From: Michael (sighing)<BR>
Date: 3 June 2000<P>

Misti ~ Sour grapes eh, senora (You seem committed to Chris in spirit if not law). I have a talent. I'm not Jesus, but I can turn water into Whine. Call me a negative person, but the water in that half-empty glass is evaporating because of the Texas heat. On the other hand, you ever done grapefruit juice and then cran-apple? The cran apple is AWESOMELY sweet when you do that. And besides I'm too old for candy. I want a meal.<BR>
<BR>
Nikki ~ The problem with long distance anything is that I can't read silence. And I can't understand what long pauses mean either. And I've heard too many of both. <BR>
<BR>
Terry ~ I just wanted to thank you for listening, and for your work. I read yours and know I'm not the only lonely guy out here who has felt this mess. Though there aren't many of us I'm afraid. Kevin's too damn blissfull for my taste sometimes. =p Happy is fine. Content is good. Blissful is a bit more than I can stomach. 
<HR>
From: Angel<BR>
Date: 3 June 2000<P>

Michael~long distance relationships are extremely hard to maintain, but not impossible...what i meant by 'proclaim' in my newest poem, 'Translation', was that when two people are truly in love with each other, they need not say a word...it will show in their face, their voice and their whole demeanor will ooze that love to others... and everybody around them will be effected by it...the love will spill out to all those around them...when a couple in love walks through a park arm in arm, head on shoulder, hand on tush, eyes aglow, smiles on their faces...the world reacts quite differently to this desirable scene...the world reacts positively...when two people are truly in love and it shows through their body language, it is not only recognized by those around them but also encouraged and thus, the relationship is enhanced (smile and the world will smile back at you :) I am so sorry for your recent heartache and you must know that we all have been there, but some of us aren't there now and are 'blissful' and that is really grand. Letting go is the hardest part but the beginning of your return to 'Bliss'...
<HR>
From: Christopher Lake ([email-masked])<BR>
Date: 3 June 2000<P>

Michael,<BR>
<BR>
Speaking as someone who KNOWS, I'd have to say that Misti is anything but sour. She's every bit as sweet as those oft-discussed peaches. She's a lot of good things. That's why I love her--she's nuanced. Cynicism can be earned just like anything else. And we've earned what we have; we've both come a long way to find each other. Writers should write of what they know, and that is what we know...
<HR>
From: Sunnyone<BR>
Date: 3 June 2000<P>

Comment on May's ramble ....wow...right on. I am saving a copy for my man in case he returns. (sigh)  Such insight learned through hard experience, thankyou for sharing.
<HR>
From: kevin urenda<BR>
Date: 3 June 2000<P>

Nikki-<BR>
thanks for your sweet and kind words.  Do I owe you E?<BR>
<BR>
Michael-<BR>
(COMMENT EDITED - I was going to say something else until I noticed this morning's Board)<BR>
<BR>
The words here, these emoting electrons are no ghosts...  Print them out and they are quite tangible...  Let them seep into you and soon you are relating to the PERSON who wrote them.  That is the perspective I always try to keep.<BR>
<BR>
And er, "too damn blissful"??  I don't think so...  You have no idea of the loneliness, the ache, and sometimes the alienation BEHIND some of my more wistful expressions lately.  But if I spent all my time kvetching about what's MISSING from my life (and there is much that I'd love to have that I DON'T), I might miss out on what there is to be happy about.  I would wager that there is plenty around YOU to delight in as well.    <BR>
<BR>
Kiwi-<BR>
thank you for your kind words on "Excitement."  The poem wasn't really an afterthought...  It WAS, in fact, how I try to look at each day - as a harbinger of fresh opportunities to find ways of expressing, and being IN, love...<BR>
<BR>
Lastly (for now, until I finish cogitating on everyone's work), a heart-felt HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Angel, and to Katie if she is out there.  I've known Angel for quite some time, and I for one am VERY pleased to see that she is so much in love...  and loved...  YOU GO GIRL!<BR>
<BR>
k<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>

<HR>
From: Angel<BR>
Date: 3 June 2000<P>

Smile@Kevin
<HR>
From: Michael (working on love life)<BR>
Date: 3 June 2000<P>

Angel ~ I've been pretty jaded and negative on the board with my poetry I'm sure. I'm not that person 16 hours a day. Just the 3 I post. <BR>
<BR>
Misti and Chris ~ I'm getting Texas peach joke from an old GI Joe episode. I don't know if you've seen it and it's hard to explain anyway. I think Misti has a beautiful spirit and I think you and her make awesome poetry together. In fact, of the poem's I've saved from the blender Misti's and yours together outnumbered everyone else. Not that yours plural are better (though it's an excellent body of work), just closer to how I feel sometimes.<BR>
<BR>
Thanks for sharing this love with us. <BR>
<BR>
March: If I Could Meet You Tonight in Vegas by Chris<BR>
April: Renegade by Misti<BR>
April: Superstitions and Reasons to Run by Misti<BR>
May: "Look At Me Ma" by Terry<BR>
<BR>
Kev ~ I'm sorry. I've been a pretty negative guy lately. Too much time spent with keyboard. I'm fixing that though.<BR>
<BR>
I'm going to go Megs on the board here. Hopefully I don't get ripped apart for it.<BR>
But things are actually really looking up for me. It's just that everything is happening all at once. It's messing me up actually. Zero to Hero in 3 months. I'd been wearing this invisible look that says my woman just stepped out for some coffee for years and I didn't even know it but the other ladies sure did. I finally just let go a couple weeks before "Words" and I've got more social engagements than I know what to do with.<BR>
And then she sets me off accidentally, and I don't know what to do or how to feel about it. "Love the one you're with." - Stephen Stills. An open wound that get reopened too soon.<BR>
I'm going to a paintball session with Jaime (with the long distance boyfriend) and 60 other people I don't know as a friend. (I want all the friends I can get) <BR>
I'm going to help the ShowMe crowd move, and then go dancing with them tonight if I have the energy. And Brilliant Becky is there. She's bright in every sense of the word. She BEAMS. I don't know a better way to say it. At everyone, including me. I can't tell for sure if she likes me or not, but just watching her is fun.<BR>
I've got a date on Tuesday. With Paper. Who admires my poetry. Who works with me. And is also very pretty. And sweet. And wants to jump out of a plane with me.<BR>
It's just that my muse is wired directly into my pleasure/pain center in my brain. And sometimes I can't tell the difference between pleasure and pain when I think about her.<BR>
And I can't choose. Not used to choices. <BR>
<BR>
But if I seem too down here, sorry. There's context that is missing from words. Context you don't get unless you see someone in the flesh. I am the words. I am also the flesh and bone that surrounds them and makes these words more than words. Yin and Yang. I'm actually pretty damn happy half the time. You just can't see it.<BR>
<BR>
I'm beautiful and I know it and so do more women than I know what to do with right now. I'm not a player yet. Don't really want to be. Just want to meet Miss Damn Happy to See Me Every Day. <BR>
<BR>
Anyway it's all "Sliding Doors". Gwyneth is the bomb.<BR>
<BR>
And it's all good. Because -- after all, it IS LOVE only. Even mutual. Rocket fuel and just no car. And she's got a great car. Why buy a Jaguar? Of course she's pissed as hell at me. I make a complicated thing like marriage to a guy she loves seriously and well even more complicated with her feelings for me. <BR>
<BR>
I'm going to be such a heartbreaker I just know it. The bad guy. I'm starting to enjoy it and that worries me. Be careful what you wish for.<BR>
<BR>
I don't really have the right to whine when there's this much possibility. <BR>
<BR>
Michael (wondering how he's going to get the energy to help all these women have a fun time)
<HR>
From: Michael (Gotta run soon)<BR>
Date: 3 June 2000<P>

Terry ~ by the way, I don't know if I said it before but.<BR>
May: Baby I'm Tired: by Terry <BR>
is one of my favorites too.<BR>
<BR>
Shower, shave, dress, drive, and smile at a cute friend girl in 15 minutes? You bet.<BR>
Michael
<HR>
From: Megs<BR>
Date: 3 June 2000<P>

Hmmm...going "Megs" eh Micheal?  Hopefully I am not the only one associated with completely shooting off about personal matters.  <BR>
<BR>
"Lisa Marie" is an awesome poem...even if it is 'that name' *grin*  <BR>
<BR>
Kev- your last few are beautiful.  I need a road trip I think.  LOL.<BR>
<BR>
Oh and Misti-  I loved Syndesis.  Happy poems suit you.  *grin*<BR>
<BR>

<HR>
From: Megs<BR>
Date: 3 June 2000<P>

And Micheal?<BR>
<BR>
"I'm beautiful and I know it and so do more woman than..."<BR>
I would hate to misquote but whoa ego? Is there enough room for the swelled head in this Blender Board?  *small smile*<BR>
That was a tad much wasn't it?
<HR>
From: Megs<BR>
Date: 3 June 2000<P>

AND lastly (sorry Kirk) Happy Birthday Angel!!!! YAY!!!<BR>
"Happy Birthday to You..."
<HR>
From: HMS<BR>
Date: 3 June 2000<P>

Madison - "White hot" is.  Your poetry is so rich in imagery.  I am consumingly envious of it--all I do is words and thoughts, and I would kill to be a sensory writer like you.  Can you bottle it and sell me some?  *smile*
<HR>
From: Kirk, Blender-Keeper<BR>
Date: 3 June 2000<P>

The June issue is here- it's even vaguely close <BR>
to ontime!<BR>
<BR>
Thanks to Galadrial for a neat guest ramble.
<HR>
From: Gala....dying with excitement<BR>
Date: 3 June 2000<P>

Oh kirk----Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!
<HR>
From: Megs<BR>
Date: 3 June 2000<P>

Fairy Godmother who knows all-<BR>
*grin*  Your ramble=divine and perfect and yes...startlingly appropriate at this time.  You got it right on the nose honey!!!<BR>
<BR>
Congrats to the front pagers cause it was an AWESOME month. <BR>
I think this month's poems captured the beginning of summer perfectly...and those selected should be proud.  <BR>
<BR>
Anyways...I better stop dominating this darn comment board...<BR>
<BR>

<HR>
From: Misti<BR>
Date: 3 June 2000<P>

Megs~<BR>
  Thanks, chica! You played a pivotal role in my happiness with your phenomenal Piscean intuition! I still can't believe how CLUELESS I was in the beginning! I hope things are lookin' up for ya!<BR>
<BR>
billy boy! you the man!<BR>
candyman and dope fiend~ congrats! keep writin'!<BR>
<BR>
Chris~<BR>
   With you, everyday is the Fourth of July, sweetheart! I can't wait to send ya some sparklers and Black Cats!!!<BR>
xxxxxxxxxxx your goodest girl xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
<HR>
From: nikki<BR>
Date: 3 June 2000<P>

Oh my...I just read the new Ramble...and Gala...I won't hunt you down with a pitchfork...not my style :)  But I will say that it brought tears to my eyes.  I wonder if you would mind if I printed it off....cuz the two men I work with are forever asking me what women want...and I think you worded it perfectly.  Thanks FGM!
<HR>
From: an astounded nikki<BR>
Date: 3 June 2000<P>

Kirk!!  Thank you, Thank you Thank you for thinking that 'Farewell to the Past' was good enough for the Front page.  I am honored.  And way ecstatic, by the way.  Too cool!<BR>
<BR>
And congratulations to every one else who made the  front page too!<BR>
<BR>
bouncing around the room....nikki
<HR>
From: nikki<BR>
Date: 3 June 2000<P>

ok...so I think the conversation moved on about too much bliss.....but I wasn't aware there was such a thing....hmmmm...i'll have to think long and hard about that one..NOT....BLISS is good...(dancing happilly around, cuz even when Imiss him, I'm still so much in love)<BR>
<BR>
And Kev--I think you do owe me E...actually, I'm pretty sure of it... :)<BR>
<BR>
I would just like to say, that I first came here at the suggestion of a friend who is currently out of the loop (chuckling softly) and I bless the day I put that stupid ad online and he started writing to me and got me to come here.  Thanks Chris!<BR>
<BR>
I love you guys and gals (even the long-winded ones....cuz I get like that myself sometimes)<BR>
<BR>
and Megs..you aren't the only one that airs personal concerns...I do it too!<BR>
<BR>
off to smoke and further ruin my chances at ever being a marathon runner....nikki<BR>

<HR>
From: nikki<BR>
Date: 3 June 2000<P>

ok..I know I should try to do this all at once....(peeking at Kirk) <BR>
<BR>
Kim Wu--You amaze me with your ability to turn hardships into the writing that you produce.  Keep it up, girl!<BR>
<BR>
Megs--I have always gotten my hair chopped off in the middle of a crisis...I like 'Haircut', especially the last line.  <BR>
<BR>
Angel--I'm not sure if I commented on 'Translation' or not, but I agree with it, and with your notes on the board about love being evident to others around us...~sigh~<BR>
<BR>
Ok, I am really going this time...sheesh...stop trying to push me out the door... :)<BR>
<BR>

<HR>
From: terry<BR>
Date: 3 June 2000<P>

Hey all,<BR>
<BR>
First my congrats to all the front pagers. Kirk you had the worst job imaginable given the quality and quantity of subs during May. And as always you captured some real gems, a few of which I missed the first go round.<BR>
<BR>
Gala, the ramble was amazing, and coupled with the one last month, prolly should be put in print somewhere that every person who even considers a relationship is forced to read.<BR>
<BR>
Michael, thank you for the comments about some of my stuff. You should really read Kev's writing a little closer though. Like all real poets, his words are layered and emotions like appreation speak louder than blissful...but then we color what we read with our own frame of reference don't we. Part of why so many of your words lately seem to capture bits and pieces of my growth...<BR>
<BR>
And I will hold my comments about the other great writing  til later...this insomnia has given me one of those  intense  migraines  that lie just behind the eyes and insists on beating a tune into my brain....<BR>
late, terry
<HR>
From: Kiwi<BR>
Date: 3 June 2000<P>

Kirk~ I am so honored to be on the front page! Thank you for putting "Undertow" there. :-) I am one excited KiwiFruit.
<HR>
From: HMS<BR>
Date: 3 June 2000<P>

Just read the June issue.  I still feel out-classed here, but wow, what a thrill!  Thanks, Kirk!<BR>
<BR>
And I'll keep my sour grapes whining to myself about all the GREAT poems NOT picked...  But what about "you are" and "Goddess by Moonlight" and "The girl that you care about," and...  and... and...  OK, I'll shut up.  And I am MOST grateful that it's not MY job to run the blender.  Ooh, get it, run the blender?  That's cute.<BR>
<BR>
Oh, you guys, I only have one more week of school to live through with my darling middle-schoolers, and then I'm FREE! And I'll have 2 1/2 months to be my own person and not a nagging, lecturing, detention-giving witch.  Yippeee!<BR>
(My seventh graders pronounce witch with a b.)<BR>
Happy June, everyone.<BR>
<BR>
"...And what is so rare as a day in June?<BR>
Then, if ever, come perfect days;<BR>
Then Heaven tries earth if it be in tune,<BR>
And over it softly her warm ear lays."<BR>
<BR>
Oh, dear.  I don't know the author.  Sorry, folks.<BR>

<HR>
From: Kiwi<BR>
Date: 3 June 2000<P>

Gala~ I liked your ramble.
<HR>
From: sarah [email-masked]<BR>
Date: 3 June 2000<P>

whoa man rock on!!!!!!!!<BR>
talk about a good surprise after a crappy week!!!<BR>
<BR>
danke danke danke danke danke kirk!!!!!!!!<BR>
<BR>
hows it feel to make someones day????????<BR>
<BR>
as for everyone else....i love how you guys can set a mood with a poem and inspire someone else to do so....tis a wonderful thing to inspire someone.<BR>
<BR>
glad to be on a website with such stinking awesome people!!!<BR>
<BR>
sarahQ
<HR>
From: deevaa<BR>
Date: 3 June 2000<P>

Gala, hehe... I never knew that I said that enough to 'own' it -- last year I was famous for my giggle and my wiggle,  I wonder what changed? I was also famous for my deevaa dance, but you've since brought that! &lt;grin&gt;<BR>
<BR>
Wonderful ramble, wonderful front page picks...<BR>
<BR>
dee
<HR>
From: Kirk, Blender-Keeper<BR>
Date: 3 June 2000<P>

HMS-<BR>
Wow, middle school? Like Matt Groening says, "the deepest pit of hell".  tough time for younguns, hormones hitting 'wm like freight trains.  <BR>
<BR>
Anyway, the two poems you ask about-- they are good works, but their a bit... I dunno, pastoral or something.  Very idealized.  Call me a cranky cynic (I was going to say old cynic, but lately I've been on a campaign to convince myself that 26 isn't old- long story) but I most appreciate works about romance of a more earthy sort...
<HR>
From: nikki<BR>
Date: 3 June 2000<P>

Kirk--Youhad better convince yourself that 26 isn't old!!!  It's coming up pretty quick for me, and I'll be damned if I'm getting old! :)
<HR>
From: nikki<BR>
Date: 3 June 2000<P>

Forrest--You write some good 'rambles' as you put it.  I really like them.<BR>
<BR>
Terry--you aren't the only one with a headache, bro.  <BR>
<BR>
And just so everyone knows, 'Insomnia' is not about me being sad.  I've accepted that sometimes, in love, there are bound to be times of loneliness, especially when I adore a man who lives almost 3,000 miles away.  :)<BR>
<BR>
later, love bugs
<HR>