A Poets View

It is not about dieting but rather eating healthy. For years I drank three cups of coffee per day combined with 3 to four sodas per day and basically ate anything and everything I wanted during the day. I was the epitome of a couch potato. As a result the pounds increased and I felt sluggish with absolutely no energy at all. After a while and some health problems I realized I needed to change to feel good again. I immediately stopped the coffee and sodas, cold turkey. Yes, it was difficult the first week then I was fine. I replaced the caffeine with water. Anywhere from 48 to 64 oz per day. Of course the occasional glass of wine always helps. I then decided that the donuts, chips, cookies etc… were doing nothing for me other than making my couch potato existence a little worse everyday. So, I cut all sweets and replaced those sweets with fresh fruits, yogurt and cottage cheese with fruit. Now when I need to “snack” the fruit fills me. I also avoid all salty and trans fat items like chips. Although, those Sun Chips are pretty darn good.  They don’t have any trans fat so I do reward myself with a bag every now and then.

I’ve also incorporated eating vegetables at every meal. Leafy greens such as spinach, bok choy, chard and the like are a staple for me now. They’re great to combine in salads and also with beans, chicken or fish dishes as well as even pastas.Eating whole grain or wheat bread is the way to go when choosing sandwiches. Fiber is key to losing weight and cleaning out your system. I now eat fiber cereals every morning along with fruit such as oranges, bananas or pears which by the way have a high fiber content. I eat anywhere from 30 to 40 grams of fiber per day. When choosing cereals make sure to read the labels on the box and check for fiber content.

As far as exercising it’s important to do what you enjoy because the key to exercise is consistency. If you are doing something you don’t enjoy you won’t continue doing it. Find what works for you. I personally enjoy walking and as a result have begun walking anywhere from a mile to 5 miles three to four times a week.. It depends on how I feel, what I have to do during the day etc… but I always get in at least a mile whenever I walk. Lifting weights also helps tone the muscles and lose weight. I have a pair of dumbbells at home which I use daily. All of these things combined, healthy eating and exercise will help you lose weight and gain optimum health. It’s all a matter of choice and we are all different. Choose what you enjoy and the pounds not only will shed but you will feel like a different person in no time. Take this from a former couch potato. I’ve gone down two sizes in a matter of a few months and I feel great. I have energy and my life has changed considerably. It’s in your choices and mindset. Make the change and without dieting but eating right.  You’ll see the difference in no time.

A gift to yourself which you share with others. It is definitely a gift. It is an inherent passion which resides in the heart of every writer. It’s something inside that is born from ideas and thoughts. It is something the writer needs to do in order to live life.

There is nothing more satisfying than writing a poem, article or otherwise and receive a note from a reader expressing their gratitude for your words. Of course there is always the critic who does not enjoy your “gift of writing” and therefore finds it necessary to critique your words. However this can also be defined as something good. Just the fact that people are reading your work and commenting on it speaks volumes of the writers’ creative expressions.

The only down I find as a writer is the dreaded writer’s block. Overcoming this one dilemna takes much discipline. It is different for all writers as to how best to work through the block. It can be anything from meditation to music and so on. The key is to recognize what triggers the onslaught of the creative flow and put yourself in that state of mind. Once this is done the writer can enjoy the creative process again.

Writing a curse? I say never. A gift? forever.

A living legend best describes Tony Bennett. I recently had the honor of seeing him in person here in San Francisco. I came out of that concert knowing that I was in the presence of greatness. A greatness that probably will never be matched in my lifetime.

I was given duets as a gift and it has become one of my favorite cd’s. I like the eclectic mix of tunes and singers who lend beautiful harmonies to the cd. The epitome of a good song is measured by the ability of it’s being able to stand the test of time by various renditions being created by different artists. Tony Bennett is the master.

His decision I think to reach out to the younger generation with his music was not only smart from a business standpoint but it also brings classic great music to the younger crowd who these days basically only listen to hip hop and rap. They gravitated to Tony’s music like bees to honey as is evident of his winning so many Grammy awards these past years. His goal was to reach out to each and every person no matter their age.  He has accomplished this goal and then some with Duets.

It is a jazzy compilation of songs standing the true test of time and is a classic gem. Tony Bennett stood true to his music all his life and only sang and performed with the best and continues to do so. This CD is a classic example of his steadfast belief. Duets is a CD for the ages, any age.

http://www.tonybennett.com

A writer at heart. Words are expressions of emotions and the writer feels these words which are inherent deep within his or her spirit. Passion are these words which cannot be denied and must be expressed, shared and proclaimed in creative fashion. The writer is sensitive, intuitive and feels from the depth of heart. Authentic self is understood and firmly though happily embraced by the writer therefore it is with knowing and believing the writer paints words upon a barren canvas and a new life born.

Memories and dreams parade the mind of the writer as streaming videos. These visual aspects breathe life into a writer’s heart and have no choice but to be reborn through the creative process we call writing.

The writer’s heart is unknown to us if not for their words. Their writing is a mirror to their soul and an understanding of where they have been as the words flow freely without interruption falling on paper with stanzaic precision.

If you want a glimpse into the heart of a writer, read his or her words.

Have you ever noticed that music is the one thing that can bring people all over this world together? How many times have we seen musicians uniting people worldwide in a musical concert to benefit a charitable cause?Music speaks a universal language. It is able to speak the language of all because it is felt by all. It deals with feelings, emotions, memories, joy, sadness and so much more. It allows us to feel and know that we are not alone in our feelings but rather connected to everyone who feels the same. Music identifies and validates who we are and what we do. It speaks in lyrical tones which reverberate through our bodies and souls. There is no other language that can do the same or affect us in the same manner as music. If not for music would we still hear the birds sing, the winds howl or the ocean roar? Yes we would but in a more quiet and lonely existence. Lyrics and music enhance the human experience and thus enriches our lives. Music unites like nothing else is able to do.

Outgrowing a friendship cannot take place if that friendship is true. Friendship between two people in the purest and truest sense can only exist when there is mutual love and respect between the two. These friendships are rare but do exist and exist with unconditional love. There are many people and different circumstances in which friendships are formed. Some are out of a need in which we attract a certain person to fill tha need, some are defined by mutual interests or causes and some are work related. Not all of these connections will last and therefore seasonal relationships - there for a period of time until they have fulfilled their purpose. The outgrowing of these friendships are imminent and usually end with some sorrow and grief but not the devastating shock that comes with an end to a true friendship.In a relationship where one friend has the unconditional love and non judgemental respect for the other friend and it is not reciprocated then the outgrowing of that particular friendship can be extremely harsh where the one party can leave without remorse leaving the other shattered. Finding a friend in which you can have a healthy, respectful, non-judgemental and loving relationship where both of you show that unconditional love to each other is the key to remaining life long friends not having to experience the harsh realities of outgrowing your friendship.

Jazz Climax

A Tribute to The Empire Plush Room

for Jazz Vocalist Sony Holland

The room hauntingly still
with mosaic tiles staring down
upon the audience.
Pink and red lights glare
like the eye of a storm
pouncing across the stage.

Lights dim and the music begins.
Ebony and ivory notes
meld with the pounding crescendo of drums.
Hot sax man plays it high and low
while the bass hovers
a musical fog. And the introduction!
Thunderous applause
echoes while the star
rises to the occasion.
To the nines,
dressed “out of this world”
and the spotlight dull
in comparison to her beauty.Her voice soft,
smooth velvet whispers
shower the room
in vocal elegance.

I received The Good Life as a gift from a friend after seeing Tony Bennett live here in San Francisco. I decided to take a little time and thought I’d read a couple of paragraphs then go on with my day. Well, from the introduction on I found that I could not put the book down. I read it from cover to cover in one sitting which I normally do not do unless the book is of real interest.

The writing style was conversational and had me thinking to myself I feel as though we’re sitting right here together having a conversation.  The book begins with accounts of his parents and family immigrating to the US from Italy. His stories of his early childhood with his Mother working so hard to make ends meet along with cherished memories of family get togethers etc… had me remembering and relating in so many ways to my Italian/Greek upbringing.

The pictures he paints with words are vivid as are his real life paintings of which some are showcased within the pages of the book. I never knew he was also a painter and was pleasantly surprised. His accounts of his time in World War II with all the racism and horrible treatment, specifically the “grave registration” incident, you’ll have to read the book, I won’t go into it here, was an eye opener and a learning process. Though my Father never spoke of his time in the war I now can understand how it affected his life and as a result gives me a better understanding of what he went through & why he was the person he turned out to be. It was somewhat of an awakening for me that I never would have known had I not read the accounts in this book.

Tony’s stories of the entertainment world and his constant fight not wanting to compromise his work is fascinating, entertaining and shows the reader exactly what a cut throat business the music industry can be. His struggles balancing the day to day life of his family against his work was very difficult and portrayed in heartfelt sentiment throughout the book. His struggles with drugs, money and near death are chilling and allows the reader to see inside the singer’s life in an intimate way.

This living legend worked hard for every penny he made, without compromise. This book is a wonderful read and whether a fan or not The Good Life makes for a great lesson on the ups and downs in life and how to overcome all the odds.

http://www.tonybennett.com

Tears of Sand by Melissa Mendelson hosts a stirring compilation of poetry and prose which brings to the forefront the struggles between war and peace and strives to understand and cope with the tragedy of September 11th. Melissa speaks of a “fragile and dark world which could shine so bright” and is the theme of this literary treasure.

She eloquently describes the tortured mind of a soldier asking the questions “How many will die before it ends?” and “Will I have to kill again?” in the haunting prose piece Golden Rivers Of Sand. This short story will take you to those golden sands in the shoes of a soldier tortured by his thoughts, gun in hand. It is a riveting, heartbreaking and thought provoking story which will leave you asking the same questions as this brave soldier.

Into The Sand is a lyrical gem depicting the yearning of a soldier wanting to come home and realizing he is a pawn in a battle that has to be won. Someone needs to grab a guitar and create an arrangement for this piece. I could here the music reading through this poem.

Prayer For Peace is a traditionally styled poem rich in emotion and statement. I’m only but a child/whose mind is full of pain/watching the world/who doesn’t know my name/or know that I’m here/crying silent blue tears/as I stumble over fear. The lyrical rhyme and meter adds grace to this heartfelt plea for peace.

Origin is one of my favorite poems in this collection. It grapples with the complexities of self awareness and the meaning of life. It speaks of change and hints at the “next life”. As complex as the message may be it is written in a soft, understanding tone and beautifully styled by this talented author.

Melissa’s creative talent shines brightly throughout this chapbook. She has the gift of music in her heart which is evident as you read her words. You will be swept away in a journey of emotions which will leave you asking when will we see peace? And at the same time striving to understand the complications and tragedy of war. You will be left with a sense of pride, standing tall as an American.

I highly recommend this chapbook.  For more information visit http://www.lulu.com/content/1310238

Reading can provide both on various levels. Reading is the vehicle for learning. It allows us to travel different destinations learning about different cultures. It is a tool for our mind opening our world to all kinds of possibilities. We become more worldly and able to express ourselves by reading history, biographies and anything which falls into the nonfiction genre.

Fictional reading takes us outside ourselves and massages the imagination. It can be exciting, joyous, sad or otherwise. It also helps with our language skills and interpersonal communications.

We can become enlightened by reading of course spiritual and new age doctrine. We also are enlightened by reading poetry. Understanding poetry is not trying to decipher what the poet has written  but rather applying the words to our own lives and experiencing the words as emotions and feelings.

Yes reading is a positive and enjoyable activity which is a learning and enlightening process. So, turn off the tube and read!

Ask yourself this question. What is it about a book review that makes you want to go out and buy that certain book? Is it the hype? Is it the author? I think for many like myself it is the content, storyline, characters and setting. When reading a review, I like to see quotes from the book and passages from different chapters. I like to hear about what made the particular reviewer laugh, cry, get angry etc… a short story within a story if you will. In writing a review all of these things should be taken into consideration.

While you do not need to be a professional book reviewer it is helpful to write more than “I just loved this book”. There has to be something more concrete for the prospective buyer of the book to sink their teeth into than just the fact that you liked the book. Why did you like it? Did you have questions while reading the book and if so were they answered? Did it hold your interest? Did you read it from cover to cover in just one sitting because you could not put it down? If so why? You should ask yourself these questions before you review any books.

Learn a little something about the author. Find out why he or she decided to delve into a particular field of writing and how it has impacted their life and writing life.

If it is a non fiction book make sure the factual content is true and correct. If it is fictional, poetic etc… review it for it’s creative content. Did it touch your senses? Was it compelling and left you thinking, feeling or even knowing? Consider your review as an answer to these questions then write the review.

A website in one day? How about a few hours? In this day and age with virtually thousands of web hosting options on the internet you can find hundreds of options available for both the seasoned and beginning webmaster. With providers like Yahoo Geocities, Lycos, Tripod, Freewebs and more even if you are someone who has literally no clue what html refers to you can have a beautifully designed website up in a few hours and be able to call yourself a webmaster. To find these providers is as easy as a google search for free web-hosting, free website providers etc…Many of these hosts such as Tripod which is what I personally use provide the user with all the tools necessary to get a website up and running. They will provide templates, graphics, text, photo and many other options all available to you with one click of the mouse. If you have any knowledge of html codes then you are also able to use the advanced section to enhance your site. All of these free hosts run different user friendly systems so it’s just a matter of choosing the one that is best for you. These sites can all be set up for free however the only drawback is the advertising on the sites. They will offer ways to get around this by allowing you to purchase a basic to business monthly plan where you would pay a monthly fee for an ad free site which also offers more perks such as blogging tools, etc…The fact is no matter who you are or why you would like to have your own free site it can be done with virtually no website creating knowledge whatsoever. It’s also a great learning tool so check out some of these sites.

When we look in our mirrors we unfortunately do not see. We see the outside shell. We see our looks, our eyes, nose, lips, hair, skin color and all the stereotypical features that others see. However we see a surface. We don’t see the inside - our real authentic self. Our ego is what we see in the mirror. And, as a result we can always find something wrong. Our hair is too curly or straight, our lips are too thin, our nose is too big etc… We judge ourselves by what we think we should look like rather than what and who we actually are.

I’d love to look in the mirror and see Eva Longoria-Parker or Christie Brinkley but I don’t and as a result my ego is shattered. When we look in that mirror in order to see just how beautiful we truly are we need to learn to shed that ego. We need to stop buying into the notion that these runway waif type models are the essence of beauty. We need to recognize the beauty from within. To see a few wrinkles is to know that we’ve overcome hardship and have gained much wisdom as a result. To see a few gray hairs is to know we’ve grown and come into our own. To see slight imperfections is to know we are unique among our peers. To see ourselves in the mirror with acceptance and love we need to embrace the imperfections just as we embrace the differences with others and only then will we see who we really are when looking in a mirror.

Breathe life into the different characters, personalities and thoughts which you can find by delving deep into your own mind. Putting yourself into these characters help you not only create complex and interesting fictional people but also help you develop your imagination and writing expertise.For example: If you intend to create a family in the story concept, you need to step into each character whether it be a child, Mother, Father or even dog or cat, as crazy at that may sound you must be willing to step into that role and become that character much like an actor does for a particular role. Once you’ve accomplished that first step then the rest is easy and fun.Use your mind and it’s infinite source of imaginative creativity to reach the depth of your thoughts and soul to create and invent the character. You can draw upon personal life experience and mix it with fictional scenarios. The two key elements are putting yourself in each characters role and adding a piece of mystery and surprise. The characters need to be complex of mind yet able to be understood by the reading public. The reader should be able to identify even in a small way to the character. Once you have created the fictional clones of yourself you’re ready for the story which can also include elements of your own life with a little fiction for excitement purposes.

Tiny baby steps is all it takes. Even for seasoned writers it can be difficult to make the transition from thinking to writing. Journalists who write columns for a living and report on subjects of interest to the masses have mastered the art of discipline and are able to write each and every day. Whereas the creative writer, the poet, the short story writer etc… find it a bit more difficult as they rely solely upon that creative flow. The absolute key to walking across that bridge from thinking to writing is to constantly carry a pad and pen with you wherever you go. Even while sleeping have these tools accessible so that when you awaken in the middle of the night, which you will if you are a writer, you will be able to jot down your thoughts before forgetting them.The creative process can come at a moments notice. You could be walking down the street and see a leaf on the ground and voila! a poem begins dancing around in your head. You could see a child playing in a playground and a story makes itself known. The scenario doesn’t matter really, opportunities for taking notes are all over if you just have the intuitive sight to see them. There are many who have great ideas and so much to say but feel they don’t have the tools or know how necessary to express themselves. If you just follow this one simple step which is to take note of your thoughts and ideas, the rest will come naturally. Of course attention to detail with spelling and grammatical correctness is also a key element however these come once your thoughts have been “put to paper” then and only then should you create that story, poem or essay.

Startled, I awaken in an anxiety born stupor. It’s 4:00 a.m. Sunday morning. In the distance a siren announces a 911 while a car alarm bellows out of control. Cars race an uncontrollable rage through empty streets. Light flickers through my window yet I know there is no light outside other than the moon displaying it’s devilish grin. Is it a warning? I scare myself into blind paralysis. Staring into oblivion my body is frozen with fear. The incessant ticking of the clock - a breathing crescendo drowning my pulse. Paper rustling outside my door though the wind silent. Is it the house settling? A raccoon rummaging? Or, is it my mind damning my sensibilities?

Haunting memories invade speaking to me in tongues, unexplained. Nocturnal entities without form parade the darkness. I shrink under the covers yet the unheard and unseen more frightening than the perception of reality I cannot escape. A sudden scream wails from a neighboring house and my senses freeze. It becomes difficult to breathe and my body shivers. Fear surrounds me. I sit up in my bed afraid of what torture lies ahead within my mind, outside my door. The wooden gate within the yard slams shut. Still, there is no wind. My heart races. Each nerve a pulsating tendril. Embraced by fear all I can do is wait for the arrival of day.

The first commuter train barrels down the street and I know dawn is near. The distinct sound of a plane overhead reminds me of a friend half a world away and I smile. The restlessness of the night fades and I fall into an apprehensive slumber knowing there was something out there, but what?

Tired, I awaken from a dream of which I cannot recall. For some reason my ex weighs heavily on my mind though I don’t know why. Maybe it’s because I miss the perfect yellow rose I’d receive every Sunday morning. I walk across the room and open my door to the courtyard breathing in the crisp fragrant floral foliage. The sun shines with a positive arrogance leaving me optimistic of the day’s journey. Stepping outside I find perched upon my doorstep, a withered yellow rose.

What motivates you, inspires you and gets your juices flowing? These are the questions you must ask yourself. It is different for everyone. Some may find inspiration in music, some in nature and some sitting in front of their computer. Whatever it is that stirs your emotions to a point where there are literally words begging to be born on paper or your word doc file, then that is the setting in which you need to be.

If like me, you need to be out in nature somewhere to think quietly then it is imperative you seek out these natural settings, bring along your laptop or your pad and pen and allow yourself to just be amongst the surroundings and let your senses take over. Before you know it you’ll have an epic poem or novel floating around in your mind.

If you’re inspired by music, never let a quiet moment invade your mind while in a writing mode. Make sure your favorite tunes are always ringing in your ears. Another sure fire way to become motivated if you are into music is to attend a concert and just experience everything from the song, to the music to the audience and excitement. Write down your reactions and feelings while experiencing the concert and you’ll find that your resulting poem or essay will resound in your ears as well as your mind.

Just sitting down and saying to yourself, “okay now I’m going to write something” will inevitably never work and also create a writer’s block that will leave your creative juices stagnant for a long period of time.

The most important thing to remember in creating a motivational writing area is to surround yourself with what inspires you the most. Whatever it is do it and do it frequently so that you are motivated on a regular basis to do what you love to do - write!

salt and pepper

I am

salt and pepper follicles

an antique framed

limited edition preserved

treasure

unique, among

the ebony and ivory

of life.

Hot flash induced

words spew humid opinions

and pirouette ageless grace.

My “cup runneth over” rants

accepted

respected

disguised as wisdom

My shell travels South

my heart travels North

my words caught midriff

sans baggage.

Steppin out…

piano man

tickles my ivories with 

rat - a - tat - tat 

jazz boogie hands playing 

the notes to perfection, never

tiring the rhythm.

Decaffeinated

java induced inspirations

flow freely

while I count pixels on

white paper canvases

desolate of words - the

emptiness of writer’s block.

Daylight

bids farewell on the heels

of moonlight afterglow and

I reminisce quiet storms.

A day in the life,

back in the day

matters not.  

It’s the pepper and salt

to taste I have to offer

now.

Ah! Turning 50.

Seagulls At Night

A twilight canvas
barren of life
prelude to the masterpiece
hovers unseen
upon desolate skies
waiting to be fashioned.

Out of darkness
they emerge
white winged choreographers
painting circles and
breeding life.

Seagulls At Night soar
faithfully
indiscriminately
a free form phenomenon.