YAY!

Great news, people. I PASSED NATIONAL BOARDS! I am definitely glad I don't have to go through any further trauma. :D

Tiffany. .. and my first spoken word reading

I'm not sure how people get anything done once they start writing. Yesterday, I wrote six poems throughout the day and let my students know that this is probably why their papers haven't been graded, but I'm not sure what to do about it.

I've been waking up everyday with a poem or two on my heart for the last two weeks. And, I will mention that I'm working on four major art projects right now as well, still learning the guitar, and not getting much sleep.

I have a poem that exemplifies how I feel at the moment (this is certainly a sneak peek for this week's Broad St. Mic and a preview of this coming Monday's Mansion 462 Mic):

famous

I like being famous

staying up all night 

is so much better for creativity

I like being famous

I change my hairstyle

once per week so I can stay

in obscurity

I like being famous

because I don't have to see

the same people everyday

I have lots of stuff to give away

I have people to drive

people to keep my plants alive

people take seriously what I say

I have lots of friends but my

phone never rings

people are afraid to call

I like being famous

I can't have pets

I'm never home to take care of them

I never have time to create anymore

And every time I leave my house

paparazzi are at the door

I like being famous

Maybe being famous isn't all it's cracked up to be,

but I must admit I sure

enjoy the money.

Onto the title of my post: Tiffany is phenomenal! I just linked her blog to mine on the right, so check it out!

Two years ago, she came to speak to students in all of my classes and had many poetry prompts ready for them. She inspired me with her teaching techniques, and she shared poetry and prompts for the entire hour and a half of all of my classes. She is ONLY a senior in college at this point (almost done!), so imagine how good she was last night when she was the featured poet. You all have no idea. My favorites were her Ode to Food and a poem, which was probably titled "Five More Minutes" about how she wishes she could sleep a little more (those words were certainly resounding in my head this morning). I was so blown away by her poetry that the one picture I got with her was quite dark, so that's why I included two artsy PICTURES of my experience. The first is of me writing - my journal really looks like this. All of my poems start this way. Second is a shot of a doorway in my apartment: On the left is a card Sarah gave me not long ago as a housewarming gift - it has a woman on it and says "You're fab!," which is always a great reminder. Beside that is a picture Tiffany and I took together several years ago (probably like 5) at a Valentine's Ball. We are holding a sign that says, "Happy Valentine's Day." It was the first time I met her and a good reminder to be joyful on that day no matter what's going on.

The Mansion is a unique spot. Poets of many ethnicities are there; many, many people have dreadlocks (and I got lots of compliments on mine), and the talent of the readers is so beyond mine at this point that I left feeling really inspired as hearing word always makes me feel. 

I will certainly be back next Monday.

blog love

Even better (and so kind!): http://ncpoetlaureate.blogspot.com/2008/11/nicole.html I've been thinking this for a while anyway, but now since I might have a few more visitors, I want to post two definition poems I read at open mic this past wednesday (what a GREAT time that was!, even my hairdressers came!):

Rebound

In basketball
This is a good thing
But in dating
It doesn’t help
Attachment born
Of misery
Is not love

Teens

They are too young
To diet
To dye their hair
To wear short clothes
What habits
That may
Carry them into
Addictive adults

Short poems are definitely great for blogs!

I've received a lot of encouragement lately about a whole lot of things. Monday, I met a woman who is going to help edit my novel (that's a big announcement, for sure - I have about 40 pages (started this about 3 years ago) - but I am really thankful for people who want to trade writing). Wednesday was just amazing: 20 + people came to my open mic and I got to see some new friends' talents in major ways, which really inspired me. Last night, I met a woman who played electric violin in a band called Sugar in the Dirt. She had beautiful locks and taught me more about how to maintain mine on my own. I've been working on them even today (the ends) and they're looking great! (people are stopping me on the street as usual).

Thank you, kind world!

musings

Okay friends, look at My Laureate's Lasso. It's minor publishing for me, but it's still publishing. My English Department chair sent this to me and lo and behold, another Hungary hint hit my heart (scroll down to the post "Autumn in Budapest" and read my comment).

Favorite band of the moment: "Bowerbirds."

Favorite website: justinguitar.com If you're trying to learn guitar, it's so FREE and awesome!

I did some link cleanup - if I deleted you, it's because you don't post often enough. No hard feelings, but you probably won't even notice. . . .

Going back to open mic this week. Lots to share.