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 :)

Forward Motion

My Flo Valley winnings have arrived to my lovely home. A $100 check made out to me and on Monday I can go to the bank and deposit half of it. The other half begins a new journey southeast of here in Haiti where it will make a difference for the better. Wildwood sent me some information to fill out so they could send me that check, which will also traverse plains and bodies of water in reaching Haiti.

I have an extra copy of Sycamore. I was thinking of having a raffle and who ever's name gets drawn, will get it.

So, who's in? :)

Ici, enfin

"Ici, enfin" = "Here, finally" .... congratulations! You learned some French!

Sycamore is here!!!

It's so pretty... so shiny... so rich in creativity... so perfect.

Here are some pictures of it :)

Front cover! Black and yellow, so classy

The awards page, announcing winners.

First place in poetry baby :)

First of the three selected works to be published.

This is my one-act play "Romeo and Repunzel"

The best genre for it would be satire.

This was the piece that one first place in the district competition

and is now competing nationally.

Pascal's Revolution.

First place in the Wildwood contest.

The third and final piece selected to be published.

The Love of a Soldier is a short story about a young wife

who waits for her husband to come home from the war.

I wrote this sophomore year in high school.

Back cover of it

I must say, the art work in it looks excellent!

I don't think it's sorted by association with the work,

but it's still fun to look at and make connections :)

I am looking forward to collecting my winnings so I can donate. I think I'll email Layla next week sometime to find out the information about that.

Peace :)

Baaaah

The Board of Trustees meeting begins in approximately two hours and nine minutes.

Another night of flattery and adoration.

I wrote a poem the other day, and it's just average in my opinion, however there are some things about it that I really like. It's called Sonya's Song but I think I might change it to Song of Sonechka. It's on my page, posted in the cafe if anyone cares to read: www.writerscafe.org/seraphicdaffodil

Speaking of which, I am back and in action at the cafe (Writer's Cafe) and so far it's been great. Some good friends are still there, but one of my favorites has left and I'm still rather upset about that because I really liked him. I met him when I first joined the web site and gradually he become more like a father figure.

To my dear friend Markymark: I miss you and hope you're well :)

I don't have much to really say writing wise. My mind has been flooded with thoughts lately, to the point of insomnia. And currently I just am completely overwhelmed that I'm not as excited as I should be for tonight. Well, time for meditation.

Ladadeda

Good morning world :)

Today is yet another rainy day. It has officially rained all seven days this week and I'm getting sick of it. Summer break has started and there's nothing like sunshine that screams summer. Question is, when will it come out from behind the dreary clouds?

I have some updates!

First and foremost, I've decided where I'm going to college: The University of Tulsa.

Second, I was accepted into The University of Iowa's Writers Dorm, only to then tell them I wasn't going to their school. The point is that if I got accepted into a selective writer's dorm and one of the most famous universities for writing, then that's a good sign.

Third, Senior Awards Night was Thursday night, the 13th. I received the French Scholarship, and well, it was a huge surprise and a huge honor. I actually started spilling tears everywhere like Miss America. Kind of embarrassing...

Fourth, the Poetry Awards Night/Dinner was Friday night, the 14th. I had such a wonderful time and the food was delicious. I requested a copy of the pictures, so I hope to receive those soon and I can post them. I received two awards; first for poetry at Wildwood and then first for drama in the district competition, held by Florissant Valley.

Fifth (okay I'm tired of the numbering), I find out the results of the national competition June 15th, which happens to be the day that I'll be flying to Washington. Awards here amount to $500. I really cannot imagine myself winning here. The one act I wrote that won in the district competition certainly isn't that good for nationals. The only thing that it has going for it is satire.

Next, Sycamore is coming out this week! Finally! There was a huge printing problem. The ink was way too light, so it was impossible to read. I am so, so, so excited to see it. I heard they tried to select pieces of art to complement the poetry and other works. Can't wait to see it!

This Wednesday I've been invited to the St. Louis Community College Board of Trustees meeting. They would like to "present me with a Certificate of Appreciation in honor of my exceptional achievement" (quoting from the letter). I don't know how formal this event is, but I do get an assigned seat according to the letter. I also don't know if I'm allowed to bring guests. I'd like to invite my parents, but if I have an assigned seat, then maybe there's no room for guests? Don't know, but after this blog update I'll be sending an email out requesting additional information.

And that appears to be all!

Goodness gracious, I think 2010 is definitely a good year :)

Lobsta Killa

Greetings everyone! Friends, family, fans, random strangers and/or creepers?
I have wonderful news!

School has been stressful lately (as always) but things are beginning to look up. Half way through April already and once AP exams are over then it will be a glorious coast downhill into the beautiful summer fields!

Recall the District Writing Competition that Flo Valley is holding? Yes? No? Scroll down to refresh your memory if you don't.
For those who do, proceed reading!
Today after arriving a few minutes late to creative writing club, I was informed by lady running everything at Wildwood (Abuisba) that I won!
She asked if I had checked my email yet and I casually said no and asked why and then she told me and congratulated me. It feels like a dream. I thought I was dreaming. I kept waiting to wake up. I keep waiting to wake up. Why all of this writer success so recently and all within this last year of high school? I've entered contests before and have gotten nothing out of it. Well, in any case, I'm not going to question it. The stars are clearly lined up in my favor this year it seems and I couldn't be happier.

My one-act play Romeo and Repunzel won first place in the drama category. I'll receive the prize of $100! I'm thinking about putting half of that towards Haiti as well, so $50 from Wildwood and $50 from Flo Valley - that's $100 total for Haiti! The other $50 is going to my college fund because I certainly need that if I'm going to Tulsa. Every penny counts even if $50 seems insignificant when it comes to college.

Sycamore is supposed to come out tomorrow, however the editing has been a bit more complicated than anticipated so it may be a few more days. I'm fine with waiting, but I just am so excited for the release!

Back to the contest: because I am the first place winner, I'll be entered into the League for Innovation National Student Literary competition (mouth-full, yes? Haha). The first place prize there will be up to $500!
Moreover, the full results for the competition haven't been finalized (i.e. poetry). Therefore, my poems are still candidates in the running and could win as well.
I'm almost scared to go on. I've come this far... and sure I would have been fine if I didn't win anything at the Flo Valley contest because I would still have my bronze medal. But now I've gotten silver and I'm on my way to gold. What if I don't make it? I learned in my psychology class that the silver medal winner is often less happy than the bronze winner because the bronze winner is thrilled to have just won and made it. The silver isn't as happy because they were almost gold but just weren't good enough.
Any one have any comforting advice?

It started out as a feeling :)

Regina Spektor has a beautiful voice. I love her song "The Call" from Narnia. Don't you love it when you find a song that you can identify with completely?

On a different subject, recall the Flo Valley writing contest? Well, close to a month ago, the gentleman in charge emailed me to confirm I was a Flo Valley student. I informed him I was enrolled at Wildwood and Meramec, but not Flo Valley. Then the unfortunate news came. He said I wasn't eligible then.
I wasn't upset at all. Instead I was flat out confused because the teacher running the Wildwood contest had entered me into the Florissant Valley contest. I explained to him a teacher entered me into it, but he said there must be some confusion.
I figured "oh well" because there were plenty of writing contest opportunities out there. Times like that I think, wow what optimism! Well, optimism certainly pays off because today on this dreadfully dreary day, I received an email from the gentleman again.

Pardon moi?
Yep. He came back to announce the mistake and misunderstanding.
Because I am Wildwood's poetry and drama representative, I am eligible in the contest.

Results will be announced in two to three weeks!

He even wished me luck and told me my poems looked lovely. What a gentleman! Anyway, my rainy day just got a million times brighter.

Tonight is Open Mic Night.
I'll be reading Pascal's Revolution.
I tried to write yesterday, but it wasn't coming very smoothly and didn't feel the words. I'm hoping for a new poem soon. I guess I need some form of minor tragedy to occur so I can get over emotional and write. I've noticed that tends to be the trend with my poetry.

I will have my loving parents film my poetry reading tonight. After all, it is my first :)

Thanks to everyone who has supported me!

Like a comet pulled from orbit as it passes a sun...

Good afternoon!
I'm officially on spring break and day one has been filled with sleeping in, eye doctor appointment, breakfast with my sister, Pokemon Silver, and preparing graduation announcements. I only wish it was sunny outside. Instead I'm stuck with 46 degrees and rain.

I've had the chance to write a short story that I'll eventually post. It's called Necropolis and I'm particularly fond it. So fans keep a lookout for that!

Open Mic Night at the community college is on the 25th of March, two weeks from yesterday. This is where people of all talents come and perform at the open microphone with an audience to listen - a chance for my poetry to be heard. At least I'm thinking about reading a poem and hopefully a new one. Knock on wood!

The official date for the release of Sycamore, the literary journal my three works will be published in, is April 15th! I'm so excited and can't wait to see them in there. I wonder how it will be sorted and if there will be any acknowledgement of the other winners in it. Speaking of which, I had the opportunity to meet another poetry winner. He's actually in creative writing club and looks about in his late 20s. He's quite fascinating! Apparently as a teenager he was homeless and now he's about to have a children's book published! Isn't that incredbile? It amazes me how far people can come and how miracles can truly work their way into any life.

Awards night is still undecided, sadly. They're talking about having it the same time as an Art Festival because it would bring more attention to it. And the earnings won't be given in check that night. They're switching to a cash-less, check-less, pure online system which in my opinion is the most ludicrous thing I've heard. From the internet, they'll deposit the money into the winner's checking account. And if the winner doesn't have a checking account (me), it will go to the parent's account. I informed my mom about it, so we'll go and move it to my account when we can. After that I can donate to the Earthquake Relief Fund for Haiti :)

A particular song has really struck me and I've decided to play it at my wake and funeral when I die. It's from the musical Wicked (excellent musical by the way) and it's called For Good. I'll change my song on my blog to it so everyone can listen to it.

Have a great spring!

The Heart Speaks Loudest

Everything is in.
The poem for Iowa, the two poems for the contest. As to which poem I selected, it's a secret.

Inspiration found me today after I tutored my first graders. I was ready to jump at the keyboard but knew I had a million other things to do. Hopefully I will be able to write soon.

Now, onwards to scholarship applications and homework!

Three Things

Dear Readers,

First and foremost the deadline for the literary contest is this Friday, the 19th. I'd like to avoid another midnight submission like last time. (Hey an idea: I'll give up procrastination for lent! Why didn't I think of that sooner?)
Anyway, if you wanted to provide an input as to which poem should be selected, then please let me know by Thursday! That gives me time to edit it and make any necessary changes. Everyone is welcome, though I'm particularly counting on a few poetry experts for their opinion. But I understand completely if you're short on time and are unable to do so.
A quick thank you to those who have taken the time to scroll through my portfolio and make a suggestion!

Second item that pertains to writing would be tomorrow's event. I will be attending for the first time a creative writing club at the college. First creative writing club period. I am very excited to meet other writers and share my writing with them and gain further feedback so I can continue to grow as a writer. I'm kind of nervous, but I should be fine, after all I'm with people who like to write. What could be better?

Third: One of the colleges I'm looking at has a writer's dorm. In order to get in though you must provide a piece of your writing. One piece. Uno. Un. Ein. This is due March 1st which is not far away at all. I'd like to get it in soon too because they sent me an email already, wondering if I was going to submit an entry or not.
This is rather important because this single piece will represent me, my skills, and my creativity to see if I am worthy or not to room with other writers. Please note that this specific college is specially known for the writers they produce. The very Kurt Vonnegut taught their writer's workshop for graduates.
Again, I'm naturally drawn to Pascal however I can't keep relying on that poem because what one person may think could be very different from the other. So I'm asking for recommendations. L'arbre Feu is what my gut tells me because it expresses the plethora of emotions that shape me.
This isn't the college that I probably will attend. I'm very set on going to the University of Tulsa. But University of Iowa still has a strong pull on me because of it's writers program and it would allow for great networking. Even if I don't go there, I'm curious as to if I could compete and if they find me acceptable. This is also a self-test in a way to see the truth. If they accept me, then it would provide a comfort, a confirmation towards everything.

Please let me know as soon as possible.

Promised myself I would get in bed before ten.
Many thanks!
Bonne nuit.

One Step After Another

Today has been an incredible day. This week has been wonderful. I keep thinking this is a dream and I'm going to wake up soon, but after pinching myself numerous times I'm convinced this is really happening.

After school I rushed to my car and drove to the community college to speak with Ms. Abuisba, the primary person in charge of the contest and member of the English department at the college. I think she may be head of the department, but I don't know for sure. She gave me some forms to fill out for my submissions, some for the records and one for the play which will be entered into a larger scale literary contest.

Look:

As part of The League for Innovation's International Literary Competition, Florissant Valley holds its own annual contest in the genres of poetry, short stories, personal essays, and one-act plays. First place winners in Florissant Valley's competition will compete against winners from the other St. Louis Community College campuses for a first prize of $100. District winners will then be entered into the League for Innovation's international contest where the prizes are so much as $500 and winners are published in an annual anthology.


I'll be entering the Flo Valley contest. I'd like to think that I would go on to the next level, but I'm going to be realistic. International? The chances are slim. There are a million other writers out there who are just as talented and more so. But hey, I'm enjoying the ride while it lasts.

Futhermore, we discussed some upcoming events such as an awards night and poetry reading night (I nearly fell out of my seat when she brought them up). The dates are unknown at this point, but she'll be sending me the information as it comes to her. The poetry reading is a night where many writers come together (not sure if they are the writers accepted to be published?) and one at a time go up to the microphone and read their poetry, which I am definitely doing. Who knows what doors that could open? Who knows who will be there?
Maybe no one important, but it's worth going.

The literary journal will be published in late April. I'm not sure how much it will cost, but if anyone is interested in buying a copy, let me know and we can discuss it further.

As for the contest at Flo Valley, I'm allowed to submit three pieces. The play is going in because they believe it's creative and entertaining and would like to enter it. So that leaves me with two other pieces. The genres are poetry, personal essay, short story, and one-act play. Poetry has become my forte, therefore I think it best to enter two additional poems. I'm set on Pascal's Revolution since it won the contest here.
So I ask you, what the third entry should be?

My poetry can be read at
www.writerscafe.org/writers/seraphicdaffodil

Some poems are currently down, such as In Gold, due to the contest.
I thought L'arbre Feu may be a good match. However I am very iffy about how they would handle the French, but it's essential to the poem. I also would need to edit it because I forgot to make an important transition in it.
Thoughts?
If you think a better poem would do, let me know.
A few other poems I'm relatively proud of are Fireflies; Alpha Lyric Dance, a Calling; and A Writer's Littoral.
Thoughts and opinions of anyone and everyone are always welcome.

Really, I am in utter amazement. So many steps have been taken. I've come such a long way, and yet have a much longer path ahead of me. And the most exciting part is that I'll never know which way the road will turn. It's like riding a rollar coaster in the dark. You know you are on the ride. You know there's a track in front of you. You know that it will contain some surprises, but as to what, it remains a mystery. All you can do is sit, hang tight, and enjoy the ride. Oh and scream at the top of your lungs until your throat is sore the next day. Yep. I'm screaming. With joy. And not to mention adrenaline.

I guess we just all have to take one step after another, whether it's walking, running, or dancing.

Mahalo

Mahalo.
I discovered this word today, which means "thank you" in Hawaiian. And I believe it's the right way to begin this entry. I'd like to say mahalo to my fans, my friends, my peers, my teachers, my family, my muse, and above all, to God.

Several months ago I wanted to document my progress as a writer and so I signed up for a xanga account. I used xanga before but this time around, something feels different that pushes me away. Perhaps it's just the "new" look (I say new with quotations because the last time I had a xanga was in the 7th grade).
So I have transferred.

My purpose: to track my progress as a writer, as mentioned above.
A little more about me though.

My pen name is Alice Oiseau. And alas, the mask is coming down to reveal the identity my family and friends know me as: Ashley Byrd.
I've been writing since third grade. Ever since I won the Young Author's Award for writing a short story on friendship, I've had the desire to write. The years went by with short stories and miniature novels, and in eighth grade I took up poetry, which was absolutely horrendous. My first real poem that had potential was called Let me be your Willow. A good friend by the name of Tess Stortz helped me get started.
By the end of middle school I had completed my first novel, The Life of being a Teen (which was ridiculously awkward titling and poorly written, however the plot had some merit). I started high school and sophomore year was the year when things really kicked off.
I took a creative writing class which was wonderful to be able to sit down and write for at least an hour once a day. Sophomore year I joined an online writer's community called Booksie where I met many talented writers, many of which have become excellent friends. Booksie was one of the two catalysts for my major leap in writing. I learned how to review writing, properly, and learned how to take constructive criticism, and how to improve my writing. The second catalyst was a poet by the pseudonym of Punishment. He no doubt greatly influenced and impacted my writing and I am the poet I am today because of him and his help.
Fastforward to senior year.
I'm still in the process of writing a fantasy novel called Flight to Sryathindel (title subject to change) and am currently residing (writing-wise) in the community known as WritersCafe (WC). Over the summer before the school year I was chosen by the editorial staff at the America Library of Poetry to be published in Inspired, a book of very select cross selection of poetry featuring 2009's submissions. My poem Caged was published, though did not win the contest portion.

At the beginning of this new decade, I entered into another literary/poetry contest at the current community college I'm enrolled in. I submitted as much as I was allowed; 2 poems, 2 short stories, 2 essays, and a play. After having entered multiple contests in the past, primarily junior year of high school, I was determined to get something out of this. I was going to give it my all, and maybe, just maybe, all that hard work would pay off.

And it did.

My poem Pascal's Revolution was chosen as one of the winners in the poetry contest. Not just any winner, but the winner; first place.
In addition, two other pieces (a short story and play) were selected to be published with the poem in the literary journal Sycamore. Also, they would like to enter the play into another literary contest at a different community college.

When I received the news, my heart stopped. My friends, my readers, my fellow writers, listen and listen well: Never give up. I know what it's like to receive rejection, to try and try but only end up with discouragement in your empty hands, and most of all, to be told that your dream is foolish. But keep trying, keep writing, keep believing. One day victory will be yours, and you'll feel so accomplished, so proud, so happy. Then you'll come down from the top of the world, and settle back down to earth, and write some more.
Don't lose hope.
Spread your wings. And fly.

Welcome to a writer's littoral.