"Who are you not to be fabulous." Erma Bombeck
Some tips and other information from the conference:
The author of "The Help," Kathryn Stockett, received 61 rejections before a publisher decided to take a chance and publish her work.
"What other people think about me is none of my business." Ashley Judd
I attended a panel session entitled "The Craft of Column Writing" and these columnists were a part of the panel: W. Bruce Cameron, Mary McCarty, Connie Schultz, and Craig Wilson and this presentation was moderated by Laura Pulfer. Connie Schultz was honored in the recent past with a pulitzer prize for some of her column work.
During the panel, many of the attendees were able to ask the panelists questions and here are some of the questions and responses:
What kind of books were inspiring to you? Stephen King's book on writing; "Bird by Bird"; "Operating Instructions"; and "The Artist's Way."
The panelists gave the writers information about what it is like to be a columnists such as you are working 24/7's - you are always thinking about what your next column is going to be a about. Craig mentioned a column about finding a single shoe on the side of the road. He received a lot of feedback from that column. Craig received a lot of theories about why the one shoe was on the side of the road. They need to see the extraordinary from the ordinary.
I attended a workshop entitled "Finding the Authority to Write." Believe it or not we don't always gain permission or receive support from those who are suppose to care about us such as our family, our friends and other people in our lives. I belong to a writers' and artists' group and one of the members of that group views my writing as a way of getting rich and famous because I mentioned blogs, twitter, facebook, etc. Writing can be a lonely job and keeping in touch with others is important and what is wrong with getting your name out there and becoming known.
Some other useful information provided during the aforementioned workshop on finding the authority to write included:
-Put the act of writing before thinking...
-Real writers write.
-Writing is a serving profession.
-It's an honorable and important thing to write for your community.
-Honor your calling.
-Go forth and serve.
-Show up when there is an audience of zero.
-Delight the audience you already have.
-Gate Keepers tell you there's no hope.
-Put armour on when you go up against the gatekeepers.
-Writing involves creativity and process.
I love the written word, really love it. I love to write it, read it, listen to it, etc. I want all writers or those inspiring to write to put forth and write. Realize you dreams.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
My Book: Remnants of a Shattered Past: A Journey of Discovery and Hope
Remnants of a
Shattered
Past
A Journey of Hope and Discovery
By Sharon Brunner
Remnants of a Shattered Past
presents a revolutionary view of the causes behind the challenges many Native
Americans face today including alcoholism and loss of cultural identity. The
story of the Native American people is told in two ways in this creative
non-fiction. The progression and
outcomes of historical trauma from 1492 to the present was the result of
beliefs such as Manifest Destiny. The
takeover of land, forced education, starvation, assimilation, discrimination,
and genocide, acts which are all based on superiority.
We all love a good story and the birth of the Eagle and Coyote stories
has a very unique beginning. My Indian
name is Eagle Woman, which is Migizi Kwe in Ojibwe. My husband’s given name is Coyote
and the Ojibwe term for Coyote is Wiisagi-maiingan, meaning small wolf. Legends from the past involve Eagle and
Coyote traveling together. What better
way to tell how things were and still are for the Native American people than
by using Eagle and Coyote to lead the way.
They are interesting characters who were sent to various time periods
around the Americas to serve as investigators for the Creator. Eagle and Coyote are blessed with many gifts
from shape shifting to spirit travel.
People who are connected to the Eagle spirit are spiritually evolved and
born leaders and are relied upon for guidance. They are willing to endure
challenges because they are confident they can meet these challenges, and take
advantage of opportunities without pause because they have a strong conviction
that there will be lessons or gifts that can be learned by doing so.
Individuals who are associated with the Coyote spirit are usually looking
for the hidden messages in difficult circumstances. These individuals can be pranksters and can
turn almost anything into something fun.
They are very resourceful, can adapt to most situations and can be
natural teachers. People with the Coyote spirit are survivors, capable of
living through most experiences.
Enjoy traveling through time with Eagle and Coyote as they explore the
history of the Anishanaabeg (Native American people).
Friday, May 18, 2012
Baroque Era
On Thursday, May 17, 2012 I attended an informative and engaging Lake Superior Elders' presentation. Bob Aldrich provided the elders with some of his knowledge about classical/baroque music. I was told he was brillant so what he shared with us I presumed with a tip of the iceberg. He took us on a journey through time. We were told about the inception of baroque music and the time in which it was introduced. The time period was between the years of 1600 and 1750. A time when Europe was going through a tumultuous chaotic time and people experienced extremes economically, and politically. There were people existing at extremes levels of wealth and those surviving in abject poverty. There was no middle class. War and peace coexisted.
Because of this disharmony, music took another path to help distill peace amongst the population. Before Baroque music was introduced, music was played by using one note at a time along with utilizing one voice at a time. Aldrich demonstrated the one note concept by playing a song on the piano. One note, one voice coupled with unilateral rule over the entire country, this served as the basis for the need for the renewal that was brought forth by the Baroque era. King Louis XIV was one of the rulers during this time period and all his orders had to be followed or those not following his orders would be put to death or locked in a dark dungeon.
During the Baroque period painters began painting scenes portrayed by the common people such as a man carrying a loaf of bread. Unless ordered to do so, artists were no longer painting portraits of kings. Water colors were being introduced. Van Gough was one of the famous artists from that time period. The written works mirrored the unrest, Le Miseral was example of this work. Des Cartes and Gallaleo presented scientific data that challenged those in power including the Church.
Italy forged the way for the marked changes in music. As a result, the changes that were adapted in the music arena had to be learned by using the Italian language. However, an universal approach was adopted by establishing a five note system with sharps and flats utilized throughout Europe and then adopted by the rest of the world. I am reminded of mathematics and how that was universalized.
Many great musicians, 43 to be exact, existed during the Baroque Era who drastically changed the world of music and these changes still persist today, most demonstrated in rock music. Henry Purcell's music is still being played for royal ceremonies in England and elsewhere. Bach fostered the most growth in the music field. He was instrumental in adding both treble and base in which you had to use two hands to play instruments. There was a move from only using your four fingers on each hand to also using your thumbs to play music. String instruments were introduced. First three string instruments and then six and twelve strings that exist today. The harpsichord, bass viol, violin, guitar and hurdy gurdy were some of the instruments that were developed during this time period.
Bach was one of the first middle class citizens in Europe. He earned his money by selling his musical ensembles mainly to churches. During the same time that Bach was leaving his mark in the music world another musician by the name of Handel was also taking the lead. Both lived their lives in the extreme of one another. Bach was married twice and fathered 20 children and Handel never married. Bach never left his home country of Germany and Handel was born in Germany; however he travelled all over Europe.
Baroque composers wrote in many different musical genres from opera to religious music. Instrumental sonatas and dance combinations were written for specific instruments, for singing groups and for orchestras. Soprano and base voice pitches were introduced along with alto,more than one voice. Bach wrote a lot of music for his second wife and she was one of the first women to be paid to perform for church services. Major and minor scales were developed that still exist with Western tonality. Concertos and French overtures emerged. Again, many of the songs that were written during the Baroque period are still being played today such as the musical background to the song "Joy to the World."
I was enthralled to learn about the connections that existed between the political and economical realms during the Baroque Era. The information for this blog was derived from the presentation that was provided to the Lake Superior Elders and Wikipedia.
Because of this disharmony, music took another path to help distill peace amongst the population. Before Baroque music was introduced, music was played by using one note at a time along with utilizing one voice at a time. Aldrich demonstrated the one note concept by playing a song on the piano. One note, one voice coupled with unilateral rule over the entire country, this served as the basis for the need for the renewal that was brought forth by the Baroque era. King Louis XIV was one of the rulers during this time period and all his orders had to be followed or those not following his orders would be put to death or locked in a dark dungeon.
During the Baroque period painters began painting scenes portrayed by the common people such as a man carrying a loaf of bread. Unless ordered to do so, artists were no longer painting portraits of kings. Water colors were being introduced. Van Gough was one of the famous artists from that time period. The written works mirrored the unrest, Le Miseral was example of this work. Des Cartes and Gallaleo presented scientific data that challenged those in power including the Church.
Italy forged the way for the marked changes in music. As a result, the changes that were adapted in the music arena had to be learned by using the Italian language. However, an universal approach was adopted by establishing a five note system with sharps and flats utilized throughout Europe and then adopted by the rest of the world. I am reminded of mathematics and how that was universalized.
Many great musicians, 43 to be exact, existed during the Baroque Era who drastically changed the world of music and these changes still persist today, most demonstrated in rock music. Henry Purcell's music is still being played for royal ceremonies in England and elsewhere. Bach fostered the most growth in the music field. He was instrumental in adding both treble and base in which you had to use two hands to play instruments. There was a move from only using your four fingers on each hand to also using your thumbs to play music. String instruments were introduced. First three string instruments and then six and twelve strings that exist today. The harpsichord, bass viol, violin, guitar and hurdy gurdy were some of the instruments that were developed during this time period.
Bach was one of the first middle class citizens in Europe. He earned his money by selling his musical ensembles mainly to churches. During the same time that Bach was leaving his mark in the music world another musician by the name of Handel was also taking the lead. Both lived their lives in the extreme of one another. Bach was married twice and fathered 20 children and Handel never married. Bach never left his home country of Germany and Handel was born in Germany; however he travelled all over Europe.
Baroque composers wrote in many different musical genres from opera to religious music. Instrumental sonatas and dance combinations were written for specific instruments, for singing groups and for orchestras. Soprano and base voice pitches were introduced along with alto,more than one voice. Bach wrote a lot of music for his second wife and she was one of the first women to be paid to perform for church services. Major and minor scales were developed that still exist with Western tonality. Concertos and French overtures emerged. Again, many of the songs that were written during the Baroque period are still being played today such as the musical background to the song "Joy to the World."
I was enthralled to learn about the connections that existed between the political and economical realms during the Baroque Era. The information for this blog was derived from the presentation that was provided to the Lake Superior Elders and Wikipedia.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Sleeping Beauty
On Saturday, May 5th, I attended a play and dance performance of Sleeping Beauty. My husband, Don, and I realized shortly after we started watching the show that we were also attending a dance rehearsal. Children of all ages were performing dance routines on the stage. There was some acting by mostly adults that was associated with the Sleeping Beauty story. The entire performance was entertaining and I wondered at certain points during the performance if I was in Sault Ste. Marie, MI. The show was that excellent and often I felt as if I was in a larger city watching a professional performance.
The dancers, especially the older students, were phenomenal dancers and performers. I saw children perform dancing styles such as tap dancing, ballerina, and choreographed dance routines. The little girls as young as three years old were so endearing to watch as they appeared as forest animals, flowers, etc. The assistants had to lead these young dancers in the right direction.
Some of the older students were astute at gymnastics. They were doing back flips, somersaults, and forward flips over and around their peers, completely amazing. There was a scene involving the burning of all spinning wheels in the kingdom and what appeared to be junior high aged girls wearing red and black costumes. They danced in front of a spinning wheel in a choreographed fashion.
At the end of the show, one of the leaders of the dance studio introduced and awarded students, who were graduating from highschool, recognition for their many years of dancing experience. Dance assistants were given recognition. It was announced that the Sleeping Beauty performance was nine months in the making. The overall experience was enthralling and I recommend that anyone would find pleasure in viewing performances put on by the performing arts studio stationed in Sault Ste. Marie, MI.
The dancers, especially the older students, were phenomenal dancers and performers. I saw children perform dancing styles such as tap dancing, ballerina, and choreographed dance routines. The little girls as young as three years old were so endearing to watch as they appeared as forest animals, flowers, etc. The assistants had to lead these young dancers in the right direction.
Some of the older students were astute at gymnastics. They were doing back flips, somersaults, and forward flips over and around their peers, completely amazing. There was a scene involving the burning of all spinning wheels in the kingdom and what appeared to be junior high aged girls wearing red and black costumes. They danced in front of a spinning wheel in a choreographed fashion.
At the end of the show, one of the leaders of the dance studio introduced and awarded students, who were graduating from highschool, recognition for their many years of dancing experience. Dance assistants were given recognition. It was announced that the Sleeping Beauty performance was nine months in the making. The overall experience was enthralling and I recommend that anyone would find pleasure in viewing performances put on by the performing arts studio stationed in Sault Ste. Marie, MI.
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Fun at the St. Ignace Library
Libraries can be a great source of entertainment for people of all ages. On Thursday, May 3, 2012 I had an opportunity to travel down to St. I gnace and play with my granddaughter. My mother, her great grandmother, was given the responsibility of watching Madison that day. Both my daughter and Madison had doctor's appointments and since they live in Cheboygan and my daughter works in St. Ignace, it was the only workable solution since my mother happens to live in St. Ignace.
Madison is four years old and very active. Like most four year olds she likes to explore, play and just keep going continuously. My mother was a little concerned and asked if I would travel to
St. I gnace to help her out.
I decided to try to wear Madison out. I talked my mother into visiting the St. Ignace library.
St. Ignace constructed a very nice library to replace the old one. It was a very chilly rainy day. My mother was wondering why we just couldn't hang out at her home where it is nice and warm. Finally she agreed to go. As soon as I walked into the library, I knew I would have a chance to have fun with Madison. My mother went off on her own to look for books for herself and I sought out the children's section of the library.
Sure enough there was a section dedicated just to children. Being a kid at heart with a love of books including children's books, I was in what I would define as heaven. There was even an alcove children and adults could sit in, complete with a couple of long stairs and stuffed animals. A lot of books were standing on a table situated in the middle of the children's area. Books were sitting upright on top of bookshelves. I had my eye on a book entitled "Dewey, The Libary Cat." Then I decided I would read Madison a book about a great big pie made with all sorts of candy. The townsfolk ate so much of the pie that they had bad dreams and Mrs. Brindle took a broom and swept their dreams away. Whenever I think my thoughts can be way out there, I am reminded that others have weird thoughts also.
Madison wanted to explore so we walked around the library. The librarian told us that since she was the only one working at the libary that day there wasn't going to be a story hour. Then she proceeded to have me follow her to a room at the back of the libary. There were paper bags, children's scissors, glue, crayons, frog and alligator designs. The librarian told me that we could make a paper bag puppet. Madison really likes to make art projects so she was very interested in doing this activity. Madison decided she wanted to make an alligator puppet. She colored the alligator various colors from yellow, red to green and then tried to cut out the pieces. Needless to say, I had to finish cutting out the pieces. I didn't mind, I love doing art projects also. Some of my favorites moments I recall is when I was doing art projects. I proudly remember bringing home my marble art that I made in one of my child development classes. Madison spread glue on the pieces and then placed them on the bag. Her project was complete. Then we went exploring again after picking up after ourselves.
I talked Madison into listening to the library cat book. Shortly after we settled down to read the book in the little alcove, a group of parents and children walked into the children's area. I began reading the book "Dewey, The Libary Cat" and discovered I had an audience. I was reading the book Sharon style with lots of animation and discussions about the pictures. The children including Madison and a parent were enjoying the book. What I discovered about myself is that I really like reading children's books. Perhaps next week when I visit the library with Madison again, I will be able to share my love of reading with other children of whom I don't know; but share a common interest. I think the parents thought I was the reader that day. I enjoyed my visit to the library and want to reiterate that libraries are an excellent source of healthy entertainment for children of all ages.
Madison is four years old and very active. Like most four year olds she likes to explore, play and just keep going continuously. My mother was a little concerned and asked if I would travel to
St. I gnace to help her out.
I decided to try to wear Madison out. I talked my mother into visiting the St. Ignace library.
St. Ignace constructed a very nice library to replace the old one. It was a very chilly rainy day. My mother was wondering why we just couldn't hang out at her home where it is nice and warm. Finally she agreed to go. As soon as I walked into the library, I knew I would have a chance to have fun with Madison. My mother went off on her own to look for books for herself and I sought out the children's section of the library.
Sure enough there was a section dedicated just to children. Being a kid at heart with a love of books including children's books, I was in what I would define as heaven. There was even an alcove children and adults could sit in, complete with a couple of long stairs and stuffed animals. A lot of books were standing on a table situated in the middle of the children's area. Books were sitting upright on top of bookshelves. I had my eye on a book entitled "Dewey, The Libary Cat." Then I decided I would read Madison a book about a great big pie made with all sorts of candy. The townsfolk ate so much of the pie that they had bad dreams and Mrs. Brindle took a broom and swept their dreams away. Whenever I think my thoughts can be way out there, I am reminded that others have weird thoughts also.
Madison wanted to explore so we walked around the library. The librarian told us that since she was the only one working at the libary that day there wasn't going to be a story hour. Then she proceeded to have me follow her to a room at the back of the libary. There were paper bags, children's scissors, glue, crayons, frog and alligator designs. The librarian told me that we could make a paper bag puppet. Madison really likes to make art projects so she was very interested in doing this activity. Madison decided she wanted to make an alligator puppet. She colored the alligator various colors from yellow, red to green and then tried to cut out the pieces. Needless to say, I had to finish cutting out the pieces. I didn't mind, I love doing art projects also. Some of my favorites moments I recall is when I was doing art projects. I proudly remember bringing home my marble art that I made in one of my child development classes. Madison spread glue on the pieces and then placed them on the bag. Her project was complete. Then we went exploring again after picking up after ourselves.
I talked Madison into listening to the library cat book. Shortly after we settled down to read the book in the little alcove, a group of parents and children walked into the children's area. I began reading the book "Dewey, The Libary Cat" and discovered I had an audience. I was reading the book Sharon style with lots of animation and discussions about the pictures. The children including Madison and a parent were enjoying the book. What I discovered about myself is that I really like reading children's books. Perhaps next week when I visit the library with Madison again, I will be able to share my love of reading with other children of whom I don't know; but share a common interest. I think the parents thought I was the reader that day. I enjoyed my visit to the library and want to reiterate that libraries are an excellent source of healthy entertainment for children of all ages.
News from Lake Superior Elders
The Lake Superior Elders is a group that provides educational experiences for its members over the age of 50. The group meets almost weekly with the exception of a few weeks off around the holidays. The sessions are held at Lake Superior State University, usually at the Cisler Center. Many of the participants were employed with the hospital, public schools and other various vocations and are retired from these positions. We have had many excellent presenters and here are some examples: Tim Hall, Superintendent of Sault Ste. Marie Area Schools; Shelly White-Thomas, Legal advice about will and trusts; War Memorial Hospital presentation about mental health services; etc.
On Wednesday, May 2, Dan Wyers from the Department of Parks and Recreation gave an update on the services the city of Sault Ste. Marie has planned. I was amazed at the number of parks that existed in this community, 30 altogether. The city has provided community gardens for those who cannot have a garden, usually due to not having the space to do so such as people living in apartments. There are 65 plots, 15' by 15'.
Also, the children's fishing pond at Rotary Park is being expanded. This service is free to children 16 and under. The city is planting Blue Gill and Salmon in the fishing area to go along with the Trout that is already present. Another historical landmark is the Pullar Stadium. The plans for that center is to provide new windows. Some of the windows at the Pullar are in badly need of being replaced. The city is also working with the Cecelia Mattheson Project. The family donated $250,000,000 for the completion of a specific project and the city is working towards providing the rest of the funding to complete the project. Wyers also reported that there is going to be a park for children at the corner of Shunk Rd. and 10 mile Rd. There is going to be an historical theme. The grand opening for this park is June 16th. The city also fixed some erosion at the Sherman Park area and the city is exploring the possibility of repairing a building that was used as an elder center.
Wyers destributed information about what is happening in Sault Ste. Marie. These were sites in which someone could explore various reports, budgets, and other city documents. I am going to suggest that the elders partake in the technology days that involve the Cloverland Electric building on Portage Road and perhaps other activities associated with many of the events provided by the city of Sault Ste. Marie at the curriculum meeting being held next week. Tonight a wonderful event is being held involving a play entitled "Sleeping Beauty." Part of the proceeds go to the United Way foundation of Chippewa County. If any of my readers have any ideas for the Lake Superior Elders, please forward them to me.
On Wednesday, May 2, Dan Wyers from the Department of Parks and Recreation gave an update on the services the city of Sault Ste. Marie has planned. I was amazed at the number of parks that existed in this community, 30 altogether. The city has provided community gardens for those who cannot have a garden, usually due to not having the space to do so such as people living in apartments. There are 65 plots, 15' by 15'.
Also, the children's fishing pond at Rotary Park is being expanded. This service is free to children 16 and under. The city is planting Blue Gill and Salmon in the fishing area to go along with the Trout that is already present. Another historical landmark is the Pullar Stadium. The plans for that center is to provide new windows. Some of the windows at the Pullar are in badly need of being replaced. The city is also working with the Cecelia Mattheson Project. The family donated $250,000,000 for the completion of a specific project and the city is working towards providing the rest of the funding to complete the project. Wyers also reported that there is going to be a park for children at the corner of Shunk Rd. and 10 mile Rd. There is going to be an historical theme. The grand opening for this park is June 16th. The city also fixed some erosion at the Sherman Park area and the city is exploring the possibility of repairing a building that was used as an elder center.
Wyers destributed information about what is happening in Sault Ste. Marie. These were sites in which someone could explore various reports, budgets, and other city documents. I am going to suggest that the elders partake in the technology days that involve the Cloverland Electric building on Portage Road and perhaps other activities associated with many of the events provided by the city of Sault Ste. Marie at the curriculum meeting being held next week. Tonight a wonderful event is being held involving a play entitled "Sleeping Beauty." Part of the proceeds go to the United Way foundation of Chippewa County. If any of my readers have any ideas for the Lake Superior Elders, please forward them to me.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Erma Bombeck Humor Writing Conference Notes
Hi Everybody:
First of all I would like to present some of the information that was covered during the presentation entitled "Finding the Authority to Write." Kyrann Pittman was the presenter and author of "Planting Dandelions." Interesting title. Her book is about the trial and tribulations of being a parent on a personal level. I think she took some pointers from Erma Bombeck's books about parenting.
First of all she asked the attendees about what we thought it meant to be a writer.
Some of the responses included: real writers spend at least four hours a day writing; the words flow onto the age and they write eloquently from the start. Sound familar. Kyrann added: "real writers write." We must put the act of wrting before thinking, etc.
A quote from Erma "Who are you not to be fabulous?" Another quote: "Reach high with good posture."
The presenter stated that it's okay to be ambitous. Kyrann stated that she started blogging around Christmas Eve 2005. She was noticed by Good Housekeeping because of the writing she did with her blog.
Kyrann portrayed information about the differences between being a writing being versus being a writer.
A writing being is process oriented and also:
-in the present moment
-validation comes from inside
-transpersonal from inside
-independent of gatekeepers
-receptive and yielding
Being a writer is outcome oriented and also:
-there is only past or future
-validation comes for outside
-personal/professional agenda
-dependent on gatekeepers
-driven, focused
Kyrann also conveyed that the author of "The Help" received 61 rejections before a publisher decided to publish her work.
I explain what I learned from other workshops during future blog messages.
Have a great week.
Sharon
First of all I would like to present some of the information that was covered during the presentation entitled "Finding the Authority to Write." Kyrann Pittman was the presenter and author of "Planting Dandelions." Interesting title. Her book is about the trial and tribulations of being a parent on a personal level. I think she took some pointers from Erma Bombeck's books about parenting.
First of all she asked the attendees about what we thought it meant to be a writer.
Some of the responses included: real writers spend at least four hours a day writing; the words flow onto the age and they write eloquently from the start. Sound familar. Kyrann added: "real writers write." We must put the act of wrting before thinking, etc.
A quote from Erma "Who are you not to be fabulous?" Another quote: "Reach high with good posture."
The presenter stated that it's okay to be ambitous. Kyrann stated that she started blogging around Christmas Eve 2005. She was noticed by Good Housekeeping because of the writing she did with her blog.
Kyrann portrayed information about the differences between being a writing being versus being a writer.
A writing being is process oriented and also:
-in the present moment
-validation comes from inside
-transpersonal from inside
-independent of gatekeepers
-receptive and yielding
Being a writer is outcome oriented and also:
-there is only past or future
-validation comes for outside
-personal/professional agenda
-dependent on gatekeepers
-driven, focused
Kyrann also conveyed that the author of "The Help" received 61 rejections before a publisher decided to publish her work.
I explain what I learned from other workshops during future blog messages.
Have a great week.
Sharon
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