From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=900">RennieLorca</a><BR>
Date: 2 June 2003<P>

I've truly enjoyed the posts this month with folks just getting better and better. Jon, I wondered what it was that really make a marked change in your work that made me sit up and take extra notice this last time. Glad to see you doing the performance poetry. Seems it has given you a new edge of confidence in your writing.<BR>
<BR>
SUSH~ <a href="/blend/wv.cgi?id=2003.06.01.17.58.27104">The Turquoise Trader's Wife: a Letter</a> some of the best writing I've ever seen at Blender ..... Rennie <BR>
<BR>

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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=1120">Chances</a><BR>
Date: 2 June 2003<P>

Sush - That was an incredible and very different piece of writing. I also enjoyed very much. Great work!
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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=1050">Kase</a><BR>
Date: 2 June 2003<P>

Jessica--  I was going through last monts posts and come across your poem "beat me too". Let me tell you something little girl, your 13 year old mind has no idea what it is like to be in an abusive relationship.  I'm not going to tell you the personal details of my life because I don't think you're mature enough and I'm not pulling scabs off of old wounds.  This poem was not "cute" in any way and if you're that straved for attention, you need more help than any one of us here can give you.  This poem actually did a pretty good job of pissing me off.  I hope in time you grow up.
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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=909">leamas</a><BR>
Date: 2 June 2003<P>

OK,<BR>
I've stayed out of the fray too long.  I've read and not spoken.  This sight is horendous.  Not the sight itself, I stand corrected (thanks Kirk), but rather the self slathering, over righteous nonesense that comes from you're fingers(?).  Other that senior BP's work I have only read one set of works that is really worth a damn.  The author "misunderstood" has temendous talent (nice job BK-you could learn something), though the rhythm and scheme might be a trifle off, she (?) has powerful thoughts and words.  She doesn't use over played concepts of pseudo-intellectuals, verbal Van Gogh's, but rather real thoughts and emotions.<BR>
The "poetry" club you have going on here is almost insulting.  I've submitted several works of sarcasm and ridiculous ridicule to see if anyone notices..no dice. I've also written some semi-decent stuff, again no dice. It's more than writing words, it's being legitimate.  If the words coming from your mind, translated by your fingers, are the same day in and day out, it's time you get back to your daily activities.  Truth is not found in repitition  but rather in the the truth of the emotion for the moment.  You are because you do-Kant.  I know there will be several ney sayers and people who will stoop to make fun, but those who do are simple.  Life is not a box.  If you are going to pretend, or are even trying to learn about poetry, it's time the regulars on this sight look at the works submitted and give props where they are due.  Lets face it we all submit works to validate something, our feelings, our style, our minds.<BR>
----JON
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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=35">Star of David</a><BR>
Date: 2 June 2003<P>

Galadrial,<BR>
<a href="/blend/wv.cgi?id=2003.06.01.02.04.18294">Say No...a fictional Exhange</a> <BR>
Wow...!
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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=268">Misti</a><BR>
Date: 2 June 2003<P>

<a href="/blend/wv.cgi?id=2003.06.01.17.58.27104">The Turquoise Trader's Wife: a Letter</a> <BR>
You are brilliant, Rainbow Fish. May I have one of your scales? The River-Merchant's Wife is one of my favorite poems. You did it justice.<BR>
<BR>
Gala~<BR>
Thanks, woman! I love your latest, btw. It makes me giddy!<BR>
<BR>
scqueen~<BR>
I think of you every time I look at the Texas collage you made for me. Wish you and your gardenguru could meet us in Vegas in July! <BR>
<BR>
Tom Robbins was amazing. He was funny and gracious. He was wearing a SPAM t-shirt. I WISH I had a picture! I was so shy, though. After we were introduced I said,"Here. This is for you" and handed him the book of poems and mini collages I had made for him during breaks at work. He said,"This is for me? Bless your heart." Proof enough that the man hails from the South!<BR>

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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=1120">Chances</a><BR>
Date: 2 June 2003<P>

Lame arse - forgot the spell check, darlin'? Please feel free to come and appellate those who are being hid under the bushes... but not at the expense of knocking everyone else. I really don't give a rats what you think of my poems.
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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=900">RennieLorca</a><BR>
Date: 2 June 2003<P>

Misti~ "the beauty of simplicity is the complexity it attracts" ... Tom Robbins (what a rush for you and him in meeting such a dedicated and devoted fan)<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
Gala~ wow! My fella thanks you :)!! ..... Rennie<BR>
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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=268">Misti</a><BR>
Date: 2 June 2003<P>

Rennie~<BR>
Yes, it was incredible. I didn't freak out like I did when I met Madeleine L'Engle in '99. I handed her my copy of A Wrinkle in Time and said,"I am honored to meet you" in a shaky voice with tears in my eyes. My hands were trembling. I was completely overwhelmed. <BR>
<BR>
I've only read Another Roadside Attraction, Still Life With Woodpecker and Villa Incognito. I bought Even Cowgirls Get the Blues and Skinny Legs and All but I haven't read those yet. I want to get all of Tom's books. I can't praise him enough!
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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=4">tj holland</a><BR>
Date: 2 June 2003<P>

Oh my, Jon Leamas. You're gonna hear it, aren't you? LOL! But anyway, now that you've said your piece I have been reformed. I plan to smarten up and fly straight. Yup, no more frying bacon without my shirt on. I'm turning over a new leaf. <BR>
<BR>
And hey, I have enjoyed 'Ode to a Squirrel' ever since I peed my pants reading it the first time. AND I've commented (in a good way) on your other stuff as well, even when it was obviously sarcastic. (nothing wrong with telling someone off with poetry, it's been done by the "pros" for a long time)<BR>
<BR>
Besides, you're right. The Blender is often a place of clique-ish behavior and rude commentary. But it is also quite the opposite, it all depends on what you're focusing on. And hey, sometimes things NEED to be said. So I say them. <BR>
<BR>
I think there are more than two people here who write a good amount of worthwhile stuff. Some that come to mind off the top are, but not limited to, Akash, Zero Love, indefensible sushi. I can't think of any others right now because I have a horrible ability for recall, but there are a few. Sometimes someone who very seldom submits something I would bother to cut and paste will come up with an inspiring piece. It's cool when that happens. <BR>
<BR>
I do have to agree that there are some 'writers' here whose work is ALWAYS the same. The same emotion and theme is being expressed in each and every poem. That is VERY tiring, I have stopped reading those people (there's ONE in particular that I've noticed. Interestingly enough that person belongs to The Clique Clan and is very vocal on the Board). <BR>
<BR>
Much of the stuff here is deposited the way a turd is deposited in the toilet...so much by-product of the body's functions. (sorry people, I know that's harsh, but hey...take an honest look) Thing is, there nothing wrong with taking a shit, is there? If we don't, we come down with health problems. I just wish people would dump in their own yards and save this place for showcasing, not their incidental waste, but their finest creations. <BR>
<BR>
Anyhoo, nothing can be done about it. The Blender is an amazing concept and has taking shape over the last few years to become an excellent venue for expression. No one, not even Kirk really, can force that expression to form to their own expectations.<BR>
<BR>
 I'm planning an early sunrise breakfast with bp for some time in the near future. We're making bacon and eggs. He's going to impart his wisdom on frying to me. You're welcome to come. It'll be like old times.<BR>
<BR>
Peace.<BR>
<BR>
-Teej
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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=10">Galadrial</a><BR>
Date: 2 June 2003<P>

An editorial folks.<BR>
<BR>
The Blender has it's silly seasons---that is for damned certain. I have not been here forever---it existed long before I came creeping on the scene. Like a perennial bar---which shifts in clientele---it comes, and it goes.<BR>
<BR>
The Regs have witnessed wars, pissing matches, romances, meetings---hell, we even had a couple of weddings. The microcasm reflects the macrocasm. And so it goes.<BR>
<BR>
Now throughout this, Kirk has always let the Blender takes it's own shape. He does NOT interefere in most cases. He is in fact, the Site Owner, the Publisher, if you will...but he is not thr goddamned HALL MONITOR. He has a life that does not include dealing with spitballs and wet willies. That is for us to do.<BR>
<BR>
You can feed the Monster---and it will keep coming. Or you can starve that booger to death. My only remark is that I have observed the same MO over the years/ My guess is that we have one protagonist who lacking a real life, gets his or her jollies by tossing a wrench, or stirring the pot.<BR>
<BR>
There is real life...and then there is the net. It can be the most awesome of commincation tools---or the best hiding place for mutants who thrive on head games. You takes your pick, and makes your choice. Remember please---the blender USED to be two distinct segments---the posting board, and the poetry. If you want poetry, focus on that. If you are worried about something you read, Mail the writer.<BR>
<BR>
I run my own board now, so I get a different overview...but folks? You all are part of the Village Kirk built. Stay if you wish---go if you must...but don't let what you choose be the result of a manipulation.<BR>
<BR>
Peace out.... Gala
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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=487">bp</a><BR>
Date: 2 June 2003<P>

  teej and leamas~~I'm truely and honestly over-whelmed,<BR>
thank you for the kind words and thoughts and well...."I'M NOT WORTHY....I'M NOT WORTHY!!!
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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=1131">indefensible sushi</a><BR>
Date: 2 June 2003<P>

"Lame arse"...hehehe...
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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=1">Kirk, Blender-Keeper</a><BR>
Date: 2 June 2003<P>

Hi gang.<BR>
<BR>
Yeah, I have been "AWOL" lately, what with me being in Germany and England and all.  <BR>
<BR>
Blue, can it with the global warming stuff.  Yes it's an issue, and arguably "more important" than our work here, but I am disinclined to let the Blender become a soapbox for everybody's agenda.  I'm not retromoderating your posts, but please be a lot more selective about what you post.  If anyone feels a need to post about something despite this, DO NOT CUT AND PASTE PARAGRAPHS into the Blender Board box. It's that simple; if you need to get the word out on your urgent issue, google up a decent URL (probably the one where you got that article from...) write a sentence like "hey guys, I think this is wikkid important" and paste in the URL.
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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=1174">Dana</a><BR>
Date: 2 June 2003<P>

Pam: thanks again for your comment. you always make me smile. dana
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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=1120">Chances</a><BR>
Date: 2 June 2003<P>

tj - You're pov, you're entitled to it. I admit, I could put a lot more effort into some of my works, however, I do reject many more than I post (believe it or not). They simply vanish into the ether, because I don't keep any other record of my writing. You have submitted a lot more of your own work in the past than you do now... just an observation. Interestingly enough... I reckon it is my most off-beat work (for want of a better term) that ends up in the digest. So who am I to judge what I should and shouldn't submit? If I liked it, or simply enjoyed writing it and it has some merit TO ME, I will probably submit it.<BR>
<BR>
Re the cliquish behaviour... well, hell, you could be talking about me? No, I don't think you are... I really enjoy feeling like I have found my 'place' on the board, knowing the various people on here via their comments and their poetry. We all occasionally annoy each other (even you and I have had our differences in the past... peace to that), and that's what human relationships are about. Recognising that there are different personalities out there and being able to retain your individualism, while allowing others theirs.
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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=943">jessica</a><BR>
Date: 2 June 2003<P>

kase- I really dont know what happend in ur life and i dont really care...im sorry if u have been abused, but u dont know what the fuck u are talking about!!! im sorry if my poem made u sad, or mad or w/e but i didnt think it was cute, and u dont know enough about me to tell me i dont know what im talking about!! so if u wanna say that it pissed u off well then be pissed!!! but u dont know what ur talking about!!!
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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=1120">Chances</a><BR>
Date: 2 June 2003<P>

individuality? lol
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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=1103">ladyinwaiting</a><BR>
Date: 2 June 2003<P>

Enough already...silence is golden only for a short period of time...I agree with many others whom have made statements about the spelling...granted I have my moments...but 'children', grammar is a must if you choose to achieve your goals in life (that is if you have any goals)...proper etiquette is necessary...and the language...do you become an adult just because you know vulgar language???...and for those of you (yes that means you jessi) whom wish to NOT CARE about others then maybe you should just fold until you have a full hand to play with...please spare me and the rest of us who choose to be serious...
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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=392">kindred_spirit49</a><BR>
Date: 2 June 2003<P>

davey~~  <a href="/blend/wv.cgi?id=2003.06.01.13.50.28054">Awakening</a> Fantastic, if i change the name.....it is a verse that i could use, almost word for word. 
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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=1246">hrw</a><BR>
Date: 2 June 2003<P>

hi everyone!! i am new and i would just liek to say hi!! and i am not trying to get in n e one elses stuff but i have read jessica's and kase's canvosation and i think kase needs to mind her own buisness
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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=1131">indefensible sushi</a><BR>
Date: 2 June 2003<P>

Word...
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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=909">leamas</a><BR>
Date: 2 June 2003<P>

Blah-Blah-Blah,<BR>
I've come to realize that those who rebuff and ignore criticism are the most pathetic.  There is nothing wrong with sitting back, taking stock and realizing the majority of your stuff should stay in your own mind.  Lord knows I don't say (write) a fraction of what I think of individual works.  Have a good day.  Hey write a slathering poem about me.  It will be swell.
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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=1131">indefensible sushi</a><BR>
Date: 2 June 2003<P>

Props to Galadrial for her comments. Bad poems die their own deaths--and message boards should be about love and support and comraderie and (respectful!) debate. I suspect individuals such as horse's ass "leamas" just need to get laid or something. Such pent-up hostility! Take a chill pill, man, and leave the poetry to those who actually give a damn about it.<BR>
<BR>
Peace out, yo.
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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=927">carol</a><BR>
Date: 2 June 2003<P>

kase-how do u know if she has been in an abusive relationship or not? did she tell u? and she is 12... but i do know how it feels, and dont pick at ppl! she dosent deserve that... no one does.. and i think if ur talking to ppl like that then she isent the only one that should grow up.. so should u..(ok me to so i shouldent talk but u get what i mean!!) lol but no affence!!
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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=13">B.K.</a><BR>
Date: 2 June 2003<P>

YAWN; Fiddle Dee Dee, I'll think about all this tomorrow at Tara. Nite<BR>
<BR>
BK
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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=4">tj holland</a><BR>
Date: 2 June 2003<P>

Thanks Chances, for allowing me my point of view. Heck, I could be talking about ME in my last comment! lol! Over the last few years I have tried to find ways of saying what I think as diplomatically as possible, though I DO say it. If a person finds it offensive, well, most times that's not so much from WHAT I say as HOW someone choses to take it. I do know when to hold my tongue most times. I'm sure some people would prefer my line to be drawn sooner though. LOL!  I'm a proponent of truth. I look for truth in everything (even at my own expense) and try to be as truthful in all I do as I can (I'm far from perfect in that). So the way I see life and communication is like...tell me you hate me, tell me I'm full of crap, tell me what's inside...if it's the truth I can look at it and deal with it, you know? It's unfortunate that society these days doesn't want the truth. They want sugar coating and gloss on everything. It is all about spewing forth insincerities and giving false pats on the back just to be sure that you don't make someone uncomfortable with the truth. And what good does it do in the end? <BR>
As Socrates said, "The unexamined life is not worth living." <BR>
<BR>
So, there I go...saying what I think again. And the fact is, I don't mind someone telling me what they think about that. I allow others the same liberties I take for myself.<BR>
<BR>
Just a note about my sparse submissions...I'm in college full time and have three part time jobs and two kids. This past quarter was my first. I was OVERLOADED with work and have had no time to be creative aside from what I have poured into school assignments and being a single mom. I listen to music while I'm driving to school, work, kids games and practices, etc. Audioslave has been my mental muse lately, so I shared some of them here, just to keep in touch. <BR>
<BR>
*Trivia Bit* Did you know that one of Kirk's original intentions for the Love Blender was to provide a place where people could post works that they wanted to see here, as in the works of others and such? Turns out people mostly wanted to see their OWN stuff here. And so it morphed into a great place to submit your own work that you were proud of and wanted to share publicly as well as posting the established works of another author (within copyright guidelines). <BR>
<BR>
Well, I'm tired of listening to myself type, so I'm off to do more homework.<BR>
<BR>
Peace<BR>
<BR>
-Teej
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