Category: Thoughts

Thinking about Tattoos

August 16, 2011
Tattoos are popular. It is hard not to find someone without some sort of permanent artwork on the body. Some may just get a tattoo just to have a tattoo. Something picked off a wall. Most have tattoos with a meaning behind the art covering their bodies.

I love reading and tattoos have always fascinated me. I have learned Sylvia Plath was drawn to a tattoo shop and after a night of spending time, looking over Tattoos and talking with a tattooist she had a morning of writing and a desire to return to that atmosphere at a later date (Anchor Books; Part 3, Boston 1958-1959, Page 261-2; Thursday, September 18). I don’t remember how I came across the book “The Book Made of Flesh: Literary Tattoos from Bookworms Worldwide” Edited by Eva Talmadge & Justin Taylor but it shows strangers tattoos of favorite works of literature. This is not a review of the book but I enjoyed seeing and learning the story behind people’s tattoos (all literary). It was everything I love to learn about tattoos.

My best friend, as one example, has 14 or more (It’s hard to keep count). Actually now that I am thinking about it most of my friends have tattoos. Some have even drawn the art themselves. What makes me different? To permanent. If I’m going to live with this, look at it everyday, I’m worried that I may grow tired of it. I can remove it now but that could leave a scar. I could cover it with another tattoo but it would have to be something I know would cover it. I could get a tattoo having to do with my first love…writing but I haven’t found anything that I would want forever. Maybe the book, “Literary Tattoos from Bookworms Worldwide” made me a little envious. All so sure of their favorite author, quote, word, poem, book, etc.

People should take tattoos more seriously. People turn 18 and they run out to get a tattoo. Most never think. I know so many people who regret their tattoo choice. I would have. When I was 19 many of my friends were getting tattoos. I was accompanying many of them. I thought I wanted a tribal gecko on my hip. I didn’t tell anyone because I was worried someone would do the same. Well, a friend got a tribal gecko on her hip. It’s hard to be original and we change. Now I would hate if I had that on me anywhere. It’s not me at all.

What about the tattoo artist? What happens if you are lead to believe he is good and he messes up? You now live with his mistake. We’ve all seen those web pages. Misspellings, crap work, crap art, etc.

Walking into a parlor think about what you liked 10 years ago. Think about what you like now. You change. It’s natural. I like hearing people say I got this and it still means something to me because it reminds me of this time and this emotion. Before you look at me with head cocked to one side and that questionable look on your face trying to figure out why I don’t have a tattoo when I love other’s tattoos so much know if I ever do get one it will be the right one.

 

This Time With Feeling

February 18, 2011
I have been told by others my best postings are the ones with feeling. My best topics with emotion are the ones about something personal (i.e. the job searching post).

Silly me, I thought I was putting my love into each topic I wrote. I do care about what I post. My postings are structured. I check for spelling and grammar errors. All I know is that I have only just started and I have obstacle s.

How do I add feelings/emotions/love to all my writing?

Is that why I’m having trouble finding a job? Not enough passion showing through?

Passion… I know I am held back by fear but do I have passion?

 

Filming in a Small Community

February 10, 2011
Everything stops! No really. Here on this small island it is a big deal when film crews and cameras come to our little rock.

Fans, complainers, and the clueless come out to see the action.

Now there are two types of people the ones who want to see hollywood/be hollywood and the ones who like to bitch how many parking spaces these film people are taking up.

Believe me I know. I work as a cashier for a very long time in the area and when there was filming going on everyone who came in the store asked the same questions or make the same statements:

1. Why aren’t you watching the filming? (Um…I’m working.)

2. Do you know what’s going one? What are they filming? (And many more similar to this one.)

3. They come on my island and take up all these parking spots and do we ever see the money? I mean…(add more complaining here).

4. I had to park two (three) blocks away and walk! (These aren’t Manhattan blocks. They’re short.)

5. And my favorite, you should be in the movies. (ha ha ha).

Let’s just say I’m happy I’m not working in that store anymore. So, what are they filming this time? Interior scene for Boardwalk Empire. The cones are balancing on top of snow mountains waiting for the vans/trailers to get here. I am a little excited and am hoping to steal a peak of Steve Buscemi and/or Michael Pitt (if there are even here).

Now, I’m allowed to be a little star struck. Just not going out of my way.

Below are some pictures I took.

 

Will E-Book’s Follow in the Footsteps of YouTube Videos?

February 9, 2011
The digital world is open to everyone. Every genius without the money can post a blog or video showing their talent. I am in awe when I come across a YouTube video that shows true talents, whether art, music, or film. But for every talented video there are tons of crappy ones.

Now e-books are popular and the next big thing for books. Many writers, when rejected by publisher after publisher, are finding it easier to self-publish their “babies.”  Some even find success and have their book published in print after good e-book sales.

I have read many articles on writing, self-editing, and self-publishing. One article made it clear when self-publishing make sure what you put out into the world is free of errors. Your work has to be more flawless then an actual published book if you want people to take notice and take your work seriously. Makes sense.

The other day, after sifting through a lot of garbage on YouTube, my question became, Will self publishing on the e-reader turn into YouTube? I worry about the future of books and my worry is content. The net is open to everyone. Just go to YouTube and search the site. Many of the videos are useless. I end up waiting for others to tell me whats good before I venture on to the media site and sometimes I still find myself wasting time.

Five or ten years from now, will readers have to search through tons of junk to find a literary gem?

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Jobless Forever?

February 7, 2011
My heart hurts. I’m worried it is stress. See that, I’m worried because I’m stressed. Doesn’t that make me even more stressed?

A year ago I thought I would be better than I am now. After a writing internship for a year and a half and editorial internship for six months I thought I would land a job in a magazine, publishing house, or newspaper. I thought I would be learning the ropes, fetching coffee, and making money. I was dead wrong.

If I could get paid for sending out resumes I would be the best. It is a cruel obsession. Reading the requirements before the companies profile, wondering how many have already sent their resumes even though the job posting just went up a few hours ago. Never really being fully qualified.

People telling you, “don’t give up on your dream.” Seeing articles like, “The Best Companies to Work For” or “Top 50 Careers” only to see they have nothing close to your profession. Realizing you majored in the wrong subject. Seeing friends spend money, have fun and not care. Working in their dream jobs and the envy eating you.

I remember when I was happy. What happened to that girl?

 

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Really Trying This Time

February 3, 2011
My first blog post. Okay. Not my first ever blog post. I have tried a few blogs over the years but nothing seems to stick. I tried to pick topics but I find, for me, they run dry. So this blog (I hope) will continue where the others failed. I hope to make a blog just on my random thoughts. By making no specific topic I shouldn’t get bored or run dry on ideas. Be prepared. I will probably make mistakes. Let’s face it, it happens. Sometimes, no matter how much it is read over, there will be mistakes. Please, don’t be to mean. Here we go.
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