Louder Than a Bomb

Two little known facts about me: 

1. I love slam poetry.  I shared an excellent clip about mothers and daughters, here.

2. Doing slam poetry in a venue (as much as it frightens me) is on my bucket list.

There is nothing like the telling of life in lyrical sentences,

with words that pour over the heart unexpectedly.

There is such rawness, such truth and inspiration,

that it's nearly impossible to not be moved.

This is exactly why I want to teach English.

Maybe I'll start a slam poetry club when I get into the classroom.

That would be awesome.

Tomorrow, Oprah's OWN Network is premiering
the documentary, Louder Than a Bomb.

Since we don't have cable, I have to figure out how to watch this:

Louder Than A Bomb - Trailer

Taken from OWN:

Louder Than A Bomb chronicles four teams as they compete in the Chicago area teen poetry slam. Hopeful and heartbreaking, the film captures the tempestuous lives of these young poets, exploring ways writing shapes their world, and vice versa. This is not just "high school poetry," this is language as a joyful release, irrepressibly talented teenagers obsessed with making words dance.

Louder Than A Bomb chronicles four teams as they compete in the Chicago area teen poetry slam. Hopeful and heartbreaking, the film captures the tempestuous lives of these young poets, exploring ways writing shapes their world, and vice versa. This is not just "high school poetry," this is language as a joyful release, irrepressibly talented teenagers obsessed with making words dance.

"Inspiring and electrifying..." Roger Ebert, Chicago-Sun Times
"A celebration of American youth at their creative best..." Robert Koehler, Variety
Louder Than a Bomb premieres Thursday, January 5 at 9/8c only on OWN.
Read more: http://www.oprah.com/own-doc-club/Louder-Than-A-Bomb-Trailer#ixzz1iW3q277l

If you get the chance to watch, please come back and let me know what you thought!

P.S. Tomorrow, I'm hosting a Little Things Link-up!

Would love for you to join me!

My Anthem

One morning, when you're too lazy to get to the gym because the rain is falling and just the gloomy sight makes your toes cold, you may just come across your anthem.  Then, for the rest of the morning, you're filled with joy, because God is good. 

"I'll be my brother's keeper

so the whole world will know that we're not alone."



It don't have a job, don't pay your bills
Won't buy you a home in Beverly Hills
Won't fix your life in five easy steps
Ain't the law of the land or the government?

But it's all you need

And love will hold us together
Make us a shelter to weather the storm
And I'll be my brother's keeper
So the whole world would know that we're not alone

It's waiting for you

Knocking at your door
In the moment of truth
When your heart hits the floor
And you're on your knees

And love will hold us together
Make us a shelter to weather the storm
And I'll be my brother's keeper
So the whole world would know that we're not alone

This is the first day of the rest of your life
This is the first day of the rest of your life
'Cause even in the dark you can still see the light
It's gonna be alright, it's gonna be alright

x

Kelly Corrigan: Words on Women and Strength

Currently, I'm reading 'The Middle Place' by Kelly Corrigan.  It has been an enjoyable, provoking read, a balance between heartache and cheerleading.  I relate to her story as a daughter and mother, and wait on her words to learn how cancer has changed her innermost and to see what I can take and apply to my own story.

I find myself wanting to stand applaud the women whose work I've read, who are sharing their stories, and who have unearthed the lessons within their living. 

Life is all about our stories. 

The cause and affect; the lessons.

While searching for a 'Middle Place' book cover photo to put on my blog, I came across some essay reading by Kelly Corrigan.  And all over again, I am touched by her candidness; her stories. 

I'm so happy to have found one more female writer to inspire me in my own story-telling.

You can hear her tell about 'The Middle Place' here.

I love this essay, Transcending: Words on Women and Strength.

Enjoy your Friday!
Cassie

Just Be Lovely

Some days I worry that I'm selling my soul to the interwebs...

Other days, I'm so thankful for all of the connections far and wide.

Thanks to Resolute Twig, today I found Kind Over Matter.

The site is overflowing with kindness and smile-worthy messages,

and words of wisdom, like Roots of She's post on self-sabotage. 

I've been finding a reoccurring theme pushing itself to the forefront of what I've been stumbling across in reading and in music lately, and it all has to do with self-love.  It's an issue that I struggled horribly with for more than a decade.  But there came the day, when a powerful seedling, screamed

I'm worthy, just love me...and we'll flourish.

This is beautiful. I'm adding it to the 'every girl should hear this' file.

                                                                       Happy Friday!

pinterest

A message on being "Pretty."

There are some messages that must be shared as quickly

as I can log into blogger and coordinate a readable post.

I just encountered such importance,

and feel the need to insert this message here, for you.
Kacy-thank you, thank you for sharing.

Slam Poet, Katie Makkai - Pretty

This is good.
{Every girl needs know this valuable lesson.}

And Still I Rise

Friends,

This will be short. My family and I are busy having too much fun with my oldest sis, Tammy, and her four boys, who are here visiting from Montana. I will definitely be back to post updates on the adventures of our week. Hope yours is going wonderfully!

For those of you who didn't already see, I am currently hosting a

Maya Angelou poetry giveaway! Go here for the details.
You have until Friday at 12pm to enter.
Have a great Wednesday!

together

you and me.
we are moving into something new--
something stronger.

you say iron sharpens iron,
and the ones he's worried about
he attempts to crumble.

i try to keep a few steps ahead,
but at times it feels like
i'm being attacked from every direction.
today, for a minute,
i felt like hiding.

but
you hang on
to me.
loving me.
me loving you.
encouraging me to move forward not back.
reminding me to keep my head up,
because the fight is worth it
and
the victory sweeter.

together.

-cbm



this moved me today.
you?

A declaration of love

Sunday, I woke up to this lovely gem posted by Wish Studio. It put a lump in my throat, and has ever since had me thinking and writing about motherhood and all that has changed because of the two sweet-spirits in my life.



I'd like to share some of what I've written, but it seems there is too much to say for me to call it complete. For now, enjoy this declaration of love.

In the spirit of love (and pink and red of course),

~cbm

A little Afternoon Treat

For those of you who don't read A Cup of Jo, enjoy one of her recent postings here. Jaw-dropping and hilarious. It will definitely brighten up your afternoon~It did mine!

A Sunday Morning Serenade

I just came across the most beautiful rendition of two songs intertwined into one on rockstar diaries. I believe you'll love it, too! Here is the story on its making.



Thanks to Jon Schmidt for posting this piece.

Don't forget to hit pause on my playlist to listen!

A Great Message 1/30/2008

This was by far the most touching message that I received over the Christmas holiday--or ever! I think I'll forever love this!

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