Rachel's Collage: I think I feel queasy...

Full Confession: I almost threw Rachel’s collage away not once, not twice, but three times.

And when I gave it to her, I almost puked.

You see, I tried something different with Rachel’s.

I wanted it to be a little more whimsical.

I wanted brighter color. (Hence using blues, greens, and oranges.)

I wanted more texture so that people would feel compelled to touch it.

So, when you look at the pictures, keep that in mind. Because I don’t think I succeeded, but that was the goal.

Oh, and once again, my camera betrayed me.

I don’t know why it doesn’t like me to get close and zoom. It just won’t focus correctly when I do that. I suppose if I read the instructions it would tell me. But, I can’t be bothered with that…

Rachel, I tried my best...

Another Birthday, Another M.M.A. Piece

Well, the Other Liz had her birthday on Saturday!

So you know what that means?

Yep, I finished another painting/collage as a less expensive birthday gift.

(Except, they actually don't turn out to be less expensive. By the time I buy the canvas, specific colors the person requested and other doodads that go with the theme, it turns out to be roughly the same price as a nice gift. But, it's a heck of a lot more fun than just buying something! So, I'm sticking with it!!)

I think Liz liked it*. I didn't give it to her when all the other people gave their gifts because I was sitting at another table at the farthest point possible while still being considered a member of her party.

So, I didn't want to pass it across to the other table and then have everyone look at while I was a mile away and couldn't give my disclaimers.

You know: "It's just for fun." "It's not perfect." "I tried some new techniques that didn't really work." "I'm sorry it's crap."

So, I waited until the party** was about over and people were leaving and I could pull her to the side really quick and give it to her.

I know. I know. I should be more positive and confident in my art.

But, it's scary for me.

Scary in a good way because it means I'm stretching myself. But still. It makes me feel a little panicky inside. You know what I mean?


Well, blah blah blah, here are some pictures of it.

(I had a hard time with the glare and focus factor. Sorry.)

*Oh, and Liz, I forgot to mention that yours was the first piece I've done with a picture of one of my ancestors. I have no idea how I'm related because my great aunt didn't label the picture. So, I don't even know her name. I call her Molly.

**It was really a fab party at this Indian restaurant. And I had a fun time talking with my new bff's Joey and Emily. It was nice to get to meet new people! So, I'm not complaining about being at the other table of outer darkness, or as Joey coined it "the short bus." It fact, if I were Liz (and I am A Liz), I'd feel loved because so many people came they couldn't even fit at the main table.

P.S. Hannah, I've finished yours. I just need to find you!

P.P.S. or P.S.S. (which ever it is) If you left a comment on my other M.M.A. post indicating that you wanted one, I've written your name (and any colors, etc.) down, and will get to it as soon as I can. (Even if I we haven't met. Hi Annie of Blue Gables!)

M.M.A. --Or, Mixed Media Artist (Not Mixed Martial Arts which is what pops up first if you google MMA.)

In an effort to keep this blog alive, I’m going to start posting on anything remotely creative I do. That way, I’m hoping this blog becomes less scary to me and I’ll be visited by the poetry muse again.

With that, I’ve finished it!

“Finished what?” you ask.

Katie’s birthday painting!

“But, Liz, wasn’t Katie’s birthday like 5 months ago?”

Yes. I’ve had some issues with it. But, I pressed forward and finished!

I gave it to her on Saturday, and of course, she was kind and gracious and said she loved it. (I’m taking her at her word even though she could just be sparing my feelings.)

Do you want to see some pictures?

Well, here you go!

Now, for those of you with a birthday coming up, guess what you’ll be getting!!!

Seriously.

(I’ve planned a cruise through Asia in a year and a half, and I need to save all the money I can. So, you’re all getting a painting, or a birthday “High Five.” Take your pick!)

So when it’s your birthday, this is what I need you to tell me:

1. What colors do you want? Be specific, and if possible, give me an example. Don’t just say “blue” (unless you really don’t care).

2. What theme(s) or idea(s) would you like to be included? You know, maybe you want one with fairies, or trolls (if you’re Brett), or love, or freedom, or birds, or houses, or reading. Stuff like that.

Oh, and if you had a birthday already this year, and would like one, let me know!

And if you’re interested in what I used to make this painting, here is a list of some of the materials:

Acrylic paints
Oil pastels
Watercolor pencils
Charcoal pencils
Crayons
Shimmery stuff
Metal brads
Ribbon
Thread
Paper (all different kinds)
Olden days writing and images
Ink
Stamps
Flowers
Mod Podge
Gel medium

Hi, do you remember me?

So, despite my best intentions and efforts to make it otherwise, it seems that announcing my plans to the world of posting a weekly poem has crushed my creativity under the weight of fear.

Seriously folks, the well has run dry.

Even when I tell myself that I can write a poem and just not post it, I still clam up—or self-edit so greatly that my original idea becomes a bland piece of junk.

This has weighed heavily on my mind.

I want to improve. I want feedback. But, I’m not sure if a blog is the answer.

So, the next question becomes, what to do with it?

Should I morph it into something else?

I have been thinking of expanding the purpose of my blog from dealing only (or mainly) with poetry, to dealing with anything I do of a creative nature.

I mean, I do mixed media art, maybe I should post pictures of my latest work?

I participate in ATC (Artist Trading Cards). Maybe I should show you what series I’m working on?

I’m trying to get my freelance career started. Maybe I should give updates, and track my progress?

I’m starting to write another book. Maybe I should talk about that, and post some stuff?

Or, maybe I should just hit “delete blog” and be done with it?

I don’t know. I’m still thinking on it.

I only know that every time I announce something on a blog, I seem to lose interest it or feel a deep sense of crapdom.

What do you think that says about me?

Hmm…

P.I.Y.P. Day: The Results

So, did you put a poem in your pocket yesterday, read it constantly, and share it with others?

No?

Did you at least think about a poem?

No?

Did the word “poetry” ever cross your mind?

No?

That’s okay.

You can give it another shot next year. I’ll remind you, don’t you worry!

Do you want to know how it went with me?

No?

Well, I’m going to tell you anyway!

The poem I chose is by one of my favorite poets of all time, W.B. Yeats.

When You are Old is the first poem I ever memorized for no other reason than love. When I heard it, I knew I had to make it a part of me.

So, I buckled down one night about ten years ago, and read it over and over again until I could say the words with my eyes closed. And it’s been with me ever since.

Anyway, Wednesday night I decided that I would make copies of the poem and pass it out to all my co-workers (since I lacked the courage or desire to stand on a soapbox in the middle of the university and recite it out loud).

Then, yesterday morning, I made my rounds and handed out the poem. I had quite a variety of responses. Most simply seemed surprised, and stammered a “Thank you.” (Boy, that was a great alliteration sentence, wasn’t it?)

But, a few reacted differently:

1. One co-worker looked at me like he thought I expected five bucks in return. (I told him no payment was necessary, words are free.)

2. One said “Oh, I don’t have a poem for you!” (That made me laugh--Like we’re on some sort of poetry barter system.)

3. One sent me an email telling me how much the poem meant to her, and that she loved it.

4. One gave me a big hug.

5. One said I was so thoughtful to think of her and seemed really touched.

6. One pulled me aside and explained to me what she thought the poem meant, and then asked me if she was right. (I told her that, usually, any interpretation could be correct.)

7. One co-worker came in late (so I had just left it on her desk) and I heard her say “Who left me this poem? What a great way to start the day!”

Overall, the first national Poem In Your Pocket day was a great success for me!!

I loved being able to share some beautiful words with people I see every day and to give them an opportunity to pause, read, and think (if only for a minute) about the wonder of words.

So, get ready for next year! It’s a great way to liven up an ordinary work day, I promise!!

Come On, Fill Your Pockets With Words…

In case you haven’t heard, tomorrow is a very special day. And I’m asking you, as a friend, to consider participating in it.

There isn’t much you have to do.

In fact, for a poor lazy person, it’s an ideal challenge. You don’t have to run a marathon, donate thousands of dollars, or give up hours of free time.

No, all you have to do tomorrow is pick a poem, any poem, and put it in your pocket.

That’s it.

If you want to go the “second mile,” make a few copies of it, and pass them out to others. But, really, I’ll I’m asking you to do is to put a poem in your pocket. (Even if it’s only a few lines.)

You see, tomorrow is the first national Poem in Your Pocket Day!!!!!! And I think it is a super cool idea!

If you don’t have a favorite poem, or a favorite poet, the website I linked to provides plenty of options in pocket-sized versions. So, download one, print it, and put it in your pocket.

And then when you have a few spare moments tomorrow, whip it out, and read it. And if you’re feeling really brave, share it with someone!! (I'm planning on giving a copy to all of my co-workers.)

Actually, I’d love for you to share your choice with me! So, come back here and post your poem in the comments (if you want). And I’ll post mine!

Let’s make the first national Poem in Your Pocket Day a great success, and get the word out about words!!!

I Like to Pretend I'm a Poet

So, I haven’t completely forgotten about this blog. No, it’s been hovering over my head, constantly raining down failure.

But, in an attempt for Present Liz to keep a promise Past Liz made to Future Liz, I’m reviving my commitment to the initial premise of this blog, and am going to begin posting again. And I’m going to try not to be negative about it all (which is harder than I think it would be to dig to China).

With that, I’ll proceed with the purpose of this post.

As some of you may know it’s National Poetry Month (NPM). And I’ve been receiving a poem-a-day from 3 different websites. I’ve enjoyed opening up my email and being surrounded in words—some that have resonated with me, and some that have made me say “Huh?”

This is why I love poetry. It makes me ponder. It makes me cry. It makes me want to be better. It makes me look at the world differently. To me, all poetry (even the bad ones) is worthwhile.

So, I wanted to share (with the two of you) a little bit of new stuff coming out of aspiring (and a few established) poets. The university I work for has a writing program, and in honor of NPM, they published "Poetry Sleepover.” Basically, it’s an online literary magazine. They had poets submit whatever they wanted, and then over a period of 24 hours, they selected, edited, and published this online version.

(I submitted a brief poem modeled after one of my favorite poems by Ezra Pound and they selected it.)

If you have a minute or ten, read through a couple of the poems. There’s a great variety of different styles and topics. Something for everyone!

And, if you have a few more minutes to spare, why don’t you write a poem of your very own in support of NPM? It doesn’t have to be anything spectacular. Trust me on that. I’m an expert at non-spectacular-ness.

Yay for words!!!*



*Tomorrow I'll be posting a special request. So, stay tuned!