Small victory
multiplied.
Big tasks
divided
into
parts
so
small–
how could I not succeed?
Deadlines
focus goals.
Day by day,
Chew each bite thoroughly.
Done!
Launch hope with a key stroke.
Completion is victory enough,
but still…
Fingers crossed.
quote- Lady Gaga on tenacity March 3, 2019
In her 2019 Oscar acceptance speech, Lady Gaga said,
“If you are at home, and you’re sitting on your couch and you’re watching this right now, all I have to say is that this is hard work. I’ve worked hard for a long time, and it’s not about, you know…it’s not about winning. But what it’s about is not giving up. If you have a dream, fight for it. There’s a discipline for passion. And it’s not about how many times you get rejected or you fall down or you’re beaten up. It’s about how many times you stand up and are brave and you keep on going.”
poem- little steps January 28, 2019
Great dreams.
Big hopes.
Massive endeavours.
Long journeys.
All large things
take little steps.
Bit by bit
bite by bite
step by step.
War and Peace
started with one word
on the page.
Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony
began with one note.
Huge
begins
small.
Just
begin.
quote- Desmond Tutu on writing May 23, 2017
If you want to be a good writer, you are not going to become one by always going to the movies and eating bonbons. You have to sit down and write. Which can be very frustrating, and yet, without that, you would not get that good result.
-Archbishop Desmond Tutu in The Book of Joy.
poem-circles October 24, 2016
I’m
circling
I’m
adding,
growing, and
learning.
I’m
becoming
the dream me
I see her
in
laughter
applause
award
I’m
circling
up to the prize
it’s closer
and
closer
with every
word.
.
.
I just came back from the annual Surrey International Writers’ Conference. My first year there, I successfully pitched to a publisher. My third time I successfully pitched to an agent. When I first started attending, I admired the amazing writing of the winners of the $1000 Storyteller Award and the humorous writing by the winners of the 75 word Silly Write contest. I dreamed of winning those contests. I’ve entered a couple of pieces 5 or 6 times over the years. This year I didn’t have a project to pitch, but I submitted to both contests. I was short listed for the Storyteller (3rd year in a row short listed for a writing contest at SIWC!) and my entry came second in the Silly Write. I was thinking “Always the bridesmaid, never the bride.” 🙂 On the other hand, I feel the precipice I’m standing on- I am appreciating the fine line of difference between good and great.
When several hundred people are laughing at your jokes and cheering when your name is called, you can’t help but feel inspired.
You know how there comes a time when the craftsman requires particular tools to create true art? Because of the amazing craft workshops I attended (Donald Maass, Diana Gabaldon, Susanna Kearsley, Shari Green) and meal conversations (Larry Brooks, Nephele Tempest, Jack Whyte) I feel like I’ve been given the master tools that will make the difference to leap off the precipice and FLY. I feel that intangible sense that things are about to change, and I’m excited!
poem-today August 11, 2015
Today I will make the choices
that lead to met goals.
Today I will choose
not to procrastinate.
Today I will accept responsibility
and do what must be done.
Today I will be a grown-up.
Tomorrow?
We’ll see.
poem-doing March 11, 2015
You are amazing.
You are worthy of love.
You are valuable.
You have something to offer.
What are you doing?
poem-kindle November 10, 2014
Under your skin
you’re kindling dreams.
Letting just enough
hope gleam through the ash.
Your head says,
“You can’t.
It won’t be,”
But the kindling dreams
wonder,
“Why
not
me?”
poem-vicarious pleasure July 24, 2014
It’s been a journey of celebrations
seeing dreams unfolding
in flirtatious Twitter assignations,
watching joy unrolling
during this cinematic gestation.
And now, with keen anticipation
all around the Earth
One can feel the vibrations
from fans awaiting this birth:
an incarnation of literary creation.
.
Outlander comes to television! Premieres are being aired this weekend. It has been fabulous following along with author Diana Gabaldon as she has shared the fun from the moment the papers were signed and it was official that Ron Moore was turning her books series into an epic television series. We fans were part of the excitement as each character was cast, and I particularly enjoyed watching the delight sparkle in Diana’s eyes as she told me about being on set when she had her cameo!
My joy is vicarious, but it is a very genuine and thorough joy. It is just SO GREAT to experience the adventure of favourite books being transformed for a new media!
In case you don’t know, Outlander is airing in the US on Starz, in Canada on Showcase, and in Australia on Soho. In Canada, we have to wait until August 24th. It’s going to be painful as the American fans have 2 weeks ahead of us!
.
.
and here’s a little more information 🙂
poem- warning July 1, 2014
I want you.
Despite all the objections,
inspections, rejections,
imperfections,
my predilection
is you.
.
.
.
Just think all the things the poet could be addressing here. Is the ‘you’ a lover, a baby, a puppy, a great pair of shoes…? 😉 What is your predilection?
Shawn L. Bird 