Author: kineticprose

IdeasLeave a comment

a bajillion little pieces…

kineticprose

I have paper. I bought some new pens. Supposedly, that’s all you need. And yet… It’s 10 days until November, which means I have 10 days to figure out what on earth I’m going to write about during National Novel Writing Month, or Nanowrimo. I signed up a few weeks ago with friends, so the required system of guilt and nagging is already in place to an extent, but the big question — what will I write about? — remains a mystery. I have a few days off to figure this thing out. At this point, I’m headed more in … Continue reading a bajillion little pieces…

Ideas1 Comment

a spirit of innovation…

kineticprose

I’m always amazed by people who have the courage to think big thoughts. I’m extra impressed by those who think big and who also have the patience, the people skills and the determination to actually see those ideas through to dramatic completion. Steve Jobs was one of those people. On the day of his passing, I’d like to share a photo of one of Apple’s finest creations: the Mac color classic. How many nights did I spend writing papers on this computer? How many poems were constructed on this screen? I wrote my first HTML on the color classic. I … Continue reading a spirit of innovation…

Banned Books WeekLeave a comment

bbw #2: may the choice be with you…

kineticprose

I like to think I’d never be the kind of parent who would try to inflict my values on some other kid. I don’t even really want to do it with my own kid — although I haven’t been a mom long enough to truly try this theory out. Let’s just say I’m hopeful. I’ve been thinking about banned books this week, and I do know I won’t take books off my shelf out of worry of what the kiddo might see someday. That said, the hubby tested my resolve when we were — of all things! — discussing Star … Continue reading bbw #2: may the choice be with you…

Banned Books Week, BooksLeave a comment

bbw #1: thank you, mrs. walker…

kineticprose

It’s National Banned Books Week, a time when my husband notices a little extra rouge in my cheeks, a little extra fire in my tone. To be honest, it takes a lot to get me angry — I’m a pretty laid back lady — but challenge a book’s very existence, along with anyone’s right to read it, and you’re going on my own special sort of list. In honor of my love of the freedom to read whatever I want, I’m going to write a post each day this week about banned books and the people in my life who … Continue reading bbw #1: thank you, mrs. walker…

IdeasLeave a comment

excitingly, nail-bitingly amazing…

kineticprose

Dear Chris “The Duchess” Walton, I saw your picture in the newspaper today. Your nails are incredible. Impossible. I want to write about you at a later date, tuck you away for a future poem. Something tells me you’d be fine with that. I love ekphrasis, you see. And how can I not consider you pure sculpture, art and artist all at once? How can my eye not wander over the incredible lines, wonder over each decision to curve right or left? I hope you don’t mind, but I want to think about the last 18 years of your life. … Continue reading excitingly, nail-bitingly amazing…

Uncategorized1 Comment

wonderlust…

kineticprose

I started writing a 9-11 post this morning. I have a “where were you?” story like everyone else, but the more I wrote, the more I hated everything about it. So, I stopped. I’ll keep it locked away, thank you very much. I’m not even sure how much of it is true anyway. Instead, today I’m concentrating on the people and the things I love. One of my favorite things in the world is my son’s spirit of discovery…so I tried catching it on film in a way that would let you share in the wonder. I hope it makes … Continue reading wonderlust…

Ideas4 Comments

the faster we are…

kineticprose

…the harder we fall. I hate to admit it, and I really hate slowing down. But it’s true. Even if it takes a concrete feast to remind me once in a while. This morning, I took what was supposed to be a quick run around my neighborhood. About 15 minutes in, I crossed a loose growling dog, who chased me for about a minute while I screamed at the top of my lungs. (Thanks for noticing, neighbors. Keep sleeping in.) I got away just fine, just a bit more out of breath than planned. Ten minutes later, feeling proud at … Continue reading the faster we are…

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disaster schmisaster…

kineticprose

There’s nothing like a crazy week to make you appreciate your home. On Tuesday, we had a small earthquake, the first I’ve ever experienced. On Thursday and Friday, a fly nest exploded in the window well of my work building, filling my office with dozens of dizzying, biting unwelcome guests. (My final kill record was 32.) And now, Hurricane Irene is on her way. In order to syke her out, I have done nothing to prepare. Even the batteries I bought were the wrong size. Not that I think it matters. We’ve lived without lights before, even — gasp — … Continue reading disaster schmisaster…

Books, NontraditionalLeave a comment

seeing things differently…

kineticprose

I made a little book a while back. It’s about a little girl looking up at a stained glass window from a parking lot, seeing what she thinks is Jesus waving to her, when in fact it’s the window washer moving behind the glass portrait. The book is a “magic book,” so when it’s folded, you can only see a small portion of the whole. You have to pull the thing apart to see the entire picture. I asked some friends to do just that…then color what they saw. Here’s what I got: If you’d like a copy, let me … Continue reading seeing things differently…

Ideas4 Comments

the sting of guilt…

kineticprose

Those who know me well know I’m a big old hippie. I make new stuff out of old stuff. I love to recycle, compost and grow things. And because I grew up barefooted on a farm, I’ve never minded when ants and other creatures wandered into the human realm. I figure they have as much right to be here as you and I do. That’s why I’m still a bit upset about Friday. On Friday, I killed a bug. It wasn’t just any bug, but a nearly two-inch long cicada killer wasp. (Such a beautiful insect!) It was loudly buzzing … Continue reading the sting of guilt…