An Open Invitation to My VOX Neighbourhood
Dear Neighbours:
Posting on VOX has been such a rewarding experience for me. I started this, my first blog, on the recommendation of my wonderful literary agent, who told me that blogging would be a great way to “build my visibility.” But what started as a business action became an effort of love. I’ve met so many remarkable individuals, through whom I’ve learned fascinating facts about the world. It was an unexpected delight to find myself thinking about the people I write to and for every week, mulling over the every day events of their lives and learning about their part of the planet. Often, over dinner, when my husband and I first get a chance to chat after working in our perspective offices across the hall from one another each day, I tell him all about my new friends. The man in New Mexico who was first to say, “Welcome to VOX,” the devoted father who calls himself after one of Michelangelo’s favourite expressions, the brilliant young writer/construction worker, the wise, pretty woman in Canada who just got a new flat and posted it for all of us to see. Then there’s the young mother in Orange County with the beautiful little daughter, the Australians who are celebrating the new start in their government, a lovely Brazilian who,though struggling with health issues, takes the time to reach out to others, a remarkable young woman who studies law, the funny, warm educator whose relatives steal her leftovers, the man from Cornwall who loves Greece as much as I do, the "Yankee" in the UK who met her husband the same intriguing way I met mine, the single parents who struggle on like heroes and write about their love for their children, artists, musicians, photographers, writers and…so many others.
It’s restored my faith in humanity to have firsthand proof that, way out far from my small spot on earth, there are so many people whom I’ve never met face-to-face, living constructive and noteworthy lives. Thanks to them and their writings on VOX, I now realise, with blessed relief, that the media’s dire predictions regarding our imminent destruction are likely exaggerated and generated to sell more newspapers. I believe that the internet, though being used for all sorts of unsavoury purposes, will also accomplish something else, perhaps inadvertently. Perhaps it will save mankind. After all, how can any of us, from anywhere, desire to pick up guns and fight our friends, friends whom we’ve never met, but communicate with daily, no matter where in the world they might live?
Well, this week, I came up with yet another purpose for this blog. I’m extending an invitation to my new neighbours and friends to add, if you wish, your creative voices to my latest writing project. I’ve had an inspiration for a new work, based on some of the people I’ve met on VOX and a few experiences I’d had recently, for a novel this time. It’s less labour- intensive than my memoir has been and its sequel is being and perhaps it'll be nothing more significant than a fun read. But to quote Nora Ephron, “fun is a much-underused word.” So, I put this out to those who’d like to share their experiences with me, some of which I may adapt and utilise for this new project:
1) Have you ever experienced a very intense, unresolved love situation? A love that you wish you could revisit, just to tell the other person what you're still thinking, feeling? For example, do you have any grown children, a parent, or a sibling, perhaps, with whom you wish you had a closer or better relationship? What about a former spouse or lover? A former friend?
2) Have you ever felt the presence of, or do you believe in, ghosts, spirits? Do you have an experience you’d like to relate regarding these?
3) Have you or someone close to you, ever had a war experience? Particularly one that has to do with being on a ship or being a prisoner of war?
4) Have you ever met a person online, through a blog, chatroom or website, with whom you’ve become very close? (A non-romantic relationship, that is.)
Believe it or not, all of these situations will be part of my next story. I hope you’ll all participate and I look forward to hearing your responses!
Thank you in advance,
Patricia
My Groups
-
Amnesty International Updated: 8 minutes ago
-
political Updated: 3 hours ago
-
The Academy of Fine Ideas Updated: 3 hours ago
Neighborhood
Explore friends, family, friends & family, or entire neighborhood.
Comments
By the way, it is creative people like yourself (and another of my aquaintances Cathryn H.) who fill me with hope and inspire me to come back to the creative path.
Your photographs do the same for me. They truly are a gift to us...
I second that emotion! Living in a small town without much in the way of culture and vim, it's very inspiring to see what's going on out there in the wider world, and glimpse the pulse of our planet. Er... now, for some reason I'm lapsing into soundbites! Ah well... it came from a genuine place.
Weirdly my horoscope for tomorrow says to reflect on the past, and I could probably come up with something that hit two or three of those points. Here are my uber-geek-at-the-front-of-the-class questions: Is there a word limit on our submissions? What's the deadline? And can we request a degree of anonymity?
I think someone just threw a paper plane at the back of my head, so I'll shut up now.
From One Uber-Geek to another:
Great comment! As for the writing, there are no limits. I welcome what ever you'd like to write and any length. You can either post it right here, or if you wish send it in a private message or at the email address on
Wonderful post! I started using vox about a year and a half ago after being pressured by a friend. I thought maybe it would last a month or two, or that I would get my friends/family to interact. But of course its been different.
I've always thought that when it comes to choosing new employees "Like Hires Like", and here it is the same principle. This has become a forum where its possible to find like-minded individuals from all over the globe. Not that everyone's in agreement, but I have been impressed with the respect with which people have disagreed.
I'll think on this and probably send you something soon. How fun!
I have said many, many times how honoured I feel to be part of your world.
I have said many time how huge a positive influence and encouragement you are in my life.... I have to say again, I'm touched, flattered, honoured.
Thanks.
(and will write soon)
millions of huggzzz
You have posted some interesting questions. I have had some strange experience. But then again, I come from the Caribbean, where like Africa, and Latin America, people believe that the living and the spirit of the dead share the same world. In literature it is called "Magic Realism."
I have also lived in a country (Liberia, West Africa) that was plagued by inter-tribal fued that led to military coups and finally a civil war that lasted fourteen years.
My experiences have contributed to my poems and short stories.
Althea Mark
do you mind if i PM you my answers to your #1 and #4? :)
btw, i didn't get to try your recipe yet :( my neck started acting up so i did NOTHING all weekend. hehe :)
Dear Althea,
Thank you for your intriguing reply. I looked up 'Magic Realism' on the internet and got some spectcular information. I'm very interested to read some of your work regarding your war experiences.. Can they be found on your blog?
Warm regards,
Patricia
Ohhh MYyyyyyy!!!!! red Porsche is superb!!!!!
you cannot imagine how happy I am that I can give something to you in some form.....
we gotta get you to have a book opening here in London!!!
In the early days of the Net when it was pretty much uncontrolled, I used to see lots of racist rubbish that was quite depressing. I was much encouraged by how well it was argued out over several months. In the end the more outrageous rat bags got crushed under the weight of argument.
Now, I'm not naive enough to think they saw the light but they seem to have taken their rubbish to less open spaces. I take that as a triumph of everyday folk over the less thoughtful among us.
Now that has to be good.
Awwww.....feeling the warm fuzzies!! :) Thanks!! The feelings are mutual! :)
I signed up to for Vox last year but only started blogging and using it last May. Its been interesting so far....so many characters and personalities.....and some fabulous connections with amazing people!
I am going to think a bit on your questions and PM or email you my answers. I know we already had a discussion about ghosties and I am still thinking on the ghost in the kitchen.
My poem "Revolution And Reggae" (Liberian Coup 1985) is published at http://www.nyu.edu/calabash/vol4no2/0402046.pdf. It is also on my Vox blog site. My short story, "The Intruders," is published at www.liberiaseabreeze.com
It is the Sea Breeze Journal of Contemporary Liberian Writings. The short story is a fictionalized version of an incident that happened to my family.
althea
We had at least 2 groups like that here for the last election. One called Getup and the other Rights at work. Every man and his dog is claiming the Howard scalp but in my heart I know it was ........
SNOWY.
Margy
Hello, there,
Thanks for your interest. Your story sounds intriguing...Do tell! : )
About 10-11 years ago, I was in college and frequented Bon Jovi and Mariah Carey Message Boards. One day on the Mariah boards, I noticed a post that was familiar in writing style. So I asked if this was the same person posting at Bon Jovi. She responded yes and we started a friendship writing letters. Long letters, multiple times a day. This was at a time when meeting people from the internet was not considered normal. But our letters, our past experiences, very personal experiences were basically the same. We just felt differently.
Finally we exchanged phone numbers but swore to never call... of course that lasted all of 1 hour. We spoke that day and continue to talk today but we've never met. She lives in Alaska... I live in NY. I've gotten married, she's had two children, I've had a miscarriage... and honestly I wouldn't have been able to go through it without her. And even though I can't visualize what she looks like laughing, I know her voice so very well... I can't picture my world without her... One day we'll meet though... hopefully!
Oh, my gosh. This is wonderful. I'm curious enough to ask, any reasons why you don't exchange photos, etc.?
I'm so sorry about your miscariage, bythe way. I know that is a horrible thing to have to go through.
I have family who have taken cruises to Alaska and said they were wonderful. It's somethng to shoot for. I'll keep my fingers crossed that you two get to meet someday!
I answered some questions in a personal e-mail but forgot to add one thing about the war experience. My husband Joe served in the Navy in the early sixties and had an experience where he and his men were almost stranded during the Bay of Pigs war. It was a frightening experience for him, but he survived it and he believes that George Bush (Senior) was chairman of the CIA at the time and practically caused this. Joe is a mixed bag. He is pro military yet he doesn't believe in wars that have no purpose For me, I truthfully believe war has no purpose at any time. You have made many friends from all around the world. We are all so different as individuals but it is nice to have a place like this where we can share common interests and bond.
We are all so different as individuals, but it is nice to have a place like this where we can share common interests and bond."
Nicely said, Giuseppina. And I would love to hear Joe's story in detail sometime.
well, is there any way I can buy the book, even if buying through you? I mean, these days one can paypal anything...so.... I would love, honestly, to buy Harlot Sauce....knowing you, knowing the little I know of your life, and with that title....I NEED to read that book!!!!! :)
let us know if I can buy it from you.....
hugggzzzz
i just started blogging this year as well - i thought it would be a good way to write everyday in a different way (i normally write sci-fi and fantasy, but i have a M.A. in International Studies and this is my way of using the "other side" of me, if you will) - it gave me a venue to air my thoughts on pretty much everything - and i've had some amazing discussions with people - i've also met some incredible people - as well as some whose necks i'd like to reach out and throttle:) - however, i have made a life-long best friend, so i say, it's definitely been worth it
VOX is certainly the place to be!
<blush> OK, so I had a little help, Pete. Now we have to help get Patricia's man/woman over the line in the U.S. I see where Oprah has given her blessing to Obama, Patricia. Is that a plus?
Do you mean the ghost stories, etc? If so, it can be anywhere you like. One woman posted her story on her own blog and refered me to it, another sent me a PM, whilst another sent me an email at my website.....I love the way you describe things, so I cant wait to read what you have to say.
Your observation that voters wanted change, but not radical change, was also the case here in Oz. Rudd very cleverly positioned himself as agreeing with those policies where voters perceived Howard as strong, but disagreed with those policies where the incumbent Government was seen as weak, such as climate change and industrial relations. He also fastened onto a phrase that would resonate with voters and used it every chance he could. That phrase was "working families".
Seeing as how Peter has kindly credited me with winning the election here for Labor, maybe I should now offer my services to the Democrats. I am available for a modest fee. A dozen bottles of good corn likker should just about do it...
I read it for a while and i think you have great stories.
Hey, thank you so much, Gracie. You guys must be getting pretty cold over about now. Handling the snow all right? Looks gorgeous though, doesn't it? I do miss snow....Maine is one beautiful place.
Anyways, this is interesting. It's always fun to see what someone else's culture/experiences are in other countries. Your new project sounds exciting, and can't wait to read it. :)
Haven't read through the 81 comments to see if this has been asked already, but for #4, does it count if you now know that person in the real world? i.e. met a friend of a friend through emailing & instant messenger and then eventually met outside of cyberspace?
That certainly sounds like a story that 'counts." There are really no rules for this, Icarus. It's kind and thoughtful that you would care to answer in any way at all. I'm just looking for thoughts and feelings, experiences that might possibly be woven into the plot of my story and into the main characters thought processes. I've never lived through war, I have had only limited 'ghostly' encounters (if that's what they were) and even though I have experienced a 'lost' or 'broken' relationship, other's experiences can only make the dialogue and writing richer. Thanks : )
Great! I'm coming over there, with a nice cup of morning coffee to read them thoroughlly.