Zariah

Karina Melody Shannon Michelle Jessica Ryanne Cynthia Jennica Caroline Cecilia Those are my suggestions.

I like how descriptive you were when giving the features of the woman who brought The prophesy. I could construct an illustration of this scene in my mind. On the same track as the others, I believe with a bit of revision, this could evolve into a great tale. I look forward to reading more.

Hey- it's been quite a while. Let me know what's up. Sorry I've been a recluse. I am glad you've stopped by. This place is a great escape, so I hope you stay. *Hugs* (for real) Call me (for real) if you need to talk or just want to talk.

I suppose I should have posted a critique before Evan got to it, because there’s nothing to really add that hasn’t been shared. But I guess I could just throw in a few things from my perspective. Well, I realized after I heard Slug (Atmosphere) that he sounded familiar. I remembered that I had heard a song that had a hip-hop style on my Warp Tour 2004 CD. So I checked it out this morning and it was there! On CD 1 song 11 (I’m not sure of the title off the top of my head, but if anyone has that CD, you know where to find the song). It’s odd because he’s the only hip-hop artist featured on the entire album, but it made sense. While it’s not really NOFX, Flogging Molly, or Yellowcard, the music has an alternative connection that links hip-hop and alternative genres when being performed live. Slug’s albums are very beat oriented, where live, there is guitar, bass, and drums blaring as loud as his voice. It’s not bad at all, just a different sound that invokes different interpretations of the content expressed. Six years ago I went to a Lauren Hill Concert (when Out Kast was so new, they were her opening act.) at Constitution Hall, and I was definitely a minority. But at the 9:30 club, I realized that Hip-hop has really expanded to different ethnic groups. Obviously people would assume it was Emenim, but I think that (and Wyv, could you verify?) underground hip-hop has had more incorporation of ethnicity than what has gone “public”, which is really a shame. Greyskul had Asian singers, and I can vouch that they were better than some of the rappers and hip-hop artists I hear on the radio. Most of the kids I saw there were white high school kids who liked both hip-hop and underground alternative. I bet there were breakers there too, but it was so packed, no one could dance. If only the quality of a hip-hop group was taken into consideration instead of the quantity of money that producing companies see in artist, then maybe hip-hop could be exposed for what it truly is, and better appreciated by those who don’t know what it’s REALLY about because they only have what the media has exposed to them to as a comparison. If that sentence didn’t make sense, like I think it may not have, what I mean is that essentially, before you make a decision to as whether you “like” Hip-hop, go to a LIVE concert where you can see hip-hop artists that are not hyped up for the public eye, because that’s the root, that’s the core, that’s the soul of hip-hop and you’ll be better educated. I think the more I write the more dim-witted I appear or something, but I wanted to let everyone know that I had a k1ck-@55 time. I learned more that I’m letting on, and if you go to a concert with Wyvern, you’re GUARENTEED a great time, because his excitement and enthusiasm spread to everyone around him. Ohh! I’ll post links to see the pictures when I get a chance to upload them.

Happy Birthday, E...hope you did something fun! *hugs* Katy

An In-the-Moment-freestyle I’m feelin’ the flow And ready to go Check it: Inspired by Slug, Atmosphere at the club It’s quite plain to see, How it’s affectin' me P.O.S. and Grey Skull, Spat verse wicked, never dull To make it or break it, Just show me a sign Experience the rhythm, Discover new rhyme It’s true that freestylin’, Can open the mind, Taking over the senses, Taking you to new dimensions, Expressing new meaning, At night when you’re dreaming: Of how Hip-Hop marks the soul.

Awww. I did it wrong....

Often searching for my own self-worth, I do know I am valued by others. I enjoy traveling and feeling like a contributor for the “bigger” picture. I’ve been fortunate to have visited other countries, but I miss most of the sights since I’m often in the dark. Jingling around wears me out and I often clang with my friends when we’re moving together. One could say that at the end of each day, I do feel quite spent. I do feel like we are separated into groups, which only increases my fear of being forgotten. When I’m being difficult, some say I have a heart as cold as metal. But who in my situation be thrilled to have little control over their life? I’m thrown and slammed down and hidden away in small containers. It does make me feel good to know I can help those who need me. One of the great aspects is when I’m happy and clean; I shine and gleam from side to side. Unless I am forever lost, I know I will have a very long lifetime. I’m a coin. I’m part of the physical aspect of the society “money”. I don’t agree with how we are being viewed by humans. People feel that if they have us, they are powerful. And I just want to be used as a trading mechanism to keep the human race functioning. Simple times, when people exchanged their trades with each other to get what they needed seem to have diminished, and now, I feel that we are almost an evil creation. I almost wish I didn’t exist. But, it could be because I am the lowest valued coin, and I can’t see it from a higher-worth position. Who knows? Maybe they will get rid of me and my kind to even things out for my superior-valued money pals. I’d rather be anything but what I am. (I hope I did this right? Err...or maybe not? I meant to show that I think that the way that society influences people in modern today, has also contributed to why I have had low self esteem. Except, that I don't feel I really do have poor self esteem so much any more, since I accept that I am who I am for a reason. I suppose this would basically be the me who I was in highschool.)

Found on Absolute Write "Punctuation in poetry is similar to punctuation in prose. In many ways, it serves the same purpose as bar lines in music: without them, the words and notes flow all together. Punctuation assists in organizing the written word into discernable packages or units. Punctuation in poetry serves the same function as in prose: 1. to encapsulate thoughts and ideas; to aid in coherence and the presentation of meaning (i.e., to avoid confusion); and especially to signal when and where to breathe. Many poetic forms require punctuation (unless, of course, you’re a rebel-in-training). Consider the following: the acrostic, the ballade, the sonnet, the epic, the cinquain, the ode, the villanelle, the terzanelle, the triolet, the rondeau, the pantoum, the ghazal, and blank verse. Speaking generally, what forms don’t? Western adaptations of traditional Asian forms such as haiku, senryu, sijo, and tanka to name but a few. Experimental forms, such as John Carley’s zip, use caesura, or line breaks, to denote pauses, while other experimental forms, such as Denis Garrison’s crystalline, do follow traditional stanzaic punctuation rules. Consider Hip-hop, Rap, SLAM, and rant, as well. With “experimental” poetry, space is often used to serve the same purpose as punctuation (e.g., tabbing over on the same line; the dropping and centering of lines; running adjacent columns; creating shapes with words; and so forth). Bold-faced type and other devices are often used to provide accents or other forms of emphasis. Since poetry is spoken aloud (i.e., performed), read silently and aloud to oneself, it is “heard” on many levels. I often find myself longing to hear a poet read their work rather than “just listening” to it in my own mind or hearing it uttered by my own tongue. Why? Because we enter into that poet’s realm of interpretation. The result (hopefully) is that we can hear their emphasis. We are then part of the poetic experience; it’s a social contract, a Sartrean “gift exchange.” " - Terrie Relf "My punctuation is based on the lines themselves. I split them the way that I read them. Commas are not necessary if you do that. Once in a while, I will use one if I want to continue the thought on one line...but rarely. A comma represents a pause in breath, which can also be created by a line break. Words running together, also called “enjambment” can create an effect, often emotional, of speed, of flow, that following strict rules of punctuation would eliminate, thus hampering the poem’s flow, and perhaps meaning." ~Chris Vannoy Also, there is a forum in an ezboard site called TheCriticalPoet's Poetry Forum. This link leads you to Learning about Poetry, Grammer Forums which can answer specific questions about specific punctuations, word usage, etc.

I *do* think that today's society overlooks what a HUGE job and responsibility it is to be a home maker. If those who don't understand could spend one day in their shoes, I'm SURE they'd change their opinions.

Confusion, it never stops An endless winding staircase Leading to the eternal abyss Which route will you roam? Toward the sun of enlightenment Or away from the pain into the depths of fear Confusion, it never stops But in truth, can be contained If you have faith in change What will you prefer to do? Confront the unknown Or spiral down adrift in bewilderment New line: Flickering flame ignites the wooden staff

I just wanted to start a conversation, and it's GREAT that it did! I found that piece online and I thought it was interesting. Well, my personal views are that it should be up to the individual to as what lifestyle they want to have. I think that one thing that's great about today is that we can (in a sense) choose. However, those women who WANT to be housewifes and caretakers, may have that choice taken away because everything is so expensive. But a household of peace and equality would interest me over one person taking the full responsibility.

Siren's call of silver blades, Echo through the walls of time. For hidden in a distant cave, Swords of Legend safely hide. Who will hear the maidens’ song To bring aggression to an end? Who shall bear the journey’s trial To hunt for precious relics revered? His name is Banda, hero known A man deemed worthy by his foes He delves in undiscovered places, Ready to reveal the past. Siren’s call of silver blades, Echo through the walls of time. Discovered in a distant cave, Swords of myth bring final peace. Next line: Figures dance within the shadows

1.) Junk is something you've kept for years and throw away three weeks before you need it. It is often said that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. So if you want to throw away your “junk”, offer it to your neighbor first. 2.) Some days you are the bug, some days you are the windshield. I’m pretty sure everyone here can relate.

How the times have changed..... The following is from an actual 1950's Home Economics textbook intended for High School girls, teaching them how to prepare for married life: 1. HAVE DINNER READY: Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal - on time. This is a way of letting him know that you have been thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospects of a good meal are part of the warm welcome needed. 2. PREPARE YOURSELF: Take 15 minutes to rest so you will be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh looking. He has just been with a lot of work-weary people. Ba little gay and a little more interesting. His boring day may need a lift. 3. CLEAR AWAY CLUTTER. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives, gathering up school books, toys, paper, etc. Then run a dust cloth over the tables. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift too. 4. PREPARE THE CHILDREN. Take a few minutes to wash the children's hands and faces if they are small, comb their hair, and if necessary, change their clothes. They are little treasures and he would like to see them playing the part. 5. MINIMIZE THE NOISE: At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of washer, dryer, or vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet. Greet him with a warm smile and kiss, letting him know you're glad to see him. 6. Some Don'ts: Don't greet him with problems or complaints. Don't complain if he's late for dinner. Count this as minor compared with what he might have gone through that day. 7. MAKE HIM COMFORTABLE. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or suggest he lay down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him. Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soft, soothing and pleasant voice. Allow him to relax and unwind. 8. LISTEN TO HIM: You may have a dozen things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first. 9. MAKE THE EVENING HIS: Never complain if he does not take you out to dinner or to other places of entertainment; instead try to understand his world of strain and pressure and his need to be home and relax. 10. THE GOAL: try to make your home a place of peace and order where your husband can relax. WELCOME TO 2000! 1. HAVE DINNER READY: Make reservations ahead of time. If your day becomes too hectic just leave him a voice mail message regarding where you'd like to eat and at what time. This lets him know that your day has been crappy and gives him an opportunity to change your mood. 2. PREPARE YOURSELF: Make sure to change out of your work clothes into something comfortable. Who cares if he likes it or not . . . after all, it's most likely his T-shirt and boxers. 3. CLEAR AWAY CLUTTER: Tell the kids and your husband if they want maid service, they better call one! 4. PREPARE THE CHILDREN: Send the children to their rooms to watch television or play Nintendo. 5. MINIMIZE THE NOISE: Yell to him over the loud music your kids are playing, that this is what you had to put up with while he was gone. And mention that it was his decision to buy the kids a new CD player in the first place. 6. SOME Don'ts: Don't greet him with problems and complaints. Let him speak first, and then your complaints will get more attention and remain fresh in his mind throughout dinner. Don't complain if he's late for dinner, simply remind him that the leftovers are in the fridge and you left the dishes for him to do. 7. MAKE HIM COMFORTABLE: Tell him where he can find a blanket if he's cold. This will really show you care. 8. LISTEN TO HIM: But don't ever let him get the last word. 9. MAKE THE EVENING HIS: Never complain if he does not take you out to dinner or other places of entertainment; go with a friend or go shopping (use his credit card). Familiarize him with the phrase "Girls' Night Out!" 10. THE GOAL: Try to keep things amicable without reminding him that he only thinks the world revolves around him. Obviously he's wrong, it revolves around you.

Yey! Happy Birthday!

Thank you so much to the participants in my Quill Quest. Zariah had fun hosting, and she's interested in hosting another event sometime.

"It is not a problem, although I'm not used to attention. Thank you. Well, I'm about to clean up, I hope you don’t mind me excusing myself. Thanks so much for showing up!" With that Zariah bowed her head, and headed to the buffet table.

Zariah replied, “Oh, we are walking. I JUST found out about my nature recently, so I’ve always walked in the forest. It’s only about a ten minute walk, and I bet you’ve been there before without even knowing it. It’s not “owned” by anyone, we just congregate there about once every two weeks or so. I’m excited to be able to introduce you. It’s great to incorporate my friends. I get lonely sometimes, even with fellow crow friends, for I want Pennite friends as well. Not that I don’t have friends here, but I don’t interact with them on a personal level. So I’m glad to have you. Anyways, shall we go? I’m sure they’re all waiting." With that, they headed into the forest and made it through the tall trees to the place. Wanderer was chatting with the others, and was startled with their approach. Zariah extended her arm and he came to her. "Friends, I’d like to introduce you to a dear friend of mine, Gwaihir. He can communicate with plants and animals and he can try to talk with you if you so wish. Be polite and patient. Gwai, I’ve given them their names, since they only have ones in the ancient tongue. Feel free to speak to whomever you wish, or not. We have about ten minutes or so before they depart." (OOC: You can speak to any you want and make up their responses. For the sake of time consumption, you can feel free to end with Gwai and Zariah returning when he feels ready. Thanks for participating, I had fun! And the names of some of the crows are: Wanderer (male), Brown Beak (male), and the three brothers: Bright Eyes, Long Legs, and Tip (males), and The four female Crows: Serene, Beauty, Harmony, and Fiery. )

Congrats! It sounds like you have a new option for a poll. You could pick your favorite three or four names and get the Pennites to vote on them! (Just for fun!)

~The best index to a person's character is 1. how he treats people who can't do him any good, and 2. how he treats people who can't fight back. ~In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years. ~Age is something that doesn't matter, unless you are a cheese. ~There is no use worrying about things over which you have no control, and if you have control, you can do something about them instead of worrying. ~Good communication is as stimulating as black coffee, and just as hard to sleep after.

After receiving Pillow’s letter and bidding farewell to some of the guests, Zariah became lost in thought. “Well, the Ball turned out alright, I imagine, although, as I estimated, Nyyark didn’t attend. I do hope that he has an exceptional explanation for this, or else I’m not speaking to him for a LONG time…..although, I did get to dance a bit! And I got punch on my dress, and I was able to attend to a naming ceremony, and there is a war going on, and my Crow friends helped decorate, and everyone seemed really nice! Maybe I’ll host another party sometime….” The conservatory began to clear out, and Zariah felt a blend of emotions. She was sad that the Ball had to conclude soon, but pleased that it had been so much fun.

I'll say some prayers for you, Mynx. I remember when I was in Tae Kwan Do. I loved it for 4 years, but then a month before my black belt testing, my instructor became really hard on me, and I felt not only like a failure, but like karate wasn't worth the crap I had to take for it. I wanted to have a fun experience, and it's a shame that it ended due to some crummy teacher. My advice would be to consider either getting another teacher, ignoring the one you have and just accepting that he's a meanie, or finding another place to continue your journey. Don't let some poobah ruin your fun. As for college. *Sigh* My freshman year, I had classes that ranged from 7:30 AM and 10:00 am and I could not make it to most of them. Other than the fact that I was depressed, I was also a night owl and spent most of my "day" at night. My advice would be to either see if you can switch some of your classes, attend the same class at another time just for the lectures, but make it on time for exams, or tough it out and make sure you schedule your classes differently next time. If you speak with your counselor about your problem, they may be able to insure you can get better scheduling in the future. Another option for sleeping, would be to *try* taking Tylenol PM early like 7ish on nights you are home and see if that helps get you to sleep earlier. *Hugs* Hang in there. This is not the end of the world, have faith and things can get better. Also, I agree with Peredhil's advice and wisdom.

Never give yourself a haircut after three margaritas. It's always darkest before dawn. So if you're going to steal your neighbor's newspaper, that's the time to do it. Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them you're a mile away and you have their shoes. If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.

Happy Birthday HappyBuddha, hope it's happy :woot: since you should have a happy day, especially on your birthday. So "Happy" day to you on your birth celebration. Or not? Or....just have a great 17th..... *Pulls out a to ease the tension*