Blog Assignment #7: Final Workshop Reflection

This was the first creative writing course I've experienced and I am most grateful for the introduction to writers like Truman Capote, Frank McCourt, David Foster Wallace, and David Sedaris as well as the introduction to narrative.ly.  Another great tool would be the class dedicated to building a portfolio with the intention of sending work out to different publishers.  The opportunity to write creatively about some of my experiences as well as getting in touch with my imagination did not feel like work.  It was enjoyable and allowed me take some components from these writers as well as the talented writers in the class, and use it in my own work.  Although, I felt the course left more to be desired and I didn't really understand the point of group work.  The blog assignments were a lot more effective, in my opinion. 

I believe my improvement was marginal but the course gave me more confidence in my writing ability.  I no longer see writing as a chore despite the struggle in getting things running.  The challenge I faced was really understanding what I needed to do to revise some of my pieces along with finding interesting things to write about.  I really enjoyed reading Angela's Ashes since it was told from the perspective of a child and it gave such a nice innocent voice to an interesting tale.  The piece inspired me when it came time to write our third blog assignment, which was to write about a historical photograph.  Another author who stands out as the most entertaining is David Sedaris.  Both Turbulence and Me Talk Pretty One Day were hysterical while poking fun at peculiar situations we all find ourselves in at least one in our life.  His writing in both pieces was engaging and perfectly mixed description of setting, characters and the thought process of a quirky individual. 

The assignment I am most proud of will probably be the memoir piece in which I wrote about my childhood experience about sneaking into a construction site.  The reason I enjoyed writing it is because I genuinely enjoyed that memory and it's one that I'll never forget.  The narrative was inspired by a piece read out loud in class about a student who no longer saw the same neighborhood when they reflected on their childhood friends and memories as an adult.  I will try and get it published but I won't be holding my breath.  Here is a taste:       

The Last Night Across The Street

I couldn't remember how old I was but I do remember that my cousins were young enough to still hang out with me and the rest of the younger bunch.  We looked across the street through the living room window and no longer saw an empty parking lot where we used to light matches and play catch.  Instead, we saw two giant blue doors with a chain poorly connecting the two together. 

A construction site that would eventually house a seven story mediocre inn.  My dad would always talk to the man in charge of the construction site.  He seemed nice.  But boys will be boys and there was no way we'd let our curiosity go to waste.  One night I noticed my two older cousins come home with smiles from ear to ear.  They had one hell of a night, which during that time usually meant doing something illegal.  I always looked up to my cousins so naturally I began snooping around once I knew there was no way I'd get a straight answer from the two.

My sisters and I happened to catch the two culprits across the street one empty night.  They stood in front of the unfinished building and pushed the doors in opposite directions as the chain was too loose to keep them out.  I couldn't believe my eyes.  How could they not invite me?  It was then and there that I decided I'd invite myself along with my two sisters.  I guess my dog decided he'd like to check out what was going on inside the unpolished building too.  He was a loyal dog who was always up for an adventure.  The streets were usually empty around 8 pm as the abandoned block was filled with factories with my house at the dead center of nowhere.  Oh, how I miss it.

Blog Assignment #6 Response to Literary Journalism Piece

"Tara and Tito."

"Why is this uncomfortable for me to look at? I realized it's because when I'm having an experience or I wanna do something, candid, I don't want to stop and worry about my angles.  I don't see myself in my own memory."  Photographer/journalist, Tara Israel's fast-paced lifestyle and her faithful furry companion, Tito are the focus in A Girl And Her (Extremely Patient And Unnaturally Photogenic) Best Friend.  Noah Rosenberg is the interviewer who dissects the bond between a dog and a dog owner who remain inseparable and unmoved by whatever the world throws their way.  Rosenburg makes sure to keep himself out of the piece by only mentioning his questions, which I believe was the right call.

Tara's life as a small town girl has always been surrounded by pet animals like dogs, cats, rats and even salamanders.  Her initial thought was to adopt a stray dog with larger features and the strong capability of learning tricks and signals.  Despite her ideal vision of a dog, she wound up receiving a Pomeranian pup from a pet shop as a gift from her mom before she went off to college.

A typical free-spirited woman, Tara enjoyed traveling and embraced the opportunity for a new experience but her love for Tito's company equally matched her desire for adventure.  She started off by taking Tito with her while meeting her friends in NYC clubs while using him as an ice breaker in the process.  Her life as a photographer takes her from one side of the world to the other, which naturally leads her to take photographs of the places she's seen only these pictures have the tendency of exclusively featuring Tito.  Nowadays it's more rare to see Tara without Tito than with him in places like a packed college campus, a private plane, or even on a bell buoy.

What makes her story interesting isn't so much that she travels the world with her dog but the kind of effect Tito has had in her life.  She describes how the two have been able to remain healthy in the twelve-year span they've been together because they eat healthy and remain active, and having him by her side has allowed her to keep in touch with her inner-child.  It's the reason why Tara has been able to avoid becoming stagnant or experiencing the usual slumps people go through as they get older.  Tito's character traits happen to rub off on Tara while her wild lifestyle has become a norm for him.  Tito is just as beneficial for Tara as she is for him.  Their bond is a gateway of opportunity to face the world with open arms as well as optimism.  

What started as a habit became a hobby and now a great visual of Tara leaving her mark wherever she lays her hat while having her partner in crime by her side.  One particular quote that stands out is, "At some point I realized if I waited until I found someone to come with me to do the things I wanted to do, I would waste my entire life waiting.  So I just started going.  So did Tito."  This quote intrigues me because I have two dogs at home and I have the tendency of feeling guilty of leaving them home alone so I end up putting things on hold just so I can come home to them.  Tara does the opposite, instead she uses Tito as not just a companion but as a reason to create friendships, memories and adventure.  Also, I don't think anyone can match the unconditional love that dogs offer.   

"That sense of imagination, most people lose as an adult.  I've never had to conform to being a non-playful person."  This quote stands out because it illustrates the importance of holding onto who you are and in Tara's case, Tito's presence will always be the reminder she needs to enjoy life. 

The piece was effective because I believe it's easy to relate for those who own pets and for those who enjoy living a fast-paced life that includes a ton of traveling.  She seems like an ordinary person but what sets her apart is the fact that she lives her life on her own terms during moments when it becomes difficult to do so.  Her times in college followed by transitioning into the workforce, witnessing her grandmother's dementia worsen, and so forth could have very well led the average Joe mad but not Tara.  She is too busy looking forward to what tomorrow brings as well as Tito's position in front of the camera.

Blog Assignment #5 Interview Candidates

In my first feature profile I interviewed a U.S. Marine Corps staff sergeant and I enjoyed finding the relatable yet intriguing parts of his life.  For this particular assignment, I plan on interviewing somebody who works at a dog grooming place, simply because I like dogs and have noticed more dog grooming places in my immediate area.  Maybe a New York City council member since I never got a chance to interview one in my last feature profile assignment.  Then perhaps a local business owner in the Long Island City area who can offer perspective on changes to the neighborhood, keys to success and how the economy or any other outside force has shaped their work life.  The reasons behind these options are simply because I enjoy the challenge of bringing something out of what many consider ordinary.  Some of the questions that I've been brainstorming include:

What was your first impression of your profession?

What is your most memorable experience on the job?

Describe a typical day at work.

Was there any turning point in life that led you to choosing this profession?

What are some of the most challenging aspects of your job?

If you could change one thing about your job or workplace, what would it be?

What are some of the trends or possible changes you've noticed in your profession?

What might surprise people about your day-to-day work?

What is something you'd like people to know about your profession?

What is the most enjoyable part of your profession?

Can you discuss some of your inspirations?

What are some changes you'd like to see if any?

Blog Assignment #4 Response to Turbulence

David Sedaris immediately has a way of grabbing one's attention by using subtle humor found in every day occurrences.  The story immediately starts off with a riot as the narrator is found in an awkward predicament during a flight as he accidentally spits out his cough drop onto the lap of a sleeping passenger beside him.  Things go from bad to worse as he invites the reader into the thoughts of an observant passenger who starts to connect the dots of the supporting characters surrounding him and how quickly circumstance can create conflict between two passengers who are stuck seated next to each other.

 The narrator remains the quirky and creative guy while Becky, the woman next to him, goes from being a wholesome middle aged woman into an entitled brat once she doesn't get her way.  Despite clearly standing out as the antagonist, Sedaris keeps the story light with exchanges such as, “Listen", she said, “I’m not asking you to switch because it’s a bad seat. I’m asking you to switch because we’re married.” She pointed to her wedding ring, and when I leaned in closer to get a better look at it she drew back her hand, saying, “Oh, never mind. Just forget it.”  I couldn't help but smile throughout the entire story as he managed to create a scenario where the reader cannot help but continue to read until the conclusion of the flight.

Sedaris did an excellent job of putting the reader in the narrator's eccentric mind as it wandered from avoiding the bulkhead to declining the flight attendant's offer for a drink because he thought appearing low maintenance would make her like him more.  Sedaris has shown a knack for being able to poke fun at himself while perfectly blending a mixture of dialogue and introspection.

Usually writers try to stay on course but Sedaris manages to captivate while drifting away from the plot. Towards the end of the story, Sedaris transitions from sharp humor into a moral dilemma, "But what if I was wrong? I pictured her in a dimly lit room, trembling before a portfolio of glowing X-rays. 'I give you two weeks at the most,' the doctor says."  The transition is smooth rather than dramatic and came while the antagonist was in deep sleep.  Sedaris' guilt leads him to think about his own relationship and how the two handled disputes.  It was a nice touch, which allows the reader to learn that much more about the main character in the end as opposed to the beginning of the story.

Man's Best Friend

"Yeah?"  I answered the vibration in my jacket on a breezy  Friday Summer night as I left the classroom.  It was my sister, who knew I'd be in bible study yet she still called.  I'll never forget the sound of her sobbing as she struggled to put her words together.  It frustrated me as my heart immediately began pounding into my throat.  "What happened?!" I yelled.  I thought it couldn't be my parents since they were here with me.  Could it be my one of my other two sisters?  My aunt?  Maybe my brother?
"Miko got hit by a car.  It's bad."  A mixture of pain and a sigh of relief filled my stomach as I immediately told her to calm down and stop crying as it could have been worse.  She nearly scared me to death, I hated that phone call and wished she had sent me a text instead.  She put on my brother-in-law who was gathered and blunt when he spoke.  "Yeah, it's bad.  He got hit by a taxi."
 "Is he going to make it?"
"No."  My eyes dropped to the deep grass beneath me as if I could go no lower.  I sighed and thought I might as well gather some more meaningless details knowing it won't bring Miko back.

 "We got home, parked across the street and I opened the door and he got out.  Your sisters were waiting to cross and he went towards the sidewalk to stick his head out and the cab dragged him away."
Who let him out?, I thought.  I made sure not to place any blame on anyone because it wouldn't do any good.  I couldn't remember what else was said in the conversation but do remember the pain becoming worse as time went by.  My parents drove us home and felt bad about Miko's demise but they couldn't feel as bad as I did.  Tears began to drop as the drive grew quieter.

The slow night drive became a living nightmare as it finally began to sink in.  I kept my head down trying to hide the hurt as I repeatedly told myself to be thankful for the time I had with my pal.  He didn't deserve to die a painful death.  I should've stayed home to keep him company.  This could've been avoided had I been there.  Nothing lasts forever in this cruel world but at least I could rely on my protector for companion.  The long walks with him would last close to an hour and would usually result in my dad asking me not to stay out so late.  I couldn't help it.  The walks were just as therapeutic for me as they were for Miko.

A scar planted on the back of my right hand will forever remind me of him.  I had provoked him one too many times and he decided to sink his teeth into my flesh to teach me a lesson.  Not one ounce of anger fueled me as I stepped over him and headed to the bathroom.  The cut was brutal but wasn't deep enough to require stitches.  The blood made my throat dry up as I began to feel disgusted.

Upon arriving home, I asked where he was and was directed towards a large black garbage bag laid out near the sidewalk  My sisters blamed the cab driver for driving too fast as their eyes were full and full of redness.  I didn't care.  I wanted to be alone.  I walked past everyone and into my room and thought about how big of impact a dog could have in one's life.  I could still hear his footsteps followed by the tugging of his nails on my legs whenever I came home.  He was not very friendly to anyone during walks, especially if they stared.  That's why my sister walked him in the day and I walked him at night.

The day before I decided I'd walk him around noon since I was off from work.  It came as a surprise to Miko but he made sure to wag his tail and stand by the door as if it were our usual routine.  At one point during our walk, we began crossing the street when a car turned right and towards our path.  I pulled the leash quickly back to towards the sidewalk as I was caught off guard.  That was close, I thought.  Once we crossed we walked past a small seating area with surrounding bushes that we saw every night, only this time something was off.  Miko stopped, turned his head and looked up at me.  His eyes were large and his ears remained hanging softly on his head but I never remembered him giving me this obscure look before.  And I'll never forget it.  I stared back and bent down to grab his rugged cheeks and smiled as I asked, "What's going on, boy?"  Little did I know that it'd be the last time I walked him.

 I buried my head into my pillow and vowed to never own another dog.  It was far too painful to deal with the loss.  I looked on in bewilderment on the night my sister exited my cousin's car and called out to a three year old puggle she had adopted from a Brooklyn animal shelter.  My nephew decided to name him, Miko.  It was out of the blue and I always thought my sister would seek out a puppy instead.  His fur was straight and bronze-like with small hints of black on his paws.  He had short arms which made his shoulders stand out.  My friends would jokingly ask if my dog worked out.  His tail would always remain curled up except when in deep sleep.  We'd always sneak him upstairs when my parents went to bed.  His loyalty was immeasurable.  He didn't care about my appearance or the size of my bank account.  All that mattered was that I was his owner.  Sadly, I wasn't fast enough to be his savior.

The Beach Chair

I could smell her perfume as she entered the classroom 8 minutes late.  Class began on a blistering Sunday morning at the church where it all began.  I met her a few years back and I don't think I could ever forget the words, "She has a cheating bible."  Those were the words I uttered after she had gotten a question right in class while the rest of us were scolded for wearing blank faces.  It was the first time I made her laugh.  Soon after I'd find myself practicing punch lines in front of the mirror hoping I could grab her attention long enough for her to notice how great I was.  Or at least how great thought I was. 

She always sat behind me during bible study.  My nerves arose whenever she dipped her toes into my immediate area.  The closer she was, the more difficult it was to remain still.  I'd shake my foot left and right as it sat on the wooden floor.  I'd toy with my sideburns and found myself clearing my throat more than usual.  Today will be the day I force her smile, I thought.  That thought lasted for more than year. 

I hadn't been in church since early Spring and we were in the middle of Winter, which only reminded me of her impending birthday.  The distance between the two of us made me wonder if she was as special as I initially thought.  She said all the right things when she declined my offer.  She said it was inappropriate for members to date.  I thought I was golden until the realization that I was no longer invincible. 

I could smell her perfume from behind me but this time it didn't sting as much as it used to.  The anger inside me was long gone.  Her runny nose had my undivided attention.  I could only stare at my instructor's lips move up and down but all I heard were her sinuses acting up.  Her voice was as clear as day even when she couldn't find the right words to say.  Then, somebody swung open the side door, hitting my leg in the process.  I had to move my seat and the only available one was beside her.

You hold your head up high and take that seat, I thought.  I sat down and immediately sensed her discomfort upon realizing how close the two chairs actually were.  I could feel her arm leaning against mine followed by a feeling of fulfillment.  I couldn't move even if I wanted to.  All of a sudden I found myself sitting on a beach chair enjoying the sound of waves colliding.  I could've sat there all night. 

The instructor had other plans as he picked on me to answer a question I could hardly understand.  Without thinking I turned to my right and asked her if she could help translate the question.  I nodded my head like a young fool as she spoke.  Her eyes took me to places I never knew existed.  The ability to share the same room was enough for me to keep showing up.  I answered the instructor's question and proceeded to return to my beach chair until the clock struck 12 and it was time to head to the temple. 

Blog Assignment #3: 1922 Eugenicists Baltimore anthropometric study

http://histclo.com/essay/misc/eug/cou/us/meas/balt-as22.html

It felt like an odd day from the start.  Mom and dad wouldn't look me in the eye when they said I had to go see the doctor.  They just told me I'd get a prize if I didn't cause any trouble.  I yawned and rubbed my eyes as I wasn't used to being up this early in the morning on a Saturday.  Ralph and Brian from school mentioned having to see the doctor today as well.  When I asked them if they were sick, they both laughed and said they usually get sick during school days.

The streetcar was filled up by other boys my age, which led me to remove mom's arm from my shoulder.  Upon arriving to the doctor's office, the outside of the building looked more like a factory.  Mom and dad weren't sure where to go until they were met with a few men in suits.  They weren't dressed like doctors.  We entered a room filled with a seated group of boys along with their parents.  A few of the boys only had their moms seated next to them.  My parents looked uncomfortable as they sat straight up without saying much.  Whenever they spoke to the other moms and dads, they made sure to keep their voices low.  Even they didn't seem to know what we were doing here.  I was surprised to see Ralph and Brian and relieved to have somebody to talk to.

We began talking about what the doctor would do to us and thinking back to anything that would've led to our parents bringing us here in the first place.  After laughing at the idea of being sent here for some kind of boot camp, the adults told us to be quiet or else they'll make sure we get shots.  I never liked needles and the thought of one of those big men sticking a needle into my arm scared me silent.  After what felt like hours, the men came into the waiting room and handed each of us a pair of boots and a pair of thick blue overalls.  We were instructed to put them on and then follow the big men into an empty classroom.

The men didn't say much and mostly talked to each other in their deep voices.  I couldn't make out what they were saying but remember their stern voices telling us to line up against the chalkboard and that it'll all be over soon.  They seemed to like Brian the most as they made sure that he was the first one in the line.  They patted us on our heads and smiled as they took notes.  I couldn't make out what was written on the chalkboard as it appeared to be in a different language despite some words looking familiar.

I thought it was weird that we had to pull our shirts down as we stood against the chalkboard.  The vents offered a bit of warmth but it was too cold and a bit strange to be standing half naked in front of a class room.  It felt like I was living out one of my recurring nightmares.  We were eventually allowed to put our normal clothes back on, although I did like how the boots fit.  It was odd seeing so many of the adults hug their boys once we made our way back to the waiting room.  Dad nodded and said we'll talk when we get home.  Mom kept checking my body for any kind of bruises but I told her I was fine.  Ralph, Brain and I said our goodbyes as we got back on the streetcar and made our way home.  When we got home, mom baked some of the best cookies that day and dad even gave me an extra glass of milk.  They told me they weren't sure if I had to return but that I did a great job.  Yeah, I guess I did.