Writing for Life's Sake

Branding Yourself

2010-04-09T06:57:00.008-04:00

Break from Fiction: Learn About Your Brand
Taking a break from fiction, I’ve been reading a good book on careers and personal branding, Career Distinction: Standing Out By Building Your Brand by William Arruda and Kirsten Dixson. It’s a book that gives you knowledge on how to take a proactive approach on managing your career. Take a short break to learn more about personal branding.

Why I Liked the Book
What I like about this book is that it challenges me to extract my talents, use this potential and stay distinguished through my uniqueness. I want my work to reflect the imaginative and diligent spirit in me. In general, it nudges the reader to activate their network and update their resume. There is information in this book regarding personal branding that leaps off the page. It leads you to asking yourself: What is my personal brand? Well, it’s not easy to define yourself without a sense that something else is missing. Try the strengths approach.

Personal Brand Statement (PBS)
In line with Marcus Buckingham’s Simply Strengths approach, developing a personal brand statement involves extracting what appeals to you from within you and using it to write a sentence or two that defines your life’s goals. The book gives great examples of PBS’s to give an idea on how to create one.

Why a PBS?
If you are looking at your PBS daily, it helps you stay focused on your goals. It also helps you perfectly define your objective on resumes and on cover letters, and never miss out on a networking opportunity. Revealed is the fact that you need to build your brand as you build your employer’s brand. In effect, your personal brand goes with you when you change jobs or go solo.

The Book also Covers…
Online Branding – Get a Visual Identity
Ego Surfing – Hey! Hiring Mangers and Clients are Googling You!
Networking – Importance of Building and Maintaining Them
Your Brand Community
Increasing Your Career Karma

Five Stars* * * * *
I highly recommend this book to everyone who wants to take action and make career management a habit. Whether you are employed, a business owner or an independent contractor, you have a wealth of information awaiting you. Get this book now and crack the pages!

Credits
Thanks to our dear friends who shared this wisdom a year ago. Thanks be to God, "in whom are hid all treasures of wisdom and knowledge." (Col 2:3)

I leave you with words of wisdom quoted on this book: “We go where our vision is.” - Joseph Murphy

*Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about my post or about personal branding.

Click on links below for more information. You may alternatively copy and paste each URL to your browser.
Kirsten Dixson http://www.kirstendixson.com/
William Arruda http://www.williamarruda.com/
Marcus Buckingham http://www.tmbc.com/mb/biography
Career Distinction: Standing Out By Building Your Brand http://careerdistinction.com/

wet harvest

2010-01-31T00:37:00.001-05:00

Got off the taxi
On market street
Grocery list in hand
Dollar stash in pocket
Ready to drag home the kill

Wheeled in trolley
Wet handles and all
Busy, rainy day
Alone this time
Better-half holding newbie

Hard-to-find items
Ah, easy find today
Having no choice
But to engage mind
Else two hours are lost

Dragged home fat kill
To last a week or two
Extra nickel for taximan
Patient in the drizzle
A favor for new dad

Let it pour
I’m in with my halves
Choice foods and drink
Fuel for body and mind
Wisest stock in winter.

Newborn Joy

2010-01-05T23:53:00.001-05:00

She came forth with a cry,
So sweet, so lovable,
I fell in love again;
her beauty within my sight,
with tears of joy I cried.

The OB and midwives,
were full of praise for her
8lbs, 14oz, 20",
washed, weighed, swaddled,
our gift was in our hands.

Praise God from whom,
all blessings flow;
a newborn baby,
makes you live,
life over again!

Baby Birthday Phase

2009-12-30T03:06:00.003-05:00

Patient As Job
The final days of waiting for the baby to come seem to drag on end. I’m calling it the baby birthday phase. When it comes to that final stage of labor and birth, every situation is unique, and for every one. Some take deliberate walks to make the process of going into labor speedy; some eat Italian “Eggplant Parmigiana ”, and I recently heard of this one…taking a few spoonfuls of castor oil, all to nudge the baby into the labor stage. To me, they are opinions (no problem) - optimistic ones.

Have It Your Way
One doctor mentioned that you could walk all you wanted, (never mind, tone was okay!) but that won’t cause the baby to come; it would just get you tired and take your mind off anxious thoughts. Another doctor mentioned that if walking were the solution, they would have every expectant mother walking! Not to mention, the doctors also responded to the eggplant idea by saying “that will make you feel satisfied.” There are enough jokes to go around. Perhaps all soothing mechanisms to the mind and emotions of the mother-to-be.

Let's Try That!
Through curiosity, having heard the above over and over, and for an extended period of time, we agreed to try it for the heck of it. We tried two of the above schools of thought: Walked at the mall and at Wal-Mart till we had walked enough. Drove to Scalini’s and savored their specialty eggplant Parmigiana. Like they said about each situation being unique, that was what it was in black and white. Walking got us tired and eating made us feel good! Ok, we will patiently wait until the little munchkin is ready to pop out!

Through The Trimesters
Looking back to the first trimester, time has really flown. With some will power we were able to sit on the good news until it was gone. (phew!) Then came the best one, life was good. The third came with its fatigue. I share the brunt in all this. I’ve been asked to disclose the baby’s first name in several conversations, but have managed to maintain a strong will on that one. We decided to keep it as a surprise until the baby is born.

Fun Movie Scene
We watched this movie “The Women” and there was this scene where the childbearing mum was outright aggressive, telling this baby to come forth, and sending away the cowardly birthing coach to a corner. That was a good laugh especially for us at the point we are in.

Plan Hard-But Be Flexible
Talking with someone this week, they mentioned, among other things, that one can plan for the baby all they want, but as soon as that kid comes, she will dictate what/where/when. For instance, the kid may sleep all night long (relief!) or cry you out of your sleep every two hours. I hope for the former...but again…we’ll see.

Asante
Thanks to concerned friends and family have called in to check on us, a very kind gesture indeed. I want them to know how much I appreciate them. Without them checking, I see how it would be a lonely journey. Asante! (Thanks)

---Walking and not eating eggplant parmigiana!

Fatherhood and Childbirth

2009-11-02T21:56:00.014-05:00

Why the silence?

The months have flown by, and my wife and I are looking forward to the birth of our first baby. Writing, a craft I'm fond of, has been a rare thing to do. In fact, other than the incomplete pile of short stories hanging heavily on my shoulder, I have been hesitant and slow in blogging about the new exciting thing going on in my life: Fatherhood. The ultra-sound says its going to be girl! (99% chance, they say, leaving a margin of error.)

Here is one of the ultra-sound images that blew me away:

Disclaimer:

Even though writing has been a task, I have been reading ok. Ive been reading "What to Expect When you are Expecting" and looking at the same online. Also, over the last two months, I've enjoyed a nice selection of fiction including Hemingway's "The Old Man and the Sea", Steinbeck's "Of Mice And Men" and Paton's "Cry, the Beloved Country". And of course, Proverbs and Ecclesiastes (I've been struggling with the other books.)

The exciting new thing...
Two weeks ago at week 30, she, the baby, turned her head to face downward in readiness for birth. That's a positive thing to know. Without that, the baby would be in a "breech" position, which calls for a c-section. Head must come out first during normal delivery.

My most exciting time has been when she moves what is evidently her legs, like she is kneading with her heels. It appears to be both ticklish to my wife, and at times its startling, especially at night. She has stopped short when I rub my hand over; I learned they realize a change in surface temperature on the area of contact and cease activity. Funny thing, they continue gamboling once your hand has been removed.

Useful Materials
Reading, doctor visits, getting a tip or two from those that have been there before ... all that is helpful. A most helpful book has been "What to Expect when Expecting", outlining week by week what on earth is going on in there!

Watching the 3D animation videos on the status of the baby each week has also been very educative. I have found this site to be helpful: babycenter.com. For instance, if I need to know whats happening on week 32, I use the pregnancy grid below the pregnancy navigation tab to select the week, and clicking on that will anchor me to all of the information pertaining to week 32. There is also a link to watch the inside development of the baby (with audio on it) embedded within the text.

Intelligent Design
God is truly a genius. The way that baby is formed and grows in the womb, getting nourishment and developing into a real person, is supernatural.
Refer to Psalm 139. I like vs 13-16(New International Version):

"For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made...
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place
...your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me were written in your book.."

Educative Film on Childbirth
We just completed watching a film recommended to us. "The Business of Being Born." (You can buy instant online download from amazon) On such issues as childbirth, I like the conservationist approach of "let the body do what it should naturally do." It is appalling to see designer childbirths. What? There is a popular culture of planning the date, place, etc, etc. I was also amazed at those who elect to have home births. I know that's a no-no on my front. For those that don't get the snowball of medication, etc (watch that film), it's a courageous thing. Now, that's what a celebrity birth would be. Hospital birth, on the other hand, is helpful, especially to those that have encountered "breech" or other complications. Emergencies are catered to very well, and it does save lives. It shouldn't be too commercialized though. Is every laboring mum and baby in danger like they seem to suggest in the media? Thinking hard about that!

At Last
Writing about this makes me feel far much better. I see there is still so much to learn, and some of it won't need book knowledge or hearsay! I discern it will naturally come when I hear that cry; when I see that tiny little thing; when i change the diapers or wash the baby. Getting up at night to check on them (no trouble, was once a night owl!) Let the God given instincts kick in. I hold truly to wise words:

"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."
Proverbs 22:6

Stay well.

Writing from the Fatherhood Fort; albeit Manhood

1 story told by 10 writers

2009-08-09T07:33:00.004-04:00

[B, F(Raystylus), Robert K, Tony W, Bryan, Davie K, John, F. Kiragu, even Kaj & Tsion]

It started with a picture, drawn by many hands. Each was to add to the sketch until it became a full picture. Not necessarily a meaningful piece of art, but one that must paint a mental image to the observer’s mind. Isn’t that what you would call a masterpiece?

Then B birthed a brilliant idea. Why, lets write a story, each one must contribute a sentence and pass it on to the next person. And it went on and on. This is what we came up with. (Forget syntax, just get the imaginative idea we were extrapolating…) I posted it here verbatim.

Once a upon a time, in a far, far away land, THERE LIVED A MAN whose goal was to find out what the real meaning of life was. He searched and searched, over the mountains and beyond the seas UNTIL HE MADE THE MOST UNFORGETTABLE ENCOUNTER…HE was right where he started…after walking around the world. It was round.

His inquisitive mind, coupled by his enthusiasm gave him the willpower to succeed. However, He had one leg, which made moving around hard. So he thought he cannot get a regular job unless he got a prosthetic leg, which he had to make himself out of oak tree. But even with one leg and the slim possibility of a prosthetic leg, his will was immovable. AFTER ALL, HE DID WALK AROUND THE WORLD. Thoughts of Giving up was crossed his mind. At that point he met a girl, who was a carpenter. She made him the perfect prosthetic leg. AND THEY LIVED HAPPILY EVER AFTER! in a tree house. A prosthetic tree that was later infested by termites. NOW HE MUST CONTINUE HIS SEARCH FOR THE MEANING OF LIFE. “Where to start? He thought of climbing up the tree but he remembered that he only had one leg and they were about to be foreclosed on their tree. ALL SEEMED GLOOMY UNTIL THEY HEARD ABOUT…a sale on a senior citizen scooters but that did not move them. He had not finished paying for his prosthetic leg. Surprisingly she became pregnant, a prosthetic pregnancy. There was a government stimulus check for prosthetic pregnancies!

(continued?)

TWISTS

2009-05-05T23:48:00.005-04:00

Short stories collection

Only a five-dollar bill. That’s all he had on his hand. The debit card had nothing on it, as the account was already on overdraft. No credit card to fall back to either - The bank called it “overdraft protection.” Every last one was in default, even the department store cards. For what could a man not borrow for these days? He blamed it on bad management of funds. No budget, No plan! Over time, too much had fallen too far behind, that he saw no use in trying to minimize or pay on debt. Rave Damsey! He loved to change the AM channel on his car radio, and stayed away from the weeknight business shows on cable TV, Ouze Srzman, frugal Hark Cloward and the like on TV. “Aa-gghh***!” he often said when he heard them ranting on their shows….

Things got to their worst when, as no surprise to him, the 2004 Dodge Intrepid was taken back by the bank, under the disgrace of the much dreaded rippo-man! “Man, I hate that rippoman sucker!” The repossession came the very day he was to appear before the judge for a minor traffic violation. Many times, he had “jumped” the orange light in haste to get to work, or someplace he was never on time for, even after the rush! “I owe I owe, off to work I go!” This was the dithyramb of people like he, debt to their eyeballs! Now he was somewhat indebted to the state for violation of traffic law.

Talk of getting late for anything else but not to appear in front of a judge or get late for work. Sustaining the job at the call center he was with for the last 14 months was based on how time honoring you were. Get late for even a minute, then in three strikes you’re out. Stay on “after call work”, buying time to take a breath after a stress call - that irate customer that cursed at you and your grandma for refusing to remove a $35 late fee - and you get written up for trying to steal company time. They don’t play! With such a high turnover, that’s why their training department was ever busy, one training class after another. And now they have a part time trainer.

And the judge, you need no telling to know you get more than justice when you dishonor the establishment by being late for your small case! Yet this day, when he was scheduled to appear before a judge at 9am, his car was gone. He had to call Atco Taxi Service, and part with the $5 before the next check came in. His roommates had told him of a plan that always worked. Show up for your citation and hope the officer that wrote you up will be too busy to show up. Deny your minor traffic violation and the citation is discarded. Twice or thrice his roommates’ traffic offenses had been purged that way.

Dialing the taxi dispatch number, he spoke as quickly and as clearly as he could since his cell phone minutes were to be used sparingly in these hard times. Nobody wants to pay extra for something that simple. They are not my friends anyway, he always said. They, the taxi-men, all had an accent. “Not like mine, though!”

Hector the driver picked him up in a jiffy. In such situations, there was no need to attempt a conversation, unless you didn't mind some scanty English.
“Como Estas, senor?”
“Great. Cool. Asante. Bien!” All these words ran through his mind, but he must have said only one of them in response to the greeting. He was a quick talker and seemed rude in the way he blurted out greetings. The cut-the-chase and lets move on kinda approach as always. Who cares anyway? This is America. The Latino beats jammed the taxi, and his mind went off into the events that led to his appearing before a judge this morning….

That Day

That day, he thought twice about speeding past the white minivan - that’s how the cops get you. But the van was so typical – don’t you hate it when you have to drag behind a van like a wagon harnessed to an ox? 45 mph, I mean, who drives that slowly when trying to get to work? Vans also tend to slow down as they approach an intersection that bears traffic lights. Just in case the lights change from amber to red, vans are sure to stop. This was a vexing behavior he felt he could never tolerate. Did not these mums and grandpas realize how annoying it was to other motorists when they 'lazied' around like that?

He feels the lights are going to change to amber any minute now, and decides against his better judgment to speed up and beat the lights. The lights indeed change to amber. He does not realize that an officer was patrolling the area, just in case a traffic issue needed his attention, as was the case many times during the morning rush. He crosses the intersection closely behind the white Odyssey van, maybe too close. With his thoughts on the black county police car, knowing what is about to happen next, he does not realize he has failed to slow down after passing the junction. The van is not only slowing down, but also seems to want to pull to the side of the street. Next he instinctively brakes and smells some gas he never wants to smell again. It all goes so swiftly that he does not realize what has happened. Glass shattered, airbags deployed! And he thought he had braked all he could. In this confusion, he hopes he is still alive. He also hopes he wasn’t driving his roommate’s car today.

***

ACCENT (continued)

2009-02-24T23:50:00.002-05:00

My Accent

Going back to my accent, I have been psychologically prepared to defend my said “pronunciation error”- that fraction that ever happens. When I’m not pronouncing words as my counterparts would want to hear them, I shrug and say “maybe im stuck up on the Queen’s English!” Or when I don’t pronounce some words the exact way the advertiser’s I encounter at work are used to, I try to humor them by stating that I’ll try to say it differently (maybe thinking the whole time – if only you could listen). At one time, I had a hard time telling one good guy about a “brochure” – he couldn’t get it, till I spelled it out by the letter. I try to move on, and only explain it when need be- when asked to.

I believe there is so much good in being who I am (for what else can I be if not myself?) or how I speak. Character comes first. Hence, I’m happy about my English-African Accent in an industry where English majors and eloquent American accents prosper.

Like many fascinated by the question of language before me, I also call it “African English.” Most of my encounters with clients in the advertising and creative writing world are still fascinating, save for one here and there who lose you based on first impressions.

As to where one’s accent is from, one needs no shame in saying in no uncertain terms that it is a Canadian, Nigerian, Kenyan, Jamaican, or even an Indian accent. We cannot all speak in one accent. Accent, being the unique manner in which we pronounce words is by no means wrong! That’s one of the right things about you! But to use your accent as a means to not excel- that is wrong. Love yourself enough to do the necessary to learn and apply certain intonations and use of words only to be understood, not to be accepted! Im serious! That’s what I do!

As to where my accent is from, I needed no further prompting or affirmation to tell. In fact, the thought on her mind (the nice lady who prompted this discussion) was that smart Indian student in her class, with an accent. Then she said, “You have a beautiful accent!”

Its hard to hide an accent, as much as you cannot hide your skin color or change the prints on your hand, DNA, etc.

In Dr. King’s philosophy of moral justice, we learn not to judge a person by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. In today’s context, avoiding superficiality and searching for truth.

The Accent
The way I see it, it’s a good thing to be told you have an accent. As many say “where did the tan come from?” when one returns from vacationing in some tropical beach. A friend of mine is keen to say “Don’t apologize to anyone for mispronouncing the word “burger” or “park!” Stress it enough to be understood and don’t second-guess yourself when clarification is requested. Those who say “huh” in that drive-through speaker are simply trying to understand – they seem to always be caught off guard. And also, be the one to ask “please say that one more time...” to grasp what someone with a different accent said. It is you I’m more concerned about because it is you I have seen uknowingly hiding your true self- Unconsciously.

For God’s sake, if you were to be ashamed of your accent one more day, you are missing out on a special part of your life, and you may be trading your heritage for the interstices of inbetweenness. (Not fun!) No heritage is as good as the other, so lets embrace language and culture both ways, not neglecting one and championing the other. After all, truth & tradition go hand in hand.

Remember, an accent is just a difference in the way we stress syllables!

ACCENTS AND ESTEEM:

2009-02-23T23:13:00.007-05:00

So, where is your accent from?

Accent: According to Wikipedia, in linguistics, “an accent is a manner of pronunciation of a language. “

Merriam-Webster’s online Dictionary defines it thus:
1: an articulative effort giving prominence to one syllable over adjacent syllables ; also : the prominence thus given a syllable
2: a distinctive manner of expression: as a: an individual's distinctive or characteristic inflection, tone, or choice of words —usually used in plural b: a way of speaking typical of a particular group of people and especially of the natives or residents of a region

Lets also see how they define language:
a: the words, their pronunciation, and the methods of combining them used and understood by a community

Recently, way through a business conversation, someone asked me, “So, where is your accent from?”

Where is my accent from?
At moment of discovery, I learned about the right esteem and pride in one’s heritage. I think it was Okot P’Bitek in “Artist the Ruler” who defined culture as a “philosophy lived and celebrated by a people” (paraphrased) also stating that a people’s language carries their culture. It appears to me our way of speaking is influenced by our culture, yes, our cultural roots (despite education level and westernization) and acquired culture by what’s going on around us.

It is said and written (eg in my wikianswers.com finding) “Language is arbitrary.” And that no set of rules are said to be the “right.” I say this with a measure of caution because in linguistics and phonetics, there are principles I still hold firmly to and consciously fight for. Many I speak with on the subject of language agree that the threat to any language is the complacency and laxity that leads to bad spelling, the growing anti-reading culture and Webster’s relaxing the rules and adding words like “Bling Bling” to the dictionary.

Language, again in wiki, is crowned up well; it “typically refers only to expressions of reason which can be understood by other people, most obviously by speaking.”

I see the co-relation between one’s culture and language, and the mainstream role one’s language plays in day-to-day life.

I also begin to see how loss of necessary pride in one’s language, “their way of speaking”, can lead down the unwanted path of bearing an uneasy yoke and discomfort under the tyranny of being phony.

More coming up on this discussion

What I should write: MOTIVATION & HUMOR

2008-12-29T23:54:00.001-05:00

I’ve had this contention – You write from internal dialogue, or backed by dialogue with others. I say in dialogue, Motivation & Humor drive life.

Marcus Buckingham, the originator of a social revolution called “simply strengths” points out the need to focus on strengths and downplay weaknesses. A friend recently said in speaking “you must set yourself on fire” - regarding being so deliberate about one’s passion.

Radio talk host Dave Ramsey has a good command in strong language. You can listen to laugh or learn, whether robust or feeble. I particularly get amused by his use of the word “tweet!”and “goober!” when speaking of ignorant or naïve characters. Here are some common statements:
“…tell them to jump off the creek” – as regards some relentless creditors in pursuit
“…they need to grow a brain” – as regards the same, acting irrational

There is always a way of talking about the nemesis on daily context. Those words, though satirized, stir up something.

Jim Carey, a choice comic, can impersonate in a manner that appeals deeply and long lastingly. Humor me! Days later, I go about laughing, and end up amusing my wife. What jokes! Try watching “Fun with Dick & Jane”…the sign of the times.

“Globerdyne tanked!” - on the job layoff
“Stha-tis-tics!” - speaking on TV
“Nobody follow us, we are dangerous criminals! Argggh!” - at the coffee shop hold-up
“I’ve been waiting for you for twenty five years..(bite) Arrghh! That hurts! …The nazi’s used to say that…” – contending with security, at the store to rob.

Steve Harvey on his morning show:

“Hollering BOO! from the bushes cost him a rack of teeth, for he did not know I had a crowbar in my hand.”

Harvey says he was born to tell jokes.

Pastor David Cooper, in talking about taking up the character of Christ, envelopes a key point thus:

“Talking about obedience – ask the married men here. After a few years of marriage, you wonder why they are mellow!” (Uproar in laughter)

***
Summoning back statements of Augustine in “Confessions” :

[1.9.14]- “…Small as I was, I prayed with no slight earnestness that I might not be beaten at school. And when you did not heed me- for that would have been giving me over to my folly- my elders and even my parents too, who wished me no ill, treated my stripes as a joke, though they were then a great and grievous ill to me.”

Also consider this well explained prose:

[1.9.15]- “…However, my mind was absorbed only in play, and I was punished for this by those who were doing the same things themselves. But the idling of our elders is called business; the idling of boys, though quite like it, is punished by those same elders, and no one pities either the boys or the men. For will any common sense observer agree that I was rightly punished as a boy for playing ball- just because this hindered me from learning more quickly those lessons by means of which, as a man, I could play at more shameful games? And did he by whom I was beaten do anything different? When he was worsted in some small controversy with a fellow teacher, he was more tormented by anger and envy than I was when beaten by a playmate in the ball game.”

For contemplation- sporting for boys or men, writers, actors, preachers or radio hosts… there lies plenty of motivation and humor to go by in this life. Much if it makes lots of sense, and we ought to hear and to laugh, for in laughing at the item, we are laughing off our insecurities and feebleness, and striving not to be like “them.”

Finding the Words: THE LABORS OF PUBLIC SPEAKING

2008-12-27T15:37:00.001-05:00

The floods of inadequacy
Burst through the barriers of my mind
In trying to speak, I spoke not
But utterances, short of stuttering
Came forth from the deeming slate;
Arrested, Averted- by the blank expressions of the crowd
Their countenance being a window
To their minds, their thoughts to see.

Propped against the podium, yea, the wall
Eyes gliding over a hundred head-tops
I saw a thin, long line-
A narrow unending thread, albeit of ingenial thoughts,
Just as should have been

Laying down the empty slate
Tagging onto the thread,
I caught relief from its clear rightness
And peace started to sweep in, settling my soul.
Lips found their words, as glottal vibrations,
Oozed out the sound of the intended first words
of my brief speech. More followed

The dramatic silence, now broken by proverbial word
The brows, lowered in gradual slow sequence;
Now in full throttle, my speech reaches all
Not with mere persuasiveness and rhetoric
But with common sense – the best virtue

The speech is brief, but its spirit unending
For in getting their attention,
and engaging hearts & minds alike,
This perpetual dialogue reached their conscience
And so becoming common purpose

I rest assured my fifteen minutes of dialogue
With minds- not obstinate ears
Will yield the fruit of common purpose
Three of these minutes were spent in gibberish-
The threat to any unspoken unseen ideas
The other dozen, gladly in good outpouring.

Now comes the radioactive propagation
Of virtue and dignity
Not of the speaker,
But of the ideas,
And no mind will waste away!

L

2008-11-11T20:21:00.000-05:00

Tongue gets fluent by the day - FFH*
Amidst sly syllables, enunciating “L” in context
Yet keeping memories of it
Of my clansmen in far land of Tea –Chai Yetu**

Amidst the Lofty and Low Lying,
Have beheld true Liberty
Ever will it be that meaningful rhetoric
Flavor life and feed subconscious.

My Love reclines by me,
In chilling autumn eve
One flesh, two bodies - FFH*
Where bullets cry, but freedom flies.

Amidst a critical mass,
Pursuing Liberty, Literature, Life
Ceaseless to my Love and my Lord -
carrying the L’s in Life, in new land.

*FFH: Far From Home
**Chai Yetu: Means "Our Tea" in Swahili.

Surprises and Goodwill

2008-09-30T00:05:00.000-04:00

What kind of surprises? I’ll tell you they were good ones. Many times, in my view, the groom is as solemn as the words that are said over and again about being “the priest” “the head of the house.” The inherent role that comes with winning the heart of a lovely maid may seem like a juggernaut to him.

The presiding Reverend had let us know during the pre-marital counseling sessions that he likes a joyous mood on a wedding, especially from the bride and groom. He bid me to come up with some wonderful prose and poetry, for I seemed to be one of such making.

“Just let it be lively!” Having wed many before, he did not like that solemn look that many defaulted to on wedding days. That was a good surprise to us that he liked what appealed to us with certainty. He liked the entire wedding party to have joyous expressions-in their eyes as well as in happy smiles. That explains the beautiful smiles and stupendous verse on that day and on tape.

Back to the solemn groom-I mean, not for one moment was I solemnly sad with the thought of the “big” dutiful life ahead. Neither did I see that from my fair lady. I took the Reverend’s advice to take it easy and enjoy this day. My advice to all dudes who plan to marry- don’t take yourself to task on your wedding day. Forget the what ifs. You guys know what I mean. That’s probably the source of cold feet. Ego and confidence may be shrunk by the sudden thought of duty and responsibility ahead- mouths to feed, backs to cloth, “stuff” to buy, bla! bla! bla!

I think the only time I was anxious on this day, was when at the agreed time the bridal party had not arrived. The groomsmen also took a while to get there. Apparently the bridal party had been held up by some unprecedented traffic jam. Trying to call them on phone would have been of no use. Why, the friends already there with me at the church were quick to take away my cell phone. They asked me to quit being anxious. One old friend indulged me with the on-goings of life since the last time we had seen each other in the final year of college. In no time, we heard the distinguished sounds:

Beep! beep!bee-peep!
Beep! beep!bee-peep!

The honking and talking of the horns from a dozen cars announced the arrival of the bride. This was not only a tradition but a good sign that she was here. And to know it was my day and she was here for me increased my joy. Anytime now, the ceremony was to begin.

My bride surprised me with broad smiles and touching words, and I likewise found it easy to beam back with calm joy and expound the intricacies of my love for her. We felt a connection beyond the sight of the eye and the other senses. Knowing how far we had come over a span of six good years mutually solidified the vows with all intent. I could see it in her the sense of eternal security and the devotedness to love and cherish at all times.

Another surprise was how we danced nobody’s business. This song “Nimetafuta Milima Mabondeni Sikupata Mwingine” (translated from Swahili, I searched high and low and could not find another like you.) Its like no-one was watching, and on my part I just let loose and danced to the popular selection of music by the Dj, an old friend. And the good old Mugithi dance (train dance) by Kayamba Afrika. Aha!

Perhaps people were also surprised at how timely and coordinated the entire ceremony and reception ended up. In our experience, weddings did not begin or end on time. This was not going to be one of those same old, same old. If one came late this time, that was it. There were no repetitious ceremonies and uncertain speeches to add delay. We felt it for an old friend who drove in just after we had left the reception. He had rushed from out of town to catch the cutting of the cake. He had to follow us to the hotel, to at least shake our hands before we checked in. He managed to get us right before we went for a round of pictures in the sunset.

The food, décor and cake were so good. We don’t remember the taste of the food, but we hear it all the time. The hotel suite, presidential suite (they told us) was nice. So were the hotels at the Coast and in the Rift Valley*. The flights and road trips were so good, the last time I had such wide travel was while at the airlines as cabin crew. Most of these events were arranged in my absence. My dearest made fitting connections at home in our planning process, while I breathed the cold winter air and worked above the normal shift a day to make things happen. I was affirmative to the plans in my absence, and was never disappointed when they unfolded - The joys of long distance relationships! To be honest, all these were good surprises because we planned them in my absence. Nothing went wrong.

As you can tell, a wedding day is such an important day, loaded with meaning and purpose. The marriage is the real deal - you walk the talk. There is much that can be written, but that may remain in a private journal. I’m sure my sweetheart would appreciate if I kept the rest away from a blogspot. Ha!

We held back no virtues to each other through the good intentions and sacrifices that followed. Being far from home and working hard from the both ends to be together speedily, what we agreed on and presented to God in unimaginable measure kept us going. Five months apart! In retrospect, I can borrow from the miracles of the past when I feel like i'm going under. Tough fiber helps one survive the storms.

Remember that woman seated next to me on the flight stuck on the runway in Heathrow? I’ll say a little about her on the next piece. Also, lots of gratitude to a good friend, JKSM. Coming up!

*Good provinces to visit in Kenya loaded with tourism sites.

Fortnight

2008-08-23T01:52:00.000-04:00

A fortnight before this day, the pretty ladies in olive green and sharp gentlemen in black suits stood at the steps of the church altar to bear witness. It was amidst large smiles and leaps of joy. It was our wedding day!

With the prompting of the wedding coordinator, my bride walked in gracefully, accompanied by her parents arm-to-arm. Her smile had never been so radiant, and her dimples never so deep. I could see her gleaming countenance halfway through the isle, as she came towards me. God’s Greatest Gift, the matrimonial theme song, blared sweetly like the trumpet blows wind from its insides.

Her snow-white gown yielded christening her “my angel!.” Her rich black hair was just right: styled with miniature silver-sprayed lightening flashes and pearl-headed pins sticking in, a bulk of her hair craftily formed a tiara at the top of her head.

Cold feet? I had no idea what cold feet were. You are either ready or not. No in-betweens. Besides, if a bride beams a smile as lively and joyful as that on 3:16*, you bet your secret vulnerabilities will be revealed, and fears cast away. There is just a mutual connection that words may not give justice to.

The pastor reiterated the ordinances of the good book, the Bible. By its precepts, that we had both abounded, we were to cherish them and live them ever more. The word was perfect, reviving the soul. It brought joy to our hearts. It was light to our eyes, enduring forever.**

The theme verse was recited by the eloquence of my sister-in-law, my brother’s wife. I mean, her sound enunciation of Phil 4:8 is almost as memorable as the words.

Light flashes from the state-of-the-art cameras seemed to tally to the nearest thousand. There was a nod here and there from the party that told the events were unfolding well. Yet, there were surprises ahead that you would expect to see on a day like this…(to be continued)

*March 16

** (Psalm 19 paraphrased)

Leaving

2008-07-31T21:56:00.000-04:00

I have been crafting this story for months. I'll publish it here in phases.

Leaving. This was the second time I had traveled trans-Atlantic, and before long, it was time to go back. It felt as though it was a return to misery. Leaving the treasured would be as miserable as the separation of a limb from one's body.

The sand dunes in the Sahara* desert, 35,000 feet below, were a beautiful sight to behold. Yea, from a bird’s eye view, the vast golden landscape was as bare as a wall. You can hardly find a human dwelling there. A teardrop that had welled up on my left eye slipped and found its way to the oval perspex window. It now looked as a patch smudged from a little sponge. The tear from my right eye spread to all sides and drew out from the left side of my right eye, sliding down across my nose. I was a rare one to tear. This was an exceptional day.

I almost turned to the quiet Caucasian lady seated to my right to tell her how dampened my spirits were. I wanted the advice of a stranger. How she made it through all those years? She seemed seasoned, almost my mother’s age, if not the same. I was not to utter my sorrowful words to her until our Boeing 747 was held in traffic at a runway on London’s Heathrow Airport while my connection flight in terminal 4 to Atlanta was gearing to leave. Or so I thought.

What was on my mind, and now in my heart, were the events that fell two weeks before today. ..(to be continued)

Sahara*- African desert.World's largest hot desert and world's second largest desert after Antarctica.

THE PAINTER'S STUDIO.

2008-07-23T23:00:00.000-04:00

The quest for identity
a mind of curiosity,
purposed to gaze
on artwork so raw.

An artist’s pedestal
the house of imagery,
where hues on canvas
juxtaposed metaphors.

In silent scrutiny,
best canvas collector,
was baffled by blows
of sharp contrast.

Canvas shreds-
formed raggedy hills,
spilt paint-
dried in rainbow motifs.

Old sketches-
sprawled like floor rugs,
blunt pencils-
poked like dull thorns.

Rugged portrayal-
has secret betrayal,
a studio so lowly-
yet works so fine.

For fine bristle strokes
she sought fine settings,
her truth was shamed
denial never won.

The painter sighed
fought back emotions,
welled eyes held drops
but gushed like water.

Grasp mangled workshops
yield glossy finesse,
the license of artists
Your utmost value.

Of Swords and Words

2008-07-04T13:37:00.000-04:00

On bended knee,
Palms mirrored in unison,
Whispering lips mumble
Vapors of ascending words

Will unforeseen winds,
Disperse the candid supplication,
Of wailing hearts,
like bottlenecks of whispering lips?

Will petition repetition
Reap rippled reverberation
Surpass low spirit
Vanquish in valor?

The knight’s moment
Yielded by strength of spirit
Comes from pure clash
Of swords and words.

Firmness the armor
Of crouching cavalier
For ancient of days
Overbears malignant host.

What “Raystylus” means.

2008-06-23T20:01:00.001-04:00

A friend asked how I came up with the name “Raystylus” for my blogspot. That’s a good question. Since I did not address that the first day, its only fair to do so now since it’s effortless.

I have another given name “Ray” that many do not know about. Well, I have not used it since...since forever…so now it’s my blog name. I told my friend not to call me Ray unless we're blogging.
Then comes the second part “Stylus” meaning a pen. I used it because I like the doublespeak proverb “The stylus is more potent than the claymore” referring to the proverb “The pen is mightier than the sword.”

Hence Ray+Stylus = Raystylus!

Grammatical correctness.

A rebuttal before the critic thinks: Would it not have been Ray’s Stylus then, since it refers to my pen? Well, I chose to keep one “s” after Ray to avoid the “ss” in between. Sounds better!

My kind of proverbs.

Old sayings have been relied on for many years, and some scholarly fellows have re-written them in big words that mean exactly the same thing. The “big word” proverb “The stylus is more potent than the claymore”, as shown above refers to the proverb “The pen is mightier than the sword.” Why would this particular proverb be meaningful to me, and in that fashion? I looked up some stuff on Wikipedia: See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_pen_is_mightier_than_the_sword

-Greek Playwright Euripides is said to have written, “The tongue is mightier than the blade.”

-The biblical Epistle to the Hebrews, Chapter 4 verse 12 reads: "Indeed, the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart."

-Thomas Jefferson wrote in a letter “Go on then in doing with your pen what in other times was done with the sword: show that reformation is more practicable by operating on the mind than on the body of man, and be assured that it has not a more sincere votary nor you a more ardent well-wisher than Yours.” (Paraphrased)

All in all, I think it is the love for reading satire that this proverb caught my eye, as well as watching comedy. You must know the joy of “getting the joke” in a sitcom.

I have seen a time when warring newspaper columnists devoted their column space to hurl accusations at each other, writing statements such as: “His poisoned pen is full of innuendo” or “he is a dyed-in-the-wool double-faced spin-master” (exaggeration mine.) It even happened between a Kenyan journalist and a critical diplomat several years ago.

My Literature professor in college once said proverbs are used to cushion the blow when cultural norms have been broken and elders are called upon to restore the image of society. Read Lwanda Magere, a legendary play by Kenyan playwright Okoiti Omtatah.

Also, proverbs have been used at a time of courteous approach during marriage preparations. In my culture the bride’s family receives gratitude when appeased by the groom’s family. My brothers and I have witnessed the following exchanges between our wise men and the bride’s wise elders:

-“We are here because we have seen a flower in your garden, and wish to befriend you before we pluck it” In context this means: Our son has met and loved a daughter of this home, and we would be glad to meet and know each other before we become one family.

-“Muki niwe ukaga na uhoro” directly translated from the Kikuyu language to mean “It is the messenger who bears the news.” The messenger/visitor being the groom’s family. They must declare the intentions of their visit, albeit in loaded words.

Words must be stated to jumpstart any function, hence the occasional use of proverbs. It is the good opening statement that wins the attention of the crowd.

Lighter side:

A speaker once started his message by saying: “I know you are trying to figure me out; I am also trying to figure out what kind of audience you are...” This brought laughter and breaking of ice.

Here is a memorable quote from MLK on morals that I like:

“The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.”

AYCDIAYCD

2008-06-13T00:12:00.000-04:00

I once read a book AYCDIAYCD. Ok. Here it is: All You Can Do is All You Can Do (But All You Can Do is Enough) by A.L Williams. Really? I believe so, yes. Syndicated radio talk show host Dave Ramsey mentioned this book the other day. The following is a statement I took out of this book:

“The world is full of people playing at half or a third of their ability. If you go out there and do all you can do, you dramatically increase your chances of winning.”

What’s up with that? How about stretching to our elastic limit? At least we can stretch ourselves that far...

So, my view is that one should go ahead and use what limits they have to lead a peaceable life; and earn a living. My man Paul in one of the gospels in the bible says:

“…with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not burden any of you.” 2 Thes 3:8.

Dude had skills in tent making, most of all for credibility and to finance his mission.

There is fruitfulness in using our abilities very well, at least at work, school or community. AYCDIAYCD people do very well.

On the lighter side: A warning sign seen near a police station for speeding offenders:

“30 days hath September, April June and November; and so does the speed offender.”

*Slow down. Gas is not that cheap! Speeding fines doubled?

Books and bookmen

2008-06-11T02:04:00.001-04:00

Is it not unfair to think, that if something were to be hidden from you, it would maybe be written in a book?

Bibliophilia; love for books. Can be cultivated.

"Read" audio books or carry a book with you to the doctor's office, the airport, for an oil change or wherever you go. Think of lobbies as places, not to watch some reality tv show, but to read.

Why, reading improves the quality of your life and sharpens your mental faculties. Books help in word power and better sentence formation. They grant confidence to a speaker. They give substance to the thinker. There is plentiful yield for the writer.

MLK is well read. Listening to his speeches, I was amused by his illustrations on advancement of technology, whereby, in this modern age, a non-stop flight from LA to NY is so fast, that if you developed hiccups on take-off, you would hic in LA and cup in NY! (Laugh.) Such light moments helped him spread the message of change even in diversity. Content and character judgement, not color or race. A dream come true.

Back to reading, start with small volumes. Be not overzealous, for you don't want to burn out before you get the gem.

Try fiction, motivational books or biographies. I love autobiographies. Malcolm X has a classic. So does Augustine of Hippo.

Try reading from an area of interest. War, peace, riches, poverty, how to...

Currently I'm reading Ernest Hemingway's "The Old Man and the Sea." Good literature. Another area of interest is readings in African slave trade across the Atlantic. Kunta Kinte is an icon.

I believe 15 minutes is a moment long enough to read and comprehend. Ah! your sub-conscious is soon sporting with the content as you work and take care of other things. Must like the intellectual achievement that comes from a page on a book.

You need not worry about having to buy a book to read it. Try Barnes & Noble, Borders or your County Library. In-fact, at the county library, you may borrow as many volumes as you wish, and renew your loan online when almost due. For free. If you were to pay a dime for each day late, consider it as a thank you for the good service afforded by the taxpayer.

Make reading through a book-page a day your modus operandi (way of operation.)

meaninglessness and meaning

2008-06-02T01:15:00.000-04:00

Pondering upon the words of Chomsky:
"Colorless green ideas sleep furiously"
Chomsky looks at the inadequacy of probabilistic models of grammar, and the need for more structured models.
Such a phrase is not unimaginable for we poets. There lies a beauty in finding meaning, or symbolically delving into the meaninglessness of things.
Soyinka says something like:
"...from ism to ism is absolutism!"
There is beauty in variation of language. Language being the word, connotation, nuances, signs, etc.
There also lies beauty in the metaphysical: "God can take a stone yesterday, and hit a bird tomorrow."
I heard someone say this some time back, and was filled with amusement at the idea, assuming the symbolism attached to an infinite being achieving the unprovable.
There is meaning in everything. We just have to find it, don't we?

The True Self

2008-05-17T02:35:00.000-04:00

"Be sure that it is not you that is mortal, but only your body. For that man whom your outward form reveals is not yourself; the spirit is the true self, not that physical figure which and be pointed out by your finger."

Cicero

I like this Cicero! He is described by one source as one of Rome's greatest orators and prose stylists.

Those who know me know my love for speeches and rhetoric, and see why I like Cicero. O, that the spirit is the true self! Forget the tangible and corruptible. Seek that which is incorruptible. It is as unseen as the spirit can be.

Yet, I have not found any pure school of reason and doctrine than the held by Paul of Tarsus. Why, this guy is meaner than Cicero and Augustine. I'll dedicate a page to him, as I progress in my trail of thought.

Today, a comrade, in intellect, sought to know why I have not shared this blog with them. Said I, that just as I am gradually spinning creative yearn here, I'm sharing it moderation. The reservoir here (yours truly) has poems and discourse moderated by tall retaining walls, and narrow outlets.

You bet a precious stone is best admired when slowly spun in light. Hence, the need to not purge the source with an outburst, rather, may it be in moderation, quenching my fellows periodically.

Another of my fellows, a preacher and good bible scholar, tells me how thrilled he is to share scripture and true Christian doctrine. He even falls short in expressing the deepest of thoughts due to the narrow bottleneck availed for him to pour out teachings. Too small a mouthpiece for too huge a crowd?

Yet, press on, for you have not comprehended. Thats when you truly pour out your true self. And faith does the rest.

I truly believe in the words written above, as I do many other. Thanks to a word in season.

Raystylus.

the quest for eloquence

2008-05-14T00:52:00.000-04:00

Says Augustine:
"Assuredly no science of letters can be so innate as the record of conscience, “that he is doing to another what from another he would be loth to suffer.” How deep are Thy ways, O God, Thou only great, that sittest silent on high and by an unwearied law dispensing penal blindness to lawless desires. In quest of the fame of eloquence, a man standing before a human judge, surrounded by a human throng, declaiming against his enemy with fiercest hatred, will take heed most watchfully, lest, by an error of the tongue, he murder the word “human being”; but takes no heed, lest, through the fury of his spirit, he murder the real human being."
Augustine's Confessions, 1:18

Says I:
In support of Augustine, many a time we tune the tongue to the wavelength of the mind, so that thoughts may flow eloquently, unperturbed. The crime of syntactic slander is not one you easily get away with, and to some grammatical buffs, you stand to be corrected, as one stands to be tried in a court of law. Has syntax an effect to morality?

Augustine

2008-05-09T01:26:00.000-04:00

"...thanks be to You for Your gifts; but preserve them to me. For thus will You preserve me; and those things which You have given me shall be developed and perfected, and I myself shall be with You, for from You is my being."

Confessions of Augustine.

Confessions

2008-05-03T00:21:00.000-04:00

Confessions:

[1.5.6] “The house of my soul is too narrow for you to come in to me; let it be enlarged by you. It is in ruins; restore it.”

I can spend hours intently reading the autobiographic work of St. Augustine of Hippo. It is pristine, its words and expressions bearing the clarity of crystal. The passages bring out descriptive language in a brand new way to my intellect, and the ease at which he expresses his memorable experiences is outstanding.

How one can have such a burden of memory, yet be as very prolific as he is, is rare. I see what he is talking about, and I guess I have a good old-fashioned envy for his good penmanship. It is with ease that you mount into the microcosm of his intelligent world view, and wish to stay there. There is a noted nourishment of mental faculties when one engulfs a piece as deep, rare, yet as old as his Confessions.

Wise Counsel

2008-04-17T02:15:00.000-04:00

In the Godfather, Don Corleone has a legal adviser. He also has his good uncle, Don Tomassini, whom he journeys to for wise counsel. Just like his father Don Vito did. Even Mafiosi have advisers. Another philosophy noted among these bad guys is taking care of their families. In conversations, the Don Vito would inquire, "How is your family? Do you spend time with them? Does your wife make you happy?" There is no abandon when it comes to family. That in itself gives them standards of goodness.

My grandmother speaks of my good uncle (God bless his heart) who stood the gap in an outstanding manner among many nephews. In his wise counsel came words of wisdom and a tranquility that put off any circumspection. He sought to unite people in brotherly love. He was a counselor to me too, in snippets that are deeply engraved in my memory. It is said that one of my other uncles would tell him in Kikuyu, our ethnic language: "Niubataire" to mean, "You need to see me." Irony being, when he told my good uncle these words, he was actually expressing his need to speak with my good uncle. And such may have been the case within the family and outside it. His calm counsel was needful.

The wise teacher, King Solomon writes:

"A wise man will hear and increase learning,
And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel,
To understand a proverb and an enigma
The words of the wise and their riddles."
Proverbs 1:5-6

Who are my advisers? Who do I go to for wise counsel? I wrote down my list; detailed it was in my handwritten draft. Briefly put, my wife, my circle of friends, intellectual comrades back from collage days. Others for socio-political dialogue, rhetoric and philosophy. Others, religious counsel. I also found out what value others say I add to them. It therefore seemed to me that wisdom is a principal thing, as the wise teacher will say.

Iconoclasts are good points of reference for wisdom. Consider Jesus Christ. Consider Martin Luther King, Jr. Consider Malcolm X. Consider play character Eman in a play by Wole Soyinka, "The Strong Breed." Let me not mention how each of their lives ended, save for Jesus, the Lion of the tribe of Judah. He has gone beyond the grave, and become the real-time atonement for sin. He himself, in Apostle Paul's epistles, is the atonement of sin for sin. Jesus speaks of greater things than had been spoken before, and truly, the way to life is through the Lamb of God.

PJ Daniels and Son say, "Good morals is good economics." I couldn't agree better.

I have come to the conclusion that in their own way, each of the people mentioned in this blog have been good teachers and wise men. I look at their way of thinking and the unfolding of their purpose with deliberateness and expectation, and borrow from how they take the burden and live a life of accomplishment.

*** "A man of understanding will obtain wise counsel" ***

THE SWIFT

2008-04-15T00:29:00.000-04:00

Zoom was no word
for break-neck speed;
carload in silence
hearts clung to throats.

Speed-stick hit 80
nodding on ninety;
swift lines outside
yet far from home.

Farmlands so vast
deceived the eye;
Landscape so green
Received the sigh.

Trees madly ran
Behind with lines;
Black carpet slid
Beneath four wheels.

Beloved’s day
when clock struck twelve;
sweet wedding bells
Now dwells in bliss.

Raystylus, 07/21/05

Wasted Years

2008-04-14T02:19:00.000-04:00

Like grass so dry
Like sour milk;
I see the stale
Creative juice.

I yearn for days
Of canvassed hues;
When stylus scribbled
Celestial prose.

Was cool for jokes
With humor lines;
Clock ticks but sticks
at 3:40!

Must dust the tools
And tools must work;
Revive the trade
That mustn’t fade.

Raystylus, 10/1/06.

I wrote it a few years ago, one of the few that one turns back to and gets their consciousness aroused. Let me not interpret my own poem. Readers have a third angle that is interesting for observation. I'll compare it with what Shakespeare says in a sonnet "I summon up rememberance of things past, I sigh the lack of many a thing I sought..." The protagonist feels the brunt of youthful waste. Don't we once in a lifetime get there and feel like our force is spent?

He cleverly ends his sonnet "But if the while I think on thee, dear friend, All losses are restored and sorrows end." I think friends are good people to have, because at times such as these, their effort is significant.

"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." Intellectual friends are good to converse with in times of rusty-dusty me, metaphorically speaking. Books too. There is a surpassing depth in communing with great minds.

Ngugi wa Thiongo, in his fictional works, is prolific in his portrayal of his main characters. Consider Weep Not, Child. The spoken may not do justice when lifted from the text. One would just have to experience this by cracking open the pages.

I re-discovered Augustine St. Hippo, and upon diving into the depths of Confessions, my sensibilities leapt, upon each expression, and I remained aloft in expectation as I engulfed his content. Indeed I reaped the fruit of laboring upon each sentence. Beautiful autobiographical work. Recommend that to a biography lover.

I like the doublespeak proverb, "The stylus is more potent than the claymore." The stylus must not stay in the scabbard, wet, dusty, yet rusty.

Raystylus.

Prolific Dias

2008-04-13T03:00:00.000-04:00

I think,
i philosophise;
i speak art.

I would not be just if I was committed to art for life's sake and had no blog spot. At the early hours of this day, i open a reservoir with a free-fall of words and thoughts, in moderation.

They said the stylus is more potent than the claymore. I find it practical. I have dichotomized my sensibilities towards literature and rhetoric. A genuine love for poetry, short stories and speeches is deeply embedded in my fiber. A need to cultivate poetic justice.

I look forward to letting my art be prolific, to which I am committed and eager.

Raystylus