Friday, April 27, 2007

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!

Thursday, April 26, 2007

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.



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Tuesday, April 17, 2007

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

Monday, April 16, 2007

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!

Sunday, April 08, 2007

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.

Thursday, April 05, 2007

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.

Monday, March 26, 2007

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.

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

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.

Monday, March 12, 2007

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

Saturday, March 10, 2007

In Loving Memory

Original Art - 18th & Vine - Leroy W. Allen All Rights Reserved
Leroy W. Allen
1951-2007

Monday, March 05, 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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If you are receiving this mailing the exclusive $99 offer has been extended to you!

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Don't miss breaking information on other upcoming courses. If this
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http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/18393/111537

Don't miss information on other upcoming courses. If this email was
forwarded to you, join the mailing list by sending a blank email to:
princesschick@gmail.com

Saturday, March 03, 2007

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.

Saturday, February 24, 2007

The Knoll Frames Come to Life!


Photo:©Peggy Love


My competition award-winning screenplay, The Knoll Frames, has just strolled onto the screen of real life. One of those life imitating fiction or fiction imitating life questions! A couple of people called me on President's Day to ask if I'd seen the snippet on CNN about the JFK film. I caught it then and thought 'hummm, how uncanny' , but, a few days later news about its discovery is all over the airwaves. It really makes me think about the power of attraction.

Now the plot of The Knoll Frames is ultra tight, the premise mind-boggling, and it puts a spin on its own discovered film in a political thriller that has left everyone who has read it asking me one question: "Oh my God, did this really happen?" And, that's a question I simply don't answer.

I think it's movie time. Call me.

Friday, February 16, 2007

Give me an "E"!

My poetry book, You Beckon, has just been released as an eBook. After a lot of posturing and wishy-washy thoughts about whether or not to go that direction, I'll admit to being excited. The eBook has a new cover. Sweet as they were, the children are gone, and the cover now indicates that You Beckon is for grown-ups. Time will tell if that makes a difference, but, for the moment, it feels good.

The photo selected is one that is also inside the book. It is a likeness of the author from many moons ago, yet I remember the day, the hour, the second, the very moment it was taken as though it just occurred. But, (pun intended) life beckoned and I have definitely moved on from days like that when that was my image. But ah, the memories!

Also, eBooks are tricky. Different readers produce different results, so I'm sort of waiting with baited breath, hoping everyone will have excellent viewing experiences. The samples I saw were great. I'm going to trust that everyone else will have equally enjoyable reads!


You Beckon - The eBook!

Monday, February 12, 2007

Ringside Dreams Revisited!

Photo: The Late Great Ali!


In a post last year entitled Ringside I admitted to a long held desire to be a ringside boxing announcer. At our house we are such boxing fans our choice of dogs are even Boxers and we name them after favorite or respected boxers, as with our first beloved brindle, Ali! Well, I haven't received that call yet that I've been waiting on to join the guys at ringside, but I did have an opportunity to write my first professional boxing article this weekend entitled Sugar Shane Sweetens with Age. I was holding my breath, wondering what kind of a response I'd get, and of course I shot the link to a few hard-nosed boxing fans that I knew would not cut me any slack. I breathed a deep sigh of relief when the first few responses did trickle in! The critics were impressed! Wow!

I'm still hanging tight to my dream, but, in the interim, I'm thrilled to have an opportunity to strut my stuff on the tip of my pen!

Friday, January 26, 2007

Reeling


Photo: ©Nudgies® - All Rights Reserved

We lived next door to one another until I was seven and she has always remained my mentor, friend, spiritual encourager, and cheerleader. She was a sage of intellect and wisdom. With my first book, I'd learn of a large order of books from one private buyer, and discover later she was the purchaser, and also discover that she was sending copies to the likes of Oprah and others she thought should be aware of me. We were cousins, but our kinship went far deeper than that. Without prelude or warning she departed January 24, 2007. She was private in her gifts and her endlessly generous good deeds, so I must respect that privacy now and not call her by name, but her name is ever imprinted on my soul, in my mind, on the tip of my tongue when I want to define beauty inside and out.

I bid you adieu, dearest one -- until we meet again.

Thursday, January 18, 2007

Kudos, First Fridays, and Focus

Intriguing week! I've felt as though I was on a mental seesaw. Up and then down, down and then up, but never really feeling out of balance. I've actually been having some genuine fun.

For a moment I was caught up in a flurry of kudos that left me feeling sort of heady. I felt invincible, as though there wasn't anything I could not accomplish if only I thought I could. That has been my state of mind for the most part of my life, really, but I'd started to waffle somewhat as wisdom kicked in and a few "things" decided to try to take me to the mat. Feeling that all empowering sense once more has been great, it has fueled me, yet it has not made a fool of me. I am reminded that there is nothing I cannot accomplish that is worthy of my time and effort. The time and the effort parts of that statement are what is key. That's when wisdom can now be very swift with its foot if those elements are lacking.

Then, yesterday, I had a nice surprise. A fellow author and friend's second novel has just been released. I have been anxiously awaiting it because a hand-full of us communicate on a fairly regular basis.

First Fridays - Cherlyn Michaels - Hyperion Books

I remember so well the utter euphoric fits we all had when she landed her original deal, (Counting Raindrops Through A Stained Glass Window - Hyperion) and it was hard to believe that she was already releasing the second book of that deal. Plus,the impending release of her second book was being heralded with great critical anticipation. Well, I got my copy of "First Fridays" by Cherlyn Michaels (Hyperion) last evening and thumbing through it I started to read the acknowledgements and saw my name included there. That particular acknowledgement bought quick, hot tears to my eyes. It really meant a lot! And, even though I hadn't planned to do so immediately, I started reading her book. I read the first chapter and I will not lie! It was all I could do to put the book down! It jump starts with a major bang!

Now I have to refocus my attention on "moving my own cheese," as another dear friend frequently says. I have much undone that I cannot ignore. Time to ease off the seesaw and leave the playground. It's time to go take care of my chores!

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

Speaking of Spirit!


I have the profound pleasure to be working with a publication that has already begun to sweep the globe off its feet. My involvement is freelance, but there is such an aura about this entire endeavor that the experience is continually humbling. It brings to you the best of the best of our essence as women -- women of the world.

What intrigued me first was the title of the magazine: Spirit: A Magazine Designed for the Diverse Woman. My first reaction was, humm, that's a mouth full, but once I had an opportunity to work my way through the product itself, to interact with the people behind the scenes who are making the wheels turn, I realized that not only was the title appropriate, it resonated truth in a way rarely seen in media today. Diversity isn't a 'buzz' word here, diversity is the empowerment of our differences, the power of our gender, and the reach and pull of our strength when we approach life and this world we co-exist in with common purpose and commitment.

That's why, although this is a very young magazine, it is already circulating to over 1,000,000 and growing in leaps and bounds! They have already focused features on China, Poland, Lebanon, Italy, Greece, Mexico and the U.S., and cover those issues that bind us like music, care giving, gifted children, teaching , our teens, our health and that of our families, our dreams, our hopes, and our aspirations. Volume 3, Issue 8 is now available and movement towards the next quarterly issue is in progress. Visually, it has the look and feel of a Coffee Table book rather than a quarterly magazine, and, to be honest it's not the kind of book you'd probably ever throw away. It is beautiful!

Okay, enough of my gushing! I just wanted to mention it since I am now moderately involved in selling it, but you can check it out for yourself by clicking here! And if you really want to know more, contact me directly at peggy@spirit-mag.com or plovewriter@gmail.com.

Thursday, January 04, 2007

Birthday Gift

Photo: Eddie and Luguine Nash
I received a very unexpected and delightful surprise on my birthday, but it appears that the timing was just a coincidence. In 1999 I posted a couple of inquiries on a genealogy board seeking information on some of my ancestors. I knew some things about them, but, for too many reasons to try to enumerate, there was much, much more that I didn't. One of those inquiries dealt with my great grandparents, Eddie and Luguine Nash, and questions about their parents and, well, their parents parents and so on. Dead air was all I got.
Then, about 2:00 AM this morning I was on line and I heard a little bleep notifying me an Email was coming through. I casually looked at it and it informed me that there was a response to my inquiry regarding my great grandparents. I had no idea what they were talking about because it had been so long since I started the search I had completely forgotten I was searching. That's when I pulled up the response and saw it was to a question posed nearly eight years before and it was an absolute goldmine of information! All day long I have been communicating with the respondent and it seems like I can now trace my roots almost all the way back to King Tut (well, perhaps I embellish a little).
But now I know that somewhere along the line I'm a VanLandingham, a Fox, a Doolin, a Jamison, a Kern, a Meredith, an Ashford and the list goes on and on. I have names and dates that coincide with oral histories and family tales and they dovetail almost perfectly. How liberating to know for sure from whence I come and to whom I belong! What a way to start the new year, both the new calendar year and this new personal year of living. What a gift!

Wednesday, January 03, 2007

Twilight in Red

My current manuscript has been waking me after just a few hours sleep so that it can take me through a few more paces. I'm not being driven by character's talking a mile a minute. The characters are pretty tame at the moment. It is more the architect building and structuring the story that won't allow me to sleep. The internal sounds of hammering and nailing this piece here, and that piece there demand that I get up so I can at least get a feel of what we're building. Last night it was a time line. A time line that I discovered this morning was an absolute jewel of a tool (I'm not trying to rhyme) which solved an issue of three days within the storyline that just weren't flowing properly!

I vaguely remember mapping out the time frame, drawing lines on a piece of graph paper under days of the week and filling in events and circumstances, but I don't remember switching to the red pen that I made the additional notes with which brought everything into a harmonious flow! I remember nodding, and catching myself a couple of times just a moment before falling asleep with a bang on my desk. I'm sure it was between those twilight moments I picked up that red pen and some uninhibited sense within took pity on me and tapped into some subliminal space that retrieved that information which thereafter gave me what I needed to give myself permission to finally end that marathon session!

Whatever the process, I'm thrilled with my time line. It works and it is most definitely worth a few hours of lost beauty rest.