Thursday, May 3, 2012

Fresh Meat




We
and I say this loosely
who start anew
later in life
like in our 50’s
realize the ramifications
of our actions
but we proceed into deep space anyway.
We press on with resolve and courage
because we know
that time
keeps running ahead
and the best that we can do is
try to keep up.
Call me
fearless
and something other than normal.

I just need
to go over the hurdles
a little slower
and every once in awhile
I enjoy
a good swift kick
to get me started
because the doubters
bring big suitcases
build shells
then like to tuck them
into deep niches and hang out
demanding telescopes and mirrors
with plenty of extra batteries
to focus beyond the present
into the blacker than black void
to ping in mathematical sequences
and then to listen
with a bit of trepidation
for some sign of intelligence and wit
so they can  share
the miracle of
a verse
or some meaty prose
with their friends. 

Not forgetting  the remnant
who exist in the outer reaches of space and time
who are voracious  for new material.
who act as if they have not heard a good story
in eons.

The ancient ones
who have endured
for centuries
like birds of prey
on dry carrion
who will continue to exist
long after
our dusty bones
lie frozen
on a cold dead planet
hurtling through space.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

A Night with W.S. Merwin, Poet Laureate of the United States 2010-11, at Kennedy Theater






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Letters to a Prisoner-Interview

Letters to a Prisoner by Connie D.- Self-Help/ Recovery

Letters to a Prisoner is required reading at Habilitat-the place of change. It won an Honorable Mention in Poetry at, The 2011 New York Book Festival. An earlier unpublished version, that contained excerpts from, Blue Print For Progress, Al-Anon's Fourth Step Inventory, was approved by Al-Anon. 

Connie D. shares her thoughts on addiction and why it is SO IMPORTANT for other parents to read her book! What are YOU waiting for—get your copy now!https://www.createspace.com/3512628

(Letters to a Prisoner by Connie D. is also available for download on Apple, Nook, Smashwords and Amazon.com.)

Monday, February 20, 2012

Powerful Words – Opening Doors is a Poetry Slam Dunk!




Prepare to be inspired, aroused and LOL!  

Powerful Words – Opening Doors is a Poetry Slam Dunk!

The production begins with a skit in the tradition of Saturday Night Live.  Add in six Author interviews sprinkled throughout, fourteen brilliant performances and we are LIVE, HAWAII!  
This time, I‘ve invited my friends, who have powerful and passionate things to say, that have overcome obstacles and opened a few doors of their own. Women who ROCK!  
Heavyweights like my  friend,  Kumu Hula, Anita `Ilima Kauka Stern who has has agreed once again to bless and  open the Pen Woman conference at Punahou this March. My old friend, Kathryn Waddell Takara, a highly accomplished author and retired UH professor, who has a distinctive voice and style and my new Pen Woman friend, Marcia Zina Mager, who does an inspiring RAP that you just have to hear!  Another of my W.C.C. Writing Retreat friends, Peggy Baxter Barnhardt, joins us to share about being a slam judge and her thoughts on the homeless situation and Marilyn Maya Mendoza, an author of a memoir, who I shared the podium with at the Kapolei Public Library who suffers from panic attacks.   She fills us in on a thing or two about mental illness.  
It is my distinct pleasure to introduce the Habilitat Resident Poets.  Deven R., Logovae A., Sarah S., Kalani M., Sherlyn A., Shawn H., and our sketch artist,  Kahoku.  A big thank you to my Artist friend, Jenee Wonderlich for the sketch stand.  Thank you to Caroline D. and Natalie G. for appearing in the opening skit and for my eloquent introduction.  
Thank you to my son, Jason DeDona, and my husband, Capt. Tommy DeDona,  who contributed their talents to construct and paint our set.  
Special thanks to Jeffrey V.  Nash, Habilitat’s Facility Director and our Olelo producer, whose creative talents worked overtime to film, refilm, edit and leave very little on the virtual cutting room floor. I couldn’t have done it without you!
In conclusion I’d like to quote a verse from the Nickelback hit song, ~ When We Stand Together -- That’s When We All WIN!!   I love the lyrics in this song!
Powerful Words--Opening Doors: Slam Poetry at Habilitat Hawaii

Coming Soon to Olelo—Stay Tuned!

Words are the keys that unlock the healing power within each of us. 
Authors, Slam Poets, Poets and Habilitat Resident Poets and Artists join together to
inspire a healing connection through the power of the Spoken Word. 
Get inspired and plug in to your power. 

In Order of Appearance:
Cornelia "CONNIE D." DeDona http://www.corneliadedona.com      
Kumu Hula, Anita `Ilima Kauka Stern http://insightmedia.us/alohablessings/index.html

Marilyn Maya Mendoza http://fromagoraphobiatozen.wordpress.com    
“I am honored to have been part of such a powerful program. I hope you all watch this and enjoy the talent of the young residents as well as the invited guests. We gave our all. aloha!”

Peggy Baxter-Barnhardt
 http://bookstore.xlibris.com/Products/SKU-0036785017/default.aspx

Marcia Zina Mager http://www.marcia-zina-mager.com  

Dr. Kathryn Waddell Takara http://www.kathrynwaddelltakara.com      “I just want to say cheers to your efforts, organizational skills, successful networking in bringing together such a wonderful diversity of voices, and an altogether successful evening at Habilitat. The video tells it all. Thank you so much for making it happen and including me, and all done in such a creative and memorable way.”
Habilitat Hawaii is a long term residential treatment center. Contact Habilitat at 1-800-872-2525 or go online at:  http://www.habilitat.com

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