Mutations have occurred in Chernobyl restricted area. Frogs once free now black with more melatonin to protect them from sunlight exposure. Genetic inbreeding mutations can cause genetic changes. Pink is new color of albinos. Wear sunscreen.
Both of these stories rings the sternum, but none so much as Pink. To be confused about one's gender at such a tender age rings true. That "other" inside one's body will pester a person for as long as they live. And yet I wonder, if the person actually goes through the grueling process of that change, will the discarded gender cry out at the injustice of being aborted before proving itself? Is it possible to live as two at once?
I don't know, but we had rough teen years too with big issues. We just didn't have the 24/7 social media to feed our angst. And to my knowledge, which is scant, suicide has become the go-to remedy for whatever's ailing people. Too much money, though, is being made from users of social media to make the tech lords keep it from the kids. The kids are the biggest market. And parents are too busy to monitor and grandparents are too distant to lend a hand as they had in the past.
Children and teens actually sleep with their phones and check it several times at night, afraid they will miss something. It affects both their mental and physical health. Parents know but do nothing about it.
I think, when we are young, it takes a very few people, or events, good or bad, to influence the way we go through life. How we manage after that is on us.
I believe that, too. Example: two children are raised in the same family of alcoholics. As they grow, one decides “ I am never going to live like this when I grow up.’ The other becomes an alcoholic. OR Four children grow up with abuse and squalor. Three become responsible, educated adults. One ends up in prison. Personal commitment, personal motivation can break the chain.
Powerful - I have been thinking lately about adding audio alongside my work. There is much more rhythm and lyricism here than I would have added, reading in my own internal voice, that's the beauty of performance I guess.
I am still not sure about adding voice overs. On one hand we can pause where we think a pause is called for, emphasize specific words, add a layer of intonation or attitude. On the other hand, it seems to "close" or solidify the writer's message, whereas, if a readers hears their own voice reading in their own heads, they may discover a completely different / more personal meaning. I am still experimenting with vo and with selected music. I may leave it behind.
I totally agree, it’s good to experiment. I’ve been thinking lately it might be good for me to practice a little “performance”, especially for my poetry, in case I ever decide to attempt a reading. For longer form stuff, I know the utility of audio, as I find it very hard in the day to read as much as I would like, and audio really allows me to consume some longer stories that I just wouldn’t have gotten to otherwise. I’ve seen some guys go “full YouTube” but I don’t think that would ever be me!
I can't bear the idea of children being neglected or abused. It enrages me. And yet, if children are overly-protected by their parents, they may not be prepared for the real world that awaits them. I was a teacher and always felt, for example, parents who insisted their children go to all-white, mono-cultural schools were doing them such a disservice. How does that prepare them for a multi-cultural society, a multicultural workplace? Where will they learn to understand and respect others? ( Sorry... I got off on a little soapbox. And I have been retired for 100 years....)
That’s a bullet my kids ducked. Born in Africa and living in a former Soviet republic where they learned a couple of extra languages quickly, but it’s not a solution for everyone.
No, keep standing on the soapbox. I’ll stand there with you.
Sharron, two incredibly powerful pieces of writing - just wow! The voiceover is PERFECT - your spoken words brought me goosepimples, prickly tears and plenty of food for thought. x
Thank you, sweet girl. I am working on a new Raymond story. I need a bit of silliness. I hope your health issues are abating. I am waiting to hear that you are on the mend.
That's the thing. Though, I myself can remember the exact moment at age 11 when I told myself, " When I am big, I am not going to live like this." That conscious moment of recognition of personal power. It took me another ten years to get there.
Pink places a color bar code x x y or x y y.
Split genes 🧬.
Evolution unfolds right before our eyes.
Indeed it does.
Mutations have occurred in Chernobyl restricted area. Frogs once free now black with more melatonin to protect them from sunlight exposure. Genetic inbreeding mutations can cause genetic changes. Pink is new color of albinos. Wear sunscreen.
Pink is the new color of albinos? I will have to read about that…?
Hard enough being 16.
I remember it well…. all those hormones raging through our skinny, needy, confused bodies. Hearts broken so easily.
Both of these stories rings the sternum, but none so much as Pink. To be confused about one's gender at such a tender age rings true. That "other" inside one's body will pester a person for as long as they live. And yet I wonder, if the person actually goes through the grueling process of that change, will the discarded gender cry out at the injustice of being aborted before proving itself? Is it possible to live as two at once?
Beautifully expressed, Sue. I don’t have the answer, but I sure do empathize. As if just being a teenager was not hard enough…
... and I think gender is one of the obstacles teens trip over during that time. It a bad time to make life-changing (literally) decisions.
I agree, still, they are so miserable - to the point of suicidal.. What's to be done?
I don't know, but we had rough teen years too with big issues. We just didn't have the 24/7 social media to feed our angst. And to my knowledge, which is scant, suicide has become the go-to remedy for whatever's ailing people. Too much money, though, is being made from users of social media to make the tech lords keep it from the kids. The kids are the biggest market. And parents are too busy to monitor and grandparents are too distant to lend a hand as they had in the past.
Children and teens actually sleep with their phones and check it several times at night, afraid they will miss something. It affects both their mental and physical health. Parents know but do nothing about it.
And there's the key.
Keep putting out acceptances without judgement and see if anyone is paying attention? Maybe.
I think, when we are young, it takes a very few people, or events, good or bad, to influence the way we go through life. How we manage after that is on us.
I believe that, too. Example: two children are raised in the same family of alcoholics. As they grow, one decides “ I am never going to live like this when I grow up.’ The other becomes an alcoholic. OR Four children grow up with abuse and squalor. Three become responsible, educated adults. One ends up in prison. Personal commitment, personal motivation can break the chain.
My goodness, Sharron. Both stories are incredibly hard-hitting. Powerful work, my friend. Thank you for the nod, as well!
Thank. you, Justin. I love your prompts.
Powerful - I have been thinking lately about adding audio alongside my work. There is much more rhythm and lyricism here than I would have added, reading in my own internal voice, that's the beauty of performance I guess.
I am still not sure about adding voice overs. On one hand we can pause where we think a pause is called for, emphasize specific words, add a layer of intonation or attitude. On the other hand, it seems to "close" or solidify the writer's message, whereas, if a readers hears their own voice reading in their own heads, they may discover a completely different / more personal meaning. I am still experimenting with vo and with selected music. I may leave it behind.
I totally agree, it’s good to experiment. I’ve been thinking lately it might be good for me to practice a little “performance”, especially for my poetry, in case I ever decide to attempt a reading. For longer form stuff, I know the utility of audio, as I find it very hard in the day to read as much as I would like, and audio really allows me to consume some longer stories that I just wouldn’t have gotten to otherwise. I’ve seen some guys go “full YouTube” but I don’t think that would ever be me!
Gratitude is a tough one. It needs to said, though.
I can't bear the idea of children being neglected or abused. It enrages me. And yet, if children are overly-protected by their parents, they may not be prepared for the real world that awaits them. I was a teacher and always felt, for example, parents who insisted their children go to all-white, mono-cultural schools were doing them such a disservice. How does that prepare them for a multi-cultural society, a multicultural workplace? Where will they learn to understand and respect others? ( Sorry... I got off on a little soapbox. And I have been retired for 100 years....)
That’s a bullet my kids ducked. Born in Africa and living in a former Soviet republic where they learned a couple of extra languages quickly, but it’s not a solution for everyone.
No, keep standing on the soapbox. I’ll stand there with you.
Sharron, two incredibly powerful pieces of writing - just wow! The voiceover is PERFECT - your spoken words brought me goosepimples, prickly tears and plenty of food for thought. x
Thank you, sweet girl. I am working on a new Raymond story. I need a bit of silliness. I hope your health issues are abating. I am waiting to hear that you are on the mend.
I always love to hear what Raymond has to say!
All is well. It’s just that I get so tired whenever I DO anything…..! You’re so kind. It will pass, I’m sure, as these things always do. x
Yes, gratitude for the good and the bad, for in the long run, we don't know which it will be.
That's the thing. Though, I myself can remember the exact moment at age 11 when I told myself, " When I am big, I am not going to live like this." That conscious moment of recognition of personal power. It took me another ten years to get there.
Using that experience to live a better life is extraordinary, Sharron.
I was one of the lucky ones. My wonky childhood turned me into an over-achiever rather than a victim.
Yes, gratitude for it all. It takes a different span of time to recognise some of those things we can also afford to be thankful for.
My gratitude for you putting these out overflows its bucket!
I enjoy so much your openness and learnings.
Thanks so much , sweetheart.
Powerful, Sharron. Economy of words for strong messages.
Thank you, Nathan. I look forward to your next post.
My wife often tells me that not all girls like pink.