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Salem Weekly Articles (by me…to date)

This post includes links to my articles published in the Salem Weekly newspaper. (For those of you who are able to snatch a physical copy from one of our 700+ drop sites in the Willamette Valley, awesome. For those who are sadly out of the area, online will have to do. However, if any of you really like one of the articles online–mine or not mine–I would be more than happy to mail you a physical copy of the newspaper. We have extras at the office.) Thanks for reading! Articles are listed in reverse chronological order: “Poetry Has a New Name” (An interview with local…

Where to Go, What to Do

As of 8:05 a.m. this morning, I am a free agent. Floating. I have no base. No dock. No boundaries. No limits.

The company I worked for had lost two big clients in a matter of months, and I knew my part-time tech writer position was on the line since business was slow and the revenue had taken a hit. But it was still a shock to have my boss hand me my notice and final paycheck saying I could leave: “There’s no reason for you to stay.”

It was bittersweet. I liked working as a technical writer, and my employers were kind and genuine people who ran a tight ship. I respected them, which made this part even harder. But as I walked to my car, arms clasping the classic banker’s box filled with what meager items I owned at the office, I felt relief. Which excited and scared me at the same time. I felt guilty for being relieved…but guilt was soon mixed with a sense of freedom and adventure; I could finally chase what I have been dreaming of doing for years…I could finally pursue my writing with nothing, nor anyone, to hold me back.

Quote by Marianne Williamson

What’s not to love about this poem by Marianne Williamson? What an encouraging and insightful piece of prose! I have this sitting on my writing desk for inspiration, and as a daily reminder of who I am and who He calls me to be, as a woman, as a friend, as a wife, and as a writer. As the year closes and a new one dawns, I draw upon this poem for what my goals and desires for this next year will look like. A new chapter is opening for me and my writing career; there is no room for…

Pop Up Poetry On Demand 12.16.2014

My dear friend, Eddie Cabbage, and I decided to do a non-collaboration by hosting Pop Up Poetry On Demand together this evening, combining my #PopUpPoetry and his #PoetryOnDemand. We opened up our Instagram feed to poetry subjects as requested by our followers and friends alike, and the following post is a gallery of what we came up with: 12 custom poems by each writer, so 24 total. (Yes, a long post, but we promise it’s worth the read!) I’m always in awe of Eddie’s improv poem abilities, and I am beyond blessed and privileged to have him as my mentor, my colleague, and most importantly, my invaluable friend. Thanks for such a fun evening, everyone! And remember, you can purchase these poems via Etsy as a 2-poem-package, typed and signed by Eddie and me. Enjoy!

You can follow @eddiecabbage on Instagram and on his website at EddieCabbage.com.

Comments beneath each image are written by the respective author.

PUP Having No Idea Where Life is Going

First #PopUpPoetryOnDemand piece for @zacharyburlingame. (Apologies for the delay, I’m doing this in public tonight, hah! Lovely little interruptions.) An excellent prompt, my friend. I definitely feel you on this. ❤ Best wishes to you. Check out @eddiecabbage for his interpretation of this prompt for Mr. Burlingame!

Pop Up Poetry On Demand Begins!

LET THE GAMES BEGIN!!! #PopUpPoetryOnDemand is coming to an Instagram feed near you. Like RIGHT MEOW. (We are combining my #PopUpPoetry and Eddie’s #PoetryOnDemand.) Now accepting poem requests via Instagram. Please think of some good subjects as @eddiecabbage and I will only be choosing 12 tonight! You are permitted to comment a request only once (well, you can submit multiple but we will only consider your first). At the end of the evening there will be 24 original poems, which will be available to purchase as 2-poem-bundles from Etsy.com/shop/TheRhetoricalRedhead. Eddie will be mailing his 12 signed poems plus an additional 2…

Pop Up Poetry: “Polar Bear on a Pogo Stick”

Surprise #PopUpPoetry moment…Struck up a conversation with a guy at a coffeeshop. Turns out he’s a writer too. He jokingly tossed out, “So you’d write about a polar bear on a pogo stick if I asked you to?” I laughed with him. But he wasn’t expecting me to actually deliver. Should’ve seen his face. So great chatting with you, Erick. Best of luck in your ventures! #ladyofmyword #neverbackdown#youvebeenwarned

Prince of Darkness

Forgot about this dark lil’ number I wrote a few months ago. (A poem request by a follower on how darkness reveals.)

Pop Up Poetry Begins!

Pop Up Poetry BeginsLast night I mustered up my beginner’s courage to host my first ever #PopUpPoetry night via Instagram. “Pop Up Poetry” is essentially “busking.” A busker is someone who entertains in a public place for donations. The idea is that I would set up a desk with my typewriter in any location I please (hence “pop up”) and will accept poetry requests from passerby, typea poem on the spot, read it aloud and hand it to them (for a hopeful donation, because, let’s be honest, we writers are poor). I have been toying with the idea for months, desiring to practice this winter and be ready to hit the streets LIVE come spring. So, with some wonderful encouragement from my friend and colleague, Eddie Cabbage, I set out to conquer the online poetry busking challenge. Starting at 6:00pmPST/9:00pmEST last night, I opened up the gates to accept original poem requests. As this was my first time doing “live requests” from the public, I selected, typed, and posted as many poem requests as I was able (I received over 50, wow!). I was able to create eight original pieces in a matter of a few hours, which wasn’t bad considering I’m fighting off the flu right now. I was overwhelmed and flattered by everyone’s responses; so many followers, friends, and strangers joined in to make the “event” such a fun interactive experience for everyone, which is EXACTLY what I was hoping for. Prompts and requests poured in and were rather eclectic, which made choosing just a handful really hard! Overall it was such a positive and fun experience, and I truly hope everyone else enjoyed it as much as I did. Thank you to everyone who participated–this is always about YOU! Without you none of this awesomeness comes to life! All poems typed last night will be listed on my Etsy for purchase. I have included all the poems below, as well as some “practice” poems that Eddie threw my way in order to warm up my fingers, my creative juices, and to rev Ulrich’s mechanical engines (Ulrich is my WWII Hermes “Baby” Rocket typewriter on which I typed all these pieces). Thanks again and enjoy! —>>>

Pop Up Poetry Announcement 11.28.2014

ANNOUNCEMENT! Tonight. 6:00PST/9:00EST. Let’s get it on. That’s right…I’ll be hosting my first (online) #PopUpPoetry event on my Instagram account! This is not a contest. This is where all you lovely people get to toss out any subject to me (via the comment section) and I will type up an original custom poem for you on the spot. All poems will be listed for sale on my Etsy shop. I’m not looking for follows or an ego boost; I’m simply needing some legit practice time because I plan to go out on the streets and do Pop Up Poetry LIVE…

Pop Up Poetry Practice Round

Grueling yet incredible practice round with @eddiecabbage @poetryondemand as I prep for my first #PopUpPoetry #PUP night THIS FRIDAY 11/28 (6 PST/9 EST)!!! I am so excited to have y’all participate and I encourage you to get some juicy and original topics thought up for me to tackle! (Check my previous post announcing PUP for more details. All poetry will be for sale via my Etsy Shop.) See you for Food Coma Friday and Happy Thanksgiving!

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