Swan Song

Working on one final poem, she's going to be a masterpiece.

Finding Alice

Hello. Hi.

Yes, I'm back from the dead.

So, Alice has been rather silent, which I guess is partially my fault. But I found her, so it's all good. She's been in hiding. I discovered this the other night. I had written a poem and really thought that I felt her, and when I tested it, it wasn't technically her. But then, after several weeks, I had an idea. I took the poem in chunks instead of as a whole and sure enough, Alice is in there.

When I say "test," it means to go to this website (http://iwl.me/) and see if I get my recurring James Joyce that majority of my poetry used to be. For a while, I had been getting a million different writers, which was a giant wake up call after I found this site. It explained why I felt all this tension and absence of Alice. She wasn't there. All these voices had filled her void and then I felt lost, and then I realized why.

My most recent poem tells an ...interesting tale, and one that will never be elaborated more on outside the poem. I wrote it when I went back to St. Louis, my hometown, for Thanksgiving break. I felt Alice as I sat in my room and laid in my bed. I could almost hear her talking to me sometimes. And I asked her to please, please come back with me to Tulsa and join me at the university. I've yet to see if she came or not. But I am quite thrilled that I have found her nonetheless. Now it's just a matter of re-acquainting ourselves so she can show herself confidently and proudly in the whole poem, instead of hiding in stanzas.

Aside from Alice news, I'd like to quickly update anyone who is curious how life is in general.

Life is well. I'm at the University of Tulsa and considering elementary education as a major with English as a minor and maybe French as a minor. I don't want to discuss French at the moment. It's been a rather turbulent road since I've started school here. I've met many friends and have picked up the healthy and wonderful hobby of dancing. Academic wise, I'm doing well in all my classes and final exams begin next week. After that, I'll be on my way home for about a month (a little less technically). Hopefully that will be plenty of Alice bonding time. I've been away from her too long.

Until next time,

A.

Awards Night Pictures

Greetings Loved Ones,

Remember the Awards Dinner back in May? I had my picture taken with the other winners and requested a copy of the photos. Alas, they have arrived!

Layla, me, and the lady who runs everything at Wildwood

Me and the two other winners! The man next to me was in creative writing club. He's awesome. He wrote a children's book and it's getting published! And his background is utterly fascinating. I think he won first in essay? and the other man won first in short story, I think. They announced it that night, but it was so long ago, I don't recall.

That's all for now!

Raffle Winner

We have a winner!!

Watch the video below to find out if it was you!

I'd just like to again say, congrats and thank you to everyone who participated!

I also said in the video that I felt like I was forgetting something and I just remembered what it was that I was forgetting: if you want me to sign it/write in it, just let me know and I will!

Moreover, I also briefly discussed how I hoped I picked the "right" person; someone who will truly appreciate art and literature. There are a couple people that entered that I was concerned would not have the full appreciation. This book is like an adopted child to me! Even though it's just an extra copy, what it represents just means a lot to me. I legit prayed that God would guide my hand. I know, I know, crazy.

So, winner, congrats! And I trust you'll take good care of Sycamore :)

Some rather important information

Dear Rafflers,

I'd like to announce the official date for the raffle!

Ladies and gentlemen, mark your calendars for the 7th of July!

I hope everyone is just as excited as I am. Also, I've heard multiple inquiries about whether or not it will be signed by me. And the answer is sure, if you want it to be. I'll even throw in a note if your heart desires so.

Currently there are 12 participants! And I'm open to many more. The doors close at 2 pm central time on the 7th. So anyone else can enter up until that point. I would really love to have more participants, so if you know anyone else that may be interested, spread the word :) The raffle will take place at approximately 3 in the afternoon central time. I'll remind everyone the day of to keep their eyes peeled for the blog post that will announce the winner via video.

I think that covers everything. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. And if you're reading this and think, hey, I'd like to enter the raffle, just leave a comment and I'll add you to the list.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Entering?

So it's 11:30 pm here, and I have a full day tomorrow, so I'm going to make this quick!

There seems to be numerous questions about entering the raffle. Well folks, it's really simple! There's nothing formal or fancy.

All you have to do is notify me in some way, shape, or form. Facebook, text, phone, email, in person, whatever floats your boat! And I have this word document titled "Raffle Participants." Your name will be added, and come the raffle day (to be announced), I will print out the list, cut the names out, select a hat, and draw from it! I will even video it so it has the "live" aspect.

Woohoo!

Currently 9 confirmed participants! Again, the more the better! As well as the more fun!

Raffle!

The results from the national contest are in!!

I did not have the honor of winning (which doesn't surprise me at all); however, a girl from the St. Louis CC district received Honorable Mention in the contest which is excellent considering the competition. Congratulations to her!

Looks like everything is winding down with the community college. Summer has kicked off -- humidity and all. My writing seems to have come to a halt. I would like to write something new, but lately I've been so focused on embracing this summer with all the grad parties, seeing my friends as much as possible before college, and everything.

There is still some news though, and it's rather fun news.

Do YOU want a copy of Sycamore?

As mentioned in the last post, I am holding a raffle!

So please, step right up and enter! The prize? A one and only copy of Sycamore!

Sycamore: A collection of poetry, prose, and art; over 50 works to ponder and admire; glossy and new condition; yours for free!

Currently there are 3 participants, but the more the better!

Enter now for your chance to win :)