From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=13">B.K.</a><BR>
Date: 4 September 2001<P>

SCQueen; Tell me where you were born. City and State?<BR>
<BR>
Oh Yes Congratch again, some lovely works for girlswrite.com this issue.  <BR>
<BR>
bk
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=109">Stephen</a><BR>
Date: 4 September 2001<P>

Galadrial-- "Moon Ridge" was exquisite... every last drop of it...eye candy.            <BR>
                                                           <BR>
I especially enjoyed:<BR>
"But I need more than the view<BR>
through glass,<BR>
and when you have a gentle blaze started<BR>
I inhale the sweet smell of pine and pear wood<BR>
and we go to the veranda to scan the sky,<BR>
and it is enough to be a whisper apart,<BR>
my head against your shoulder."<BR>
<BR>
Ahh.. that was so so good...<BR>
<BR>
Violet-- "moonlight" was short and meaningful...I love poems that mean so much through so little words...  I especially enjoyed: <BR>
"the moon undressed the darkness<BR>
leaving her naked and vulnerable"<BR>
<BR>
scqueen-- "Full Moon Fever" ... again.. so powerful with little words...so descriptive... it sounds deep and potent at every little turn...really dark by the end...I really liked it.<BR>
<BR>
vampirehunterdez -- I enjoyed the way you built "The Thought" a lot...I especially respect writers who remember their form, and don't go off rambling... like I do most of the time.... and man, I understand what you mean about her never reading it.... I got stacks of stuff about certain someones that they will never see... never understand..<BR>
<BR>
and a last comment about the site and Kirk in general:<BR>
I really respect the way you capture writers for front page picks that may only enter a few poems to the site...it really shows it's all about quality and not quantity...It also helps writers who lack certain self-confidence <BR>
in their art to realize everyone's' creations deserve well met audience.<BR>

<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=20">distant moon</a><BR>
Date: 4 September 2001<P>

Violet, <a href="/blend/wv.cgi?id=2001.09.02.09.49.14928">moonlight</a> was awesome.<BR>
<BR>
Congrats to the Front pagers...and...wow, I'm one of those people.  I'm honestly feeling all tingly inside like a little kid again.  Thank you<BR>
<BR>
Anyhow...I don't check here so often anymore cause I'm busy all the time, however...from what I have read, it all just keeps getting more blushing, more pivotal, and more groundbreaking.  I love it all...
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=4">TJ Holland</a><BR>
Date: 4 September 2001<P>

Wow, thanks Kirk, for a couple of Front Pagers. Cool. I'm very honored! Oh, ya and how do I get in touch with that lady that was aking for poison pen letters? I have the one I wrote to my husband before we were married and he broke up with me to go back to his ex for two weeks. It was the best thing I ever wrote...<BR>
<BR>
I read all the picks for Aug. submits and really concur with Kirks choices. Congrats to all!!<BR>
<BR>
And responses to comments now...<BR>
<BR>
scqueen ~ Thanks for your comment about 'I'm 5' being your favorite for this month. Means much.<BR>
<BR>
Ali ~ ditto re:'Her Own Song', it was tough to write.<BR>
<BR>
Rhet ~ ah...i am a goddess and know all....lol!! (ya, like i think that)  :-)<BR>
<BR>
B.K. ~ Vernon, BC <BR>
<BR>
Missjaneausten ~ welcome. as you can see, you can get almost everything here at the blender...but you'll need a measure of patience girl.<BR>
<BR>
-Teej
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=29">~Harem~</a><BR>
Date: 4 September 2001<P>

To BK~<BR>
Well I have learned the hard way, not to share as much of myself with others, as I have here.  I was not looking for recognition, pity, or attention.<BR>
I have used the blender as a therapy to relieve myself of past pains, inner demons, and horrors of my childhood, and my relationships.  Nothing more and nothing less.  Wether anyone thinks that I imagined them, or wether they were real, is not important.  I do not need to prove myself to anyone.  I know that I am real, and that is what counts.<BR>
I have also used the blender to exercise my imagination and writing abilities.  I have received tremendous pleasure doing so.  I am very thankful to have had a place to practice, receive feedback, and to grow.<BR>
Wether ill feelings have grown here toward me, is beyond my control.  <BR>
The best option for me at this time, is to talk less on the board about myself or my personal life.... and just stick to the writing of prose and poetry for my own enjoyment.<BR>
Wether my poetry is appreciated, ignored, or frowned upon, makes little difference to me.<BR>
I write for myself.... for my pleasure..... <BR>
If someone else gets joy from it.... all well and good,<BR>
I am pleased.  <BR>
But I certainly do not want to be a chafing piece of sand paper to the souls out here.<BR>
I was going to do some research, in well known astrology books, that were the source of my Pisces Moon findings, but then I decided that I do not have to prove anything to anyone.  I have spent most of my life defending myself against others who have lived their lives as they pleased, but who demanded a reason for my existence.<BR>
I had to defend myself for every thought I had, and every action I took... to my ex.... and after I left him, I made a promise to myself, that I would never do that again, with anyone.<BR>
Being different, being unique, being zaney, has caused many to ask me to defend myself, because I do not fit into their molds.... and hence an automatic distrust and chafing....<BR>
So rather than spend the night, looking up my astrological findings....  I shall slip into my cozy bed, and remind myself.... it's totally ok.... to be me....<BR>
and that I do not have to justify my differences or existence to anyone.... nor apologize for being unique.<BR>
I apologize to you, and anyone on here, for having ruffled feathers, or been an annoyance.<BR>
<BR>
~Harem~
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=29">~Harem~</a><BR>
Date: 4 September 2001<P>

To Rhetoric ~<BR>
Thanks for the comment.....<BR>
<BR>
~Harem~
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=29">~Harem~</a><BR>
Date: 4 September 2001<P>

http://astro4begin.terrashare.com/moon.html<BR>
<BR>
Evangeline Adams, the most famous astrologer of this century,<BR>
 wrote that the Sun signifies your individuality<BR>
 and the Moon signifies your personality. <BR>
Other astrologers define the Sun's influence as a vital force <BR>
and the Moon as an unconscious force.<BR>
 In essence, the Moon represents the side of you that reacts before you have time to think.<BR>
<BR>
The distinction in astrology between the influence of the Sun and the Moon<BR>
 is a forerunner of Sigmund Freud's theory of the ego and the id in human personality.<BR>
 According to Freud, the ego is a person's consciousness (symbolized in astrology by the Sun),<BR>
 and the id represents a person's instinct (the moon). <BR>
<BR>
In many ways your Moon personality is the one you keep hidden.<BR>
 Human beings tend to disapprove of instinctive behavior.<BR>
 We call it uncivilized, primitive, animalistic. <BR>
Thus, in certain respects, your Moon personality is<BR>
 a part of your self that you find disturbing. It is your inner core,<BR>
 which feels hate and jealousy, broods and is fearful,<BR>
 and has fantasies that you often deny even to yourself. <BR>
<BR>
The Moon in your horoscope modifies your Sun sign;<BR>
 it brings new forces, different motivations, special elements <BR>
to the character of your Sun sign. <BR>
Your Sun sign personality and Moon sign personality are a blend, a marriage.<BR>
 As in a marriage, disparate element sometimes work together<BR>
 to form a compatible partnership, each lending the other its strengths.<BR>
 But sometimes there is conflict in which opposing traits collide with each other. <BR>
<BR>
If you feel that you are in constant conflict with yourself-<BR>
if you feel you are two differnt people torn and pulled by each other<BR>
-astrology can help you. Study both your Sun sign and Moon sign.<BR>
 Learn the positive and begative sides to these signs and try to recognize<BR>
 these elements within yourself. You may find that with a deeper understanding<BR>
 of the forces that motivate you, you will learn to be less hard on yourself <BR>
and to reconcile what seems tobe a confusing whirl of contradictions.<BR>
 On the other hand, if your Sun and Moon are in the same sign,<BR>
 you will probably find the characteristics of that sign doubly reinforced in your personality. <BR>
<BR>
Know thyself. <BR>
This is what the ancient Greeks carved on the temple at Delphi.<BR>
 It is an ideal that human beings have struggled toward for thousands of years.<BR>
 It is what astrology can teach us.<BR>
<BR>
http://astro4begin.terrashare.com/mpisces.html<BR>
<BR>
A Moon in Pisces modifies your Sun sign in this way:<BR>
<BR>
The Bright Side of Pisces Moon-You are more compassionate, sensitive, loving, creative, loyal<BR>
<BR>
The Dark Side of Pisces Moon-You are more indecisive, discontented, vague, secretive, easily confused.<BR>
<BR>
Those born with their Moon in Pisces:<BR>
<BR>
Pisces and the Moon have a natural affinity; <BR>
Pisces is the sign of depths of emotion and the Moon represents<BR>
 your instinctive emotional reaction and sometimes your hidden dreams. <BR>
Pisces is also the astrological sign of sorrow and self-undoing.<BR>
 If you have the Moon in Pisces you have deep feelings <BR>
and an innate understanding of the human condition. <BR>
<BR>
A peculiar danger for anyone with this Moon position is that<BR>
 the impressions received from the outside world will not accurately reflect <BR>
the world as it is. Instead, they are filtered through an intense romanticism.<BR>
 Your instant reaction to stimuli is to interpret things as you would like them to be <BR>
rather than as they are. You wear the reality-distorting glasses<BR>
of the incurable optimist, the dreamer and poet. <BR>
<BR>
Your romantic emotionalism is not always apparent on the surface,<BR>
 for this part of your nature you try to keep well hidden. <BR>
However, even the most pragmatic person with a Moon in Pisces<BR>
 feels the need to escape into a world of private imagination. <BR>
<BR>
As a Moon-in-Pisces person you are artistic<BR>
 and have a keen love for beauty and the arts.<BR>
 Many Moon-Pisces have a flair for acting, writing, composing, or painting.<BR>
 Gifted with vision and imagination, you express yourself well in creative areas.<BR>
 It is through the senses and emotions rather than the intellect that you perceive things.<BR>
 You are extraordinarily intuitive and sometimes are gifted with psychic vision; <BR>
you seem able to strip away the veil that separates the real world from the spiritual world,<BR>
 and to know things that others cannot comprehend. <BR>
<BR>
In the real world, unfortunately, you do not always have an easy time.<BR>
 You tend to let your emotions get the better of you. <BR>
Though you seem confident and completely in charge <BR>
 you have a weakness for letting those with strong wills <BR>
and definite opinions lead you into unsuitable paths. <BR>
<BR>
Although you can work tirelessly and unselfishly for others,<BR>
 you find it hard to be strict and disciplined with yourself. <BR>
Having to make final decisions causes you conflict and anxiety. <BR>
There is a strong tendency to escape harsh realities and obligations. <BR>
Sometimes you are perceived as gullible, but it is only your emotional nature, <BR>
which makes you appear that way. You are easy prey for unprincipled types who play <BR>
on your tender feelings. It is an axiom in astrology that Moon-Pisces is born<BR>
 under a special vibration that impels them to befriend humanity.<BR>
 Indeed, it is through helping others that you liberate yourself. <BR>
<BR>
In love, as in the rest of your life, you prefer the illusion to the reality. <BR>
It is the wild passion, the feeling of being swept away, that you desire.<BR>
 Many Moon-Pisces drift from affair to affair looking for the fabled glow of love. <BR>
<BR>
You are a romantic who will do everything you can to make a mate happy<BR>
. It is your nature to do this,<BR>
 even if you do not get an equivalent return from the other person. <BR>
At the same time, you feel vulnerable and dependent and<BR>
 build up an elaborate array of defenses to avoid being hurt. <BR>
<BR>
No matter what your Sun sign may be, the Pisces-Moon qualities of creative imagination <BR>
and sensitivity affect your personality.<BR>
You have clairvoyant ability and a gift for touching the emotions of others.<BR>
People with this placement have a hypnotic effect on the public. <BR>
<BR>
Whatever your Sun sign, a Pisces Moon gives you a sympathetic heart,<BR>
 an artistic temperament, and a great capacity for doing work that will make a lasting impression. <BR>
<BR>
Last Updated on August 2, 2000<BR>
    <BR>
 <BR>
 <BR>
<BR>
<BR>

<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=328">Rhetoric</a><BR>
Date: 4 September 2001<P>

To all September winners : WHOO HOO!  Great job.  I am wondering why I missed some of those emtries - but they might have been posted prior to my "induction" into The Blender.  Tough choices Kirk and you did fabulous.<BR>
<BR>
MissJane:<BR>
  Hi.  The best way to really get into it here it to post.  I looked and as of 9:20 am on Tuesday, you had given us squat.  you will write something that touches another and they will tell you, trust me.  I am very new here also - but a few fabulous souls warmed to me and now I can talk shop (or my watered down version) with the best of 'em.  The rules are on the homepage and from there - read and pay attention.  This site is so funny.<BR>
<BR>
Rhetoric<BR>
<BR>
Good Luck
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=2">scqueen</a><BR>
Date: 4 September 2001<P>

BK ~ I was born in Greenwood, SC. I haven't looked at Girlswrite! I never know when they post new stuff so I'll take a look. Thanks!
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=1">Kirk, Blender-Keeper</a><BR>
Date: 4 September 2001<P>

TJ: Thanks for the Poison Pen reminder. I've re-edited the September Blender to have links to the information.<BR>
<BR>
Stephen: interesting observation about selecting authors who haven't posted too many to the site. I try not to pay too much attention to authors for the first passthrough, when I select the Definites and the Maybes.  When I'm sorting out the Maybes, at that stage I'm more likely to pay attention to the authors... it's harder to get your second work for that month in than your first, and you have a slight advantage if you're a new voice, but only after you've made the initial selection. (There are some weird side effects of this. I think Harem is the latest contestent in the 'best poet who doesn't become front page picks very often', along with Kevin Urenda. Mostly it's a stylistic difference thing.)<BR>
<BR>
And Harem, diskspace is relatively cheap but not free, please don't cut and paste large amounts of text from other sites (the astrology stuff.)
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=2">scqueen</a><BR>
Date: 4 September 2001<P>

Megs ~ Please email me with an update on your life. Would like to know what's been going on. [email-masked]<BR>
<BR>
Stephen ~ Glad you liked 'Full Moon Fever' - sounds like you got out of it exactly what I wanted the reader to. Keep posting, I like reading yours also :-)
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=29">~Harem~</a><BR>
Date: 4 September 2001<P>

To Kirk (The Blender Keeper) ~<BR>
<BR>
Yes Sir !!!<BR>
<BR>
* as she cowers and slowly crawls away with tail between legs.<BR>
<BR>
Others have written much longer comments but nothing was ever said to them.<BR>
<BR>
I have been receiving a lot of negative comments<BR>
here lately.<BR>
<BR>
At first, I thought it was my imagination<BR>
but now after hearing this from you....<BR>
I know it's time.<BR>
<BR>
* with bent head, and tears streaming from eyes....<BR>
<BR>
*she slowly , reluctantly, crawls away.....<BR>
<BR>
*heaving sighs, and trying not to look back.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>

<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=1">Kirk, Blender-Keeper</a><BR>
Date: 4 September 2001<P>

Harem, sheesh!<BR>
<BR>
First off, I went out of my way to complement you despite my front page pick pecularities/subjectiveness.<BR>
<BR>
Second off, it just seemed redundant that you cut and pasted (at least I hope you didn't laboriously retype it!) a document that you also gave the URL for! It wasn't the length of the comment alone, but the length combined with the fact that people could've just gone to the original source.  <BR>
<BR>
I think you're making a positive contribution to the Blender and the community and I hope you elect to stay.
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=91">flash</a><BR>
Date: 4 September 2001<P>

Thanks, Kirk for the Digest pick...  I'm utterly surprised and flattered, you have made my day, week, and probably month!<BR>
<BR>
Congrats again to all other Digest picks... they are all stunning works.  <BR>
<BR>
Bethgirl... I don't know how I missed "dive" when you first submitted it... it is fantastic!  I know just how you feel.  I am going skydiving within the month....<BR>
<BR>
Dez...  I really like "The Thought."  In fact I've enjoyed many of your postings... they seem to flow very naturally from you.  Thank you!<BR>
<BR>
Sati... thanks for the comment.  And I really relate to "Remembering."  Yes, it is difficult to wait in silence, but I think that silence doesn't always last forever....<BR>
<BR>
peace,<BR>
~flash<BR>
<BR>

<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=22">angieubaldo</a><BR>
Date: 4 September 2001<P>

misti~thanks for the card, i really appreciated it!
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=13">B.K.</a><BR>
Date: 4 September 2001<P>

Harem; Kirk is right Sheesh, you are blowing smoke when all you have to do is prove the point. AND THE POINT IS??? Your real true non made up, not imagined, not pretend, not fluff stuff  birthdate.<BR>
<BR>
bk
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=2">scqueen</a><BR>
Date: 4 September 2001<P>

Mira ~ May I ask what inspired "Rain Dance"? It's very lovely and unique.
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=21">the guppy</a><BR>
Date: 4 September 2001<P>

Thanks for the honor, Kirk.  Props to all the front pagers.<BR>
<BR>
bk---what kinds of orchids are blooming for you now?  Mine aren't doing squat right now, but at least they're not dead.<BR>
<BR>
gup
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=345">vampirehunterdez</a><BR>
Date: 4 September 2001<P>

Flash- thanks for the comment.  I always enjoy seeing when others enjoy my work.  I only hope that the rest of my postings to come can live up to what standard this room has or any standard I have already set for myself.<BR>

<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=328">Rhetoric</a><BR>
Date: 4 September 2001<P>

Sati<BR>
<BR>
    Silence is great.  "Lies, illusions and memories" is a wonderful line to illustrate all that stuff that swirls around us at certain times.  I am thinking that if I hadn't read your name above it - it could have come from my head.  That work describes my moods, my fears, and my dispair about relationships.  ESPECIALLY right now!  Wow, I need to put pen to paper.  <BR>
     I read over (a couple times a day) Rumors of a Divorce and Therapy Session that I posted last month and I can't remove them from frontal lobe.  I think this did the trick.  You have given me a new perspective on my confusion and angst. Angst - what a great word to describe ALL that a late 20's gal with donkey-load of "Lies, illusions and memories"  on her back.  Thank you.<BR>
<BR>
Rhetoric<BR>
<BR>

<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=273">Mirabeau</a><BR>
Date: 4 September 2001<P>

Hi Whitney,<BR>
<BR>
             You might say it was inspired by a love almost as unique as my situation, which is decidely odd at times. Call it part poem, part prayer, part love letter.<BR>
<BR>
             Thanks for asking.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
                                          Mira
<HR>