need to start researching these forms before I commit to which one I’m doing in a given week. This one not only has specific syllable lengths for each line, but it’s also got a rather funky rhyme scheme.
The Luc Bat style predates Indochina and was introduced into Europe by the French. It’s a traditional Vietnamese verse form that is deeply tied to the soul of Vietnamese culture and people. Luc Bat is Sino-Vietnamese for "six eight", referring to the alternating lines of six and eight syllables. It will always begin with a six-syllable line and end with an eight-syllable one, however, it can be as long as you wish.
Unlike other verse forms which are traditionally enjoyed only by high class Vietnamese, Luc Bat is traditionally composed and enjoyed by people of all classes, from the lowly peasants to the noble princes. It can be regarded as a living style of Vietnamese people. The rich treasure of Vietnamese folk poems (ca dao), which consists of hundred thousands of verses that reflect on life, morality, human relationship, and nature’s beauty, are almost entirely composed in Luc Bat form.
The Luc Bat uses a kind of falling/climbing rhyme where a rhyme sound first shows up as the end of a six-syllable line, then as the sixth syllable of the next eight-syllable line. The form interlocks and can go on for any number of couplets, finally interlocking back to the beginning.
There are two types of rhyme schemes for the Luc Bat. The first type is the more common and popular one. In this rhyme scheme, 6th syllable of the six-syllable line rhymes with the 6th syllable of the eight-syllable line, then the 8th syllable of the eight-syllable line rhymes with the 6th syllable of next six-syllable line, and the pattern goes on. This rhyme scheme can be summarized in the following model:
1 2 3 4 5 A
1 2 3 4 5 A 7 B
1 2 3 4 5 B
1 2 3 4 5 B 7 C
1 2 3 4 5 C
1 2 3 4 5 C 7 D
1 2 3 4 5 D
1 2 3 4 5 D 7 A
The second type is the less common one which involves the 6th syllable of the six-syllable line rhymes with the 4th syllable of the eight-syllable line instead.
1 2 3 4 5 A
1 2 3 A 5 6 7 B
1 2 3 4 5 B
1 2 3 B 5 6 7 C
1 2 3 4 5 C
1 2 3 C 5 6 7 D
1 2 3 4 5 D
1 2 3 D 5 6 7 A
For the first time my poetry muse has failed me. I started a couple of really awful poems in the Luc Bat form, but nothing I’d care anyone to actually read. I admit I was short on time and the Luc Bat is not a poetry form that will be rushed.
So here is an example of a Luc Bat by Etain Druantia.
Driftwood
We've drifted beyond reach
lonely wood on a beach of tears
misshapen by life's fears,
accumulated years of pain
grounded by tides again
worn down by driving rain, fierce breeze,
relentless, tossing seas
bursting in waves do tease and play
lunge at bleached bones each day
unmoved we keep away from light
shadows hide, dim clear sight
blind to hope shining bright, dead beech.
The Luc Bat style predates Indochina and was introduced into Europe by the French. It’s a traditional Vietnamese verse form that is deeply tied to the soul of Vietnamese culture and people. Luc Bat is Sino-Vietnamese for "six eight", referring to the alternating lines of six and eight syllables. It will always begin with a six-syllable line and end with an eight-syllable one, however, it can be as long as you wish.
Unlike other verse forms which are traditionally enjoyed only by high class Vietnamese, Luc Bat is traditionally composed and enjoyed by people of all classes, from the lowly peasants to the noble princes. It can be regarded as a living style of Vietnamese people. The rich treasure of Vietnamese folk poems (ca dao), which consists of hundred thousands of verses that reflect on life, morality, human relationship, and nature’s beauty, are almost entirely composed in Luc Bat form.
The Luc Bat uses a kind of falling/climbing rhyme where a rhyme sound first shows up as the end of a six-syllable line, then as the sixth syllable of the next eight-syllable line. The form interlocks and can go on for any number of couplets, finally interlocking back to the beginning.
There are two types of rhyme schemes for the Luc Bat. The first type is the more common and popular one. In this rhyme scheme, 6th syllable of the six-syllable line rhymes with the 6th syllable of the eight-syllable line, then the 8th syllable of the eight-syllable line rhymes with the 6th syllable of next six-syllable line, and the pattern goes on. This rhyme scheme can be summarized in the following model:
1 2 3 4 5 A
1 2 3 4 5 A 7 B
1 2 3 4 5 B
1 2 3 4 5 B 7 C
1 2 3 4 5 C
1 2 3 4 5 C 7 D
1 2 3 4 5 D
1 2 3 4 5 D 7 A
The second type is the less common one which involves the 6th syllable of the six-syllable line rhymes with the 4th syllable of the eight-syllable line instead.
1 2 3 4 5 A
1 2 3 A 5 6 7 B
1 2 3 4 5 B
1 2 3 B 5 6 7 C
1 2 3 4 5 C
1 2 3 C 5 6 7 D
1 2 3 4 5 D
1 2 3 D 5 6 7 A
For the first time my poetry muse has failed me. I started a couple of really awful poems in the Luc Bat form, but nothing I’d care anyone to actually read. I admit I was short on time and the Luc Bat is not a poetry form that will be rushed.
So here is an example of a Luc Bat by Etain Druantia.
Driftwood
We've drifted beyond reach
lonely wood on a beach of tears
misshapen by life's fears,
accumulated years of pain
grounded by tides again
worn down by driving rain, fierce breeze,
relentless, tossing seas
bursting in waves do tease and play
lunge at bleached bones each day
unmoved we keep away from light
shadows hide, dim clear sight
blind to hope shining bright, dead beech.
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