It feels like summer here in my little town. In honor of that, I thought I'd repost this for my newer visitors and subscribers. Glad you're here!
Wonder
Unexplained phenomena. That's what it was to me, running around in our shaggy crabgrass at dusk. One minute, I'd be gooofing around with a Frisbee, and the next, a glowing orb throbbed ever closer. Through the treeline, over the corn, taking the occasional surprise turn before turning back toward its obvious goal: me.
What it was, exactly, was a matter of speculation. A neighbor had told us of a terrible experience with lightening, chasing her out of the shower. I had heard of ball lightening. Perhaps, I reasoned, this was it, coming to get me now. This theory did not explain why I only saw it in the summer, so I formed the fireworks hypothesis. My mother felt very strongly that all fireworks were dangerous. She never even let us use sparklers, she was that serious. These unnatural terrors of eventide appeared around Independence Day, and what could be more fear-worthy that a firework's ability to have a rogue ember?
Read the full post here.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Sticky Songs
Sometimes a song gets stuck in my head and I don't mind. This is one of those songs.
Is there a song you don't mind having on mental repeat?
Is there a song you don't mind having on mental repeat?
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Morning and Marigolds
Yesterday, guest blogger tasmith1122 wrote about and shared haiku in a post titled "Capture the Simple Things." I thought I'd take her advice and attempt this form today.
The marigold opens,
lifting from leaf into light.
Every bird stirs.
As The Rascals would sing, it's a beautiful morning.
The marigold opens,
lifting from leaf into light.
Every bird stirs.
As The Rascals would sing, it's a beautiful morning.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Capture the Simple Things
(Today's Blogathon theme is haiku. My friend and fellow writer's group member writes poetry, including this form. She graciously agreed to guest post for me. Check out her blog here.)
What is a haiku?
What is a haiku?
I’m not going to tell you. Well, to be more precise, I’m not going to tell you everything. There are many sites (and I’ll list a few) where you can go to find out where haiku came from and what they are. Instead, I’d like to try to show you.
Have you ever taken a walk or gone on a trip and seen something that took your breath away? It might have been the Rocky Mountains, the Grand Canyon, an old barn, a wild animal, a tiny insect or even a single flower. Whatever it was, it made you stop. You forgot all about what you were doing and just looked in wonder or reflection. Perhaps you took a picture, trying to capture that image, that moment. Even simple things can make you want to capture them.
That desire to capture a single moment, but to capture it in just a very few words, that is haiku.
bleeding hearts
drip after rain, thrive
despite weeds
in our small orchard
many nights hard frost–apples
pears, peaches still bloom
How do I write haiku?
If you want the specific rules, jump to Haiku for People link. If you just want to try your hand at it, then try this.
First, find something that you like—a favorite tree, flower, your kids, your dog, spring sounds, and smells.
Now use only a few words to describe it—budding tree; blushing magnolia blossoms; soft, silly bedtime child … you see?
Next choose another image. This does not have to relate to the first, and is often better if it doesn’t.
Again choose a few words to describe it.
When you put the two phrases together, you have the beginnings of a haiku.
Here are some of mine.
my only citrus
this morning — high, bright orange
in cold cloudless blue
my only citrus
this morning — high, bright orange
in cold cloudless blue
not clutching swamp grass
but piercing cloudless blue sky–
one red-winged blackbird
but piercing cloudless blue sky–
one red-winged blackbird
among evergreens
tree frogs court, “creep, creep, creep”–love
song infestation
tree frogs court, “creep, creep, creep”–love
song infestation
burning old branches
winter flickering to spring
welcome bliss blossoms
winter flickering to spring
welcome bliss blossoms
Links to Haiku Sites:
Haiku - A Definition Haiku, Haiga, Haibun and Other Art-Illustrations of modern English Haiku-type Poetry.
Haiku Poet's Hut Filled with haiku new and old, haiku info, and history
Blue Willow Haiku World (by Fay Aoyagi) Translations of modern Japanese poetry
Akita International Haiku Network Haiku, Haiga, Senryu, Tanka–All Beautiful
Monday, May 9, 2011
Musician on Goal-Setting
I'm currently teaching four classes for junior high/high school students. One is a class on leadership. As a part of the weekly lesson, I interview a leader and share his or her insight with the group.
This strategy came out of a very short preparation window: I didn't have a lot of time to read and research using traditional methods, but I do know some amazing people. I chased a couple of them around for an hour or two. I learned more from that conversation than I could've learned from reading an entire book. The students seemed to enjoy the real-world connection, so I've kept this interview portion of class as a weekly thing.
I've discovered that a couple of these students are musicians. They are thinking about their future; they're dreaming big. To give them some perspective on the music industry, I asked Asa Lane, all-around cool cat and drummer for the Jason Eaton Band, to be my first formal, in-writing, interviewee for my class. I've known Asa for a while, and have always been impressed by his intensity and discipline.
When asked to help my students, Asa said yes. I liked his answers so much that I wanted to publish them. He kindly agreed.
How have you approached your musical career?
Asa: I've approached it with the positive attitude that I will absolutely be making my livelyhood making and performing music. You must have that in your head no matter what "seems" "normal". Forget the traditions, the family job, the army, the desk job, etc. If you were born to play music, you must give it your best effort with the reinforcement that you WILL be successful in it. Many other things go into that though besides thinking it (practice, connections, etc.)
Describe your training in music.
Asa: My "official" training included my last 2 years of marching/concert/jazz band in high school. I started playing drums when I was 11, and have had 2 unofficial drum lessons from insane pros in my life totaling about 45 minutes worth of lesson time. I still use things learned from them to this day, and will continue to use and teach them!
What kind of schedule do you follow for personal growth? How disciplined do you have to be?
Asa: PRACTICE. PRACTICE. PRACTICE. Seriously, practice as often and as hard as possible. If it's not music then STUDY or TRAIN or whatever it is you have to do to set yourself far above the rest. Great lawyers wouldn't cut making the OJ trial, the exceptional lawyers who have true passion for their art do. You can accomplish this by finding out what the status quo is, and then multiplying that by 10, 100, or 1000. It's up to you. An exceptional drummer once stated that it's better to practice 20 minutes a day, rather than 4 hours once a week. It'll keep you fluid in both physical and mental memory with what you're rehearsing/building upon. Remember that in all things.
You have to be as disciplined as far as you want to take your career. Pushing yourself far beyond your comfort level is key, as well as knowing the profession like the back of your hand.
What non-music skills have you sought to gain and why?
Asa: -People skills. I cannot stress enough how important it is to go up to random strangers you respect in your profession and just introduce yourself, get them to come see you play, etc. More often than naught, having the right connection is what will break you into what you want to do. The internet is a great tool for this, contact key figures in your field and try to build a relationship that way. Even more concrete is meeting them in person, shaking their hand and looking them in the eye and leaving a big impression. This will take you light years beyond just practicing in your bedroom. The rule of "6 Degrees of Separation" is much truer than you might imagine. Through developing these people skills, I communicate regularly with world class drummers and musicians, all because I pushed myself to just say hi!
-Business. Don't spend most of your money if you can help it. Save it now, invest in your future.
How do you feel about the idea of 'the day job'?
Asa: Bottom line is, you must support yourself financially eventually. If you can't make it playing music, you MUST attempt to get a day job. Play music hard when work is over. When the day comes that you can pay the bills with your music, smile, literally thank God, and DO NOT take it for granted.
How did you know you were good enough to pursue this as work, and not just a hobby?
Asa: I performed in a public talent show when I was in high school, and afterwards, this little girl named Kady (with a "D") came up to me with her grandmother and asked for a drumstick and for me to sign it. I did so and her grandma whispered in my ear, "You're going places kid." She actually said that, gave me chills. 
The nail in the coffin was when I auditioned to perform with a pool of world class musicians through a Metro-Detroit church and made it with flying colors. That is when I really knew.
What do you wish you knew more about as it relates to music?
Asa: - Obviously there are drummers out their who can run circles around me, so to learn their technique is something I'll always continue to want to learn more about and challenge myself with.
- Eventually, I'd like to learn to actually read music! I know very little about this and know it would further session work should I ever choose to pursue that in the future.
- I also have a banjo that I desperately want somebody to teach me how to play!
Is there anything else you'd want to tell my students?
Asa: - There are thousands of excuses for not pushing yourself out of your comfort zone for anything you'll attempt. Leaps of faith are what shape us, I highly, highly encourage you to do what you know if your heart is right for you. Rock and roll.
You can visit the Jason Eaton Band on their website, or on facebook. If you want to read my first formal interview with Asa Lane, check out http://www.myspace.com/annadellemusic/blog/501636856
This strategy came out of a very short preparation window: I didn't have a lot of time to read and research using traditional methods, but I do know some amazing people. I chased a couple of them around for an hour or two. I learned more from that conversation than I could've learned from reading an entire book. The students seemed to enjoy the real-world connection, so I've kept this interview portion of class as a weekly thing.
I've discovered that a couple of these students are musicians. They are thinking about their future; they're dreaming big. To give them some perspective on the music industry, I asked Asa Lane, all-around cool cat and drummer for the Jason Eaton Band, to be my first formal, in-writing, interviewee for my class. I've known Asa for a while, and have always been impressed by his intensity and discipline.
When asked to help my students, Asa said yes. I liked his answers so much that I wanted to publish them. He kindly agreed.
How have you approached your musical career?
Asa: I've approached it with the positive attitude that I will absolutely be making my livelyhood making and performing music. You must have that in your head no matter what "seems" "normal". Forget the traditions, the family job, the army, the desk job, etc. If you were born to play music, you must give it your best effort with the reinforcement that you WILL be successful in it. Many other things go into that though besides thinking it (practice, connections, etc.)
Describe your training in music.
Asa: My "official" training included my last 2 years of marching/concert/jazz band in high school. I started playing drums when I was 11, and have had 2 unofficial drum lessons from insane pros in my life totaling about 45 minutes worth of lesson time. I still use things learned from them to this day, and will continue to use and teach them!
What kind of schedule do you follow for personal growth? How disciplined do you have to be?
Asa: PRACTICE. PRACTICE. PRACTICE. Seriously, practice as often and as hard as possible. If it's not music then STUDY or TRAIN or whatever it is you have to do to set yourself far above the rest. Great lawyers wouldn't cut making the OJ trial, the exceptional lawyers who have true passion for their art do. You can accomplish this by finding out what the status quo is, and then multiplying that by 10, 100, or 1000. It's up to you. An exceptional drummer once stated that it's better to practice 20 minutes a day, rather than 4 hours once a week. It'll keep you fluid in both physical and mental memory with what you're rehearsing/building upon. Remember that in all things.
You have to be as disciplined as far as you want to take your career. Pushing yourself far beyond your comfort level is key, as well as knowing the profession like the back of your hand.
What non-music skills have you sought to gain and why?
Asa: -People skills. I cannot stress enough how important it is to go up to random strangers you respect in your profession and just introduce yourself, get them to come see you play, etc. More often than naught, having the right connection is what will break you into what you want to do. The internet is a great tool for this, contact key figures in your field and try to build a relationship that way. Even more concrete is meeting them in person, shaking their hand and looking them in the eye and leaving a big impression. This will take you light years beyond just practicing in your bedroom. The rule of "6 Degrees of Separation" is much truer than you might imagine. Through developing these people skills, I communicate regularly with world class drummers and musicians, all because I pushed myself to just say hi!
-Business. Don't spend most of your money if you can help it. Save it now, invest in your future.
How do you feel about the idea of 'the day job'?
Asa: Bottom line is, you must support yourself financially eventually. If you can't make it playing music, you MUST attempt to get a day job. Play music hard when work is over. When the day comes that you can pay the bills with your music, smile, literally thank God, and DO NOT take it for granted.
How did you know you were good enough to pursue this as work, and not just a hobby?
Asa: I performed in a public talent show when I was in high school, and afterwards, this little girl named Kady (with a "D") came up to me with her grandmother and asked for a drumstick and for me to sign it. I did so and her grandma whispered in my ear, "You're going places kid." She actually said that, gave me chills. 
The nail in the coffin was when I auditioned to perform with a pool of world class musicians through a Metro-Detroit church and made it with flying colors. That is when I really knew.
What do you wish you knew more about as it relates to music?
Asa: - Obviously there are drummers out their who can run circles around me, so to learn their technique is something I'll always continue to want to learn more about and challenge myself with.
- Eventually, I'd like to learn to actually read music! I know very little about this and know it would further session work should I ever choose to pursue that in the future.
- I also have a banjo that I desperately want somebody to teach me how to play!
Is there anything else you'd want to tell my students?
Asa: - There are thousands of excuses for not pushing yourself out of your comfort zone for anything you'll attempt. Leaps of faith are what shape us, I highly, highly encourage you to do what you know if your heart is right for you. Rock and roll.
You can visit the Jason Eaton Band on their website, or on facebook. If you want to read my first formal interview with Asa Lane, check out http://www.myspace.com/annadellemusic/blog/501636856
Sunday, May 8, 2011
The Tool Box
I have lots of things I could say about my mom, but today, I thought I'd share a story that says more than a card or a list. It happened almost 20 years ago, and it's a perfect illustration of the sort of person my mom is.
Twenty years ago this year, my husband and I got married. His family were, and are, big churchgoers. My future mother-in-law's peers (the church ladies, I would have called them) decided to throw me a very traditional shower. Kindly, they wanted to include my mom.
Most people would describe my mom as a quiet person; meeting new people is not her favorite thing to do. Despite this, she agreed to go to the shower anyway. She did two things in this group of strangers that I will never forget.
My mom attended lots of showers for me. She and my dad gave us so much; she didn't need to give me anything. She brought a gift for me anyway, and I know she selected this one with the setting in mind. Before I opened it, in front of all these unknown, dressed-up women, my mom announced that this gift was conditional. It was only for me, not for my husband.
It was a fully stocked toolbox. A hammer of my own.
The ladies also passed out index cards, and each one of them gave me a bit of advice to read aloud. My mom hates this sort of thing, but she participated. I'm sure the other women had lovely things to say, but the only advice I remember is hers.
"There's more than one way to do things."
When I read it out loud, she explained.
She asked me if I remembered folding towels.
I did, of course. She taught me how, and wanted it done a very specific way, tri-folded the long way, then folded into thirds, put on the shelf with the fold facing out.
She told me that we folded the towels that way because her mom told her it was the right way. Then she asked me if all of our towels fit on the shelves when folded that way.
No, I said.
She said, one day, it finally hit me. My mom probably had us fold the towels this way because all of her towels would then fit into her linen closet. She said, you've learned a way to do things. Your husband's learned another way. Together, you need to find a way that works for you. There's more than one way to do things.
Thanks Mom, for your bravery, boldness, sacrifices, humor, and insight.
Thank your mom today.
Twenty years ago this year, my husband and I got married. His family were, and are, big churchgoers. My future mother-in-law's peers (the church ladies, I would have called them) decided to throw me a very traditional shower. Kindly, they wanted to include my mom.
Most people would describe my mom as a quiet person; meeting new people is not her favorite thing to do. Despite this, she agreed to go to the shower anyway. She did two things in this group of strangers that I will never forget.
My mom attended lots of showers for me. She and my dad gave us so much; she didn't need to give me anything. She brought a gift for me anyway, and I know she selected this one with the setting in mind. Before I opened it, in front of all these unknown, dressed-up women, my mom announced that this gift was conditional. It was only for me, not for my husband.
It was a fully stocked toolbox. A hammer of my own.
The ladies also passed out index cards, and each one of them gave me a bit of advice to read aloud. My mom hates this sort of thing, but she participated. I'm sure the other women had lovely things to say, but the only advice I remember is hers.
"There's more than one way to do things."
When I read it out loud, she explained.
She asked me if I remembered folding towels.
I did, of course. She taught me how, and wanted it done a very specific way, tri-folded the long way, then folded into thirds, put on the shelf with the fold facing out.
She told me that we folded the towels that way because her mom told her it was the right way. Then she asked me if all of our towels fit on the shelves when folded that way.
No, I said.
She said, one day, it finally hit me. My mom probably had us fold the towels this way because all of her towels would then fit into her linen closet. She said, you've learned a way to do things. Your husband's learned another way. Together, you need to find a way that works for you. There's more than one way to do things.
Thanks Mom, for your bravery, boldness, sacrifices, humor, and insight.
Thank your mom today.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
My lens
(I don't normally blog on the weekends. This month, however, I've signed on to post once a day every day, so I'll be looking to put up something short. Perhaps it will become a series: pictures? Metaphors? I'll figure it out. Feel free to post your suggestions!)
Do I love the sunshine just so I can look at the world through sunglasses?
The colors are just a little more vivid through this lens. Maybe that's a metaphor for something, but that idea is going to have to wait a day or two. It's Saturday!
Do I love the sunshine just so I can look at the world through sunglasses?
The colors are just a little more vivid through this lens. Maybe that's a metaphor for something, but that idea is going to have to wait a day or two. It's Saturday!
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