Workshopping

Hello to all my followers (aka me, myself and I)!

It's been quite some time since I last posted to my blog. That's not to say I have not been writing though. I have been. And quite fervently for that matter. I've been working on my novel, forming a non profit corporation and organizing/faciliating writing workshops.

Not to mention that I started a part-time job last month. Unfortunately, due to the nature of our economy and health insurance necessity I am still in search of a full-time position. Oh, to make my living doing what I love! Why can't I? I doubted for many years the realistic opportunity of following my instincts when it came to a career. I didn't believe I could make a living out of writing, singing or any other entertainment focused interest.

It's just been within the last year that I came to the realization that the only thing holding me back was me! If I continued believing I couldn't make a career out of my passionate, creative interests then I only had myself to blame. I had to take a step back, re-examine my point of view and embrace the soulfulness within.

Art has always and will always be the connecting link between my physical existence and my spiritual growth. Music, writing, film, television and musical theatre have been my salvation; my source of strength and indentity for so many years. But I never understood the reason I relied upon these entertainment outlets instead of the "real life" avenues which were more acceptable.

Art therapy and music therapy are well represented in this society for their beneficial assistance to others. Yet, my belief that art is not only beneficial but necessary for spiritual growth has not been examined; so far as I can tell anyway.

And so...I keep shopping around for the career best suited to that which I am looking to achieve. A life full of laughter, joy, purpose and creative expression. To feel fulfilled even during difficult times. To be surrounded by people who offer support, strength, love and laughter. To be respected for my insights, opinions and motivation while still yearning to learn all that I can.

Best wishes!

Disappointed in Bucks County

Sitting here at the Borders cafe in my local town I should be working on the second draft of my novel. I had intended to do so when I opened my laptop to write. But something within me kept pulling me to focus my attention elsewhere. So after I complete this post I'll venture on to exploring the world of fiction. Right now, I need a non-fiction break.

I've been wholly consumed with disappointment lately. On so many fronts. Disappointment in not only my fellow citizens but in those of governmental power. Not everyone, mind you, frustrates me lately. But a good amount do. It is those who choose to speak with disdain, hatred, and judgment that have infiltrated my goal of positive thinking.

This past year has encompassed many difficult challenges within my community. Political upsets, taxpayer disgust and economic strain have unleashed a fury of negative actions from those overwhelmed with a desire to vent. Understandably, we are all doing our best to deal with the circumstances we face every day. Some choose to act with care, kindness, decency and thoughfulness. Others allow their bitterness, anger, fear and need for self-preservation to reverberate their every action and words.

As a result, I have been bombarded with all the negativity swirling around my fellow Bucks Countians. I allowed their unhappiness to infiltrate my life. I didn't know how to vocalize my disagreement or frustration as to how they were handling the challenges we faced. I couldn't understand why so many people were blatantly callous, cruel and selfish toward others who were doing the best they could given the circumstances.

I've come to realize that my journey does not, and should not, be dependent on the actions of others. If they choose to live a life full of hate, misunderstanding and misery than it is up to them to rectify the way they live. I still shake my head when I hear someone complain with hatred in their tone, or want to tear up the paper when I read an editorial diatribe. "To each their own" I like to say. I may not always agree with someone else's opinion but I respect that we're all learning. How someone deals with the challenges they face differs with how I'd handle the same situation. Doesn't make me right and them wrong; or vice versa. It just makes us individually experiencing the ups and downs on this ride we call life.

All the best,
Kelly

Drafting

The first draft is done!!!!!! And was completed by July 4th. Now, I've given myself 3 months to review, revise and revisit (?) draft#2.

Accomplishing that goal felt absolutely magnificent and for about a week I didn't pick it back up again. When I finally did, I found a chapter that needing tweaking and went to work. An idea came rather quickly that helped clarify a primary conflict in the story.

I truly love the revision process! I don't mind criticiques or constructive criticism one bit. I'd much rather have someone tell me what needs fixing or clarification now then have readers confused and frustrated later on.

So, here I go along the next path in my novel writing venture.

Best wishes,
Kelly

Independence

July 4th; a day full of celebration, good food, parades and fireworks! I look forward to this particular holiday every year. In celebrating the birth of the nation I call home there's a complex mixture of honor, pride, sadness and grief when I think about all the progress won after much despair. Acknowledging the hardships our ancestors encountered in the fight for independence makes me look at my own life and the choices I've made.

One of the major reasons I look forward to the 4th of July this year is due to a self-imposed goal. I've been working on a novel that has provided me with much inspiration and a few difficulties along the year and a half journey so far. I've spent so many years starting writing projects that stemmed from an image or idea that wouldn't let go until I wrote it down. However, it was a rare situation indeed when I my initial inspiration led to a completed work. The novel I'm working on now started from a single image and has flourished into a piece of art that keeps my interest every day. Sure I've had my fair share of stuck moments when I couldn't figure out what my protagnist's motivation was or how to transition into the next chapter...but I've learned not to force the progress. What I've created so far holds too much value for me to rush it.

That being said, I am about 85% complete the first draft. There are just a few more tweaks to be done and transitions to input before I can send out the completed manuscript to friends and family for review. My self-imposed first draft completion date of July 4th, 2010 has motivated me each and every day to reach my goal. And reach it I shall!

So on this Independence Day I will be celebrating with family and friends while knowing that I have started along a path all my own; independently!

All the best,
Kelly

More or less

• I do not wish others less simply because I may have more.


• I do not wish unemployment on someone simply because I may be without a job.


• I do not wish a person who is well-off to lose money simply because I am struggling financially.


• I do not wish imprisionment on anyone simply because I long for freedom.


• I do not wish a woman to be childless simply because I have no children.


• I do not wish a healthy person to fall ill simply because I feel sick.


• I do not wish sorrow upon someone else simply because I may be grieving.


• I do not wish a joyful individual to know pain simply because I feel hurt.


• I do not wish heartache upon someone simply because I may be lonely.

Instead....

• I wish that all may know joy, compassion, forgiveness and most of all...love.


• That we, as individuals, start treating each other with more respect, kindness and understanding.


• That we all stop deflecting our worries, fears and issues upon those who do not share them.


• That we focus more on improving our own intellectual, emotional and spiritual needs while recognizing that everyone else is doing the same.

All the best!
Kelly

Venting

I am writing to say that I am very frustrated about all the negative slams against teachers in the Neshaminy School District lately. I will be writing a more in-depth post later as I need some time to put fingers to keys and create a well thought out piece. Right now I'm just too disappointed, peeved and prone to saying something I may regret later.

So...here's to all my teachers throughout the years who helped me get to where I am now. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!!!!

All the best,
Kelly

Scene excerpt (part one)

ORIGINAL MATERIAL

For the past few months she’s felt different. More uneasy and uncomfortable than before. She’s been more reserved and in a bad mood even when the day is good. Everything goes her way but yet she doesn’t feel happy. How does that make any sense? Shouldn’t she feel more alive and excited at each new day? What is the matter with her? Is there something missing? Every now and again she just stares at the walls. Beautiful, glorious sights yet untouchable. Out of her reach. Out of her realm. She can see the life flow passed her body as she watches the trees blow or the birds fly. A reminder that life keeps going. Whether we take part in it or not. In some ways she retreats further after pondering that idea. Why mess up the flow by throwing herself in the mix? Safer to just watch life as it is out there. Dream of what is possible without her screwing up the beautiful visions. She could never feel that beautiful. Never be that pure of spirit. Dirtying the beauty by being among the setting.

Manner-isms

MANNERS

Where did they go? I would like to know please. Any information you could provide would be greatly appreciated. I send my gratitude to those of you that can assist me in my search for the lost art of manners.

Decency, kindness, respect, communication, honesty and civility are some of the parts that make up this once well used life enhancement tool. Opening doors. Saying “thank you”. Exchanging “good morning, afternoon, or evening”’s. Making eye contact when passing someone on the street. Speaking to people without resentment, anger, or frustration reverberating through your tone.

Turning off cellphones in the theatres, both movie and live performances. Letting someone else finish speaking before interjecting. Not speaking when someone else is. Listening when someone else is requesting your attention. Giving someone your undivided attention. Smiling and make eye contact when someone’s making a presentation. Reaching out with help to those in need.

My day would brighten just a little bit with each gracious act I see. I wish to see more please!

Positively beautiful

"Oh what a beautiful mornin'. Oh what a beautiful day. I've got a beautiful feelin' everything's goin' my way."

The lyric above, for those of you who do not recognize it, is from Rodgers & Hammerstein's Oklahoma. This musical just so happens to be one of my all-time favorite shows so of course it makes sense that one of the lyrics would stick in my head on this bright sunny day! But that's not the only reason I began my post with that particular quote.

I always thought I was a pretty positive person. However, in retrospect I'm not quite certain that's true. Hope, faith, belief, trust...I had all of those. Yet, there was this nagging feeling of doubt both self and towards the world in general. I didn't have that glass half-full kind of mentality most of the time. I focused on the negative aspects of life and allowed them to swallow me up instead of choosing to face the challenges, believe I could overcome them, and come through stronger.

It wasn't until just last year that I realized that thinking positively is, in fact, a choice. And making that choice helped me grow in leaps and bounds! Today I am proud of the woman I've become. A woman who is strong, compassionate, beautiful, proud, creative, artistic, and optimistic. I am a sister, a daughter, a friend, a student, an artist, a citizen, and an individual.

Seeing the possibilities in my life has already improved my overall outlook and in doing so, opportunities have become available that perhaps would not have if I kept such a negative attitude. I'm looking forward towards all the challenges, adventures, and events to come. Because each mornin' will be beautiful regardless of the circumstances. As long as I view it as such.

All the best!

My first blog or is it a post????

My very first blog. Wow! What should I say? Should it be emotional? Humorous? Satiric? Oh, who am I kidding; I am not satiric. Niether in my writing nor in any other form of communication.

So why did I decide to start a blog? Well...just because! And that is as good of a reason for me as any. :)

I spent a great deal of time tonight wondering what I had to say. Why start a blog? Would it only be rambling tangents that no one other than myself would care to read let alone be able to relate to?

Writing has always been of great value and importance in my life. Not only have I utilized this deep passion to provide me with comfort, understanding, and clarity in my own life but I've found a niche by sharing my writings with others. Whether it's a letter of thanks, a reflective essay, or a creative poem I have found that by taking great pride and care in my work other people can relate to what I have to say.

I'd like to be able to convey the love I have for writing within this blog and the others to follow. Screenplays, stageplays, poetry, political essays, or personal memoirs are only some of the types of writing I gravitate to. I can't promise perfect grammar, impeccable sentence structure or insightful content. But, I can say that I take my time with the words I choose and the way in which I arrange them.

I look forward to this new phase of my writing and finding out how this will shape my creativity.

All the best!