A Poets View

In keeping with yesterday’s post I thought I would pose this question.  If our dreams hold pieces to past lives can they also hold the key to our future and perhaps change it in some way?  I remember about 20 years ago I had a vivid dream about my Brother.  I dreamt that he was driving along Chestnut and Van Ness avenue in San Francisco with me as the passenger.  We were hit and the next thing I saw was him lying in the street across from me on the ground. I was breathing heavily and he was lying there looking at me with his eyes crossed.  I then woke up.  The dreamed scared the you know what out of me.

I called him, my sister-in-law, my Mother and told them about the dream and begging my Brother not to drive.  Of course my begging was as a result of my fear, he had to drive to go to work etc… But I could not shake this feeling of something horrible was going to happen.  Long story short a few weeks later in the middle of the night my sister-in-law called telling us John was taken to the hospital and we needed to get there ASAP.  She didn’t give details and I didn’t even think about the dream at that time.  We rushed to the hospital to find that he was not able to walk, move or talk and that his eyes were crossed, just as in my dream.  He was in the hospital for a couple of months and it was found that he had a form of encephalitis.  He had to undergo physical therapy to learn how to walk and feed himself again.  I remember the doctor telling us at one point that it was a 50/50 chance he would live.  He is perfectly fine now but it was a horrific and very scary ordeal for all of us.

So, keeping in tune with the dream posts I always wondered if we are able to see into the future through our dreams.  Was what I experienced a premonition of sorts or seeing into the future via my dream?

I’m the type of person who drifts into dreamland many times during the night.  I sometimes remember my dreams and sometimes do not however there is always one fascinating aspect to all of my dreams.  I don’t know if any of you have ever experienced this but I do all the time.

In many of my dreams there are other people or characters involved.  When interacting with these people I know who they are yet they look different.  An example: I had a dream about my Mom the other night.  It was a wonderful dream and brought back many beautiful memories.  However though I knew her to by my Mom, she looked completely different and almost as another person.  Does that make sense?  Sometimes when I dream of her or other people, they look as they do now however many times they do not.

This brings me to delve into and question past lives and future lives.  I do believe in reincarnation, always have and this very much fascinates me and massages the mind.  I also believe that when we die and are reborn or reincarnated that we travel with the same souls.  In other words the people in are lives now, when we die will be of the same souls in another life.  As a result, I’m thinking maybe this explains my dreams.  Although the people in my dreams are different in their looks and sometimes even gender, they are of the same souls and therefore evidence of a previous life.  I’m thinking maybe some of these dreams are actually situations I’ve experienced in a past life.

I know, you’re all thinking okay what’s she smoking? Seriously though this happens often enough, as I dream every night, that it begs a look see.   I’m just wondering if any of you have the same types of dreams and what are your thoughts on reincarnation and past lives?

I’ve been using Entrecard now for a couple of months.  When I first checked out the website I was completely lost.  I now however can’t live without it.  It is my main source of advertising and promoting.  And, since I’ve purchased a faster computer and downloaded FireFox and the Entrecard toolbar, I’m in heaven.

I’m a very visual person so I think what appeals to me most are the card designs.  When campaigning in my chosen category I often initially choose by the card design.  I also love the fact that you can advertise on your favorite blogs.  With the toolbar it allows much more time to visit each blog, read and comment.  I really enjoy doing that and it is not time consuming at all.  I will reciprocate drop, read and comment as well as campaign drop and comment for each of my two blogs on a daily basis.  This combined with my other advertising and writing only takes about a couple of hours a day.  It’s fantastic.  I recently checked my stats for both blogs and found that Entrecard has been my best advertising source thus far.  It’s brought regular readers and many friends.

So, if you haven’t tried it as yet, do so.  It’s free, easy and fun.

As we sit around the table today with our family and friends we will give thanks for the people around us and the food on our plates.   My question is why do we wait until Thanksgiving to give thanks?  Giving thanks for those we love, those that love us and the fact that we have food to eat etc… should be a daily occurrence.

There are so many people without food and families in this world right now that giving thanks for what we normally take for granted to me seems a bit shallow.  We are living in a world full of wars, economic crisis and violence so what do we have to be thankful for?  Just the fact that we awake in the morning.  The fact that nature has provided a warming sun, a cool rain, trees, flowers, birds and the list goes on and on.  We take all these things for granted yet they are what we should be thankful for on a daily basis.

For those we love and those who love us tell them how much you care all through the year.  Show them you care with kindness and support.  Do not wait for one day out of the year to be thankful.  Show your gratitude and love each and everyday.

I was watching All My Children when they broke in with the news that there were seven separate and simultaneous terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India.  I was sickened, angry and afraid.  I have friends living there and have yet to be able to contact them.  Some of the major tourist hotels such as the Taj Mahal were targeted and as of right now there are people being held hostage.  Know one knows if this was Al Qaeda sponsored though it is their method of operation.  As of now there have been 80 people killed and the video and pictures are just horrific.  It’s also been reported that there is much activity with terrorist groups these past weeks including a plot to hit the New York City subway system.  It’s very tragic and upsetting.  I guess all I can do right now is pray that my friends are okay and that there are no more lives taken as a result of these attacks. 

As writers we either have a daily routine which includes some time set aside for writing or we wait for that creative spark.  I think it is different for everyone.  Journalists and writers who write for a living are required to write on a daily basis.  But, what about poets?  Do we wait for that idea to imbue the mind or do we jot down our thoughts on a daily basis?

The art of discipline definitely comes into play here.  I know personally, since I’ve been blogging daily that my creative energies are on a constant flow pattern.  It is now much easier to just sit and write a poem without waiting for any creative spark.  Although it is still much less difficult to come up with content and write articles than it is to write poetry on a daily basis.  

The bottom line?  It’s important to write every single day.  It doesn’t really matter what you write as long as you write something.

Many great philosophers and poets have tried to explain the source of inspiration.  Simply put inspiration =  in spirit.  When we are in spirit we have no boundaries.  Our creative energies are limitless and have no sense of time and place.  Inspiration is derived from many different sources.  Although it resides within our souls there are outwardly sources which summon the spirit to awaken and create.  Many are inspired by music, nature or reading a book.  We all have unique joys which lend passion to our spirit and therefore are able to unleash the creativity within.  

For me being out in and within the endless beauty of nature always sparks my spirit and allows the creative energies to flow.  The photo above I took a while ago while walking through the botanical gardens.  I love trees, leaves and branches.  They symbolize life, confidence and change.  They are all different yet the same in their gallant nature.  The above tree fascinated me.  I saw the two branches displayed as a pair of legs which could either symbolize strength, something of a sensual nature or both.  Either way it is being immersed in natural scenarios such as these which allow me to be in spirit or inspired.  I think that is why I take so many photos of nature.  I am taken on a journey where I feel as if I am on another realm.  A realm of creativity which knows no limits and has no boundaries.As poets and writers we all know that when we are experiencing that creative flow we have no sense of time or place.   We are not aware of those limitations and as a result the spirit can flow endlessly yet with purpose.  So, my friends and fellow poets and writers, what inspires you?

Located in Kowloon along the waterfront promenade sits the landmark clocktower which was used as a hub for the Canton Railway station.  It is adjacent to the Star Ferry pier.  The fitness display you see in front was used during their Olympics celebrations.  In fact I was so excited to see the same fitness display here in San Francisco during the torch relay.  Evidently they had flown the display over here for the celebrations.  Right next to the clocktower is the Hong Kong cultural center which hosts many a music and dance performance throughout the year.  While I was there in March of this year I read that Carlos Santana was performing the night I was leaving to come back home.  Although I’ve seen him perform many times it would have been fun to see him there.   Centrally located it is also right next to the bus and ferry terminals.  The ferries going to Central Hong Kong Island and buses leaving for various destinations within Kowloon.  There are also many MTR stations very nearby.  MTR being their Mass Transit Railway system with high speed trains going to Hong Kong Island, inner Kowloon and the New Territories.

There is seating next to the clocktower along the waterfront to accommodate the Symphony of Lights show patrons.  The palm trees make it look a little like LA.  But, trust me the tower and this area has a personality all it’s own.  It’s a favorite meeting place for tourists and there is also a stairway up to the top of the tower so you can climb and get some beautiful photos of the Hong Kong skyline.  You can find more photos at http://joshongkong.tripod.com Enjoy!

It has recently been reported by ABC’s Day Noyes I-team investigation that the Mayor of San Francisco, Gavin Newsom used his $58,000 dollar hybrid SUV which is supposedly to be used only for city business to be driven by an SF inspector  to Montana for Newsom’s wedding while Newsom himself flew there supposedly on a private plane with another officer.  It was also reported that the expense for this trip to include paying for the inspector and officers total $15,000 which again supposedly comes from taxpayers dollars.

Police Chief Heather Fong was interviewed by Dan Noyes and when asked why the vehicle was used to drive to Montana basically said there may have been threats though she would not comment.

Mayor Newsom also uses police escorts when traveling which Mr. Noyes sees as wasteful.  Given the Mayor’s popularity and stance on Prop 8 and gay marriage I think it appropriate he have police escorts.  He needs protection.  Do Mayor Moscone and Harvey Milk ring a bell?  They didn’t have any protection.  The I-team investigator also interviewed Art Agnos, an ex mayor of the city who stated he never used police escorts etc… who really cares about what Art Agnos did?  Why didn’t Mr. Noyes interview Willie Brown?  Maybe because he spent more tax dollars than any other Mayor of San Francisco?  Dan Noyes is on a witch hunt - period.

First Mr. Noyes, I don’t care that the mayor spent $15,000 for this trip to Montana for his wedding.  $15,000 between all the taxpayers living in San Francisco does not amount to much money per person at all.  I consider it a wedding present.

Secondly, I am so sick and tired of your witch hunt tactics against Mayor Newsom.  I could count on one hand the investigations you’ve reported that do not deal with the Mayor.  Your investigations, or so you call them come off as simply harassment.  You report with an egotistical and condescending attitude and an accusatory manner.  The Mayor won’t even speak to you anymore.  Why would he?  I wouldn’t either.  You are just out to get him for some unknown reason.  Report after report you design to dig dirt on the Mayor and I know San Franciscans are sick and tired of it.  I am baffled as to why ABC7 keeps you.  You were terrible as an anchor and even worse as an investigative reporter and I use the term loosely.My suggestion to Channel 7 is that they get rid of you entirely and let Micheal Finney handle the investigative reporting or for that matter anyone else.

Lastly, as far as Mayor Gavin Newsom is concerned I suggest that you, Mr. Noyes get professional help to deal with the fixation you have with the Mayor.

I-Team Investigation link to the story at  http://iteamblog.abc7news.com/2008/11/we-erased-it.html#comment-140096734 &

http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/iteam&id=6516943&status=ok

I am an avid fan of ABC’s soap opera All My Children.  They have always been in the forefront touching on social issues.  Since the hiring of Head writer Charles Pratt we have seen more and more biting story-lines focused on today’s issues.  There is currently a story about Iraq war veterans who on a recent airing told their real life stories.  It was heartbreaking yet I felt such a sense of pride listening to these men and women.  There is also a veteran playing a role on the show.  Here is the link to a Yahoo story and Video of the real life actor and the show in which the veterans appeared.

http://spotlight.news.yahoo.com/v/10571345

Another important storyline is that of a lesbian couple with a newborn wanting to be married and all the issues that surround that particular union.

There has been controversy over this new head writer Charles Pratt.  Not all the praise is positive however,  I have to say as an avid viewer of the show for over 30 years Mr. Pratt is doing a fantastic job.  And, kudos to All My Children for being one step ahead on the issues and keeping us coming back for more.

A beautiful love song about Paris sung by vocalist Sony Holland, written and composed by Jerry Holland in this photo and video montage.

For more detailed information visit http://www.sonyholland.com 

When sending out poetry submissions to magazines and publishers it is imperative that you follow two basic rules.

Make sure your manuscript/submission is complete and free of errors before sending it to the publisher.

If you are snail mailing a manuscript make sure to include a SASE (self addressed stamped envelope).

There is nothing that screams amateur more than sending a submission which you keep asking the editor to revise.  It not only shows amateurish work but also says you really don’t care about your work and are just looking for publication credits.  Plus, it will irritate the editor to a point where your future submissions will more than likely end up in the recycle bin.

Secondly, it is just courteous to include a SASE with your submission.  If you do not, many editors will automatically trash your manuscript without reading.  Look at it this way.  Many publishers receive thousands of manuscripts per month.  Why should they pay for your postage?  Bottom line is to remember that your work is a reflection of you.  Be professional and courteous and editors will very much appreciate your efforts.

It was reported on the news last evening that an eight year old boy in Arizona had confessed to killing his Father and his Father’s friend.  There is controversy over the fact that the police questioned the boy without adult supervision or legal counsel so at this point even though the boy confessed no one really knows what took place.  I was deeply disturbed by the tragic news and had to comment.  Apparently the boy says that his Father had a few guns which he kept under his bed.  The boy was not allowed to touch the guns if he was alone.  Let’s think about that statement for a minute.  His Father kept guns under his bed with an eight year old in the house. And, the eight year old was not allowed to touch them if he was alone which tells me he was allowed to touch them if he was not alone?  What kind of parent does that?  

The reason for this post is to bring attention again to gun control.  If any story screams the need for gun control, this is the one.  For everyone who says ” we have the right to own guns” and “we have guns to protect our families” is this story not a red flag for you?

While we don’t know exactly what happened as yet what we do know is that there was an eight year old boy in a home with guns that were accessible to him.  And, for those of you with children you know when you tell a child “do not touch this” that’s exactly what they are going to do.  They’re children.

Until we have some type of gun control in this country there will not be an end to this type of tragedy.  We live in a country where we will change or amend the constitution to strip people from their equal rights to marry but we won’t do anything about weapons which are only designed for one reason - killing?  Illogical, that’s all I can say. 

I shot this photo while on Lantau Island in Hong Kong.  I was walking through the forest between Tian Tan Buddha and Wisdom Path.  I came to a fork in the road where there were two different paths and this sign between them.  I loved this sign for it’s aesthetic value and took a photo of it however I still wasn’t sure which path to take.  I basically went with my gut feeling and arrived at Wisdom Path not too long after.  I will be writing more about Wisdom Path in the days to come. 

This sign was unusual because it was in the middle of nowhere and along a path surrounded by trees, bamboo, lush green foliage, plants and canyons.  The birds were singing and humidity freshened by a cool warmed breeze.  When I arrived back home I came across this photo again and would love to know what it says.  I haven’t been able to find anyone to translate.

Ageless Icon
by jodapoet

It sits alone
a tattered fixture
housing age worn memories.

Splintered planks
forgotten woodchips
strewn over time.

I reminisce
that warm afternoon
sharing thoughts
laughter, love.

I smile
each time I pass
the green park bench
and remember us.

As it implies, free verse poetry does not adhere to the rules of metrical verse.  It is free of the meter and rhyme scheme.  It does not hear, see or touch versification and has no structured form.  However, an ebb and flow lyrical cadence should be employed.  These are phrases which fall into a symmetrical pattern which can be heard and observed when the rhythm is highly organized much like listening to a song.  It should have a definite tempo as it applies to the voice of the poet.  Although not structured in any traditional form line breaks are essential and observed as natural pauses between lines. 

As we have all learned and grown with the traditional forms it is the mark of an experienced poet to master free verse poetry.  One of the masters in my opinion was Sylvia Plath.  Her use of imagery and free form cadences singled her out as one of the best at her craft.  Here is an example titled ” Sheep In Fog ” from Ariel.

The hills step off into whiteness
People or stars
Regard me sadly, I disappoint them.

The train leaves a line of breath.
O slow
Horse the color of rust,

Hooves, dolorous bells-
All morning the
Morning has been blackening,

A flower left out.
My bones hold a stillness, the far
fields melt my heart.They threaten
To let me through to heaven
Starless and fatherless, a dark water.

As you can see this poem is the epitome of a free verse structure not obeying any rules yet it flows with a natural rhythm, tells a story and hosts imagery beyond compare.  To master free verse you first need to find and master your own unique voice.  This can only be done by reading poets of the past and present, finding your own rhythms and speech patterns and allowing your imagination to soar.  

This question plagues the minds of poets especially if they have never before been published.  As poets and writers we want to protect our work from being copied and plagiarized.

Copyright is a right which gives the writer control over the reproduction, public display, performance and distribution of your poetry and writings.  Your works are automatically protected as soon as they are written or recorded.  As of March 1989 copyright notices are no longer needed to secure your manuscript submission.   Of course you can always include the copyright symbol with your submission which as an example should read like this:  © Joanne Olivieri 2008 First the copyright symbol, your name and year of publication. You may also want to include “All Rights Reserved”  Though, none of this is necessary and in fact many editors see the use of copyright symbols as inexperienced or amateur in regards to the author.  If you are self publishing a book of poetry whether it be completely self published or cooperative publishing then you will need to copyright your works through the Library of Congress.  There is a $45.00 fee to do so but it is needed when publishing a book or chapbook.  You can go to http://www.copyright.gov  for more detailed information and download forms applicable to your situation. Requesting copyright for one poem or one story is really useless as you will be paying a fee for each copyright and as stated above it is not needed.  It is much more beneficial to you as an author to copyright a group of poems or stories together in one compilation or book.  Just remember once your poetry is in tangible form it is automatically copyrighted.  

Victoria Harbor in the evening is absolutely stunning.  I had never seen such beautiful sunsets until I traveled to Hong Kong.  All of these photos were taken during my last trip in March of this year 2008.

On my first day there I freshened up after dinner and took the Star Ferry over to Kowloon to do some sightseeing along Avenue of the Stars and when I exited the ferry and began to walk along the promenade this is the scene that mesmerized me.  Victoria Harbor is one of the largest harbors in the world and also one of the busiest.  There was a Royal Caribbean cruise ship docked there as well as the Star Ferry Cruise line ship.  It was such a beautiful sight that it brought tears to me.  I was overwhelmed not only with the beauty of it all but the fact that I was there in my home away from home.

The promenade along the waterfront where the Avenue of Stars is located and is shown on the right side of this photo is one of my favorite spots in Hong Kong day and night.  This is also the place for shutterbugs.  The dramatics of the cloud cover in this scene is breathtaking especially when you experience it in person.  Just beautiful.On my last night in Hong Kong I took the Star Ferry over to Kowloon to meet my friend for dinner and drinks at The InterContinental Hotel.  As I was walking up through the garden pathway to the hotel I had to stop and view this gorgeous sunset.  From this vantage point you could see the promenade, a portion of the hotel to your right and Hong Kong Island to your left along with the IFC building - the tallest in Hong Kong.  I tried to get as much in this shot as I could.  Hong Kong sunsets are spectacular.

I also have San Francisco sunsets posted on My City By The Bay blog at http://insanfrancisco.today.com  Enjoy!

Greek Meatballs (Keftethes)

I love this recipe. It makes 4 servings. Being of Greek heritage on my Mom’s side of the family we would frequently have Greek dishes.  This particular dish is a Greek meatball.  I have so many fond memories of picnics down in Santa Cruz and days at the beach where my Mom would prepare Keftethes and potato salad and we’d have our feast right out by the water enjoying the beautiful day.  I thought about this today because it is a gorgeous day in San Francisco and memories flooded my mind.  So I thought I’d share this will all of you.

A. Ingredients
a. 4 slices bread, white or wheat or whole grain - or Bread crumbs - they’re easier.
If you use bread, trim the crusts.
b. 1 pound ground beef
c. 1 egg
d. 1 medium onion chopped fine
e. 1 tbs. crushed mint salt and pepper to tasted flour
f. 2 tbs butter
g. 2 tbs olive oil.

B. Cooking methods
a. Place in mixing bowl and cover with small amounts of water. For bread crumbs you
can omit this step.
b. Add meat, egg, onion, mint, salt and pepper.
c. Shape into two inch patties.
d. Coat the patties well with the flour.
e. Fry the patties in the mixture of oil and butter.
f. Brown on each side then drain. You can make these ahead of time and freeze them then
when you are ready to serve defrost and reheat them at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.

These are absolutely fantastic with potato salad or coleslaw. They’re also great cold and on picnics.  You can also use these with a tomato sauce and serve meatballs and spaghetti. A little twist on the traditional. Enjoy!

A beautiful rendition by vocalist Sony Holland

http://www.fileden.com/files/2007/5/4/1047701/swing_bossas_ballads__blues-03-the_first_time_ever_i_saw_your_face.mp3

Even though I was only in Hong Kong this last trip for about a week I had my daily routine.  Unlike at home where I would sleep in and get up around 10:00 a.m. while in Hong Kong my day would start at 7:00 a.m.  I’d leave the hotel around 7:45 and take the Star Ferry over to Kowloon.  At that time of the morning it was usually crowded with people going to work.  When I arrived in Kowloon I would walk over to the waterfront promenade which was only about a three minute walk.  At 8:00 a.m. each morning there are Tai Chi classes held which encourage tourists to join in and take the class, all free of charge.  Well, I tried the class and although it was much fun I do have balance issues at times so I wasn’t very good.  However I was able to take some video which you can see above.  My camera is not high quality so you can only get a glimpse of Victoria Harbor and Hong Kong Island in the background.I really marvel at the expertise and conditioned athleticism of the Tai Chi Masters.  It is such a serene and tranquil scene and along with the traditional Chinese music I was simply mesmerized to say the least.  Even though I only participated once, I visited and watched the performance every morning.  These classes are also held on Hong Kong island.  Even though this last trip I was staying on Hong Kong island my preference was taking the Star Ferry and experiencing the class from my favorite spot on Kowloon which is the promenade along the waterfront.   It was the perfect start to each day.  I can’t wait to experience it again.