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News Just In: Wattpad and Opuss Joys
It feels like another eternity has flown past since I last wrote a blog post. The passing times have been difficult, the road to recovery, testing, challenging and perplexing at times. A constant battle in my mind between self-doubt and belief that I can beat this, I believe I will, it will just take time and patience -something, you, my lovely readers have in abundance.
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The First Time
It’s daunting, sitting here typing away the first piece of writing I’ve done in -what feels like ages. It’s been like months since I last wrote to you…so much has happened since then; my life warped in-front of my eyes as different lifestyles were thrown at me. All of which I loved, yet was not enough for me to stay… I have become my own martyr -my own hurdle. Where stepping-stones tried to lead me home, I veered off the path, distracted by the many facets of what could be. A Red Riding Hood losing track of time. A child in a candy store. A flightless bird left at sea. A void in a bottomless pit. A nothingness in the sea of digital living. Life’s mysterious endeavours tried to overthrow me. Life did not succeed.
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ROWed Under -it’s been Difficult…
I should have updated my ROW80 page yesterday and posted it as a fabulous update on the ROW80 linky list; but I couldn’t, my heart was not in it -nor is it today; but I owe you guys some form of noise, so I will babble about what’s been going on (well, I’ll try)…
I was trying to find a balance between my inner and outer world -AKA as my writing and my world outside of writing; the two parts of me are not gelling as well as I hoped it would. When one goes well, the other is neglected for a while; then when one goes from bad to worse the other becomes non-existent as the guilt for messing up riddles me with many holes which I find difficult to heal.
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‘Alo-ween to y’all NaNoWriMo’s with a Blah-Blogging and an Ominous MIA Attempt…
Monday’s (Muwahahahahaaaaaa) Meandering Muse:
An ‘appy ‘Alooo-weeeen to you-aaaaaaaaaallllllllllll… Muwahahahahaaaaaa. Halloween’s been and nearly gone in the UK (it’s not that huge over in my part of the woods, so there are no interesting ghoulish stories to tell); besides I’m not a huge Halloween follower (my stories say otherwise I know!). However; this year, to mark the occasion, I managed to write one spooky story Sarahann’s Warning; this I have decided to enter into a competition. Haley Whitehall devised a Horror Flash Fiction Contest -seeing Haley introduced me to Flash Fictions, it’s only fitting that I should enter this competition -so I did. Please pop over to Haley’s blog and check out the other entries too. 
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Challenge Taken: Hansel & Gretel – Our (Untold) Story
Whimsical Wednesday Writings:
My laptop has been an angel today *prays not to jinx it* -it seems ok as long as I keep it stationary on a desk and not move it (I think my laptop is just crying out for a holiday or something -the amount of times it moves around with me, I think it has gone dizzy!). So it is now a permanent fixture on my desk (no writing at my bed; maybe it’s a good thing). Anyhoo, let me get back to the post -there’s a lot to get through; well, there’s my last update for ROW80 (whoopie dooooo) and a special flash fiction (An adaptation of Hansel & Gretel -you guys peeked at the title? That is soooooooo unfair 
).
Please feel free to scroll down to the sections that are of interest to you -that is if you do not want to read the next bit (I won’t take any offence –well, I’ll try not to ).
(As always, there is a pdf document at the bottom of the post for those who may find this a difficult read.)
ROW80 Final Check-in
Firstly, let us start with my final ROW80 update… My goodness, it has been an interesting journey. I have been extremely tough on myself -with what I have not accomplished -well that was up until I created my ROW80 – Round 3 Page (<— click here to check it out -it’s a comprehensive ROW80 progress-to-date at a glance), since then I have taken a deep breath and appreciated what I have actually achieved. Ok, I set out to write more words on Becoming – Mystical Realisations however; I had to stop quite a bit to rework the first three chapters (I have ended with adding three extra chapters before my very first chapter -and still I need to do some tweaking). Even though I have outlined my novel, I realised something was missing, so I had to go back and make it work. It was disheartening -and at one point I just left it due to my own annoyance (I’m my worst enemy at times); feedback from my beta-readers helped me see sense and made me realise it is worth pursuing so, I am working on it again -with casual steps. Due to this set-back I concentrated more on blog posts and flash fictions -all was a welcomed distraction. Having said that, this experience has made me see how valuable ROW80 is and so for the next round I am hoping to be more planned, organised and focused. *fingers-crossed* amongst all this, I have still managed to visit blogs (approx 30 a week), do a bit of beta-reading myself (which is going well) and taken time out where needed. I have written in more detail over in the ROW80 – Round 3 page and there’s also an ‘On Reflection…’ part, so please pop over there and see the whole journey from beginning to end, in the meantime here’s my progress since my last update:
Progress Since Sunday 11th September 2011:
WIP word count: 0 words written.
Blog post word count: 6005 words written.
DiRosaYikici word count: 0 words written.
Combined effort word count: 6005 (See the ROW80 progress bar on the side menu.)
That’s like 750 words per day –not bad; dare I say still on target despite the low mood this past week? *cheers*
To check out my progress-to-date-page please click here.
Stories, stories, stories…
I know I promised to update Our Story Begins (over at DiRosaYikici); this has not happened due to my laptop taking regular naps, so I’ll update that for the next Wednesday post. In its place please take a moment and relax (grab a cuppa if you must) and see how my new flash fiction has taken shape.
This flash fiction has been inspired by a few delightful souls:
Sonia G. Medeiros’ challenge A Fairy Tale set my mind in motion, I thought of Cinderella, Rapunzel, The Little Mermaid and Snow White -then I dismissed it all as it has been done before. My brain kept ticking then Hansel & Gretel came to mind; then everything else flowed in freely. I found a way to tie in Billie Jo Woods challenge (Back to School is Cool or Maybe Not…) and Haley Whitehall’ challenge Powers just fell in nicely with the setting. I tried (very hard) to incorporate some Fantasy Comedy -as it’s part of my own challenge (Challenge Issued: Turner’s Tapestries); however, I feel I have not accomplished that task so I will not include it as the challenges set (if you think I should rethink it let me know and I’ll consider that for a wee while). I enjoyed this challenge (though I could not keep it within the required 500 word count -I just had too much fun -shoot me -erm not literally 
). I have to say I was writing this story whilst I was at my friends’ house and he decided to talk about Hansel & Gretel (not knowing I was writing a story about them); it was uncanny and in a bizarre way it just felt like it was meant to be… I hope you enjoy it as much as I have had fun writing it.
Hansel & Gretel – Our (Untold) Story
Infuriated. “Hanseeeeeeeeeel!” Wilhelm Grimm’ voice travelled out of his quarters, through the narrow stone corridors, up the labyrinth-like spiral stairways, through the grand hall, the classrooms and abruptly stopped as it found Hansel and Gretel cowering in the third bell tower. He appeared, eyes fuming; arms tightly crossed against his chest, his fingers scratching his skin. Gretel let out a giggle as she watched her fables and magic tutor Wilhelm Grimm’s’ skin sprout pink fluffy clouds of cotton. His eyes fell on hers, “I should have known this was a combined effort…why can’t you put this much effort into your studies?” His eyes left hers and focused on Hansel, “Undo this right now.”
“We can’t…we don’t know how to…” he said.
“Undo this right now –or else Head-Wizard Jacob will hear off this.”
Hansel looked at Gretel, pleading; Gretel shook her head “It’s not working,” she whispered.
“Students like yourselves constantly underestimate us,” Wilhelm said, still itching, “we know what your individual powers are, you cannot erase my memory young Miss,” his look pierced through Gretel, “this calls for detention!”
“-But Sir…” they said.
Wilhelm silenced them with his most potent glare “It’s best if you did not protest, nor test my patience –now undo this.”
“We don’t know how we did it-” Gretel blurted; Hansel jabbed her in the ribs “Owww!”
“I was not the one wanting cotton candy.”
She darted him a look lavished with annoyance “You can’t talk –what was that thing about a hamster before the spell exploded?”
They both giggled.
“Enough!” Wilhelm’ patience wearing thin “Jacob is waiting; take your places in the circle”.
Image sourced from: http://fairytalenewsblog.blogspot.com
“Why do I ever listen to you,” Gretel moaned as she scrubbed the floor, each stroke bringing up furry-ridden sparks.
“Stop whinging, we are lucky to still have our powers.”
The door creaked “Humph” Gretel looked up to see her -their captor, at the door.
“What powers are you two whispering about?” she hobbled into the room that enslaved them, “well?”
Hansel’ voice urgent “Gretel now would be a good time-”
Gretel glared at Hansel “that’s not helping!”
She tripped over the bucket Gretel had placed strategically between her and the door, caught the soap and skidded ungracefully -finding herself as part of the crevices of the biscuit-stone walls of the gingerbread-house, before ironing herself out and dusting off the crumbs. Fuming, she edged towards the square slab Gretel was working on, her eyes red-raw; she yanked Gretel’s hair “well?” she pressed, her lips thin and threatening.
“Owww! -You’re hurting me…” Gretel held onto her hair, tears flowing freely as she bit her lips.
She tugged her hair some more “Speak child before I cast a spell so great that your brothers’ fate will seem more favourable to what will befall onto you.”
Gretel shivered at the thought and tentatively looked up at the old Witch “I –I don’t know what you are talking about”.
“Well…there was something…you two were talking, something about power-”
“Power?” Strength came to Gretel, “surely you mean prowess?” She willed, concentrating hard, “prowess –you said it yourself; how it requires such prowess.”
“Did I?” The Witch scratched her head then shook it, “-what the hell am I saying! Why am I entertaining this? -Get out of my way girl,” she walked towards the cage that held Hansel captive “boy, reach out you hand.” Hansel’ armed morphed into a skeleton as it passed through the metal bars. “This is impossible! It’s been weeks –why haven’t you fattened up?” Her old eyes and senses failing her, she could not see the magic Hansel used to trick her since their imprisonment. “I cannot wait anymore” she turned towards Gretel “Go see if the oven is hot enough”. Alarmed, Gretel glanced at Hansel; he nodded in encouragement. “I don’t have all day, get a move on girl” the Witch shoved her towards the door.
Gretel dug her heels and stopped in the doorway, she turned back into the room “I won’t be able to tell if it is hot enough”.
“Heavens child –your skills are not something to be desired. Come with me.”
Gretel followed with caution, a few steps back as the Witch advanced to the kitchen. She peered into the oven “see child it’s-” was her last words.
Image sourced from: http://www.junsuidesign.ca
Gretel threw herself onto her father’s neck “promise you will not ever leave us again”.
Tears welled up around the woodcutters eyes, he hugged her tightly “I promise”.
Hansel eagerly pushed the cart and unintentionally hit his father’s knees, “you will not have to ever work again,” the woodcutter rubbed his knee as he peered over Gretel’s shoulder towards Hansel; a sack with gold coins gleamed in the sunlight.
A bewildered smile in his voice “what have you done?”
“We succeeded” Hansel beamed.
Gretel grinned too “Yes we did”.
The woodcutter stumbled backwards and sat on the dew covered grass. He looked at Hansel and Gretel with confusion “hold on a minute –what exactly do you mean by succeeded?”
“We solved the mystery surrounding our stepmother.”
Puzzled. “Your stepmother died a few days ago.”
“Exactly –mystery solved” Hansel said.
The woodcutter looked at both of his children –he looked at them for a long time. “What have I said about liars?”
“Daddy –we are not lying; the lesson’s finally paid off. We’ve been working very hard, all the clues were there –she slipped the night she locked us in our room and gave us bread and milk for supper; her eyes turned red –that was the sign-” Gretel said.
“-Your stepmother was crying all day, that’s why her eyes were red,” he shook his head as he added, “you two have listened to far too many fairytales at the Academy, this needs to stop”.
“They’re true –not stories; we had lessons on how to spot an evil Witch –stepmother fit the bill-”
“Enough! I will not have you disrespect your stepmother like this.”
Hansel and Gretel looked at each other, then at their father. “We killed a Witch a few days ago –she had the same red eyes as stepmother”.
“Witches are not real.” The woodcutter said.
Hansel sighed and dug out a thin, short stick from the cart “Then, how do you explain this?” he handed it to the woodcutter.
The woodcutter shrugged; “it’s a stick –so what?”
“Nooo!” Gretel reached for the stick “it’s a wand-”.
“-I know what it is you fool!” Gretel found herself staring into a deep-set of red eyes; she gulped and took a step back. There in front of them the woodcutter vanished as their stepmother took his place. Her cackle raised the hairs on their skin.
-
Head-Wizard Jacob Grimm glared down on them “if it takes a whole century for you two to recreate the story as it should be -so be it; I’ll keep you in detention until you both understand how to abide by the rules here at Brothers Grimm Academy.”
Wilhelm smiled grimly and cursed under his breath whilst still scratching his skin and pulling out more pink fluff.
Hansel looked at Gretel; Gretel glowered at Hansel as they found themselves back in the woodcutters’ house for the third time, their stepmothers’ eyes glowing red-raw as they found themselves following their makeshift-father back into the woods.
Image sourced from: http://surlalunefairytales.blogspot.com
(The word count excluding the title is 1210 words –with it its 1216.)
So, that’s all for today, I will be back on Friday with a Frivolous Fun post (The next part to A Fun Game – In Your Head -you still have time to take part, just read the post and be prepared for this Friday), I hope you pop back then.
Copyright © Ozlem Yikici 2011 & Copyright © doodllz™ 2011. All Rights Reserved.
***
Do you love challenges? What challenges tickle your fancy? I would love to hear from you. As you already know, thoughts and comments are encouraged as always -even if it is just a word -as ‘all good discussions start with just one word’.
***
Pdf document: Challenge Taken – Hansel & Gretel – Our (Untold) Story
If there is a topic you would like me to look into and explore in my own yikici-kind-of-way then please feel free to leave a suggestion in the comment box below or for those of you who are a wee bit shy drop me a line via my contact page or email me at admin@yikici.co.uk
Care to join me for some collaborative work or want to be a guest blogger? If so, email me at the above address.
Umm…yeah that’s how I feel…
Whimsical Wednesday Writings:
Heya, today’s post is going to be very short (by my standards); I have no ROW80 updates to give you other than blog post word counts, chapters read for beta-reading and number of blogs I have visited; therefore, I will give you my update this Sunday coming (apologies if you were looking forward to it). It’s not been a bad few days since Sunday -it’s just not been just as good and because of this I just don’t feel too inspired today. -I know I am being tough on myself.
So, this is me for today, I will be back tomorrow with an award (well a tag-thingy that’s been passed on to me) and news on that newsletter publication I had mentioned a while back; in the meantime please feel free to read the last few days post.
Sunday’ ROW80 Update: A Glitch in the System
For Flash Fiction-lovers, the challenge this month: Challenge Issued: Turner’s Tapestries (A Reminder)
For game-lovers: If you want to test yourself and the voices of the characters you come up with why don’t you take a gander at this game I have devised: A Fun Game – In Your Head.
Copyright © Ozlem Yikici 2011 & Copyright © doodllz™ 2011. All Rights Reserved.
***
Do you love challenges/games? What challenges/games tickle your fancy? I would love to hear from you. As you already know, thoughts and comments are encouraged as always -even if it is just a word -as ‘all good discussions start with just one word’.
***
Pdf document: Umm…yeah that’s how I feel…
If there is a topic you would like me to look into and explore in my own yikici-kind-of-way then please feel free to leave a suggestion in the comment box below or for those of you who are a wee bit shy drop me a line via my contact page or email me at admin@yikici.co.uk
Care to join me for some collaborative work or want to be a guest blogger? If so, email me at the above address.
A Mixed Bag of News, Updates & the First Campaign Challenge
Whimsical Wednesday Writings:
Oh, a golly gosh and a helloooo there! (Now, I bet you were thinking that’s a blast from the past.) Anyhoo, I have some exciting news to share with you today, a ROW80 update and stories, stories galore -you are in for a treat! So, without any further ado, sit comfortably and take in the delights whilst I grab myself a cuppa.
Please feel free to scroll down to the sections that are of interest to you -that is if you do not want to read the next bit (I won’t take any offence –well, I’ll try not to ).
(As always, there is a pdf document at the bottom of the post for those who may find this a difficult read.)
ROW80 Update
Firstly, let us start with a ROW80 update… It has been a positive week (for some reason radiance is sprouting all around me); I’ve been writing away, sticking to goals -and doing my best to visit fab blogs (it’s been hectic but fun) and keeping up with Twitter. Here’s a glimpse of what I have achieved and decided to take on:
Blogs I have visited and commented on since Sunday:
- ROW80′ers: 5 blogs
- Writers’ Platform-Building Campaigners: 23 blogs
Apologies; I will be rectifying this from today onwards (I was blogged out Friday and Saturday then had a busy few days at home) *hopes I can be forgiven*
Added goals with some musings:
- I don’t know why but I should really add the word counts for the stories I write over at DiRosaYikici (it’s raw, quite rough and needs some editing -but Di Rosa and I are just having fun with the continuation of the contemporary tales -as, are our readers; so we just keep on going. (It was my turn to update Where There’s a Will There’s a Way this week, so check it out in the stories section below).
- Volunteered to be a beta reader (my first beta reading experience); I hope I do a good job of it; it requires feedback by next week so guess what I’ll be doing after writing this? Yep, that’s correct.
- Being proactive with our newly formed critique group; a group of four writers and bloggers alike have formed a nifty critique group and we are finalising how we will work together, so I aim to be quite proactive with that too.
Progress Since Sunday 4th September 2011:
WIP word count: 350 words written.
Blog post word count: 733 + 1521 words written.
DiRosaYikici word count: 597 words written.
Combined effort word count: 3201 (See the ROW80 progress bar on the side menu.)
That’s like 1000 words per day –not bad; dare I say on target? *cheers*
To check out my progress-to-date-page please click here.
Exciting News
A little while ago, I read a very insightful post on Haley Whitehall’s blog it was about reviewing your work with a critical eye and looking at the shift of power within a scene or two. This post was written by the talented Tiffany Lawson Inman (AKA the @NakedEditor over on Twitter -go on follow her for editing tips etc -you know you want to). Tiffany set a competition for us to take part in -I took a gamble and entered the competition, which Tiffany was hosting on her blog. (Sadly the competition is closed, but Tiffany has told me that she will be hosting a few more competitions leading up to Camp NaNoWriMo, so why don’t you pop over to her blog and check out what she’s up to -I truly recommend it), and I won! *dances a jig, stops, looks up* ‘Aren’t you joining me?‘ So, come October I’ll be busy studying *wonders if I’ve drawn the short straw* -oh man that’s like extra work Tiffany! (I’m only kidding; I’m looking forward to it.)
Stories, stories, stories…
Now comes the fun part! Today, I have three stories (and a surprise) to share with you, the first two, as you know, are updates on the storyline to the ongoing saga over at DiRosaYikici, please head on over to the blog and read what Gina and Tracy are up to in:
Where there’s a Will there’s a Way (read entry number 17 -bottom of the page) – Battered and bruised, will Tracy find a way to reach out to Katie?
Our Story Begins (updated by Di Rosa) – I will update this next week, for those who want to find out what happened to Gina after a night out with Nathanial James, please head on over for a catch-up.
The third story I want to share is a flash fiction piece inspired by Rachael Harrie’ challenge for the Writers’ Platform-Building Campaign. You all know I love challenges -the tougher the better, so I had to take part.
Rachael Harrie’ first campaigner challenge is as thus:
“Write a short story/flash fiction story in 200 words or less, excluding the title. It can be in any format, including a poem. Begin the story with the words, “The door swung open” These four words will be included in the word count.
If you want to give yourself an added challenge (optional), use the same beginning words and end with the words: “the door swung shut.” (also included in the word count)”
For those who want an even greater challenge, make your story 200 words EXACTLY!
A challenge must always be challenging, guess what I chose to do? Yep, I took the extreme option. I hope it works; I ended up writing two flash fictions, I couldn’t submit both so I picked the following, I hope it was the right choice… What do you think?* I give you…
The Patient Mind
The door swung open; I waited patiently as always; I waited, I waited… it just swung back and forth in the wind; Sally smiled down on me “It’s time you stopped this you know.”
I shook my head “’tis not time, I must now count to a hundred.”
“It won’t change” she pressed my shoulders gently as she left.
I waited, watching the breeze filter the leaves in and out, I counted.
Sally came again, I counted two hundred, then three, then four; “it won’t change,” she said again. I knew, in my heart I knew, it would, but I couldn’t tell Sally, she didn’t know; she didn’t know the nights, the nights it changed; it promised it’ll change today; it promised yesterday and the day before; it promised, so it must, I knew, in my heart I knew. Sally walked past, she walked past every day, said the same things, she never went away. “It won’t change,” she taunted; she screamed in my head; that Sally needs to see how it will change, it promised it would.
Today Sally stopped by the door; it came; a grin spread across my face as she stepped outside; the door swung shut.
(For the ever inquisitive the word count excluding the title is 200 words –with it its 203.)
*If you like ‘The Patient Mind’ and want to cast your vote I’m number 198 on the Linksy List <— click here to read all the fantastic entries.
Surprise: If you was wondering what didn’t make the cut I’ve added it (The Calling…) below just for fun (Please Note: this piece is not being submitted to the challenge). Before we read ‘The Calling’, I wanted to say this story is actually inspired by two challengers: Billie Jo Woods over at Out of the Woods and Rachael Harrie’ challenge for the Writers’ Platform-Building Campaign (as above). You all know I love combining challenges so this was no exception.
Billie Jo Woods set the September challenge to go back to school, her rules are:
- Make sure your story takes place in a school.
- Keep it to roughly 500 words (although if you need more that is okay too).
It’s odd as the moment I saw the opening line for Rachael Harrie’ challenge this story wove itself with Billie Jo’ challenge -its’ as if it were meant to be… (That’s why it was difficult to choose one story for the Campaign Challenge, nevertheless, I guess now that means one submission to the Campaign (The Patient Mind) and one submission to Billie Jo’ September Challenge (The Calling…) What are your thoughts? I present…
The Calling…
The door swung open. We gasped as they shrugged off their skins whilst gliding into the classroom.
“It’s as simple as that.” It said towering over us –with its extended limbs hovering hypnotically.
It was a routine drill, they were recruiting –so they say; it had become the norm ever since he –Mr Carmichael chose…
There’s been rumours since his disappearance that he and it are one of the same, but I couldn’t be certain –not Mr Carmichael, he wouldn’t –it was in my face; my vision blurred instantly as I gulped, sweat droplets seemed to sprout in quick succession as they sang with alarm, please don’t take me, please don’t take me.
“Maybe you should volunteer this time, it’s only fair –saves the pain for the rest of them; it’d be a pity if we had to kill them all -when it’s you we need.” Its words slithered and tightened round my throat as huge dumbbells came crashing down on me, realisation sinking in as I gasped for air.
“Your calling is coming my dear boy,” he had said last semester, “when the time comes, you must choose.” My insides knotted as Mr Carmichael entered, the door swung shut.
(The word count excluding the title is 200 words –with it its 202.)
So, that’s all for today, I will be back on Friday with a Frivolous Fun post, I hope you pop back then.
Copyright © Ozlem Yikici 2011 & Copyright © doodllz™ 2011. All Rights Reserved.
***
Do you love challenges? What challenges tickle your fancy? I would love to hear from you. As you already know, thoughts and comments are encouraged as always -even if it is just a word -as ‘all good discussions start with just one word’.
***
Pdf document: A Mixed Bag of News, Updates & the First Campaign Challenge
If there is a topic you would like me to look into and explore in my own yikici-kind-of-way then please feel free to leave a suggestion in the comment box below or for those of you who are a wee bit shy drop me a line via my contact page or email me at admin@yikici.co.uk
Care to join me for some collaborative work or want to be a guest blogger? If so, email me at the above address.
Sabotage the Community – Sabotage your Work
*Stop Press News*
Before continuing with the actual post, I have some exciting news to share with you: I have been blessed with being interviewed by Mindi Anderson over at meanderfit.com -aptly titled ‘Ozlem Yikici – The London Novelist‘, if you want to find out how the interview went please pop over to Mindi’ blog and have a read -as well as a wander…
My ROW80 Update will follow the article below –scroll down to the end if you do not want to read the next bit (I won’t take any offence –well, I’ll try not to ).
*Continue*
Just a quick note: I apologise for the silence -I’ve had a tough couple of weeks with low moods and then I was encouraged to mingle with family and friends and babysit Ava therefore; I have been away from my novel, my blog and the social media circuit. Whilst I was away, I hoped my first article back would be on a positive note (about developments on yikici) but I had to speak, silence in a time like this is not good to anyone, here’s my voice, here’s my thoughts…
(As always there is a pdf document at the bottom of the post for those who may find this a difficult read.)
Image sourced from: http://www.thetimes.co.uk
SABOTAGE THE COMMUNITY – SABOTAGE YOUR WORK
It has been over a week since the chaos hit the streets of London and then the rest of the UK… As I sat safe indoors, these were the thoughts that transpired…
I sit in front of my laptop (yes I have solved the issue with the broken adaptor); I listen to the sound of the police sirens as they drive past through the streets, in pursuit, in preparation; I hear the helicopter up above, tracking, reporting; I feel helpless… Will a repeat of last night endure or will our Police force prevail… There are plenty of speculations, some have hope, others do not… Is this where humanity has come to -a bunch of youths demolishing, uprooting people’s livelihood -communities trashed, local businesses ruined and homes burned… I ask why…?
I never thought I’d see a day when such violence could violate our streets, our communities; it was like a free-for-all -no rhyme, no reason -although there are others who would have you believe otherwise…where do you stand, what are your thoughts? This topic is vast and may have many underlining reasons behind it and for this purpose; it needs to be discussed to be understood –if possible. This is a tough subject to analyse and for the purpose of this blog I will look at it from an alternative artistic angle as well as it’s gritty form. In some odd ways this has made me think about how we; as artists, writers -creative-beings, how we sabotage our own works -be it intentional or not and with this in mind I plan to tackle this vast, macabre topic and try to mirror it with how we bring that into our works and possibly into our lives.
A BRIEF OVERVIEW
When the news of the rioters hit the screens, I immediately thought it being a little too ironic; what with Rupert Murdoch, the Government and our Police force being questioned. I may have come up with a million and one conspiracy theories in that small space of time (ok maybe I’m exaggerating that a wee bit –possibly a million theories ). It was highly amusing to note that the three key figures, who were needed to address the country and tackle the problem at large, were on annual leave (holiday) and it was uncanny that our Police force seemed outnumbered against the unruly youths. These alone just prompted questions in my mind as I watched various parts of London ransacked, demolished and/or go up in smoke. This all happened as the nation watched. There were various accounts through the media (and reliable sources I know) that certain communities came together and chased the rioters off their streets. Dalston saw a group of Turkish and Kurdish men (young and old) guard their shops/restaurants; Green Street’ Muslim residents said enough is enough as the time for breaking their fast came (it’s the month of Ramadan), they stood firm –the yobs did not linger. By day three of the riots all three key figures returned to the UK and the Police force was strengthened –soon the calm came. With it a beautiful sense of community sprung up; they call themselves Riot Clean Up (follow them on twitter @riotcleanup or their hashtag #riotcleanup). A bunch of volunteers took it on themselves to organise a clean up where needed –a tear came to my eye when I heard; kudos to all who took part and still are spending valuable time in maintaining it. From the chaos a calm settled, from the grim a glorious day -my only hope is that this will get better as I cannot see how this will fare if it gets out of hand.
Image sourced from: http://www.guardian.co.uk
SABOTAGE THE COMMUNITY
‘We’re getting back our taxes’ they said to bystanders/reporters as they trashed their neighbourhood; did they not think of the local independent businesses who would suffer from the damage they’ve caused –not to mention who would be pocketing the price of their mayhem. If only ‘getting tax back’ was that simple –I am certain there would have been more riots if it was the case, but sadly it is not and in the end taxpayers will be forking out extra to meet the extra expenses. It angers me, it really does; I understand that maybe some –or maybe the vast majority of communities have been affected by the budget cuts; youth clubs and social enterprises for youngsters has been withdrawn, university fees have rocketed to unmentionable amounts of money; all this does not condone what they did. The more I think about it the more it seems like an act of opportunists jumping in, to riot, loot and rampage. Acting like yobs is not a way forward; all this has done is cause fear in some communities and create a negative impact on independent businesses. What part of this is an admirable feat? It saddens me that our children are part of this ugly episode; they still fight against the police, our society and us. Where they believe they attacked the Government and hindered the tax system –they, in actual-fact, sabotaged our communities and hindered our growth in this slow economic farce. Not to mention how this will affect their family, friends and themselves.
To this day Police sirens can still be heard and it seems that it will continue like so for some time.
Here are some interesting links I’ve stumbled across whilst I was researching information on the riots: British use Social Media to Coordinate Riot Clean Up, Muslims Defend London During London Riots, Communities Rally for Riot Clean Up, The Guardian’ Blog on the Riots, Turks police own district amid rioting.
SABOTAGE YOUR WORK
Copyright © Ozlem Yikici 2011 & Copyright © doodllz™ 2011. All Rights Reserved.
The act of sabotage is a nasty bit of work –especially the intentional kind like I’ve mentioned above, but what about the unintentional ones –the ones subconsciously created by you… You know, when you’ve written over 10,000 words on your novel and abruptly decide it is pants and so you throw it in the bin –or, like me, you take up a painting project and become annoyed that a part of the painting does not work, so you decide to trash it (see examples above and below -brownie points for those who notice the apt ‘The End’ sign?). This also can be evident in your life, your relationships, your business, your career –how many times have you ruined it and thought ‘ooops my mistake’. We are prone to sabotage all aspects of our lives and works –even our health. Think of what you may have sabotaged or witnessed as acts of sabotages and let us know your findings.
Copyright © Ozlem Yikici 2011 & Copyright © doodllz™ 2011. All Rights Reserved.
ROW80 UPDATE
I have been extremely bad since my last update and not achieved much (just this post –it’s over 1,500 words so I guess that counts for something). I have decided I will create a ROW80 page under the Social Interactions tab and organise my goals there. For the time being I will stick to my goals as planned and any adjustments I make I will make public this Sunday (hopefully). I hope the rest of you ROW80 stars are doing a better job than me –keep the good works going!
Copyright © Ozlem Yikici 2011 & Copyright © doodllz™ 2011. All Rights Reserved.
***
As you already know, thoughts and comments are encouraged as always -even if it is just a word -as ‘all good discussions start with just one word‘.
Pdf document: Sabotage the Community – Sabotage your Work
If there is a topic you would like me to look into and explore in my own yikici-kind-of-way then please feel free to leave a suggestion in the comment box below or for those of you who are a wee bit shy drop me a line via my contact page or email me at ozlem@yikici.co.uk
ROW80 Update -it’s Slow, but I’m getting there
Thursday’s Topical Tête-à-Tête:
Apologies no Topical Tête-à-Tête’s today -I’m feeling a little under the weather -if I feel any better towards the end of the day I may finish writing it and post it for you to read -I want to do the topic (the riots in the UK) justice and not post a mediocre piece of writing. Apologies again, I hope to be forgiven.
(As always, there is a pdf document at the bottom of the post for those who may find this a difficult read.)
ROW80 Update:
As promised on Sunday, here I am with an extensive update from my last update a few weeks ago. There’s not too much to update from a ROW80 point of view -other than life got in the way since then… My laptop went on the blink shortly after that post (see this blog post for a detailed account), I resorted back to the trusted notepad and pen -to jot down ideas, to continue with Becoming (it was difficult at times). Then on August 6th 2011 the adaptor for my laptop arrived and I was back in action -well, I embarked on my self-hosting project. This took up all my available time so my writing paused dramatically 
-I did write blog posts in between and approx 50-500 words per week on my WIPs (which I should not moan about -but I am truly annoyed with myself! I should have done better.) As you can see the new website is up and running (still tweaking here and there), this means I am able to concentrate on my WIP. Since Sunday I have managed to write 1000 words on Becoming (which is not bad if you consider Sunday and Monday my days off and also the fact that I’ve had a couple of days with low moods). I am having one of those days today but I refuse to let it faze me too much -I hope to snap out of it so I can finish the article on the UK riots; encouragements may help… This is my update so far. I leave this update on having completed 16,774 words on Becoming. *let’s pray more words are added by the next update*
Upcoming Plans & Schedule: If I complete my topical article today then please pop by to read it by midnight today, if not I hope to have a little something for Saturday’s Showcase Sketches with a ROW80 Update, guest blogger Patrick Tully will be back on Sunday with another engaging article and I will be back on Monday or Wednesday with another post and schedule updates.
***
As you already know, thoughts and comments are encouraged as always -even if it is just a word -’as all good discussions start with just one word‘.
Pdf document: ROW80 Update -it’s Slow, but I’m getting there
Progress is Progress
Savvy Sunday Salutations:
(ROW80 Update can be found towards the end of the post.)
Hellooooo there! Miss me at all? I thought I’d break the long silence with a savvy Sunday salutation to all you lovely readers out there. I hope you are all keeping well and enjoying life and embracing it with a heart full of love. I have been trying to do that but mostly I’ve been kept on my toes with the new blog (most of the major modifications are completed -now the fiddly bits are left for me to lull over -ho hum…). Seeing the worst is over I thought I’d let you all pop by and have a peek (work-in-progress is always fun so I wanted to share this experience with you too ). I’d love to hear what you think of the modifications and what works and what does not etc… I also want to say a HUGE thank you to Ian (see this post for a reminder on who Ian is). He has had to put up with a lot of indecisiveness from moi -and my mood changes (there has been a few) -but we finally got there and this venture would not have been possible without his input soooooo THANK YOU Ian –I really appreciate your help.
(As always, there is a pdf document at the bottom of the post for those who may find this a difficult read.)
I’ve added a few new bits in the sidebar on the right (I’m sure you have already noticed):
- There are progress monitor bars (one for the modification of the blog, the other my novel-in-progress), if you want to check in my progress those would be a good indication to let you know how I’m fairing at a glance.
- There are subscribe (to rss/feedburner feeds)/connect/follow buttons.
- If the dark theme is too much (that does not have to be the only reason) but still want to keep updated with new posts/articles/news from yikici then you can subscribe via the email option.
I have added a redirection to the old website so any of you who are trying to access it will notice they will be finding themselves at the new site (so welcome back!)
ROW80 Update:
This is a very brief update, as I have not had time to work on my novel(s) due to a variety of factors (I will give a full account mid-week). Having said that a new story idea has popped into my mind so I wrote it down (yes my laptop was not working so I went back to my trusted pen and notepad –my laptop was back in action last week Saturday *yay*). I ended up writing an outline of about 7 A5 pages (which I’m pleased about) and I also wrote 2 A4 pages on becoming so that’s not bad either considering the mayhem I have been going through since my last ROW80 update. I leave this update on having completed 15,774 words of my novel –let’s see if that number changes in the next update I will be giving. *Trying to stay positive*
Upcoming Plans & Schedule: I plan to have the next post out on Tuesday (a reminder for those who already know the schedule) and following that a topical discussion is scheduled for Thursday (upcoming plans for the next few days will be mentioned at the bottom of Thursdays post). A ROW80 Update will be made available either on Wednesday or on Thursday; I’ll see how things pan out. That’s me for now, I have to dash… Keep smiling! Stay in peace…
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As you already know, thoughts and comments are encouraged as always -even if it is just a word -’as all good discussions start with just one word‘.
Pdf document: Progress is Progress
Challenge Taken: Ferocious Fireworks
Saturday’s Showcase Sketches:
I’m a wee bit behind schedule today (should have finished this yesterday), my muse deserted me last night -of all the times she should be doing that! *not speaking to her now* -punishment comes to mind *evil grin* -ok, ok I take that back *apologetic smile* I know I know I have my WIP’ to think about too *grumbles*. Now that that’s all cleared *ahem* let’s get back to the matter at hand; today’s post. Since Wednesday I have been thinking about the challenge Ken Broad set (all those delightful pictures!); it’s only come together yesterday and today (just), I’m still wondering if it reads ok (been experimenting as usual). Please feel free to share your honest thoughts.
If you are wondering about my ROW80 goals, I will provide an update following the challenge and flash fiction below.
(As always, there is a pdf document at the bottom of the post for those who may find this a difficult read.)
The challenge is as follows:
Here are the rules for Ken Broad’ challenge (in his words):
- Have Fun
- Each month I will find 4 photos to post. Your job (should you dare) to write a story of no more than 500 words in any genre that might be inspired by one of the pictures.
- If rule 2 isn’t working for you, please refer to rule 1.
- New extra rule, use one or all (or somewhere in-between) of the photos. If in doubt on how to proceed, please refer to rule 1 as well.
***
The chosen image(s) will be displayed as I see appropriate. Incidentally, the word count is 360 (with the title it is 364). Enjoy!
FEROCIOUS FIREWORKS
I cannot believe how easily I swayed Meena’s parents; well, I was naive not to consider the impeding war on their doorstep. They wanted her safe, how ironic…
Image sourced from: http://farm1.static.flickr.com
I gritted my teeth and exhaled slowly as the plane hit another cloud –turbulence! I jolted in my seat. I should have opted for the long drive back to the city rather than this rickety plane –it seemed to be on it’s last legs why did I agree to this!
Meena looked over the side, amazed at what she saw…
-did the plane just tip –or was that my paranoia? Great! That’s all we need –I knew the safari journey had to be better than this.
I gently pulled Meena back onto my lap. The pilot had specifically said no movements.
I closed my eyes…
Image sourced from: http://farm4.static.flickr.com
I remember the joy filled curiosity in Meena’ eyes when I first took her to Piccadilly Circus –she stood still momentarily as she watched the happy chaos that was unfolding around her, the illuminating neon lights, the electronic billboards displaying various advertisements, the statue of Eros, the cars, the people, the animated crowd. She looked up and gave me a huge warm smile, it melted my heart –I had made the right choice, she was happy, content and safe.
Image sourced from: http://farm4.static.flickr.com
“There must be something more you can do!” My eyes pleaded to the surgeon.
“I’m sorry…we did all we can.”
I blinked; moisture flowed down my face in silent torrents.
These words could not be…
…be true to my sweet…
…
-no –she was going to be fine!
He just…
…he’s just…
My thoughts faltered as the world shook around me –no that was me; trembling at the acknowledgement of the truth. My legs gave way.
How could I…
…what would I…
…where could I…
Image sourced from: http://farm5.static.flickr.com
It was just moments ago, we were watching fireworks –bonfire night had come so soon; we planned to visit her parents…
Safe –how ironic!
Those kids should have been supervised!
Isn’t there an age restriction on those!
Of all the dangerous things out there –my Meena’…
Hysteria shook me as I left the morgue…
My sweet child…how I was wrong…
Copyright © Ozlem Yikici 2011 & Copyright © doodllz™ 2011. All Rights Reserved.
ROW80 UPDATE:
Since Wednesday’s check-in I hoped to wow you my good intentions and spot-on targets -you noticed huh? Hoped -yep, that implies unlikely results -ho hum… I blame the lovely warm weather and my disorientation from my extended stay over at Katie and Neil (see Wednesday’s post).
What I have actually achieved:
Well, let’s see, I have not even typed a single character on Becoming or even the WIP2 -maybe tonight -I hope I do so tonight *wishful thinking*. I have; however written three blog posts (word counts: 1303, 630 and 1022 respectively -so I mustn’t grumble) and updated my various profiles on the world wide web (Twitter , Google+ , LinkedIn , Goodreads , NetworkedBlogs and Facebook) -yep I’ve been networking!. I guess thats still a positive thing -though I seriously need to focus -guys where are you?!! *peers out across through the screen*. I have also wandered across to a few ROW80 superstars and parted words of encouragements (I’m glad to have fit that in amongst all the chaos -yay!) Upcoming Plans: Within the coming week I hope to have kicked the mental blank that is happening with my projects, I will also be adding (hopefully -I know I have been saying that for a while) a storyline to the ongoing saga over at DiRosaYikici. Resident guest blogger Patrick Tulley will be about tomorrow and my next post will be on Tuesday where I will be issuing you with another Triptych Challenge and also collating all the entries for you to read (you are in for a treat!) -you still have time to enter just check out the prompts over here. Till then have fun!
Copyright © Ozlem Yikici 2011 & Copyright © doodllz™ 2011. All Rights Reserved.
***
Did I achieve the challenge set? What gets your creativity flowing? How are your ROW80 goals going? Down in the dumps or are you soaring high in the sky? As you already know, thoughts and comments are encouraged as always -even if it is just a word -’as all good discussions start with just one word‘.
Pdf document: Ferocious Fireworks
Tiny Baby Steps: ROW80 Style
Whimsical Wednesday Writings:
Wednesday has come sooo soon and I have not had the time to get anything together for this post (apologies); I am still away from home, which means my ROW80 goals have suffered somewhat -apart from some revising of the research of Becoming and some outlining. Other than that, I have not accomplished much. I suppose Monday’s post should count towards my goals but I am sooo tired right now, it’s hard to be very positive about that. Hmmm I think I best call it a day and return to this post in the morning or else it is in danger of being extremely whiney –ermmm not what I want to achieve overall! So ta-raa for now. *switches off laptop and heads of to catch some Zzzzzzzz’s*
(As always, there is a pdf document at the bottom of the post for those who may find this a difficult read.)
Image sourced from: http://www.cruisingbaby.com
Ok now it’s time to get back to work…So, what’s on the agenda for today’s post? Well, I want to give you a brief update on my ROW80 goals (as touched on above) and any amendments for the rest of the week. I then will follow this with why my plans have been upturned this half of the week and finally I want to round this off with why I love flash fictions and why I take part where I can.
ROW80 Update
After Saturdays post I knew time was short as I had plans for Sunday and Monday; therefore, I prepared my post for Monday (seeing that I was going to be away) and planned that those two days will be my free days again. I then went over my research for Becoming that evening and spent quality family-time in the evening (it’s a must when the moment is right). Sunday and Monday soon came so I headed off to see my good friends Katie & Neil (just a ploy so their beautifully cute one-year-old Ava Mae gets used to me so I can babysit for them occasionally when needed). My plans then changed abruptly when I was needed to stay over longer than anticipated (no problemo –adaptation is part of life and another way to make it fun ). I will talk more about this later; now back to what I plan to do for the remaining part of the week.
ROW80 Amendments
I am not making any big changes to my ROW80 goals as I am happy with what I have, they are (click here for the actual goals); I just want to tweak it in order to accommodate for the unexpected plans this week. There is only one main adjustment:
- I will not be hard on myself for not achieving the word goals I have missed out on Tuesday and Wednesday (today). I will continue as normal tomorrow (Thursday).
Now I feel better about that *phew* and *sighs with a huge relief* -pressure is off somewhat.
Tiny Baby Steps – Ava Mae Style
As I have mentioned above, since Sunday I have spent some time with my very good friends and their very special daughter Ava Mae. I could not pass this post by without briefly touching on my experience spent here –especially since it has been very significant –especially in terms of how I am currently viewing my ROW80 goals. Ava is the most adorable baby girl (I will ignore her mother’s endearing nickname for her ‘rat bag’ –Katie really?!!!) –I know you all will be saying all babies are cute; they are I agree. However, I was very blessed to witness Ava Mae’s very first baby steps (I know!) and the tears that welled up in my eyes and the exceptionally proud emotions I felt I cannot describe as words just seem to not be enough. The moment Ava realised her achievement, the marvel in her face, the excitement –the joy –it encapsulated a million feelings and all I could think of was to hug her so tightly and plant millions of kisses on her soft cheeks –but I did not. Ava deserved to enjoy that moment and take it in its full entirety, with an audience of her doting mother and me. I am so glad my plans changed; this was something I would not have wanted to miss for the World.
Ava Mae - Copyright © Paula Chang
Tiny baby steps, every step is precious, every step is worth the effort and the wait; as it will soon be followed by something very rewarding; we should not forget that –I plan not to forget that. Therefore, I want to say that I will appreciate every effort I make with my ROW80 goals and I hope you do too as every step will make a mark towards that worthwhile goal you are aiming for.
Ava Mae, thank you for being sooo special and thank you for helping me see the bigger picture clearly. (Yes, your aunty Oz loves you lots and lots and lots!)
Flash Fiction Challenges
I was hoping to have put together another flash fiction piece for today’s post but due to the unaccounted events as mentioned above, this was not meant to be so Ken Broad’ Challenge will have to wait until Saturday. Whilst we are waiting for that, I wanted to let you into a few secrets to why I love these challenges and why I take part as much as I can. Challenges –as the word rightly says, it’s a challenge –something to sink your teeth into, something to make your brains tick and force you to think ‘outside the box’ and mainly something to get all those creative juices flowing! Above all, it’s fun! There has been times when flash fiction challenges has helped me strengthen a particular plot in my WIP or help me understand it a bit better; it has also been a great aid for me to add a gripping twist to my addition to the DiRosaYikici storyline Where There’s a Will There’s a Way (here’s that particular excerpt).
You may ask why I love torturing myself by combining so many challenges and trying to make it all work…that is a very good question; I think there is something about accomplishing a difficult task and making it work. A great sense of fulfilment. Picking the rockier road has always been in the forefront of my life; be it at school, college, University, family life, work life etc…so I guess its no science that I like to ensure that these tough challenges work through my works too. One good example is when I studied A-Level Art & Design; I hated drawing/painting folds of cloth and too much intricate designs, so what did I decide to embark on for my mock and real exam? Yes, you guessed correctly –both! I complained at my brilliance throughout both exams but in the end, I secretly was pleased when I saw the end results; I guess my love for challenges stem back from those achievements… So all in all asides from the fun elements, it’s puzzling nature and the productive by-products of these challenges it is just a pleasure to write (and from the responses I have received) and to read.
Copyright © Ozlem Yikici 2011 & Copyright © doodllz™ 2011. All Rights Reserved.
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How is ROW80 treating you? Has Ava Mae inspired you too? What challenges tickle your fancy? I would love to hear from you. What are your thoughts, please share with us -even if it is just a word -as ‘all good discussions start with just one word’.
Apologies for the delayed post (I just got back late Wednesday evening and now with sleepy eyes am attempting to finish this and post it before sleeping).
Pdf document: Tiny Baby Steps ROW80 Style
Random Thoughts A Plenty…
Monday’s Meandering Muse:
Two weeks ago today I posted an apology; today I want to provide you with an explanation (my ethos in life is very close to honesty is the best policy -see yesterdays post and my comment in Patrick’ post Radical Honesty & Relationships for a better(ish) insight to my ethos). Following this explanation, I plan to have a discussion on how I am finding the blogging world; what is working for me and what is not and in turn, I will be picking your brains to see how you are finding this experience as a reader and/or blogger.
(As always, there is a pdf document at the bottom of the post for those who may find this a difficult read.)
Relapse vs. Lapse
Some of you already know about the recent panic attacks I have been suffering from (I have mentioned them in various posts; you can find them under the category of Health); well, I guess it will come as no surprise that I had a mini-panic attack two weeks ago –I have to say it was a huge surprise to me! Something rather silly triggered it off and I will not go into the details of that right here as I do not believe it will serve its full purpose here –and besides all involved are aware how I took to the situation and how I tried to deal with it. So what aspect of it do I want to talk about? Well, I want to talk about the two terminologies that are associated with all forms of mental disorders (be it mild or severe), lapse and relapse. Until very recently I would not have been able to give you an accurate distinction of either, to me they both meant the same thing –or so I thought. I soon found out that, after my panic attack two weeks ago, I have had a lapse. What this in actual effect means is that the panic attack hindered my recovery and set me back a little on my progress to overcome this pesky disorder. However, unlike a relapse (where you would find yourself back at square one and have to start all over again), I was able to continue from my recovery point two weeks ago (so it was a temporary setback) two weeks later (I’ve been on better form since Friday gone). This I am chuffed to bits about; as these setbacks really try to force you to become a recluse, which I really struggled with. Nonetheless, I still put up a fight as refused to let it take me back. Fortunately, my friends, family, my blog and my ROW80 goals for my WIP helped me stay focused.
Blogging
When stepping out into the blogging world I ummed and arrred quite a bit; I couldn’t quite decided how many blogs I wanted and if I should separate my individual interest and delegate it out to the respected blogs. I initially started out over at blogspot –it’s a bit scatty and underdeveloped as you can see. The themes were limiting and I was still learning and taking baby steps. I stumbled across wordpress after getting into discussions with fellow tweeps on Twitter (mainly Emlyn Chand at Novelpublicity) and checked out all the comparisons made between blogspot and wordpress. I crossed over to the other side muhawaahaawaaaa… I started to get my head round the wordpress set-up and began to get carried away. However, there was still that niggly thought in the back of my head ‘do I need more than one blog?’ –I am still at two minds with this. I am beginning to think this is one of the main reasons I have still not started my self-hosting project (though my health and mindset that went with those moments surely did not help).
So what are my current dilemmas in all of this? Well, I am undecided if I should have one blog/website for everything –my random thoughts, my writings, artwork, sketches, doodllz, ideas etc or should I separate what I classify as more polished and refined works/articles in like a professional blog and have another blog for sketches, doodllz, ideas; a blog for the carefree, silly me… I come and go between those two thought processes so much so that Ian (see Self-Hosting – My Trials and Tribble-ations) believes he is off the hook in terms of helping me and pointing me in the right direction! (You can go and ask him if you do not believe me!)
My Blog Posts vs. Readability
Another reason I am considering a second blog is because the way I write; I am partial to write in cascading thoughts –sometimes jumping from one thought to another with no rhyme or reason (well there is always reason behind it –I sometimes just like to exaggerate –it’s fun! ). I wonder if the readability is easy for you or just a tad confusing. In one post (take my last post) I start off with my current mindset, then I delve into explaining challenges and present you with a flash fiction story; then I update you with my ROW80 goals and finish off with what to expect in the next few days. Is there just too much going on? How do you digest what I write; do you find it to the point, a tad meandering, acceptable or totally confusing? Therefore, separating the blogs as professional and personal seems feasible and sensible –then I just throw it all in the air and argue that I should not separate the two aspects of me; one blog with a working schedule will have a better visual and overall presence… My conundrums’…always playing havoc with my mind!
Blogging & Social Media
There are many aspects to discuss here; how the two intertwine with each other, the various Social Media networks and how they work and how they will benefit you… I am still experimenting and finding these out (I’m on Twitter , Google+ , LinkedIn , Goodreads and Facebook –I’m not very versed in most so maybe you should pop by and give me a heads-up so I understand it all better). When I get my head around these I will share my newfound wisdom with you in a future post, until then, have fun.
My Questions to You
What do you struggle with? How do you overcome these situations/moments? What are your experiences with blogging? What works what does not? Do you find you are constantly evolving and your ideas changing from one day to the next?
As you already know, thoughts and comments are encouraged as always -even if it is just a word -as ‘all good discussions start with just one word’.
Copyright © Ozlem Yikici 2011 & Copyright © doodllz™ 2011. All Rights Reserved.
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Pdf document: Random Thoughts A Plenty…
Challenge Taken : St Pauls at High Tide
Saturday’s Showcase Sketches:
I know I have been delving in some different forms of creativity lately (I have my moments) –I had some fun with them all (they helped me with the tough two weeks that have passed by); now I wanted to get back to the challenges I love taking part in. In keeping with the yikici tradition, (you can’t expect me to not follow tradition! *stares in disbelief*) I have combined three challenges together (no need to sound surprise –I will gasp when I successfully combine like a hundred challenges together! )
If you are wondering about my ROW80 goals, I will provide an update following the details of the challenges set and of course the story below.
(As always, there is a pdf document at the bottom of the post for those who may find this a difficult read.)
The challengers and challenges are as follows:
- Billie Jo Woods’ rules are:
‘For this challenge you can write in any genre you wish but your piece must include some sort of twist on the traditional fight for freedom or independence story. Perhaps your protagonist has to keep their independence or freedom hidden from others or perhaps they gain their freedom from mutant robots taking over the world, as long as it veers away from the typical independence story it should fit in with the challenge. Keep your word count under 1000 words for this one.’ The deadline is July 31st 2011.
- Sonia G. Medeiros’ rules are:
‘This month’s challenge is to write a piece of flash fiction in 500 words or less. The challenge is to write a story that prominently features a moon (our moon, an alien moon, whatever)… It can be science fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery, etc. It can be a myth about how the moon got into the night sky or a what the moon really is. It can be an apocalyptic tale about the moon’s demise. Whatever you like.’
- Moi (AKA Öζιξμ)’ rules are: To write a flash fiction using one of the three prompts provided here.
Your three prompts for the next four weeks are as follows:
Image sourced from: http://www.tate.org.uk
- Four lines of poetry:
Tear out a page of the book and make an aeroplane.
Launch it. For an instant it seems that you have fashioned
A shape that can outwit air, that has slipped the knot.
But no. The earth turns, the winch tightens, it is wound in.-Defying Gravity by Roger McGough
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This challenge was a tough one. I pondered a lot (it was constantly in the back of my mind brewing; then yesterday a light shone –I slept on it; today something special has taken shape; I hope you enjoy all the elements I have tried to weave into the story (twisted independence, moonstuck, the painting, the poem and Mannerism) as well as the story itself). Without further ado I present to you St Pauls at High Tide –oh before I forget, the word count is 449 (with the title it is 454). Enjoy!
ST PAULS AT HIGH TIDE
I have been anxious for some time now; the time neared slowly every day with every tidal rise of the moon; my dreams of the Venetian setting encapsulating the London landscape close to being realised. They knew nothing of what was coming, what to expect; I began scheming, planning changes; something to upset their plans, something to make a mark, to remember, to commemorate.
I waited patiently…
The banks forceful restrictions
Pinned me down a route I had to go
No choice, no freewill but brute force
Years I followed these orders
Years I hoped secretly that it was true
I brushed against their sides
Testing, flexing, searching…
The moons pull hypnotising my every move
I still waited, dreaming, planning…
I gushed with excitement as I flowed
Bigger, grandeur in body
Brimming over my rocky prison banks
Stretching across the streets
My escape, my independence, my joy
The blue moon shone bright
The blue moon overbalanced the tides
The blue moon set me free…
…St Pauls at my feet; my dreams came alive.
That was a momentous day; they never knew what hit them; like a monsoon but with much gusto –not raining from the heavens; a tsunami breaking free, drowning the streets, overflowing into buildings, homes, washing ashore bodies –human or otherwise; a sea amongst a city; a city submerged with the sea. They floated; I swam. Then there was some who flew with my torrential impact; a surprise honoured by the moon; I –grateful for my release…
The imprisonment soon began; swiftly as had my freedom; the blueness of the moon faded; replaced by its normal pallor glow. It dragged me back to the treacherous banks; the bars of my enslavement, no amount of rebellion I muster now will help my cause. My only strength came with the blue moon and now that is fading… I will wait, wait again for its marvel; it surely will not be long before it is set back in motion –after all, there is a reason why they say ‘once in a blue moon’. No matter how rare that is, it will happen again and when it does, I will be waiting…
There is one solace in all of this; my escape was marked in history and captured in paint; the artist much in awe of my capabilities used brushstrokes evocative of my waves; a reminder of what happened and what might be. The irony, I am caged in once again within the narrow banks and now the within the limits of the canvas and the gilded frame. Then hazily I wonder as my memory fades; was my escape from the actual riverbanks or from the mystical magic of the painting…
Copyright © Ozlem Yikici 2011 & Copyright © doodllz™ 2011. All Rights Reserved.
ROW80 UPDATE:
It has been a week since my last update; therefore, I think I best let you know how it has all been going…
This week has been tough (yet again) but not as bad as I have managed to lift my spirits and stick to some of my goals as set below last week:
This is my now amended ROW80 Goals:
- Email BETA Readers my current WIP (for feedback).
- Start outline for new project (novella/script).
- Try to write 0-500 words per day towards WIP (a reality-check was in order here –pressure taken off in order for my muse to roam freely).
- Should I feel stuck with point three I will consider how well I have done with my blog posts –as a means to stay positive –any achievements’ considered for acknowledgement right? *looks up expectantly*
- Each day I will set aside a 15-30 minute editing session, before I start my writing; reworking the previous day’s works (still a ploy to get myself back into the flow of things).
THEN (When responses come back from my lovely BETA Readers:
- I will rework the first three chapters of my WIP.
- I will start to contribute towards the above set word goal (maybe alternate with the WIPs for a bit of variety and also it’s good my muse can just tackle something different every once in a while).
What I have achieved:
Sunday and Monday, I was away from home (so that was my two free days). On Tuesday I posted a blog article (ok it was a copy and paste job –but I am not going to moan, as I was still a wee bit low then) I also wrote 122 words towards my WIP (added some special spells). Wednesday I continued with outlining for my WIP. Thursday I wrote an article on Copyright for my blog (forgot to post it so I posted on Friday instead). Friday I decided to take a peek at my initial research for my WIP therefore, I printed it off and began to go over it when I needed a break from the screen. Today, well, asides from writing this post (which now hit 1,449 words) and enjoying a cuppa of lovely brewed (by my standards) tea; I will continue with going over the research and also feedback from my betareaders. I hope I add some more words to my WIP tonight.
I have just realised; since I am working on two WIP, I need to differentiate between the two so you know which WIP I am talking about here’s a little clue:
- WIP One (The initial one I started with) is titled Becoming: Mystical Realisations (I’ll call it Becoming for short).
- WIP Two (The one discussed on Manon Eileen’ #writepsych) is not fortunate to have a title yet so we can call it WIP2 for now.
Well, that is all for today, I will now be working on Becoming; I hope you enjoyed the flash fiction above (I just felt like I needed to have fun after these past two weeks and celebrate my enthusiasm by indulging in these challenges –for me it is an indulgence). Upcoming Plans: Within the coming week I plan to tackle Ken Broad’ Challenge (I am determined to combine all four images –why don’t you join me to see if I succeed.) and also add a storyline to the ongoing saga over at DiRosaYikici. As you know resident guest blogger Patrick Tulley will be about tomorrow and my next post will be on Monday. I plan to share with you my thoughts about challenges and why I love them so much on Wednesday and also provide you with another ROW80 update –so keep your eyes out if you want to know what goes on in my quirky mind. Till then have fun!
Copyright © Ozlem Yikici 2011 & Copyright © doodllz™ 2011. All Rights Reserved.
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Did I achieve the challenges set? Did you get lost within the vivid landscapes or did you sail above the waves? Let me know what works and what does not and perhaps how it could be made better… As you already know, thoughts and comments are encouraged as always -even if it is just a word -as all good discussions start with just one word.
Pdf document: St Pauls at High Tide
Empathy
Savvy Sunday Salutations:
Welcome to another week with guest blogger Patrick Tulley; last week he talked about Relationships, Friendship & Attraction and how we engage with people and what our reasons are for forming friendships/relationships etc; this week Patrick talks about empathy and what it is (I sense he’s flagged this up because I may be using it incorrectly in my writings! -Is that true? Only you can be the judge of that ). I found this an easy read; I hope you do too! Now it’s over to you Pat.
(As always there is a pdf document at the bottom of the post for those who may find this a difficult read.)
EMPATHY
I want to talk about empathy this week. A regularly misunderstood term and I think for good reason as well, which I will attempt to explore in this post. We use empathy probably more times than we care to think. In fact a lot of empathy comes deep from within our unconscious minds. But it’s an important part of how we interact with the world around us.
Sympathy
Empathy is often mistaken for sympathy. Whilst there are some similarities, the differences are quite stark. Having sympathy for a person is to understand a persons pain. Whilst it requires empathy in order to get there, it is specific to this definition. So when we feel sympathetic we have an emotional reaction towards another person’s pain. In a sense it’s like sharing the feelings of that pain. This is quite different to empathy of course. You could be a very empathic person, but not be moved to sympathy at all.
Copyright - Kheng Guan Toh
Empathy is about understanding an interaction you are having with either a group or one individual in any given environment. It’s about recognising dangers, safety and personality types. That’s why for instance, when a woman walking alone down a dark street is hollered at by a group of men, that her heart rate increases and she quickens her pace as she responds to her anxiety. These are empathic reactions to a potentially dangerous situation. Those guys hollering at her are very aware of her response to their whooping. They use their understanding of empathy in order to get this reaction, most likely for some sadistic pleasure. So empathy is an important tool we have to gauge signals from others in order to know how best to respond to them. As the above example shows, empathy can be used for both good and bad purposes.
My previous example is a very clear way in which we can understand empathy. It doesn’t require much in the way of thought to recognise these signals and act accordingly. What I have found particularly fascinating is the more subtle forms of empathy we experience in our everyday lives. These are not the extreme or dangerous situations that occur, but very often the environments where we feel most comfortable, such as at work or with our friends. Most of us know how to behave in a social situation apart from say the most unconscious of people. What was surprising for me, was just how little I was aware of my emphatic feelings in these situations. There is a surprising amount of passive aggression and self-attack, even amongst so called polite circles. I know I have used self-attack a number of times in my posts, but it’s an important phenomenon to be aware of. Particularly since passive aggression cannot exist without self attack. The two go very much hand in glove with each other.
I had an experience at work, after the Japanese tsunami back in February. I don’t listen much to the news, so I wasn’t entirely aware of what had happened. Returning to work after the weekend I happened to take a look at the BBC website and was pretty shocked to hear that 2,000 bodies had been found washed ashore in the wake of the disaster. When I turned to my colleague and expressed my horror he then told me about a friend he had in Japan whose bar had been washed away with the wave. I felt some sympathy for his friend and asked him how he was coping. He replied, ‘well he is fine, but some of his customers keep floating in from time to time’. My reaction was to laugh, but not because I thought it was funny. In fact I was pretty annoyed by him and I think for good reason. Now, not let it be said that Patrick doesn’t have a sense of humour, I do and it can be as dark as the next persons. But wow did I feel like a dickhead for a brief moment after his last comment. Within the space of three minutes I had heard about a truly horrific story of mass carnage. Only to be lured into a colleague’s story about a fictitious friend who was caught up in the disaster, to then being swiftly rebutted by a poorly timed joke. I say poorly timed, as in a different situation I might have found the joke to actually be funny. Describing it as poorly timed also gives my colleague the excuse for being inept with his social skills, which he wasn’t I can assure you.
So what did happen in that interaction? Why did I find myself feeling conned and slightly annoyed? Well I think it’s interesting that I described myself as a ‘dickhead’, as it’s not a particularly nice way to describe oneself. So when I use a derogatory expression against myself, I always ask myself why? I believe this came down to two reasons. My colleague was entirely aware of what I was feeling the moment I expressed my shock to him. If his experience of this event was to ask me not to talk about it, I would have understood and complied with his wishes. But no he preferred to prolong my experience further with his little story, whereby he would deliberately access my sympathy further. It was only upon his conclusion that I was able to fully understand his intention. This was to passively humiliate me for showing sympathy for such an horrific event. It was to infer that my feelings were stupid and inconsequential. Calling oneself a dickhead is a humiliating thing to say about yourself of course. But that was how I felt in that moment, ‘humiliated’. My response to laugh at his tactic was of course my way of avoiding further humiliation. This is because there is a clever play on words (language let’s say) when people use passive aggression. I say clever, when I really mean ‘stone cold’ genius. If I was to complain about what he said, his response would have been to say, ‘hey Pat, it was just a joke, no harm done’, which would have entailed me experiencing further humiliation for being perceived as overly sensitive. Because he wasn’t using direct (rude) language to humiliate me, he was able to be more subtle about his aggression towards me with relative impunity. However, I still felt annoyed and irritated by him, which would be the normal reaction with someone who had been more overtly aggressive. The second and perhaps most important reason I felt humiliated was because I already knew he would react that way. Why did I know? Well I had experienced him with other people around the office. It was fairly obvious this chap often used humour to humiliate people. So I had a swift lesson in learning not to ignore my empathy with people again in future.
To a large degree this is the culture we live in. People act out this kind of behaviour very often from an unconscious place. However, pointing out this bad behaviour in people allows them be evasive and direct blame back onto their victim. This is the part that is the most interesting of course, because it works. A lot of victims of passive aggression will usually blame themselves for their own perceived stupidity in being humiliated. It’s a bait and switch many of us probably learned in our childhoods. It’s a form of dissociation that shields us from the humiliating feelings. That’s why many of you are often convinced you didn’t feel humiliated in these situations. So it’s often futile trying to correct passive aggressive people, because many people will just support them regardless. To find out whether you yourself dissociate, then break down a similar experience to mine and decide for yourself.
Empathy starts with yourself first and then with others. It’s about asking yourself, how do I feel and then what do I experience from this other person or persons. Unfortunately it’s a process many of us have to relearn, which is why at first it can seem so insurmountable. Keep applying my method and you will eventually begin to become more empathic about yourself and the people around you. If you find yourself dismissing your feelings as wrong or bad, then you are dissociating. Feelings are never bad or wrong, they are a signal often from your unconscious telling you something useful. In fairness my method does require a degree of introspection, which in turn can be helped along enormously with therapy. Empathy is a very powerful skill that protects us, even enriches us. Understanding this skill to a higher level will help improve your jobs, relationships and life in general, so it’s well worth pursuing. As always, best of luck.
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Copyright © Patrick Tulley 2011 – All Rights Reserved.
Thoughts and comments are encouraged as always.
Pdf document: Empathy
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PATRICK TULLEY: PHILOSOPHER, AMATEUR WRITER
My name is Patrick Tulley. I am primarily a philosopher and an amateur writer but also have been a painter and sculptor in the past. My background has been quite varied, as I have lived abroad on and off during my 20′s, been in a number of different professions throughout my life. More recently, I have been working as a private consultant within the public sector.
Since philosophy is my preferred interest; it is always something I rigorously apply to all my thinking and writing. Whilst I am knowledgeable about abstract philosophy, I am not particularly interested in taking that route. Philosophy is about the search for truth, it was always meant to be understandable by everyday people -this does not mean dumbing down the ideas of course. It just means I do not allow myself to get sidetracked by too many inconsequential arguments, often referred to as lifeboat scenarios. I tend towards the more Aristotelian and Socratic methods of philosophy, but I also have interests in Hume, Nietzsche and Rand. Philosophy has been a wonderful and fulfilling part of my life; it’s often been a very misunderstood subject -which I hope to discuss in future posts. I also enjoy reviewing art, literature, music and passing comments on culture, news and personal experiences that I have found both interesting and enlightening. I do not have a particular interest in politics –however; I may discuss my reasons with you sporadically throughout this blog. Overall, this is hoped to be a journal about a philosophical life. I hope you will enjoy my outlook on things and look forward to hearing your comments and thoughts along the way. I would also like to thank Ozlem for giving me this opportunity to have a voice on her blog.
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Disclaimer; whilst we (guest bloggers and I) do not set about to intentionally upset visitors to the site; I understand some of the topics discussed/raised may touch nerves. Please note I will do my utmost to screen these posts before I post them however; I do believe in freedom of speech and I would hate to limit someone because they think differently to me or have different values from mine. Therefore, I urge you to have some understanding and an open mind before jumping in and causing a scene without it being constructive. Like I said, Patrick and I do have difference of opinions and on most cases we agree to disagree but at the same time we also respect the others’ thoughts and views -after all we do live in a civilized world; with this in mind I hope we will have more cultivated and engaging discussions. One last note to all: Here on yikici I have aimed to keep posts and discussions clean; I am not a fan of words that are disrespectful and disparaging therefore, I will not condone its’ use here on yikici; I do hope you share my views on this –if not, at least can respect them.
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Thoughts and comments are encouraged as always.
Pdf document: Empathy
Photoshoot – My Amateur Debut
Saturday’s Showcase Sketches:
I’ve had a mixed day today (it really feels like it has passed by with a blur), because of it being an odd day of-some-sorts, I wanted to share a different kind of creativity with you -sometimes a variation helps me focus (we’ll see if it helps me today). If you are wondering about my ROW80 goals, I will provide an update following the article below.
(As always, there is a pdf document at the bottom of the post for those who may find this a difficult read.)
A few weeks back I took a stab at doing an amateur photoshoot session (for items to be sold on eBay by my sister -well experiences comes in all shapes and forms!). I was enlisted as a photographer (ahem!); my task to was to make the items for sale attractive -a rather tall order -if I do say so myself! (The tall order -really was referring to my photography skills than the items in question -not that I doubt my skills; I just had not done a photoshoot before so was a tad unsure.) I started of hesitantly -as did the model; then we picked up pace and confidence which reflected in the many delightful photo’s I took. Here is a selection of my favourites (some are raw images from the day (quite catalogue-esque images), others I have played around in Photoshop to give it a bit of a va-va-va-voom style that may be fitting for a magazine photoshoot). This was a fun project to take part in and I hope to experiment more with photography and Photoshop imagery when I have more time; for the moment, I hope the visuals below work.
If you are interested in the items above, please head off to Esmyster‘s eBay page for all listed items. In addition, I have set up a gallery page for you to view the above images in detail please click here to view the Esmyster’s eBay Photoshoot.
ROW80 UPDATE:
Following my scheduling from yesterdays article; it’s time for a quick update.
- Friday: After yesterdays blog post I felt extremely pooped (tired for those who are not familiar with the terminology); so I rested -I wrote a staggering 1872 words for the article so I musn’t grumble!
- Saturday: Today I emailed my WIP to my betareaders (accomplished -yay!) and started to outline my new project as mentioned yesterday -but for some unknown reason my muse wanted me to think about the WIP I sent off to my betareaders -so I did. In addition to that I brainstormed a mini-outline for it too (I guess that is not too bad); let’s see what else takes place. I haven’t yet started my word goals (as the outlines are not complete) therefore, let’s consider this articles word count (currently it is at 519+ words); I have hit over 500 words -yay! I’m chuffed to bits -not to mention the time I spent on Photoshop enhancing the photographs and then attaching it here then checking out how to work the slideshow and gallery options -not bad for a day’s attempt methinks!
All in all it’s pretty good… now I need some time away from the laptop so without further ado I’m taking a break… *heads off to make a cuppa and then take some time to chill*
Copyright © Ozlem Yikici 2011 & Copyright © doodllz™ 2011. All Rights Reserved.
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Do you dabble in different avenues -if so what are they? I’d love to hear what you get up to when you just need that change. As you already know, thoughts and comments are encouraged as always -even if it is just a word -as all good discussions start with just one word.
Pdf document: Photoshoot – My Amateur Debut
ROW80 – Up, Up and Away!
Frivolous Fun Friday:
I’m baaaaack! (Albeit slightly behind schedule –please accept my apologies.) As promised on Wednesday, I want to give you a quick update before delving into my post today. Therefore, this will be structure of my post today:
- Update on ROW80 goals this week and a revised goal schedule.
- A wee amendment to the blog schedule (just so the ROW80 updates are not random affairs -I’d hate to confuse you all -I confuse myself plenty so no need to share that experience all the time).
- Some frivolous fun thoughts, ideas that hopefully will be enjoyed by all.
(As always, there is a pdf document at the bottom of the post for those who may find this a difficult read.)
ROW80 – Updates & New Goals:
As you all know, I have had a tough week this week and did not set off on my goals as I had planned (you can read about it here and here). Having said that and as many of you know; the beauty of ROW80 is that we can make it fit into our lives (no matter how many little surprises life throws at us!). So here I am, standing tall and updating you with what I have managed to do despite my pesky low-mood trying to take away the joys of my life. -I refuse to let it win -I hope you too are not letting negativity rule you -come on let’s just get up from our seats and have a little dance *looks at each reader* come on then let’s do it *switches on iPod and starts to boogie*
-oooops (I got carried away) *blushes*; now back to my update…
- On Wednesday, I decided not to take any prisoners, so I started to get back into the swing of things with a blog post (word count 1,409 – woo hoo what a start!). Feeling good about that achievement I opened my WIP and began reading it from the beginning. I began working/editing on the prologue(s) -I have two (I know -I have tendencies for trying different things -I bet you have noticed that by now!), I then added 350 words towards my 500 word goal then got stuck (and also extremely tired -it was past midnight, therefore I decided to call it a day).
- Thursday was another challenging day; I really struggled to get motivated (I even lacked appearances on Twitter!) -regardless I still prevailed. I decided I needed time away from the screen so I printed off my draft manuscript (I could not believe how many pages I had written -my self-esteem rose somewhat at that moment and I may have also done a jig of some sort -just for the pure elation of it all!). I started to edit on the page and tried to amend those dreaded chapters (1, 2 and 3). I managed to write a measly 150 words towards my goal (I suppose that is better than nothing -though I have to admit I was still annoyed with myself -I am a harsh critic; I am very aware of this trait in me!). I realised I was not happy with how I was tying the prologue(s) with the remaining chapters; therefore I stopped reading and writing -I started to think and brainstorm my ideas instead. When my sister joined me in the evening, I discussed my concerns about the WIP with her. We talked about the possibility of going back and starting again (the prologue(s) and chapters work well separately but together it just seems iffy -this is where I find it difficult to move on as it needs to feel right and complete before I continue). I then had a brainwave, I decided to take this issue and present it to my BETA readers. I plan to ask them to read all I have written up to now and ask them their honest thoughts; which parts work for them (if any), where I can develop the story more (if needed) or do I have to have a re-think and which bits in particular. I will be emailing them after I have written this post.
- As for today (Friday), once this article is written; I plan to start work on another idea I had a while back (initially it was an idea for a screenplay; but now I’m considering it as a novella as well (otherwise I would be doing the main character a huge disservice). I went over the Main Characters’ psychological make-up with Manon Eileen* and Allie Wilde* on a special psychology discussion session on twitter hosted by Manon Eileen: Character Psychology Tweetchat – #writepsych); I will re-work the outline for this new project.
*Just a quick THANK YOU to you both –you both have helped me make my MC have more substance –I understand him a little bit more therefore, hope to build a more believable story (well I guess the proof will be in the pudding once it’s completed and put out there).
ROW80 Goals:
Here are my previous writing goals (as quoted by me):
- I will rework the first three chapters (oooer feeling panicky already -guys step in at any moment).
- I will write a minimum of 500 words per five days a week -aiming for 27,500.00 words (take a deep breath (I did) -yep this is manageable).
- Each day I will set aside a 15-30 minute editing session, before I start my writing; reworking the previous day’s works (also a ploy to get myself back into the flow of things).
This is my now amended ROW80 Goals:
- Email BETA Readers my current WIP (for feedback).
- Start outline for new project (novella/script).
- Try to write 0-500 words per day towards WIP (a reality-check was in order here –pressure taken off in order for my muse to roam freely).
- Should I feel stuck with point three I will consider how well I have done with my blog posts –as a means to stay positive –any achievements’ considered for acknowledgement right? *looks up expectantly*
- Each day I will set aside a 15-30 minute editing session, before I start my writing; reworking the previous day’s works (still a ploy to get myself back into the flow of things).
THEN (When responses come back from my lovely BETA Readers:
- I will rework the first three chapters of my WIP.
- I will start to contribute towards the above set word goal (maybe alternate with the WIPs for a bit of variety and also it’s good my muse can just tackle something different every once in a while).
Amended ROW80 Blog Schedule:
I know I said in a previous post that I would be updating you with my ROW80 goals on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and/or Saturdays. I have had a rethink and believe that is too unorganised therefore I have narrowed the days down to Wednesdays and Saturdays (it will tie-in better with the actual ROW80 check-ins; hopefully no confusions there!).
With Hindsight Comes Clarity –Well So They Say…
Why do I say that? Well, I have realised that after writing the above, I have lost my trail of thought for what I wanted to write here; so now I will share you some random thoughts –just for the sheer heck of it! Let’s see what you make of the concoction of thoughts that will fly off the page and into your mind… What you do with it is entirely up to you; bite, chomp, chew, churn, gulp, digest, stew, rip it apart, knock a nail through it, toss it in the air –or the bin, swish it, squash it –the list is endless; I suggest you enjoy the blast and then share your angst with it (if any).
- In my last post I was kindly reminded (by a few thoughtful souls –you know who you are, I will not be naming any names) that the plural for sheep is sheep and not sheeps or sheep’s as I have written…err hellooooooooooooooo guys I know that already! What do you take me for?!!! I just felt it sounded as if it was missing something therefore, I went with the overall sound quality rather than the correct spelling (pah humbug to that!). Did I not already mention I rather be an individual than follow the norm? -What’s that? Are you recollecting your thoughts back to what I wrote in that last post? Now are you quietly nodding you head in acknowledgement? Hmmmm… Well, like I said there was some rhyme and reason to why I decided to ignore the etiquette of spelling in that particular scenario (if you want to scream or shoot me or just give me a crash course in spelling and grammar –you can’t –I’m vetoing that decision –why? I’m in that kind of mood so tough!).
- I cleared the door of my fridge-freezer yesterday and found a few Chinese proverbs (don’t ask); I thought I’d share these with you (just because I can & because I find them witty and quite true).
- A sharp wit is better than a harmful weapon. (I’d love to see those in the line of fire apply wit and see if it does really abode well in all circumstances –in theory it is great but in reality…?)
- Money dishonestly acquired is never worth the cost. (I have no qualms with that –I even touch on it briefly in a poem I wrote about Life <— check it out )
- He who laughs last did not get the joke. (Lol!!!!! I have been in this predicament plenty of times –sometimes it’s true I laughed out of politeness but other times –maybe I was just a wee bit slow –now now there is no need for such comments! *sulks*)
- Finally, on a very warm day like today (the sun was out and beaming today!) we all enjoy cool drinks, which quench our thirst. With this in mind I wanted to share a favourite drink of mine that is really simple to make (you may have come across it in some shops already); it’s a well-known yoghurt drink in Turkey, it’s called Ayran. What you will need is natural yoghurt, water (bottled or tap) and a little salt for flavour. I will give guideline for one cup; you can add the ingredients to apply this for greater quantities. In a clean glass spoon in some natural yogurt (I prefer to add enough to meet half of the glass –you can add less accordingly to your tastes). Then top up with water, add salt for taste and stir the mixture until it all blends in (I guess you could mix it in a cocktail shaker so it becomes fluffy); add ice for extra coolness and then enjoy its delicious taste. It’s a good, refreshing and healthy drink with all the goodness of all those friendly bacteria’s –you know the ones that go “hello, hello, hello, hello…etc…” :D
So after all those hellos it’s time for me to say adios, taraaa, goodbye etc… –It’s time to tackle that all important ROW80 goal –wish me luck
Copyright © Ozlem Yikici 2011 & Copyright © doodllz™ 2011. All Rights Reserved.
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Thoughts and comments are encouraged as always -even if it is just a word -as all good discussions start with just one word.
Pdf document: ROW80 – Up, Up and Away!
Apologies…
Monday’s Meandering Muse: I am really sorry for not being able to send out today’s post. I have lost all enthusiasm for it (had a semi-low moment). I think I will call it a night for now and continue a fresh tomorrow. This has totally ruined my plans for ROW80 too -if I can cheer myself up before the end of the day, I will start my ROW80 goal; but right now, I am not feeling it. I am truly sorry my lovely visitors/readers.
I will hopefully post Monday’s Meandering Muse tomorrow -maybe it’s best to think of it as Tricky Tuesday’s Treachery -seeing something has tricked me out of completing the post today!
Copyright © Ozlem Yikici 2011 & Copyright © doodllz™ 2011. All Rights Reserved.
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Thoughts and comments are encouraged as always.
Relationships, Friendship & Attraction
Savvy Sunday Salutations: Welcome to another week with guest blogger Patrick Tulley; we had a great response last week (thank you for your interest). Patrick talked about Bullying, Self-Attack & Panic Attacks and toyed with the idea of how these individual elements can be linked (based on personal experiences); this week Patrick talks about Relationships, friendships & attraction and the reasons we get to interact with people. I am fascinated how people engage with one and another and always try to understand what is going on behind the scenes -so to speak; so it is no surprise I found this an interesting read.
(As always there is a pdf document at the bottom of the post for those who may find this a difficult read.)
RELATIONSHIPS, FRIENDSHIPS & ATTRACTION
An interesting conversation I had with a friend this week reminded me of a very difficult aspect of myself that I have began to surmount over recent years. That is of recognising my own qualities and weaknesses when interacting with other people, in particular with my friends and more importantly, my motives for having a relationship in the first place. Of course, the obvious reasons are for fun, sharing, intimacy and eventually love. However, there are quite a lot of historical and psychological decisions that go into choosing friends, more than I ever imagined at first. This is perhaps even truer when it comes to romantic relationships. Actually romantic relationships are probably the best and most fertile area you can explore about yourself and your choices in friends. I have talked about my time in therapy and so understanding my motives for relationships in the past has led me to having more fulfilling relationships now. I will add of course, that I still often struggle with these issues. So I am, for all intents and purposes a work in progress still.
Attraction
What attract us to others are many things of course and often seemingly complex. They can be historical reasons that stem from our childhoods, but they can also be cultural too. Lastly of course being beauty, often the strongest aphrodisiac when it comes to choosing partners, but often a feature we can apply to our friends as well. These I would argue are the three factors that tend to govern our choices of friends and partners.
Culture
So what of culture? Well of course, there are many strands within culture itself. It might be religion, politics, music, language, clothes, lifestyle, national identity, sport or any combination of these things and more. Our inclusion within any of these cultural groups is often a reason why our friends choose us above others and vice versa. So what is culture? Now here is where perhaps I go out on a limb. Partly because I understand how important culture can be for people. But please bear with me, as I attempt to apply some philosophical thinking to it. All culture is made up and imagined. Culture only exists in our minds. It is neither tangible nor real like that of an object. It is quite simply a concept as such. Now that’s not to say that culture doesn’t have a big impact on people’s lives, it clearly does. Take any football stadium throughout Europe and you will see tens of thousands of people cheering manically for their football team. All of those fans at one stage in their life had to say, ‘I support this team’, but why? Well for many of them it was possibly an accident of birth. For instance if you were born and raised in the suburb of Moss Side in Manchester you’re likely to be a Manchester City fan. However, many fans made their choice of team based on their parent’s preference. Although I was born in Ipswich in the UK, I never recall living there, as I left within 18 months of my new life. My father carried on supporting them, so when I was of age, I too would become a supporter of Ipswich Town. An unlucky choice many of you may be chuckling. In all cases with all culture, we have to make a choice about which parts we like and which parts we don’t. More often than not the prevailing culture of where we live and whom we interact with, often dictate those preferences, but many of them we choose deliberately from our own predilection. Football teams, nations, fashion style, music genres and political ideology are merely concepts and do not exist as objective reality, say like the tree in your backyard does or the sand in the desert. Although I don’t think there is anything intrinsically wrong in making friends based on these concepts. Sharing a language has a practical application, but if we share a different language by choice but also have different languages culturally, how important is that a feature for our friends or lovers? So whilst culture may have some practical aspects to them, its worthwhile remembering they are just merely constructs of the mind. Finally asking yourself, how important is the concept I have in choosing great friends.
Beauty
Now much is claimed when it comes to beauty, so I want to be brief, as much of it correlates with what I said about culture. Beauty is certainly a powerful attractant in of itself. Much of this has to do with biology and a person’s capacity to bare or rear children. Biologically we are programmed to make sure our offspring have the best chance of survival. So having a beautiful partner will mean the same for our children. Like culture though, beauty is just an accident of birth. Either you have it or you don’t. Whatever the biological benefits, which really only apply to partners themselves and not friends. Whilst I don’t want to ignore its potency, how important a factor is it, when it comes to choosing a lifelong partner and in particular friends?
History
I touched on this topic in last week’s blog; in the final paragraphs about my relationships and how my childhood experience had influenced those choices. Without repeating what I said there again. If we are not aware of the impact our childhood experience had on us, we are likely to be making poor decisions, detrimental ones even, when it come to our own relationships of all kinds. Now this may not be strictly true, since if your experience was a good one, then you will be probably making better choices. The trouble with childhood experience though, is that much of it is unconscious. Very often, the child dissociates from incidents in their lives in order to cope better with traumatic events that happen to them. There is one way you can discern whether you are ignoring that history. Ask yourself how much does ‘culture’ and ‘beauty’ influence your choices’ in friends. Whilst I agree it is not empirical, it might provide you with some useful clues as to where your choices are coming from. If either or both of them dominate your choices’, I would suggest that you are indeed ignoring your childhood history. A history that probably doesn’t bear repeating itself, either for you, but especially for your children.
Culture and beauty tend to have this ability of patching up great holes in our lives that we acquired in childhood. Having said that, I am not suggesting we should be without culture or beauty entirely. I enjoy watching an exciting football match as much as I like wearing nice clothes too. I also like to be physically attracted to my partner as well. It’s only that, if we seek our life’s ‘value’ in only these areas, we are surly missing out on friendships of great depth, warmth, intimacy and joy. There are aspects to this that I would like to discuss further another time, but for now, why not explore this area of your life. I have posted links to two great books that can help you explore your childhood past more effectively. By no means are they definitive, but they will lead you to a better and more clearer understanding of yourself. As always, best of luck.
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Copyright © Patrick Tulley 2011 – All Rights Reserved.
Thoughts and comments are encouraged as always.
Pdf document: Relationships, Friendship & Attraction
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PATRICK TULLEY: PHILOSOPHER, AMATEUR WRITER
My name is Patrick Tulley. I am primarily a philosopher and an amateur writer but also have been a painter and sculptor in the past. My background has been quite varied, as I have lived abroad on and off during my 20′s, been in a number of different professions throughout my life. More recently, I have been working as a private consultant within the public sector.
Since philosophy is my preferred interest; it is always something I rigorously apply to all my thinking and writing. Whilst I am knowledgeable about abstract philosophy, I am not particularly interested in taking that route. Philosophy is about the search for truth, it was always meant to be understandable by everyday people -this does not mean dumbing down the ideas of course. It just means I do not allow myself to get sidetracked by too many inconsequential arguments, often referred to as lifeboat scenarios. I tend towards the more Aristotelian and Socratic methods of philosophy, but I also have interests in Hume, Nietzsche and Rand. Philosophy has been a wonderful and fulfilling part of my life; it’s often been a very misunderstood subject -which I hope to discuss in future posts. I also enjoy reviewing art, literature, music and passing comments on culture, news and personal experiences that I have found both interesting and enlightening. I do not have a particular interest in politics –however; I may discuss my reasons with you sporadically throughout this blog. Overall, this is hoped to be a journal about a philosophical life. I hope you will enjoy my outlook on things and look forward to hearing your comments and thoughts along the way. I would also like to thank Ozlem for giving me this opportunity to have a voice on her blog.
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Disclaimer; whilst we (guest bloggers and I) do not set about to intentionally upset visitors to the site; I understand some of the topics discussed/raised may touch nerves. Please note I will do my utmost to screen these posts before I post them however; I do believe in freedom of speech and I would hate to limit someone because they think differently to me or have different values from mine. Therefore, I urge you to have some understanding and an open mind before jumping in and causing a scene without it being constructive. Like I said, Patrick and I do have difference of opinions and on most cases we agree to disagree but at the same time we also respect the others’ thoughts and views -after all we do live in a civilized world; with this in mind I hope we will have more cultivated and engaging discussions. One last note to all: Here on yikici I have aimed to keep posts and discussions clean; I am not a fan of words that are disrespectful and disparaging therefore, I will not condone its’ use here on yikici; I do hope you share my views on this –if not, at least can respect them.
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Thoughts and comments are encouraged as always.
Pdf document: Relationships, Friendship & Attraction
Earthquakes – How They Changed My Outlook
Saturday’s Showcase Sketches: I have a relatively busy day today (I am in the midst of rearranging rooms and creating an office/art space in the spare room -maybe this will give me reason to start painting again!) therefore, this is going to a short(ish) post. I have some good news that I also want to share before getting onto the actual post. I have been asked to contribute towards a newsletter (I will let you know which newsletter it is in a future post when the article is ready to be seen) so I am really excited about that! I also will be starting (hopefully) my ROW80 goal today so I am looking forward to that too -get ready for some Twitter #wordgoal and #wordmongering -if you have time this evening why don’t you join me too? Now back to the post, today I want to share one of my favourite paintings’ with you; albeit it is not a new piece (it was painted in the year 2000 for my Degree Show); however I feel this epitomizes my current situation in life; a change is coming…
(As always, there is a pdf document at the bottom of the post for those who may find this a difficult read.)
About the Exhibition
How do you attempt to portray what you felt when you thought you were faced with death? It’s almost impossible, words, images are rarely enough to explain what you went through, it only scratches the surface of something so deep, so emotional… Keeping this in mind, I have attempted to’re-present’ my feelings of the day of 17th August 1999. The day nature played a cruel trick on the people in Turkey, the day I realised life was precious, the day the earth shook at precisely 03:02am, the day that could have been my last… The floors were covered in red tiles that were once the roof of buildings…
Copyright © Ozlem Yikici 2000 & Copyright © doodllz™ 2000. All Rights Reserved.
Öζιξμ
Exhibited 2000 -as part of my Degree Show at University College Chichester
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This is just a taster of the exhibition; when I have a bit more time I will exhibit the whole exhibition here I will include detailed thoughts on what I wanted to portray. In the meantime, I will leave you with this thought; earthquakes are scary occurrences’ but also a part of the world we live in, the exhibition I presented was not focusing on the despair of the natural disaster but a message of hope. I wonder if you can guess how I incorporated hope into the sadness of such a ferocious activity. I would love to hear from you. As you already know, thoughts and comments are encouraged as always -even if it is just a word -as all good discussions start with just one word.
Copyright © Ozlem Yikici 2011 & Copyright © doodllz™ 2011. All Rights Reserved.
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Thoughts and comments are encouraged as always.
Pdf document: Earthquakes – How They Changed My Outlook
My New Goal: ROW80 -What’s it all About? (Updated)
Thursday’s Topical Tête-à-Tête: I had another idea for today’s post; something-meaty to discuss (copyright), unfortunately I have been feeling a little poorly therefore I have decided to talk about my personal writing goal instead. I have just set it today; in effect, it is my own topical tête- à -tête –however, I sense there are a few writers out there who may also share my enthusiasm. So what is it I hear you ask. Well…I found out about this challenge via Sonia G. Medeiros‘ blog. It piqued my interest so now I am taking part in ROW80 (Round of Words in 80 Days)! It’s a personal challenge (yep I know, another challenge -but it’s of a different kind) this is for writers to stay motivated and reach their writing goals (and boy do I need one of those!). All who takes part actively shares their progress and encourages fellow writers to keep to their goals. Wow! Wow! Wow! This is something definitely worth taking part in! Essentially, the aim is to set manageable goals for yourself for the next 80 days. For more in-depth details check out the ROW80 website.
(As always there is a pdf document at the bottom of the post for those who may find this a difficult read.)
Image sourced from: http://aroundofwordsin80days.wordpress.com
For this little project (that’s what I’ll call it) I will start working on my current work-in-progress (current word count is 9856). I stopped working on it for a little while (due to commitments to the blog and also a wee bit of loss-of-enthusiasm), I mentioned this in a post I wrote a while back here I speak about how I had solved the issue of inconsistent history in my very first chapter! Needless to say, I lost heart and found salvage in my blog posts (even though I had worked out the problem!). I think amending chapters one, two and three freaked me out somewhat -yes a case of eak and double Eak! Now it is time to rise to the challenge set -I can do this -I really really can do this, I really really REALLY CAN do this! (Where’s the encouragement people?!!!) I take a brave step and an oath… I solemnly swear…etc…
Here are my writing goals (these may change/vary as I continue on with my life; if it does, I will let you know):
- I will rework the first three chapters (oooer feeling panicky already -guys step in at any moment).
- I will write a minimum of 500 words per five days a week -aiming for 28,000 words (take a deep breath (I did) -yep this is manageable).
- Each day I will set aside a 15-30 minute editing session, before I start my writing; reworking the previous day’s works (also a ploy to get myself back into the flow of things).
I have a busy two days ahead (Thursday and Friday) so I plan to start ROW80 (the project) on Saturday 9th July 2011. Please feel free to keep the motivation going -I plan to seek motivation on Twitter via #writegoal, #wordmongering and my fave #MyWANA! Join me! Oh and if you are a writer and want to take part, join us! It will be a lot of fun and the accomplishment will be just GREAT!
UPDATE:
I believe I did not think things through properly; what with all the switching rooms (see details here); I really do not have enough time to sit down and work on my WIP. I have managed to make sense of my (now) bedroom and today (Sunday 10th July 2011) I aim to put some order to my new office/art space so I am not sure if I will be working on my WIP (if I do, I will be letting you all know on Twitter via #writegoal, #wordmongering and #MyWANA). Therefore, I think I should issue a new start date: Monday 11th July 2011 (I love the number 11 so I think that is a good omen); keep an eye out for my updates, I aim to post them through one of the following days: Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays or Saturdays (depending how I feel). That is it for now; I will be back with my muse on Monday. Have a fab weekend!
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Copyright © Ozlem Yikici 2011 & Copyright © doodllz™ 2011. All Rights Reserved.
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If you want to share your thoughts; by all means do so: As I always say ‘all good discussions start with just one word‘.
Pdf. document: My New Goal – ROW80 -What’s it all About
Pdf. document: My New Goal – ROW80 -What’s it all About (Update)
Are We Individuals or Are We Sheep’s?
Wishful Wednesday Wanderings (one-off theme for days like today):
Following my apology on Monday, I wanted to also apologise for not showing up at all yesterday (I planned to post Monday’s article as part of Tricky Tuesday’s Treachery (another one-off theme)). Unfortunately, my low moment hindered my plans -these moments can hit you in the middle of nowhere and can last longer than you really care for.
I am still not 100% (I’ve had 2-3 mini-panic attacks these past 3 days; my motto is still as I said in my previous article). I am determined to at least write something today -be it my blog post article, my WIP to meet my ROW80 goal, a flash fiction piece or even a follow-up storyline for Our Story Begins over at DiRosaYikici (or a combination of the above). Any success stories to be heard will be shared on Friday (hopefully) as part of Frivolous Fun Friday. Before I continue with the article I planned for Monday; I want to say a HUGE thank you all for the lovely comments and warm encouragements. I really appreciate every single one of them (I will do my best to respond to all as soon as I can); you cannot guess how much your positivity and empathy has helped during these tough two days. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Just a quick note: The below article is a continuation from Monday -which means I have not changed any part of it; I will just continue from where I stopped writing it (that will be from: ‘I was truly amazed.’); I hope you all enjoy the read despite its delay. Oh and before I forget –yep the bookshelf is assembled and adorned with all my books/files and random stuff that was eating into my space!).
(As always there is a pdf document at the bottom of the post for those who may find this a difficult read.)
The long awaited:
Monday’s Meandering Muse:
All this changing of rooms and creating space for my office/art space has limited my time and hence why I am now sitting amongst piles of books and files awaiting the delivery of a bookshelf which I hope will ‘magically’ bring a calm to the current chaotic space. This disarray does not help me think clearly or indeed make me feel if I am on time…right now I feel like I am running behind schedule with the blog -oooer! My only solace is that you are all very understanding of my predicament *looks ups with a marvellous/timid grin* -you are right?
Of course, you are -that is what I love about all you lovely visitors/readers of my humble blog! 
Ok, now let’s get focused and see what my muse wants to discuss today… Oh and by the way, if there is a topic you would like me to look into and explore in my own yikici-kind-of-way then please feel free to leave a suggestion in the comment box below or for those of you who are a wee bit shy drop me a line via my contact page.
ARE WE INDIVIDUALS OR ARE WE SHEEP’S?
Image sourced from: http://cache2.allpostersimages.com
I have heard this (and or similar) terminologies throughout my life and it always made me ponder how much individuals we are as opposed to being a sheep. I even recollect a very vivid memory from my childhood, which visualises this whole idea to another level; maybe this is why it has stayed in my minds-eye throughout the years.
I must have been in my early-mid teens (or maybe even younger; I cannot quite remember); as part of our family holiday (which incidentally was always a trip to Turkey) we visited family in Tokat –a region in the Northern part of Turkey. There I was gazing out of the window, which was looking out to the main street where a river (or maybe it was a stream) was gushing through it (not freely flowing onto the roads silly! It was below the roads surface, barricaded with walls and a bridge was available so people/animals/and all forms of transport could cross over it). Whilst marvelling at this sight and wondering the dangerousness of the rapid flow of water, I spied a shepherd with his flock of sheep moving along towards the bridge.
I hear you say that there is nothing fascinating about that; bear with me, there is more…
When they reached the bridge, the sheep, scared by the sound of the water I assumed, refused to cross over; the shepherd tried many tactics –one of which worked. He held one of the sheep by its two front legs and gently pulled him/her across the bridge so he/she sheep-stepped over the bridge. At this stage; I’m with you here -I was thinking ‘what is he doing!’ Then something amazing happened and in turn, that occurrence gave me the epiphany that was to stay with me throughout my lifetime. The remaining sheep started to follow the shepherd and the poor (two-legged) sheep –they all crossed the bridge; blindly following the semi-captive sheep up-front with the shepherd.
Soooo that’s where the terminology ‘sheep’ comes from.
I was truly amazed. To think all it took to sway the remaining sheep to cross the bridge, against their better judgement, was to hold ransom one of their kind and then et voila! I guess the term ‘lead by example’ also takes an interesting form when thinking of it in this context. Are you really leading by example or are you forced to do so?
Let us think some more… Hands up those of you who have been in the following situations:
Did you raise your hands? I have for all four scenarios (in the past when I was younger). I remember once writing a poem for a poetry module at university; the tutor insisted I separate my poem into two; convincing me, it would be a better read and more evocative (well according to her). I refused (I did) and I guess my artistic temperament took centre-stage at that point –I submitted it as one piece; my argument, the two themes were a necessity for each other. Was it a sound judgement call? I believe so –despite being marked down for my refusal to conform to the tutors ideal; I felt good for standing up for my belief in my work and my vision –that was the day I became aware of my individuality and realised a difference of an opinion should not deter you from speaking up.
Guidelines are great; but these should not force you to carry out tasks/create works of art/novels in a style that has worked for others –why must we copy others? Why follow in their footsteps when we are all unique in our own little way? We have been born into this world; created as individuals –all with our own unique DNA (our fingerprints are good examples of how individual we all are physically; is this not a good indication for what also is within us spiritually?). –I know this is a vast topic we can get lost in; but for now let us just think of our place in life; are we individuals or are we sheep’s?
Copyright © Ozlem Yikici 2011 & Copyright © doodllz™ 2011. All Rights Reserved.
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As you already know, thoughts and comments are encouraged as always -even if it is just a word -as all good discussions start with just one word.
Pdf document: Are We Individuals or Are We Sheeps