[stylist] Song writing prompt
Bridgit Pollpeter
bpollpeter at hotmail.com
Tue Feb 12 15:52:55 UTC 2013
Vejas,
Thank you for your comments. I like to frame a lot, so I wanted this to
end up back in the beginning. I also wanted to show that Declan has come
out the other side and is a very healthy baby now, grin. In fact, he's
playing on his Baby Einstein floor mat right now as I write this. He's
cooing and playing with toys.
I have tried to read your recent story post, but I haven't been able to
access it. I still have never been able to download attachments from the
listserves. Perhaps you can actually paste it into an email and/or send
it directly to me. Your story sounds interesting based on others
comments.
Sincerely,
Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter, editor, Slate & Style
Read my blog at:
http://blogs.livewellnebraska.com/author/bpollpeter/
"If we discover a desire within us that nothing in this world can
satisfy, we should begin to wonder if perhaps we were created for
another world."
C. S. Lewis
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To: stylist at nfbnet.org
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"Re: Contents of stylist digest..."
Today's Topics:
1. Re: Question (Lynda Lambert)
2. Re: To ponder- exercise and representing blindness
(Anita Ogletree)
3. Re: Song writing prompt (Jacobson, Shawn D)
4. To ponder- canes and traveling (Bridgit Pollpeter)
5. To ponder- exercise and representing blindness (Bridgit Pollpeter)
6. Writing prompt- Brown winter (Bridgit Pollpeter)
7. Re: Writing prompt (brown winter). (vejas)
8. Re: Vejas - prompt response (vejas)
9. Re: Song writing prompt (vejas)
10. Re: Writing prompt (brown winter). (Eve Sanchez)
11. Re: Song writing prompt (Eve Sanchez)
12. Re: Writing prompt (brown winter). (Chris Kuell)
13. Re: To ponder- exercise and representing blindness (Lynda Lambert)
14. Re: Writing prompt (brown winter). (Lynda Lambert)
15. Re: Writing prompt (brown winter). (Myrna Badgerow)
16. Re: To ponder- taken to another level (Donna Hill)
17. Re: To ponder- taken to another level (Donna Hill)
18. Re: Braille (Donna Hill)
19. Re: Using cane or dog (Donna Hill)
20. Re: Using cane or dog (Donna Hill)
21. Re: Query letter for critique (Donna Hill)
22. Re: To ponder- exercise and representing blindness (Donna Hill)
23. Re: To ponder- exercise and representing blindness (Donna Hill)
24. Re: Using cane or dog (justin williams)
25. Re: CNF/blindness prompt (Aine) (Aine Kelly-Costello)
26. Bridgit's prompt response (Chris Kuell)
27. Re: Using cane or dog (Lynda Lambert)
28. Re: Writing prompt (brown winter). (Lynda Lambert)
29. Re: Using cane or dog (Lynda Lambert)
30. Re: To ponder- exercise and representing blindness (Lynda Lambert)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: 1
Date: Mon, 11 Feb 2013 13:15:10 -0500
From: "Lynda Lambert" <llambert at zoominternet.net>
To: "Writer's Division Mailing List" <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [stylist] Question
Message-ID: <3D15BAF03FA94DF396F10E01711EABD8 at Lambert>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
reply-type=original
Robert, what is the correct email address for sending entries for the
writing contest?
Lynda
----- Original Message -----
From: "Robert Leslie Newman" <newmanrl at cox.net>
To: "'Writer's Division Mailing List'" <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Friday, February 01, 2013 10:27 AM
Subject: Re: [stylist] Black History Month - a Poem
> Lynda
>
> I enjoyed listening to the recorded reading of the poem. Boy, I too
> have hungered to learn and experience more in life, too. Even wanted
> or want to hop off the rails that my restrictive up-bringing had set
> me on. MMM, maybe being blinded in a car accident at age 15 was a
> partial answer to that song
> of yearning.
> (The lady had a wonderful story telling voice!)
>
> How do you wish to proceed with this exercise? Yes, you will present
> us
> with
> more poems --- Do we want to all talk by phone --- as in you could be
our
> special monthly telephone gathering guest for February? The call could
be
> the final "lesson."
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: stylist [mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Lynda
> Lambert
> Sent: Friday, February 01, 2013 8:22 AM
> To: Writer's Division Mailing List
> Subject: Re: [stylist] Black History Month - a Poem
>
> February is Black History Month. . .
>
> I was initially scheduled to do a lesson on the poetry of African
> Americans
> in December. I have been struggling with health issues, and been
> recovering
> from surgery since the beginning of January. Therefore, I thought I
would
> bring you some poems of African American poets during February. I will
> post
> some poems by different black poets from time to time during this
month. I
> think you will really enjoy meeting some poets you may not be familiar
> with,
> and maybe revisit some you already know.
>
>
>
> This morning I would like to introduce you to Gwendolyn Brooks. She
> was
> born
> in Topeka, Kansas (1917) but grew up in Chicago, Illinois. She is
> generally
> considered an Illinois poet. In her earlier years, prior to 1967, she
> focused on depicting the characters of her race, to bring them to life
on
> the page. The local people of her neighborhood were the subject of
her
> poems. She passed away on December 3, 2000.
>
>
>
> I had the privilege of attending a writing workshop for poetry one
> afternoon
> at Slippery Rock University of PA. Gwendolyn was the poet in residence
> that
> day and budding poets could read a poem for her and she would respond
to
> it.
> She was so gentle and kind, and encouraging to the young students who
read
> for her. When one of them said, with hesitation, that she had self
> published a chap book of her work. Brooks looked at her and said,
"You do
> not need to feel apologetic about publishing your own book. It is a
book
> after all. You wrote a book. You have a published book. That is
something
> to
> be proud of."
>
>
>
> In 1967 Gwendolyn Brooks' work changed after she took a workshop at
> Fisk University and met other black poets, such as Amiri Baraka. She
> had a "New Awakening" through this experience. I have always been
> aware that an encounter with one person can change your life forever,
> and this was certainly true for Brooks.
>
>
>
> Brooks' first book was published in 1945. She won a Pulitzer Prize;
> and
> was
> Poet Laureate of Illinois. She succeeded Carl Sandburg in that
position.
>
>
>
> I am posting a link so you can hear her read her poem, "A Song in the
> Front
> Yard." It is from 1963, one of the earlier poems where she describes
what
> she sees and thinks about the people in her neighborhood.
>
>
>
> As you listen or read this poem you can think about the carefully
> chosen words. This poem is full of symbols - you might try to identify
> some of them and then think about what she is conveying to the reader
> through the symbolism. Her symbols begin before you even start reading
> the poem..look at
> the title of it. Begin there.
>
>
>
> Listen to Brooks read her poem "A Song in the Front Yard" here:
>
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWA6V3OaoR8
>
>
>
> You can read the text copy of this poem by opening up the attachment.
> Enjoy!
>
>
>
>
>
> Lynda Lambert, BFA, MA, MFA
> 104 River Road
> Ellwood City, PA 16117
>
> 724 758 4979
>
> My Blog: http://www.walkingbyinnervision.blogspot.com
> My Website: http://lyndalambert.com
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Writers Division web site
> http://www.writers-division.net/
> stylist mailing list
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> stylist:
>
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rnet.net
>
------------------------------
Message: 2
Date: Mon, 11 Feb 2013 13:24:49 -0500
From: Anita Ogletree <yrstrli at gmail.com>
To: Writer's Division Mailing List <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [stylist] To ponder- exercise and representing blindness
Message-ID: <5119377d.705b340a.4fc7.5efc at mx.google.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1; format=flowed
That's excatly how I have been able to make it through more than
40 years of life. I usually don't (feel blind) until an unhappy
sighted person tries to rain on my parade.
Many people will often say to me "you are always so happy" or
"you are always smiling). Well if I could have made the choice,
I sure would not have chosen to be blind. On the other hand,
however, I have learned to ask God not to allow my heart to be
like so many who are sighted are in the way that they complain
about the sun shining in the window in the morning or are always
critical of other people's physical features or way of dressing.
There are some who may not have the financial ability to choose
the kind of wardrobe someone else deems proper. And sometimes
there are individuals who have decided not to conform to what
every one else likes.
I have come to believe that I may be better off than a lot of
sighted people because I see what's inside another human being if
they have the spirit of God. So I am usually smiling even when I
don't feel well.
Anita
> ----- Original Message -----
>From: "Lynda Lambert" <llambert at zoominternet.net
>To: "Writer's Division Mailing List" <stylist at nfbnet.org
>Date sent: Mon, 11 Feb 2013 12:50:44 -0500
>Subject: Re: [stylist] To ponder- exercise and representing
blindness
>There are parallels as you can clearly see, Anita. Good for you.
My husband
>and I were just speaking about this a few minutes ago. This has
been a very
>educational experience for him to walk with me through sight loss
and the
>issues he sees that we deal with all the time. One thing for
sure, I do not
>want to be bitter at all about it and I want to continue to walk
in love.
>That is my choice. Losing my sight is not my choice, but how I
respond to
>it every day is entirely in my hands.
>Lynda
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "Anita Ogletree" <yrstrli at gmail.com
>To: "Writer's Division Mailing List" <stylist at nfbnet.org
>Sent: Monday, February 11, 2013 9:43 AM
>Subject: Re: [stylist] To ponder- exercise and representing
blindness
>> Amen to that! That's how society, in general, categorizes people
of
>> different races, religions (and most of all) blind people.
>> That is how the VR services attempts to manipulate us when we
don't
>> conform to their pre-determined assessments of all blind people.
I
>> shouldn't be judged according to the statistics someone has
gathered on
>> other people. I am Anita Ogletree, not Jane Doe. I can make my
own
>> adaptations to doing things that work for me. Ms. Doe should
be allowed
>> to do the same without feeling threatened that she won't get the
help she
>> needs.
>> You're right! we should not have to represent an entire group.
That is
>> what they do whenever they talk about black people. Not all of
us are
>> going to end up living in the projects.
>> Ok. I am finished with my ranting. LOL
>> Anita
>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>From: Bridgit Pollpeter <bpollpeter at hotmail.com
>>>To: <stylist at nfbnet.org
>>>Date sent: Mon, 11 Feb 2013 06:36:19 -0600
>>>Subject: [stylist] To ponder- exercise and representing blindness
>>>This makes me recall an interesting situation.
>>>A few years ago I spoke at the Nebraska Medical Center to a group
>> of
>>>medical staff working with diabetics including doctors. I have
>> been a
>>>type 1 diabetic since I was four, and I have had to manage my
>> diabetes
>>>both as a sighted person and blind person, so I was addressing
>> the topic
>>>from both perspectives.
>>>Now, exercise and physical activity have always been important to
>> me.
>>>Since childhood, I've been a very active person. I don't exactly
>> look
>>>out of shape, and to go along with this, my diabetes is well
>> managed.
>>>After I lost my sight, I didn't lose a beat when it came to
>> exercising.
>>>One doctor asked how I adjusted to not being able to work-out
>> since
>>>being blind. He had participated in a study that, one,
>> demonstrated the
>>>advantages exercise had on diabetics who worked-out and those who
>> did
>>>not, and two, displayed that diabetics with visual impairments
>> were in
>>>the group of non-active people because blindness rendered them
>> unable,
>>>or at least made it difficult, to be active.
>>>It was one of those moments where I was like, "You're a doctor,
>> right?"
>>>in my head. I told him that I never stopped working-out or being
>> active,
>>>and I know several other blind people, diabetic and otherwise,
>> who are
>>>very active.
>>>He then amended his response by stating that he meant visually
>> impaired
>>>people won't be able to navigate a gym or do much out-doors. To
>> which I
>>>replied that first of all, a gym is not necessary to have access
>> too for
>>>exercising purposes, nor do you need to work-out out-of-doors,
>> but
>>>having said all that, that plenty of blind people, myself
>> included, go
>>>to the gym and find activities to enjoy out in nature. My
>> husband and I
>>>use a walking trail near our house almost every day during nice
>> weather,
>>>and we aint taken leisurely strolls down it, grin.
>>>It's just funny how silly people can get about these things. And
>> I like
>>>what you say about not representing a whole group of people. I
>> am just
>>>me, and I just want to live my life not always feeling like I
>> have to
>>>represent an entire group of people. Some will say that as an
>>>independent, capable blind person, it's our job, whether we want
>> it or
>>>not, to be an example, to represent the entire blind population,
>> but
>>>this is a heavy mantle to wear. It's like asking any other
>> person of a
>>>minority to be more than an individual; to become the embodiment
>> of a
>>>whole group. The thing is, no single person is alike. I mean, I
>> get this
>>>will happen regardless, people will assign roles to us no matter
>> what,
>>>and yes, someone needs to voice progressive, positive examples
>> for
>>>various groups, but damn, we have to live our lives and just be
>> human. I
>>>want to be a mommy because I love, love, love my kids, not
>> because I
>>>need to demonstrate that blind people can be parents. I want to
>> pursue
>>>higher education because I love to learn, and I want to further
>> my
>>>knowledge, not because I have to display that blind people are
>> just as
>>>capable. I want to be out in my community enjoying events and
>> activities
>>>like the theatre, concerts, sports, shopping, playgrounds,
>> because I
>>>have a sincere enjoyment of such activities and not because as a
>> blind
>>>person I must force myself to attend community events so society
>> can see
>>>that blind people are normal. It's just exhausting, and I have a
>> life to
>>>live beyond this single element of my being.
>>>Sincerely,
>>>Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter, editor, Slate & Style
>>>Read my blog at:
>>>http://blogs.livewellnebraska.com/author/bpollpeter/
>>>"If we discover a desire within us that nothing in this world can
>>>satisfy, we should begin to wonder if perhaps we were created for
>>>another world."
>>>C. S. Lewis
>>>Message: 13
>>>Date: Sun, 10 Feb 2013 16:58:47 -0500
>>>From: "Lynda Lambert" <llambert at zoominternet.net
>>>To: "Writer's Division Mailing List" <stylist at nfbnet.org
>>>Subject: Re: [stylist] To ponder- to take to another level
>>>Message-ID: <9778408A73F7477DABF1B81E8CB84C96 at Lambert
>>>Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
>>> reply-type=original
>>>this whole thing is very interesting.
>>>I know for most of the people I am around, I am the only blind
>> person
>>>they
>>>have ever encountered. I really don't feel like I need to
>> "represent"
>>>anyone, nor do I want to. I am still the same "self" that I have
>> always
>>>been, and I think that is hard to grasp because I am sure they
>> all look
>>>at
>>>this change as being devestating. They seem surprised when I do
>> normal
>>>things.
>>>When my husband and I did the one mile "walk to break the
>> silence" for
>>>ovarian cancer last fall, we walked behind my sister and my
>>>daughter-in-law
>>>who were engaged in cheery conversation together. When we
>> reached the
>>>end
>>>of the course, they turned around and saw us behind them - and
>> expressed
>>>amazement that we were "there" as if I was not capable of
>> walking
>>>along on
>>>the course. I am very "fit" and workout at the gym nearly every
>> day, as
>>>I
>>>have done most of my life - so why should that be any different
>> now, to
>>>the
>>>point where anyone would think it surprising I would be walking
>> as any
>>>other
>>>normal person walks. Frankly, things like this really scald me,
>> and
>>>particularly when it is my family members, as they know very well
>> that I
>>>walk several miles a day on my cardio days, and work out at the
>> gym for
>>>over
>>>an hour on other days. But, there in public with tons of people
>> around
>>>us,
>>>they show surprise that I can walk at all. I am laughing as I
>> write
>>>this -
>>>it is so silly.
>>>Lynda
>>>_______________________________________________
>>>Writers Division web site
>>>http://www.writers-division.net/
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>> for stylist:
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>> ail.com
>> _______________________________________________
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------------------------------
Message: 3
Date: Mon, 11 Feb 2013 15:09:38 -0500
From: "Jacobson, Shawn D" <Shawn.D.Jacobson at hud.gov>
To: 'Writer's Division Mailing List' <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [stylist] Song writing prompt
Message-ID:
<44EB7EEFF5A7374B9043B34E0A44139A495FCC9C32 at EXMAIL07A.exh.prod.hud.gov>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Wow, that was intense.
>From "The Wizard of Oz" to troubled pregnancy. I think it was a very
good piece, but it seems fragmented at times.
Shawn
-----Original Message-----
From: stylist [mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Bridgit
Pollpeter
Sent: Monday, February 11, 2013 10:27 AM
To: stylist at nfbnet.org
Subject: [stylist] Song writing prompt
Here is my attempt at this writing prompt. I think my song choice will
be pretty clear, grin. I'm a bit rusty; this is the first thing I've
written from scratch in six months. I'm still in mommy la-la land, so
forgive me for the subject matter, grin. It's rough, so comments
welcomed. It's only 880 words.
Somewhere over the rainbow way up high, there's a land I dreamed of once
in a lullaby. I croon to you in dulcet tones as the moon hangs low
caressing your sleeping form. You sigh and turn towards me, arms
extended above your head. I smile and snuggle your wiry frame. Your
downy mound of hair tickles my face. My heart is about to burst from my
chest, overflowing with love, with joy.
The weight of your body has been felt in my embrace for years. I gasp,
unsure if this moment is real. The stillness of the night creates my
heaven. My baby boy cuddles against me as I hold him close.
A river slides along breaking me into consciousness. Sprinting into the
bathroom, I yell for Ross. Warm liquid gushes around me as I feel the
tell-tell tightenings travel down my stomach. I feel no pain, just
continual tightenings. His little body pushes up against my abdomen. But
there's no pain; I'm unsure of what is happening. The pool of water I'm
standing in, in the tub blares like a siren, and I shout, "Ross, I think
I'm going into labor."
The morning is fringed with a hazy glow. My breathing is steady as
people whip around me. Ross holds my hand as nurse's remark on the
intensity of my contractions- yet I still feel no pain. I speak to my
baby, my son. In a little while I will feel his tangible weight in my
arms.
But the world falls around us. Rhythmic beating pulses, emanating from
me. It shakes the world. They tell me you are showing signs of fetal
distress, and that I can't handle a long labor. An emergency Caesarian
is scheduled.
Numbness swallows me from the waist down. A nurse whispers in my ear how
well I'm doing. Ross grips my hand. I'm lost, focused solely on my son
as a slight pressure pulls at my abdomen.
They pull him from my body, bleeding and broken. Ross sniffles.
Everything is muted except my baby, but he makes no noise. Don't they
cry? Aren't they suppose to cry? Nurses giggle about how adorable he is,
yet no sound. Finally he gives one squawk before they take him. I'm left
alone as the doctor stitches me up.
I feel disjointed. He's not with me. My mind hones in on his, but this
fracturing feels wrong. Just a little longer and we will be fused
together again, my sweet boy.
Ross strokes my long hair as the doctor explains the unexplainable.
"We didn't anticipate this. We're not entirely sure what is happening."
The doctor clears his throat. Papers rustle between the heart beats.
"We're sure this will all resolve in twenty-four hours though." The door
clicks shut and he's gone.
But it doesn't resolve in twenty-four hours, not forty-eight hours, not
a week. Ross forces me to come home, to eat, to sleep. These daily,
fundamental tasks allude me. I sit in your empty nursery gulping for air
as my ragged cries fill the room. Tears drip in torrents down my pale
face as I suffocate from the silence.
I'm terrified to name you, to claim you. I steal myself, not wanting to
imprint you upon my heart, but it's too late. Your soul has fused with
mine. Long ago I felt you touch me, claim me. Yet I'm terrified, seeing
only darkness in the distance.
I wait each day hoping for good change for you, my darling baby boy. My
standard reserve of strength threatens to run dry. I lock myself away,
trying to handle my emotions as I deal with doctors, nurses and your
precarious situation.
Darkness seems near the horizon. Your silent cries, from being in
abated, shred my heart; my heart so swollen with fear and pain. I am
brittle, fragile to the touch.
I will not lose you; I will not lose my strength. I will shatter this
moment and throw it into the winds.
I pray the Lord, my soul to keep. Softly, gently, the words shape.
Buzzing and humming, they breathe into the ebony silence, chiseling
against solid darkness. Moonbeams puncture this drawn shade, silver
filtering through shadows. Liquid silver laps my wounds, embracing me
like a lost friend.
And you're there, smiling, always smiling. Ross drapes an arm around my
trembling shoulders. You move closer, tip-toeing through moonbeams.
We're together- all together, safe, near, a family. Our hands graze, and
my heart expands.
In my arms, stroking my cheeks, you reassure my existence, and I can't
contain my heart. It swells, pushing, arteries pumping liquid love. From
behind, Ross wraps his arms around our bulk, cradling, protecting.
Somewhere over the Rainbow trickles from my mouth. Ross strokes both our
heads; experiencing his warmth inching through our veins. The moonbeams
pixilated into silver drops, falling around us. Droplets moisten my
cheeks as you kiss me. Sweet, golden kisses sealing our bond.
And you are well, my baby, my Declan. We are leaving, going home.
There's no place like home. I embrace you as we leave the hospital. The
weight of the NICU pushes against our backs. I feel the pull, the
draining sensation of desolation. But we are gone, gone. We follow our
road home.
I wished upon a star and have wake with the clouds far behind me. Our
troubles have melted like lemon drops, and I have found you. Starlight
grazes our rocking shadow. You sigh, arms around me, your head nestled
into my neck. In this midnight tableau, we are cocooned with wisps of
silver moonlight
Sincerely,
Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter, editor, Slate & Style Read my blog at:
http://blogs.livewellnebraska.com/author/bpollpeter/
"If we discover a desire within us that nothing in this world can
satisfy, we should begin to wonder if perhaps we were created for
another world."
C. S. Lewis
_______________________________________________
Writers Division web site
http://www.writers-division.net/
stylist mailing list
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------------------------------
Message: 4
Date: Mon, 11 Feb 2013 14:20:27 -0600
From: Bridgit Pollpeter <bpollpeter at hotmail.com>
To: <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Subject: [stylist] To ponder- canes and traveling
Message-ID: <BLU0-SMTP205A446C3B89172181FF847C40A0 at phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Anita,
I can no longer make out objects. All I "see" is light, so any light,
even a small lamp, can cause sensitivity, usually leading to headaches
if I don't wear sunglasses. I even have to wear them indoors a lot,
which I hate, but I'd rather wear them frequently than experience
migraines frequently.
I use to wear sunglasses around the house even if light was too bright,
though we normally didn't have lights on unless people were over. Now
with the baby though, we have lights on constantly and have the curtains
open. I don't like to wear sunglasses with the baby so he can see my
face and facial expressions.
My sungalsses are always cute though, grin. Right now I have a purple
pair with small pink rinestones on the side with black lenses. They are
a little bigger in size; kind of a Jackie O style.
I do miss looking at the scenery of life. I can picture the world in my
head, but it would be nice to have a different view each day other than
this TV fuzz, grin & sigh.
Sincerely,
Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter, editor, Slate & Style
Read my blog at:
http://blogs.livewellnebraska.com/author/bpollpeter/
"If we discover a desire within us that nothing in this world can
satisfy, we should begin to wonder if perhaps we were created for
another world."
C. S. Lewis
Message: 12
Date: Mon, 11 Feb 2013 09:26:09 -0500
From: Anita Ogletree <yrstrli at gmail.com>
To: Writer's Division Mailing List <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [stylist] To ponder- canes and traveling
Message-ID: <5118ff8b.b2763a0a.6159.2826 at mx.google.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1; format=flowed
Bridgit,
I have heard that a lot of blind people opt to wear dark shades
to protect their eyes. My problem with that is this: I have been
using that part of my vision all of my life. I love that I can
see the sun light (especially when I can catch it when it peeps
in slowbby through a slight part in the curtains or blinds). When I look
around a room (like I am doing now as I write), I can
pick up the colorful furniture in the living room. The walls are
painted white in the living room but my furniture (if I can
remember correctly) is a darker color that I have just decided
not to try to guess because I will probably be wrong. But if I
were to wear dark shades, the shadows get a little darker and I
feel crazed. i also get a little dizzy. When I was in school
out in California, I was given orientation and mobility training
on campus. I did ol up until I started experiencing dizziness. I was
told that my equilibrium was thrown off due to an inner ear
infection which occurred if I had a cobbd or a sinus infection.
It in happened very frequently back then and it is one of the
reasons I withdrew from school. I do not have that problem as
much anymore and possibly not at all. I believe I mentioned that
my doctors told me that I had developed this nerve condition
usually brought on by stffess. Between trying to navigate around
campus, trying to study without adequate or efficient support was
very stressful.
I can walk with a sighted guide and sometimes I have been told
that I am pushing them. But what they didn't understand is that
I had no control over what was happening nor was I aware that I
was doing so. It is almost impossible for me to walk around a
track for exercise or anything else with my cane and I don't tend
to sway to one side or another.
No one has ever told me this might be related to the
lightstobject perception I have.
Anita
------------------------------
Message: 5
Date: Mon, 11 Feb 2013 14:34:23 -0600
From: Bridgit Pollpeter <bpollpeter at hotmail.com>
To: <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Subject: [stylist] To ponder- exercise and representing blindness
Message-ID: <BLU0-SMTP1237D4FBC40B1DBB7CEE978C40A0 at phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
I love how you say that. Very eloquent.
Sincerely,
Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter, editor, Slate & Style
Read my blog at:
http://blogs.livewellnebraska.com/author/bpollpeter/
"If we discover a desire within us that nothing in this world can
satisfy, we should begin to wonder if perhaps we were created for
another world."
C. S. Lewis
Message: 25
Date: Mon, 11 Feb 2013 12:50:44 -0500
From: "Lynda Lambert" <llambert at zoominternet.net>
To: "Writer's Division Mailing List" <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [stylist] To ponder- exercise and representing blindness
Message-ID: <30AB966370424029954927B84B8B516D at Lambert>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
reply-type=response
There are parallels as you can clearly see, Anita. Good for you. My
husband
and I were just speaking about this a few minutes ago. This has been a
very
educational experience for him to walk with me through sight loss and
the
issues he sees that we deal with all the time. One thing for sure, I do
not
want to be bitter at all about it and I want to continue to walk in
love.
That is my choice. Losing my sight is not my choice, but how I respond
to
it every day is entirely in my hands.
Lynda
------------------------------
Message: 6
Date: Mon, 11 Feb 2013 14:37:23 -0600
From: Bridgit Pollpeter <bpollpeter at hotmail.com>
To: <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Subject: [stylist] Writing prompt- Brown winter
Message-ID: <BLU0-SMTP1097A770E42E92F7AE0B75FC40A0 at phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Yes, pretty obvious, grin. California Loving, right by the Mamas and
Papas?I share your sentiments. I like the pacing and flow of this. Good
job.
Sincerely,
Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter, editor, Slate & Style
Read my blog at:
http://blogs.livewellnebraska.com/author/bpollpeter/
"If we discover a desire within us that nothing in this world can
satisfy, we should begin to wonder if perhaps we were created for
another world."
C. S. Lewis
Message: 26
Date: Mon, 11 Feb 2013 12:55:06 -0500
From: "Jacobson, Shawn D" <Shawn.D.Jacobson at hud.gov>
To: "'Writer's Division Mailing List (stylist at nfbnet.org)'"
<stylist at nfbnet.org>
Subject: [stylist] Writing prompt (brown winter).
Message-ID:
<44EB7EEFF5A7374B9043B34E0A44139A495FCC9AD4 at EXMAIL07A.exh.prod.hud.gov>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
OK. I'll try it. I think you should be able to guess the song that the
first line comes from.
All the leaves are brown, and the sky is gray
but I see no snowy white.
This cold ground chills but does not warm
with snow's Christmas invoking sight.
This snowless winter I wish would be gone.
It seems November caries on and on.
Does winter want to claim the land or not?
These snowy days of yore I've almost forgot.
This dithering weather leaves me with a frown.
Be snowy or be gone oh' winter brown.
Shawn Jacobson
Mathematical Statistician
Phone# (202)-475-8759
Fax# (202)-485-0275
------------------------------
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Message: 7
Date: Mon, 11 Feb 2013 12:58:40 -0800
From: vejas <brlsurfer at gmail.com>
To: Writer's Division Mailing List <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [stylist] Writing prompt (brown winter).
Message-ID: <51195ba6.e755420a.2cad.ffffaf5e at mx.google.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1; format=flowed
Shawn,
I liked your poem about missing the snow.
I recognized the song, it was "California Dream-in" by the Mamas
and the Papas.
For these whose favorite season is winter, November must be a
depressing time.
Vejas
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jacobson, Shawn D" <Shawn.D.Jacobson at hud.gov
To: "'Writer's Division Mailing List
(stylist at nfbnet.org)'"<stylist at nfbnet.org
Date sent: Mon, 11 Feb 2013 12:55:06 -0500
Subject: [stylist] Writing prompt (brown winter).
OK. I'll try it. I think you should be able to guess the song
that the first line comes from.
All the leaves are brown, and the sky is gray
but I see no snowy white.
This cold ground chills but does not warm
with snow's Christmas invoking sight.
This snowless winter I wish would be gone.
It seems November caries on and on.
Does winter want to claim the land or not?
These snowy days of yore I've almost forgot.
This dithering weather leaves me with a frown.
Be snowy or be gone oh' winter brown.
Shawn Jacobson
Mathematical Statistician
Phone# (202)-475-8759
Fax# (202)-485-0275
_______________________________________________
Writers Division web site
http://www.writers-division.net/
stylist mailing list
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To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
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Message: 8
Date: Mon, 11 Feb 2013 12:58:46 -0800
From: vejas <brlsurfer at gmail.com>
To: Writer's Division Mailing List <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [stylist] Vejas - prompt response
Message-ID: <51195bab.e755420a.2cad.ffffaf6e at mx.google.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1; format=flowed
Hi Chris,
Thanks so much for commenting on my story. I will deffinetly
take your suggesttions.
Yes, that makes perfect sense that if I don't comment on other
peoples' writings, they may not want to do it on mine. I'm
really sorry, and I'm going to try to write critiques-I may not
be great at doing them, but I'll get practice.
Thanks again.
Vejas
----- Original Message -----
From: "Chris Kuell" <ckuell at comcast.net
To: "Stylist" <stylist at nfbnet.org
Date sent: Mon, 11 Feb 2013 10:29:14 -0500
Subject: [stylist] Vejas - prompt response
Vejas,
I got your original post, although it went into my junk folder.
Having said that, and speaking for myself, I am much more likely
to respond to someone's post, which takes time and effort, when
they have the courtesy of doing the same for me. This could be
why people haven't commented.
I think your story has potential. I saw it as funny, and I hope
you meant it that way. I don't mind it being in chapters, but if
you keep it that way, I'd like to see more scene development.
The number one skill you need to work on, in my opinion, is
showing, not telling. This story is almost entirely telling,
which doesn't engage the reader.
The second skill you need to work on is what I'll call
plausability and logic. In this story, you start with a big
banner at the front of the school which everyone can see that
makes fun of the two worst students in school. Later, you have
the school appalled at the competition, which everyone attended,
apparently during school hours. These two events conflict with
each other. I think a better approach would be to have the
dumbest competition a school sanctioned event. Of course this
would never happen in real life, but if your story is consistant
and follows some form of logic, the reader will go along with it.
The example that comes to mind is the Captain Underpants books I
used to read with my kids. They are totally ridiculous, but they
are funny and the plot moves in a logical order.
Thanks for sharing, and I hope my comments help you to improve
your stories.
chris
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Message: 9
Date: Mon, 11 Feb 2013 12:58:48 -0800
From: vejas <brlsurfer at gmail.com>
To: Writer's Division Mailing List <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [stylist] Song writing prompt
Message-ID: <51195bae.e755420a.2cad.ffffaf74 at mx.google.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1; format=flowed
Bridgit,
I really liked your story. It was so realistic.
I felt you actually did a very good job of incorporating your
songddI also felt that you did well in showing, as opposed to
telling. I liked how you talked about the river.
Most importantly, I feel that you did a great job writing about
the emotions. The story starts out peaceful, and just as you
feel that it's going to have a bad ending, it ends very happily.
Keep up the good work.
Vejas
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