Second Life, Webkinz & This World

A name keeps cropping up that just sort of sits out there, with a few words surrounding it that tweak the curiosity just enough for you to remember it, until finally you are curious enough that you say, hum mm, let me take a look at this. So you surf, and bingo it comes up, and you find that it is a virtual world that countless people are starting to gravitate to where they can build a fantasy life and live and be whomever they chose. That one is called Second Life.

Then, the other day, one of our local stations asked the question about how many of us knew anything about Webkinz? They thought we should because local stores could not keep them on their shelf! It seems they have become the new "to die for" toy, the must have gift, the 2007 Beanie Babies!




Well, I certainly didn't know that. I'd never heard of it, but when they started to report I realized that I'd seen a few of the cute, cuddly toys nestled tightly in the arms of little ones in our family, or little cuties strolling through the mall with their parents, but I had no idea that they, too, had a virtual world of their own! Webkinz is a virtual, social world for children! Per a parent that was interviews on our local station, her young ones are learning about the responsibilities of pet ownership, property ownership, and money management through the Webkinz website!

If there are youngsters in your life you might want to ask them about this new phenomena, find out what type of a social impact it is having in their life. You might also want to find about a bit more about social worlds as a whole. As tough as times are in the real one, it might be very tempting to opt for a virtual one where you rule, but I'm not yet convinced.

Tapped by MsJayy

Now this is a bit different for me. I'm not sure what my mindset normally is when I drift here to blog a bit, but it is usually unscripted. But I'm purposely here now because I got tagged by MsJayy. I didn't know it until I was checking my site visits and saw a host were coming from her site. My eyebrow lifted and I hurried on over to see what was up, and there, near the bottom of her eloquent offering on her obsessions, was my name as one of the next five in line to spill all. My goodness, I thought, this is not a good time for me to try to delve into my wounded psyche! So, forgive me if I come up with a lot of fluff, or, if I go all the way off the deep end on the side of melancholia. Life has recently been a very, very bumpy ride.

Obsessions
1) Listening: I listen so hard now it physically hurts, especially if someone I love deeply is talking. I want to hear them. I want to make sure I am really hearing what they are saying, what they mean, and, this is probably the most painful part, trying to hear between the lines to what they aren't saying.

2) Sleeping: Sleep is a commodity that I now value beyond my ability to say. I approach it ritualistically, having been deprived of it for a spell, and I do what I can to ensure that once I have lured it to me, I can keep it for at least four or five hours. Prescription sleep aids were against my better judgement, and over the counter sleep aids would just take me to the door of a good night's sleep and abandon me there, but, I stumbled upon a wonderful tea, made by Tazo, and rightfully named 'Calm'. So I am careful to differentiate that I am obsessed with sleep and not 'Calm', but, at least for the moment, they go hand-in-hand.

3) Direction: My direction is an obsession. Any road taking me there is no longer acceptable. I need to know where I'm headed, what mode of transportation I'm taking, I'm adamant about reading the signs posted along the way, and about what I'm supposed to do when I reach my destination.

4) Possibilities: There are possibilities that have introduced themselves to me in the lives (and deaths) of others that I resent having been opened up as possibilities. Though this may seem an odd statement: I am obsessed with limiting my possibilities. Some of you will understand.

5) Writing: Momentum as a writer stalled momentarily, but it is back in spades. The poet in me is a slave driver now! I weave poetry now as though I were at a spinning wheel with my foot cemented to the pedal. Short bursts of prose or long fiddled with premises are finding themselves hammered out into coherent synopsis, that become respectable outlines, and are turning into long overdue finished projects. I am writing ruthlessly, continuously, passionately, and authentically.

Okay? Next up is Carla, Shelia, and I'm not going to come up with anymore because my FIVE have already been tagged! Did I play fair? I hope so!

Mother's Day: Sachet L'Air du Temps

I know, I know, I've shared this before on Mother's Day, but this is for my mother - now more than ever. Her sweet spirit is ever near.




Sachet L'Air du Temps

The scent of her lingers in folds,
creases and closed boxes,
often sweet surprises stumbled upon
on the worst of days

when angry men and crude
women rip, snatch,
and seek to pry loose

my smallest joy.

The aroma, easing forth at first,
a mere suggestion, strengthens
as if steeped in

freshly warmed care. A sweet sachet
impervious to boundaries seen,
relentless in its mission,
and, when it is gone I find

I am completely whole again.

©2000 Peggy Eldridge-Love
From You Beckon

Tinkering

---

I've been tinkering with watercolor, flinging and slapping, dabbing and stroking, and it has felt good. Just something to do while I wait on something else to materialize. One of them I named 'Or Not'. I'm abstract oriented when it comes to art, but my husband picked that piece up and immediately said that it looked like a face to him. It surprised me that he zoned in on it so quickly. He saw straight through it - so I'll have to 'face it or not'. I'm not as abstract as sometimes I think I am.

I've written a few articles recently that I like. My momentum is picking back up and that is a good thing.

The Stretch

Photo: Pavel Potapov

I understand - now - so I unclench.
We no longer head in that direction
though I do not yet know another.
Senseless to resist - still - so I unfurl
from my fetal curve to stretch.
Trust? So I say. Truth? So I hope.
You did not ask this time.
I am reminded to be still.
To wait.
Now.
©2007 Peggy Eldridge-Love

Next!

It is a good thing that things change. They need to, regardless of how terrifying change and the element of the unknown tends to be. I am altering my routine on numerous different levels, from small little things like what time I shower, to actions that take much more thought and adjustment.

I'm examining my habits, too. The interesting revelation is how many habits I have that I was unaware of. I discover that my mouse has to be in an exact spot before I will click it when I'm using my desktop computer. I note the time when I post an entry into my journal, and though days may pass in between entries, it is almost always the same time within a few (wee hour) minutes of the entry before that I'm jotting out my heart. So, I flipped it. I made an entry first thing in the morning --told myself how I wanted my day to go for a change, rather than telling myself how it went. I'm tired of being so habitual.

And things I cling to. Heck, I want to uncling every where I can. I don't want to allow anything to matter too much. I'm not talking about giving away my possession or all that nonsense, I'm talking about eliminating the unnecessary wherever the unnecessary may be. If I'm having to think about it and it's not productive, it isn't bringing me joy and happiness, it's not helping someone else, and if it is a source of stress or strain, it is time for it to go!

So, it is a season of change for me, time to step away from the comfort zone and into a zone where truth and genuine peace can abide. Change is a good thing.

Blogging in Black

I was recently extended an invitation to become a regular columnist with Blogging in Black, a wonderful blog that deals with books, writers, and the writing business. As the name suggests, the emphasis is primarily on African American literary matters, but the experiences shared, addressed, discussed, lamented, exalted, and explored are universal.

Other regular columnist and guest bloggers include and have included Jewells, Monica Jackson, Carla Curtis, Angela Henry, Tee C. Royal, Linda Dominique Grovesnor, Dakota Knight, Shelia Goss, Wendy Coakley-Thompson, and Cherlyn Michaels, to name but a few. Those are definitely some names that should whet your appetite! Their various insights and prospectives are always invigorating and provocative.




So, here is a link to my first contribution, titled with great originality: Deal or No Deal! I hope you make Blogging in Black a daily part of your Internet browsing from now on.

Ah, Spring!

©Nudgies®

I've had a flurry of positive literary news the last couple of days. Projects moving forward at very respectable clips. Promises of probable new projects in the offing, both fiction and non-fiction. A few articles picked up by a new entity that has a ready checkbook that they aren't afraid to use. But, that also means work, lots and lots of work. You best believe I am happily rolling up my sleeves!

The Woman in the Doorway

I've got that dreaded editing task awaiting me this weekend. I refuse to even call it by name. My eyes now meet each other at the base of my nose whenever I pick up and start to look at this story. I want to be finished with it! Done! But, there is this one quirky scene where someone enters a room and, for the life of me, I can't get it right. It seems so simple. It really is very simple, but I can't get it to flow. Perhaps it shouldn't be there, but it has to be. If it's not there -- nope, it has to stay in! I'll just have to rework it again. Darn it!

You've Got Mail

A few weeks ago, following the startling death of someone I loved beyond words, I wrote a poem titled "You've Got Mail". The one thing that I realized, that absolutely ripped my heart asunder, was that although I spoke to this beloved person virtually everyday by either telephone or email, that when I stopped to think about when I had actually looked him in the eye, actually seen him face to face, it had been weeks. Weeks in which I had not been privy to the erosion of his health and his spirit in ways that perhaps I feel I might have been had I been looking at him, weeks in which he had been able to put up a good front that gave me a false sense of security ...

"You've Got Mail" very fortunately struck a chord with a number of people who heard or read it. A few close friends immediately responded to its message, particularly on the heels of my personal pain, and have shared with me the personal and individual changes they have begun to make in their own lives, with their own loved ones and with friends; changes that bridge the gap (forgive the cliche) that once was so easy to justify because it is 'the way things are now.'

Bob Marcacci was one of those people who immediately responded to "You've Got Mail". He asked, and I readily consented to it being included in an anticipated poetry radio program. When something happened and that program didn't materialize, Bob asked if he could use the poem in another radio podcast he was producing and I gladly obliged.

It is the message of "You've Got Mail" that matters, and I feel it is divine providence that has given it the type of platform it has received! So, I hope you'll take a bit of time to listen to this broadcast that includes "You've Got Mail". It is close to 25 minutes into the program before it comes up, but the other poetry that is here is humbling -- Catherine Daly, with her exquisite poetic resume and the others ... makes me wonder at my good fortune to share the billing with them, so, put on your thinking cap and tune in to this poetic escapade now! If you haven't already, please click on the player and tune in right now to the 2.4 i-outlaw! program. May you never again be the same.

---

powered by ODEO

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Something New from Trey Songz

Trey Songz has something new about to be dropped. It looks like June 12th is the target date for release of his new album, TREY DAY, and the single 'Wonder Woman', but the excitement is already beginning to build. Trey is an interesting young artist, and I just took a look at the video for the upcoming single titled "Wonder Woman", but I viewed it with an eye towards the recent uproar about the content, tone, and innuendo of today's music as it impacts young women, especially young African-American women.

"Wonder Woman" is certainly suggestive in its sexual overtones, but the language and graphic degradation is not prevalent. The young woman in the video is rarely seen face on and, when seen, she is usually clothed. The last scene strongly suggests what the desired sexual outcome of Trey and the young video actress will ultimately be, but it stays within the realm of suggestion only.

Trey is a singer that I think will make the coming transition well. The 'after Imus' transition I predict that will spin the music business around at least 180 degrees in the very, very near future, if not further! Whether rap, pop, rhythm and blues, or somewhere in between, the sounds, sights, and message of music will be forced to change, not merely because of a possible eye towards policing or censorship, in my opinion, but because of the impending need for the return to a spirit of love in general, and love between those romantically attracted in particular. I'm personally looking forward to it!

In case you missed Trey Songz' debut album, I GOTTA MAKE IT, there is still time to catch up! He set himself apart from the crowd with this first endeavor with bona fide talent and quality performance.

---

Content copyright © 2007 by Peggy Eldridge-Love. All rights reserved.
This content was written by Peggy Eldridge-Love. If you wish to use this content in any manner, you need written permission. Contact Peggy at plovewriter@gmail.com

What Is In A Writer's Name?

My name has been an object of curiosity of late. Since the name I hyphenate is not my maiden name, my given middle name, nor my married name I've recently had a few gentle (and a few blatant) probes as to just where it came from. This was particularly true since I've had the pleasure of seeing and hearing from a host of friends with whom I attended elementary, junior high, high school, and college, not to mention Sunday school, church, Blue Birds, Campfire Girls, and ... well, you get my drift!

My pat answer is that I'm a writer, and it's the name I write under, which is true. But it goes a little deeper than that. The middle name once upon a time was my last name, and the majority of the people with whom I established my creative life, i.e., music, greeting cards, and poetry, knew me only by that name. So, when my life changed again years later (and I returned to my hometown) and I acquired another beautiful new last name the dilemma was whether to fore go the "good will" and recognizable credit I'd earned under that name or whether to hyphenate it for continuity. After long discuss with my then new spouse the decision to hyphenate was reached.

If I had it to do again, I probably wouldn't. It has been cumbersome and clumsy and I don't think the benefit has offset the lack of same. But it is certainly who I am now as a writer, except I may well begin to craft new works under a new pseudonym - maybe even my given name - yeah, I like the idea, feels right. Maybe I'll start on something new today!

Poetry Radio

I've been added to Miporadio.net as an ongoing contributing poet. You can actually hear some of my poetry there now if you go to http://www.miporadio.net/Peggy_Eldridge-Love . I was laughingly telling some one that we're not 'Def Jam' performers at Miporadio, but, if poetry really resonates with you, you are definitely going to discover some truly exceptional poets there that you will no doubt never forget.

It is National Poetry Month, so I hope you'll take a moment to check www.Miporadio.net out.

Quiet

Photo ©Peggy Eldridge-Love "Worthy" - All Rights Reserved

The thing I value most right now is silence. When I can be still, when I can quiet my spirit, and listen to my heart I find a measure of peace. There is so much love in my heart. It is almost like the ocean, like its evening tide, rushing back and forth, bringing its vast offerings as it comes in, yet rinsing the sand of unwanted deposits and debris as it pulls away again. I am grateful for those moments.

I know eventually some sense of order and normalcy will return to my life. I know in time I'll again laugh freely and have hours in which this thundering agony that now rumbles just beneath the surface won't constantly overwhelm me. I know that day is coming. I am sure of it.

Acrobatic Thoughts

I finished something that had a deadline attached to it last night, but it was a brutal effort trying to get it done. I really cannot think to write at the moment. My mind feels like it has joined Cirque du Soleil. So, for now, I am occupying myself with more technical tasks that are soothing as well as significant. Thankfully, I received information on setting up the planned scholarship endeavor today. I'll saturate myself in getting that right. That is the priority of the moment.

Making Busy

Watercolor "Why Not" Peggy Eldridge-Love - All Rights Reserved

I'm working my way through what seems to be tons of backlog. Thank God. Staying busy has its upside. Especially now. I accepted a position as Poetry Editor of Tribes Magazine about three weeks ago. That should really keep me on my toes. More on that soon.

Peace.

New Morning

Morning breaks crisp, clear,
quiet in its majesty,
full in its promise
that today understanding
will come,
will stay,
will beckon towards
an inner sanctuary
where only brightness
dwells to shed its light
into the tightest recesses
of what we bring as pain.
Wisdom knows, wisdom
awaits, prepares to
elevate and separate
the distortions, filter
out the white noises,
usher in truth in its
gracious robes that
clothe it in sounds
now understood.
Morning embraces with
its new mercies,
pulls tight to its protective
chest and rocks away
with steady rhythm
the sharpest blades of pain.
©2007 Peggy Eldridge-Love

All Rights Reserved

In Loving Memory

Original Art - 18th & Vine - Leroy W. Allen All Rights Reserved

Leroy W. Allen
1951-2007

Promoting What You Write

Thought I'd pass this on! Regardless of your status as an author, i.e., traditional, self-published, debut or established, your role as a promoter of your work has taken on great significance. Linda is known as the Guerilla Princess in some circles, and the success of some very noted authors who have taken her course is testament to the effectiveness of what she teaches.

-----------------------------
Bestselling Authors Know Promotion Course Now Registering for March 18-24, 2007


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How Core are Values?

I've noticed that the sense of urgency that once seemed to fuel the world apparently doesn't currently. There was a time when telephone calls were returned the same day, when emails were responded to promptly, where people called to cancel appointments if they couldn't keep them, and people generally kept their word if they gave it. Those old values no longer seem to be standard, and, at the moment, if you anticipate that they are you may well set yourself up for grave disappointment.

It is not the least uncommon, particularly in the literary community, to hear horror stories about the agony and frustrations encountered because channels of communication were not open between a professional and the individuals and entities they depend upon for their livelihood and well-being. Recently, a long term, very well respected literary professional spoke of tossing his hat in and walking away from the industry because all the rules of the game as he knew it, as he learned it academically and through years and years of practical application, has simply evaporated.

I listened that day as the reversal of his values, the ignorance of what once constituted to him good literature but now seemingly held little weight within the industry was described. I observed the visible anguish this person felt and I envisioned his core touchstones being ground into a powdery dust which someone held in their hands and was blowing into his face with a menancing chuckle. His world, certainly he believed, had changed.

But since then, I find that I cannot help but wonder if these are genuine changes or just blimps on a screen? If, although standards, courtesy, promises, and your basic word might momentarily be socially demoted they won't rebound soon with a vengence? I think I'll try to hold out for that. I think I'll keep being accountable and responsible, if to no one other than myself. And, I think I'll keep expecting that from everyone else, too. I'm not letting anyone off the hook.

If you give me your word be prepared because I'm expecting you to keep it.