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Blog Post 8: Sonnet and Haiku

I think that the Sonnet has been my favorite form of poetry to write this far. It may be a bit telling of my child-like nature but I love lyric poems with rhyme schemes. They remind me of music and for me, the flow is easy to catch. With that being said, there were still a few challenges I faced when writing my own. Especially this one being that each line had to be exactly ten syllables.

One challenge I faced was deciding what to write the poem about. This has been a challenge for me for every single poem we’ve had to write this semester. Usually, I will sit and write down a few lines about various topics until I find one that I believe I can move forward with. This time I moved a little differently, mainly because my first method just wasn’t working for me. I went outside and sat in my backyard and thought about things that have had a significant impact on the trajectory of my life. Those are usually the things I have the most to say about. I figured the more that I have to say, the more material I have to work with and shape into a poem. I decided to focus on my journey in deconstructing from religion.

My next challenge was my attempt to tell a story that wasn’t all over the place, since I did have so much to say. I’m not sure that I was successful in doing this but I do think I flowed from one point to another as I moved from stanza to stanza.

Of course, my next challenge was the rhyme scheme. Although it was challenging, it was really fun for me. I enjoyed having to play around with words and rearrange words within lines to fit the form of the poem.

As for the haiku, I think I could have done much better. I’m not sure why but there was a sort of blockage in condensing the sonnet and in making it relative to a season. I don’t think that I really connected with it like I should have but reading my classmates haikus gave me great examples of the potential these forms of poetry have and encouraged me to want to practice more.

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Blog 7: List Poem

At the start of this course, we read a quote by T.S. Elliot that said “When forced to work within a strict framework, the imagination is taxed to its utmost- and will produce its richest ideas. Given total freedom, the work is likely to sprawl”. Initially, I kind of disagreed with his statement and wasn’t too fond of the idea of restriction and limitation. However, I believe that writing this poem changed my perspective and allowed me to understand and appreciate his sentiments.

One of the challenges with writing this poem was figuring out “a list of what???”. I feel as though the possibilities where endless and I was back and forth between many subjects. At some points during the process I wished there were a bit more restrictions 😅

However, once I decided on the subject of the poem, things got better. Another hurdle I had to jump over was actually making the list. I didn’t want my poem to read like a grocery list or to be too simple. I wanted to still be able to include enough language but not too much to take away from the “list” factor. Finding that balance took me a little time but it also pushed me to pause and think. It helped me delve deeper into my source of creativity.

In the end, I choose to write my poem about the scrutinization of African American women and made a list of a lot of the criticisms and stereotypes we face in our daily lives. Just as it was a struggle for me to find balance when writing this poem, it is a struggle for black women to find a balance in their identity that is socially acceptable. No matter what ends of the spectrum we place ourselves in, there will always be scrutiny. If that is the case, we should aim to find solace and peace in our identities and methods of survival, regardless of what the rest of the world has to say about it.

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Blog Post 6: Persona Poem

I thoroughly enjoyed writing this persona poem. It was a nice experience to put myself in another’s person’s shoes and try to really feel their experiences and feelings while navigating those experiences.

I chose to write my persona poem about Assata Shakur. Assata was a member of the Black Panther Party who was falsely convicted of the murder of a police officer. Assata lived and loved the fight for the liberation of Black people in America. After her conviction in a maximum security prison, she successfully escaped to Cuba. Today she is still living freely in Cuba.

My research involved reading her autobiography where she talked about her life before and during the trial. During her trial, she experienced many unfair and biased interferences that contributed to her conviction. She also gave birth to a daughter as a result of a love between her and another member of the party who was also on trial.

In addition to reading her autobiography, I watched a few videos on YouTube of her talking about her life and giving her perspectives on certain issues. She has a unique voice and amazing mind.

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Blog Post 5: Music & Rhythm

I’ve always thought poetry and song lyrics were one in the same. Both use language in a very creative way to create artistic expression of an individual. However, after reading the chapter about music, the differences are clear. The main one being, the intention behind the words. With poems, they are not meant to be sung. They are meant to be read or even when spoken orally, they are not sung.

Yet, poems do have rhythm and they do flow. Rhythm is defined as the structure and speed of the poem. Poets use a variety of rhetorical devices to emphasize rhythm within their work. Ones that I’m most familiar with is rhyme and repetition. I know that these two devices are not required in every poem, but when reading a poem, I personally love to see them present.

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Blog Post 4: Image & Metaphor

Showing imagery has been one of my challenges when writing. It is hard for me to translate the mental picture or experience into words that create the scene or visual for the reader. However, after reading the chapter on imagery, I feel more confident in trying. The three simple words “show, don’t tell” turned on a light bulb in my head. I can’t wait to see how my skills with imagery develop over time.

Another concept from our textbook that caught my attention was that imagery is anything that can be perceived with the five senses. This means it is not limited to a visual. I can see how this could be significant in writing poetry because it has the power to bring the poem to life and create a more meaning and understanding for the reader.

As for metaphors, according to our textbook, they are defined as “a comparison between things in order to make a rhetorical point”. One part of the metaphor is the tenor and the other side is considered the vehicle. The author goes on to say that a reader being able to distinguish between the tenor and the vehicle is what makes the metaphor successful.

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Blog Post 3: Word Substitution Poem

Writing a word substitution poem was a completely new experience for me. Initially, I thought it would be fairly easy and quick to complete. However, I soon realized that was not the case. The challenge for me was having to substitute the same parts of speech. There were instances where I would have preferred to use a verb instead of an adverb and cases of the like. However, I still thoroughly enjoyed completing the exercise and having to really brainstorm and think in a way I normally may not have.

Because it was a word substitution poem, I feel that the syntax was pretty much chosen for us, so we didn't really get to experiment with that. Yet, it was interesting to see the other author's usage of syntax. Same for punctuation. In our reading for this module, it stuck with me how the author said it is important to know the rules of punctuation and although they don't necessarily have to be followed, the usage has to be intentional. In Myles' poem, we get a good example of how the rules of punctuation aren't followed but intentional. In Akbar's poem, punctuation is used more conventionally. Diction is where I felt least restricted out of the three being we were able to choose our own substitutions, and the possibilities were abundant.

T.S. Elliot said "when forced to work within a strict framework, the imagination is taxed to its utmost-- and will produce its richest ideas. Given total freedom, the work is likely to sprawl.". I somewhat disagree. I think it's more so preference. Some individuals thrive with more instruction and restriction whereas others see the limitations in a negative, cutting off much of their creative freedom. Personally, I think I could have created a much better poem without restrictions because it would allow me to express myself more freely without feeling boxed in, as well as lending more of my own voice and touch to the poem.

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Blog Post 2: An Introduction to Poetry

Initially, I did not feel adequate enough to dabble in poetry. That is one of the biggest reasons I went back and forth with deciding whether or not to take this class this semester. When I think of great poetry and great poets, it can be really intimidating to think that I could ever create art through language as beautiful as theirs. I’ve pondered how they were even able to produce such. Yet, comparison is the thief of joy. And I almost let it rob me.

Reading An Introduction to Poetry in our textbook was so refreshing and reassuring. I appreciated the section about talent most. The author stated that writing poetry is not necessarily an innate ability that people have, but the talent behind most poets lies in their dedication, commitment, and the time that put into perfecting the craft. It gave me the boost that I needed to know that, as with just about everything else, it is me that determines my growth and progressive ability.

I learned that poetry can have deep meaning, or not. Can be left up to interpretation by the reader, or sometimes not. It is an expression of an individual with very loose definitive boundaries that allows linguistic creativity to flourish.

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Blog Post 1: Introduction

One of my earliest recollections of poetry is in the seventh grade. My social studies teacher, Mrs. Wooten, made us learn a poem entitled “Myself” by Edgar A. Guest. To sum it up very shortly, the poem was about the importance of keeping a clear conscious and honoring and respecting oneself as a person. We even had an after school assembly to perform it in front of our parents. That poem has stuck with me over time. Almost two decades later and its verses are still fresh.

To me, that is an example of the impact poetry can have.

In the past, I have not been that interested in poetry, but there have been many poems that I’ve come across that have touched me. Like Langston Hugh’s “Mother to Son”, Marianne Williamson’s “Our Deepest Fear”, and Valarie Boyer’s “Color Issues”. I’ve been exposed to some work by Daniel Black, Alice Walker, and, of course, the phenomenal woman herself, Maya Angelou. I am in great anticipation of extending the list of poets I am familiar with.

When it comes to lack of representation of persons of color and other minorities in my education, this is something I had an uncomfortable issue with last semester. I took a course called Great Books. In one of our first classes, we talked about why most great books are considered great books. The professor emphasized that classification of great books, historically, was mostly based on the author being white, wealthy, Christian, and male. I was excited that he noticed this prejudice and assumed he would use the classroom to change the narrative. However, I was highly disappointed. Every piece of literature we were assigned to read was by a white, wealthy, Christian. Even our final paper, where in which we had to read a book and do an analysis of why it was “so great”, not even one of our options included an author of color. It was very insulting to say the least.

I am overjoyed to know we will be exploring writers from multiple, races, ethnicities, and backgrounds in this class. I am glad that the significance of inclusion is realized here and I look forward to what this semester has in store!

I can’t wait to read poems from each and every one of you! Best wishes🫶🏾

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Blog Post 10: Video Essay

I hope you guys enjoy this video! I tried my best with editing 😅 I can’t wait to view you all’s 😊

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Blog Post 8

It’s getting a bit chilly outside and I’ll be honest… it’s affected my workout schedule. I am not a fan of cold weather. It keeps me in the house, snuggled up in a blanket, watching TV or reading a book.

Even though I’ve slacked up on going to the gym, I’ve continued my fitness journey through eating and establishing healthy practices in the kitchen. I’m not exactly sure why, but I did not believe the fitness community when they said that real results are made in the kitchen. Maybe because I didn’t want to believe them.

During the past few weeks, I’ve had to gain lots of knowledge pertaining to what foods are best for me and my goals. There’s so many fads and diets out there. Keto, blood type eating, intermittent fasting, and the list goes on. I did not want to completely cut out any food group as I know that wouldn’t be sustainable for me so instead I chose to research better food options to incorporate and how to prepare holistic meals and more nutrient dense options.

Everyone knows that fruits and vegetables are great and healthy choices for the body. My problem was figuring out what fruits and vegetables would work for me. What fruits and vegetables could I buy and actually eat and not let waste away in my refrigerator or on my countertop?

Kiwis were one of the fruits that I found to be very fitting. In the mornings, I have two kiwis. Kiwis are a great source of fiber which encourages regular bowel movements. This fruit aids in digestion as well as colon and gut health. They are also great for the immune system being that they have exceptional amounts of Vitamin C.

Another food I’ve incorporated regularly are greens. I have greens every night for dinner whether it be mustard greens, turnip greens, collard greens, spinach, or kale. Like kiwis, greens also aid in digestion. They are high in fiber but low in calories which makes them a great choice for losing weight. Studies also show that they can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of developing a chronic disease.

Overall, I’ve tried to cut out processed foods and eat more whole foods. Foods from nature serve purpose and provide healing and more benefits to the body and are less likely to cause disease and sickness. These foods also aid greatly in weight loss since they are free of many of the toxins found in processed and packaged foods.

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Blog 7 - Google Map Essay

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Blog 6

I thoroughly enjoyed the process of creating a digital collage. It was much different from a paper collage but I still think it was a challenge to find images that expressed what I wanted them to but also “fit” together aesthetically. My collage brings attention to the power of femininity, women, and the power that we possess. I grew up extremely religious and it tainted my view of many things, including womanhood. Over the past few years, I’ve spent my time unlearning, learning, and exploring the truths of myself and the world around me. The seen and the unseen.

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Blog 5

I'm making progress! So far I've lost six pounds which is so close to my goal of ten. These last four are proving themselves to be a great challenge.

I can honestly say that in these last few weeks, this health and fitness journey has become about much more than just losing ten pounds. My commitment to this journey has had an effect on my entire lifestyle in a very positive way. With its challenges has come not only physical growth, but mental, spiritual, and emotional growth as well.

I've recently started back meditating and journaling. With meditation, it allows me to clear my mind. It also helps me to pause and think things through. I usually do this first thing in the morning and in doing that I am able to gather myself, think about my goals and the things I want to accomplish, and encourage myself. I self-reflect and think about ways I can improve while also being kind to myself and giving myself grace. This has become sort of a prerequisite for me having a successful day and sticking to my goals and plans.

It has also helped me find effective ways to release anger, irritation, and overstimulation... things I struggle with a lot. If I find that my emotions are running too high, instead of exploding, I may just run around the block a few times. If it's at a time where I'm unable to run in that moment, I pick up my dumbbells and do exercises with them for a few minutes. This method also works for my son. We are both Cancerians and our emotions can get the best of us sometimes. He throws tantrums often as a release. When I notice a tantrum coming, I ask him to do multiple cartwheels (he loves show off his cartwheels) or I'll take him to the backyard and ask him to show me how high he can go on the swing. The physical exertion of energy allows both of us to calm down emotionally.

In addition, I've been spending more time in nature and grounding myself. This nourishes my spirit in such a great way. It brings me peace and I feel connected to the earth. I also feel more tuned into myself during these moments. I drink herbal tea daily and the brand I buy has small quotes attached to them. One of them said "talking to plants is one way of talking directly to spirit". So, I sit out there and sometimes I talk or hug a tree... sunbathe or sit and admire the moonlight.

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Blog 4

At the beginning of this fitness journey, I joined a virtual community of individuals who are also on health and fitness journeys of their own. This community has been extremely beneficial to me as they have been able to share things that have helped them, recommend resources, and introduce me to more components of fitness that I had not known about. Being a part of this community has been motivational. We are able to share our progress with one another. Having other people cheer you on and congratulate you, no matter how big or small the accomplishment, feels really good.

One of the most important things I’ve learned so far, in regards to my personal journey, is the significance of a calorie deficit. Being in a caloric deficit means that your body is burning more calories than you consume on a daily basis. One way to keep in line with a calorie deficit is to track the food you eat. I do this by using an app called MyNetDiary and a food scale. My daily calorie budget is 1,374, but with exercise and physical activity it can increase. When I exercise, I track it on my Apple Watch and the additional calories that I burn are automatically added to my daily budget. The app also tracks macros, which are fats, proteins, and carbs, as well as nutrients like fiber, sodium, calcium, etc. this allows me to see how healthy, or unhealthy, the foods that I’m consuming are. In addition, it influences me to pay more attention to ingredients and make choices that align with my goals.

Another area I’m learning more about is physical activity. What exercises to do and how to do them. The significance of movement throughout the day. Something that I’ve implemented regularly is walking 10,000 steps a day. Walking is extremely underrated and beneficial. It improves cardiovascular health, aids in weight loss and mental well-being, improves digestion, enhances muscle function, and encourages an overall healthy lifestyle. As I mentioned earlier, when I walk I wear my Apple Watch to track calories burned. I also use it to track my heart rate. To ensure my walk is intense enough, I’ve learned that it is important to my heart rate between 50% and 85% of my maximum heart rate. To calculate your maximum heart rate, you subtract 220 from your age. Since I’m 29, my maximum heart rate is 191. This means that while walking, I should maintain a rate between 95bpmand 162bpm.

Along with walking, I also do traditional strength training. Most of my exercises I do at the gym are weighted. With strength training, your body continues burning calories even after you have finished your workout session which makes it very effective for losing fat and building muscles.

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Blog 3

This week was very unexpected.

Last Tuesday night, I went to the gym and had an amazing workout! I officially have a routine which is great. I thrive when structure is present. Currently, I start off with four sets of lat pulldowns. Then immediately after, I do rows. According to my research on TikTok, these exercises will help tone my back.

Next I do “Standing Knee-Ups”. That may not be the technical term for it but it’s the best way I can describe it 😅. I then move on to a machine that helps target obliques and love handles. For glutes, I use the smith machine to squat and weighted kickbacks. I end with about 30 minutes of cardio.

After I finished my routine this particular night, I felt a bit off. I tried to ignore the feeling but around 2AM Wednesday morning, I was on my way to the emergency room, where I ended up spending most of the day.

I found out that I needed to have a small procedure done and I was extremely nervous. On Monday morning, the day of my procedure, I went into the doctor’s office literally shaking. Luckily, things were not as bad as I thought they would be. Within 24 hours, I was able to resume as usual with my day to day task. It had been a whole week of no exercise and I felt so bad and guilty. Eager to get back to things, I ran three miles yesterday! Today, I finally get to get back to the gym! I’m so excited, so ready to continue my journey, and so thankful that things went as smoothly as they did during this time. ✨

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Blog 2

And my search for Pilates classes continues...

The area I live in is in the development phase of being more "citylike". Over the past few years, we've managed to obtain a Costco, a Sprouts, and an "elevated-drive-thru" Chick-fil-A. Among these amazing additions was supposed to be a Club Pilates set to open in late August. However, it is now September, and the opening date has been postponed to a date unknown.

In the meantime, I've decided to get back in the gym. I cancelled my membership over a year ago due to non-usage. So, when I woke up one morning, almost a week ago, debit card ready for reactivation, I was in total shock to see my membership still active!

No, I have not been paying for a membership, unknowingly, this entire time. Is there a glitch in Planet Fitness' system? Possibly. Does the Universe favor me in all of my endeavor's? I would like to think so :)

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Blog 1: Introduction & Project

On July 11, 2024, I entered the last year of my twenties. Each year, on or around my solar return, I like to take time out and deeply reflect on my life. I think about how the past year has been. The ups and the downs. The decisions I've made. And then I think about how I want the upcoming year to be.

For the past few years, I've been a stay-at-home mom and while I thoroughly enjoy being able to be so hands on with my babies, it is not fulfilling. I believe that I have more gifts than motherhood alone. There's a feeling of unease that comes with the awareness of unused potential and I have gotten to a point where I can no longer ignore said feeling.

So, here it is, almost a month later, and I'm at the start of my graduate program. It's been over five years since I last attended a university. Between then and now, I've gained two of the most venturesome children, a husband that insists that we both operate off of only my brain (we have been contemplating donating his for scientific research to avoid waste), a chorkie that believes he's a ferocious guard dog, and approximately ten extra pounds that refuse to part ways with me.

Regarding this semester, excitement is an understatement! I feel like I can conquer the world and all the challenges these rigorous courses may bring. One of the major differences between "undergraduate me" and "graduate me" is my perspective. As an undergraduate student, I failed to see the value in any post-secondary education. I was there because my parents insisted that I go, and I just wanted to get it over with so that I could be "done with school for the rest of my life".

Ha! Look at me now. My twenty-one-year-old self would be nothing short of flabbergasted.

Now that I have more clarity on what I'd like to make of myself in this lifetime, I am eager to learn. I see the value in higher education and professional development. I am ready and committed to applying myself and going full throttle after the goals I've set.

Ergo, upon seeing the project listed for my "Writing Creative Nonfiction" course, I did not huff and puff. I smiled in anticipation. As you can imagine, a lot of my time is spent taking care of others. This project gives me the perfect opportunity to get in the habit of doing something solely for myself. For my semester-long project, I've decided to take weekly Pilates classes in efforts to lose those stubborn ten pounds that are no longer aesthetically serving me and tone my body for a more fit appearance.

Let the journey begin :)