Merry (almost) Christmas! I don’t have much to talk about this week, so I thought I would share some of my favorite songs to listen to around this time of year. They’re not all Christmas songs, some just feel right about now. Are there any songs you can’t go without during the holiday season?
First up, Gayla Peevey’s I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas.
I don’t really know why, but it’s been one of my favorites since I was a kid. For a while, I even wanted a hippopotamus, but they’re actually pretty deadly, so I changed my mind.
Next isNakashima Mika’s Yuki no Hana (Snow Flower).
It’s not a Christmas song or anything, just a pretty wintry song.It’s been so long since I’ve looked up the lyrics that I can’t even tell you what it’s about anymore. Shame on me. I chose a live version because it’s what I like, no other reason.
Sinatra’s Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.
Okay, maybe it doesn’t have to be this particular song, butyou know those iconic Christmas songs sung by Frankie and Dean Martin and the like? Yeah, those kinds of songs.
And, of course no Christmas is complete without the Royal Guardsmen’s Snoopy’s Christmas.
Who doesn’t love that song? It’s impossible not to like it.
I left out tons of songs, I know, but this is a start. There’s the music from How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol and a bunch of others I’m surely forgetting. What are your favorites? Go ahead and send me a link!
Have a merry Christmas! I’ll be back once more before the new year. See you then.
Hello, hello! I’m back and (mostly) better. Lately, my posts have been relatively light and fluffy, but today I want to ramble a little about another touchy subject: labels as identities. What I mean by “labels as identities” is all of those terms we use to answer that infuriatingly unanswerable question, “who are you?” Well, I’m Shawna! But, who is Shawna? … How the hell am I supposed to know?
A couple of weeks ago, a friend of mine posted an article on Facebook about how the labels “heterosexual” and “homosexual” are more detrimental than not, which got me to thinking. I don’t know if I actually agreed with much of the article, but I certainly do think that the plethora of labels people feel the need to use to identify themselves is becoming harmful. Rather than bringing us closer together, these labels are causing further divides. I suppose I should probably explain some of my thought process and hope it makes things clearer.
First, let me say that in my reasoning, it’s important to remember that these labels or identities or whatever you want to call them ultimately define only what we are, not who we are. For example, I tend to use the term “cripple” as one of my labels. It’s what I am, but it’s not who I am. Who I am as a person has more to do with my preference towards “cripple” instead of the PC term of the week (I think it’s “differently abled” at the moment or something like that), than me being crippled has to do with who I am. It’s simply my adjective of choice. One of so many adjectives that it’s getting really hard to keep everything straight.
The who is so much more than anything a label can define. It’s something unexplainable. Humans have this insatiable desire to give everything a name or some form of identification. We can’t be satisfied with general terminology, we have to be exact. You don’t believe me? Just think of the color red. How many different words can you think of that describe a shade of red? Scarlet, crimson, rose, blood, ruby, garnet, vermillion… the list goes on. Now, apply that to people. Think of the currently expanding list of gender and sexual identities, not to mention all of the random adjectives we apply to all of the other aspects of ourselves. We use these labels and identities to try to explain something that is indescribable. And normally, that’s fine. But in today’s society, we’ve become so obsessed with telling people what we are that we forget to show them who we are. And I think that’s really sad.
Labels, like beauty, are relative.
In other words, I guess what I’m trying to say is that we need to stop worrying about who’s black or white or Christian or Muslim or liberal or conservative or any of that, and start focusing on who people really are. Start worrying about whether people are asshats (another label, I know, but you get the point) or not. If they are, none of the rest of that stuff will redeem them, and if they aren’t, well nothing else really matters. Be who you are and don’t worry about what some label says you have to be. That’s all.
… because I feel like crud. Hopefully it’s just allergies or something. I should be back to our regularly scheduled program next week. I’m going to binge read manga or watch Netflix and rest. For now, enjoy some Barenaked for the Holidays!
Hello, hello! Thanksgiving is over (though leftovers still remain), so it’s officially time to get into the holiday spirit. In fact, just this past Monday, my minion (he knows who he is) posted on Facebook that people were talking to him and smiling at his job (apparently this is unusual behavior). Our exchange went something like this:
Me: “It’s called the holiday spirit. You’re in for about a month of it.” Him: “Ack! Does it wash off???” Me: “No. And it’s highly contagious.“
Later that evening, he and his family were supposed to join Dad and I for SMU’s Celebration of Lights. The minion ended up having to work, so we kidnapped his kids and girlfriend and took them anyway. ^__^
Forgot the camera, so all of these pictures are stolen from the link above.
The Celebration of Lights was one of very few events I actually enjoyed attending as a student (and still enjoy as an alumna). It takes place on the front steps of Dallas Hall. People gather in the quad and sing along to Christmas carols. President Turner reads the Christmas story (which I still think Linus does better). And they light up the tree for the first time. It’s just a really nice way to start off the season. The free cocoa and cookies are a bonus.
The performances all change a little each year. Students and student groups volunteer to sing different carols, so things rotate as people graduate and new people enroll. Some are better than others, but SMU has a decent music program, so everyone is (usually) pretty good.
However, I suppose my favorite part of the celebration is the fact that something always goes wrong. Little things. One year, the microphones kept cutting off. This year, they were supposed to the flip the lights on after the first verse of Silent Night (like usual), but apparently the switch flipper wasn’t paying attention or they had technical difficulties, because the lights didn’t come on until the song was almost over. Not to mention the fact that they always run just a couple of minutes late (it wouldn’t be SMU if things started on time).
Don’t get me wrong, all of that was entirely serious. I go to this thing knowing that there will be something worth laughing about each year. That’s why I enjoy it. That sounds kind of mean now that I think about it, but it’s true. The hiccups make it exciting, even though I’m sure all of the people who are “back stage,” so to speak, are freaking out about this stuff.
All in all, it’s a nice way to open the holiday season. Plus, the kids seem to have a good time. It’s open to the community, so if you’re in the Dallas area next year, consider checking it out (or drive by some time between now and January 3rd while you’re out oohing and ahhing at all the lights to get a look).
I hope the holiday cheer finds you soon, if it hasn’t already! See you next week.
Hello hello! Happy Thanksgiving to all of my readers who celebrate! The month of thanks is drawing to a close, which means I will have no idea what to post about again starting next week. Ah well. I’ll worry about that then. For now, let’s get back into a thankful mood. As always, feel free to join in! Here are my last five choices for this year:
This. So much this.
1. Books! I feel like any good writer would have mentioned this weeks ago, but whatever. Books are awesome covered in awesome sauce. Not only do they teach us things, the really good ones do so without us even realizing it until it’s too late. And they provide us with escapes to other realities. We get to experience a lot of things we would never otherwise experience. Not only that, but we get to see life through the perspective of someone else. So yeah, books are great.
2. Pets. I mentioned stuffed animals, but never real ones. Shame on me! I actually adore most animals (until we start talking bugs anyway), but this section is reserved for furbabies and the like. Some people I know are hesitant about getting a pet because of the pain of losing them, but I’m not one of them. Yeah, it hurts when they die (they’re family, so of course it does), but there’s nothing like the unconditional love of an animal.
Chewy (unknown-…), Dame Julia (2001-2014), Toto (unknown-2011)Speedy (1993-2010)
3. A dad who can cook. He spoils me with smoked meats (including homemade pastrami), pasta, breakfast, and basically everything he makes. I see all these Thanksgiving specials where the women are in the kitchen, but it was always Dad who did most of the holiday cooking. Mom cooked most of the rest of the time when she was alive, so Dad’s cooking was always a treat. Now, he wonders why I’d rather he make something instead of going out. Because you make it better, that’s why. And yes, the rest of you should be jealous.
4. Anime and manga. On top of providing all of the goodness of books, these also have pictures. If you’ve read through earlier posts, you know that many of my favorite heroes and heroines come from anime and manga. Like many, it was also my gateway into Japanese culture, so you can blame it for a lot of my weirdness. My writing has also been majorly influenced by the stuff. I mean, one wouldn’t expect too much of a difference in character archetypes and plot development and the like, but there’s actually SO much to learn from anime and manga as a writer. It’s mind blowing. Really.
From Neon Genesis Evangelion (aka my first experience with a series where I despised the main character but loved the story and the other characters, which wasn’t an abnormal reaction at all).
5. Deadlines. I know the good majority of creative types are supposed to hate the pressure of a due date, but not me. I’d never get anything done without some kind of time constraint. Whether it’s my self-imposed word count or someone else telling me I need to get something done, deadlines and goals are my friend. It’s okay to admit it.
I think that’s it. Time to prepare to eat myself into a food coma, then eat some more! Have a safe and wonderful holiday! See you next time.
Hello again! With everything going on in the world lately (whether the disasters are natural or the result of the cruelty of humans), it can be a little difficult to find things to be thankful about. All of the small things seem insignificant and all of the big things have a way of becoming overwhelming if you dwell on them too much. So, I want to take a moment to be thankful for the protectors and the first responders.
Keeping France, Beirut, and the rest of the world in my thoughts.
1. Policemen/women. I know this is a bold statement in the U.S. right now (and it really shouldn’t be), but I am grateful for the men and women who put their lives on the line in our own neighborhoods to uphold the law. I don’t believe a few bad seeds spoil the whole group (this applies to all types of people). And I feel safer knowing that law enforcement officers are out there.
2. Firefighters. Aside from being the only (mostly) sane people who would actually run towards a blazing inferno, these people hold a special place in my heart for a completely different reason. If you’ve ever seen a firefighter standing at a stoplight running in and out of traffic to collect donations, then you’ve witnessed Fill the Boot. They’re raising funds and awareness for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. As someone with one of the muscular dystrophies (Ullrich Congenital Muscular Dystrophy), I really appreciate everything these people do for MDA.
The view isn’t bad, either.
3. EMTs. These people and their training are often a deciding factor in whether or not someone survives an emergency or a trauma. Not only that, but they deal with all of the non-life-threatening calls they get as well. In other words, whether they’re helping bring up a diabetic’s blood sugar or at the scene of a grizzly accident, they’re saving lives. They’re the first line of healers in the chaos, and I think that’s pretty commendable.
4. The U.S. Military. I am thankful for all of those who have fought (and continue to fight) to keep our country free and safe. I might not agree with the wars we enter, but I respect anyone who’s willing to fight (and give their lives) for their country. For our country.
5. All of the rest of the unsung heroes. The civilians who stop to lend a hand when tragedy strikes. Nurses and doctors who stop their lives to help save someone else’s. Everyone who has taken a moment to help when the world decided to throw us into chaos. They all deserve some recognition.
That’s all I have to say this week. See you next time!
Hello again! It’s already been a week since my last post? I suppose time flies when you’re having fun. Or maybe it’s just because I’m getting older. I swear I don’t remember the days going by so fast when I was a kid. Anyway, enough rambling. A new week means another chance to share more things I’m grateful for! As I said last time, feel free to join me.
1. The Stonecoast MFA in Creative Writing. If you’ve perused previous posts, you’ve probably noticed my affection for this program. I mean, come on. It’s the first academic setting where I actually felt like I belonged instead of it simply being a stepping stone to my next life goal. Of course I’m thankful for it and all of the people associated with it. I highly suggest applying if you’re a writer.
2. Pretty Asian males. If you know me at all, you knew this was coming sooner or later! I’m entirely comfortable admitting that I like eye candy, preferably Japanese and in a dress (but not always in one). If you don’t like it, that’s fine. Most of the males I stalk are musicians, so they are also ear candy. A couple of samples:
Hizaki (Jupiter) and Kaya (Femme Fatale)!Hiro (Nocturnal Bloodlust) and Sono (Matenrou Opera)!
3. Music in general. If there’s one thing in life that has kept me (relatively) sane, it’s music. Yeah, as a kid, I went with the flow (aka listened to the things my friends were listening to), but I eventually came into my own. I still remember flipping through radio stations once when I was bored and coming across Zip-Lockby Lit. That was the beginning of my punk days. The first time I broke away from what everyone else in my world was listening to. It was so freeing. My tastes have fluctuated a lot since then, so I now listen to an eclectic selection. It keeps me going, so who cares what everyone else is doing?
4. Technology. Without it, I’d not only be confined to one spot all the time, I’d also probably be dead. When you require help for something as simple as breathing, you learn to appreciate the machines that help you out. Wheelchairs, ventilators, patient lifts, and all of that delightful stuff is what I’m talking about. Sure, TVs and cars and radios and all that are fan-freaking-tastic, but right now I mean all of the stuff that helps to make life more or less normal for folks like me.
We’ve come a long way.
5. Stuffed animals. I know it’s weird for a nearly 30-year-old to admit her love of plushies, but I adore them. They’re soft and cuddly and cute. Their beady eyes are next-level creepy, like they’re staring into your soul and getting ready to eat it. You should know by now that I’m strange. Don’t act so surprised. But yes, stuffed animals rock!
Hi there! So, it’s November! That means we’re coming up on my favorite holiday (and no, I don’t mean Christmas). Yup, it’s almost time for Thanksgiving! Because of this, while everyone else is getting all excited about Santa and elves on shelves and all of that wonderful stuff, I have decided to dedicate my posts this month to what this part of the season is really about: giving thanks. Each week, I will list five things I’m thankful for. Feel free to join in!
What am I thankful for?
1. Family, of course. This includes Dads and Minions and the like. I was raised in a way that let me realize early on that family isn’t about blood and biology, it’s about the people who love you for who you are regardless of what you can do for them. They are the people who stick around (whether they live close by or just keep in touch) and let you know they think of you. So, for my family who’s reading this, I appreciate everything you do. I love you. And that’s enough sap for a long, long time. Never speak of this again.
Dad!Minion!
2.Friends. My creepy kindred spirits. Whether we’ve known each other for 10+ years online or for less than a handful of years in real life or anything in between makes no difference to me. You guys (and gals) are pure awesome covered in awesome sauce with a cherry on top. And now, back to our regularly scheduled creepiness, please.
3. The Interwebz. Aside from the fact that most of my friends live in there somewhere, it just makes life easier. I don’t know how many stupid (or disturbing) questions I’ve found the answers to in order to make my stories more accurate. The NSA might have me on a watchlist somewhere, but at least I know the correct procedure for performing an enucleation (and that’s not even close to the weirdest thing I’ve looked up). Plus, I can stalk people. Take that how you want.
4. Spiked coffee. Whoever originally accidentally spilled booze in their coffee (or vice versa) and decided it was a good thing, you are wonderful! And each person who has experimented with different combinations ever since is kind of great in their own right. Then you have the genius who added whipped cream (you rock). Don’t ask me why (because I really don’t know), but I love the stuff. Disclaimer: I swear I’m not a lush.
Yes, please!
5. The fact that I can block posts on Facebook from all of the people who started posting nothing but Christmas stuff at 12:01 AM on November 1st and they will never know. Not that I would ever do that. But, if you don’t hear from me until December… well, yeah. Sorry, not sorry.
I think that’s enough for this week, don’t you? I’ll be back next week with another five things I’m thankful for! What are you thankful for this year? Comment here or Facebook or Twitter or G+.
Hi everyone! It’s that time of year again, I guess. That time when I see a bunch of articles and blog posts floating around about how the people who call cripples “inspirational” are basically ableist asshats. It seems to come in cycles, usually popping up around the holiday season when people are more likely to try to spread the love (it’s actually starting a little early this year). Anyway, I feel like I’ve mentioned this before, but it needs repeating: they aren’t the asshats in this scenario, you are.
Ain’t it cute?
Don’t get me wrong, I understand what most of these posts are trying to say, and I even kind of agree with the most basic message they’re attempting to convey. I know I’m not actually inspirational, that I’m just doing what everyone else is doing (also known as living my life the only way I know how). Yeah, I totally agree with that sentiment. My problem with these rants about not being inspirational is that these people are being rude to people who are only being nice. That is what I can’t get behind, so to speak.
Imagine (or if you’re a cripple/physically different in any way, you’ve probably lived it): you’re at a restaurant and some happy-go-lucky cheerleader type comes up to you and says “OMG! I just had to tell you that I think you are so beautiful. It’s such an inspiration to see you out and about. I don’t think I’d even be able to get out of bed if I were in your position.” Now, keep in mind that this is the fourth time you’ve heard something like that this week and no one could keep track of how often you’ve heard it in your *insert age here* years on the planet.
Sakura! But yeah, you all know the type.
What she literally meant: “You’re an awesome person!”
What your jaded ears heard: “You’re so disgusting. How can you even leave the house, let alone your room?”
There are a number of ways you can respond in a situation like this. For example, you can simply say thank you (my go-to response). This usually results in a smile, possibly some small-talk, and a polite parting of the ways. If you’re feeling particularly argumentative, you could respond with “Thank you. I’m really nothing special, but you’re sweet.” This could backfire into the lady listing the ways you are special, but at least you were nice about it! Or you could let your cynicism reign and tear down someone who was only trying to let you know she thought you were cool, which makes you a douchenozzle.
As these conversations always are.
What I’m getting at is that it’s nobody else’s fault that you’ve grown so cynical that you can’t take someone’s kind words at face value. No, they aren’t being ableist and they aren’t making fun of you, they’re being nice. Believe me, I’ve been in enough of these conversations to know that people don’t think that much when they speak. It’s a unique experience for them, so their words simply mean what they mean, there’s nothing hidden underneath. You only think there’s negativity in the words because you’ve had years to analyze a plethora of these conversations. Stop overthinking it. Nice people do exist.
Hey all! What kind of sounds do you enjoy in your creative environments? It’s a weird question, I know, but it’s an interesting one. A lot of people I’ve talked to about this can’t work in noisy places. They go so far as to carry around those noise-cancelling headphones if they decide to write outside of their usual area. It’s a neat idea, since it’s not only dampening noise, but also giving people a visual sign that you don’t want to be bothered. However, I couldn’t do that. I like to work when there’re sounds all around (preferably music). So, I thought I’d share some of the music I write by.
Honestly, I don’t really have much in the way of criteria when it comes to the music I listen to while writing. I basically just hit shuffle on my iTunes and I’m ready to go. I usually try to start with a song in a language I don’t speak much of, because it’s easier to not get distracted when you can’t sing along. Any language will do, really, but I’m partial to Japanese. Though my music ranges from English to Japanese to German to Spanish to French to Thai to… well, you get the idea.
Buck-Tick is one of my go-tos for writing.
Anyway, on the rare occasion that I do more than hit shuffle, I’m usually looking for a song that sets a certain mood. Take the song above, if I’m looking to write something epic (like fantasy epic, not epic for the sake of epic), that would be on the list. My writing tends to lean more towards horror a lot of the time, so you can bet I have a ton of rage music. Dir en grey, Rammstein, basically all your screamers and growlers go on the rage list. Then there’s the happy rage (see below, but beware of foul language) which is really helpful when writing certain characters. You know the ones I mean. We all have them.
I suppose I have to admit that I also have a number of sappy songs. I blame a certain male I used to know for that. These are the types of songs I never used to own. Ah well. I suppose we all need a reason for a little sap. Admittedly, it’s actually helpful to have musicians like James Blunt and Lifehouse and others in my collection. I find more and more romance seeping into my writing, so it’s good to have that kind of playlist. Plus, you know, the music is really good.
So yeah, my writing music spans pretty much everything. Also, it runs the gamut of the years. I mostly mentioned 90’s and later here, but I have classical and oldies and everything in between.
As I was asking in the beginning, are you more of a quiet worker or noisy? What kind of noise? Nature or music? What kind of music? I’m curious to know how my method differs from yours, so drop me a line on here or Facebook or Twitter or Google+!
