I am fortunate to be married to the most wonderful man in the world! However, in my previous relationship…Well, let’s just say the following poem says it all…
I hate you…
I hate you for a thousand reasons, and here are just a few:
You’re manipulative, mean and dastardly, always dictating what I do.
Why is everything my fault regardless of what occurred?
You always rewrite history, with “facts” that are quite absurd.
You can’t even hold down a job, you lazy, lousy fuck!
Expect full and part-time work from me (by the way, that really SUCKED!).
I regret being with you for a year, much less the 19 I put up with your shit.
The only good in our relationship is that I ended it!
You’re a pond scum bastard who is nothing more than dog shit under my shoes.
So get your lazy ass on the open road and find another family to use.
Because this one left the station, and we have more important things to do than spend a single moment putting up with the likes of you!
So I’m putting myself out there again today. If you read an earlier post, “Meanwhile, back at the coffee house…”, you know that Sammy and I shared poetry at the open mic night at Austin’s coffee (https://austinscoffee.com/) a couple of weeks ago. Recall that yesterday I referenced that my poetry can be dark. Well, here goes…
I died today…
Not the traditional heart stop, ride in an ambulance, enter the ER, end up in ICU, flatline, get wheeled to the coroner, cut opened and examined, the cause of death “undetermined”, get released to the mortuary, the family picks a casket, chooses a final outfit, hundreds of people (or only ten people) show and cry (or don’t cry) about my passing, casket gets transported to the cemetery, six foot hole dug, casket lowered into the ground, weeks pass before the headstone arrives, flowers are placed on the marker every few weeks for the first month or two, and then nothing but weeds.
As I sit here nursing a fine Pinot, I internalize that we are all dying every day, not necessarily from heart failure, but by a failure of the heart, a failure of our fellow man giving a shit about how we are treated, unaware that they are chiseling away at our soul the way an artist creates a masterpiece, but there is no creation here, the chisel peels away at us creating marks, abrasions, scars…we become a fragment of who we once were when we were fresh from the womb, before mankind hammers away at us, etching their needs, demands, desires, expectations, and control.
Why can’t we be left to our own devices, our dreams, our hopes, our beliefs, and live in a world where differences, uniqueness, even eccentricities are not only honored but celebrated?
Okay people, so I’m taking a bit of a risk here. As a writer, I love unstructured poetry, and I have written my fair share of pieces. Although I am a positive person, my poetry writing tends to lean toward a dark side. Now, I won’t shock you with a really dark entry today, however, I feel it is time to unleash the poetic beast.
Initially, I was looking for a picture to accompany my post “Is Everybody High?”. The “high” reference initially brought forth photos of people standing on skyscrapers. So then I’m thinking, let’s pull a picture of weed. So as I entered “weed” in the picture search, I got dandelions and such. Then I entered “smoking pot”. I got metal pots boiling on a stove. After a bit, I stumbled upon the above picture. I don’t know if it’s dope or a cigarette…but whatever.
Let me add a disclaimer here that I don’t smoke marijuana, although I support a person’s right to imbibe. I also love America, however, I am fascinated by the world’s perspective of our country. I am a defender of our first amendment rights, and I am concerned that that right is eroding. Please keep in mind as you read my work that I do love our country. I feel the need to specifically state this because lately citizens are being metaphorically crucified for exercising free speech. By the way, this poem was originally written in 2013 but edited today.
Okay here goes…Fingers crossed…Feel free to exercise your right to free speech in the comments section.
Is Everybody High?
Susie Krivacic
As I look around this crazy world I find myself wondering, “Is everybody high?”
The lack of logic by our leaders puts everyone at a distinct disadvantage.
Europeans believe we are completely daft:
After paying our taxes, we pay enormous fees for our healthcare while theirs is free.
We have become so politically correct that free speech has all but vanished.
We have become so enticed by reality television and our potential 15 minutes of fame that we spend more time daydreaming about an alternate life rather than build a current one.
We work, work, work, work…with limited vacation time.
Europeans start their careers with six weeks of holiday, yet it takes us 20 years with one company to earn even close to that amount.
They travel the world, yet we barely explore what our own country has to offer much less others.
They enjoy leisurely meals, wine at lunch, visiting and savoring each day.
We eat on the fly, using drive-through windows and eat in our car rather than at a table.
We are losing contact with those we love and spending time with those we don’t because we are continuously stuck at work, spending less and less time with our families.
So I’d like to introduce you to another amazing artisan, Jeanne Verger (https://jeannevergerjewelry.com/). One of the many reasons for which I admire Jeanne is her decision to leave the security of life in corporate America to pursue her bliss.
“It all started with my love for making mala beads. I loved the process of connecting to my heart, designing and knotting each gemstone and infusing them with positive intentions and affirmations,” Jeanne writes.
Jeanne would gift her malas to strangers but later recognized her calling to create exquisite and meaningful jewelry could evolve into an opportunity to positively influence women around the world.
Jeanne carefully selects her gemstones, and her malas are as beautiful as they are inspiring. Her collection of these along with her gemstone inspiration bracelets, wrist malas, and new Bali pieces offer something special for everyone. Jeanne even creates a selection of men’s bracelets.
So if you need your spirit lifted, your purpose defined, or you simply want some incredible accessories, check out Jeanne’s site. I have a feeling you’ll become a fan just like me!
Okay, so have you heard all the buzz about hemp? Yes…pun intended. But while so many people envision hemp as a fabric worn by hippies hanging out at a Grateful Dead (http://www.dead.net/) concert in the ’60s, and there are even rumors that these same hippies would tear pieces of the fabric from their attire to roll and subsequently smoke…Well, let me bring you up to speed.
Before I go any further, let me state clearly that I am not a doctor or a chemist. I am merely an average citizen who thinks this is a cool topic. I’ve read some articles, and I am merely sharing what I found. The websites referenced are noted. Oh, and I need to add: The Grateful Dead is one awesome band!
So what is hemp? According to (https://www.leafly.com): “There are many different varieties of the cannabis plant. Hemp — also called industrial hemp — refers to the non-psychoactive (less than 1% THC) varieties of Cannabis sativa L. Both hemp and marijuana come from the same cannabis species, but are genetically distinct and are further distinguished by use, chemical makeup, and cultivation methods.”
What hemp CAN do: The seeds and flowers of hemp can make thousands of useful items including health foods and body care products. The stalk and fibers can be made into paper, clothing, and even construction materials.
What hemp CAN’T do: Hemp cannot get you stoned. Hemp contains such a minimal amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), that you will NOT get high.
Now, what about hemp oil? Taken under the tongue or used on the skin, hemp oil such as the Straight Hemp pictured above (https://straighthemp.com/) has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It also helps in the healing of skin conditions such as eczema or it can be used as a moisturizer to nourish skin. It’s also been said to help with anxiety and insomnia.
Most surprising to me is that hemp appears to be going mainstream. Hemp is showing up in health and holistic wellness magazines and articles. And people are talking about it…recommending it to others. People that you would least expect are discovering and enjoying all that hemp has to offer.
Now I’ve barely scratched the surface of all the benefits of hemp so you may want to look into the topic on your own. I’d love to read about your discoveries or stories. Let’s get the conversation started.
So as I arrived downtown on Sunday to enjoy the Orlando Farmers Market (https://www.orlandofarmersmarket.com/), I spotted some amazing street art on the corner of Pine Street and Eola Drive. All four corners were beautifully painted with inspiring messages such as the one pictured above. Now I have always been a fan of street art, and I noted that all four pieces had been created by Kristi Hamby (https://www.kristipaintsorlando.com/). I wanted to get to know this artist a bit more, so I researched her…and then I gave her a call.
Kristi’s street art journey came alive with the Thornton Park Project. The Thornton Park community wanted to raise awareness of storm drain pollution in the area. Kristi submitted her original designs for the”Only Rain Down the Drain” themed project. Her work was chosen, and a street artist was born. Kristi’s art is so popular that Thornton Park residents commisioned her to create designs for their street corners as well. Kristi has 13 drains painted so far.
Kristi is also a contributor to the Thornton Park Selfie Project located in a parking garage at 120 North Eola Drive. By painting ‘selfie murals’, the invited artists are able to share their own story along with that of Thornton Park. It’s also an opportunity to bring the community back to this garage, perhaps to park but most definitely to see the thought-provoking artwork.
Would you like to see the uplifting work of Kristi Hamby? Just take a stroll downtown, or join her at the Thornton Park Wine & Art Walk on the second Thursday of every month. (https://www.facebook.com/events/127992888070675/). How about I meet you there?
So Sunday afternoon found me in downtown Orlando and at one of my favorite spots to chill. Have you checked out Eola Wine Company (http://eolawinecompany.com/) lately? Not only do they have a wide selection of wine, beer, and other adult beverages, but they also offer some delightful dishes as well.
I was greeted at the bar by Nga, who is the General Manager as well as the bartender for the day. She turned me on to the Mimosa Flight. It was tantalizing and also a bargain at $10. The flight offered four flavors of mimosa: Raspberry, Orange, Peach, and Banana. Once the flight is finished, you also get to enjoy one full-sized mimosa of your choice. Now I am a huge fan of anything Banana flavored, so I assumed that would take top billing for my flight. I was surprised to be completely smitten with the Raspberry and Peach flavors. When it was time to choose my full beverage, Nga suggested blending these two flavors. I took her advice, and she nailed it…That was perhaps the best mimosa I’d ever had the pleasure to taste.
Now a wise lady knows if you are drinking champagne, it’s in your best interest to put a bit of food in your stomach. Nga recommended the quiche, another bargain at $10. There were two quiche options: a tomato, artichoke, and bacon or a mushroom, caramelized onion, and goat cheese served with fruit and greens. It was an easy decision…She had me at goat cheese. The creamy texture and blend of ingredients made for a perfect brunch dish.
One other bonus of Eola Wine Company…They are a privately owned small business with an excellent track record as they have been a constant in downtown Orlando for 16 1/2 years. They offer excellent food, a wide variety of libations (including an extensive reserve list), and they even have more than 100 retail selections. So next time you are downtown, swing by Eola Wine Company and raise a glass.
What comes around, goes around. That phrase is particularly relevant when it comes to fashion. I was peeking at my Instagram account this morning, and I stumbled upon pictures posted by one of the many amazing designers I follow, Versace. I was spellbound by the most eye catching plaids that I’ve seen in years.
Now plaids have been popular during many a fashion season, but this particular 2018 collection is reminiscent of attire worn by the character Cher Horowitz in the classic 1995 movie Clueless. The 1990’s had a very distinctive style, much like every decade. The trick is for the designer to add a fresh twist to an old favorite to make something we’ve seen before look totally new and unique. Versace very successfully achieved this goal. The contrasting colors that work so well together, along with the pattern mix, create a magical and memorable look.
I recall back in the mid 1980’s my late Uncle David had an awesome pair of paisley swim trunks. Paisley was quite “in” at that time, and I was impressed that he was so on point fashion-wise. When I asked him where he acquired them, Uncle David responded, “I have no idea. I got them 20 years ago.”
So hold on to your favorite fashion people…If you wait long enough, it will come back in style.
So my visit to Austin’s Coffee (https://austinscoffee.com/) was so fabulous, that my blog post about my experience is a two part summary. See yesterday’s blog “Meanwhile, back at the Coffee House” for Part 1.
Upon my arrival, I had the pleasure of meeting Prophet, a writer new to the open mic poetry scene. He was very friendly, and we struck up a conversation immediately. That night was his first time presenting his poetry in a public forum. Prophet was very passionate about his message. He had overcome difficulty in his childhood and started writing because he needed a change. “I needed a medium to be able to express myself and better understand myself,” Prophet shared with me.
As he took the stage, Prophet’s message gripped the audience as he rapped a poem entitled “Hidden Brilliance” that reflected on the realities of life. He was so engaging and committed to his craft that the onlookers were riveted. One of the delightful aspects of this open mic forum is that it fosters an immediate sense of community. I not only heard amazing poetry, but I made new friends.
An added bonus of the evening is that Sammy and I presented our poetry to the group as well. Our work was well received, and it’s so exciting to have passed down a love of writing to my daughter. I’ve often said of her, “I know I can write, but Sammy is better!”
One of my favorite local spots in Orlando (okay, actually Winter Park), is Austin’s Coffee (https://austinscoffee.com/). Not only do they have a wide variety of excellent coffee and tea, but they also serve numerous adult beverages and scrumptious nibbles. More significant…Austin’s hosts live entertainment nearly every night.
Now what makes this hang out even more special is that the live entertainment is in an open mic format. Check out Austin’s website noted above under the “Events” icon. Austin’s hosts local up and coming talent for general music, jazz, hip hop, stand up comedy, and poetry. It’s a fun, safe environment for artists to share their work and welcomes an eclectic group of friendly patrons.
I had the pleasure of attending a poetry slam at Austin’s just last night. The first poet, Arjun Bala, has been on the poetry scene for a little over a year, and he’s making an impact. After being mesmerized by his spoken word, I was thrilled to discover that he is the featured artist on Friday, July 13, 2018 at the Friday NYte SpotLYte by 1000 Tongues Production. Stop by Dodie’s Place, 1516 East Colonial Drive Suite 304 Orlando, FL 32803 at 9:00 pm. Your $10 donation helps raise money for the “Homeless Poet”, a poet who lives on the streets of Paramour.
What comes around, goes around. That phrase is particularly relevant when it comes to fashion. I was peeking at my Instagram account this morning, and I stumbled upon pictures posted by one of the many amazing designers I follow, Versace. I was spellbound by the most eye catching plaids that I’ve seen in years.
Harmonious Groove 