Learning To Let Go or Blessing the Boats

As I come to a NEW place in my life, I am discovering a lot of things. Not only about myself and the I wishIcouldof wouldofshouldof's and the whys but I am learning about real loss and what that means to me. I am learning about love and how is feels and how much of it am I willing to give on this journey. I am learning that it's not smart to travel with holes in your pockets because eventually you will loose all of your stuff...no matter how secure you think your stuff may be. A hole...is a hole. Security, maintenance, dedication and commitment. I'm thinking of all of these things. What does it all mean?

I have included in this post a poem by Lucille Clifton, Blessing the Boats. I guess at this time for me its a dedication of sorts to the things that I'm losing or the things that I feel that I have lost. A reason for quiet and contemplating...a reason to dig deep and find the light. Enjoy... Miss Know It All

blessing the boats

by Lucille Clifton
(at St. Mary's)

may the tide
that is entering even now
the lip of our understanding
carry you out
beyond the face of fear
may you kiss
the wind then turn from it
certain that it will
love your back may you
open your eyes to water
water waving forever
and may you in your innocence
sail through this to that

Learning To Let Go or Blessing the Boats

Why Not Me? - Part Deux

Okay...so I don't know if you remember but in March, I submitted a manuscript of poetry to Cave Canem. Well, I heard back from Cave Canem's Summer Retreat Selection Committee and unfortunately, I didn't make it in this year. I know, I know i couldn't believe it either! Just kidding. Cave Canem is a retreat for writers committed to the discovery and cultivation of new voices in African American poetry. The application process is very competitive and there are hundreds of applicants every year. The gift and the curse to the process is that fellows of the program are allowed to re-attend for a couple of summers after their initial experience. I'm not upset about the decision because at this point, I'm just happy that an organization of their caliber exists. It's kinda like when you were a kid and you fell off of your bike. It might have really hurt but , you rise up, dust yourself off and get back on for the next adventure.

The waiting time for the results was the hardest part but I used that creative energy for other creative projects that I had in mind. In my April 8th blog, 10 Things To Do When You're Not Feeling As Confident Or Creative As A Writer, I gave a list of suggestions for times like this. What I decided to do was:

1. Read a couple of books,
2. Participated in other writing projects,
3. Revised and completed un-finished projects.

I will continue to write and prepare for next years submission in the mean time. Thank you to everyone that sent me wonderful words of encouragement and remember,

"You are the only person on earth who can use your ability" - Zig Ziglar

Miss Know It All

Why Not Me? - Part Deux

It's Cinco de Mayo! (that's the 5th of May)

Cinco de Mayo, a great day of celebration for our Mexican friends and those of us that just want to celebrate to show support. Our independence or independence for all individuals is not only important but necessary. All that we take for granted, all that our grandparents and those before them fought for we celebrate and honor on days like this. So, even if your not Mexican but love the food...remember what this day is for. If you are looking for some more history or would just like to know how to make a kick-ass Margarita click here.


Keep your indulgences responsible... I like having you around,

Miss Know It All

It's Cinco de Mayo! (that's the 5th of May)

Thee Days Down...Two More To Go!

Happy May 1st everyone! Sorry I haven't blogged in a minute but I have been taking time to explore my life in all of its splendor, richness and lack thereof.


Well, last night, Family Movie Night, my kids and I decided to make pizza. The 5 year old made a delicious turkey peperoni pizza with a tomato base that oozed with creamy mozzarella (she just loves counting all of those circles). My lovely 9...excuse me 91/2 year old made a scrumptious vegetarian pizza. Sun-dried tomato pesto base, creamy mozzarella, a aromatic & nutty Parmesan cheese, pineapples, red onion, and get this...veggie chicken strips. WOW! It was so delicious, inexpensive and quick. These nights with my girls are important and a lot of fun. They are eating relatively healthy and they really enjoy taking pride in the end result.


Days like this reminds me of what my life is really about. Why I do what I do (work, write, live explore..) and why its important that I do it with such fever and confidence. They enjoy watching me grow and being a part of that world. I enjoy sharing. It opens up a dialogue that otherwise may not take place between homework and bedtime. Besides, having Chris Brown serenade us in the background added extra fun and opportunity too learn the newest dance crazes between the sprinkles of cheese and getting the pizzas in the oven.


What is your recipe for happiness and success? Is it taking time for your family as I have or is it a 30 minute Swedish massage to rejuvenate yourself? Try to make it a part of your weekly if not daily routine to take time for those moments that require very little of you but that mean a whole lot as to how you function and produce on a consistent bases.


Whatever it is that you do, I would love to hear about it. Please leave your comments in the comments section below this post.


Ciao,
Miss Know It All

Thee Days Down...Two More To Go!