Day #16 - The Nields (Letter N) and Lying Poetry

It's a Nields kind of day. The kind of day where the sun is shining, yet it's cold and deceiving. This isn't a slam against the Nields, but with the sudden cold weather I thought about a Nields song, "This Town is Wrong" and having it in the teens last night and snow, the town did feel wrong. while not the exactly the right lyrics, the title did evoke a feeling of wrongness at the weather's change of heart.

The Nields are one of those under the radar bands. I heard of them in college, from a good friend who, loved to make mix tapes, still does. Of course I only knew a song or two of theirs for YEARS, before I rediscovered their music. the same thing happened to Dar Williams and Great Big Sea. Funny how that happens? I really got back into their music because I missed the music I listened to in college, the indie, folksy, comedic music; Moxy Fruvous, Dar Williams, Great Big Sea and the like. At some point after moving back to New York State from Dallas, I rediscovered a number of these artists. I realized that these indie/off-the-beaten path artist were some of my favourites. There is a truth to what these artist write and sing about that I feel is lacking in modern mainstream music (hey, this isn't an M day).

The Nields have this folksy, rustic, earthy sound; like how singers at outdoor concerts sound. These guys

(mostly girls) sound like they are always outside singing. It's kind of neat. Katryna and Nerissa have been recording music since 1992 and they are up to 15 CD and a slew of DVD's, children's books and CD's. what started out has a 5 piece band is currently running as a duo, a sisterly duo. They are still making music in between being mothers and wives. Their music is about life and the real world; open and bare bones. It's spiritual, if you are open to music being spiritual.

So if you interested in learning more about this dynamic duo of sisters, check out their website: The Nields. Some stand out tracks include Jeremy Newborn Street, Mr. Right Now, and  Poem (from the album: If You Lived Here, You'd Be Home Now, 2000); Easy People, (from the album: Play, 1998). You can even download their 1997 album Gotta Get over Greta free at Bandcamp.

Now, it's time for the poetry part of the blog. Today's prompt is one where I have to use 10 lines that are lies. the lies can be simple or over the top. But they are all lies, lies I tell you!!

I had fun with this poem. A really no brainer. I just told a story and proceeded to twist the facts to fit my desires. I felt like I was writing an assignment for a Middle School English Class. I hope you enjoy it, Dear Readers!

Or it reads like a Shel Silverstein poem! I'm okay with this.

It's a Mad, Mad Lib World!

I woke up this evening at 6:00 am
and saw that the sun was setting in the East.
My eyes beheld a neon green sky
and where I saw turtles that flitted about on little hovercrafts.
It was a grotesque sight, to see the turtle's flights,
especially when the rain is stopping to fall up.

Oh, what a day this night is turning into
as I shut the window and put on my bathrobe,
and go down to the second floor
where I will bid the day a fond farewell.

11:23 am

Last part, my AROW80 update.  It's been a busy week with Tempest going into Tech rehearsals and most of my time being consumed by long rehearsal and less sleep. I am still behind on my Camp NaNoWriMo, but am still writing. Making some progress on the story. Continuing with my blog challenges A to Z and NaPoWriMo. Being reading "The Hunger Games" as well. It not a big update, but it is progress.

Have a great day, Dear Readers! Remember to make the most of you time on this planet, make some awesome art and some good trouble, I'll be seeing you around. Remember to check out the Blog Hop participants. It's good Karma!

Sunday Round-up at the #AROW Corral

Irregular Improv with Jane (in purple)

Today is hard.

Today is the day that I wake up knowing Jane has passed. Yesterday, she had been still alive (at least in my own head). Today is different. Today is harder.

I wrote a tribute in my last AROW80 update back on Wednesday. It was hard. Today is very hard to focus, but I need to push through. It has been harder to focus, because I was so aware that Jane's health was failing her. Yesterday, or rather early this morning I got the news that Jane had passed in her sleep, (at 6 o'clock) Saturday morning. I had managed to stay off the internet all day, not because I knew that her end was going to be happening, but because I had things to do today and I had found my way to pass the impending sadness of the fact that Jane was dying of Cancer. It was a good day. I needed a good day, to affirm that even when the bad days happen, I still have the good to help ease the burden.

Ever the Director

If this had happened a few years ago, I would be all a mess. I wouldn't be able to focus on writing, reading, friends, or lines to study. I would be bawling and a wreck. Today is hard, but today is a day I can stand stronger and prouder. I am just as sad as all others who knew and loved Jane, but I (in my way) am working through the pain and loss.

I had been struggling with my writing for the past week, dealing with my emotions and coming to terms with the thought that it was going to happen and that Jane was a strong woman who had accepted her fate and still kept a smile on through it all. The writing has suffered, I have not done much. Maybe I haven't tried as hard as I should, but what could I do. I can do what I am doing, writing, finding a way to share my feeling and memories of Jane. It's healing is what I am doing. And I am sure Jane would what me to keep writing, reading, and making beautiful things for people to read.

A haiku for Jane

The skies are cloudy

The sun has gone from today

Your love still shine through

Zombie Pirate

I feel that there was a bit of providence, maybe even divine, that kept me from knowing until after my day was long over. I had a sudden jolt of sadness, but a greater sense of peace about her death. It is somehow easier to speak of, and I say this because I know Jane was one of the strongest people I know/knew. It was everything about her that made me love and respect her. And because we, her friends, got to put together a living memorial for her and that she got to see it before she passed. I can feel at least heartened that she knew we loved her. I feel much for Jane's life partner, Cyndi Reagan, who now is grieving and healing. To her, I send my love and support. Jane was truly a special sort and now is the time to remember her for all of the good times. The hurt, loss, and sadness will heal in time. Mourn her, but also love her. Spread love! Make great and beautiful things. And remember to tell those you love that to love them, our time here on earth is short, but as we are alive so we need to live.

Just a few more Memories of Jane that make my heart swell with a sadness, yet joy at having her be my friend. Rest in peace Jane, may Flights of Dragon Sing you to Your Rest!!

Today is hard. But, today is also a fresh start....

Okay, so today I am getting inspiration on my newest short story. It's turning into a Doctor Who based story. I am not one to write fan-fic, but this time it feels right. It's coming off the heels of having watched the 8th Doctor's movie and how there is so little of Paul McGann as the Doctor. He, who is the charming, almost debonaire Victorian gentleman, straight out of a Jane Austen novel.

I am continuing to read "Inheritance", the giant behemoth novel that is is. It often feel like Tolkien when reading, but not as thick as the Grandmaster himself. I can tell Paolini was inspired by Tolkien's works. It's a great series, but reading it is intense.  Hoping I can completed by end of February at least. Most of the battles in Inheritance feel like 'Helm's Deep'.

Also, I am continuing to work on Trinculo's lines and find his character. It's been a nice distraction. Maybe I will record a teaser of me rehearsing my line, for you fellow thespians and Shakespeare lovers. 

Look for a new blog post by Wednesday, Dear Readers!

Jane as a Self-Proclaimed Winkie guard

So, not really the best week, productivity wise, but it's not the end. Sometimes one has to take some time to appreciate their friends and their own lives. I am determined to make today and all other future days each more awesome than the last, not only for Jane, but for me too! Have A GREAT week, Dear Readers. Be good to each other and remember to take time to visit each other, or at least tell your family (whether Theatre, Whovian, Writing, or Relation) that you love them. It'll do you good!

 I love you, Jane!