Writing a Masterpiece

I stumbled across this essay on the Interwebs earlier in the week and thought I would share it. It speaks to the idea that we are all masterpieces not because of how we look, but because of who we are. I think it speaks volumes not just on a personal level, but also when it comes to crafting fictional heroines. Some of the world's most memorable fictional characters are known not for just their physical beauty but for traits like courage, intelligence, and even geekiness.  In praise of all of the masterpieces of humanity in the world - real and fictional. :)

Don’t tell me I’m beautiful. I have already heard the word rubbed raw across the flesh of so many girls before me. Thrown at them like rocks that beat the skin of those we do not understand. 

“You are beautiful,” we yell with such contempt. “God dammit, why won’t you just believe me, you’re beautiful!” It is not a compliment. It is a victory march of your own self sacrifice. “You’re beautiful,” we say through gritted teeth. “You’re beautiful,” we spit out through tears, looking at a reflection we hate. “You’re beautiful,” we say, holding a body that has never felt the arms of another.  “You’re beautiful.” 

Don’t tell me I’m beautiful. A word like that floats on the surface, give me something with depth. Tell me I’m intelligent. Tell me I’m courageous. Tell me that when I laugh the whole world smiles. Tell me that my voice is sweeter than strawberries. Remind me that my hands have helped flowers grow, painted the ocean, and captured the sky in my phone. Assure me that with a mind like mine, I can change the world. 

Don’t tell me I’m beautiful. I don’t really care if it’s true. I’ve spent years trying to convince myself that beauty goes through and through. Don’t tell me I’m beautiful.
I’ve felt the word splatter against me enough for a lifetime. I am better than the “beautiful” that slips from your lips. I am the ocean, 36,000 feet deep. There are parts of me you have never seen. I am outer space, infinite in your search. I am not simply “beautiful.” I’m a fucking masterpiece. - author unknown

Binging on Barbie

Last night after some plotting and editing, I decided to treat myself to a bit of Barbie overload.  I'm not talking about playing with dolls, but rather Dale "Barbie" Barbara - the handsome, mysterious hero of Chester's Mill on the NBC series, "Under the Dome." I sat down with my remote control and binge watched my favorite fictional hunk.

His rugged good looks, combined with his mysterious background, and his fierce love for Julia make him definitely swoon-worthy.  So without further adieu, today's Hump Day Hunk Homage is for Mike Vogel as Barbie.

Girls Who Read

So I think I am a bit in love with this guy, or at least enamored because he recognizes the value a woman's mind holds. I also think its something perfectly offbeat for Music  Monday. Enjoy!

 

 

Marc Grist is a poet. You can check out his website here. 

Kinky F**kery Causes Blog Fail

This morning when I sat down with my hot cup of caffeine and my twitter feed, I fully intended on continuing to build my writer platform. I even read an article at Writer's Digest by Chuck Sambuchino about eight things every blogger should know.

And, not minutes later I found myself ready to break rule number eight:

8. Don’t Blog Something That’s Already Been Blogged
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve thought of a great idea, only to find that it has already been covered by other bloggers on my own site. Now, I do read the site, but the volume of posts is insane — and my memory is short enough that I don’t remember what people were posting about three years ago. Use the site search. If you don’t, people will yell for reposting stuff. Also, get familiar with the Google site: syntax (example: site:www.mentalfloss.com “chris higgins” will turn up posts including my name from that site).

I should have been posting writing tips, offering up some free short story showcasing my writing style, or sharing some geek girl wit and wisdom, but I couldn't stop myself from watching it, let alone blogging about the Fifty Shades of Grey trailer. I know everyone and their Dom is watching it right now, but I couldn't resist. It pulled me in with its hypnotic version of Beyoncé's "Crazy in Love".

Bless me blogging gods for I have sinned, here I am blogging about Mr. Grey seeing me on Valentine's 2015 despite myself.

International Earworms

I keep hearing this French song on the local radio(even though it was released years ago), I can't get the thing out of my head, and it has burrowed into my stream of consciousness. I'm not sure how to get it removed, so I thought I would infect everyone else with it :) Happy Music Monday!

Hump Day Hunk: Bespectacled

This has to be the best picture of Chris Pine ever. Why? The glasses.  Very studious. Smart can be so sexy don't you think?

Songs about Rain

Its raining here in New York, so this song is perfect for a wet music Monday. Hot heartthrob rancher, Colt McCord in Heartbreak Ranch would definitely have a listen to this, especially in that stormy bit of weather he encounters in his relationship with Graysen. You can pick up my steamy western romance on Amazon.



PS - Gary Allan is pretty easy on the eyes too. Enjoy.