The Cardamom Pod

Ok.
In the beginning I stated that this would be a place for reviewing, well SCREW THAT. This is now a space for INSPIRATION – particularly for writers, though I’m sure all artists can glean what they will from these posts.

Objectives:

1. To scour the web for inspirational art, films and music to aid in the prevention of that nasty thing we call writer’s block
2. To offer technical advice to “novice” writers (meaning, anyone who doesn’t go to school for writing/call a method of writing his/her livelihood)
3. To offer incentives for daily writing through challenges. These will be inspirational “boosts” just to get you thinking, not necessarily prizes that I’ll offer if you please me with your writing…that’s the beauty of this – you are your own critic, I’m just here to get you started.

Given that inspiration is relative (or subjective, however you want to say it), Your comments are necessary for everyone’s benefit, mine included. PLEASE COMMENT. How else will I know what I’m saying is valuable or used?

Also, this is an invitation to all artists to help writers by emailing me your work (film, artwork, etc.) so I can feature you and link you to others. Who knows, maybe one of these writers NEEDS your art hanging in his/her room for continued inspiration. Don’t be shy! Submit/suggest! I’ll always give credit where it’s due. Swear.

Special thanks to a few people: Grace Bonney of Design*Sponge. Without your inspirational blog about home design, I would never have conceived this idea that is tailored for writers. Lynn Hassan of LIU’s writing center, who gave me the idea to start a blog in the first place. The entire MFA writing program at Long Island University, Brooklyn. You’re all doing so much to further the art of writing, I’m going to do everything I can to help push you. Lastly, Ryan Dausch, the hub-sand. Because seeing him in a drooly ball of sleep every morning is inspiration enough for me.

My goal is to give you the tools for your work to survive. I hope I fulfill this for you!

Until then…
H2I
Alicia

What else could there be to talk about?

It is 10:30 pm. I’ve been working on artwork for upcoming fliers for the Creative Writing program at LIU Brooklyn. I’m not tired yet because the three glasses of wine have not hit me. I’ve been drawing for a few hours because, frankly, my schoolwork has just been killing me. I’m realizing that this, among other methods, is thus far the best therapy for getting through grad school. Writing this, I feel a little too “zen” or “sentimental” or “new age” or even “romantic” in nature – but who cares! This kind of advice might just save you, no matter what your grad school status is.

#1 – Stretch or work out frequently. This should be self-explanatory. Stretching and working out build up your energy and immunity through tough seasons. If you’re finding it hard to gain inspiration, just hold onto those Victoria Secret mags. I’m sure you’ll look at those flat abs and wonder why you’re not counting crunches at this moment. And then you can order nice underwear for when you’re feeling sexier.

#2 – Draw/paint/collage/play or listen to music often – first alone then by yourself. If you do this alone, you’ll be able to calm those demons. If you do this with someone (even if you’re not speaking to one another) you’ll feel that kindred spirit glowing. And if you prefer, listen to music of the past to get your memory going. OR really search for new music so you can get some sort of pep back in your step. New music makes all the difference in moving forward while old music makes you remember your roots.

I think the wine just hit.

#3 – Hold parties with the people in your program. Try not to exclude people. These others are in the same boat and the closer knit your clan is, the easier it is to survive the workload. No, I’m not talking about collaboration or plagiarism. I’m again talking about cultivating relationships with professionals. You never know where these relationships can take you. That girl in your theory class could play a role in offering the ticket to your dream job.

#4 – Pay for a quality massage once in awhile – I know, they can be pricey. But I guarantee you, it is a memorable experience when all you’ve been doing is working. Get massages after tough tests or term papers. Reward yourself. You work, play and PAY hard…you’ve earned this, what I call, the greatest type of down time in the world.

#5 – Start a blog. AND – GO!

So…any other advice? Talk to me…

I know no one reads this; that’s ok.
So I’m just going to vent some frustrations. We’re trying to move. It’s prime showing time and we have our needs, like everyone does, but come on! How many times will we have to reschedule meetings with brokers and real estate agents? We haven’t been able to look at ANY listings and we’ve been in contact with a few brokers for a few weeks. This is looking worse than last year.

In other news, I’ve just watched The Reader and I almost cried. I have to re-watch it again tomorrow so I can accurately present its beauty. I also watched World’s Greatest Dad and think I might write about that one as well. Pretty jarring, though, if you ask me.

So no posts recently, due to my scramblings and my long bike rides to Fort Tilden. I’ve also been given the opportunity to freelance for an old employer, so that will be sucking up some time. I’ll be writing constantly, but I’ll try to write here. Just in case I do have some viewers out there.

I used to write all the time. In fact, I never wanted to stop. I never wanted to stop critiquing life, critiquing literature, critiquing theater, film, all of it.

I turned 25 this past year. I’m a quarter of a century old. I have that much knowledge to give and a whole lot more to discover out there. Isn’t it time that I did just that?

The Cardamom Pod is my first endeavor now at writing for a mass audience all of those things – opinions, advice, critiques, fiction, essays – on the art world, based on one woman’s look at it at this point in the century. I want the Cardamom Pod to showcase my talent as a writer, but I want more than ever to contribute to the vast community of artists out there. I want to help it all to grow.

Who knows…maybe one day this blog will be worth reading for the masses. For now, it is my “way to survive.”