What fantastic picks this month! Seems I've got a lot of catching up to do. Congratulations to all. Jim
LEAMAS- As someone who is in the military, like TJ I was horribly offended at your comment "I'll keep paying my taxes so you can buy more stuff." Do you ever stop to realize that Americans are dying so you can be free. Free to love whomever you want, but most importantly 'Free to be an asshole!'
You know, I completely agree with Sushi. This site is for writing though (not just poetry) and it would draw alot more collective interest if we didn't have to read the board every day and weed through some of the crap to get to the good posts.
But you know, we aren't immune from it all, but the best thing we can do is just get beyond it and surpass and at least for ourselves focus on it.
I noticed while reading the issue for this month, that it is mostly prose. Being a prose fan myself, I was quite tickled to see that!
So folks, literary question for you....Do you find it easier to write prose or poetry, and what is your muse? Imagination, real life, books, movies? Inquiring minds want to know!
Angieubaldo ~ Just in way of explanation, because you are so sweet...Leamas and I used to work together. I have moved on with my life, while he remains at that same dismal place. He was making a back biting comment. I had been in the military for a brief time. Just before I was scheduled to leave, I was diagnosed with a medical condition that prevented me from participation. I chose not to return to the negative environment of my previous work place, and instead, I registered for school. I have a few different jobs to supplement the tiny grants and loans that I, as only a first year student, am entitled to. I also have two children whom I am the sole provider for. So I am actually entitled to $300 in food stamps per month. Even though we have been permanent residents of Washington for over 4 years, as Canadian Citizens we are not entitled to recieve any other government assistance. Leamas was attempting to make me feel 'small' by implying that his taxes were supporting me. It was a useless attempt. In fact, I feel quite comfortable with this assistance as I have paid a lot of taxes myself, I still pay taxes, and I anticipate paying gobs more taxes once I've earned my degree. I have yet to "break even" with what I have receieved in comparison to what I have paid in taxes. I'm sure Leamas would have not spoken so quickly had he stopped to consider exactly how many tax dollars go toward his very own 3 children's care and support. The amount is considerable. In fact, it is more than what goes to the 'average' child.
I'm very satisfied with my life. The kids and I are much happier now. Even though we live on less money, we have a higher quality life. Gone are the days of steeping myself in the negativity that was so prevalent at that place. Gone is the stress of wondering which co-worker was going to stab me THIS week. Now, every day is a beautiful experience in the joy that is found in growing and learning, and the opportunity to share more time with my children. When talking about material goods, they say "You can't take it with you", and that's true. But these two things, knowledge and family, I can. So that is where MY focus is.
-Teej
kirk, thanks for picking two of my submissions, which are more like ramblings from what have been a tough month for me lovewise. i've always enjoyed kisrael (am a game geek too) and just recently found myself being a regular visitor of loveblender, because im a little over the edge nowadays. nothing seems to make sense and i find it difficult to concentrate during my paid hours, but i forgive myself for being so lazy, and heartbroken, coz ill be okay later when im ready to beat deadlines!!! all i can say is i just hang around here, which is a good companion over coffee and media player on shuffle mode, instead of being a pathetic loser when turned down by my buddy whom i have intense feelings for. thanks for the space where i can share my experience and trials.
Congrats on all the front page picks...Always enjoy reading something I missed from the new submits page...
I was so happy to come into work today and see that the September issue was up and running. I usually check on the new submits and the board every day from work - but for some reason to see it all put together in a new issue is always so nice. Also, thanks Kirk for picking another one of my poems for the front page - its actually one of my more favorite ones - one that reminds me of good things instead of the bad.
Congrats to all that made it on the front page and thanks to everyone in general for writing on here - its a really good feeling to read what others are experiencing and knowing that I'm not the only one...
I understand you would be upset about the comment I made about TJ's (ahem)military career. I myself served four years in the military, and I did so proudly. TJ on the other hand NEVER served in the military. SHe never went to basic, never sign her papers at MEPS, never boarded the plane to basic. SHe is claiming the right to something I did, something I did well. SHe was not allowed into the miltary because she has an issue with her thyroid. Boom Baby. In fact she still has the Fort Lewis base sticker on her car, (whipser) which is a criminal offense, try me TJ it's described in the UCMJ, wait you wouldn't know what that is because you WERE NEVER IN THE MILITARY. When it comes down to the child support, TJ, I pay more than what is expected because unlike you and your children I don't want mine to live in squalor. Yet there you sit mooching off it. Don't come to the table if you don't want to eat. Wait why would I say that, of course your going to eat. Good stuff....Keep truckin'----LEAMAS
people can be so heartless...people can be so cruel...easy..easy to be hard ???? ...easy to say no...
these are lyrics to a song...wondering what song it is..they have been rambling thru my head tonight...does anyone know?
Call me Jon. Yes, Jon. (Unlike you hiding behind a false name, I use my real one here) Or e-mail me at ravenswrath@hotmail.com Or come by again and get a better dose of what you got yesterday just before you ran away. I had a lot more to say to you, but I had to go into the house to attend to YOUR child (I told you I would be back in a second and even left the door open...why'd you leave??)
Whoa...Mr. E-4! You went in as an E-3 and came out an E-4(snicker). Right. I went in as an E-3 as well. Whoo hoo! All your talk about your military experience in the past has been nothing but bitching and complaining about it. While you were "serving" didn't you always whine that you wanted to move to CANADA?? But today you're PROUD? Okaaaay. I don't claim a military career. I did MEPS, drill weekends, signed my papers, swore my oath, recieved my orders and it ended there. I have a couple of stickers on my car, including my base stickers, that need to be removed. Haven't gotten to that little chore yet. Big deal. I have a life fuller than yours. That is why you have time to call the house a million times a day and scream obscenities at Angel aka Danica, hang up, and then call back to do it some more. Get a life E-4. (Maybe you could run and tattle on me for the stickers. It would give you a purpose in life. Something to live for.)
And Jon, if I and my children are living in squallor, then (OH NO!!) so are YOUR children, as I live in the same house with them and your (very tired of you and your manipulative antics) ex-wife. Hmmmmmmmmmm.... How can you allow your kids to live in said squallor?? It's a good thing that we have a nice large ranch house with a big yard for them to play in, while you live in a tiny, smelly little dive in the lot of a storage unit.
I won't be answering you here again. So you have free reign to say all the dirty little things you feel like saying here. I'm pretty sure you're discredited at this site by your own words and actions. (You still haven't backed up the plagarism accusation. Why? Hmmm...because it's not true?) I've invited you to spar with me at locations other than the Blender. Show up, or shut up. I'm sure everyone here is as sick of this as I am. You are just the little Conflict Energizer Bunny. Keeps going and going. I'm above you. Always have been, always will be...and that is EXACTLY why you're threatened by me. You've told me that yourself. I have gotten under your skin. I bet you think about this crap all day. Whoa...sad. I have chosen not to say all of the things that I KNOW would shut you up real quick. You can take advantage of that if you'd like. I can be pushed pretty far. Fair warning though...keep this up and eventually you may break the dam. I hope you can swim.
Buh Bye!
Cryingshame59; It's a song from "Hair" I can't remember the title but I do remember the lyrics. Maybe even the title song there ha now that I think of it.
Leams; Get off the kids thing. If she needs the money I would rather she have it than Bum Fuck Iraq. (and it has nothing to do with supporting our soldiers please and thank you!!!!! If only they really would do that sigh more like they get a nickel and bushwackers big oil gets the rest)
bk
I told you I'd play.
You play soooo poorly too. First off you go to MEPS twice. I never said I wanted to go to Canada, ever. DOn't know where you heard that. As far as the rank goes, sister, wow you were WAY off. I made rank twice. I went in at a higher rank wow E-2 and left an E-4. Active duty don't make rank as easy as the "weekend warriors". For the record, the reason you have what you have is because you are a user. It sickens me to know that the child support I pay to my ex to sustain THEIR life is keepiing a roof over you head. You are delusional. You are self righteous, and yes your karma will catch up with you. In two years when Angel is done with school and is a professional, are you going to lay at her front door again until she takes you in like helpless puppy. Or will she again have pity for your children and take care of them....again. You call yourself my boys care taker, but who are you kidding. You and I both know it's simply a loop hole for you to live off of someone else....like always. Failure.
This is all very interesting in a Jerry Springer sort of way, but what does ANY of it have to do with love? Or poetry? Or anything even REMOTELY resembling the reasons people read & submit to this site? Put a sock in it Leamas; Kirk should have shut you down long ago. You're obviously a bully who shouldn't be taken seriously by ANYONE. Teej, don't give him the satisfaction of such elaborate responses. In a situation like this, being in the right is beside the point. Just my two cents.
Jim,
Contrast Knob is beautifully written...grabbed me with the first few lines...complex but short...ending complete...this is ONE of my favorites that you have written.
Pam
Sush ~ you are so right. Thank you for the reminder. I will definitely stick to what I said about not responding to him here. Let's hope it fades from here. I do admit that I have always despised public drama. Sometimes it's hard to hold back. :-) Just too much fun knowing how easy it is to get to some people. And yeah, being right is secondary.
Thanks!
-Teej
tj read your e-mail.
Congrats to the front pagers!
Kirk, thanks for the front page pick.
This place looks like a battle zone! TJ, keep the faith.
Leamas,
I'm also a college student with a child and medical problems, getting my education on loans and grants.I recieve disability and live very tighty with my dollars. I can get food stamps and that kind of thing, but I choose not to because they're other people that need them more than me. Tj's feeding her kids and loves 'em, and she's trying to make something of her future, hence bettering herself. Quit judging people and put your energy into something useful. If you have 3 kids, I'd hope you'd be a little more mature.
Jesus! This site isn't what it used to be as far as conversation.
Oh, leamas, I can tell by your past comments that you seem to care about your kids and mention them in your ramblings, so as long as nobody's abusing any children, and their being provided for, what's all your bitching about? Shut up and kiss your babies, hold onto them as tightly as you can, and be thankful they're healthy, happy, and safe.
Good day
That should be "tightly". It's two AM and I'm bleary eyed, so forgive me. (or shoot me if you'd like leamas :)
Kase ~ Your insightful comment prompted me to mention something...I had refused to even look into any sort of government assistance for the longest time. I had many reasons to not 'go there'. Pride included. But after I moved in with Jon's ex, (3 months ago) she urged me to look into the 'food stamps'. Because I knew that I could cover all my bills with my present income, I felt it wasn't necessary. After we took a look at the whole picture, I realized how it would benefit all of us. I sucked up the pride, and gave into reason. It was a smart thing to do. There is a time for everything. And this certainly isn't a permanent solution. Though I can say that I am grateful it's there AS a solution. :-)
Star of David ~ ...ALWAYS... *big smile*