Being Prompted, Jan. 19, 2012

Over the past few weeks, I've been collecting an assortment of various writing prompts because, frankly, I could use the motivation.  I am a writer.  It is somewhere embedded in the joined strands of my DNA.  This doesn't mean that I never struggle to write.  There have been many days, notebook before me, that I've found myself staring blankly at the page, waiting desperately for the pencil or pen to start moving.  But nothing happened.  So hopefully these prompts will help change that.

The first prompt comes from a collection of prompts that I intended to follow during December of 2011.  So many things happened at the start of that month, causing me to forget said intentions almost immediately.  But somehow at 1:30-ish in the a.m. on this lovely Thursday, I find myself looking back over them.

Gwen Bell is another one of the many marvelous individuals who I've stumbled across on the web.  She is a plethora of invaluable information, a model of living life at it's lifeyness (so NOT a word), and the creator of such incredible writing.  The idea for these prompts was originally found on her Reverb10 website, which sadly no longer exists.  But I'm going to use them anyway!!!

One Word.

Encapsulate the year 2010 in one word. Explain why you’re choosing that word. Now, imagine it’s one year from today, what would you like the word to be that captures 2011 for you?
(Author: Gwen Bell)

If you notice above, I had to strike through the years, because obviously they are inaccurate.  But still an interesting prompt.  I'm also adding a bit of a spin to it.  While all of these prompts were supposed to be written at the end of the year, I'm going to apply it to the beginning of this year.  So 2012, in one word?  Hmmmm.

paramount

It's interesting that while I was thinking of several other words, this one seemed to bully its way into my head. From there, it simply stuck.  And I love how this word's definition so literally applies to how I envision this year.  Chief in importance or impact.  Preeminent.  (Which is another amazing word, meaning distinguished above others!!)  I certainly see this year falling into that category, mainly because this is the year that everything comes together and begins to ascend towards the goals I've set to obtain.  Ten years from now, I imagine being able to look back and say "2012....that was the year it all got set into motion."

As for a year from now, in 2013?

fruition

Just the thought of that word makes me smile.

Marcus Jamison, the Rare Poet

Where Does The Time Go To?

Has it really been 12 days since my last post?  Wow, time might not fly, per-say, but it certainly has a knack for getting away from us.  So let me update you all.

I've been visiting family and friends in North Carolina.  My son is so adorable and has grown so much!!!  He has also developed a talent of leaving me smiling and speechless.

I've also just started my second semester at school.  Less classes this time, so I won't feel so stressed and burnt out by the time midterms roll around.  I'm aiming for all A's this semester, so wish me luck.

And of course, still pursuing the dreams......  <----  Can't wait to drop the pursuit and replace it with achievement.  But it's coming!!

I hope all of you are having a wonderful time in 2012.  This first month seems to be flying by, so it's time we get it together.  We have goals to reach!!!

More good stuff to come.  So, until next time.....smile, for no reason at all.  (It just feels good!!)

Marcus Jamison, the Rare Poet

When You Get to Wake Up to This, You Can't Help But Feel Good

This is what I saw this morning when I walked outside, shortly after 7.

It inspired me to write this:

Dawning

Inches away from explosion, the red is

so deep it bleeds

up through the clouds.

The power, of such anticipation, to

set the trees ablaze.

Can't you?  Feel it?

Stirring, growing,

the swell of new, bursting

suddenly.

The birds sit still, wings

motionless.

As if captured by the very way

it thrums.

Sky spreads open, its arms trembling.

Awake, morning!  Breathe!

(End poem)

And with that, I hope each and everyone of you has been enjoying a great new day.

Marcus Jamison, the Rare Poet

2012

YAAAAAAAY!!!!   My first post of the new year!!!

I've been pretty busy since the end of December, but am back for more blogging fun.  I've already dedicated this year to the flourishing beginning of my writing career.  So I'm optimistic about 2012.

I'd like to sincerely thank all the people who've been reading my thoughts since I began this.  I promise you that more new and exciting tidbits are yet to come.

Enjoy this wonderful new year!!

Marcus Jamison, the Rare Poet

Life's Not So Rare Lessons, Dec. 14, 2011

Failure is hard to stomach.  Especially once you've tried something and it doesn't seem to work out.  Remember that time you first started learning to ride a bike?  Falling off and scraping needs seemed like reasons to give up.  I recall watching my son try to build something out of blocks.  He kept stacking and stacking, but eventually the blocks would fall.

He would push the blocks aside, lower his head, and pout.

"What's the matter?" I'd always ask.

"I can't do it!!" he'd say, in the cutest little voice.

"Keep trying, baby, and you'll get it."

I remember giving him that advice, hoping he'd take it to heart.  Because I know that after a while, it's a lesson we all forget.

Keep trying.  It eventually pays off.

For the last three years, I've been unemployed.  I've searched high and low, in multiple cities, to find an employer that would hire me.  I've gone to interviews, presented the best me I could possibly present, only to have them all tell me the same thing.  We're sorry, but you're not the candidate we're looking for.

The frustration that builds from repetitive failures will often make you want to give up.  But I'm glad something within me kept pushing, kept believing in that advice I'd given my two year old son.

I'm am glad to say that as of today, I am once again employed.  I am thankful for the opportunity and believe even more adamantly that trying does eventually reap benefits.  So, to anyone out there considering quitting something, all because it hasn't gone according to plans, stop.  Step back and observe the situation.  Learn what you can from those failures, then put your best foot forward and try again.

Pretty soon, success will be waiting.

Marcus Jamison, the Rare Poet