Lynn M. Dixon's Blog, page 63
June 21, 2015
The World is Too Much with Us!
The world is too much with us; late and soon,
Getting and spending, we lay waste our powers;-
Little we see in Nature that is ours;
We have given our hearts away, a sordid boon!”
William Wordsworth wrote those prolific words over 200 years ago and they are just as applicable today! In light of the latest horrors in the news, perhaps it is time for us to slow down and smell the roses.
When our minds are racing around and we move at a frenzied pace, there are greater chances of faltering and blundering. Every thing that grows takes a rest. The ocean waves ebb and flow; bears hibernate in order to survive and most trees shed the old leaves and go bare until it is time for a new growth. Even music takes pauses and rests.
We replenish as we stop, think and reflect. Hopefully, we can then make good choices and decisions that we can live with whether we are seen as a success in the eyes of others or not. Even if we are struggling to make ends meet, living a principled life is a form of success in itself.
We don’t have to run and hide because we are ashamed of some hurried choice that we made, which now permeates every aspect of our lives. If we can fall asleep at night with a clear conscience, then, that is a grand form of success as well.
Wordsworth warns us that if we become too worldly and too busy attaining things, we may end up losing something of great value. We end up compromising our peace and maybe lose a few special friends along the way.
We may have forgotten to respect nature because it teaches us how to have longevity. Or maybe we have forgotten how to love others and in turn, ourselves. Those wiser ones will balance the frenzy of the world by clinging to their faith and finding creative outlets to stop their grasping.
There are artifacts, books, poems, paintings and sketches, movies, film and photography to feed some of the soul’s needs in a healthy way. It’s like making choices in the grocery store. Either we buy junk and have temporary satisfaction or we buy fruits, vegetables and other life-sustaining items that help us stay here a bit longer.
We have the freedom to choose so that our hearts will not end in a sordid boon. Positive outlets can reassure us that when we lay our heads down on the pillow for the night, we can wrap up in the security blanket of hope, let it hug us and comfort us before we get up and face the world again!
Thinking of those in Charleston!
Lynn
June 21, 2015
June 19, 2015
Thanks, Social Media!
Social media has truly enhanced my writing! We often think of writers as people sitting in isolation while writing on a legal pad or typing away on a laptop. But in 2015, I have found that social media has helped me market my writings on Twitter as I attempt to get the word out!
And then, there is YouTube. I have added a few music videos to an excerpt from a written piece and it helped set the tone and mood for that scene. The comments were positive and it seemed to work quite well. After all, that is what movie producers do. They add those poignant songs to a touching love scene and it is forever etched in our memory.
Though we make take colors for granted, we must realize that we live our lives in color. We do not live and see life in black and white like the old movies. The richer colors, the better. Writers market their books by showcasing their colorful book jackets.
Painters display some of their paintings by adding images to social media. Marketing is all about seeing something eye-catching on a regular basis. Eventually, a potential customer might say, “Hmm. Let me pick this one up.”
The other day, a music video worked for me in another way. First, I heard a song on the radio. I later looked it up on YouTube and the music video inspired me to write a scene that I had not planned to write. I played it several times until I could really see my two characters dancing to the beat.
Yes, social media is a great tool for us. It helps us market our artistic pieces whether we text about it, add images or imbed songs. And, on a really creative day, it can be the motivation for writing a beautiful scene that was almost left out!
Lynn
June 19, 2015
June 17, 2015
Talking with Paul M. Kramer, Author
Today, I have the honor of interviewing Paul M. Kramer of Hawaii. I have reviewed a few of his books in the past and they are a mother and an educator’s dream. He tackles issues that all caretakers struggle with such bedwetting, thumbsucking, obesity, bullies and a host of other topics that are rarely written about in such a simplistic format.
Here is how Mr. Kramer answered my questions:
When did you first know that writing was your artist talent?
About ten years ago after writing somewhere about 200 inspiration poems, a little boy who I read a poem to, titled “Bullies” challenged me. He asked me if I write children’s books. I replied, “No, not so far.” He then said, “Why don’t you write a children’s book about “Bullies.” About a year after that, my first children’s book was born. I was told that it was a great first effort and that I definitely had talent for writing children’s books. Since then I have written somewhere about 30 children’s books striving to make each book a future classic.
How would you describe your intentions when writing? What messages do you hope to deliver?
Below is a Marketing Piece that describes the messages I hope to deliver.
“Entertaining and fun to read, more than just a story, more than just a book.
Helping kids overcome insecurities,developing self-esteem and a positive outlook.
The subject matter is about children’s issues.
Planting seeds of confidence that will blossom another day,
being understanding, patient and compassionate,enabling yesterday’s pain to slowly fade away.”
Who are your targeted audiences? Why?
Each book has its individual target audience. Most of my books are geared for children who are in the second grade through the sixth grade. However, I have books like “Thumb Suckers and “Dottie Goes Potty,” that are obviously geared for the younger child. “Why Are We Fat,” can be an effective book for teenagers as well as children.
Where would you like your books to be placed for increased readership?
Ideally, I would be thrilled if my books were in school and public libraries throughout the US and other English speaking countries. I would of course love them to be sold through book retail stores as well.
Which work or works are you most proud of?
I consider my books similar to one having several children. You love them all. However, if I had to choose, I would say, “Divorce Stinks”, “Bullies Beware,” and “Maggie Eats Healthier” would rank high of books I am most proud of.
A new book coming soon titled “Jenny Cancer Survivor” would definitely be on that list and another new book titled, “Why Kids Lie,” also coming out in a little later on will also make that list.
Please add any information that you would like to share about yourself and your books.
In addition to the about the Author Page that appears on my books, I have been honored to have 6 of my children’s books win Mom’s Choice Awards. They are “Why Are We Fat”, “Zeep Needs More Sleep,” “Bullies Beware,” “Maggie Eats Healthier,” “Divorce Stinks,” and “Our Feet Were Made For Walking.”
About the Author
Paul M. Kramer lives in Hawaii on the beautiful island of Maui with his wife Cindy and their son Lukas. Paul was born and raised in New York City.
Mr. Kramer’s books attempt to reduce stress and anxiety and resolve important issues children face in their everyday lives. His books are often written in rhyme. They are entertaining, inspirational, educational and easy to read. One of his goals is to increase the child’s sense of self-worth.
He has written books on various subjects such as bullying, divorce, sleep deprivation, worrying, shyness, and weight issues.
Mr. Kramer has appeared on “Good Morning America,” “The Doctors,” “CNN Live” as well as several other Television Shows in the United States and Canada. He’s been interviewed and aired on many radio programs including the British Broadcasting System and has had countless articles written about his work in major newspapers and magazines throughout the world.
Visit his website and fill those classroom, school, public and home libraries with these wonderful books!
https://alohapublishers.com/index.php/shop/products/index#/0
Lynn
June 17, 2015
June 15, 2015
Space to Create!
Artists of all types of media are here to offer that aesthetic reprieve for others who are dealing with the humdrums of everyday life. My mother often spoke of how the love stories at the movie houses kept them inspired during World War II. Those stories and images gave them hope and entertained them for a couple of hours as they forgot about the real life events. They truly needed to be transported to another locale and only good art can do that for the populations.
Artists’ works shine even more brilliantly in the midst of a huge crisis. Paintings seem deeper in color; writings touch the heart strings and songs end up being the backdrop for everyday life itself. Consequently, artists need space to create these works. Blank pages, blank canvases and blank score sheets must be filled with those words, brush strokes or musical notes. They need physical and mental space to put those ideas into some tangible form.
Virginia Woolf wrote a piece called A Room of One’s Own. It is a small book that says that women need money and quiet place to write fiction. She was right because all artists need a writing room, studio or music room to create artistic works and money should not be a major issue.
And very importantly, they need an understanding family and mate. If they say they are busy, it should not be taken as a snub because ultimately, the family may be very proud to say that this highly creative person is a part of their family.
Thorny Sterling wrote a light, humorous book called How to Live with a Writer. He writes, “If your writer spends inordinate amounts of time staring into space, brace yourself. They have an idea.” So, those who live with an artist must be understanding, secure and selfless. They will know that the change of moods and times of being locked away in a space is a part of the process.
They will soon realize that some work is underway and gently close the door as the artist works to entertain others. Actually, they are lucky to reside with someone who has such a huge responsibility and honor that calling by giving them the free reign to make something grand!
Lynn
June 15, 2015
June 13, 2015
A Song for You!
Tyre and Phoenix have taken a temporary hiatus away from each other after she discovers that he has fathered a child from a previous relationship. She felt that they had shared all of the secrets and hidden things. This catches her off guard and she exits the relationship because she is overwhelmed. What she does not realize is that he was also surprised by the news. He sees her from a distance during the break up.
When he pulled into the store parking lot, he saw a car that looked
like Phoenix’s. He drove closer and saw her parking decal from her
workplace. “Oops,” he thought. He looked around and did not see her
coming. He wanted to honor her two-week request, so he chose to put
his car in a place where she would not see him. He listened to music and
waited until he saw her emerge from the store. Finally, after what seemed
like an eternity, she came out of the store. She looked like a somewhat
bruised peach dressed in a peach jogging suit. He watched as she headed
toward her car. There was something that seemed different about her
demeanor. Her face was tightly drawn, and she did not look quite like the
Phoenix he knew. Maybe this was the face that she showed the world. She
had a stony look. He watched as she headed toward her car.
He wanted to go over and hug her and help her ease the pain. He
wanted to help her release that tightness of her jaw, but he knew that he
had to stay in the shadows. He would give her time to hopefully come
back to him and accept what had altered their lives. He watched her pull
off and assumed that she was out visiting her mother. He knew why. He
thought about what a difference a smile made and hoped that she would
flash it at him once again! From: Warm Intrigues
I believe that Donny Hathaway could best speak Tyre’s sentiments if he had a chance to explain his feelings for Phoenix. Listen to “A Song For You “ and see if you agree.
Lynn
June 13, 2015
June 11, 2015
Partings
Each time we part from our loved ones, we should be mindful of how we treat them. Sometimes, as we rush to get our point across or get our way, we may be unduly abrasive in our dealings with others. And as life would have it, who knows? It could be the last time that we see one another. If we part in anger, we may live with a lifetime of regrets.
We may wish that we had been kinder, more understanding or more patient. As we mature, we learn to say less and think more. We cautiously think before we speak because we only hope that there will be an opportunity to make the partings amiable. Shakespeare wrote, “Good night, good night. Parting is such sweet sorrow, that I shall say good night till it be morrow.” Hopefully, there will be a tomorrow.
I am moved to write this piece after seeing a play about the life of the soul-stirring singer, Donny Hathaway. I have been listening to his songs which touch me as deeply as they did many years ago. In fact, they probably reverberate even more now that I have lost many loved ones along the way.
His song, For All We Know, brought me to an absolute standstill as I grieved for those who are no longer present. However, I often feel their warmth at the most needed moments for comfort and solace.
So, as we get older, we should strive to make each parting a sweet one, because we may or may not see that person again. Charles Dickens said it best when he wrote, “The pain of parting is nothing to the joy of meeting again.”
Take a moment, push the arrow below for the YouTube clip and reminisce as Mr. Donny Hathaway sings, For All We Know.
Lynn
June 11, 2015
June 8, 2015
Herb Kent- The Cool Gent
What would music be without the historic Chicago disc jockey, Herb Kent? For those of us who were raised on the south side of Chicago, he puts the Chi into Chicago. His deep, melodious voice has been an intricate part of the city’s fiber since my middle school years.
He has created all types of hilarious terms that entertained us such as being a ‘boss feznecki.’ That is the description for a good- looking girl. His deep, baritone voice is timeless and whenever I hear him, I know that I am in Chicago.
Though we do not get to hear him on a daily basis anymore, Sunday afternoons are treasures as he takes us back in time with his spinning of songs. I can relive snippets of my early teen years, teen years, and young adult years on through adulthood.
Songs are like perfumes and colognes. They usually transport us back to a time and location gone by, whether the memories are pleasant or not. But one thing is certain; we have come a long way. So, much has transpired since some of those songs were popular and we are still here along with Herb Kent. We are still creating new paths and making new inroads.
The other day, I was driving into the city and the minute I heard his deep, mellow voice, I knew it was Sunday in Chicago. He is “Easy like Sunday morning,”as the Commodores sang. Hearing ‘Herbie Baby’ made me smile and remember the days of my youth.
It energized me as I picked up my speed and swayed to the beat. I have driven an array of Ford Falcons from stick-shift on the collar to automatics as I weaved in and out of traffic with Herb Kent adding to my confidence with his light sense of humor.
The wonderful and comical Herb Kent remains and still adds a chuckle as he tells stories about the artists between the choices of songs. This deejay is truly a Chicago icon and each time I hear him, I simply say, “Oh yeah. This is going to be fun!”
Lynn
June 8, 2015
June 7, 2015
Get off the Carousel
Have you ever felt that you keep having the same negative experiences over and over again? The same people are dishing out of the same stuff and giving you the same feelings of angst?
Well, you have the power to say,” Enough already!” When the carousel slows and the momentum comes down to a slowing halt, you simply get up, brush yourself off and get off. Stop the repetitive motion!
We were discussing carousels in a classroom the other day and we compared them to merry-go rounds? Carousels have varied creatures to ride whereas merry-go rounds only have horses. Yet, they both have two simultaneous motions. The creatures or horses go up and down as they go round and round.
It is much like our lives. We have our ups and downs and if we are not mindful, we will find ourselves going around and around. We rehash and relive the same old painful events until we decide that it is time to move forward. No more circles! It’s time to go forth in a straight line!
Some folks never get off of the carousels or merry-go-rounds. They still recall the unhappy circumstances from their childhoods and go through every dark stage of their existence from their teen years on into their adult lives.
We can listen to these lengthy sagas for a season, but after so many tales of woe, even a pup would take his paws and cover his floppy ears as if to say, “Give me a break already!” When we see certain folks coming, we quietly start looking for an exit plan. We start thinking, “Oh. Got to go because the baby is crying.” (Privately knowing that there is no baby around.) Or as Erma Bombeck wrote, “I can’t hear you when the water is running.”
So, be a light of hope and after you have told the tale, decide that you are finished with it. In some children’s stories, the endings say, “Snip, snap, snout. This tale is told out!” Give everybody else a break and mostly give yourself one by climbing down from the dizzying carousel!
Lynn
June 7, 2015
June 5, 2015
Seeds Sown!
Sometimes when we sow seeds, we do not realize that the harvest will be there to catch us during the tough times. We are so busy sharing our gifts and talents because we enjoy doing so but then, when we need that soft cushion, the fruits of our labor keep us buoyant.
It’s like bouncing on a trapeze and eventually landing safely on a fluffy surface. When we rest and reflect on the journey itself, we remember some of things we shared from many years before and we can say, “Oh yeah! I recall.”
I write this as I realize that a place where I had given service many years ago is now giving back to me, in a nurturing way. This time around, I truly need the love and the hugs. I suppose that’s what it means to rest on your laurels. Our good boomerangs back our way.
I also think of my former students who I took extra time to guide and direct. I wondered if they heard me and received my countless messages. I wanted them to see and understand where the real jewels of life are hidden. And now, like magic, they have emerged as responsible young people making good choices. It makes me proud that I had a hand in their evolving. I see them continually running the race set before them as they become spokespersons for their generation.
Clifton Davis, the actor from the sitcom Amen, gave a sermon at our church one year. It was called, “Cast Your Bread Upon the Waters.” I bought that tape and I played it until the reels from the inside came apart. It has stayed with me. I have come to know that it truly works.
Good seeds do come back to bear bountiful fruit. So, fling out those seeds of goodness and they will be there to break your fall when the going gets rough. As stated in Ecclesiastes 11:1, “Cast thy bread upon the waters; for thou shalt find it after many days.”
Lynn
June 5, 2015
June 2, 2015
Occupied!
The other day, I was in the fabric store and as I thumbed through the pattern books, two small children came and were graciously placed on the stools by a perusing parent. I felt their pain as they swiveled around wishing time would fly on by. I remembered those days during my childhood as I waited on my mother to finish her browsing episodes.
I recall sitting there with absolutely nothing to do as each tortuous moment crawled by as my mother slowly turned the pages looking at patterns from Simplicity, McCall’s, and Butterick’s or Vogue. It took me years to return to a fabric store and even then, I made my visits as short as possible.
The books are humongous and it can be a small child’s greatest nightmare as he or she tries to be good and dutiful in such a non-child friendly environment. As fate would have it, the little boy, about five years old, sidled up to me and started showing me what he was doing. He must have felt my school marm past and knew that I would take pity on his plight.
He and his younger sister took out the small sheets of paper that customers normally use to write down pattern numbers. They used them to draw and write on. I loaned my pen to the little boy and he wrote some of his alphabets and started a conversation. I listened to what he shared and helped him spell a few words. I truly empathized with him!
I found the boy’s section of the pattern book and showed him some pictures of little boys dressed as pirates so he would understand that even in a situation such as this, there was something for him as well. His little sister was further down the aisle, using up the slips of paper. I continued my search and made a quick pattern selection and I noticed another kind woman who gave the children a little special attention.
I humorously shared my observations with my cousin and she chuckled. She had the same memories about the fabric store when she went there as a child with her seamstress mother. Bottom line? To the parents, I would say when taking small children to a fabric store, pack up some coloring books, crayons, puzzles, word searches or SOMETHING! Then the little ones can remain occupied while they wait for the pain to end!!
Lynn
June 3, 2015
