The kaleidoscope image holds a special significance for me. The first gift I remember receiving was from my grandmother - my father's mother - Alice Crippen Brewer - when I was about five. Her present: a kaleidoscope! It was magical, whimsical, and I never tired of looking into the cylinder and seeing the endless combinations of colored glass or plastic, or jewels - as I imagined them.
The kaleidoscope became my metaphor. Bright colors, accessories, represent the real me, who is also the me I present to the world. The colors and patterns change, yet the effect is always luminous. Modest, aren't I?!!
In selecting a symbol to represent the spirit of PLORK (PLAY + WORK), the kaleidoscope became a natural choice.
The PLORKSHOP is a journey to help you access or connect with your Creativity. This process involves being open to see things in new ways, see things differently. Surely, the kaleidoscope is a reminder that new possibilities exist!
Plorking is a practice, and Plork exercises help you form new habits. It's a joyful process.
When I had a serious accident/fall in June, 2007 - six fractures - I decided in the emergency cubicle at Lawrence Hospital in Bronxville, New York, that if I could find ways to Plork through this experience, I could Plork my way through anything.
My healing journey was a long one, but I did accessorize it with the spirit of Plork!
In the hospital, I had a wonderful pain-management doctor who assigned a tune to me to help him remember my name. My song was "Put Another Nickel In, In the Nickelodean" - made famous by Teresa Brewer - no relation! Every morning, Dr. Gary would whistle that tune as he approached my room on his rounds. When he found out I was a poet, Dr. Gary always took time to discuss different poets with me. He liked Robert Frost. So, I began each day in the hospital with music and poetry. PLORK!
I wanted a way to motivate myself to make the difficult transition from my hospital bed to my wheelchair to the sink in the early morning. With a broken shoulder and pelvis, this transition was slow, awkward, and painful. Plus, I'm not by nature a morning person, but in the hospital you have to be. I called my friend, Terry, who is an Arbonne consultant. Arbonne is a line of Swiss skincare products I like. Terry brought an orange travel kit with a cleanser, toner, eye cream, serum, day cream, etc to my hospital room, and placed it near my sink. Each morning, when I woke up, I saw that spot of bright orange and went for it! Sometimes, it took me a half hour or more to get there. My reward was a glowing face to offset my broken body. PLORK!
Once I got home from the hospital in mid-July - I also spent several weeks recuperating with friends - I faced an entire summer in my 3rd floor apartment, except for trips to physical therapy. This seemed dismal, when everyone else was outside enjoying the sunshine, vacations, etc. I decided to focus on decluttering my entire apartment, one item at a time. Three friends came over to help get me started, and then I was on my own. The result was very satisfying. Eliminating physical clutter eases the mind in so many ways. I also reviewed all my poetry and writing materials, which was a huge task. I focused on examining all my poems and putting together a new manuscript, which I am convinced led to my book, A Little Breast Music. When the editors of Passager Books - Kendra Kopelke and Mary Azrael - asked me in early 2008 if I had a new manuscript, I had it ready to put in their hands. PLORK!!
Plork works in all kinds of weather, time zones, and circumstances. My Plork Humanifesto is my lighthouse.
When life situations present challenges, try the PLORK approach. Look through your kaleidoscope, and shake gently.
*With gratitude to my friend, Bonnie Schupp, for the kaleidoscope image pictured here.
Me, Shirley, the Goddess
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Sunday, May 17, 2009
PLORKSHOP - JUNE IN BALTIMORE!
BREAKING NEWS!!!
Another PLORKSHOP on my June calendar!
Join me at the Village Learning Place (VLP) in Charles Village on Wednesday, June 24, from 6 - 7:30 PM.
PLORKSHOP: ACCESSorize YOUR CREATIVITY
(Plork = Play + Work)
Village Learning Place
2521 St. Paul Street
Baltimore, MD 21218
$10 Admission - Includes dinner and open bar - NOT!!! Does include a copy of the
Plork Humanifesto!!!
You'll walk in at 6, feeling vaguely uncomfortable about various aspects of your life and your diminishing portfolio. You''ll walk out at 7:30, feeling like a pleasant tornado has whipped through and rejuvenated your spirit.
Trust me, Shirley, the Goddess
Contact me for more Plorkshop information, or to register:
shirley@apoeticlicense.com
410.279.5487 Cell
See post below - May 9 - Shirley's Creative Pursuits - for details about Annapolis Plorkshop on June 10, 2009, at Tara's Gifts
Another PLORKSHOP on my June calendar!
Join me at the Village Learning Place (VLP) in Charles Village on Wednesday, June 24, from 6 - 7:30 PM.
PLORKSHOP: ACCESSorize YOUR CREATIVITY
(Plork = Play + Work)
Village Learning Place
2521 St. Paul Street
Baltimore, MD 21218
$10 Admission - Includes dinner and open bar - NOT!!! Does include a copy of the
Plork Humanifesto!!!
You'll walk in at 6, feeling vaguely uncomfortable about various aspects of your life and your diminishing portfolio. You''ll walk out at 7:30, feeling like a pleasant tornado has whipped through and rejuvenated your spirit.
Trust me, Shirley, the Goddess
Contact me for more Plorkshop information, or to register:
shirley@apoeticlicense.com
410.279.5487 Cell
See post below - May 9 - Shirley's Creative Pursuits - for details about Annapolis Plorkshop on June 10, 2009, at Tara's Gifts
FARRAH'S STORY
Farrah Fawcett and I are the same age. Farrah turned 62 in February, and I'll reach that milestone in a scant three weeks. How is it possible?
1976 seems like yesterday. That was the year Farrah and her hair wowed America in her only season on Charlie's Angels. And I returned to my speech therapy position in Maryland - after a
1 1/2 year hiatus rethinking my career choice. As I recall, no cameras covered that event.
Over the years, I've followed Farrah news in the press, and applauded her dramatic talents -remember Extremities and The Burning Bed. After all, we blondes stick together.
Tabloid news was not always flattering, but who believes that nonsense? Several years ago, Farrah gained headlines again, this time when it was announced she was suffering from anal cancer, more uncommon than other forms of the insidious disease.
Last Friday, May 15, NBC broadcast a documentary called Farrah's Story, which detailed not only Farrah's struggle, but her strength in dealing with her medical fate. I watched this program, filmed by Fawcett's close friend, Alana Stewart, and actually took some notes.
The most striking visual image in the film was when Farrah chose to reveal to the camera - and thus to millions - her mostly shaved head. She shaved off her own hair, when she began to notice it falling out, rather than allowing the cancer to take it.
I think this act - this revelation - was the bravest moment I have ever witnessed on television - ever!!!!
Our American culture is so focused on physical beauty and perfection. Witness the opulent Red Carpets, when movie stars parade their expensive faces, bodies, gowns and accessories. Hair is a vital part of the entire package.
Kate Jackson, one of the brunette Angels, admits that Farrah's Hair attained the status of another character on the show, a fourth Angel!
Early in her chemotherapy, doctors tried treatments that would allow Farrah to keep her tresses intact. As the disease progressed, the treatment plan escalated, and she lost her famous trademark. Her reaction? She covered her head with a scarf, kept her bangs, and smiled into the camera.
I so admire the courage of this woman, my peer, my fellow blonde. I hope I display a similar courage when obstacles of any sort are placed before me.
Thanks, Farrah, for your inspiration. You were never more Beautiful. Sending you Positive Energy. On my birthday, June 5, I'll toast you and the gifts you gave America, especially now, at age 62.
Here are some of Farrah's words...phrases...wistful thoughts...I won't comment...just let Farrah speak:
this illness...stranger to myself...alone inside myself...pain I have never known...
I miss my life...celebrate a good dose of joy...how much I would miss the rain...
And how are you? What are you fighting for?
Me, Shirley, the Goddess
1976 seems like yesterday. That was the year Farrah and her hair wowed America in her only season on Charlie's Angels. And I returned to my speech therapy position in Maryland - after a
1 1/2 year hiatus rethinking my career choice. As I recall, no cameras covered that event.
Over the years, I've followed Farrah news in the press, and applauded her dramatic talents -remember Extremities and The Burning Bed. After all, we blondes stick together.
Tabloid news was not always flattering, but who believes that nonsense? Several years ago, Farrah gained headlines again, this time when it was announced she was suffering from anal cancer, more uncommon than other forms of the insidious disease.
Last Friday, May 15, NBC broadcast a documentary called Farrah's Story, which detailed not only Farrah's struggle, but her strength in dealing with her medical fate. I watched this program, filmed by Fawcett's close friend, Alana Stewart, and actually took some notes.
The most striking visual image in the film was when Farrah chose to reveal to the camera - and thus to millions - her mostly shaved head. She shaved off her own hair, when she began to notice it falling out, rather than allowing the cancer to take it.
I think this act - this revelation - was the bravest moment I have ever witnessed on television - ever!!!!
Our American culture is so focused on physical beauty and perfection. Witness the opulent Red Carpets, when movie stars parade their expensive faces, bodies, gowns and accessories. Hair is a vital part of the entire package.
Kate Jackson, one of the brunette Angels, admits that Farrah's Hair attained the status of another character on the show, a fourth Angel!
Early in her chemotherapy, doctors tried treatments that would allow Farrah to keep her tresses intact. As the disease progressed, the treatment plan escalated, and she lost her famous trademark. Her reaction? She covered her head with a scarf, kept her bangs, and smiled into the camera.
I so admire the courage of this woman, my peer, my fellow blonde. I hope I display a similar courage when obstacles of any sort are placed before me.
Thanks, Farrah, for your inspiration. You were never more Beautiful. Sending you Positive Energy. On my birthday, June 5, I'll toast you and the gifts you gave America, especially now, at age 62.
Here are some of Farrah's words...phrases...wistful thoughts...I won't comment...just let Farrah speak:
this illness...stranger to myself...alone inside myself...pain I have never known...
I miss my life...celebrate a good dose of joy...how much I would miss the rain...
And how are you? What are you fighting for?
Me, Shirley, the Goddess
Sunday, May 10, 2009
MOTHER'S DAY 2009
This is my first Mother's Day without my mom, and it seems strange to me. My mom lived in Rochester, New York, and my home base has been Baltimore-Annapolis for almost forty years now. Still, I talked to her all the time on the phone, and visited her several times a year. I felt connected to her in ways that were not always verbal. She was such a lovely woman. I miss her greatly.
I thought I would honor my mom today by revealing her favorite passion: doing the dishes. Years ago, my dad surprised my mom one anniversary by having a dish washer installed while she was out for the day. She was furious! I think it was one time I remember when my mom actually stopped speaking to my dad for a day or so. Poor guy, he just didn't get it. He should have opted for the traditional flowers, candy, or a dinner at one of their favorite restaurants. like Glen Edith or the Oatka Inn.
My mom elevated washing dishes to the rank of sacred ritual. I mean, she loved the entire experience! She and my aunt - who lived with our family for many years - were best friends, and they took turns washing and drying. They also "dished" about local news and neighborhood gossip. And they laughed like schoolgirls. I have never seen two grown women who were funnier when they giggled than my mom and aunt. Their faces would crinkle, tears would flow, and yet somehow the silverware and glasses all got put away.
Holidays were the best. My mom usually wore red, and my aunt, green. After the meal, they'd be in the kitchen for what seemed like hours. They never left dishes until the next day.
I just realized I've been writing about the two most beautiful women in my life - my mom and my aunt. Both mothered me. I was lucky. Both lived to be 95. My aunt passed away in January of 2004, and my mom, January 10 of this year.
Did I mention I never use my dishwasher? I like the feel of Palmolive, and I'm never alone at my kitchen sink. I can hear the giggles almost before I turn on the water.
If it's true that heaven is one big feast, then I know who's washing all the plates.
With Love and Gratitude to Jean M. Brewer, and Alvina J. Morse, from Me, Shirley, the Goddess.
I thought I would honor my mom today by revealing her favorite passion: doing the dishes. Years ago, my dad surprised my mom one anniversary by having a dish washer installed while she was out for the day. She was furious! I think it was one time I remember when my mom actually stopped speaking to my dad for a day or so. Poor guy, he just didn't get it. He should have opted for the traditional flowers, candy, or a dinner at one of their favorite restaurants. like Glen Edith or the Oatka Inn.
My mom elevated washing dishes to the rank of sacred ritual. I mean, she loved the entire experience! She and my aunt - who lived with our family for many years - were best friends, and they took turns washing and drying. They also "dished" about local news and neighborhood gossip. And they laughed like schoolgirls. I have never seen two grown women who were funnier when they giggled than my mom and aunt. Their faces would crinkle, tears would flow, and yet somehow the silverware and glasses all got put away.
Holidays were the best. My mom usually wore red, and my aunt, green. After the meal, they'd be in the kitchen for what seemed like hours. They never left dishes until the next day.
I just realized I've been writing about the two most beautiful women in my life - my mom and my aunt. Both mothered me. I was lucky. Both lived to be 95. My aunt passed away in January of 2004, and my mom, January 10 of this year.
Did I mention I never use my dishwasher? I like the feel of Palmolive, and I'm never alone at my kitchen sink. I can hear the giggles almost before I turn on the water.
If it's true that heaven is one big feast, then I know who's washing all the plates.
With Love and Gratitude to Jean M. Brewer, and Alvina J. Morse, from Me, Shirley, the Goddess.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
SHIRLEY'S CREATIVE PURSUITS
Since my graduation from the University of Baltimore with my Master's degree in Creative Writing/Publications Design in 2005, I've been searching for my creative niche in the universe.
I started my own small business, called POETIC LICENSE. Check out my Web site at www.apoeticlicense.com. I write amazing personalized poems, really mini-biographies on one page. These poems are crafted with great care. I interview the family/friends of the recipient to get the information I need about a person's life, and fashion 14-18 verses which capture the essence of that person. I've written poems for weddings, anniversaries, even funerals. I once wrote a poem for a dog named Thunder who was graduating from obedience school.
I print each Poetic License on beautiful ivory parchment paper. Usually, I add a border. Poetic License poems make excellent and unique gifts.
Poems for businesses are included in my repertoire. What better way than verse to focus on the mission statement for your small business. Stand out from the competition!!
Prior to my graduation from the University of Baltimore, I received the first-ever UB Creative Writing Award for Excellence in Plorking. Plork = play + work, and is the keystone of the creative writing program at UB.
I have created PLORKSHOPS, to help others access their creativity.
A Plorkshop is an interactive experience, and fun, but it is much more than entertainment. It is an ode to joy, a vehicle for transformation, and an enriching experience that reduces stress and provides new ways of being present and positve in the world. Plorking increases the flow of creativity. The Plorkshop is a way to see things differently. Participants each receive a copy of the Plork Humanifesto to help reinforce new ways of seeing. Plork exercises accessorize this experience.
I will be giving a mini-Plorkshop at Tara's Gifts at 10 Annapolis Street in West Annapolis on June 10, 2009.
I am collaborating with my friend, Karen Guay, on a venture called PORTRAITS IN WORDS. Picture a dual frame with a fine art photograph on the left, accompanied by a personalized poem on the right - beautifully matted and framed together. What a perfect gift that captures the essence of a person (or a pet) at a moment in time.
These adventures should be enough to keep me busy!! For more information on the above, see my Web site for POETIC LICENSE - www.apoeticlicense.com
For PLORKSHOPS or PORTRAITS IN WORDS, contact me at shirley@apoeticlicense.com, or call me at 410.279.5487.
All for now, Me, Shirley, the Goddess
I started my own small business, called POETIC LICENSE. Check out my Web site at www.apoeticlicense.com. I write amazing personalized poems, really mini-biographies on one page. These poems are crafted with great care. I interview the family/friends of the recipient to get the information I need about a person's life, and fashion 14-18 verses which capture the essence of that person. I've written poems for weddings, anniversaries, even funerals. I once wrote a poem for a dog named Thunder who was graduating from obedience school.
I print each Poetic License on beautiful ivory parchment paper. Usually, I add a border. Poetic License poems make excellent and unique gifts.
Poems for businesses are included in my repertoire. What better way than verse to focus on the mission statement for your small business. Stand out from the competition!!
Prior to my graduation from the University of Baltimore, I received the first-ever UB Creative Writing Award for Excellence in Plorking. Plork = play + work, and is the keystone of the creative writing program at UB.
I have created PLORKSHOPS, to help others access their creativity.
A Plorkshop is an interactive experience, and fun, but it is much more than entertainment. It is an ode to joy, a vehicle for transformation, and an enriching experience that reduces stress and provides new ways of being present and positve in the world. Plorking increases the flow of creativity. The Plorkshop is a way to see things differently. Participants each receive a copy of the Plork Humanifesto to help reinforce new ways of seeing. Plork exercises accessorize this experience.
I will be giving a mini-Plorkshop at Tara's Gifts at 10 Annapolis Street in West Annapolis on June 10, 2009.
I am collaborating with my friend, Karen Guay, on a venture called PORTRAITS IN WORDS. Picture a dual frame with a fine art photograph on the left, accompanied by a personalized poem on the right - beautifully matted and framed together. What a perfect gift that captures the essence of a person (or a pet) at a moment in time.
These adventures should be enough to keep me busy!! For more information on the above, see my Web site for POETIC LICENSE - www.apoeticlicense.com
For PLORKSHOPS or PORTRAITS IN WORDS, contact me at shirley@apoeticlicense.com, or call me at 410.279.5487.
All for now, Me, Shirley, the Goddess
THE VISITOR
If you haven't watched the 2008 film, "The Visitor," with the amazingly understated performance of Richard Jenkins - who was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor this year - I highly recommend this movie.
I watched it last week, and found it one of the most touching and beautifully acted films I've ever seen.
Jenkins plays Walter Vale, a middle-aged widowed professor merely going through the motions of living his boring life. Until he meets up with two illegal immigrants who tap into his hunger for connecton and adventure.
This is a movie about making change - fueled by the power of new experiences and music. It's also a tragedy about the fate of illegal immigrants in the wake of 9/11.
I love films that explore authentic human emotions. Jenkins' performance is skilled and subtle.
"The Visitor" is a poem, and that's the highest accolade I can offer a movie.
I watched it last week, and found it one of the most touching and beautifully acted films I've ever seen.
Jenkins plays Walter Vale, a middle-aged widowed professor merely going through the motions of living his boring life. Until he meets up with two illegal immigrants who tap into his hunger for connecton and adventure.
This is a movie about making change - fueled by the power of new experiences and music. It's also a tragedy about the fate of illegal immigrants in the wake of 9/11.
I love films that explore authentic human emotions. Jenkins' performance is skilled and subtle.
"The Visitor" is a poem, and that's the highest accolade I can offer a movie.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
HORROR HOTEL
I grew up in Rochester, New York, where childhood passions included writing fairy tales, playing croquet, and watching horror movies!
When I was in the fourth grade, Rita Knipper and I spent an entire Saturday at the West End Theatre on Thurston Road, totally mesmerized throughout three viewings of "Tarantula." My father found us around 7 PM. I recall another video adventure at the Dryden Theatre, attached to the George Eastman House - my first viewing of "Phantom of the Opera" with Lon Chaney. That's when I truly knew I was hooked on horror.
While my friends drooled over the Big Bopper, I pined for Bela Lugosi.
Fast forward to the present. Last weekend, a rainy blur after all, Baltimore's own in-jeopardy Senator Theatre hosted a Weekend of Horror Films on the Big Screen. I happily attended a Sunday afternoon showing of "Horror Hotel," circa 1961, in which a young coed uses her winter vacation to research a paper on witchcraft in New England.
It was pure Grade-B Delight: Christopher Lee, endless fog, a trap door, dead birds, dark spooky roads. I loved every second of it, and it only cost a fin, not bad for the ambience of a real movie house.
2009 may present challenges in terms of the economy, recession, global warming, job losses, and other modern frights.
Give me a soothing horror movie any day. Nothing like a black cape and a graveyard to restore my equilibrium.
Me, Shirley, The Goddess
When I was in the fourth grade, Rita Knipper and I spent an entire Saturday at the West End Theatre on Thurston Road, totally mesmerized throughout three viewings of "Tarantula." My father found us around 7 PM. I recall another video adventure at the Dryden Theatre, attached to the George Eastman House - my first viewing of "Phantom of the Opera" with Lon Chaney. That's when I truly knew I was hooked on horror.
While my friends drooled over the Big Bopper, I pined for Bela Lugosi.
Fast forward to the present. Last weekend, a rainy blur after all, Baltimore's own in-jeopardy Senator Theatre hosted a Weekend of Horror Films on the Big Screen. I happily attended a Sunday afternoon showing of "Horror Hotel," circa 1961, in which a young coed uses her winter vacation to research a paper on witchcraft in New England.
It was pure Grade-B Delight: Christopher Lee, endless fog, a trap door, dead birds, dark spooky roads. I loved every second of it, and it only cost a fin, not bad for the ambience of a real movie house.
2009 may present challenges in terms of the economy, recession, global warming, job losses, and other modern frights.
Give me a soothing horror movie any day. Nothing like a black cape and a graveyard to restore my equilibrium.
Me, Shirley, The Goddess
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