“You can’t keep bitch-slapping your creativity, or it’ll run away and find a new pimp.”

-George Meyer / Writer & Producer

Top 5 Words to Delete from Your Vocabulary.

“Thoughts become things! What we think about is what we bring about. Think BIG and DREAM even BIGGER!”

- Vanessa Brantley Newton / Illustrator

At the beginning of the month I asked you all to release your inner poet with me as I challenged myself to write something in celebration of National Poetry Month. I can’t honestly say that I tried my best to create a wonderful piece of work but I did make an attempt. Again, I don’t know if everyone who reads this would consider it a poem, but it is what it is. Let me know what you think.

I Just Knew

The moment YOU came into the conversation my heart pounded with such furry I thought it would leap out my chest.

It’s hard to explain, but I just knew.

Even with such distance between us YOU managed to tug at my heartstrings without me ever hearing your name or seeing your face.

It’s hard to explain, but I just knew.

There was a feeling that our lives would connect, and the relationship that I’d always wanted, avoided, feared and wanted again, would finally take root and grow unconditionally.

Why was I so sure WE were meant to be?

It’s hard to explain, but I just knew. 

-by Marti Parham

If you’re interested in reading more poetry check out Soul Alive: Poetry & Prose created by atlas brown.

Before you go please take a moment to share with me one of the poems you wrote in celebration of National Poetry Month.

Until next time…

Marti

Yesterday a segment of the morning show “Windy City Live,” co-hosted by Val Warner and Ryan Chiaverini, got my attention while I drank my ginger tea. It was called “The best thing I did this week.” During this portion of the program, staff members shared with the audience the one thing they did during the week that they enjoyed most. After listening to what everyone had to say, I posed the same question to myself. What I came up with was this…

“Besides getting my taxes off, I would have to say the best thing I did this week was writing out a ‘creativity to-do list.’”

I know many may read this and say, “Really? That was the best thing you did?”

Don’t go judging me people.

I can see how this list can sound really boring to some, but if you had a week like mine crammed with busy work and deadlines, then you would understand how magical it can be to take the time to let your imagination go wild. Had it not been for my friend challenging me with a deadline for a painting project I may not have done the list at all.

Once I had mentally prepared myself to excepted the challenge I wrote down a few things I had been really wanting to do for a while; the ideas just kept coming (funny how some deadlines can end up being just the inspiration you need). By the time I finished my “creativity to-do list” it was over a page long! Making the list was the easy part. Now the hard part is going to be finding the time to complete the projects by my deadline. Wish me luck!

Until next time,

Marti

Before you go “leave a comment” telling me about the best thing you did this week.

My journalism students and I often have “Hot Topic” discussion about the stories making headlines in the news. One of the latest topics to hit the table centered around the recent judicial ruling that would allow emergency contraception, such as Plan B or the “morning after” pill, to be sold over-the-counter. Reports say the drug could be in stores as early as May.

According to an ABC News article, “The morning after pill is intended to be used when other contraception fails, such as when a condom breaks. Containing the synthetic hormone levonorgestrel, the pill works by preventing a fertilized egg from attaching itself to the uterine wall. But it must be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. It cannot terminate an existing pregnancy.”

Why is this a hot topic with youth? Because this ruling will allow sexually active teens of all ages access to the drug as long as they can afford it – no parental permission necessary.

As to be expected, the conversation amongst my passionate students became “charged” at times over this topic. As I refereed the discussion I couldn’t help but take note on some of the things they had to say.

* “I feel like some kids will abuse the pill.”

* “I think a lot of kids will use if for what it’s for.”

* “I think it will influence bad sexual practices.”

* “Pregnancies may go down, but more STDs might occur.”

* “I feel way more comfortable knowing it’s available, and knowing that I wouldn’t have to tell my parents.”

All of the points made by the students are valid. At this point in time how the emergency contraception will affect teens and adults in the near future is left to be seen.

Do you think selling emergency contraception over-the-counter will have a positive or negative effect? “Leave a comment” to share your thoughts.

Until next time…

Marti

Photo: AP

Jada shares a little more about the open marriage rumors.

Week 03.31.13 – Whenever a celebrity is willing to openly share a tidbit of information about their personal life the ears of the public perk up to listen – mine included. Like some people, I read the headline about Jada Pinkett Smith addressing the open marriage rumors about her and hubby Will Smith, and expected her to give the typical PR friendly answer. I as a little surprised that this time she was slightly more candid. Her answer instead was passionate, yet a little vague, but open to interpretation. Watch a clip from the interview in the “Entertainment” section and see if you can figure out what she’s really trying to say. While you’re on the site listen to what Pinkett Smith has to say about the new movie she’s producing about activist Angela Davis called “Free Angela.”

My favorite story this week is about a young man name Brian Banks who successfully fought to clear his name of a rape conviction. After being wrongfully accused and serving years in prison he is finally living his dream. Check out his amazing story in the “Life in General” section. Once you’re done see what other headlines turned my head this week.

(Click on the titles below to read the articles and watch videos.)

Creativity:

*GREAT BLOG for the CREATIVES. It’s called Cheep Ideas. Check it out!  (Cheep Ideas)

Entertainment:

*Rapper Rick Ross Apologies For Lyrics Interpreted As Rape (LA Times)

*Actress Halley Berry Expecting Second Child (Us Magazine)

*Actor Wesley Snipes Released From Prison (CNN)

*Jada Pinkett Smith Addresses Rumors Of Open Marriage (Huffington Post)

Brian Banks / AP

Life in General:

*GREAT STORY OF REDEMPTION: Athlete turned inmate lives his life dream after being exonerated (ABC News)

*Film Critic Roger Ebert Dies (Chicago Sun Times)

Before you go “leave a comment” telling me which of these stories you found to be the most interesting.

Until next time…

Marti

-MP

Even though I write I have never been one to create poems. That’s really not my thing. I do, however, enjoy a good poem when I read/hear one, and admire those who are able to link words together that deliver intense feelings of emotion that may be good, bad happy or sad. (Hold up! I just made a rhyme! There may be hope for me yet. )

Last year I did create something I placed in my “Random Thought” category that is probably the closest I’ve ever come to writing a poem. The piece is called The Dreaded Box and was written the day after I attended my father’s funeral back in October. Although it’s a little cryptic, the piece basically encompasses all the emotions I was feeling at the time. You can be the judge on whether it’s an actual poem or not.

Since April is National Poetry Month I’ve decided to step out of my comfort zone and try my hand at writing a real poem. At the end of the month I hope have something worth sharing with you all. If you’re up for the challenge I would love for you to join me in my efforts.

I’m going to leave you with one of my favorite poems by Maya Angelou – Phenomenal Woman. The reason I like this poem so much is because the narrator knows that on first glance her physical attraction may not be obvious to many, but if someone dares to take a closer look, they too will see the natural beauty she has always known that she possesses. Enjoy.

PHENOMENAL WOMAN by Maya Angelou