Michelle Cristiani's Blog

“Stand up and face the enemy… we will be invincible.” ~ Pat Benatar

So many of us face obstacles every day. A few weeks ago, a dear friend of mine (a kindred spirit, fellow writer, sister of my soul) suffered a stroke. I know that she will overcome the struggles she’s facing right now because she’s a fighter, and she’s a bad-ass in so many ways. In chatting with her, I have found that she is taking this experience in stride. She is weathering this winter, and through her strength and inner light, she is willing summer to emerge from within her! I am in awe, inspired, and filled with such warmth for this incredible woman!

We all have weathered our own winters.  What gave you warmth? Were you able to pull from inside you? Tell us about your invincible summer!

INERTIA.

Because we’re all pushing against it…or are we?

What in your life has become routine and mundane, because inertia is too strong?  What do you wish you could change, but can’t?  What have you overcome by pushing against the tide?

Let’s talk about inertia.  Fear of, rejection of, acceptance of.

All right, I’ll admit it: when I think of Mayday, I think of Maypoles, and when I think of Maypoles I think of the above image.  Yes, people of my generation, it’s from the “Safety Dance.”  Sorry, but when I think of today this is what I think.  So, go for it.  What do you think of when you think of safety?

Verb or adjective? An ending or a beginning? A goodbye or a hello? Either way, there’s gotta be a song hidden between those lines.  Why don’t you hum us a few bars?… 

 

 

FOOL.  Hey, it’s the day for it.  What do you think of when you think of fools?  Do you think of the jester above, or a fool for love (hey, I rhymed, am I a poet or what)?  Do you think of a fool in the sense of jerks who don’t know anything but act like they do?

 

Think about it, envision it, share it.  In words, images, dreams, thoughts, whatever you’ve got.  Let’s talk fools this week!



image lyrics by Fall Out Boy

On 15 March (The Ides of March) of 44 B.C., Julius Caesar was assassinated during a senate meeting.  Supposedly, he resisted but when he saw his friend and protege, Marcus Brutus, among the attackers, he is said to have spoken the words, “Et tu, Brute?” which means, “And you, too, Brutus?” The quotation is widely used in Western culture to signify the utmost betrayal by an unexpected person, such as a friend.

I would bet money that we have all felt betrayed at some point or another.  When it comes from someone we love and trust, it magnifies the pain we feel.  Dig deep, stir around those memories, and mold them into something creative you’d like to share here.  

Betrayal… Fire away!

Hexagons, the devil’s sign, dice, packs of beers or sodas?

What do you think of when you think of the number six?

Let’s have some word association, memory association, and then, can you create something new?  Can you draw a six-sided mandala?  Write a poem with six lines (or verses)?  Paint a flower with six petals?  GO FOR IT!  Make something about 6 and share it with us.

Happy New Year?  Of course, that’s up to you, in a very real sense…

Do you have any resolutions?  What will you create in 2015?  What will you grow?  Creativity? Generosity? Love?  Possibly your goals are as simple as getting that troublesome orchid to bloom again.  then again, maybe you’re looking for something beyond a green thumb.

Tell us what your hopes are for the coming year… after all, 365 days could be a decent start to something great!  You could post a poem here as a great first step!  We’d love to see it!  Happy New Year!

 

 

(clipartbest.com)

 

Our new theme is “Sugar Rush.”  What does it make you think of?  If food, what kind of food gives that rush?  Or what about drinks?  

And/or, is it more than food….what else in life fills us up but ultimately leaves us empty?

Share your thoughts, poems, images with us….

Our early September theme is “Without a Net.”  What do you think of when you say this phrase?  Please share with us. A time in your life, a dream, a goal…poems, images, you name it.  Let’s get to talking about what it means to fly, love, perform, live, without a net.