Tuesday, September 24, 2013

A Meddler’s Fate


They placed them there

in two pretty boxes

high on a shelf

one for him

and one for her

their bones still warm

they set them there.

 

And when the mood arose

 

they took them down

and MADE them

to clown around

reminding them again

of their place

on the ground.

 

Once fearful

they slapped down some coin

and purchased two locks and two tiny keys

and drilled two patterns with such great  care

pronounced once more to the poor trapped pair

that they wouldn’t grow much

way up there

Or get too wild

with so little air

permanently sealed

in their chronic despair.

 

Then continued to feed them

little white lies

an earful each day

lest they surmise

that the dark chocolate trifle

rich with their scorn

had been their folly

kept them forlorn

and so they mocked them

year after year

convinced and comfortably

locked, in their fear.

 

AND when the season came…as they do

they did not see it…

 blinded by the light

of their precious trapped two

who wisely knew

the infamous route

having plotted and planned

and grown their way out

one of them skinny

the other one, stout.

 

Two boxes remain

hallowed and high

on a dusty shelf

touching the sky

with two small

locks and two small keys

tarnished and swinging,

from one of their trees.


© 9-24-13

Cornelia DeDona

Sunday, September 1, 2013

Requiem for a Star

Yesterday we remembered and honored Dad.


Requiem for a Star

He died, just short of his 80th Birthday

survived by Mom, their three daughters, three son-in-laws, four grandchildren and one great grandson

so we stand here today in his garden

to pay our last respects

and to remember

the funny,

I’ll finish it tomorrow

lovable despot, that we called Dad.

 

He used to tell me

“Don’t touch me, I’m a star”

and I believed him.

I aimed high

and I followed my star to Hawaii

where I raised a family and flourished.

He expected great things

from his offspring

and we produced, as good offspring do.

And I oft times wondered if it was enough

I think it was, because Mom tells me so!

 

So we gather to remember the good

to heal, to reconcile the past.

We gather to laugh, shake our heads

to raise our glasses

and toast

the loose boards

hanging wires

half driven nails

and let us not forget

the bamboo, the sumac, and the poison ivy

because in spite of it all

he stayed long enough to

know, love and praise his four precious grandchildren

Jason, Kenny, Taylor and Lauren and great grandson, Chad

indeed, he loved us all.

 

Dear old Dad

a happy-go-lucky sort

rich in aspiration

and poor everyplace else.

A tyrant

with a dream of restoring a drafty old summer house

without running water

nestled on a hill between a rock pile

and a wild jungle of vines and sticker bushes

a house that sucked up money

like a good HEPA vacuum, leaving us just enough to get by

 

He had envisioned a sparkling jewel

and she stands to this day

an earthy un-pinned floozy.

a small poorly lit home

where he and Mom raised

their three sparkling fashionistas

each one of us

a strong-minded finisher

despite

Dad’s shining example.

 

Mom, Angie and Chrissy

brilliant, polished and uncut

and me

chasing stars

cherishing faint memories

of an iron-willed father

too hot for mere mortals

flawed but sweet

a man

whose light still shines in the garage

because like its creator

there is no off-switch

a man

resolute and irreverent

who never kowtowed to the crowd of popular opinion

an imperfect German perfectionist born in the free city of Danzig

a master electrician, a craftsman, and a ham-radio man

who shocked us with his frayed wires, his genius

hot-wiring his way into our hearts and minds

an enthusiastic family man with hopes and dreams

who touched us with his light

and left much too soon.

A man whose legacy includes

a bushel of antenna wire

three Bic lighters

and a nude statue of EVE

causing me to

rise each day before the dawn

gaze up at the sky

and to wonder

which star

might be his.

Sunday, June 30, 2013

Home



HOME

I round the last bend
and embrace the sweet scent of belonging, 
inside a house that I grew up in 
weathered, drafty and cold 
but firmly tied with a comforting ribbon of warm hearts and helping hands.
One hundred years and still standing beneath the birch, maple, and pine
encircled by a flecked emerald carpet
shining like a precious gem
surpassing the test of time and space.

And the journey apart 
melts before me
like morning dew
reviving the earth, the two red rose buds outside the kitchen window
my bliss. 

The bees, bamboo and the poison ivy
wrestle constantly
to block my path, change my mood
challenge me to ignore the Why’s, the uncompromising past. 

As I steady myself to run up and over the last hill
musing over humid nights in Hawaii
trapped inside a filthy haze
of never enough
should have and might have been.

I clench my teeth and smile 
knowing the fleeting nature of memory
that now and tomorrow remain impermanent
confident as I sprint the final stretch, smother the ache
brood over the cost
As I reach the finish line and know
I am home. 



Sunday, March 17, 2013

Kealoha Slam Poetry with Connie D at Habilitat Hawaii

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQfXXntUlRM

Written, hosted, performed and co-produced by Connie D. Also starring: Habilitat Residents, Sarah S. Ocie G., Mark B. and Shannon N. and featuring Special Guests, Marcia Zina Mager and  Kealoha, Hawaii's First Poet Laureate.

Navigating Change: Making A Difference: is a call to

 Save our Planet's Coral Reefs.

Be A Good Neighbor and Do Your Part

10 Easy Steps to Help Protect Coral Reefs

Do you want to make a difference every day? Want to learn about simple, effective actions you can take to help save coral reefs and the fish, animals, and plants that depend on them? You've come to the right place!
1.    Conserve water: The less water you use, the less runoff and wastewater will pollute our oceans.
2.    Help reduce pollution: Walk, bike or ride the bus. Fossil fuel emissions from cars and industry raise lead to ocean warming which causes mass-bleaching of corals and can lead to widespread destruction of reefs.
3.    Use only ecological or organic fertilizers: Although you may live thousands of miles from a coral reef ecosystem, these products flow into the water system, pollute the ocean, and can harm coral reefs and marine life.
4.    Dispose of your trash properly: Don't leave unwanted fishing lines or nets in the water or on the beach. Any kind of litter pollutes the water and can harm the reef and the fish.
5.    Support reef-friendly businesses: Ask the fishing, boating, hotel, aquarium, dive or snorkeling operators how they protect the reef. Be sure they care for the living reef ecosystem and ask if the organization responsible is part of a coral reef ecosystem management effort.
6.    Plant a tree: Trees reduce runoff into the oceans. You will also contribute to reversing the warming of our planet and the rising temperatures of our oceans. Help us Plant a Billion.
7.    Practice safe and responsible diving and snorkeling: Do not touch the reef or anchor your boat on the reef. Contact with the coral will damage the delicate coral animals, and anchoring on the reef can kill it, so look for sandy bottom or use moorings if available.
8.    Volunteer for a coral reef cleanup: You don't live near a coral reef? Then do what many people do with their vacation: visit a coral reef. Spend an afternoon enjoying the beauty of one of the most diverse ecosystems on the Earth.
9.    Contact your government representatives: Demand they take action to protect coral reefs, stop sewage pollution of our oceans, expand marine protected areas and take steps to reverse global warming.
10. Spread the word: Remember your own excitement at learning how important the planet's coral reefs are to us and the intricate global ecosystem. Share this excitement and encourage others to get involved.


For more info or to make a donation: contact your local Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy of Hawai'i
923 Nu`uanu Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96817
Phone:  (808) 537-4508
Fax: (808) 545-2019
E-mail: hawaii@tnc.org

Thursday, February 7, 2013

How To Promote Your Book ANYWHERE


SO you've got a WINNING Title and subtitle for your book, what’s next?
(YOU'RE NOT SURE? Read next week’s post to find out the formula)

How To Promote Your Book 

On Amazon


1.   Ensure you are categorized in super niche categories. (Where is your target audience?)


2 .   Conduct your Amazon “Book Buying” campaign during a 24-48 hour period.   (Pre-market your book)


3. Create a BOOK LAUNCH TEAM.

 (other bloggers in your network, including community leaders, people with lists and tribes, that will HELP YOU promote your book.)

4     Organize bulk book purchases from associations and professional organizations.

5     Utilize Amazon TOOLS: Amazon Create Space, Author Central, Author’s Rank, and Kindle.


To See MORE: "Bestseller in a Weekend" 
http://youtu.be/xbZXET3oxjM

Saturday, February 2, 2013

The Hound Dog


I’ll never forget that snowy winter morning when I was ten. At seven a.m.,  it was still dark, and frosty outside, my Dad would crack the upstairs hall window and stand there smoking his Kent cigarette staring into the blackness, waiting for the dawn.

His deep, throaty Guten Morgen Cornelia, exhale matched mine as I echoed my answer,
Morning Dad, close that window, its freezing I can see my breath!!  Mom tell him to close the window, we are ALL going to get sick!

KURT, Connie, Angie come look; Mom screeched from the Kitchen; I just saw the hound dog!

I beat them into the kitchen  as Mom continued to wave towards the window, as her eyes grew wider. She was so excited, I thought she would burst.

What, I countered?

The Hound Dog, the HOUND DOG!

Okay Mom, back up. What hound dog? The neighbor’s dog? What dog?
She shook her head emphatically and said
The Hound DOG has no shadow! 
That means Spring is coming early this year.

OHHH!

Thursday, January 31, 2013

Navigating Change: Making A Difference!

Kealoha Poetry Slam-134Kealoha Poetry Slam-133Kealoha Poetry Slam-128Kealoha Poetry Slam-122Kealoha Poetry Slam-120 (1)Kealoha Poetry Slam-113
Kealoha Poetry Slam-112Kealoha Poetry Slam-100Kealoha Poetry Slam-89Kealoha Poetry Slam-40Kealoha Poetry Slam-31Kealoha Poetry Slam-27
Kealoha Poetry Slam-23Kealoha Poetry Slam-22Kealoha Poetry Slam-19Kealoha Poetry Slam-16Kealoha Poetry Slam-9Kealoha Poetry Slam-8 (2)
These 16 pictures are courtesy of Habilitat!
An Evening of Poetry at Habilitat, with special guests Kealoha, the first Poet Laureate of Hawaii, myself Connie D. and Fellow Pen Woman, Marcia Zina Mager

A Special Thank you to Habilitat Poets
Sarah S.
Ocie G.
Shannon N.
Mark B.
Krystal A. for the ART

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Seeking Employment



Mature woman with skills in office management, publishing, editing and bookkeeping seeks position as an Assistant. Hard worker, excellent people skills, willing to learn.
Mature? as in 50+-- Fat Chance!

Like THAT’S Going TO HAPPEN!
So what’s a mature woman to do?
Become an Expert, that’s what!

So I need your Help—I need you to tell me what problems you are having, navigating the internet?
The other day I got an email from Joanne Z. she wanted me to take her off my Google + email list because frankly she was getting too much stuff from me, stuff she didn’t want or have time to read. So how can you gracefully un-friend a friend on the internet?
I have GOOGLE+ and if I add you to my circles as a friend or an acquaintance and you add me back and I am  sending out way too many updates, what can you do to get rid of those updates? Besides spending all of your time hitting the delete button?

I still like you; I just don’t want all of your updates. 

Well, you can check out my blog from time to time, if you want to catch up AND you can simply hover over that green box next to the email and un-check the friend box in your g-mail account. That’s on the far right next to the email message. It will be highlighted in green. What if you don’t have g-mail? If you don’t have g-mail, you can still ask your friend to un-check you from their circles, after all what are friends for? 

Send me your Questions!

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Letters to a Prisoner by Connie D. is available at your local Library Hawaii. Order your copy today!

Because the Earth Without ART is just "EH"





Sunday, December 30, 2012

Because The EARTH without ART is just "EH"


**This poem was inspired by a T-shirt design—I bought the shirt! I am also trying to convince certain people of the importance of POETRY!

Because The EARTH without ART is just "EH".

They say that ART will weigh heavy on their plate
that they have to scale back, that ART will have to wait
Maybe things will change, sometime down the pike
Maybe HELL will freeze or just go take a hike
The World without a poem is gonna suck BIG TIME
ADMIT IT can you FACE, this world without a Rhyme?
So listen Mister please, have a little HEART
And contemplate my drift let’s SAVE a place for ART
COS if you take the ART out of E A R T H
All that’s left are two letters; all that’s left is “EH”.
They want to get to basics
they still don’t know the way
they think that Aristotle
and Plato played with clay
but the world without their thinking
without their ART is “EH”.
They think that Science rules
that RELIGION will save the day
that man can live on mere hard work
but that is not HIS way
For MAN is only human
and needs to chill and play.
And people let us face it
without ART The Earth is just “EH”.
So let us break it down
and investigate today
finding new solutions
for our external fray
and promote this dialogue
vs. placing limits on the ARTS, OKAY?
They say that ART is an ACT
for people on the fringe
retards, creeps, and losers
waiting to unhinge
BUT we are not the nihilists
on the periphery
We are not IN SEASON
or Zombie meat delivery.
Understand!
LANGUAGE IS AN ART
it must be understood and not taken for granted
giving us not only a love of WORDS, but a love of LOGIC
to frame the argument
add up our influence
to lessen  events beyond our control
to translate the sea of language in which our minds swim
To plug into our power
 our humanity
into what separates us from the APES.
our evolution throughout the Ages
to be the conscience
make intelligent choices
to define our place IN  nature not APART from it
NATURE—THE GREATEST SOCIAL NETWORK
To carry out the critical thinking required
to deal with planetary issues like global warming
ocean acidity, invasive species and  white coral disease
to discuss our addiction
to plastic, fossil fuel, and waste
We need to emerge as the
authentic heroes and heroines
of our OWN HUMAN STORY.
Our language must go on!
WE MUST CONTINUE to create, educate, and relate
BECAUSE The EARTH without ART is just “EH”.



Sunday, December 23, 2012

Reblogged from Online Education.Net

Fantastic Plastic

Posted on December 17, 2012
In today's consumer world, plastic is everywhere—from plentiful stores of bottled water to disposable plasticware to the containers that hold our store-bought food. It seems like you can't go out shopping without running into a good deal of plastic. And while this material is strong, reliable, and undoubtedly useful, we also may have way too much of the stuff that isn't being reused. Recycling plastic uses much less energy than creating new plastic, and it conserves our valuable resources. Despite this, however, only about a third of our material that could be recycled actually is. Among younger generations, the problem of our overconsumption of plastic has been prevalent for as long as some can remember, and yet little has changed or progressed in alleviating the problem. Statistically, people in the Millennial generation (today's high schoolers, college students, and young adults) are much less likely to properly recycle plastic and other materials than those in older generations. If you're of student or Millennial age, take a look at the following infographic—the reality is that younger generations need to start getting serious about recycling, or the future will be robbed of some very valuable resources.

Please Include Attribution to OnlineEducation.net With This Graphic Plastic Infographic

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Victoria’s Irresistible's



 Forget Victoria’s Secret
It is December 10th
and I  am chewing on a homemade cookie
called IRRESISTIBLE
I KID YOU NOT!
I’m chewing and swallowing the yummy goodness
and my mouth
hell, my nose
and my taste-buds
are drunk, in the after fresh baked glow
of granola, organic oats
chocolate chips
dried cranberries
almonds
vanilla
organic cane and brown sugar
and did I mention
chocolate chips?
And butter
organic flour
baking powder
baking soda
and salt so
SCREW
THE DIET
and tomorrow
I’m eating
another damn COOKIE!

Dear Santa- (Explicit)



Can I pick yea brain?
sing yea refrain
catch dat train
to a minty fresh glade
on a fresh escapade
schlepping  wit ju
or OUT on a date

TRY WAIT-- ONE freakin MINUTE
WAT?

Schlepping wit ju?

Sounds like a slur
of either Mexican or Jewish intent
and dat is not what I meant
to say
It’s CHRISTMAS, Okay!

Santa
better check dat list
I think you may’ve MISSED
my name
while I was singing yea refrain
on dat train from Spain
which stays mainly on da plain
and it’s stays RAININ not snowing
which BLOWS big time
when you’re old and cold
and have a fixed income

AND JEESH dose antlers
are making me want to
chain you up and ride you like a horse
but I promised to behave this month, Santa
SHHH, steady!

So the MALL
is DAT WAY
go hop in yea sleigh
and I’m a size six
and I like blue and purple
and gold and shiny tings
hearts and flowers
ivory towers
not chicken wings
or old smelly T-shirts.

BUT after thirty odd years
of blood, sweat and tears
of cradles and vomit
blue moons and comets
I still prefer schlepping and schtupping
and some other stuff
I can’t mention right now
wit ju
OH MY!!!!

Laters, Santa ;)
Your Naughty-Nice Mrs. C
xxxoooo<>xxxoooo

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