Terrycrain's Weblog

TCPL Poet’s Night Out revisited

Terry — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 00:40:59 +0000

With this being the beginning of the National Poetry Month, I visited the Traverse City Public Library for their Poet’s Night Out. Which by the way, was held in the afternoon and was a re invitation for last fall’s poetry winners along with new readers.

The afternoon started with Paul, the host, who appears in jeans, sneakers and a John Deere hat. His poem, which he read, “Grandma’s Celestial Navigation” started off an interesting and inspiring afternoon. The poet’s night out is off and running.

Various readers and writers alike, ranging in age from 3 to mid senior years, took their turn reciting their works, pulling the audience in with every word. Followed by applause they took their seat to make way for the next participant. Each sharing insight, experiences and thoughts.

After a brief intermission, we are treated to new works being read by the authors. “Open Mike” as it is called, is the best part of the afternoon. Each writer is fresh, a bit nervous and yet willing to share the emotions, joys and yes some troubles from their life. Still they file forward, some shaking visibly, some seasoned and steady, they each read their works and share their stories. Accolades from readers and writers alike. Subject variety from Refrigerator contents to physics to longing and listening to a lover’s heart, they share as we as a group, absorb every word.

Songs of words and inspiration, projected onto an eclectic audience. All offering their talents freely and openly. Some experienced, some virgin, all sharing. Young and old alike, we all experience the joys of the human word as we interact with one another.

Since it was not my idea, my fiance’ suggested the event, I got a lot more out of the afternoon than I ever imagined I would. This is definitely an experience I plan to revisit. Maybe next time, Taylor and I will be in the same state, and we can go together.

Hearing the excitement again

Terry — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 12:57:45 +0000

I was talking with Taylor last night, as she explained the sites and sounds from the national conference South By Southwest in Austin. The excitement in her voice and the smile I could feel on her face as she told me about the “25 foot white rattlesnake across the street”. I was bursting with joy and pride in her as I reflected on the events she portrayed to me. In those moments I was there with her and seeing all that the great state of Texas and all the up and coming gamers and bloggers and innovators in the field, had to show and offer.

If at all possible I would like to attend with Taylor next year. The insight these people have and the excitement they are putting forward is catchy and makes me want to be a part of that.

She told me the story of a presenter who has made a career of collecting peoples secrets. The stories he told, had the audience choked up ( as I was just from listening to Taylor describe the events). I had to go to the web site and check this guy out. It is wonderful what these innovators are doing.
I know that Taylor is in the right path for being one of these innovators and feel she is in the exact place she needs to be to pick up the guidance and information to move forward.

For more information go to SXSW.com and see the excitement for yourself.

Despair and depression all around us

Terry — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 18:11:15 +0000

I have been bombarded with friends and relatives calling to unload their problems in a desperate need to release. I am glad to be there for everyone that I can possible help. But, where do I turn for the boost I need to carry on and unload some of these feelings.

I need an outlet the same as all of them. The times in Michigan are the worst I can remember. People are desperate for relief but our state government only talks of the wonderful things they will do “in the future”.

We are in a very critical time. We need someone to guide us out of the severe depression that is covering the state. People are losing there entire life’s savings to survive. Not only that, we are losing the homes we have invested our time and money into. When the news is that the majority of home owners in Michigan owe more than the value of their homes and home sales are at an all time low, where are we supposed to turn.

Michigan and this country need some strong leaders to start thinking about the citizens. Instead we have a group of leaders who are more interested in their cushy jobs and the benefits they can accrue.

How much farther down can we go before the people revolt and take this state back.

I for one, am ready to ditch Michigan and find a state where the government still works “for the people”.

One township officer I talked to recently stated, “Well, if you don’t like the way we handle things here, maybe you should consider moving”. Duh, aren’t these people voted in and paid by us? Since when are we the ones who need to change when our elected officials do wrong? Not only that, my home has been on the market for over two years and I have dropped the price to below my cost. How much am I supposed to sacrifice for the township and this state?

“Will the last person leaving Michigan, please turn out the lights”