Member Introductions:

[blindbee]

Hello everyone. Obviously I'm new. I prefer rookie, not newbie. A little about me, I'm a former high school social studies teacher. I'm 27, so only four years under my belt. Unfortunately, I had to get out; therefore, I want to take this time to remind everyone that those I left in the heat of battle deserve our respect and gratitude. Teachers do amazing work daily, with little help from the outside world. I know! I saw!

Teaching is what inspired me to write. Before, reading was my first love. Now I have a mistress and a wife. Although the majority of my time is still devoted to reading, writing is too sexy to ignore entirely.

Writing is a new found form of meditation for me. In an attempt to find the 'good' in our history, I've began writing to help me view the world, and people in it, through less of a history text-like story line. Thus far writing has been very therapeutic. Since I began writing, the urge to hurt others has been manageable.

I'll read thousands of poems online. Yet, I will not critique for a few days. The tone of critique, in these forums, will take time to get acquainted with. Once I have a strong grasp of what others are seeking here, my efforts to help others will increase. Also, those willing to help me improve will be appreciated. Writing is still new for me. Sorry if I seem to have a dry, didactic approach. That's all I've ever known.

I have many other interest other than teaching others. I played three sports in high school, rugby in college. My guitar is named Mona; she tends to screech at the most inappropriate times. I've kept every book I've ever read since my freshman year of college. Philosophy and spirituality have replaced history as my favorite genres. There's more, but not enough time. Hopefully this will suffice for now.

Also, please forgive my sophomoric approach. I feel guilty about posting my pieces in a forum that seems to legitimize them. I assure you that there's nothing formal about my writing; however, I do enjoy your comments and thank you for your help.

[Sally Roberts]

I will be the first one to welcome you aboard!

I too am a teacher but for Home schooling. I also teach social studies as well as reading, writing, history, and math. So I can relate.
Your boi was very interesting and informative.
It's neat that you have a guitar. I think even though Mona may screech at times she loves to be played.
I used to have a guitar but never seemed to quite get the hang of playing one. I love to listen to those who do play them.

So welcome and I know you'll enjoy it here, There is so many things to do and read you will never want to leave. enjoy and I look forward in reading you.

Blessings

[MsJacquiiC]

1st Welcome --- 2nd - I say potaatoe - you say potAtoe - You say rookie - I say Newbie... Anyway - bad joke...

The Following Text Is Quoted:

Originally Posted by blindbee

Now I have a mistress and a wife. Although the majority of my time is still devoted to reading, writing is too sexy to ignore entirely.

Hmmm - how very intriguing - I thought I was the only one to refer to poetry as my Mistress... What a wonderful wording to describe poetry and writing in general - So do you describe yourself as more of a Poet or a Writer? I suppose I could read a few of your other posts and find out for myself eh?

At anyrate - Welcome to JPiC SETH - I'm Jacquii Cooke - Webmistress Administrator... I will make a short comment about your welcome post - We here at JPiC don't necessecarily revel in critiquing each others' writings - but more we seek to inspire a love for the craft as a whole; in general we don't go about criticizing each other for the stray, misplaced comma and/or blatantly missspelled word... That sort of attitude is why I started JPiC to begin with, as I know I have experienced the "stuffy" forum type atmosphere where each and every nuance of Members' writings is put underneath the microscope for inspection. It makes for a terrible place to be...

So in short - if you're looking for that type of atmosphere - you've definitely found the wrong place. However if you're looking to be inspired through others' writings and looking to be inspired to write passionately, rather than clinically -----> Welcome "officially" to JPiC!

Please do familiarize yourself with the JPiC Posting Policy ---- Pull up a chair, make yourself comfy, enjoy all the Forum has to offer AND Happy posting

Jacquii.

ps - You do sound like you could offer some interesting critique and advice to others' works - You may be interested in posting in the The Critique Saloon, where in-depth critique is not only asked for, but welcome...

[blindbee]

Jacquii,

Thanks for the welcome. Actually, I may have accidentally confused you. When I say I'll critique after understanding the environment, what I meant was I'll identify were I belong (rookie forums) and contribute there. I do not anticipate those helping me while I contribute nothing.

You asked how I describe myself, poet or writer? My answer, neither! I'm more of a social studies geek, chronic reader, recovering jock, and frustrated former educator. It's amazing how illiterate someone can be and still teach children.

Anyway, I've recently discovered that venting through poetry, short stories, book reviews can be much more productive than pounding my head against hard objects. If I knew that I'd love it sooooo much, I would've completed my own work in high school and college, as opposed to having beautiful girls edit everthing. Back then, it was a win-win. English was my most despised subject.

Thanks again for the welcome. If I can help in any particular way, that I'm not aware of, just let me know.

[butchiesmom]

Howdy yourself! Hi neighbor! Ok, so I'm not in OH, but am close, maybe, in western PA.

I'm not a teacher, well...not exactly...unless you count a mother as a teacher which is what they are because that's where the love starts. I've had some great teachers in my life, some of which spoke so eloquently and vividly I didn't need many notes to remember their lectures. One of my best friends is a former English professor and a fan, lol. She and her husband, the dean of the English Department at the local college retired years ago and travel extensively.

I started writing as a teenager. Mostly angst, some pretty good, most of it...well, I tried, lol. Life got in the way and it wasn't until I entered college, in my 30s, that I started writing again and was told I had real talent. After reading an established author's book, I decided to write a novel because I knew I could do better. After four pages and two chapters, lol, it stayed on a floppy brought out now and then to edit.

Again, life interfered and I didn't write again for years. After a life changing diagnosis, I started writing poetry again and found the voice I thought lost long ago. I've been writing since.

There are so many talented writers on this site. Sometimes I sit in awe as I read the raw emotions radiating from their words and wonder if my poetry will ever be as good as theirs. I've been writing more prose than poetry but still get inspired now and then.

Welcome to the site. I'm looking forward to reading your work.

Gail

[MsJacquiiC]

The Following Text Is Quoted:

Originally Posted by blindbee

I'm more of a social studies geek, chronic reader, recovering jock, and frustrated former educator. It's amazing how illiterate someone can be and still teach children.

Hey SETH - you might be surprised that I didn't graduate highschool - personal issues... But the class I was failing: AP Senior English --- I tell ya - it'd be amazing what I'd have done if only I knew then what I know now... Hindsight cliche...

Anyway - recovering Jock eh? Sounds......sexy - For you we have one of our most popular threads: Face of the Artiste I know - I can be so vain at times... That's life I suppose - but you like beautiful girls - I like recovering Jocks LOL

At anyrate - I'm glad you're enjoying the Forum and was pleasantly surprised by your reaction to my Critique Saloon suggestions - Glad to be of service

Jacquii.

ps - NEWbie

[crazymamma5]

Welcome to the forum! I haven't been a member long, but really found this to a wonderful site with the nicest people in it. It is a way to release everything that you have bottled up inside and know that other people are feeling the same way, but just don't know how to express it. I hope to have a chance to read some of you posts soon.
Well in any rate welcome again.

[PaintedDiary]

Dear Seth,

I am a Science teacher (second career) and I can identify with what you are saying in that arena. Please do make yourself at home on the site and we look forward to reading your work as we have a bit of everything for everyone. Take care.

Kimberly