Sunday, September 28, 2008

James Joyce

After doing a little bit of research on Joyce I discovered that not only did he have a desire to write, but he also at one point studied medicine. I found that Joyce's life is quiet interesting and in some ways you can see it portrayed in his writings.

In my own opinion, Joyce is not an author that I am drawn to and want to read all his writings. He is simply what I would consider a "classic" writer. He writes books that one might read just have said they read it. For example, Moby Dick, is a novel that many have read, but how often do you find yourself re-visiting the book for no reason at all.

Joyce is intriguing and has his own style of writing, which I think can inspire many. However, his writing is from his time and can be sometimes unclear due to the busy-ness surrounding the picture he's painting.

All in all, Joyce is an exquisite writer and deserves to be one of the most influential writers. He is very inspiring, especially if you want to observe a type of writing that might be outside of ones comfort zone.

Friday, September 19, 2008

Artistic Expression

Jules Bastien-Lepage

French Naturalist Artist who was born in 1848 and died in 1884. My most favorite painting of his is called "Joan of Arc." It is an artistic expression of an image with hidden images within it, look closely and you'll see a world of which Joan of Arc has come to life.

http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/sara/ho_89.21.1.htm

The Evolution of Dance

Although many may find this comical...dance is a true art form. From the beginning of dance to now we have flowed with the acceptable and introduced new movements that have broken barriers. So, please take a moment to watch Jud Laipply show us how dance has evolved through the years. This is a truly amazing art form!

http://www.theevolutionofdance.com/

Julian Beever

Who would have ever thought that putting chalk to pavent would create pictures that are truly mind boggling. Julian Beever is probably one of the most talented artistic beings that uses a sidewalk as their canvas. Take a glance at his artwork and you too will be astonished!

http://www.impactlab.com/2006/03/09/amazing-3d-sidewalk-art-photos/

Robert Munch

I'm sure we are all familiar with this author. You've probably read one of his stories in grade school or even found yourself reading one of his stories to your children. Robert Munch is a Canadian author who paints a picture that captivates the minds of his audience. I can remember a time when I was young thinking about what would happen if my mom stopped loving me and Robert Munch's story Love You Forever showed me that a mothers love is endless and ongoing.

http://www.robertmunsch.com/

Josh Groban

Josh Groban, is an incredible singer. He stands out with Andre Boceli and Luciano Pavoratti. With the sound he creates with his singing is simply beyond words. He is extremely captivating and can take you off to distant places; almost like living a dream. He has collaborated with many singers such as Angie Stone, Charlotte Church, and Celion Dion. I would highly recommend that everyone, regardless of your musical background, attend one of his concerts...they're just captivating!

http://www.joshgroban.com/

Friday, September 12, 2008

Control Can Leave You Blind-- Abstractions poem

Word Given: Control
God
Cross
Dying
Blood
Crying
Tears
Blue
Sea
Creature
Alien
Green
Lily Pad
Flower
Spring
Rain
Lightning
Scared
Darkness
Yellow Eyes
Ghosts
Haunting
Hinges
Doors
Creaking
Fright
Horror
Black
Blind

Poem:
Control Can Leave You Blind

Control, with whom does it lie?
God is the One with whom will decide

He laid down His life by dying on the cross
Leaving those in tears to answer to The Boss

The blue sea lies with creatures given from above
But the mysterious ones who are alien, are the ones who needs God's love

A green lily pad lays with a white flower upon it
A sign that Spring is coming and and the rain drops sit on it

Lightning storms the sky to remind us of this higher power
Leaving us scared of what is to come the next hour

Darkness shuts out all the light..and those who are left are confronted with yellow eyes
Ghosts will be haunting us for those who don't believe...leaving all those left behind with mouths that are dry

Hinges on the doors creaking ever so slowly
Leaving us with fright and horror saying "Holy Moly!"

And when it all ends and we're left sitting in the black
We're all blind because we simply turned our back.

By: Melissa Shaw

Abstractions

So...yesterday in class we did this exercise called "abstractions." Which is somewhat out of my comfort zone, but I tried it. Didn't really know what I was doing, but I think I got the gist of it. Anyway...below you'll see how CRaZy these abstractions can get.

Rage>> pit-bull >> teeth >> foam >> ocean >> blue >> sky >> cloud >> rainbow >> Kermit >> Muppets >> Scooter >> Babies >> Diaper >> Powder >> White >> Clean >> spring >> Flowers >> Water >> Crystal >> Jewels

Generosity >> Money >> Greed >> Dracula >> Halloween >> Darkness >> Hell >> Satan >> God >> Heaven >> Angel >> Gate >> Fence >> Block >> Red >> Blood >> Death >> Odor >> Skunk >> Garbage >> Porn >> Exotic >> Macaw >> Green >> Kermit >> Miss Piggy >> Pink

Control >> God >> Cross >> Dying >> Blood >> Crying >> Tears >> Blue >> Sea >> Creatures >> Alien >> Green >> Lily Pad >> Flower >> spring >> Rain >> Lightning >> Scared >> Darkness >> Yellow Eyes >> Ghosts >> Haunting >> Hinges >> Doors >> Creaking >> Fright >> Horror >> Black >> Blind

Charm >> Leprechaun >> Green >> Clover >> Plant >> Soil >> Worms >> Slime >> Goo >> Sticky >> Honey >> bear >> Growl >> teeth >> white >> Clouds >> Cumulus >> Nimbus >> Science >> Biology >>> Human >> Heart >> Blood >> Red >> Puddle >> Wet >> Floor

As you can see....it gets a little nuts...but I guess this something all potential poets can work with...the power of words and what they trigger in the human brain.

Friday, September 5, 2008

Favorite Writers

Nicholas Sparks:

With stories that are based out of North Carolina, Nicholas Sparks brings life into perspective. Teaching a lesson in each of his stories that has a resounding affect on his readers.

Link: http://www.nicholassparks.com/

Shel Silverstein:

With poetry that brings light to situation Shel Silverstein guides both adults and children to enjoy the fun and laughter of life. Although, some may see his poetry as poetry for children, he teaches us all a lesson for life to live, love, and most importantly have fun!

Link: http://www.shelsilverstein.com/indexSite.html

Maria Shriver:

Known to many as Arnold Schwarzenegger's wife, this women tackles situations that may seem too difficult to explain for many. From writing a book for children who are dealing with a grandparent who has alsheimers to facing autism she brings to life the hidden wonders of our world. This women is very insightful and I suggest reading her children's books no matter how young or old you are. She is truly an inspiration!

Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria_Shriver
Photobucket Album

My first blog.

This is my first time blogging and to be honest, I'm pretty excited about it! I guess, this is a good time to share some information about myself. Anyway, my name is Melissa Shaw, and I am currently in my sixth year of college at William Paterson University. I will be graduating after the completion of this semester (which in turn means I'll be a January '09 grad).

I began my college career in 2003 by attending the University of Nevada Las Vegas and in 2006 I transfered to William Paterson. I know, dumb move...huh? But if you lived in Las Vegas for 3 years like I did, you'd want to move too. I saw somethings that no one would ever want to see; the grim side of Las Vegas.

On the other hand, I am an English (writing) major and will be receiving certifications in elementary education as well as in special education. Upon graduation I will have completed 164 credits...kind of ridiculous, but hey...I'll have a B.A.!

As for my education certifications I've completed two practicums and student teaching, so right now I'm just taking two advanced writing night classes.

What else...I have a per-diem job (pretty much an "on call" job) at Saint Clare's Hospital working in the radiology department. I don't really intend to stay there too much longer, as I have been promised to cover a friends maternity leave from teaching.

Other than that, I like to read, but the sad thing is I read a lot of children's literature, because I have a four year old nephew who is with me every weekend (due to my brothers absence because he is in the Navy). But when I do find time, I read Nicholas Sparks and basically books about different disabilities people have. This past summer, I managed to get through the book Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes. I highly recommend it for anyone who is facing a struggle in their life...it is truly inspiring!

Well, I hope this semester brings fun and excitement, and I look foward to working with all of you! Thanks for taking the time to read this. Good luck and God Bless!