From: chrisandmisti<BR>
Date: 13 August 2000<P>

Here's an update. Our pictures will be in on Monday. We'll scan the best ones and send 'em to myfamily.<BR>
...Last night was fun. We ate dinner at Bugaboo's, a Canadian steakhouse. Chris was slightly peevish 'cause Misti ordered a Margarita AND an appetizer AND steak with French fries AND Caesar salad. Oh...and there was a loaf of wheat bread with butter. (god help me...I'm starting to remind myself of Kathy Lee Gifford)<BR>
The fun didn't REALLY begin 'til we went to the galleria to walk off alla those pesky calories and fat grams. First off...had to make the obligatory trip to Vicky's Secrets and ogle all the lace and garters and stuff. Then we went to Frederick's of Hollywood and Misti tried on a weird sheer black thing that had fur around the top and bottom and was shaped like a Christmas tree. Chris took a pic. The clerk apprehended us. Chris bought Misti a sheer black rosebud adorned g-string that complements her bubble butt. Then, on to Spencer's to plan out how we're gonna decorate our pad in Austin. Lotsa cool lights, ya know. Misti tried on a glittery pink cowboy hat and matchin' shades. Chris tried on a Hagar the Horrible helmet and fat Elvis shades. Had the clerk take our pic. If it turns out, we'll use it for the engagement announcement. We love each other. We laugh until we hurt. We're the best thing since Sid and Nancy. No heroin or methadone, though. Bye.<BR>
(just Rolling Rock beer. ~chris)
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From: C.L. Hollinghead<BR>
Date: 13 August 2000<P>

Howdy ya'll. Saturday, blessed Saturday night.... I've seen so many wonderful poems tonight, but considering my drooping eyelids, I have only left a few comments. Have a nice night.<BR>
<BR>
Romeo Blue- Loved the poem! <BR>
<BR>
Elizabeth Fontaine- I have to agree with you on the nature thing. Most of my favorite creations have been inspired by the great outdoors. Good poem! <BR>
<BR>
Chris W.- That was awsome! 
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From: jackryhme<BR>
Date: 13 August 2000<P>

thanks dawn really needed that  bad time of month fer me i guess thanks agin 
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From: Michael (sort of strumming)<BR>
Date: 13 August 2000<P>

Hopefully I'm not sucking up too much space here...<BR>
jackryhme and all "newer than me" poets ~ There's plenty of people reading your work. Most of them wont comment, though they probably enjoyed it. I read and enjoy plenty of stuff on some days, but sometimes it won't get me in the heart because I might not have felt the same things the author did. I'm not a oldbie but I'm sure plenty of established poets here have posted poetry to no comments. Only maybe 5% of my stuff gets publicly complimented. Heck I can't be sure that the other 95% gets read. But trust me. Someone read your stuff and they didn't hate it. I've read some of your work. You have a cool rhythm and a nice style. Have faith my friend, and even if you don't, it's all about the poetry and offering it to the world. If the world doesn't gasp and swoon for it, it's the world's problem.<BR>
Some really generous souls like Nikki (I think that's who inspired me to try the same when I got here) will comment on everyone they've read that day, but it's hard to find that kind of time.<BR>
So if you haven't gotten a comment, don't think you aren't appreciated. Just keep posting (moderately - don't make my mistake) until something you have written echos in someone else.
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From: mitchel(back in da loop)<BR>
Date: 13 August 2000<P>

preach it bro mike.  u da man here!  i look 4 ur stuf b4 ne1 else cos u roc.  F. T. cum back.  we 4give u baby.
<HR>
From: Michael (Last one tonight I promise)<BR>
Date: 13 August 2000<P>

Riggs ~ I love "Dance of the shackled" - "Only those who have known captivity can truly know freedom." <BR>
<BR>
Sarah ~ "Left". I love it. Angry woman poetry rules. =) Hell hath no wrath...;)<BR>
<BR>
Chris W ~ I'm lookin for a "clean spot". If you finish it, I'll read it. =)<BR>
<BR>
Chris and Misti ~ You guys are too cute. =) Stop that, it's...mushy..and cheesy..like macaroni and cheese..mmmm...I love mac and cheese...<BR>
<BR>
Dawn ~ I'm sorry that I haven't commented on anything of yours before. I had to go to July. "When will I know" - Soon I hope. Though I would hope you'd know without him having to say it.<BR>
<BR>
Where's Megs?
<HR>
Date: 13 August 2000<P>

While it is true that there is a mutual admiration cliquishness here, it is also untrue that this is an entirely bad thing.  It is easy to mistake fragile egos for ego mania.  One ought to consider that.  It is equally true that immature expression will never fully flower if not fostered in a truly critical spirit.  Hence, I will grant you that the truly spectacular poetry is rarely commented on in anything approaching a cogent manner, which is a shame.  Every poet should always aspire to their best work at all times.
<HR>
Date: 13 August 2000<P>

Clarifying the point- fragile egos often hide behind a facade of bravado...
<HR>
From: Misti<BR>
Date: 13 August 2000<P>

Sorry, Kirk...just noticed an error in *A Ring of Truth* and I feel like I need to submit a revised version because this poem means a lot to me. It was written on the submissions form and I was nervous about losing it because my server can't always be trusted. I need to break myself of this habit and start writing poems down again.
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From: Toklas<BR>
Date: 13 August 2000<P>

To the anonymous poster:<BR>
<BR>
I don't understand the anonymity.  If you have something to say that you truly believe, then why be anonymous?  I too enjoy critical analysis of work. But I think the suggestion does not have to be made acrimoniously. <BR>
<BR>
Having said that, if any of the blenderites have time to comment with a critical eye on my work, it would be appreciated. If you would like me to do the same for yours - please say so.  I hesitate unless someone tells me that is what they want.  But, keep in mind that any critique is just one opinion - a poet's work belongs to them and they can take or leave anything.  When someone comments on my work critically, I take the advise if I agree and dont't if I don't think it will improve the poem.<BR>
<BR>
Anonymous - why not show what you mean and comment on poems that appeal to you.  And come out of the closet...<BR>
<BR>
Tok
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From: C.L. Hollinghead<BR>
Date: 13 August 2000<P>

topsy turvy- This poem just got my heart beating. Whoever you are, you frighten me. It was a great poem though.... You just got me thinking about my love and that you might be her. I've still have yet to tell her about my love for her but I think she read my clues.... My pulse is still running rapid. Great poem.... just scared me a little bit.
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From: chris w.<BR>
Date: 13 August 2000<P>

dawn:  i loved your latest.  i thought it was cool how you juxtaposed lines lines: "i wonder what he is doing; i wonder what i am doing."<BR>
very clever.  and a thoughtful poem.
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From: terry<BR>
Date: 13 August 2000<P>

Misti~ 'A Ring of Truth' leaves me in awe of your spirit and willingness to share such raw and powerful emotions...thank you...and may you and Chris find in each other that perfectly prismed bottle to catch those future tears and cherish their source forever!<BR>
<BR>
terry
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From: Michael (fancy don't let me down)<BR>
Date: 13 August 2000<P>

Misti ~ I'm glad you corrected your poem. It felt good to read. I'll post something I wrote a long time ago about tears...<BR>
<BR>
Toklas ~ some people are afraid to show that they aren't all sugar and sweetness I guess. I've been guilty of posting under pseudonyms for other reasons. I find it hard to be critical because well..I don't care about anything but how someone's poetry makes me feel. And if it didn't make me feel something that had nothing to do with how good it was and everything to do with me.
<HR>
From: ZoE<BR>
Date: 13 August 2000<P>

MiStI- I loved "Ring Of Truth". So raw, love the rhythem. Rock on!<BR>
<BR>
-ZoE
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From: terry      [email-masked]<BR>
Date: 13 August 2000<P>

Toklas~ I appreciate your time and effort in making critical comments about any aspect of my writing. And the same goes to anyone who reads any of my subs. I have only been writing verse a few months, and really need such criticisms to improve. I realize that most posters shy away from negative comments; with the exception of our anonymous posters, whom I will always choose to ignore. IMHO if it is worth posting to the Board, it is worth a name. Especially since you are free to use any alias you may desire...<BR>
But regardless, I personally take all comments, both positive and negative, as sincere efforts to make my writing better in some small way.<BR>
<BR>
terry
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From: deevaa ([email-masked])<BR>
Date: 13 August 2000<P>

I personally believe in leading by example -- if you think a poem is exceptional then comment on it in a coherent manner.... if you think its average, by all means feel free to share your feelings, in a kind and gentle manner, after all it is someone's heart you are commenting on... if you think that your comment my hurt, how about emailing the person who wrote it and ask what it means to them.<BR>
<BR>
I read all the new works, and comment on what catches my eye, I comment on work I don't know the writer of as well as that I do. Of course if I know the the person behind the words often it will touch me more because I know what that person is dealing with.<BR>
<BR>
As an identifiable regular I also believe that putting my name and email to all my work and comments means that if anyone disagrees with me they can email me for discussion....However I've no problem with no-name people, as long as they are providing genuine critique and not stirring.<BR>
<BR>
dee
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From: Elizabeth Fontaine<BR>
Date: 13 August 2000<P>

<BR>
  Dear Chris W.,<BR>
<BR>
  Very grateful for your comments regarding my poem<BR>
  "Flowers of Love". Hope to read some of your nature<BR>
  poems soon! Chow for now!
<HR>
From: Ashley Skye<BR>
Date: 13 August 2000<P>

To the anonymous poster-<BR>
    I don't know who you are, nor do I really care, but I will ask one thing; Why, if you have a life, husband, money in the bank, which you pointed out you did, would you waste your time here posting very ignorantly judgmental comments about the way we use this board? <BR>
   We all enjoy reading and/or writing our thoughts, feelings, hopes and dreams on this site.  It has always been a friendly place with no problems between any of us.  If you are out to cause them, find somewhere else to do so.<BR>
<BR>
       To everyone else, have a great night!<BR>
            *Ashley*
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From: [email-masked]<BR>
Date: 13 August 2000<P>

<BR>
Dear Chris W,<BR>
<BR>
    Just thought I'd give you some feedback on "Cleanspot".<BR>
I was totally captivated by it. As a poet that has attended<BR>
poetry workshops, I have developed some knowledge for critiquing. If I may comment on one sentence that I felt needs to be clarified.  How does she, your female character '50's' blonde's, emit compassion and empathy from her lips!  I don't see that connection? Also, the title "Cleanspot" reminds me of lifting a spot off my sofa with Mr. Clean Cleanser!" Give it more thought. To trite! Maybe you can take that line out and give your reader more mystery to yearn for. But I especially loved: "the rolling<BR>
curves of her body defy the jagged geometry of this place!"<BR>
Great imagery and metaphor used!  Keep up the great writing!<BR>
<BR>
Elizabeth G.<BR>
  
<HR>
From: Michael (don't you cry)<BR>
Date: 13 August 2000<P>

Misti and Chris ~ I posted my thingy. I tried to find the old one and couldn't so I did another. I hope you and Chris like it.
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