tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41541688227353253912024-03-12T22:09:41.905-07:00Sleep Deprivation and Me: A Love StoryThe fiction, poetry, artwork, acting and musings of Kenya D. Williamson. Come on in. The brain's fine!Kenya D. Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05199832548754490449noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4154168822735325391.post-75884013801682316442011-07-28T17:54:00.000-07:002011-07-28T17:54:02.541-07:00Drive or Drivel?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoi_S-nk0hVrTPnl5iDZz0Ph8wjwnGGZ9zC6phZO2gAvMre2TAJtGhX-jyX8bWy-Sb2jG1tossQPMJAS413_A5M8sepg7UM_QUvMOwcd23WZL4tm8AMoXdnMctXrt-JbPEVfLPAxCfGRPE/s1600/Drive_Cover_7-25-11_3X4.6_100dpi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoi_S-nk0hVrTPnl5iDZz0Ph8wjwnGGZ9zC6phZO2gAvMre2TAJtGhX-jyX8bWy-Sb2jG1tossQPMJAS413_A5M8sepg7UM_QUvMOwcd23WZL4tm8AMoXdnMctXrt-JbPEVfLPAxCfGRPE/s320/Drive_Cover_7-25-11_3X4.6_100dpi.jpg" width="206" /></a></div><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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</style> <![endif]--> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">I’ve been spending a lot of time wondering exactly what I have to offer visitors to this blog. I’d love for this space to always be creative and informative – for readers to leave with knowledge or inspiration that spurs them on to further success, wealth, happiness or self-discovery. Alas, for better or worse, I’ve embraced this place is mostly my playground and a source of entertainment. -- At least, I hope it is the latter for you. (Please don't burst my bubble. That stuff is really tough to get out of my eyelashes.) </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">I present my latest short story, “Drive.” I hope you like it. (Sorry, Anthony’s not in this one.)</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; text-indent: 21.25pt;"> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; text-indent: 21.25pt;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-align: center; text-indent: 21.25pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Drive”</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
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</style> <![endif]--> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; text-indent: 21.25pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Instantly, as Jimmy touched his trembling foot to the pedal, he knew it was far too late to turn back. His journey had begun. His lust for the road subdued his intermittent fear of the future. Images of murderous hitchhikers emerging from his mother’s frightening tales of misfortune disappeared. Echoes of piercing, insufficient cries for help escaped earshot — despite their repetition and paraphrasing. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; text-indent: 21.25pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; text-indent: 21.25pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">The warnings were designed as a safeguard for the fairly naïve son Kate worried would endanger himself. But, his biggest threat, thus far, had stemmed from sleeping in his own soiled sheets. He’d learned the laws of the land. He always surrendered the right of way when it was warranted. He signaled before every turn. And over time, he’d grown especially proud of his expanding experience with parallel parking. He’d yet to scratch his paint. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; text-indent: 21.25pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; text-indent: 21.25pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Still, the young traveler’s knuckles stiffened at the sight of an unexpected pothole. He tightened his grip and grimaced — anticipating damage far more reaching than any spare could fix. Jimmy was much too anxious to even look behind him. Aghast, he pictured flashing police car lights. An angry cop would ticket and arrest him — lock him up, impound his vehicle and toss the key. Possibly for speeding.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; text-indent: 21.25pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; text-indent: 21.25pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Despite his vast knowledge of dos and don’ts, Jimmy had no proper license. And his mother knew it. He wondered why she’d even let him leave. Surely, she’d recognized the call to explore had overpowered his capacity to resist, he believed. His response to obvious temptation needed to be tested, he suspected. He was clearly failing. But, undaunted, he decided to proceed.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; text-indent: 21.25pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; text-indent: 21.25pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Abruptly, Jimmy slammed on his brake — stopping only inches from a passing couple with no crosswalk. “Stupid pedestrians,” he muttered beneath his breath. He sounded just like his dad, he thought, and donned a twisted grin. Memories of his father’s shaking fist and the car’s horn blasting inattentive plodders made the unexpected encounter almost enjoyable. “Look where you’re going,” he yelled. He didn’t want the walkers to realize that he’d been easily rattled.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; text-indent: 21.25pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; text-indent: 21.25pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“I’ll just go down to the corner and get some gas,” he announced to no one in particular. He had no willing passenger. But, when he eventually arrived at the station’s location, the ground was occupied — by a fair queen and her massive castle. The grumpy monarch calmly bid him adieu before ordering sizeable guards to chase the traitorous trespasser who’d rather drive than work for her.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; text-indent: 21.25pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; text-indent: 21.25pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Dinner!” Jimmy’s mom shouted out his bedroom window.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; text-indent: 21.25pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; text-indent: 21.25pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">He wasn’t allowed to pass the edge of the parking lot. And the loyal servants were forbidden a voyage which included invading Mr. Connor’s decorated porch by the base of the concrete steps. A formal declaration of war would have been required. Jimmy stuck out his tongue.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; text-indent: 21.25pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; text-indent: 21.25pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Wait till recess,” Tommy said.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; text-indent: 21.25pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; text-indent: 21.25pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">As he picked up his plastic bike, Jimmy hoped his schoolmate’s memory remained short during the glorious day. Then, he’d brave the roads again with wavering confidence. — All first grade royalty and commoners alike were condemned to separate homes or the protection of an ancient peacekeeping escort after dark. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; text-indent: 21.25pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; text-indent: 21.25pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">So there.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; text-indent: 21.25pt;"><br />
</div>Kenya D. Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05199832548754490449noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4154168822735325391.post-23973266976664240822011-07-05T12:40:00.000-07:002011-07-05T12:40:00.787-07:00Checked Out<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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</style> <![endif]--> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlB8wmx0k09g45h1gtU29IZOOVkpKujkJV08sfGqlScLDiNcv9aeVgTDsGHkspqCbx0vfD-h7eeOppdMu7HZ4zIQlVlF2Pb_mh7AXNNAbcHiVjMPRP-_1-09YIyZ0GLemTRudTpP5pPix1/s1600/KissingCouple_Hearts_Square.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlB8wmx0k09g45h1gtU29IZOOVkpKujkJV08sfGqlScLDiNcv9aeVgTDsGHkspqCbx0vfD-h7eeOppdMu7HZ4zIQlVlF2Pb_mh7AXNNAbcHiVjMPRP-_1-09YIyZ0GLemTRudTpP5pPix1/s200/KissingCouple_Hearts_Square.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">I was talking to my mom yesterday. And she was encouraging me to write something new — specifically something different from what I normally write. (How’s that for a vote of confidence?) But, with unfinished projects already on my plate, I wasn’t really looking forward to adding anything else. Then, I started writing. And what you see below is the result. I’m not quite sure it’s what she had in mind.</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-align: center; text-indent: 21.25pt;"><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />
</span></span></u></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; text-indent: 21.25pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">I never did like him. Well, I liked him. But, I’d never let him know it. Otherwise, he’d get that smirk — that knowing, “I knew you wanted me” look. The look that made me want to punch his smug, little face. That beautiful, masculine, chiseled face. High cheekbones any woman would envy. Eyelashes that were thick and curled. Lips which put me into a permanent, internal state of pucker. Oh, how I hated him. With his “I didn’t even try to look good” snug tee shirts and blue jeans which were never tight, but never baggy enough to make you question if there was something good going on inside them. You knew. And he knew you knew. That’s why I punched him. Okay, I only decked him in my mind — before I undressed him.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; text-indent: 21.25pt;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; text-indent: 21.25pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Don’t get me wrong. Anthony was conscious in my fantasy. My strike barely left a mark. He looked at me with passion. I could’ve sworn I saw his nostrils flare. He drew me into his arms. He peered deeply into my eyes — and saw who I was. He loved the real me. He wondered how he could’ve gone all that time without realizing I was the one. Silly boy.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; text-indent: 21.25pt;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; text-indent: 21.25pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">He caressed the small of my back with his left hand and lightly stroked my cheek with his right. His lips parted slightly without his knowledge — willing him to satisfy their thirst for mine. I waited. I knew in a few seconds he wouldn’t be able to deny their request. I closed my eyes and tilted my head a little to the right. Then I woke up. My head was still tilted. He’s coy and likes to toy with my emotions. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; text-indent: 21.25pt;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; text-indent: 21.25pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Who does he think he’s fooling with that seemingly effortless laugh and superficial familiarity with the fluctuating price of produce and the unpredictable weather? He flashes a smile, a wink. He dips his head and looks up with those big, green, bottomless moons. Probably green with envy of all the people who didn’t get by based on surface appearances. People who had to work to become breadwinners. People with substance and character. People who have stories to tell that don’t involve designer labels or chichi restaurants. But, he keeps coming back again and again — to taunt me or because he needs someone who’s a tiny bit sincere. Who could blame him?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; text-indent: 21.25pt;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; text-indent: 21.25pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">You’re not all that, I told him — in my mind. Sure, you’re rich and gorgeous. You’re charming and friendly. You even have a healthy diet and obviously take somewhat good care of yourself. But, you’ll never have <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="letter-spacing: .5pt;">me</span></i>. Chew on that, playboy. With that, I handed Anthony his paper and plastic — and slid his platinum card across the counter. What? The customers’ credit card reader was out of order. At least, that’s what the Post-it I’d scribbled earlier said.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; text-indent: 21.25pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; text-indent: 21.25pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; text-indent: 21.25pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Have a great day. I’ll see you soon,” I mumbled. Removing the note, I continued with my day. The shopper behind him smiled — showcasing a piece of something black in her front teeth. Way to make an effort.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; text-indent: 21.25pt;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; text-indent: 21.25pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“You’re fired,” my manager said at the end of my shift. He’d been writing me up for months — just looking for any excuse to spend more time with me. But, he can never come between me and Anthony. Jealousy’s an ugly thing. I hope, one day, he gets the help he clearly needs.</span></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; text-indent: 21.25pt;"><br />
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</style> <![endif]-->Kenya D. Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05199832548754490449noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4154168822735325391.post-27259400544828712352011-06-10T02:49:00.000-07:002011-06-15T17:46:55.227-07:00Jogging Your Mammaries (or Memories)<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizsqzHgMUsqH1PnzVOW8jCwr49Ft2oU5I_ifJsAaXc1EfSkI7GLH1_JHTxMt1G0V-pQtrNKG8GY4hSLTh7iX67aA1gBGjp4QjVGTRbvAyfRvxNATSifvAsrJZrOo6u7c8F1eMMm7AMhOSS/s1600/animated+girl+on+treadmill.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizsqzHgMUsqH1PnzVOW8jCwr49Ft2oU5I_ifJsAaXc1EfSkI7GLH1_JHTxMt1G0V-pQtrNKG8GY4hSLTh7iX67aA1gBGjp4QjVGTRbvAyfRvxNATSifvAsrJZrOo6u7c8F1eMMm7AMhOSS/s200/animated+girl+on+treadmill.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It’s been a while since I was here. And after sustaining another treadmill/bra-related injury, I started thinking… lousy underwire, chafing, brush burns, boobs, mammaries, memories… You’re with me, right? I’m so glad we think alike. (Note to self: owning more than two sports bras at a time decreases frequency of doing workout laundry and likelihood of scars ruining my future centerfolds.)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I was honored to be asked to do a guest post on Kate Evangelista’s <a href="http://kateevangelistarandr.blogspot.com/2011/06/guest-post-sideways-arriving-at-your.html">Reads, Reviews, Recommends</a> this week. After applying some much-needed Neosporin and a Band-Aid, I started wondering what I should write about. She said the post could be about anything – my writing process, books, etc. So, while I considered the many things I had to say on those topics, I was pleasantly surprised by my memories – not mammaries. (As long as I've had them, the latter </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">– despite valiant efforts </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">– </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">don’t surprise me much.)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I don’t really use my memories for writing. People have asked if my fiction is autobiographical rather than imagined. It’s not. But, I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">do</i> use memories of feelings – from being in similar situations – if that applies. So, all my friends should rest assured. I won’t be telling your business to the public – unless you really do me wrong. Then watch out! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I climb inside my characters and improvise – utilizing my fine acting skills (you’d better not be laughing) plus a little empathy</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">. (Don’t try this at home. If you do, please record it and post it on YouTube.)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Like everyone, I have memories I’d rather forget. But, I also have good ones. (See: ones that don’t make me wince or involve wardrobe malfunctions.) I’d run from the bad – like from cellulite on my treadmill – but then I probably wouldn’t be able to access the emotional depths for all the tragic, heartening and fun stuff I like to write. (Second note to self: similar to mammaries, memories don’t defy gravity. Buy a memory push-up bra – sans aforementioned underwire.)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I get to laugh at my own expense or encourage and entertain someone else when I have the courage to make myself and my characters vulnerable. When my muse runs free, she exposes something about me. (But, there’s always that stupid staple in the middle.) My sense of humor, heartbreak, hope, frustration and faith in our ability to make our lives better ask for terrycloth robes. (They’re shy, but relatively low-maintenance.) It’s a small price to pay – looking at the benefits. Instead of running away, I run <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">to</i> the feeling and wring it for everything I can get.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Now, if only I could find some good support – and Band-Aids that actually come in my flesh tone…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: 12pt;">- When you’re done here, please check out my guest post on <a href="http://kateevangelistarandr.blogspot.com/2011/06/guest-post-sideways-arriving-at-your.html">Reads, Reviews, Recommends</a>. I had a lot of fun writing it. (And it even starts with a shower scene.) I’ll see you over there!</span> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div>Kenya D. Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05199832548754490449noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4154168822735325391.post-70441131682330118392011-05-13T16:34:00.000-07:002011-06-15T17:46:55.233-07:00Stay Tooned<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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</style> <![endif]--> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguWbGIA3lnkrtHAejMc4wnK2PswUx9X5FKUYeTIOlaJ2JCc633q5djbMC9dIUHCi_hct1rhHhw4VL_AWFviGAqoqfFxosCKtz2aGmqwTZZQcvMh92Drwz4_rQziS81_EmequrUn08luFdP/s1600/TV+and+remote_crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguWbGIA3lnkrtHAejMc4wnK2PswUx9X5FKUYeTIOlaJ2JCc633q5djbMC9dIUHCi_hct1rhHhw4VL_AWFviGAqoqfFxosCKtz2aGmqwTZZQcvMh92Drwz4_rQziS81_EmequrUn08luFdP/s200/TV+and+remote_crop.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">At four o’clock this morning – after hours of hoping Blogger had resolved its maintenance issues – I decided to reward myself with a little TV time. This AM’s lineup?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Batman Beyond</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Daria</i>. I’ve always loved cartoons. One of my animator friends thinks I know more about them than he does. (Or maybe he’s just trying to be nice.)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal">From the original <i>Transformers</i> to <i>Looney Tunes</i> to a few new shows, I can barely contain my childlike enthusiasm. I’ve always been a sucker for colorful or shiny things. Some of my favorite animated films – <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Finding Nemo</i> (Dory drove my mother crazy.), <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0317705/"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Incredibles</i></a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0129167/"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Iron Giant</i></a>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tangled</i> – make me feel as much as their live-action counterparts (and sometimes more). </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Lately, I’ve been watching a lot of sports in my free time. But, my Sixers are out. And my Flyers are also done for the season. There’s always the French Open. But, that won’t start for almost two weeks. I’ll have to prepare for the schedule by staying up really late. (Okay, there we go. Done. On to the next challenge.)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Cartoons transport me to a place where the impossible’s possible. Good usually conquers evil. Characters survive fatal falls and explosions. And laughter is almost guaranteed – depending on the show or film, of course. (See: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0047834/"><i>Animal Farm</i></a> or <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0078480/"><i>Watership Down</i></a> for non-laughing examples. Don't let the box covers fool you.)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I resist the urge to quote all the lines and sing the songs. No matter how much fun it would be for me, I know how annoying that would probably be for my company. Luckily, I have none this morning. Along with the part of my brain that registers embarrassment and dictates acceptable/mature behavior, they’re both nowhere in sight.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I’ve only been a toon <a href="http://kenyadwilliamson.com/Acting.htm#Reels">once</a>. (Check under Voice-overs.) And it was glorious – hearing my voice come from a little girl who looked nothing like me. Finally, my inner nine-year-old was released. And her cartwheels invited praise instead of inducing impatience and nausea. I’ll have to do it again. (Note to self: next time, demand the character look just like me and also do somersaults.)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So, in a way I wish real life were more like the animated world – safe, where everyone gets along or problems can be easily cleared up with laughter or a sigh of appreciation for whatever heartwarming message was shared. (I'm talking Pixar not anime. Drama - jokes/fun - peril/adventure - resolution/more fun. Give or take. Not that those stories are ever predictable.)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I love happy endings. (Not the TV show or the kind that can land you in jail.) I tend to write them – realistically, in my opinion – when I can. But, I guess all’s not truly hunky-dory in a world where an artist can suddenly drop an anvil on your head for kicks. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Luckily, the recovery time seems pretty quick. And when I can get the script in advance, I won't waste time flat-ironing my hair.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Kenya D. Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05199832548754490449noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4154168822735325391.post-88602287861049013722011-05-07T03:09:00.000-07:002011-06-15T17:46:55.240-07:00Mamma Mia!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENUnol5Qm0jJnVmCXsmFqgmBUxlcRO7s1DAfxEFePXIkgSa7PfXSiccUnfBy7AtIr8_3P4Mp0EFVv5biYnJ808ZV45-twGLHg9_FBrJo8i-ukZIr5_uSHEuG9isExHDU3EazL2vrzW9Ne/s1600/mother+serving+dinner_crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENUnol5Qm0jJnVmCXsmFqgmBUxlcRO7s1DAfxEFePXIkgSa7PfXSiccUnfBy7AtIr8_3P4Mp0EFVv5biYnJ808ZV45-twGLHg9_FBrJo8i-ukZIr5_uSHEuG9isExHDU3EazL2vrzW9Ne/s200/mother+serving+dinner_crop.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">I write a lot – in my fiction and scripts – about my imaginary families. Both good and bad. The mean-spirited, loving and loyal… the manipulative and jealous, the helpful and supportive. They come in all shapes, sizes, temperaments and motivations (and occasionally more than one gender).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I think when my brothers told me I was adopted, I started dreaming about the people they’d hoodwinked at the hospital when I’d been switched at birth – the poor, disappointed couple. If I hadn’t looked so much like my mother when she was a kid, I would’ve happily believed them – and later switched places with the impostor who’d unknowingly stolen my throne.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It wasn’t always this way, but I talk to my mom every week. I’ve forgiven many spit-covered thumbs outstretched to remove crafty smudges only mothers can see – while I squirmed and screamed. (Okay, I screamed on the inside.) If I didn’t want a hot comb in an angry woman’s hands come the next straightening day, it was best not to ruffle the self-proclaimed stylist-for-a-day’s feathers. I’m sure those burnt ears were merely accidents.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">No matter what I suffered, my mother tolerated months of “the sun will come out tomorrow” and whatever other musical lyrics were stuck in my head that day – or year. She didn’t complain during a decade of violin practice – that I remember. I was going to be a concert violinist like my grandfather! There’s nothing like fingernails clipped to the skin and flat, calloused fingertips for a hand modeling career. It was either that or a professional baton twirler. (Sorry about the furniture.)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Growing up, I blamed my mom for a lot of things – including my so-called “thunder thighs.” And today, I’d gladly accuse her of genetically twisting my sense of humor and sleep habits. But, judging by the awkward silences which assault my ears when I’m cracking jokes on the phone, I don’t think we always land on the same funny page. And she’s usually waking up before I go to bed. (Maybe I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">will</i> ask her to release my long-form birth certificate.)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So, instead of pointing a finger, I give thanks and sing a song (not one from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Annie</i>). I try to make her smile and give me an unsolicited “you’re too funny.” I have no idea what it would be like to be a mother. The joy. The pressure. The love. The worries. The long, thankless nights of rearranging my child’s genetic code until he/she turned out just right. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">...I usually black out during the imaginary delivery.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Happy Mother’s Day!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Kenya D. Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05199832548754490449noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4154168822735325391.post-18181313496681878032011-04-29T11:56:00.000-07:002011-06-15T17:46:55.247-07:00Royal Flushed?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWSARmfO1_1LIWbPtZiEfQDJXlBcy3FTkqChso84lOPNfZCaJjZuEJ5PU25qodXm_UpXIn3h1JlAn8Fp89EPg837A_eA9ZYVnt_PQhGM1J-YdTvMtEA0vCDmi_702FUbIKumXtILDBJtiP/s1600/Wedding+Cake-Rings_Bouquet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWSARmfO1_1LIWbPtZiEfQDJXlBcy3FTkqChso84lOPNfZCaJjZuEJ5PU25qodXm_UpXIn3h1JlAn8Fp89EPg837A_eA9ZYVnt_PQhGM1J-YdTvMtEA0vCDmi_702FUbIKumXtILDBJtiP/s200/Wedding+Cake-Rings_Bouquet.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">While awaiting the coverage of the royal wedding… well, I was awake (as usual) and the TV was on… I fought a minor urge to watch the big to-do. Fortunately, the compulsion was fleeting. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">The thought of sitting still for hours – while feeling like I should be multitasking – though appealing, is a bit like telling a 3-year-old not to touch anything in a giant toy or candy store. Sheer delight mixes with horror and increasing frustration as little, greedy eyes dance with the possibilities – of serious injury or severe obesity. (I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">did</i> mention the stores were for giants, right?)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">Instead of heading to a pub or giggling with girlfriends (because that’s what we do), I found myself writing and catching up on old episodes clogging my DVR. (I need a tiny plunger.) I was looking forward to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Mentalist</i>. I’ve been a fan of <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0048932/">Simon Baker</a>'s ever since I saw him in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Something New</i>, playing the love interest of a character named – you guessed it – Kenya. We became fast friends that eve. One day, I might even tell him – so he can update his restraining orders.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">I’ve been so distracted with busywork and the occasional shiny object lately. So, I refused to give in to the curiosity of wondering what Kate's dress would look like <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">live</i> – as she sashayed (with an updo, I assume) down the aisle. I wish the happy couple well. I can only hope a few spectators with disposable cameras took a photo or two. Maybe Barbara Walters will post some online after <i>The View</i>. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">Me? I’d rather solve a crime with the CBI and pretend I’d easily identified the guilty party before Act Two. Forty-four minutes scribbling random thoughts, fast-forwarding through commercials, checking email, playing video games, restoring TV justice (I didn’t get my giant toy or candy. I need to right some wrongs!) and fanning growing delusions of investigative grandeur… <br />
<br />
How could that be wrong? It's all-American! Okay, well the lead actor of the show's Australian. But, isn't that close enough? I’m just trying to be practical, after all… </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">All those hats at the royal wedding could’ve sent me into sensory overload. (The first documented case of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">hat rage</i>?) Plus, I have a much better chance of becoming a fake detective than a princess.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div>Kenya D. Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05199832548754490449noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4154168822735325391.post-77544157643843593762011-04-23T18:08:00.000-07:002011-06-15T17:46:55.254-07:00Hey, Boo Boo!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMmsmL0d8RMUdZxOdt1sxv2MWices4Bp3HFWFCo1D4sEMBMe-ZyRiSPTgM7B_AhXJOCvctBuyoAMyZYF0708d3f9osSZ_1QJuFwKvpCwvGkCYJ_W_ZbsfmVbkzaQjQBmKSdSfZnQEDH_SF/s1600/Bear+-+Sniffing+-+Square-Crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMmsmL0d8RMUdZxOdt1sxv2MWices4Bp3HFWFCo1D4sEMBMe-ZyRiSPTgM7B_AhXJOCvctBuyoAMyZYF0708d3f9osSZ_1QJuFwKvpCwvGkCYJ_W_ZbsfmVbkzaQjQBmKSdSfZnQEDH_SF/s200/Bear+-+Sniffing+-+Square-Crop.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">After 13 hours of sleep (yes, you read that correctly), I’m wondering if somehow my body’s started hibernating as a not-so-subtle form of protest – a work stoppage. It showed my brain who was boss without a picket sign or a union rep. My alarm went off. And, following a brief groan (perhaps a grunt?), my hand reached over and simply silenced the offender. A few moments later, I'd rolled back over – feeling more drained than guilty.<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Take that, brain,” my body boasted, having taken the reins of decision-making and given itself an extra day of paid vacation.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“But,” my brain feebly objected, “we have things to do. You can’t just lie there. I’ll fire you. Don’t think I won’t just because we’re related.” (Picture Niles vs Frasier. Despite both characters having juicy brains, I see Frasier as the body.)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">(Insert maniacal body laugh here.)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">This wasn’t the first time these two had gone at it. Typically, I sit on the sidelines – pompoms in hand – unsure which team to root for. I just wish they’d get it over with (or get a room). I haven’t the heart to tell them I’m not impressed – or that they share the same parents. Maybe I should've chosen a different show. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">My brain usually wins the battle. “You see how you moved your leg? I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">told</i> you to do that. And don’t forget it!...Wait, can bodies remember?” (Even brains have trouble thinking sometimes.)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">But, every once in a while, my body triumphs. Even without a cornerman, it eventually recognizes it’s the only one in a fist fight with limbs to swing. (A little uncoordinated. But, who's counting?)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Maybe my mom was right. And I was just fighting off a cold. (I knew those sani-wipes at the grocery store didn’t really work.) My best friends/brothers/mortal enemies were only pummeling an intruder – and knew I needed to reboot. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We all need a break at times. If we don’t choose to take one, sometimes the choice is made for us. Now, if I could just figure out where those two moved my cave… and where all these colored, hard-boiled eggs came from. </div>Kenya D. Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05199832548754490449noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4154168822735325391.post-10252596673404948772011-04-16T19:53:00.000-07:002011-06-15T17:46:55.260-07:00The Heat Is On<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVGGJCd632LRDhXiPn_fphlqMLacsKk0-KSgE3cz55GxH80REytb5GUQLrrb_9FgoXDkVbC15ggOP37ZS4ve_-1mkg5m_Bj92jl0hZ58vEOe9P2zLrYzraTwV2MuJNLO1usQhPpxpjwal-/s1600/Smiling+Sun.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVGGJCd632LRDhXiPn_fphlqMLacsKk0-KSgE3cz55GxH80REytb5GUQLrrb_9FgoXDkVbC15ggOP37ZS4ve_-1mkg5m_Bj92jl0hZ58vEOe9P2zLrYzraTwV2MuJNLO1usQhPpxpjwal-/s200/Smiling+Sun.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>The weather's gone back and forth a lot lately. One day it's 88 degrees. The next, it's 70, 60 or (dare I say?) in the 50s. Brrr! Now, I'm not complaining. Change is good, right? There's not a huge difference between the seasons in Los Angeles. Fall foliage is usually green... or brown. But, when I look at the world's weather, I know how lucky we are. (Please remind me I wrote this the next time I hop on the 405 freeway on a rainy Friday afternoon.)<br />
<br />
Personally, I like change -- not the jingly kind you find in your pocket or at the bottom of your purse. Although, that kind's pretty good -- come laundry and parking time. Not every meter here accepts Visa and MasterCard. ("Everywhere you want to be" except where it'll keep you from getting a ticket. Just my luck.) <br />
<br />
And I love a good challenge -- writing when you haven't had enough sleep to remember why you walked into the other room or when it's so warm and sunny outside you smile when you hear children playing outside -- while secretly hoping their parents call them in. (Don't they have gadgets to play with?)<br />
<br />
Now, before you get upset, I love kids. And, of course, I want them to play outside -- just not right below my window. I have work to do. And if they didn't bring enough fun for <i>everyone</i>... I always wanted to surprise that teacher by bringing several packs of gum to school. (The gum brand name: "Bite Me.")<br />
<br />
Having heat in this town is definitely a good thing. I plan to set my thermostat on 80 -- then lock it or snap off the lever forever. I'd set the temperature higher, but my vanity and lack of desire to frequent the drugstore would likely prevent it.<br />
<br />
...I prefer moderation over dehydration and ashy skin.Kenya D. Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05199832548754490449noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4154168822735325391.post-33349520240552456932011-04-11T00:31:00.000-07:002011-06-15T17:46:55.266-07:00Napping<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhoAp99vfEX7A94O8GOjBQY9SsM51IOIPXFov2HaSVN7FdqH6yKdIdXlc2hvlJFeRZjHdJJpSbtwRaJLt77UNymhy0kLzNW6Zugb1IG2xJi4DpOZH02pJCdfBHp0-NurXIk1hhEf9Ag-FP/s1600/Sleeping.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhoAp99vfEX7A94O8GOjBQY9SsM51IOIPXFov2HaSVN7FdqH6yKdIdXlc2hvlJFeRZjHdJJpSbtwRaJLt77UNymhy0kLzNW6Zugb1IG2xJi4DpOZH02pJCdfBHp0-NurXIk1hhEf9Ag-FP/s200/Sleeping.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">No, I’m not talking about my hair on a humid day. I’m talking about a good, old-fashioned nap! Like we took when we were kids – sprawled out on the floor (or a mat, if the daycare owners actually cared). </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Today, I took one of those. So, what’s the big deal? I don’t know. But, I needed it. I’d finished my taxes. Taken out the garbage. Checked the mail (and my email). Blah, blah, blah… I guess I don’t need to justify my body’s yearning for unconsciousness before 3 in the morning. But, I woke up <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">renewed </i>– not to be confused with a sudden state of undress. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I joke about sleep deprivation. But, being exhausted and groggy on a regular basis stinks. All those who sleep like babies, take my word for it. Fellow yawners, you have my sympathy. But, don’t mistake that as an invitation for grouchiness. I try never to use my powers of depletion for evil.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Now, birds aren’t suddenly landing on my finger. I’m not singing. Yet. And rodents aren’t dancing around my living room in some choreographed number. They’re fighting over cheese, as usual. They’re like those smart rats in <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0084649/"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Secret of NIMH</i></a>. So cute.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I love who I am. But, I also love sleep – boiled, fried, baked, grilled, mashed, whipped – however you can make it. Yum! I'd ask for seconds, but I don't want you to think I'm greedy. So, I'll push the plate away. The only kind I'm not partial to is probably rocky road...</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The airbag always leaves such a lousy aftertaste.</div>Kenya D. Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05199832548754490449noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4154168822735325391.post-32285641950348759392011-04-08T18:03:00.000-07:002011-04-08T18:03:38.160-07:00Freebie Friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4F-6j9dyFYN0hkKzArej7oi_dovAnsQ93aKYy3LdTRSpvk4HCmZEEybP9r8L4lvdDAh1ANpN5qeXrbRYoOKFRMggJLA1vjRkLJUy5IDzA2yNZH0hjt9Rsqbc15yTCYYMc_7qLUi7mj6gi/s1600/Depth_of_Focus-Cover_Facebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4F-6j9dyFYN0hkKzArej7oi_dovAnsQ93aKYy3LdTRSpvk4HCmZEEybP9r8L4lvdDAh1ANpN5qeXrbRYoOKFRMggJLA1vjRkLJUy5IDzA2yNZH0hjt9Rsqbc15yTCYYMc_7qLUi7mj6gi/s200/Depth_of_Focus-Cover_Facebook.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>At the risk of disappointing you, I won't be swapping identities today with one of those people who sprays you with unwanted perfume or cologne. Free is one of my favorite F-words. Fun. Fabulous. Fantastic. Fricassee. Fungi... I'll stop there. I might get too excited. (Plus, you must be riveted.)<br />
<br />
Like my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kenya-D-Williamson-Author-of-Depth-of-Focus-A-Novel/203944796301155">Facebook author page</a> before midnight Thursday (April 14th) and you'll be automatically entered to win a FREE signed copy of <a href="http://kenyadwilliamson.com/Depth_of_Focus-A_Novel.htm"><i>Depth of Focus: A Novel</i></a>! Two runners-up will win copies of the ebook for the device of their choice. (Just for clicking "like?" You'd do that for free, right?)<br />
<br />
Winners will be notified by yours truly next Friday afternoon. (That's 4/15. Three more Fs!) Check out an excerpt on <a href="http://kenyadwilliamson.com/">my site</a>, <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/48628969">Scribd</a>, <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9414355-depth-of-focus">Goodreads</a> or <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/49376">Smashwords</a> to make sure it's worth the click.<br />
<br />
With that out of the way, I can get back to other words. Now, what other ones start with W?Kenya D. Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05199832548754490449noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4154168822735325391.post-15405524752877006552011-04-04T12:57:00.000-07:002011-06-15T17:46:55.273-07:00Taxation and Procrastination<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfF1ivskCcNuvU0FfVXhpfrbsCYICMNZalvWYP7P3mZire-7eiSyrAjioAxq1cA4VRqO82eaxEyJeSoiMLI39Qp5AAF11ca08wY6K_biEou71r72lhPLrIH-hpa_65FYwfURz01mc7pe0/s1600/Tax+Form+-+1040+-+W-2_crop_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfF1ivskCcNuvU0FfVXhpfrbsCYICMNZalvWYP7P3mZire-7eiSyrAjioAxq1cA4VRqO82eaxEyJeSoiMLI39Qp5AAF11ca08wY6K_biEou71r72lhPLrIH-hpa_65FYwfURz01mc7pe0/s200/Tax+Form+-+1040+-+W-2_crop_small.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>I’ve been spinning a lot of plates the last few weeks – getting very little writing done. And I have the circus-act Carpal Tunnel Syndrome to prove it. What’s this you say? “Writers write!” Yes, I’ve heard that before. I’m still holding a grudge against the first person who told me I had to write every day to really be a writer. Actually, it’s more like I’m waiting in his bushes with a bag full of oranges – figuratively speaking, of course. <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">After being reprimanded for my lack of dedication – with the backs of my hands still stinging from their unprovoked attack – I promptly told the writer that I write whenever I can, whenever I’m inspired. (That didn’t go over well.) I informed him the frequency with which I wrote had nothing to do with my being an artist or not. Sitting at a desk and forcing myself to crank out work I wouldn’t be pleased with later because I wasn’t “in the zone” seemed counterproductive. (Hmm… Sound reasonable?)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Now, don’t get me wrong. Sometimes I have to encourage my muse just by having my fingers poised over the keyboard – letting her know I’m willing to do her bidding. Lavishing her with praise might get me a page or two. Feeding her grapes? Depends on if I remembered to get her the seedless. (Yikes. No points for the spitting bowl?) My muse is a generous, but occasionally cruel mistress. (For example, she keeps moving the aforementioned zone.)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Starting my taxes this weekend made me think of all the weeks (or months or years) I can put off the things I need to do. One day, I plan to hire someone to do them all – except maybe the writing. I’ll invest in some wrist braces – strong enough for me to spin a plate or two… or six or seven. Until then, I have to punch procrastination in the face every once in a while – which is dangerous because writers are just like surgeons, right? Our hands save lives! I can’t risk damaging these digits. And don’t bother pointing to the Voice Recorder app on my phone or the Text to Speech software on my computer. Should a neurosurgeon <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">record</i> his/her performance?! (I’m so glad I found the right analogy.)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Uncle Sam doesn't usually give breaks with due dates. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All right, three extra days this year – <a href="http://www.irs.gov/irb/2011-10_IRB/ar09.html">April 18th</a> – to his credit. I’m excited. But, I’ve never been one of those people who waits in line at the post office on the very last day. (Although, watching them on the news is kind of fun. I’ll have to set my DVR.)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">When it comes to writing, more often than not, I set my own deadlines. It’s easy to procrastinate when those dates can be shifted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(What? I just started watching <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Justified</i>. I have to catch up on the episodes I’ve missed!) But, unless my schedule gets really busy in other areas, I honor my deadlines. Uncle Sam might give a few extra days here and there. My muse keeps her manicure short. She’s not a writer <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">or</i> a surgeon. And she always keeps a bag of navels in the car.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span>Kenya D. Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05199832548754490449noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4154168822735325391.post-21544928331150810452011-03-31T10:14:00.000-07:002011-06-15T17:46:55.279-07:00The Rythm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeXbN3TlvJM7C_kAHlpe9aMfaa3VfvVBvVbBEHZioYdcXGkp1Zqo9cGTDDKrzSF_tBUAoRANswXMT0cP_nZNx-GFnlERAHzn4kK10wRGRLosOnLkp4y-lE3UC8NCocKK54D1soPkHaGv3_/s1600/Dancing+Notes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeXbN3TlvJM7C_kAHlpe9aMfaa3VfvVBvVbBEHZioYdcXGkp1Zqo9cGTDDKrzSF_tBUAoRANswXMT0cP_nZNx-GFnlERAHzn4kK10wRGRLosOnLkp4y-lE3UC8NCocKK54D1soPkHaGv3_/s200/Dancing+Notes.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Eeny, meeny, miny, moe.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Extra words have got to go.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">If they linger, let ‘em know,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">“Tough noogies. I run the show.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">It’s 3 AM as I contemplate my editing process. Jotting this down on a loose sheet of paper I swiped from my printer, I scribble – trying to reawaken my slumbering (see: lazy and spiteful) pen. How I write depends on what I’m working on – a script, a novel, poetry… a first draft, second pass, beating-my-head-against-the-wall seventeenth? <i>Maybe</i> somewhere in between.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">The more writers I meet, the more I find it interesting how our approaches vary. But, we all somehow manage to arrive at the same place. Completion! Deletion. Adjustment. Frustration! Elation. Excitement and trepidation as we realize our masterpiece is about to be seen by outside eyes…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">I can work quickly – cranking out several pages a day – or crawl at what feels like a snail’s pace, secreting a slimy trail in search of the flawless rewrite’s salt-defying phrase. “It’s perfect, I tell you!” At least until tomorrow, when my delusions wear off. (aka: “What was I thinking?”)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Well, since you <i>asked</i>, here’s how I rewrite my fiction:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Poetry has a powerful influence over what I write. Add infatuation with alliteration and you’re warming up to who I am by draft two.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">There’s a rhythm in my head. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Almost a drumming.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">The breaths between words form a song.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Dissatisfaction from anything less</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">would drive my brain to great distraction.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">I’d write fiction in stanzas,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">but you would likely call me crazy.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">You might be right.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">You’re not <i>really</i> calling me crazy, are you? Good. I feel so much better.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Welcome to my brain. It's partly cloudy with a chance of free falls. (Umbrellas and parachutes sold separately.) What's <i>your</i> forecast? </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxBVndzu72I1emzjCLZsTn3hg23EBDQ9prilObjdbSnIc9W1KwuncmY1N5WWBdjptr9HNFnJtphB-acpwD64Rm23KT8kf0TBtkuW1DGT8eWkWLYW0HDga16R6aWT9s3XHBveMN6sAwjXi/s1600/Los+Angeles+-+Star_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxBVndzu72I1emzjCLZsTn3hg23EBDQ9prilObjdbSnIc9W1KwuncmY1N5WWBdjptr9HNFnJtphB-acpwD64Rm23KT8kf0TBtkuW1DGT8eWkWLYW0HDga16R6aWT9s3XHBveMN6sAwjXi/s200/Los+Angeles+-+Star_small.jpg" width="184" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Lying in bed this morning, instead of milking every last moment for sleep, I started thinking about my next blog entry. I’ve been in Hollywood for so long, I didn’t know where to begin my next topic. So, I’m starting from the beginning. (Don’t worry. I’ll spare you the baby pictures.)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Transitioning from actress to writer hasn’t been all the fun and games (see: immediate success), I’d hoped it would be. Good things seemed to come to me more easily when I was younger. Or maybe I have a spotty memory. (Ask anyone who knows me personally, and they’ll tell you that’s true.)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">When I came to LA, I had no stars in my eyes. I knew I was an actor. And I knew going back to Levittown wasn’t an option. I was determined to “make it” – not be famous, just make a living at my craft. If all the people I’d watched while I was growing up could do it, surely I could find a way to pay a reasonable rent. (No rats or roaches, please.) </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I refused to get discouraged. Okay, I <i>did</i> get discouraged occasionally – like when my manager told me I needed to drop 30 pounds. (I only weighed around 130 at the time. And I have a medium-large frame.)<span> </span>After haggling like a shopper at some freaky, body image flea market, I firmly told him I’d lose 10. It felt like a victory. Sort of…</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I guess my point is that things didn’t necessarily come more easily when I was younger. It may have been easier to get an audition with a slim resume when I looked like a teenager. But, it’s not like there was a tremendous call for adolescent, black girls-next-door. (Quote: “Could you be more black?”) I put up with things. (Not the casting couch.) And I eagerly did what it took – including extra work, once upon a time – to make ends meet and keep the dream alive. (I was a terrible waitress.)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">After finding some success with commercials and small parts in TV shows and movies, I actually found myself disappointed. It hadn’t been the big, creatively-fulfilling journey I’d expected. Now, I’m not knocking acting. I still love it. But, I longed for more meaning in my work – which is hard to get when you’ll jump every time your cell phone rings. (Another free message from my wireless company?! Man, I hate those guys.)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">To make a long story, well… a little shorter… I started writing to keep what little sanity I had left. I needed an outlet. And I wanted to tell stories I thought weren’t being told – about complex characters I cared about. Some of them are funny. Some are obnoxious, timid, antagonistic, naïve… Whether they’re overcoming low self-esteem, personal tragedies, abandonment issues, fears of intimacy – or of being alone – a tormenting sibling, or competition in the workplace, their journeys are interesting to me. (I’m not alone here, am I? Is this thing still on?) </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Anyway, virtually starting over on a new path definitely has its drawbacks. But, pursuing your passion has enormous perks. When I begin thinking my life is difficult, I take a look at the world and count my blessings. Then, if I have any perspective, I look at my career in a new light. One of my first acting jobs in LA was in a psychic hotline commercial with Nell Carter. And I was glad to have it. Me to NC: “I’m getting the best reading of my life!”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">If I'd only known <i>then</i> what the future would truly hold…</div>Kenya D. Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05199832548754490449noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4154168822735325391.post-72147443840895670782011-03-27T13:50:00.000-07:002011-06-15T17:46:55.293-07:00Baby Steps<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim7HPagK2UCT0vWTIsYkW1V6n0d20Azs4VLlT6r3GWQxpQYuwkgEgITLEFBv72OYMURu-7RDi7GvYJ0lHyql2waYNMpZtj4pcDCjfTv6FunRcR4BK2RUmkLpBAVBPP6gJfjB9VeGyqwCa_/s1600/Stretch-Yawn-Woman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim7HPagK2UCT0vWTIsYkW1V6n0d20Azs4VLlT6r3GWQxpQYuwkgEgITLEFBv72OYMURu-7RDi7GvYJ0lHyql2waYNMpZtj4pcDCjfTv6FunRcR4BK2RUmkLpBAVBPP6gJfjB9VeGyqwCa_/s200/Stretch-Yawn-Woman.jpg" width="124" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">A few hours of sleep… and the neighbors didn’t start fighting until a decent hour. It must be my lucky day! This is my first blog post. Sure, I’ve posted a few musings on my website. But, I’d refused to commit to sharing what happens between my ears on a regular basis. (You can thank me later.)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">I figured once a year was enough for positive words of encouragement, etc. But, with the blog-carrot dangled before me, I slowly embraced the thought that maybe – just maybe – someone might want to hear from me a little more often. (Just let me have that one. Artists have feelings, too.)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I might write about my writing process, living in Hollywood or the random creatures and notions which whisper into my ear, "Go ahead. Do it. No one will notice." Those notions are troublemakers. And don't get me started on the creatures.<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; line-height: 115%;"></span></span></div>Kenya D. Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05199832548754490449noreply@blogger.com4