Poetic Expression and the Innermost

Today Robert Pinsky published a great article about poetry on the Big Think (a site I really like). It is National Poetry Month and this piece by the 39th Poet Laureate of the United States is so thought provoking. I do know some people who don’t like poetry even though this article says Americans are just stereotyped with regard to that.

I actually think it is essential for humans to explore and develop poetic expression and understanding. Being matter-of-fact or literal all the time can simply destroy beautiful souls. As a deep and intricate being- I enjoy indulging my innermost feelings. My poetry is very fluid. It can be about something, somebody, nothing, and nobody all at the same time.

Pinsky’s article is titled Poetry Is Not an Ornament. It’s at the Center of Our Being. Yes– indeed it is. Those things which capture the heart of a poet are often riveted with complexity, rendering traditional forms of communication useless. The complex feelings of humans are often represented best rhythmically.

This afternoon a US Poet Laureate said it better than many could. Following are some of the quotes which stood out to me in Pinsky’s article about “the value of using poetic language in everyday life.”

“…the poem is a challenge to say something smart.”

“…you have to understand that a poem is a work of art and its purpose is not to make you feel puzzled…”
 
“…finding something that you would like to say aloud is, I think it’s the core of human intelligence, it’s quite fundamental.” 

“How does poetry or the act of writing a poem or speaking a poem help us to distill our experiences in a unique way that other forms of communication don’t allow for?”  

“I think art is not an ornament or refinement at the fringes of human intelligence. I think it’s at the center. It’s at the core.”

“…that hunger that ability that craving for art in relation to memory is right at the center of us.  And poetry, we use our own body to make it.  There is no fiddle, there is no paint, it’s the air that comes out of your body shaped in ways that have evolved and that are controlled by our brain.” 

Awesome!! I love this man. I got a good idea from that last quote. Read the full article if you get a chance. He also talks about the “Favorite Poem Project,” and nurturing poetic creativity in children.

Referred by Tricia Fields

~~•~~•~~•~~•~~•~~•~~•~~
Flattered to see over a dozen
hits referred to my web site today
through the web site of an author
named Tricia Fields. Ms. Fields
was the winner of the *2010
Hillerman Award for Best First
Mystery.* She also has a new
book set for release on the 5th
of March.

Check out her site for details!
~~•~~•~~•~~•~~•~~•~~•~~

Garrulous Grammys

So here is my breakdown of the 55th Annual Grammy Awards~ or what I feel was worth a mention anyhow. The awards were hosted by LL, who is also a winner of two Grammy Awards. He opened with a shot out to Beyonce, Carrie Underwood, Adele and Rihanna (who looked super smokin’ with her hair down and with red lips).

I’m not sure how to feel about Taylor Swift being the opening act. I don’t think she pulled off the Mad Hatter with that “we are never ever getting back together” noise. She has way better songs on her new album Red. She also needs to learn how to move with the music~ and was lookin’ rather stiff. Only Adele can stand up there with just her flawless voice and pull that off.

JLo and Pitbull gave out the first award of the night lookin’ super hot with lots of leg and swag. The award was for “Best Pop Solo Performance” and it went to the lovely Adele. She is simply awesome!

Dierks Bentley and Miranda Lambert (with her hot pink mic) did a good job on two songs. Her dress was pretty. She seemed a little nervous or something? I gotta love the acoustic guitar that Bentley stroked.

Miguel and Wiz Khalifa were~ just wow. They didn’t get enough time on stage! I loved the completely red set with black and white outfits. “Adorn” is one of my favs from Miguel, though I did post the other night that I wished he would have performed “Hard Way.” They presented a country award afterward. Ha??

Faith and Tim are a straight sexy couple. I just can’t believe the award they presented didn’t go to Miguel? Really?

Mumford & Sons did such a good job. I have been listening to them a lot lately. Now that is what you call jammin’ on a banjo!

I am so excited that Justin Timberlake is making a comeback. I luv JT, but I gotta say that “Suit & Tie” does not tickle me just the right way. Unfortunately~ a special intro from Beyonce and the guest feature by JayZ did not help in the least bit! Hopefully he finds his mojo soon cuz I do miss him.

Kelly Rowland had on a super hot black dress. It was my favorite dress of the night! Her arms were buff making it look even better! Beyonce who?? Kelly and NAS presented an award to Frank Ocean who so deserves it! Still~ I couldn’t help but feel that Miguel should have taken that award!

Do I even need to comment on Maroon 5? Adam is always awesome~ plus he hired Minka Kelly (go Albuquerque~ NM) to be in the 2012 “One More Night” music video (which is a hot video). Then the M5 performance had to be ruined by Alicia Keys.

Hands, hands, hands down…. In my book, the best performance of the night went to Rihanna and Mikky Ekko. “Stay” is just *such* a great song. Rihanna looked so beautiful in a plain black dress with a hint of red. That song reminds me of a friend. How appropriate that she said the new music video for “Stay” will be released tomorrow (on the 11th). The woman is very sentimental when she sings that one. I can feel her soul in that song.

Did JayZ really dis on The Dream’s hat instead of thanking anybody when he won a Grammy for “No Church in the Wild” ~ Really? Talk about rude. What a schmuck!!

The Bob Marley tribute with Bruno Mars, Rihanna, Sting and the Marleys was cool. A bit of Marley takes me back.

Carrie Underwood’s butterfly light effects were interesting.

I loved the guest appearance by Prince! He came out to present the Grammy for “Record of the Year.” I wish Prince would make a comeback. He presented the award to Gotye and Kimbra. I thought Frank Ocean would take that one.

The finale was much better than the intro. It featured LL Cool J, Chuck D and Travis Barker on the drums. For being older, LL still rocks some big ole gunz.

The 55th Annual Grammy Awards were good this year. For the first time in a few years, I was able to watch the long show from start to finish. I stayed entertained throughout the night. I still say that Rihanna gets my vote for the most heartfelt and beautiful performance of the evening.

The Hard Way

Wish Miguel’s 2013 Grammy performance would be Hard Way.

One of his best! This is an awesome, awesome, simply awesome song.

~Thank You for the Cyber Props~

A special thanks for those who decided to see My Voyage Through Time fit for Blog of the Year. I do appreciate that. Thanks to Enchanted Solitaire (Morrighan), Merio, Writersfield (T~Sizzles), The Arkside of Thought (Sahm), and Fictional Machines (J.E. Lattimer). You are all amazing and talented people!

Wow~~ It was about due time I officially thanked the people who have contributed to the success of my site.

From August 18, 2012 thru January 15, 2013 I had received 14 awards from my peers and I want to take the time to thank all of you. Unfortunately I do not have it in me to do all of things I am supposed to do for each acceptance, still I want to say thanks. I appreciate each and every one of you thinking of this site when you had so many wonderful sites to choose from.

I give most props to Mita Blu for her creativity when making up fantastic awards for me and her man Sahm. She gave me a personalized “Striking Mind Award,” and she gave Sahm a “Full of Darkness Award.” I loved that! Thanks Blu! You can see an update to my most recent awards if you wish on my Awards from Cyber Space page. Also~ a big thanks to GMAN’s Galaxy, Enchanted Solitaire, Gothic Hearts and Bat Wings, River’s Flow, Heart of Paradise, and Dear Kitty.

A special thanks for those who decided to see My Voyage Through Time fit for Blog of the Year. I do appreciate that. Thanks to Enchanted Solitaire (Morrighan), Merio, Writersfield (T~Sizzles), The Arkside of Thought (Sahm), and Fictional Machines (J.E. Lattimer). You are all amazing and talented people!

Keep reading my friends!

Sincerely~

Felicia

15 Years Just Pass

~My Certificate of Appreciation~

It seems like just yesterday… I felt like a deer paralyzed by an unrelenting glare from the headlights of my future. Now I am quickly approaching two decades of service to my home state and her citizens.

This week we had an agency staff meeting. Toward the end of the meeting, several people were acknowledged for their service to the state. The years have been recognized in increments of five. This means that only 10 years of service to my agency have been accounted for. However, I think it has really been 13 years.

During the early part of my government career, I worked for: a Governor; a State Treasurer; a State Librarian; and the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department as a Public Information Officer. Some of the positions were not permanent, but I learned something unique from each position I had.

The larger part of my career has been with the New Mexico State Records Center and Archives. I have been blessed to be employed by an agency that has been good to me. In my time with the agency, I have held five positions across two divisions and three bureaus. Each of these positions has touched part of what is referred to as the “life cycle of a record.”

I started with my agency in the late 1990s. My first position was in the Records Warehouse~ which is where active records are stored. I learned so many interesting things in that position. I am a Technical Writer and so my next goal was to qualify for a Management Analyst position.

I worked as an analyst for a couple of years. There I researched and wrote records retention and disposition schedules. These schedules are codified. Back then my old director called archives (where I am now) “the fluff.” I believe I was a natural fit for the archives as I have an undying love of history, collecting and New Mexican culture.

I have been with my current division for over a decade. It has been a great journey. Everyday I still learn something new. Everyday I meet new people. The final leg of my career has birthed a caring archivist. I genuinely love my profession and my state. It has been my honor to preserve history which will benefit generations to come.

Murder and Mayhem: A Call to Mystery Writers

~Promotional flyer for the Hillerman Prize~
Designed by Felicia Lujan

Anne Hillerman was recently featured in a great article in the Albuquerque Journal. The article was written by Kathaleen Roberts and was titled Leaphorn and Chee Together Again. Anne Hillerman is a smart, sweet, and talented woman who is continuing a writing tradition which was started by her father Tony Hillerman. Her late father was a New York Times best-selling author of an 18-book series of mysteries featuring the characters Leaphorn and Chee. PBS has called Leaphorn and Chee “a classic crime-fighting duo.” In the fall of 2013, HarperCollins will publish Anne’s newest book and a continuation of this Hillerman mystery series. Her book will be titled “Spider Woman’s Daughter.” In the first quarter of 2013, I plan to sit down with Anne to interview her about the release of her upcoming book. She has agreed to a feature piece for my site, and I am excited for the opportunity to interview her.

I was honored to be asked by Anne to design a flyer to promote the Tony Hillerman Prize competition. The flyer was circulated at the New Mexico Book Association Holiday Party on December 6, 2012. The competition is sponsored by Wordharvest (LLC) and is co-sponsored by St. Martin’s Press (LLC). This prize is awarded annually for best first mystery set in the Southwest. The winner receives a contract with St. Martin’s Press for publication of the novel and $10,000. The Hillerman Prize is named after New Mexico’s best known mystery author, Tony Hillerman. It is open to any writer who has never been the author of a published mystery. The prize comes with awesome acknowledgment from a body of professional and amateur writers. I myself aspire to submit something someday. The book submission must include murder or another serious crime or crimes, which must be at the heart of the story. There also must be an emphasis on the solution rather than the details of the crime.

All entries must be received or postmarked no later than June 1, 2013. As of 2011, the prize has been awarded for The Replacement Child by Christine Barber, The Ragged Edge of Nowhere by Roy Chaney, The Territory by Tricia Fields, and City of Saints by Andrew Hunt. For further details, please visit the Wordharvest web site at http://www.wordharvest.com/contest.php. Here you can take a look at the official Rules and Guidelines for the Tony Hillerman Prize.

MVP on Fire!

This month will go down in history. This month my sister Katelin and other ladies from the Pojoaque Valley sliced their way through several volleyball teams to bring home a trophy and two MVP medals. The Elkettes were part of the 2-day~ Penasco Invitational Volleyball Tournament. The tournament took place in Penasco, New Mexico from September 7 thru September 8, 2012. On the first day of the tournament the ladies had a pool play, which is used to establish the bracket. Even on the day of the pool play the Elkettes showed up on top- yes- number 1 on the bracket!

Katelin and Her Team Holding the Bracket Chart
with their Brand New Trophy in Front
~September 2012~

After making it through the quarter finals and the semi-finals the town of Penasco received a message. The message was loud and clear from the PHS Junior Varsity team players. They were on their game and they were fit to take the finals from a varsity team in a varsity tournament. I am sure that by this time, Escalante was second guessing the offensive movements of their setter. My sister Katelin’s position is setter. I was so happy to hear that out of 8 teams and close to 100 ladies, Katelin was one of 6 to receive a Most Valuable Player (MVP) medal for this tournament. She was selected by a team of coaches and refs.

Katelin Lujan Holding Her MVP Medal
~September 2012~

Katelin Lujan is Awarded Her MVP Medal
~September 2012~

~Lil Wayne~
Gifting Katelin with a Game Face
and Some Heat!

You know I had to ask what Kate listens to to get her game face on? (even thought I know~but for the record ). I mean which beats get her going? She quickly rattled off a list of her favorite artists with Lil Wayne on top as usual! She said that his song “My Homies Still” gets her going, but she also liked to listen to 2Chainz, Big Sean, Nicki Minaj, Tyga, and Waka Flocka. When you need to get focused, there is nothing like music to get you there!!

Our dad was proud to mention that Kate is the only player who plays the entire game as the setter. He said “everyone else rotates out.” I asked him why he thought it was important for her to be a part of a team and he said “because it keeps her mind sharp, it keeps her busy, it keeps her GPA up, and it keeps her physically fit.” Her mom Julie also added “I am very proud of her for being on the team and making MVP.” This flamin’ Lujan from Pojo is a Junior this year, but I am sure she is ready to bring the heat her senior year!

Katelin Lujan, Pojoaque High School #3
Sophomore Year
~2011~

Hitz and Skipz: MTV Video Music Awards 2012

The awards were hosted by funny man Kevin Hart the “future President of the United States.” He was escorted in by his gang of secret service agent little people wearing black sunglasses. He is 2 much! “HART 2012″ Haha! I am only going to mention those artists and performances I felt were more than worthy. Anything else I’ll skip over right quick.

The show opened with an awesome performance from Rihanna. Mz. Sexiness was splashed with red sheer clothes and rocked out with green laser lights and a grip of dancers. That woman can move and has swag! I just love all the techno infused RnB that’s been coming out these days- the upbeat tunes are perfect for the gym.

A pretty and sleek Katy Perry presented Best Pop Video to the boy group One Direction– What the?? Major disappointment because Maroon 5 featuring Wiz Khalifa (Pay Phone) should have smashed that one up to bits! How could Adam not take it Britney?? One Direction? Really?

Dwight Howard (the man with the gunz and shoulderz like boulderz) gave a really huge token jersey to lil Kevin Hart, but it wasn’t a Magic jersey. As a new resident of Los Angeles, Howard is now part of the Lakers. Howard’s move was just part of a wicked plan to beat King James this year. The Lakers may need those gunz to beat MIA!

A Dwight Howard Workout

Lil Wayne (Weezy F Baby) was sportin’ a sick red headset. What brand of headphones would Weezy rock other than Beats by Dr. Dre? Nice… He had them on through the whole show. They were either on his ears or around his neck. I assume he used them to “skip” a few of these bunk performances.

Red Pro Beats by Dr. Dre

Chris Brown was the winner of Best Male Video of the Year with Turn Up the Music. This was apparently the first video he directed. This video rocks! In the video he spanks the dance floor and lets out a few crazy warrior cries. Last week I literally shut the treadmill down at the gym burning up the belt to the song.

Pink?? Ummm… Maybe we should skip her performance?

Frank Ocean performed Thinking About You while fire and ice illuminated the background with red lights, stars and the moon. I love this man. His set design smashed all of the others with creativity and was aesthetically delicious. Ocean is one of my favorite artists. I kind of wished he would have performed Love Crimes or Novacane (my favorite Ocean songs). “Murda, murda, murda she wrote— Love Crimes- Love Crimes.”

Frank Ocean Performs Thinking About You
at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards

Best Hip Hop Video went to Drake featuring Lil Wayne which I wasn’t crazy about. Kanye West featuring 2 Chainz should have snagged that award with Mercy. 2 Chainz and Lil Wayne performed together and that was a cool performance. Kanye and Kim K. were supposed to make an appearance, but I never saw them? Maybe the Kz were upset about the loss of this award?

One Direction? Ummmm…. Let’s skip that performance and get some coffee fast! Fo’ real!

Nicki Minaj had on an black lace cat suit which highlighted some seriously out of control ash! Is that for real?? She took home the award for Best Female Video with Starships.

Green Day?? Ummmm…. Why don’t we skip that performance?!

Breaking Dawn “the epic finale” was previewed by all the cast members except Kristen (of course). It looks like the finale (if that is really the case) will be a good one. The last vampire romance flick opens on November 16 Marlene— mark your calendar gurl and get your red eyes ready!

Breaking Dawn the Epic Continues

It was seriously crushing to see One Direction take Best New Artist. Frank Ocean looked crushed as well! Really? Who invited these guys? My boy Frank was cheated and I demand a re-vote!

Alicia Keys? Ummm… Yeahhhh… I’ll skip that performance as well. I am getting tired.

Rihanna on the Red Carpet at the 2012 VMAz

Video of the Year went to a much deserving Rihanna featuring Calvin Harris. We Found Love is an awesome song! I loved that Rihanna thanked her “Glam Squad!” She looked beautiful with her super short hair and in a long white backless dress.

The finale was an uncoordinated train wreck by the **once again** heartbroken Taylor Swift. Unfortunately, the nicest hair and sweetest lips in the world couldn’t help Mz. Swift. Boring… I’ll skip that one and sign off for the night!

Nice…The Striking Mind Award

MT BLU rocks!!!!!
She made me my very own award
on August 17, 2012. She presented me
with a custom Striking Mind Award!
What a woman… I love lightning
and thunder. Check out my post
titled Zeus Sends His Message.
I am honored that she thinks I
have a striking mind!! Love it…
Really…. Thanks Blu

****************************

WITH NO FURTHER DELAY

I PRESENT YOU WITH

THE STRIKING MIND AWARD

FLUJAN

MY VOYAGE THROUGH TIME

Cyber Space Awards from Mysteries of a Wasteland, History of the Ancient World, and The Arkside of Thought

I finally took the time to update my “Awards from Cyber Space” page. By following this link, you can see the awards I have been given from anyone out there who cared to think anything about what I have to say. I needed to take some time to accept my last three awards. I am sorry for the delay. These three individuals have very unique sites and I am a follower of each. Thank you J. E. Lattimer for offering me the One Lovely Blogger Award. Thank you Maarit-Johanna for offering me the Very Inspiring Blogger Award. Thank you to Sahm Ataine King for offering me the Full of Heart Blogging Award. Sahm’s comment on the award post read—

“The second blog I’d like to nominate is that of Felicia Lujan. I do not know Felicia very well, but what I like about her blog is the excitement she exudes. As the name of her blog, My Voyage Through Time, implies, Felicia often goes on excursions of history, informing as well as telling a story. Now and then, she even engages in writing poetry and, you know what? It’s great stuff. Anybody who has a fondness for learning and enjoys history should be very pleased with what her blog offers.”

I do appreciate your thoughtful posts and your visits to my site. Following the awards, you will find the remaining conditions attached to the awards I have accepted in a wrap-up— Seven Random Things About Myself— a HEART Anagram— and 5 Award Nominations for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award. Thank you to the following

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

July 30, 2012

Mysteries of the Wasteland

J. E. Lattimer

One Lovely Blogger Award

http://mysteriesofthewasteland.wordpress.com/2012/07/30/one-lovely-blog-award-nomination/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

July 31, 2012

History of the Ancient World

Maarit-Johanna

Very Inspiring Blogger Award

http://historyoftheancientworld.wordpress.com/2012/07/31/very-inspiring-blogger-award/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

August 15, 2012

The Arkside of Thought

Sahm Ataine King

Full of Heart Blogging Award

http://sahmataineking.com/2012/08/15/foh/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Seven Random Things About Myself……

1……I don’t follow the leader- I make my own rules……2……I truly appreciate the little things……3……My desk is a digital arsenal which houses dangerous weapons…..4…..The appetite of my mind is like a ravaged beast……5……Today I was amazed by the storm over Santa Fe because I love lightening and thunder……6……I seek out people who are true to themselves and to their hearts……7……I hate materialistic people and “the plastics” or fake people.

My Heart Anagram.…..

H……ow often do you

E……xplore your hidden heart

A……nd invite it to seek true

R……iches? Hearts must seek

T……he golden riches of the mind.

My 5 Nominations.…..

The Arkside of Thought for the amazing poetry and
thought provoking contemplations.
http://sahmataineking.com/

MT BLU for the wonderful imagery and the creation
of the much needed Full of Darkness Award.
https://mitablu.wordpress.com/

Sacred Garden Doula (my cousin Jessica) for great
takes on mothering and the natural world of herbs.
http://sacredgardendoula.wordpress.com/

Daily Wild for a walk on the wild side.
http://dailywild.me/

Gothic Hearts and Bat Wings for the peek inside
the life of a goth chick.
http://gothicheartsandbatwings.wordpress.com/

Beautiful Woman – Beautiful Mind: A Look at Katherine Massoth

Katherine Massoth
Ph.D. Candidate (ABD)- History
October 2008 – Present
University of Iowa

I would like to take some time to honor my friend Katherine Massoth. She is an absolutely amazing woman!!! She and I have had many fruitful and thought provoking conversations over the years. Katherine has an extraordinary personality, and I love her for that. Ms. Massoth recently won the Irene Ledesma Prize from the Coalition for Western Women’s History and the Giles W. and Elise G. Mead Foundation Fellow at the Huntington Library. The Irene Ledesma Prize from the Coalition for Western Women’s History is awarded to scholars who study women, gender, and minorities. She was so very happy to receive the prize and become a Huntington Library fellow. I am proud of her. She is a woman who will change the world with her knowledge, and one smile at a time. Katherine says that these awards are allowing her “to be in-residence at the Huntington Library for four months next spring (2013) to write.” Love it! Good gob Katherine!

Information on Katherine Massoth:

United States Women and Gender History, United States Mexico borderlands, Nineteenth-Century American West

Ph.D. Candidate (ABD): History, October 2008- Present- University of Iowa

Dissertation: “As is the Custom of the Country”: Gender, Cultural Practices, and Ethnic Identity in New Mexico and Arizona, 1846-1930

Primary Field: United States Women’s and Gender History (1776-1920), with a focus on women’s labor, the American West, and borderlands history; with Leslie Schwalm and Omar Valerio-Jiménez. Secondary Field: United States Cultural History (1820-1920); with Douglas Baynton. Tertiary Field: Colonial and Nineteenth Century Latin American History; with Catherine Komisaruk.

To learn more about Katherine Massoth visit: http://clas.uiowa.edu/history/faculty-staffkatherine-massoth.

Three Awards from Sahm, Abby and Joanna

Awards for My Voyage Through Time- May thru June 2012

I want to say thank you to three writers who have taken the time to acknowledge my web site. Sahm Ataine King, Abby Rae, and Joanna Baguio. On May 23, 2012, after reading my post “Tough: Training Your Mind for Battle” (May 22, 2012), Sahm Ataine King (The Arkside) awarded My Voyage Through Time with the second Versatile Blogger Award. In his post he says “one of my favorite blogs is My Voyage Through Time. The person who runs this blog, Felicia, is a very striking, and engaging, blogger. Her work touches on science, philosophy, life, the Arts; in short, she offers a very diverse mix of topics most worthy of discussion on a consistent basis.” He is an author who loves the darkness, and he has a great site as well. I am working on a deeper analysis of beauty for him, and hope to complete that soon. He will then look at a few solicited perspectives on beauty for his own analysis. For this award I was asked to share “7 random things about myself.” On June 3, 2012, after reading my post “Captured Without Sword: Symbolization in Snow White and the Huntsman” (June 2, 2012), Abby Rae (Abbyrae33) awarded my site with a Sunshine Award. Abby asks for a list of some of my favorite things. I love Abby’s site. She offers a “Daily Horoscope,” and has a Pinterest link. She has some interesting explorations if you follow her “Addictions” and “Astrology” links. Her “Fathomed Thoughts” poetry section is also worthy of a visit. On June 21, 2012, after reading my poem “Want” (June 19, 2012), Joanna Baguio (Sweet Santuary) awarded my site with a Tell Me About Yourself Award. Hum? What to say? Joanna’s site was one of the first I was interested in when I started this site. She is an interesting woman. Some of her recent posts of interest were “Grimm TV Review,”   and “Apologizing with a Vengeance.” She also had love for “Once Upon a Time” like me, and of course who could forget her posts on Captain America and Thor! Sweet Santuary is a great site to check out. Joanna wants to know “7 things about” me that I “have not yet shared.” Thanks to all three of these writers- I appreciate it! In an attempt to satisfy all three awards, I will mash it up! Here goes…

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Favorite Color~ BLACK
Favorite Animal~ RAVEN
Favorite Number~ UNSURE
Favorite Non-alcoholic Drink~ ZERO CAL ITALIAN SODAS
Facebook or Twitter~ NONE
My Passion~ MUSIC
Getting or Giving~ GIVING
Favorite Pattern~ SPIRALS
Favorite Day of the Week~ MONDAY
Favorite Flower~ DANDELION

7 Things About Myself~

1…I love herbs and folk medicine. I use peppermint oil everyday.

2…I love to watch my fish when I get in bed at night.

3…I like to eat vegan cookies on the weekend.

4…I am a Mac and PC woman, but I don’t shop online.

5…I see signs and symbols all around me.

6…I often seek answers to useless questions.

7…I am lost without music, history, writing and art.

7 Worthy Sites ~

1…Teaching History Matters…http://teachinghistorymatters.wordpress.com/

2…Memoirs of An Imperfect Angel…http://courtneystruth.wordpress.com/

3…Astrology Mon Ami…http://astrologymonami.com/

4…ABQ Local Poets Guild…http://localpoetsguild.wordpress.com/

5…Lyrics and Chocolate…http://lyricsandchocolate.wordpress.com/

6…Meiro…http://meirozavian.wordpress.com/

7…Paris Under Glass…http://parisunderglass.wordpress.com/

A Sterling Silver in Santa Fe

Composite of the three pages from Rio Grande Family Magazine (cover, pg9,pg10)

Chris’s Yummy Cake

Chris and His Lady

Collage made by my Aunt Mary for her son Chris.

The Vigils- Chris’s parents and his brothers Marcus and Toby with their families.

Yesterday I attended a graduation party for my cousin Chris Vigil. It was a busy day. I got up early in the morning and made a huge red enchilada to take over. Chris is a remarkable young man. He is a math whiz, he is athletic and plays basketball, and now he can add “Head of the Class” to his list of accomplishments. I am so proud of Chris, and all of my Aunt Mary’s sons. Mary is my mom’s youngest sister, and she is my right hand woman! My aunt’s sons- Chris, Marcus and Toby are all doing so well. They are handsome and respectful. My Aunt Mary and My Uncle Toby have done a fine job raising good men. I must say that I was ecstatic to see an athlete make “Head of Class” as a Sterling Silver. This is one thing I love to harp on, and that is the fact that a person can be good looking, athletic and intelligent. Chris is an excellent example, as he made top 15 of 200+ in his graduating class. His party was fun. They had a live band, lots of food, and some **killer** cupcakes (ohhhh yes I licked that frosting off with the quickness cuz it was Saturday !!). You know my Aunt Juana got the party started with some hard core boot stompin’- she is 2 much! It is always great to celebrate accomplishments together. Following is part of an article that featured my cousin in the May 2012 issue of Rio Grande Family Magazine. We are all so proud of lil Chris. I believe he is my last 1^st cousin on my maternal side that will graduate from high school. Good job Chris!

______________________________________________

HEAD OF CLASS – 2012

By Vickie Fellows, Blue Sky Images

As area high school seniors prepare for their future endeavors, we take a moment to recognize their many accomplishments. This page celebrates Santa Fe’s Capital High School Sterling Silvers. These students exemplify excellence in academics, character and service. As you read the criteria for being selected into the Sterling Silvers, you will see why these students represent the best of the best.

• Student must be currently classified as a graduating senior.

• Student must have a minimum 3.25 cumulative grade point average.

• Student cannot have any grade of D or F on their transcript.

• Student must have been a student at Capital High School for at least two years.

• Students must have a minimum of 3 teacher recommendations.

• Students will be required to submit an essay, scored by an English teacher.

• Students must participate in an interview with the Sterling Silvers Committee.

• Students may not have any Level 3 violations of the Code of Conduct while at CHS.

• Over the course of four years, students must have been involved or be currently involved in at least one club, or co-curricular/extra curricular activities.

Please join us in congratulating these accomplished young men and women. Truly, they are at the Head of the Class.

Daryn the Tiny Powerhouse

Daryn has grown to be a fine boy. He attends a local charter school here in Santa Fe. His last day of school was May 22, 2012. It was his last day of 1^st grade as the youngest in his class. Daryn will not be 6 until August. This morning he told me that he “missed school.” I guess he really likes it? He has become a splendid social butterfly, which I think is great, however with a personality like his it will take work to keep him in focus academically. In the coming year he will be in class again with Pam England. She is moving up from a 1^st grade teacher to a 2^nd grade teacher, and she will take her class with her. Daryn has grown fond of “Ms. E.” He will often ask me to take his picture and email it to her. I like her for several reasons- Above all, she is good to Daryn. I have known Pam for several years, so I trust her. She always talks about how I worked out pregnant, which is so funny because I did! Pam has been a regular face in Mandrill’s Gym, so she knows the importance of physical fitness. Not only does she know the importance of being physically fit, but she also knows education. Ms. E is a teacher, a lawyer, and she is bi-lingual. I think Daryn will do great next year under her wing again.

Daryn’s award for being the “Happiest Kid”
from Ms. E, May 22, 2012

The end of the year came quickly. Before I can blink, Daryn will be in college because that is just how fast time passes. It will be a pleasure to watch him grown into his dynamic personality. He is indeed a tiny powerhouse, getting different traits from diverse family members who love and support him unconditionally. It was a surprise to see Daryn bring home some special mementos on his last day of school. He was given a “Happiest Kid” award by his teacher Ms. E. How cute is that? He also received an award for his participation in a Hooked on Books Literacy Campaign contest. The award was presented by the Alliance for Literacy and it has a great sketch of a dragon on it. Though I do adore books, reading, learning and education, I can’t even take credit for helping him win the award. Daryn created a bookmark sketch of Skippyjon Jones (our favorite books by Judy Schachner) with the help of his dad Mike. They sketched a Skippyjon with crayons as seen in Color Crazy. How proud can one be? I guess he is a happy kid who loves books? If we can keep him on this track, he will surely grow to be a big powerhouse!

Daryn working in the classroom.

Hooked on Books Contest Form
Includes Daryn’s sketch on Skippyjon Jones

Daryn’s award from the Alliance for Literacy
Hooked on Books- Bookmark Contest, May 22, 2012