“It’s getting hard to be someone, but it all works out…”
Strawberry Fields~ The Beatles
I am writing this after another night of being fully awake until 4 am and up at 8:30, then dozing from 9-12. I have been battling sleepless nights again since not needing to get up in the morning.
But this is not the first battle with this nor do I think it will be the last.
I have spent my entire life trying to conform to be awake in daylight and asleep at night. For as long as I can remember I could stay up all night without difficulty provided I could sleep in. But thanks to needing to conform to an 8-5 society I have had to force my body into this life cycle.
When I was at my writing heights (successfully publishing 23 articles in a span of 6 months) I was completely nocturnal. I am at my creative heights from about 11 pm to 4 am. When the world is silent my brain is in overdrive.
Which is great when you can utilize it to make beautiful art out of words, but not so great when you need to get up in the morning so you are forced to quiet the creative juices with large doses of medications just to be “normal”? And let me tell ya…normal sucks.
Showing posts with label Writing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Writing. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Thursday, June 26, 2008
A new focus...
In an effort to get me blogging again, my brain got the idea to become a tell-all and whine alot about the Semi-City I work in and live near, Akron, OH.
So my blog will be witty and funny and at times more serious then others, but over all fun.
Hope that you enjoy the adventures of Shannon in the Semi-City!
So my blog will be witty and funny and at times more serious then others, but over all fun.
Hope that you enjoy the adventures of Shannon in the Semi-City!
After dreaming of living and working in a big city,wearing fashionable clothes and to-die-for shoes,I wound up in the Semi-City of Akron, OH.
Now mind you, compared to the city I grew up in (Kiln, MS pop. 4,445 in 2000) is a monster of a city with a population within the city limits of 217,000, but it is Semi-City in that compared to cities like Chicago (pop. 2,896,016 in 2000), or New York City (pop. 8,008,278 in 2000), or even its neighbor Cleveland (pop. 478,403). But life is far from boring in this area!
There are tons of things to do, places to eat great food and sidewalks to walk around urine smelling vagrants. Ah, Akron (and the burbs that accompany) you are my Semi-City.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
New Possibilities
I love books! I am going to start a new feature in my blog about books I’ve recently read, books I want to read, books I love-love-love, and books I have or will be reviewing. So stay tuned!
For now I recommend these sites to check out from some awesome authors:
Jen Lancaster
Enlightenment for Idiots
Eat Pray Love
The Sex and The City Movie Companion
Save Karyn. One Shopaholic's Journey to Debt and Back
More coming soon!!
For now I recommend these sites to check out from some awesome authors:
Jen Lancaster
Enlightenment for Idiots
Eat Pray Love
The Sex and The City Movie Companion
Save Karyn. One Shopaholic's Journey to Debt and Back
More coming soon!!
Monday, March 31, 2008
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Snow
Up here in Ohio it is supposed to snow for the next few days. I love the first snow, it is so pure, so innocent. It made me think everything going on right now.
This poem came to me as I looked to the sky at the storm/snow clouds moving in as the sun tries to push its way between them and shine down on my face.
I am not much of a poet, but every now-and-then my mind lets me. Here is the result.
Snow
Snow falls down
Covering our hearts
Blinding our eyes
Like innocence
It covers the bad
And hides the ugly
Turning everything pure
Untouched
Like innocence
It stays that way
Until it is ruined
By people
Snow falls down
Onto a grave
Helping to hide the pain
Helping to guide
Us to justice
Softly the sun rises
Over fields of white
Glistening rays of hope
Like innocence from the sky
This poem came to me as I looked to the sky at the storm/snow clouds moving in as the sun tries to push its way between them and shine down on my face.
I am not much of a poet, but every now-and-then my mind lets me. Here is the result.
Snow
Snow falls down
Covering our hearts
Blinding our eyes
Like innocence
It covers the bad
And hides the ugly
Turning everything pure
Untouched
Like innocence
It stays that way
Until it is ruined
By people
Snow falls down
Onto a grave
Helping to hide the pain
Helping to guide
Us to justice
Softly the sun rises
Over fields of white
Glistening rays of hope
Like innocence from the sky
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Where I go from here?
After reading the blog of an real published author it dawned on me that I can't and shouldn't be called a writer. Because if I were a writer like I keep pounding on my chest about, I would have written something worth publishing over the last year, but I haven't. I can't even blame that my work is good and that it just isn't getting seen, because . I. Have. Not. Written. Anything.
Sure I blog here and there and rework my website and myspage page to give the illusion that I am writing. But the truth is I haven't. I piddle around and shuffle the papers of my novel that I started 2 years ago next month. I am still where I left off on it spring of 2006. I talk the talk and never walk the walk. I say I want to be a writer full time, yet I have not attempted to squeeze out anything worth printing. I see real authors working 2 jobs and still pumping out books and articles while I whine about laundry getting in my way. I blame time being short, responsibilities too long, this that and the other, yet what it all boils down to is that I haven't made the effort.
When I came to this epiphany, I decided to go deeper and see if I could figure out why I didn't even try. Am I lazy? (yes, but that is beside the point.) Am I incapable of writing more good material? (no, because when I do get worked up about something I can pump out good stuff) Or am I afraid of success and how I will handle it? (ding, ding, ding, we have a winner!)
Why am I afraid of success? Sure I could continue to blame my parents for this fear, and although I do attribute some of that to them, I am ready to admit it is all me. Which also means it is all me that has to fix it.
What does this mean? I am not sure yet, but the first step toward anything is realizing what you have done wrong. The second is figuring out how to make it right.
It is time to think about what I really want to do about my writing. Did I satisfy the yearning to be a writer with what I have already accomplished or do I take it seriously and take it to the next level? Where do I go from here?
Sure I blog here and there and rework my website and myspage page to give the illusion that I am writing. But the truth is I haven't. I piddle around and shuffle the papers of my novel that I started 2 years ago next month. I am still where I left off on it spring of 2006. I talk the talk and never walk the walk. I say I want to be a writer full time, yet I have not attempted to squeeze out anything worth printing. I see real authors working 2 jobs and still pumping out books and articles while I whine about laundry getting in my way. I blame time being short, responsibilities too long, this that and the other, yet what it all boils down to is that I haven't made the effort.
When I came to this epiphany, I decided to go deeper and see if I could figure out why I didn't even try. Am I lazy? (yes, but that is beside the point.) Am I incapable of writing more good material? (no, because when I do get worked up about something I can pump out good stuff) Or am I afraid of success and how I will handle it? (ding, ding, ding, we have a winner!)
Why am I afraid of success? Sure I could continue to blame my parents for this fear, and although I do attribute some of that to them, I am ready to admit it is all me. Which also means it is all me that has to fix it.
What does this mean? I am not sure yet, but the first step toward anything is realizing what you have done wrong. The second is figuring out how to make it right.
It is time to think about what I really want to do about my writing. Did I satisfy the yearning to be a writer with what I have already accomplished or do I take it seriously and take it to the next level? Where do I go from here?
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
The beginning of the end of an era
I knew that fateful day in February 2001, was the beginning of the end of an era. The last of a dying breed had passed and what was left to carry on was another class of souls.
This other class of souls became infatuated with fame and fortune instead of dust and grease. Gone were the mighty soldiers that worked hard day and night; blood, sweat, and tears mixed with oil and steel.
Gone were the giants of loyalty and values, where their word was enough and their handshake said it all. In its place are people selling out to the highest bidder and seeking headlines versus trophies.
No longer can you count on your heroes of the asphalt, for they will turn their back on who made them who they are for the right price. They flip flop their "loyalties" faster then they can change a tire and change their minds.
I have been a loyal fan; better yet they were family; coming into my living room, me going to their haunts. I never shopped the competitor's sponsors, I never crossed the lines, and I and my family were loyal, now we are left asking why.
I knew when things started becoming so PC that you were afraid to blow your nose without being fined, that this was another step toward the grave, such as the change of the main sponsor, because it might offend or lead others astray.
Then came race name changes, only so many allowed in their elite field, venues shutting down, grandfather clauses and silly seasons. Then there was the Chase. All they are chasing is dollar signs and points not wins. What happened to our sport?
Since when is Japanese part of any American sport?
It breaks my heart to watch them cater to a crowd of flash-in-the-pan stars and would-be celebrities. Where are you roots planted now, certainly not where they started.
So go on swapping teams, driver, sponsors and words. Time will move on and as the wave of the fame crashes down, watch around to who is there to clean up. Not many if you keep on your path, only the die-hards if that.
If He were still around it wouldn't be this way. And I know he is turning over in his grave.
So to you money hungry, power happy, Hollywood ass kissing, back-stabbing phonies heed this warning, keep this up and not only will your stands continue to stay empty and your ratings drop, but we will take joy in watching you flop.
I am sticking by my man, for with his bowtie he shall stand strong and fierce, a knight of His army of steel and asphalt. Black or yellow I will stay true.
So as He looks down from above at this disappointing sight one wonders if it is even worth the fight.
I hope that one day it will go back to the way it once was: steel, sweat, oil, asphalt, and burnouts, true celebrations and winning at all cost. But for now I just watch and weep as the loss of an era sinks in deep.
This other class of souls became infatuated with fame and fortune instead of dust and grease. Gone were the mighty soldiers that worked hard day and night; blood, sweat, and tears mixed with oil and steel.
Gone were the giants of loyalty and values, where their word was enough and their handshake said it all. In its place are people selling out to the highest bidder and seeking headlines versus trophies.
No longer can you count on your heroes of the asphalt, for they will turn their back on who made them who they are for the right price. They flip flop their "loyalties" faster then they can change a tire and change their minds.
I have been a loyal fan; better yet they were family; coming into my living room, me going to their haunts. I never shopped the competitor's sponsors, I never crossed the lines, and I and my family were loyal, now we are left asking why.
I knew when things started becoming so PC that you were afraid to blow your nose without being fined, that this was another step toward the grave, such as the change of the main sponsor, because it might offend or lead others astray.
Then came race name changes, only so many allowed in their elite field, venues shutting down, grandfather clauses and silly seasons. Then there was the Chase. All they are chasing is dollar signs and points not wins. What happened to our sport?
Since when is Japanese part of any American sport?
It breaks my heart to watch them cater to a crowd of flash-in-the-pan stars and would-be celebrities. Where are you roots planted now, certainly not where they started.
So go on swapping teams, driver, sponsors and words. Time will move on and as the wave of the fame crashes down, watch around to who is there to clean up. Not many if you keep on your path, only the die-hards if that.
If He were still around it wouldn't be this way. And I know he is turning over in his grave.
So to you money hungry, power happy, Hollywood ass kissing, back-stabbing phonies heed this warning, keep this up and not only will your stands continue to stay empty and your ratings drop, but we will take joy in watching you flop.
I am sticking by my man, for with his bowtie he shall stand strong and fierce, a knight of His army of steel and asphalt. Black or yellow I will stay true.
So as He looks down from above at this disappointing sight one wonders if it is even worth the fight.
I hope that one day it will go back to the way it once was: steel, sweat, oil, asphalt, and burnouts, true celebrations and winning at all cost. But for now I just watch and weep as the loss of an era sinks in deep.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Howdy Folks!
Hello everyone! Sorry I haven’t been posting as regularly as I hoped, I have been working hard on getting the new site together, lots of self-promotion for my writing and photography and tons of homework in my new class.
All is great though! In fact it is better then I could have expected. Life is great and I love it!
Last weekend we attended a family party that was AWESOME! They had 4 bands that rocked the house like no ones business. Burden, Invisus Angelus, The No Hair Band, and White Horse were there to entertain and they did not disappoint. I had the privilege of photographing Burden and Invisus Angelus, which was a blast but my hearing has not been the same since. (Why is it that the best shots have me sitting in front of the amps and speakers during thrash metal?) Oh well pain for my craft is part of the fun.
I am also trying to catch up on the latest news and gossip so I can put out some cleverly witty posts. I am planning on getting a big glass of wine and reading this weekend. So beware of future posts! :)
I am also getting ready to submit my novel to the wolves, er I mean editors. Wish me luck!
Ok I better get back to work before I get busted…talk to everyone soon!
All is great though! In fact it is better then I could have expected. Life is great and I love it!
Last weekend we attended a family party that was AWESOME! They had 4 bands that rocked the house like no ones business. Burden, Invisus Angelus, The No Hair Band, and White Horse were there to entertain and they did not disappoint. I had the privilege of photographing Burden and Invisus Angelus, which was a blast but my hearing has not been the same since. (Why is it that the best shots have me sitting in front of the amps and speakers during thrash metal?) Oh well pain for my craft is part of the fun.
I am also trying to catch up on the latest news and gossip so I can put out some cleverly witty posts. I am planning on getting a big glass of wine and reading this weekend. So beware of future posts! :)
I am also getting ready to submit my novel to the wolves, er I mean editors. Wish me luck!
Ok I better get back to work before I get busted…talk to everyone soon!
Saturday, September 23, 2006
In responce to a classmates complement on my writing
Thanks for the support :)I think my way of writing comes from being over-edited by my parents andbeing shy. I always internally edited and felt closed in with my thoughts.When I came into writing after Katrina I told myself it was time to let itflow because holding it in was unhealthy. This has led to learning how tolet it all go but go back and try to make sense of what I have written. Sofar so good, but this class will help me take it one step further.
Friday, September 15, 2006
Forgotten Fall
After living south of the Mason-Dixon Line for the second time in my life, I couldn’t believe I had forgotten about it. Lying in bed watching the curtains dance in and out before me I realized I had forgotten how delicious the start of fall felt.
In the South there are two seasons—hot and hotter, but in Northeastern Ohio, we are blessed with four, beautiful in their own way, seasons. And by far fall was mine.
Right now the night air becomes crisp as the leaves begin their magical transformation from deep greens to hues of gold, red and orange.
The days have begun to shorten as we head toward winter. This shorter day is filled with autumn’s activities such as pumpkin patches, football games and hayrides. Coming soon are class parties, ‘trick or treat’ and the warm, inviting smells of cookies and pies baking in the kitchen.
Sitting by the fire at night is more enjoyable because the cold weather has driven off the pesky night biting bugs and brought your loved ones closer.
At night I have added an extra blanket on all of our beds. I pull mine up to my nose as I snuggle up close to the love of my life. He is always warmer then me so snuggling this time of year is the best of the best.
I am forever grateful that God has given me such a beautiful season to enjoy—and enjoy I will my forgotten fall.
In the South there are two seasons—hot and hotter, but in Northeastern Ohio, we are blessed with four, beautiful in their own way, seasons. And by far fall was mine.
Right now the night air becomes crisp as the leaves begin their magical transformation from deep greens to hues of gold, red and orange.
The days have begun to shorten as we head toward winter. This shorter day is filled with autumn’s activities such as pumpkin patches, football games and hayrides. Coming soon are class parties, ‘trick or treat’ and the warm, inviting smells of cookies and pies baking in the kitchen.
Sitting by the fire at night is more enjoyable because the cold weather has driven off the pesky night biting bugs and brought your loved ones closer.
At night I have added an extra blanket on all of our beds. I pull mine up to my nose as I snuggle up close to the love of my life. He is always warmer then me so snuggling this time of year is the best of the best.
I am forever grateful that God has given me such a beautiful season to enjoy—and enjoy I will my forgotten fall.
Diamonds
This is a great poem that my daughter wrote. She is 12 and quiet the artist and writer!
Diamonds
By: Amanda Kaiser
A
Diamond
Is nice for
A girl with a
Nice dress. A
Diamond is a gift
For a girl. They look nice
On an ear, or on a
Neck. For someone it’s
For show, for some
Memories. But
I think one
Is good on
A ring.
Diamonds
By: Amanda Kaiser
A
Diamond
Is nice for
A girl with a
Nice dress. A
Diamond is a gift
For a girl. They look nice
On an ear, or on a
Neck. For someone it’s
For show, for some
Memories. But
I think one
Is good on
A ring.
Tuesday, September 5, 2006
Big Announcement!!!
Hello everyone,It has been a while since my last post like this, but I have some great news. I have just received my copies of the September/October issue of Mississippi Magazine and on pg 68 is my first ‘in print’ magazine published article!I am attaching a link to a copy of it via a .PDF link and if you have trouble opening it I am hoping to get it posted at here in another format in the next day or so.
I am beyond words at this amazing news. I hope that you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it.Thanks to everyone for their continued love and support.
Love and Blessings,Shannon
I am beyond words at this amazing news. I hope that you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it.Thanks to everyone for their continued love and support.
Love and Blessings,Shannon
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