Karina's Alphabet Soup #2 - B...Creative

Well folks, here we are with month two of Karina's Alphabet Soup...the letter B. I think the rules are pretty self explanatory, but click here for more).


One would think that with this being MY meme and all, I'd be highly prepared to wow you with my photos and prose. One would be wrong however. Turns out I had a great idea, but can't seem to find any great photos to go along with my great idea.


So, I took to the archives instead, thinking I'd see if any of my "B" photos inspired a bit of prose.


I could write about a Ball game,

Or perhaps about a Boat on the Beach,

I could write about a BlueJay,

Or a puppy Begging for a treat just out of reach,

I could write about a Blue globe, that just knows when,

Or about my Blackberry love affair,

I could even write about a bobble head pen,

Trully, am I getting anywhere?

Maybe I'd write about the Bareness of the trees

Or about a pair of Boots that make me smile,

Seems to me I'm spinning in circles here...

Honestly? It's all a Blur after a while...

Okay, I know I know...kind of lame, but that's all I've got today. You can see more of my prose here in my entry for Pensieve's Poetic License.

In the meantime, if you're participating, which I REALLY hope you are, leave me a comment, with a link to your post, and I'll add your link here:

1. You're first!

Pensieve's Poetic License #11 - English Sonnet - Masked

Please click HERE for Karina's Alphabet Soup.

This months PPL theme is "Masked" and the form is an English Sonnet. To be honest, when I saw the theme and form, I wasn't really sure I'd be playing along. I always hated Shakespearan sonnets because they seemed too damn constricting with the iambic pentameter and all that crap. I think it mostly had to do with the fact that my 9th grade english teacher was evil, and turned me off the form due to her evilness, but there you have it.

Yet, I decided to tackle it anyway, and even managed to stay within the "10 syllable perline" rule. Here's my entry:

Dark Alley

Though I walk on without trepidation
Head held high, as I look you in the eye
Firm steps, so sure of my destination
Never hesitating as I walk by

Though I stand tall, and with my shoulders squared
My strides determined, not afraid at all
Confidence apparent, never look scared
My very presence anything but small

Though I smile widely, grin ear to ear
Give off warmth, welcome, a friendly hello
Make it seem as if I’ve nothing to fear
Inside is the truth that only I know

You frighten me more than words can express
And just walking by? A major success.

Copyright 2008 - Karina

Hmm...for other entries, visit Pensieve's. Also, today is month TWO of Karina's Alphabet Soup, I'd love it if you joined in...please click here to find out more and see my entry for the letter "B".

The NaNoWriMo Experience - Excerpt 1

So, in case you haven't heard, I'm doing NaNoWriMo again this year. I say again, because I signed up to do it last year as well. However, after a bit of technical difficulties (as in, a computer crash that cost me 2 weeks of writing time), I never finished.

This year, however, I'm determined to hit that finish line running. So far, so good. Of course, we're only 5 days in. But hey, word count before I even write today is over 7,000 words. Only 43,000 to go. uh....YIKES.

Anyway, I promissed I'd share some excerpts here, so let me tell you a bit about my novel this year. As yet untitled, it is very loosely based on my life. VERY LOOSELY folks, keep that in mind. It is the story of a 30something woman hitting the dating scene after years away, and starting a new career with an eclectic and interesting group of clients. Told in the form of a diary/journal/blog. For now anyway. Her story of all the characters she meets both in her new job, and as she starts dating.

With that...I give you a peak (please note that in keeping with NaNoWriMo's rules and policies, there has been little to no editing as of yet, that comes later):

Monday, April 17th - Day 1 of the Dating Manifesto.

Today I begin my new life. I woke up on Saturday and realized that it had been 9 months, 1 week, 3 days and about 10 hours since my last date. I mean, seriously folks, I could have had a baby in that time. However, since you need to actually have physical contact with the opposite sex in order to create said baby, and a REALLY BAD kiss does not, no matter how you spin it, count, there is no child to show for all that time.

I have, however, in that period of time, managed to shed enough weight that it looks like I might have given birth, and regained my “pre-baby body”, so it hasn’t all been a waste of time.

But here we are. Monday morning, no baby, no baby weight, and no dates.

...

And then I have this fabulous new career as a personal stylist to the stars.

Okay, fine, so technically my clients aren’t exactly stars, but they could be. In their own little worlds, the ones they inhabit inside their heads, they are superstars. And you know what? Even if they aren't famous, they sure as hell are wealthy, and as long as they have the money to pay me outrageous sums to go shopping for them, well, they can believe whatever they want to believe in their little heads.

I mean, can you stand it? I get paid to go shopping. I get paid extremely WELL to go shopping in stores I could only DREAM of walking into six months ago.

How did I get to this point? Six months ago I was unemployed and crazily searching the want ads for a real estate position that would pay enough for me to meet my mortgage payments.

And then I have one conversation with a rich lady in a clothing store, about how I think she should try the green dress instead of the black one, because it’ll bring out her skin tone and hello, new career.

Now I work for her and about 8 of her wealthy friends, helping them dress for everything, from a jaunt to the market (as if they would ever shop for themselves) to a Fundraising Gala Dinner Event.

On any given day I’m running around designer boutiques picking out outfits that cost more than my mortgage payments. It all still seems a bit surreal to me, to be honest. I can’t believe people actually get paid to do what I do. I’m making a living (a very good living) doing this? Who knew?

I love my clients though. I mean, for a bunch of spoiled rich wives, they’re a pretty fantastic group with some of the most colorful personalities I’ve ever come across. And they adore me, which makes my job all that much easier.

It was one of my clients, actually, that made me realize that maybe it was time for me to get back out on the dating scene. Jenie, my 70 year old divorce. This woman? Oh man, the stories I could tell you about her. She’s simply amazing and wonderful and inspiring. And she told me last week that she had decided that she’s been single long enough, having gotten divorced about 15 years ago, and was going to join a dating website for seniors. What a hoot.

Copyright 2008 - Karina

That's it, that's all you get today. I have to get back to my actual writing now.

Karina's Alphabet Soup #1 - A is for...

Updated: The letter "A" will remain open until October 31st, at which time, you should begin work on the letter "B", which will go live on November 7th. So you still have time to participate!

See below for links to the participants.

Here we go everyone! The first official helping of Karina's Alphabet Soup. For the rules, please click HERE. If you are participating, please leave a link to your blog in comments below. I realize I promissed a Mr. Linky but uh...that's not going to be happening, so just leave your link in comments, and I promisse to incorporate it into this post Friday when I get home from work, then everyone can visit everyone all weekend long.

This week's letter is the letter A. I'll tell you what, you would think that as the creator of this meme, I would have thought ahead and been more prepared, wouldn't you? Ah, but then you would think wrong!

And I spent the last week looking around and trying to find something, ANYTHING that started with the letter A that I wanted to photograph! The closest I even came was with this:


An American Flag...but, still, I wasn't thrilled with it. And then I remembered something. I took a photo last Friday, actually, I took a bunch of photos last Friday that fit the theme perfectly. Photos of what?




Photos of the audience at the New Kids on the Block concert. (There are more photos and a review here, if you happen to be curious).

And so, that's where I'm going with this. Here's my poem:

In Love with a Myth

He sings the love songs
You want to hear
The melody so sweet
His voice is perfect
The words just right
The intention oh so clear
And you could fall in love
All over again

He’s always had that way
About him
The one you can’t resist
It’s in his walk,
The way he moves
He can just draw you in
And you could fall in love
All over again

He looks your way
And reaches in
To the very depths of you
A look so piercing
A crooked smile
Making you weak in the knees
And you could fall in love
All over again

He makes the promises
He tugs at your heart
He looks you in the eye
Your heart is beating
Your palms are sweating
Your head is spinning
Out of control
And you could fall in love
All over again

But
You have heard all of the songs
You’ve seen those moves before
Those eyes have told you lies
He’ll break your heart
And you’ll be left
With nothing but a soundtrack

The show is over…walk away.

Copyright 2008 - Karina

Okay, that's that...now get to it, post your links! And thank you so much for joining me!!

Here are the participants:

Lissa - Alone

Callista - Active

PBNJM - Apples

BlogJem - Amazing

Karina's Alphabet Soup

In my travels to some of my favorite blogs, I’ve come across so many fantastic memes. Photo memes, poetry memes, and all sorts of other memes. And I’ve had this idea brewing in my head for a few months now, just waiting for the right time to give it a proper send-off. Now’s the time, I think.

I want to combine an idea I’ve seen, with one of my very own. One of my favorite bloggers in the whole wide world (love you lisa) participates in the A-Z Photo Challenge. I love the idea of doing an “alphabet” photo thing, and I’ve wanted to jump on board, but I’m loathe to start something in the middle of anything, so I’d have to wait for the next go-round, or go it on my own from the start.

I opted for the “go it on my own” version, but then I decided it would be a brilliant idea (because I’m such a genius, let’s face it) if I combined my newfound love of photography with my longtime love of poetry and creative writing. See? Genius!

And so was borne Karina’s Alphabet Soup, a monthly meme allowing you to express your creativity in not just ONE, but TWO very fun ways. Starting with the letter “A” each month we will move through the alphabet, and with camera’s in hand, head out and photograph any and everything we can find to fit that month’s letter. Then, armed with our very own, individual photographic inspiration, we will use our photos to guide us on a writing extravaganza. You can use one photo, and from that, draw your inspiration for a haiku, or use 10 photos and write a short story. Use 5 for a story or 12 for a poem, it really has no limits, knows no bounds. The rules are simple and flexible. The fun is in the ability to stretch first your physical eye, to see the letter of choice all around you, and then your inner eye, to see the magic your muse can create with what you come home with.

Then, on the 1st Friday of each month, I will post my own entry, and a Mr. Linky, so you can post your links back to your own entries on here. That’s it. You will then have a full month to work on next month’s entry.

Let me know if you’re interested, and I’ll set up a mailing list so that I can send out reminders one week prior to the posting date.

Oh yes, and I know there are some of you grumbling because you either A) don’t take photos or B) don’t write poetry/fiction, but would still like to play along. FINE, this is how flexible I am with the rules, if you don’t take photos, take a gander over at flickr or some other photo hosting site and do a search for photos based on just the LETTER assigned, find a photo or ten that inspire(s) you, and write from those (just be sure to credit the photo(s) appropriately). If you don’t write, but want to take on the photo assignment portion of the project, do so, and then just give us a few words about where the photo(s) took place, what they inspire in you, or whatever else looking at those photos make you feel.

See? EASY…

Oh, right, also, if you could grab the badge and include in your posts and post it on your sidebar (pretty please?), taht would be great!

I realize I need to figure out how to work out the html code so you can do it the easy way, so if anyone out there can help me with that, I would appreciate it..... THANKS!

The rules, in bullet form:

· Get letter assignment; leave comment that you’re participating, preferably with email addy, so I can send you reminder.
· Take photo(s) of things beginning with said letter
· Write something creative using photo(s) as inspiration
· Return here on 4th Monday of month
· Link back using Mr. Linky

Got it? Good. Let’s get to it, you assignment this month is the letter “A”…get to it. We’ll see you here on the October 3rd. Yes, you only get one week for the letter A..get cracking!!

Go forth, be creative.

Pensieve's Poetic License #10- Autumn Cinquain

This month's theme for PPL is Autumn, and the form is a Cinquain. You can get all the details at Pensieve's by clicking the button above. I just realized this morning it was TODAY so I quickly threw the following two together...one's much more "pleasant" than the other...

The first:

Death
barren, empty
Falling, dropping, flying
The leaves make their exit

Ending

And the nicer one:

Colors
Oranges, reds
Changing, coloring, enhancing
God paints us a beautiful picture
Autumn

Copyright 2008 - Karina

Thanks for dropping in, and before you go, won't you PLEASE read this post, I'm starting a new meme myself - Poetry AND Photography all rolled into one and I'd LOVE LOVE LOVE it if you'd help me launch it. Pretty please??

Pensieve's Poetic License - Back to School

It seems that the only time I ever post here at Creative Karina lately is when I do Pensieve's Poetic License, so I'm really glad Robin is still hosting these things...otherwise, my poor little blog here would feel even more neglected.

I'm posting this from work (shh don't tell), so I don't have my PPL button, so I'm just going to tell you to head on over to Robin's to find out more about it.

This month's theme is "Back to School", and Robin gave us a break and told us to use whatever poetic form we wanted to. So, I fell back on my old standby, which is "no format at all". I just sort of let the pen do the talking, and see where it takes me. This month, it did something I don't usually do, and asked me to rhyme all the way through. Well, who am I to argue with the muse?

Here's mine:

A Situation

The butterflies doing an African tribal dance
In her belly
Were the only sign of her trepidation
With a new outfit, new shoes, new backpack
She stepped through the door
Ready to end her vacation
It was a new year, things would be different
Here
She was going to be part of a new population
New town, new friends, new high school
A brand new her
And endless summer preparation
She quelled the butterflies, took a deep breath
Marveled
At the incredible sensation
New beginnings, new opportunities, new life
Saying goodbye
To her old reputation
One foot, then the next, and she walked to her seat
There!
She had reached her first destination
New hopes, new dreams, new challenges
A sigh of relief
This was truly cause for celebration.

Copyright 2008 - Karina

Thanks for stopping in, be sure to go visit Robin for other participants.

Pensieve's Poetic License #8 - Pensieve for July

I haven't participated in a PPL in quite a while, but when Robin creates a WHOLE NEW form of poetry for the cause...well, how could I NOT participate?

This month's form is a Pensieve, and here is how Robin explains it:

What is a Pensieve? A titled, five-line poem; each line correlates to one of the five senses--sight, sound, scent, taste, touch--and describes the subject (title). The goal is for the reader to take on the poem as his own, being able to "experience" your subject through your words, by seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting and feeling what you described.

Of course, right after she gave us that description, she posted a sample that was about 10 lines long...so, she's sticking true to her motto: No Rules, Just Write.

So, here's my attempt:

Final Dance

You can hear their hearts beat, keeping pace with the sound of the drums
Watch the lines of their bodies, pointed toes, extended limbs so agile
Feel the bass, the closeness of their bodies turning two into one
Blood, sweat and tears, poured into this final dance,
For a starved soul, sustenance, food, so perfect a meal.

Copyright 2008 - Karina

There you go...I don't know that I followed the rules exactly, but you know...whatever. I was watching So You Think You Can Dance as I wrote this, and gettig my heart broken (click here if you want to know why), so I just went with the inspiration.

40 or less Photo Challenge #1 - This Kind of Love

I've neglected this blog quite a bit lately. Well, that's actually putting it pretty mildly...I've completely abandoned this blog since I started my new job, I think. But, today I was inspired by the photo Robin chose for her Photo Challenge, so I decided to jump aboard. Here's the photo:

Here's my contribution:

This Kind of Love

When I was your age
“Yes grandpa?”
Oh, never mind
Run along and play,
I’ll just be right here
“Yes grandpa”
You know I love you my angel
“Yes grandpa!”

“Grandpa?”
Yes, darling?
“I love you too”.

Copyright 2008 - Karina

Click the badge for more information about the 40 or Less Photo Challenge, and to see who else is participating this week. Thanks Robin for the inspiration!

Pensieve's Poetic License #7 - Clerihews in May

Want this button?

So, the form this month is "Clerihew" and the theme is the month of May...so many different things the month of May stands for that we had plenty to choose from. Did you know that today, May 8th, is National No Socks Day? So, go on, take off your socks, let those toes come out to play, and enjoy the following:

There once was a girl named Karina
When she was young, she wanted to be a ballerina
It didn't work out, and now she's glad
Because having gnarly toes would have made her mad.

That's it, that's all I got folks. Have a great one!

Copyright 2008 - Karina

Earth Day 2008

Just a quickie Haiku for Earth Day

Mother Earth crying
Her tears filling the oceans
How will we save her

Copyright 2008 - Karina

Things you give me

Thank You

Morning light
The songs of birds
The smell of spring in the air
Loving voices
Words of love
A silent moment of prayer
Every day
Some things I see
Others sneak up on me
Obvious blessings
Subtle ones too
These are things you give to me

Copyright 2008 - Karina

Sunday Scribblings - Compose

Resolve

She said "Do not let him destroy you"
"This is not the end for you"
She said "Compose yourself"
"Get it together"
And I knew what I had to do
Wiped my tears
pushed back my shoulders
gathered my thoughts
stood tall
Packed my bags
made up my mind
Picked up the phone
and made the call
"I'm leaving you
I'm through,
I'm done dealing
With the pain
I don't even know
Why I stayed this long
You make me miserable
Crazy, insane"
Hung up the phone
gathered my keys
took one last look
walked out the door
The weight lifted
Right off my shoulders
Could be no clearer
I don't need you anymore.

Copyright 2008 - Karina

For Sunday Scribblings - Prompt "Compose"

Good Deeds Haiku

Had a wonderful day helping others today...went with a group from my church to feed the poor at the local Y, and then helped a friend move into her new place. Came home feeling great.

A day of good deeds
Helping others has a way
Of helping you most

Copyright 2008 - Karina

Friday 5 - #1

Well I picked a doozie of a time to join Friday 5, didn't I? We're working with made-up words this week. Here's what I've come up with, and let me tell you, it took a completely different turn as I was writing it. This one most definitely had a mind (and heart) of its own:

Third World

Run circles around me
To and fro in a frenzy
A screy of emotion
Too sudden to grasp
A cack and a holler
A bit of laughter too
My mind spins and spirals
A mozzle nudges my leg
I bend down to examine
A glureon of faces
Eyes intently on mine
Expectant yet patient
What can I provide?
Standing upright again
I open my caprussule
Dig in, find some change
Dole out what I can
They thank me and scatter
On to the next foreigner they glom
We give what we can
We hope it's enough
But we know in our hearts
It's all wrong

Copyright 2008 - Karina

For Friday 5, using the words: caprussule, mozzle, cack, screy, glureon

Poem In Your Pocket - That's Me

Today is Poem In Your Pocket Day. You can find out more about it by clicking the link.

I have a hard time with favorites, meaning, I never can pick just one favorite anything. But the poem below struck a cord with me all the way back in the day, when I watched Poetic Justice, the movie with Janet Jackson and Tupac Shakur. Every few years I dig out a copy of it and re-read it, and send it on to all the phenomenal women I know to remind them of how amazing they are. Therefore, I couldn't think of a more perfect choice for Poem In Your Pocket Day.

PHENOMENAL WOMAN
by Maya Angelou

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies
I'm not cute or built to suit a model's fashion size
But when I start to tell them
They think I'm telling lies.
I say It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips
The stride of my steps
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally
Phenomenal woman
That's me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please
And to a man
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees
Then they swarm around me
A hive of honey bees.
I say
It's the fire in my eyes
And the flash of my teeth
The swing of my waist
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally
Phenomenal woman
That's me.

Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can't see.
I say It's in the arch of my back
The sun of my smile
The ride of my breasts
The grace of my style.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally
Phenomenal woman
That's me.

Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say It's in the click of my heels
The bend of my hair
The palm of my hand
The need for my care.
'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally
Phenomenal woman
That's me.

And here's my contribution to NaPoWriMo today:

I carry a poem
Have a poem in my pocket
Want to hear it now?

Copyright 2008 - Karina

Grief - Three Word Wednesday

There is definitely a recurring theme in my work lately. Not surprising considering my current "loss of job" situation. Sometimes, you just can't get away from your reality, even in your fiction.

Grief

The first stage
Although short lived
Is usually shock
Your body reacts first
Hands sweat
Stomach does a few flips
Your mind following close behind
Face stoic, the disbelief
Not visible to the outside
And then it passes

The Second Stage
Is full on denial
You hear the words
But they don't quite sink in
And you push all thoughts aside
And keep on plowing through
Your daily routine
As if nothing had changed.

And then you hit the third stage
Usually this is depression
That moment when you
Curl back into yourself
And want nothing to do
With the world around you
You can't think
Have hardly any motivation to act
And it takes all you've got
To simply go through the motions

It's the fourth stage, though
That hits mostly everyone the hardest
It starts as a trickle of panic
Touching only the edges of reason
And hangs out there
On the sidelines
Just waiting
Waiting for the opportunity to pounce

The smallest trigger
And then "it" happens
The tears,
The hysterics,
The break-down
The "woe-is-me
My world is falling apart"
moment.
And then that too passes.

The final stage,
Acceptance
And in that
We all differ
How we deal
We preservere
We carry on
With focus
With calm
With angst
With worry
With a heavy load
Or a lightened heart
But we carry on.

Copyright 2008 - Karina

For Three Word Wednesday: "touching, visible, stage".

Writer's Island - Flight

Strangers

I've met you once before
In a dream I had, not so long ago
But as dreams often do
Your face wasn't clear to me
Yet I knew it was you
Now, we sit inches apart
A chance encounter
A random stroke of fate
And I want to tell you
All that I know
We can be
But you don't even know me
Laid back in your seat
Earphones pumping some melody
Eyes closed to the world around you
You know not
What I know
Unaware of my eyes
My nervous anticipation
My internal debate
"Do I say something?
Do I let it go?"
The flight attendant approaches
"Sir, please raise your seat,
We're preparing for take-off"
You remove the earbuds,
turn and catch my eye
And smile at me
Smiling back,
I realize you're not ready to know
I've met you once before
In a dream I had, not so long ago

Copyright 2008 - Karina


For the Writer's Island "Flight" and Matinee Muse "Chance Encounter" prompts.

Monday Mural #2 - Faith

Faith

Drowning

Despairing

Giving in to the pain

No longer able to battle on

I sink to the depths of the depth

Somber

Blue

Letting that cloud of gloom

Take over every thing, every moment

The haze of depression overwhelms

Letting go

Trusting you

Knowing it is no longer in my hands

And I need to let you step in

Take over, lift me up, carry me on.

Breakthrough

Fresh Air

A ray of sunlight through the clouds

A spot of hope amidst the drudge

Again you show yourself to me, unexpectedly.

Copyright 2008 - Karina

For Monday Mural, artwork by lxzp "Aphrodite", on Photobucket.

Meltdown

Rough day today - not feeling exceptionally creative, but here's a little something:

Meltdown

We all walk the line
And it takes but a moment
To slip off and fall

Copyright 2008 - Karina

Birthday Wishes

I have been a "Big Sister" (through Big Brother Big Sister) to Lil' K for seven years now. She is one of the biggest loves of my life, and words can't express how blessed I am for having her in it. Her birthday, her FIFTEENTH birthday is on Monday. This is for her.

Birthday Wishes

Eight years old
Shy as a newborn kitten
Holding tight to my hand
Frightened of the big bad world

And I fell in love with you instantly.

Little girl
Needing guidance and a friend
A little sister I never had
Almost a child of my own

Through the years, we've become family

Young woman
Fifteen years old this week
I've seen you grow and mature
Ready to do anything

All the things I know you can be.

Copyright 2008 - Karina

Happy Birthday Lil' K.

Pensieve's Poetic License #6 - Spring Haikus

The format for PPL this week is haiku, and the theme is Spring. I wrote my first haiku ever sometime last year, and since then have really enjoyed the format. Here's what I came up with today:


Quiet drop of dew
Making a pathway along
A new leaf on life

Hint of bright color
Slowly manifesting life
A blossom appears

Copyright 2008 - Karina

Be sure to click on the button above to be taken to Pensieve's Poetic License headquarters. Thanks for stopping by!

Curtain Call - Three Word Wednesday #1

Still going strong(ish) with NaPoWriMo, picked up yet another meme, to help me along with inspiration. My first 3WW for the words: Funny, Remember, Theatre.

Stage Fright

Fear enfolds me
Butterflies
Funny feelings
In the pit of my stomach
Just a few moments more
Speak the words
Must remember
Where to stand
Don't look out
At the audience
Look above them,
OH God
The theatre is packed
They're all looking at me
What's my line?
Deep breath
"Hark, who goes there"
Step back,
The curtain lowers
It's over.

Copyright 2008 - Karina

Writer's Island - Lost Highway

The Writer's Island prompt this week is "Lost Highway".

I've realized I have a really hard time with prompts that are this specific. It's not that the prompt isn't a good one, because it is, it's just that it is a bit too literal for me. I could probably come up with a good short story for it, but I don't have the time for a short story right now, and besides, I'm on a poetry kick this month, trying to succeed at NaPoWriMo and all. So, I'll move on to the next prompt.

The Matinee Muse prompt is "Rivals". I think the following is a work in progress...but here it is for now:

The Challenge

You asked for it
Flaunting yourself
Batting your eyelashes
Laughing that phony giggle
You do it so well
Knowing better

You saw us
Holding hands
Smiling at each other
across the room
A quick kiss goodbye
On the front steps

You challenged it
Deciding it would be
Your project
To hurt me
To ruin us
To take what's mine

So now, we're opponents
In a game
I didn't sign up to play
But I'm here now
Suited up
Ready for battle

And Never

Not for one minute

Will I consider

he'll choose you

When he has me

Forget it

You started this
You chose to challenge me
But let me finish it
I have no time
For rivalry
Back off.

Copyright 2008 - Karina

Monday Mural #1

I'm trying new memes for inspiration while trying to do NaPoWriMo in April.

"Monday Mural will feature a picture/ artwork for you to lend your words (poem or story) each Monday".

I love this concept, and this particular piece of art is incredible, so I knew I had to jump on board.

This poem is a bit of a different piece for me, but I kind of like it.

Celebrity

Like wings
beating against the wind
frenzied movements
in their urge to take flight
her thoughts a whirl
her emotions chaotic
The flashes of light
calls for attention
"Over here, over here"
The endless barrage of questions
Like birds preying on roadkill
They move in, and peck,
peck away at her soul
"One more picture"
"Smile for the camera"
"Who are you dating"
"What are you wearing?"
Fame comes at you
with no instruction manual
but a hefty pricetag.

Copyright 2008 - Karina

Still Breathing

Last night's poem was the yin, today's is the yang. Still hanging in there folks, today begins the preparation for the job hunt.

Still Breathing

Deep breaths
A slow intake of air
let it settle within,
exhale the toxins
of the mind
Intake of hope
Expunge the doubt
Breath in the resolve
Blow out the fear
Absorb the acceptance of the challenge
Expell the feeling of finality
Deep breaths
Take in the opportunity
New beginnings,
Greater experiences
Breathe out.
Deep breaths.

Copyright 2008 - Karina

Marooned

Sorry for the downer on this one, but if you read my haikus from yesterday, you'll understand. I've lost my job, but I have not lost my hope...just momentarily stumped.

Marooned

Suddenly feeling unanchored
Not accustomed to uncertainty
my whole world
Marooned
Questions of where,
When and how
Doubt seeps in
Insecurity overshadows
and a momentary moment of panic
breath catching
heart pounding
palms sweating
Not sure if the next breath will come
fear, anxiety,
a sense of loss
overwhelming even the smallest decisions
What in the world
will I do
This is it, this is the way it ends

Copyright 2008 - Karina

Drunk Haikus

Today was a rough day. Keeping it short, I was laid off from my job of 5 years. A job I actually really enjoy, and will miss. Life sort of turned upside down, and I didn't think I'd post a poem today, but it's not yet midnight, and I've got NaPoWriMo on the brain. Working on the second of some strong martinis tonight, and decided I could work a haiku or two before the night was over.


The shock, tremendous
The words that rattle my world
an ending arrives

And yet I breathe deep
refusing to see the end
I see a new start

Copyright 2008 - Karina

That's it, that's all I've got today. ;-)

Poefusion #1 - Fortune

My first venture into Poefusion, as part of trying to keep up with NaPoWriMo, I thought I'd join some poetry memes.


Acceptance


Big things coming in future.
Only matter of time.
Eyes open, heart ready.
Soul unlocked by expectation.
Breathe the fresh air,
Take the first step into tomorrow.
Force a smile on your lips,
Wipe the tears from your eyes
The time for grieving has passed.
Shoulders back, head high
The world awaits your presence.
Participate eagerly,
Love completely,
Let go entirely,
And soon
All your sorrows will vanish.


Copyright 2008 - Karina

Faded

I'm un-officially participating in NaPoWriMo...that's National Poetry Writing Month, where you attempt to post a poem every day for the month of April. I'm only unofficially participating because I haven't yet figured out where to officially join up...and I don't think I'll really manage to do it anyway. But, I thought it was a good way to try and write some more...so what the heck.

Today's poem comes to you courtesy of an unexpected memory.

Faded

Inumerable calendars
Put up, taken down
The passing of time
Marked by changing images
Of landscapes, cartoons,
Whichever theme picked
On the spur of the moment
But time has passed
Too much time
And with each sunrise
The memory of your face
Grows fuzzier
Your smile
Less defined
Your eyes
Not as bright
The image blurs,
Then with concentration I bring it to focus again
Only to lose it as my mind wanders
To the present again
Most days, you don’t make an appearance
I don’t think of you, I don’t miss you
You were a passing phase
Vital to my existence, my progress through life
But a part of my past
No longer a necessity
But then there are moments
Small, barely there moments,
When a smell, a sound
Smacks me hard in the chest
And I remember
The way you’d look into me
The feel of your hand on my face
The sound of your voice when you spoke your dreams aloud
And for a second
I miss you, miss us
And I try to recall the crook in your grin
When I’d catch you looking at me
But it fades as quickly as it comes
I attempt to get hold of the scent of your skin
But it takes cover in the recesses of my mind
So I smile at the memories
As they fade away once more
Allowing them to withdraw where they belong
In the past, with the best of my moments
And I return to this moment
Let my present surround me once more
Taking it in, noting the details
Knowing one day, this too
Will fade, and blur,
Creep in unexpectedly
Remind me that I’ve lived
And loved
And lost
I’ve learned
Survived
And I wouldn’t change a thing

Copyright 2008 - Karina

The Writer's Island prompt this week is "torrid". The only direction I can think to go with this prompt is cliched at best, unimaginative at the least, so I feel I must leave this one alone. The Matinee Muse prompt, however, is "The Gamble". I think I can play along with this one.

The Gamble

Eyes focused
Leaning back in his chair
Giving off the appearance of ease
Watching the dealer’s hands
Calculations in his head
Studying his competitors
For clues
A smile curves the corners
Of his perfect lips
And he sighs
“All in”
Throwing his chips on the table
A murmur in the surrounding crowd
The odds, against him
The stakes, high
The gamble, immense
Sweat beads on his opponent’s brow
And he knows
He’s beaten him
Outplayed him
Swindled him
He folds
And with a grin,
While collecting his winnings,
He shows me his cards
Void of any value
For any other player
A losing hand

Copyright 2008 - Karina

Writer's Island #25 - Deja-Vu

Two prompts, two takes on the same scene:

Deja-Vu

She’s been here before
Many times at this door
Her hand on the knob
Her heartbeat a throb
Indecision stirring
Thoughts in her head whirring
Should she stay or go
Why does he hurt her so
Once again heart breaking
Once again soul aching
Promises made, then broken
Empty words often spoken
She loves him, she hates him
Apologizes, placates him
He tortures, he’s tortured
Her fortune, misfortune
Such passion and fire
Such anger and ire
And over and over they battle
The walls of their cage they rattle
She’s been here before
Many times at this door
But this time, this one
It’s over, she’s done.

Persistence

She’s been here before
Many times at this door
And this time, this one
Is it over? Is it done?
She refuses to accept it
She decides to reject it
They’ve had tougher frays
Always better the next day
He loves her, she knows it
So often he shows it
She’s valued and treasured
His love can’t be measured
His words, like a knife
Her own, taking life
They’re hurtful, enraged
But both, so engaged
He reaches for her, tenderly
“I love you my sweet”, don’t you leave
With tears in her eyes,
She drops back and sighs
She’s been here before
Many times at this door
But there won’t be regret
She can’t open it yet.

Copyright 2008 - Karina

Writer's Island #24 - Spellbound

I've missed a few weeks' fo Writer's Island prompts, due to some crazy busy stuff going on, but I'm back. This week's prompt is "Spellbound"

Do You?

My world changes

in a blink of an eye

your eyes

looking into mine

reaching in for permanence

No longer uncertain

Speaking volumes with one look

This is a sure thing

Unable to look away

Spellbound

A feeling of comfort enfolds me

No where else I'd rather be

No one else

Could so fully complete me

Blinking again

I sigh

Part my lips

In expectation

And say the words
that bind our love

"I do".

Copyright 2008 - Karina

There is also a secondary prompt going on over at Writer's Island now, called Matinee Muse, and this week's prompt is Awakening.

Rebirth

Drops of water

shimmy on down

morning dew

not a sound

but it's beginning

Early sunrise
later sunset

almost ready

but not quite yet

to the ending

Hear a chirp here

a sweet song there

flying in

on a a wing and a prayer

they're all settling in

A bit of green

beneath the snow

and sight unseen

the seedlings grow

ah Spring, let it begin

Copyright 2008 - Karina

Good to be back.

Pensieve's Picture Puzzler #5 - Limericks

I've been away from Creative Karina for a little bit, just been so busy it's been hard to be creative. But I wanted to make sure I didn't miss out on this month's Pensieve's Poetic License. The style this months is Limericks, and instead of a theme, we were given a list of words (green, Irish, leprechaun, shamrock, Easter, spring, kite, windy) to use within our limericks. We were told to use just one, or all 8, or anything in between.

Here are my two (yes two) limericks:

In March, it is windy, and sunny

If you're Irish, Leprechaun or Bunny

It's Easter, It's spring

But no shamrocks, no green

For me, it's my birthday, honey!!

or

There once was a girl from New England

Who was looking forward to spring and

She had in her sights

The flying of kites

And flowers, and Easter and green land.

Go to Pensieve's to check out more limericks!

Writer's Island #'s 22 and 23

I completely missed Writer's Island last week...I can't even give you an excuse as to why, it just slipped by unnoticed. Funnily enough, the theme was "Time Travel", so I'm going to travel back in time, and post my bit here, along with this week's entry, for the theme of "Second Chance", because I wrote the following haiku and realized it sort of fit both themes:

Do Over

If I could do it

All over again once more

I wouldn't change a thing

Copyright 2008 - Karina

And just one more for the Second Chance prompt:

Maybe we might have

Maybe we could have

Maybe so

But the distance of time

The haziness of my mind

Forces me to decide

That if given a second chance

Another try at us

I'm not sure I would have

Copyright 2008 - Karina

There is also a second prompt this week at WI - a new idea blossoming, based on movie releases...Matinee Muse...that prompt Perspective. I have the perfect piece for this prompt, written many years ago, but do not have it with me today, so I will save this one for later this week.

Happy reading, happier writing folks!

Pensieve's Poetic License #4 - English Sonnet

This week's assignment is an English Sonnet. I've always wanted to tackle one of these, since my high school days learning Shakespeare, but never had the guts to do it. But thanks to Pensieve's Poetic License, I'm all over it this week.

The theme? Read below:

I want you to write about something you love. The catch? Instead of writing an expected love sonnet (i.e., about your spouse or babies or faith) I thought it'd be fun to write about a quirky-kind-of-love, paying tribute to something that could be characterized as your "precious".

Fun, right? Here's my offering:

Ode To TIVO

Oh, Tivo, how I love thee
Let me count the ways
Always a surprise for me
At the end of my work days
With your suggestions I know
You pay attention to my needs
And your season passes show
You are just full of good deeds
You learn my likes and dislikes
And deliver without expectation
Even during writer's strikes
You never take a vacation
This is why I love you so
My gadget, my TIVO

Copyright 2008 - Karina

I'm not sure I followed the "Sonnet" rules exactly, but hey, the PPL rules clearly state that there are no rules. Be sure to visit Pensieve's for other participants, and Happy Valentine's Day!

Oh, and stop on by my other blog Candid Karina, for a little quiz and giveaway.

Writer's Island No. 21 - Changed

The Writer's Island Prompt this week is "Changed". This one I dedicate to my grandma Odilia.

Odilia Speaks

Caught up in the minutiae
Each one a cause for stress
Every one, reason for concern
Worry, grief, analysis

Never enjoying the day to day
Apprehensive of the future
Questioning each turn
Scared into paralysis

And then…

Before you left us
You told me resolutely
Don’t waste these moments
They’re all you’ll get

And how you blessed us
Now in your absence
I live each second
Cherish each step

And now…

I miss you every day
Wish we could speak again
I have so much to tell you
My stories would never end

I’ll see you again one day
Our destinies, prearranged
I’ll tell you then, your words
I listened
I changed

Copyright 2008 - Karina

Writer's Island #'s 19 and 20

The muse took a vacation last week. Try as I might, I just couldn't get inspired to create anything for the Writer's Island or Sunday Scribblings prompts. So, I let the muse sit back on the couch, put her feet up, watch some reality tv for a while.

She's back now, and has decided that last week's "Writer's Island" Prompt was too good to let by. It was "Desire" after all. This week's prompt is "Magic". I give you two offerings this week.

First, a haiku for "Desire":

Heart beats in my chest
And as I watch him undress
I know he is mine

Copyright 2008 - Karina

And now for a little "Magic":

Happy Birthday

"Close your eyes", he says to me
"Don't open them until I say so
You'll be amazed
You'll be surprised
You just won't believe your eyes"

So I followd his command
Nervous anticipation
taking over me
Not knowing what I'll see
What he's laid out for me

"Okay, ready?" he says excited
"I'm gonna count to three
One, Two...Open your eyes
Do you like it mommy, do you?
I made it special just for you"

"It's chocolate, double fudge with sprinkles
Daddy helped,
but I made it myself"
Out of the corner of my eye
I see his father standing by

I kiss the top of his head,
ruffle his shaggy hair
"Chocolate's my favorite kind"
"I know, I told daddy that
Mommy, put on your party hat"

"Daddy light the candles now
Mommy needs to make her wish
Make it good mommy
Wishes on birthday cakes always come true
You know why? I'll tell you..."

He leans in and whispers
"It's magic".

Copyright 2008 - Karina

Writer's Island #18 - Crossroad

Today's Writer's Island prompt is "Fork in the Road" and/or "Crossroad". A moment in time when a decision has been made which shaped your destiny. Immediately upon reading this prompt I thought of Robert Frost's "The Road Not Taken", one of my favorite poems of all time. So, before I get to my own writing today, I give you his:

The Road Not Taken - Robert Frost

TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Of course, now that I have posted his, I feel anything I could write would pale, so we'll keep it short and simple, it's Haiku time once again:

Crossroads

Before me it lies
A decision to be made
Which path shall I take

Copyright 2007 - Karina

Sunday Scribblings #8 - Fellow Travelers

The Sunday Scribblings Prompt this week is "Fellow Travelers". We are being asked to think about the people we find ourselves traveling beside in life. Whether on a bus or on a plane, or simply as we move through our days, who are our seatmates? For some reason, when focusing in on this topic, my heart shifted inward. I focus on my one constant companion as I travel through my days. We all have our own, this one's mine:

Thank You

I awake with your kiss on my brow

and I inwardly thank you again

I rise, ready to face the world once again

with you by my side.

Stepping outside my door

you paint a picture for me

snow covered, sunlight streaming through

the trees

Just for me, you say

And I inwardly thank you again

Hours later, you sing to me

my mother calls to say hello

my brother asks me for advice

my father tells me he loves me

your song is beautiful

And I inwardly thank you again

You put your chef's hat on

and together we create a satisfying meal

I eat to my heart's content,

You let me take the credit for how it tastes

And inwardly, I thank you again

You tuck me in, sweet kisses as the lights go out

I feel your presence as I snuggle in my warm covers

Another day we've spent together

My favorite travel companion

For this, I thank you.

Copyright 2007 - Karina

Pensieve's Poetic License #3 - Terza Rima

What is Pensieve's Poetic License? A monthly meme designed to encourage EVERYONE to exercise their poetry gene. Everyone is born with one; sometimes you just need "permission" (or a kick in the behind) to use it.

Please click the button above for more information. This month we were given two themes: "Beginnings" in honor of the new year and "Favorite Snack Food" in honor of the upcoming Superbowl Sunday, the form: Terza Rima. For more information on what exactly this means you'll just have to head over to Pensieve's and check it out yourself, she explains it much better than I ever could.

Okay, so now that we've got all that business out of the way, let's get on with the poetry.

Snacktime

It comes in many shapes and sizes
and in unlimited varieties too
it can be plain or wear disguises
we're talking cream, cheddar or bleu
you eat it solid or melted, yum
oh the many things you can do
but wait, don't stop there's more to come
eat it alone, spread it on toast
and over a salad, just sprinkle some
Oooh, I am becoming quite engrossed
You really can do as you please
Certainly a snack I love the most
And you know I don't mean to tease
Of course you know I'm speaking of cheese.

Writer's Island #17 - Treasure

The Writer's Island prompt this week is "Treasure".

I've been feeling short stories recently, not sure why. I did another one earlier this week for Sunday Scribblings too. For this, here's:

LIVING

There are days when just rising out of bed is a challenge for him. He struggles with the aches and pains his old body has yet to grow accustomed to. Will it ever? Still, he rises, ready to meet the challenges of a new day. He hasn't spent his 94 years on this earth complaining about a few aches and pains, and he's not about to do so now. There is still so much to see, so much to do, so much life to experience. He dresses as quickly as his hands allow him to, and gathers his hat, his coat, his cane. It is time for his morning walk.

The early morning is his favorite time of day. Before the alarms in the houses next door begin their symphony. Before the hustle and bustle of traffic overtakes the streets. Before the rest of the world awakens to go about their business, there is a serenity he appreciates. He stops to admire a squirrel on his hunt for winter food beneath the snow. Catches a bird here and there and wonders when they stopped moving south for the winter. He can hear, in the distance, tree branches give way beneath the white blanket that covers the world this time of year. God speaks to you in those moments, he thinks. If you listen, you can hear Him tell you stories of the magic in nature.

Reaching the diner on the corner, he steps through the door and takes a seat at his table. Always the first to arrive, his spot reserved in an unspoken agreement with all who frequent the place. "Good morning Charlie", the waitress smiles as she brings him his tea "and how are you today?"

"These legs still walk, these eyes still see," he smiles "everything is as it should be".

She giggles at this, which he tells her each morning. "So it is, Charlie, so it is".

Never ask him if he aches, if he's weary, if he's sad. She has learned, for Charlie knows, it is life, the greatest treasure that he's found.

Sunday Scribblings #7 - The Date

The theme for Sunday Scribblings this week is "The Date". Oh, the timing of this theme. I wish I could tell you, but for now, I give you this (and yes, it is fiction):

First Date

She stands at the mirror and meticulously applies her make-up. Not a hair out of place, dressed to the nines, she is ready. Nervous anticipation builds within her, and she takes a deep breath. It's been a while since she's done this and she's not quite sure if she's ready, but it's time. It's time to face it head on and move on with the rest of her life.

Grabbing her jacket and purse, she heads out the door. It is a casual meeting this time, coffee, chit chat, in a public place. Everything planned just so, but with an air of non-challance. She arrives a bit early and chooses the perfect table. By the window, so she can have a bit of distraction, something to talk about should the conversation go stale, and yet private enough in the corner should the conversation lend itself to more intimate topics. Ordering an espresso, she pulls out her book and begins to read. She's never been good at waiting, so she will immerse herself in her novel and hope in this way, he'll arrive before she even realizes it.

Her coffee arrives, and she surveys the room as she sips it. A group of college kids sits in a corner booth, working on a term paper hovering over each other, shooting off ideas and typing vigourously on their laptops. An elderly couple sit quietly, looking at each other with tenderness earned from decades of a love affair youngsters would never comprehend. A mother juggles a baby with a bottle and a toddler with chocolate chip residue all over his hands. The door opens and she looks up. Not him.

She settles back into her chair and reopens her book. Instantly she becomes immersed in the story again, and before long, she's lost track of time, of her surroundings, of the reason she is here. It is only a while later, much later, that she realizes she's read quite a few chapters now, and her coffee is long gone, and she still sits alone. The elderly couple has gone. So has the mother and her children. The college kids are still immersed in their studies, but a whole new crop of customers has filled the seats around her. And he? He's nowhere to be seen.

She looks at her watch. He's not just late, he's obviously not going to show. Checking her phone for messages, she finds none. So there it is, she's been stood up.

She signals the waitress and requests her bill. Gathering her things, she sighs. And this one seemed so promissing. She remembers again why she stopped dating so long ago. The games people play seem so childish to her. "We should know better at this age", she thinks. She smiles, pays for her coffee, leaves a generous tip, and leaves.

Writer's Island #16 - Over the Horizon

The Writer's Island Prompt this week is "Over the Horizon". I drifted away from the island for a bit, but am back on the beaches again. This prompt comes at a good time for me, and I'm actually feeling inspired about new beginnings that are just over that horizon.

Over there

Over there
on the other side of day
is a promisse
a surprise
a new adventure
waiting
anticipating

Over there
just over the horizon
it sits
beconning
calling
challenging

Over there
seconds away from discovery
it sings
it teases
it whispers sweet nothings

I walk slowly
with some trepidation
but bathed in excitement
ready, yet hesitant
over there.

Copyright 2008 - Karina

Sunday Scribblings #6 - New/Year

Well, it's a new year, so I'm giving "Sunday Scribblings" another go at Creative Karina.

This week's prompt is "New" or "New Year", whichever we choose to use.

A few haikus:

A New Beginning
The Dawn of a fresh today
yesterday is gone

we rise with new goals
determined to make a change
resolutions plenty

clean slate, wide open road
the future to be molded
the past memories

A Happy New Year
May your blessings be many
Raise your glass and cheer

See more Sunday Scribblings here.