From: ZoE<BR>
Date: 16 August 2000<P>

SlUG- I'd be flattered if you quoted me. But on what? I've been lacking to tell you that I really admire your work.<BR>
<BR>
DaWn and ChRis W.- Thanks for your praise. You really make me feel good :0 *gush*<BR>
<BR>
EvErYoNe- My daughter, DeZ and I are going on a trip to Florida tommorrow. We'll be back in 2 weeks. I'll miss you all but I know I'll have a lot of great work to catch up on when I'm back. <BR>
<BR>
Love and cookiemonsters-<BR>
ZoE
<HR>
Date: 16 August 2000<P>

good
<HR>
From: Galadrial60<BR>
Date: 16 August 2000<P>

<BR>
<BR>
Dee Dear,<BR>
<BR>
          A triscuit is a wheat cracker, meant for eating with cheese.<BR>
<BR>
          And Terry's poem as very good-------but yours worked with the painting, and there is no "better" in this instance. Also, your poem and painting inspired his...and frankly yours hit a strong emotional chord in me......<BR>
<BR>
          I like your new stuff---it goes for the gusto with a minimum of fuss and bother...you succeed not by "telling" us what you felt, but dragging us through a knot hole in your soul and letting us feel for a microsecond what you felt yourself.<BR>
<BR>
          That's not just good poetry------that's damned good poetry.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
                                          love Gala
<HR>
From: Gala<BR>
Date: 16 August 2000<P>

<BR>
<BR>
Okay........Chris dealt with dishes......Kirk dealt with laundry-------anyone got something that covers windows?<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
                                            gala!
<HR>
From: sarah [email-masked]<BR>
Date: 16 August 2000<P>

okay<BR>
<BR>
triscuit=what i call a tasty man at times<BR>
hot man =tasty triscuit<BR>
triscuit=a nice little wheat cracker with this cool patter on it, and a nice crunch to add to its kick, tastes good with cheese, but i eat them with salsa.<BR>
<BR>
alrighty folks, i need luck, or some prayers or something, and i know there is a gathering of good people here, and positive energy and i need some of that right now, i guess this isn't begging but more of a wiccan type thing of hey send me your good vibes baby sorta thing.<BR>
<BR>
currently, my car broke down yesterday on top of everything, i need a new transmission it costs just as much as my car is worth.......ha.  i have to find a new apartment because the rooamte let her sister with a newborn baby move in and they are not moving out, and via poetry, the love ain't good either, hence come back queen* so my car breaking down on top of it, kind topples over my pile of crappy stuff, cause i work of the bus route way out in the boondocks. so anyway, i'm sure you see where this is going<BR>
<BR>
but today, i have a job interview in a new town, that has hopes for a new place to live, without a car, i can live without a car, and the town is an hour away from here, in a nice little town.  i think i would like that alot.so. please, send a little positive energy my way? and wish me luck? i need this job, i need this, but i'm gonna make it, i know i will.<BR>
<BR>
thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
<HR>
From: slug<BR>
Date: 16 August 2000<P>

misti...one of the better versions of rapunzel :-) go with your bad self!
<HR>
From: slug<BR>
Date: 16 August 2000<P>

deevaa - it probably was a llama. i just remember that it had two heads and nothing ever got done because it was trying to go two ways at once.<BR>
<BR>
dawn: FLATTERED! the my poem is memorable enough to be in your head is HIGH PRAISE!!!!<BR>
<BR>
anonymous guy: 1) because you have not chosen to even give yourself a nom de plume, i am DYING to know who you are. and 2) it's wonderful that you enjoy my work -- and 3) is this love gone, or has it just stopped writing?<BR>
<BR>
egrieco: while i, myself, have never exprimented with illicit drugs (although i do have a weakness for a good frozen margarita and negra modelo, and my mothers cosmopolitans.) I did grow up in plano. (yeah, the MTV thingy was about people i went to school with. creepy) and so i have seen every effect it can have on people. I am sorry for you and your wife, and for your son. I truly hope that he can overcome it.<BR>
<BR>
ZoE: have fun in Florida. as far as quoting you...i just adore your phraseology and use random quotes in my novels. (none have been published, and not for lack of trying. amidst bitter rejection i just can't seem to stop writing...) what caught my attention was thrill of the chase (the whole freaking thing) and i realized that i shouldn't stick to bad eighties movies and early nineties alterna-pop. and french philosophers and mark twain. there's quotables all over the place :-) <BR>
<BR>
Gala: Ways for a Man To Be Strong is wonderful - and applicable to women, too. <BR>
<BR>
marvy, marvy, all the poetry on this site is just marvy... :-)
<HR>
From: ZoE<BR>
Date: 16 August 2000<P>

GuYs- This is my last visit until DeZ and I leave for Florida. DeZ is so excited to go. She put on her mickey mouse ears and insists that 'mommy' take her to Disney World. He he. I've never been there myself. I suppose every kid should get to go there at least once. DeZ is 4 but her fifth birthday is coming up in October. I call her my Halloween baby. She hates being called baby, because Nursury School's given her the badass image. We redecorated her room powerfull girls style, because sesame street's just not gunna do it anymore. It's funny to think that my daughter and I are only 15 years apart in age. I'm sorry I'm babbling about DeZziE but she's my whole life! <BR>
<BR>
SlUg- What lines did you like or particularly want to quote. I'm interested to know what caught your attention, because lately I feel like my writing's been kinda' redundant. he he Thanks for the sweet treatment though.<BR>
<BR>
Powerpuffs and cookiemonsters-<BR>
ZoE<BR>
<BR>
ps. DeZ and I always say 'kisses and cookiemonsters' before bed but DeZ insisted on changing it to powerpuffs and cookiemonsters lol so so did I.<BR>
*smiles* Off to Orlando....
<HR>
From: ZoE<BR>
Date: 16 August 2000<P>

DaMn gUyS I'M gOnNa MIss ThE TrAiN!<BR>
mIsTi- I just loved your 'Rapunzel' tale. I laughed and loved your story telling style. You kick ass girl.<BR>
-ZoE
<HR>
From: terry<BR>
Date: 16 August 2000<P>

Sarah~ We all reach our moment of truth like that sooner or later. Thank you for sharing that 'ramble' (which by the way was anything but a ramble. I thought it very well written!) You communicated such a varied array of emotions  with this, and while is IS different from your usual wonderful verse, it hit my own feelings at such a juncture in life well....too well!<BR>
<BR>
terry
<HR>
From: Michael (in hiding)<BR>
Date: 16 August 2000<P>

Misti ~ your rapunzel ROCKS.<BR>
<BR>
Gala ~ "ways for a man to be strong". Superb.<BR>
<BR>
Sarah/iristakeroot ~ "Moment of truth" I've had my own. I'll send you something...<BR>
<BR>
The blender just keeps getting better.
<HR>
From: Gala<BR>
Date: 16 August 2000<P>

<BR>
<BR>
VERSE????????????<BR>
<BR>
Verse....from me......somebody shoot me, please?<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
                                    Gala Grumbling
<HR>
From: Tara<BR>
Date: 16 August 2000<P>

Gala, I loved Rock Candy for the Heart...<BR>
<BR>
the imagery (sp) is beautiful, as always, well done
<HR>
From: Tara<BR>
Date: 16 August 2000<P>

Sarah, I agree with Terry... somehow we all feel that way.... sometimes more than others.<BR>
<BR>
Terry, I have missed you!<BR>
<BR>
Tara
<HR>
From: slug<BR>
Date: 16 August 2000<P>

ZoE: doing the math and very impressed that you are younger than me and in a place that i couldn't handle yet -- motherhood. as far as the part i would quote - the one i used in a chapter today. (one that will be erased, not because of you but because i'm trying to break writers block so everything is ,well - crap.)<BR>
"I'd follow you anywhere <BR>
and settle for shotgun if you couldn't be inside me<BR>
and I'd understand."<BR>
<BR>
slug
<HR>
From: Misti &lt;[email-masked]&gt;<BR>
Date: 16 August 2000<P>

Slug~<BR>
  Glad you enjoyed my Rapunzel piece. You grew up in Plano? Wow! I almost took a live-in housekeeper/nanny job there awhile back. My sister lives in Lewisville. As soon as Chris's transfer goes through we're going to move to Austin, the best city in the world. Ever been to Sixth Street? Great margaritas...but I'm a hardcore Long Island Ice Tea fanatic.<BR>
ZoE~<BR>
  Compliments from you really make my day! Thanks! Florida sounds like fun. I'd love to be on a beach right now.<BR>
Michael~<BR>
  Thanks, chico. I've enjoyed looking at your pics at myfamily...love the Superman t-shirt!<BR>
<BR>
...Last night we went to see "Hollow Man" at the drive-in. I was overwhelmed with nostalgia and the buttery popcorn was muy bueno, but the movie basically sucked. Special effects don't make a movie. But I love Kevin Bacon for trying so hard. Where would quasi intellectual cinematic debate be w/o him? Ha. We should try the six degrees thing here. Chris tried to get me to connect him to Chaplin and I couldn't do it. Chaplin...Robert Downey, Jr...Molly Ringwald...Judd Nelson...I give up.<BR>
...Speaking of bacon, it's time for a six inch Subway roast beef with bacon sandwich. Later, ya'll.
<HR>
From: terry<BR>
Date: 16 August 2000<P>

Tara~ Thank you! I have had very little time lately to spend writing...and other art is neglected even worse. But I am at least trying to stay on top on the great subs by the talented people here. And congrats again on your great news! I do hope everything stays in that groove you found!<BR>
It is a very warm feeling to know you have thought of me....<BR>
<BR>
t.
<HR>
From: deevaa<BR>
Date: 16 August 2000<P>

non-poetry related question -- warning warning.... <BR>
<BR>
I'm working on a oil pastel piece -- and last night when I stood back from the canvas I saw that the reclined nude I was working on looked a little pregnant, so I started trying to capture that swollen belly --  I believe my work captures her beauty and is rather tasteful.... however I'm concerned about the fact my perception isn't always the same as others... <BR>
<BR>
Honest thoughts please.... is pregnancy and nudity pushing boundaries for people, and if so -- is it in a positive way or not, <BR>
<BR>
(No -- its NOT me, I'm happily non-pregnant.)<BR>
<BR>
dee
<HR>
From: deevaa<BR>
Date: 16 August 2000<P>

hehe I'm ready to have a shoe hiffed at me now... cause typing that last comment, I realised that Misti seems to be obsessed by food recently.....you guys haven't got childrens names picked out for a reason do you??<BR>
<BR>
dee
<HR>
From: Misti<BR>
Date: 16 August 2000<P>

Dee~<BR>
  I don't think there's anything wrong with a painting of a nude pregnant woman. In fact, I think there should be more of those. Chris and I just posted one of our recent pics at myfamily and I saw your newest painting for the first time...the fiery one. It's one of my favorites!<BR>
  Names...ummmm...yeah. We like David Gregory for a boy because we were close to our uncles...his uncle David died of AIDS and my uncle Greg died of lung cancer. We also like Tristan Scott. For a girl, I've always favored Rachel Marie. Marie is a family name. Chris likes Alexa Dhyann.<BR>
  No immediate plans but we'll keep ya posted!
<HR>
From: deevaa<BR>
Date: 16 August 2000<P>

if I was a boy I'd be David Gregory.. hehe... my maiden name is Gregory, (which I never liked which is why I've kept Ade's last name...) and Davena is female version of David... (hehe, did that put you off the name??)<BR>
<BR>
Valley of Fire is one of my favourites too... but so far 'untitled copper' is the one I am proudest of... that VOF, the dancer and umbras angel...<BR>
<BR>
dee
<HR>
From: chris w.<BR>
Date: 16 August 2000<P>

sarah, gala:  you all rock!!  really good poems recently.  and gala, you rhymed.  gasp!<BR>
<BR>
there are many others i've read this evening that are too many to comment on, but everyone is putting out some great stuff!
<HR>
From: sadness on a swing<BR>
Date: 16 August 2000<P>

slug,<BR>
the love of my life has stopped writing and for all intensive purposes is gone from my life-but not from my heart and soul. Reading your work takes me back to such a happy time it almost brings tears to my eyes. Please keep writing
<HR>
From: Paul B<BR>
Date: 16 August 2000<P>

Misti - Chaplin - Penelope Ann Miller to Adventures in Babysitting - Elizabeth Shue to Cocktail - Tom Cruise to A few Good Men - Kevin Bacon.<BR>
<BR>
FGM...what's wrong with your email?
<HR>
From: Anthea Bragg/ [email-masked]<BR>
Date: 16 August 2000<P>

"We are Us", is such a good story. Through the whole thing, I put myself in the boys shoes, but I'm a girl so I pretended it was a girl, and I could feel it. It was so wonderful. It was like I was really there and I'm wondering if I could really do that for the guy that I truly love. It's crazy!! Well, that's all.Bye!
<HR>
From: [email-masked]<BR>
Date: 16 August 2000<P>

Dear deevena,<BR>
<BR>
    Your question to whether you might or should paint<BR>
a pregnant woman's body on canvas, my answer to that is<BR>
written to you in my most recent poem written<BR>
from a trip through Amish Country. It was inspired by<BR>
an Amish male filled with the most male hormones I've<BR>
ever experienced! He looked and stared passionately at<BR>
me to quell his desires that were totally uncontrolled.<BR>
I've never experienced being stared at by a man at that<BR>
level of intensity. It was like he had never seen a sexy woman before or never had engaged in any kind of sex!<BR>
The whole visit was almost to good to believe! Although,<BR>
very interesting to watch these repressed souls in action,<BR>
I wouldn't trade places with them ever, because I believe<BR>
their artistic talents are sensored and by doing so you<BR>
create a community of walking mummies stuck in limbo, but<BR>
their quilts are beautiful! Did I help answer your question<BR>
deevena? Do what your soul or imagination dictates to you.<BR>
Experiment and void yourself of all your inner powers onto<BR>
your canvas! You will delve into a part of yourself that<BR>
you've never touched before! Don't be afraid to try something new. Chow for now!
<HR>
From: [email-masked]<BR>
Date: 16 August 2000<P>

Dear deevena,<BR>
<BR>
    Your question to whether you might or should paint<BR>
a pregnant woman's body on canvas, my answer to that is<BR>
written to you in my most recent poem written<BR>
from a trip through Amish Country. It was inspired by<BR>
an Amish male filled with the most male hormones I've<BR>
ever experienced! He looked and stared passionately at<BR>
me to quell his desires that were totally uncontrolled.<BR>
I've never experienced being stared at by a man at that<BR>
level of intensity. It was like he had never seen a sexy woman before or never had engaged in any kind of sex!<BR>
The whole visit was almost to good to believe! Although,<BR>
very interesting to watch these repressed souls in action,<BR>
I wouldn't trade places with them ever, because I believe<BR>
their artistic talents are sensored and by doing so you<BR>
create a community of walking mummies stuck in limbo, but<BR>
their quilts are beautiful! Did I help answer your question<BR>
deevena? Do what your soul or imagination dictates to you.<BR>
Experiment and void yourself of all your inner powers onto<BR>
your canvas! You will delve into a part of yourself that<BR>
you've never touched before! Don't be afraid to try something new. Chow for now!
<HR>
From: [email-masked]<BR>
Date: 16 August 2000<P>

Dear deevena,<BR>
<BR>
    Your question to whether you might or should paint<BR>
a pregnant woman's body on canvas? My answer to that is<BR>
written to you in my most recent poem written<BR>
from a trip through Amish Country. It was inspired by<BR>
an Amish male filled with the most male hormones I've<BR>
ever experienced! He looked and stared passionately at<BR>
me to quell his desires that were totally uncontrolled.<BR>
I've never experienced being stared at by a man at that<BR>
level of intensity!<BR>
The whole visit was almost to good to believe! Although,<BR>
very interesting to watch these repressed souls in action,<BR>
I wouldn't trade places with them ever, because I believe<BR>
their artistic talents are sensored and by doing so you<BR>
create a community of walking mummies stuck in limbo, but<BR>
their quilts are beautiful! Did I help answer your question<BR>
deevena? Do what your soul or imagination dictates to you.<BR>
Experiment and void yourself of all your inner powers onto<BR>
your canvas! You will delve into a part of yourself that<BR>
you've never touched before! Don't be afraid to try something new. Chow for now!
<HR>
From: terry<BR>
Date: 16 August 2000<P>

Elizabeth~ 'Utopia'.....I'm glad to see you pull back the veneer of peaceful country illusion the very name 'Amish' stirs. Even your small dose of reality behind the image was more kind than I could have managed there......thanks..<BR>
terry
<HR>
From: deevaa<BR>
Date: 16 August 2000<P>

Elizabeth,<BR>
... the work is already on my easel, I'm not asking for advice on if I should produce the work....its much too late for that, the question is how do you feel the work would be received... from feedback I've had via email, I feel its a positive step.<BR>
<BR>
dee<BR>
<BR>
PS -- and just deevaa or dee is fine.
<HR>
From: chris w.<BR>
Date: 16 August 2000<P>

hey!!!!  RGWD...that's my sis!!  what a kick ass poem.  what did everyone else think?
<HR>
From: [email-masked]<BR>
Date: 16 August 2000<P>

<BR>
Terry,<BR>
<BR>
      Thanks for your comments about my poem "Utopia". I appreciate it coming from such an eloquent writer such as yourself. Poetry for me is an expression of music & words painted on canvas.I need it to survive. It makes one's soul feel alive and well. One's own individual self expression through any form of art, cultivates and nurishes one's inner spirit. It's good medicine! I'm sure you agree?
<HR>
From: [email-masked]<BR>
Date: 16 August 2000<P>

<BR>
Terry,<BR>
<BR>
      Thanks for your comments about my poem "Utopia". I appreciate it coming from such an eloquent writer such as yourself. Poetry for me is an expression of music & words painted on canvas.I need it to survive. It makes one's soul feel alive and well. One's own individual self expression through any form of art, cultivates and nourishes one's inner spirit. It's good medicine! I'm sure you agree?
<HR>
From: deevaa<BR>
Date: 16 August 2000<P>

"And when I love- I love with the reckless passion of Juliette<BR>
and the wanton heat of a taboo dream on a hot lonely night..."<BR>
<BR>
Chris W -- your sister rocks as hard as you... love those lines...way to go.... oh and welcome sister!<BR>
<BR>
dee
<HR>
From: [email-masked]<BR>
Date: 16 August 2000<P>

  Dee,<BR>
<BR>
    I will try my best to answer your question. Let me<BR>
put it to you in this context. How did New York City<BR>
and her public receive the painting of the Virgin Mary<BR>
with the dung placed upon it, which basically represented<BR>
mother earth and the importance of her next to the blessed<BR>
Virgin Mary. But the public took it as an insult more than<BR>
not. If you feel an certain guilt or apprehension about<BR>
displaying a nude pregnant woman, keep it as a private<BR>
collection only for your true admirers to appreciate. I<BR>
feel the public at times can be so cruel with harmful<BR>
critiques that you could lose a sense of well being about<BR>
your nudes. My french mother was a great painter of nudes and had no qualms about it, but she didn't display her works<BR>
in the art galleries. Carefully assess the viewing public.<BR>
Are they educated enough to not be offended? You need to<BR>
really think this one out. Don't risk a bad article written<BR>
about your art work. Ignorant people judge harshly, more<BR>
than what the artist deserves! Freedom of expression has<BR>
it's limits too, unfortunately these America's are not<BR>
Paris or Montreal. Our populous has a straight jacket<BR>
mentality about nudity! To some it is unnatural to show<BR>
too much and a pregnant nude may be the last insult they<BR>
wish to take in! Balance your options carefully! Chow for<BR>
now!
<HR>