So, You Really Wanna Know What Moves Me?

Image Credit: Pexels/Pixabay

Okay, so last month our dear friend Michele Lee Sefton posted a “What Moves You” challenge on her blog. Essentially, the idea is to choose a physical activity that you enjoy doing, and then do it! While there were a few things I knew would make me move, she insisted that it needed to be G-Rated. Gee, thanks Michele. So while I am not officially entering this challenge, I thought it would be fun to think about what moved me to get moving. While writing this, I am sitting at my desk as I think about it and as I took a break, it hit me right there. 

I get up periodically throughout my day to dance to something on my laptop, then I put my sneakers on (like a kid the colors alone make me move), and then I lubricate my knees by cycling on my manual portable desk peddler as I lift some light weights. The photo below shows a collection of the things that get me moving as I sit working at my desk. It just breaks the monotony of sitting down for an extended period by giving me an injection of energy to keep me moving. So, there you have it, Michele Lee Sefton. All of the elements that make me move throughout the day when working at my desk. Are you moved to move? 🤔

Image Credit: Kym Gordon Moore – What Moves Me Switcheroo!

This is one of my go-to songs to get up and move to!

What is Required of Me Today?

Image Credit: dndankele

Keep calm, don’t worry, stay alert, and listen. What is the higher calling required of me, to serve my purpose right now, right here? What will I face today? Where will my path lead? What difference can I make that is positive, encouraging, and uplifting for someone who may not even know that they need it?

I can’t get thrown off
being distracted by the distractions
where worry replaces calm
like deeply pitted pains of contractions
as I look inward
deciding the approach to my reactions
the things that don’t fit
aren’t additions but subtractions.

©Kym Gordon Moore

Stop, watch, look, feel, and listen.

The Write Thing to Do is to Do the Write Thing

Image Credit: Kym Gordon Moore, 2018

As the adage goes, “You don’t miss the water till the well runs dry” holds truth in the world of writing. Today, I am presenting this message from a homophone angle (The Write Thing/The Right Thing). Currently, there is still an ongoing labor dispute between the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the  Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers  (AMPTP). This writer’s strike began at 12:01 a.m. (PDT) on May 2, 2023.

So why is the WGA striking? It isn’t for some vanity attention-getter or an obnoxious money grab. WGA members are fighting for better pay, streaming residuals, mandatory staffing, employment duration, and AI technology safeguards. Now, the domino effect is happening right before our eyes and it isn’t pretty. It is said that this is the largest interruption to American television and film production since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, as well as the largest labor stoppage for the WGA since the 2007–08 strike. 

I resurrected the above image I created 5 years ago because I thought about the power of our word messaging. This craft that all of us writers embrace is what writers actually create, and is not AI-generated, yet. We are passionate about our craft, regardless of our compensation. Once again, we are seeing another fallout from workers seeking better working conditions and better pay when so much falls on their shoulders, and the survival of an institution or company depends on their performance and productivity. Still, we clearly see evidence that a lot of bigwigs, administrators, and execs are reaping residuals, by the millions, while those who are on the bottom working rung (like teachers, healthcare workers, custodians, pilots, transportation workers, etc.) are overworked, underappreciated, and under-compensated.

Yeah, strikes can disrupt more lives than just the people who employ the protesters. No, I don’t think they are being selfish, they are merely trying to make a living. Is anyone really listening and responding to the problem? Sadly, if people are not protected by certain safeguards, they can be easily fired and replaced by another body, not necessarily by better talent. Yeah, these dissatisfied people can quit and find another job somewhere else, but it may not be easy to do. These individuals love what they do, and they are passionate about what they create because it isn’t just a job for them, or us. People want to work. They are only asking for equity and respect, in the workplace and their paycheck. Let’s hope that the write thing to do is for those who have the power to make necessary changes, actually do the right thing and stick to it. Writefully so, is that too much to ask for?

A homophone is a word that sounds the same as another word but has a different meaning and/or spelling.

Cindy Georgakas is Re-Creating and Celebrating a New Chapter

Photo Image: Courtesy of uniquelyfitblog.com

          I received an ARC of “Re-Create & Celebrate” by Cindy Georgakas and oh my goodness what a refreshing read it was. At the onset of Cindy’s book, Re-Create & Celebrate, you can feel the natural and positive energy flowing through the power of Cindy’s words and her personal journey. She doesn’t speak in clinical terms, as you may find in similar guides, which can be intimidating. No, you feel like you’re sitting on her deck, sipping on a cup of tea, and when you leave, you feel invigorated.

        Her easy-to-follow steps are practical and gently guide you through the process of rediscovery and renewal. This book is a must-have for helping readers refocus on their overall health and wellness.

          As a certified Life Fitness Coach, Cindy’s experience shines through with stories and practical exercises to help validate the success of your journey. She navigates you through a path to reflect who you are, and the essence of your being, which is not defined by your credentials or possessions. Be true to yourself, and not that of someone else. The changes you need to make are already inside of you. Cindy has a way of tugging at the matters of the heart and splashing a burst of energy that gets you up and running with a zest for life. 

Image Source: Unique Times with Cindy

          I’ve known Cindy for a couple of years now, but it seems like we have known each other for decades. I quickly learned that when she sets her sights on a goal, even if it is a home renovation, she has the determination like a bulldog to do everything she can to attain it, despite the obstacles that might suggest otherwise. Without giving away any spoilers, grab a copy of Re-Create and Celebrate. It is a helpmate for examining each time, stage, and age of your life. Haikus at the end of each chapter add a special, quotable touch to the flow of her conversation. There are some other delightful surprises included in her book to help guide you through your progress and celebrate your success.

          If you haven’t met Cindy yet, then quickly grab yourself a deluxe-size can of energy drink, because she is robust with vitality you can’t quantify. Connect with Cindy and learn more about her blog tours and book launch on her website  Uniquely Fit, FACEBOOK, and TWITTER.

Mothers Have a Way of Being Empowered by Curiosity and Observation

Image Source: From Behind the Pen (Adapted from “Did Curiosity Really Kill The Cat? 2017″)

Curiosity is a quality related to inquisitive thinking, such as exploration, investigation, and learning, which is evident by observation in humans and other animals. Curiosity had nothing to do with killing the cat, it simply empowered her.

Oh Mighty Lioness

Like a haute couture runway model on the catwalk
her prowl, deliberate, poised, and with purpose
she doesn’t simply exist in the wild, she flourishes
running towards danger that makes her want to run away

her feistiness is cool, cautious, and uninhibited
a warrior and hunter, swift, leaping, and powerful
compassionate and protective den mother for her cubs
to ensnare her, your efforts may be futile and deadly

she is the one animal most feared by the lion
to pique her curiosity it didn’t kill the cat
it taught her how to live and survive
molding her into a mighty Lioness in the jungle!

©Kym Gordon Moore

💐Wishing mothers everywhere, a HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY weekend!💐

POETRY, PASTRIES, & PIES Podcast: The Aromas Baked by Mother’s Hands

Image Credit: NordWood Themes

Click here to follow, visit and engage with any of the Poetry, Pastries, & Pies episodes

As we approach Mother’s Day, whether you are celebrating with your mother or paying tribute to her memory, we hit our recall button of the delightful flavors and aromas that came wafting from the oven as we patiently waited for what they were baking. Old school moms had a way of makin’ it, shakin’ it, and bakin’ it, without even using a recipe card. A pinch of this and a sprinkle of that, and Wahla! Oh my goodness, once that baking delight hits your tongue, you feel like you’ve been teleported to another planet.

You are invited to pay tribute in the comment section to your mother, grandmother, or anyone else who has been a mother figure to you and could whip up a pastry, pie, cake, or other mouthwatering baked delight without breaking a sweat. In my podcast, I give a nod to my mother Henrietta, with my poem “Mom’s Deep Dish Pear Pie Symphony” because she could throw down with a deep dish pear pie that would make you lose your mind. Thank you for listening!

Image Credit: Finn-b

Cut Yourself Some Slack

Image Credit: Sid Leigh

Can’t seem to get enough done in a short span of time? Do you put more pressure on yourself than you have to? Let’s face it, sometimes, we get stuck in our overachieving mode and can’t find a way to turn it off. Then, and yes, there is always a ‘then,’ we get so stressed, depressed, and quite often obsessed when our goals go awry. I think it’s safe to say that it’s time to take a step, or two, or three back.

Quite often, we tend to back ourselves into the infamous “deadline” corner and can’t come out because we are so overwhelmed with what seems like an endless list of things to do, squeezed into a time frame that looks appealing but is quite deceptive.

I’ve spoken to many people who find themselves caught in the crossfire of setting aggressive goals, and the reality is more than they bargained for. At this point, they forcefully put their foot on the brakes, instead of gradually slowing down to avoid whiplash. We try to hurry up and rush the process, then learn that silly mistakes can quickly and easily sink our ship sailing towards progress. Impatience will certainly lead to disappointments, and at times, disaster.

Try to examine what led you to this place of overwhelm, which makes you feel defeated. It’s not always by someone else’s design, but even if it was, you can still change the narrative. Don’t be in a rush to impress others who probably don’t care about what you’re doing or your well-being. We stress out over stuff we really don’t need to. Personally, I learned I would have fumbled badly and made costly mistakes if I didn’t slow my roll. There’s only but so much time in a day. Your body has to adapt to rest, relaxation, and repair, or you are no good for nothing. Beware of those non-negotiable-looking deadlines because they could turn deadly if you don’t take your foot off the “gotta get it done right now” accelerator. Find the courage to cut yourself some slack and lighten up. If you don’t, you are liable to self-destruct at any unexpected moment. Then what?

From a Different Angle

Sometimes, from where you’re standing, things may look like they aren’t working out at all. Perhaps, you need to shift your position, look at it from a different angle, and see that they are actually aligning perfectly. 

©Kym Gordon Moore

We tend to look toward the grandiose as the big target to pursue, and should we fall short with great disappointment, the air in our balloon seems to evaporate rapidly. Like Goldilocks in the famed children’s fairytale, “Goldilocks and the Three Bears,” there could be goals that are far too big, some that may be too small, or those that are just right and perfect for what you need. It could be all in the way you look at it, and how you approach the possibilities.

Not If, but When

Image Credit: Mehrshadrezaei

In my silence, I once again find myself ruminating about the same old thing just on a different day.

I don’t mean to be a Debbie Downer today, but we can no longer wonder if it’s going to happen again, but when. Not even a week ago, I wrote a post, The Fragility of Life, and yet, my heart once again cries out in agony. As of Sunday, we have had 200 mass shootings/murders for 2023 in the United States. As of today, we are only 130 days into a new year. But who’s counting right? It’s simply one too many.

I am sad, hurt, and angry, nope scratch that, I am furious about the insensitivity that is being fanned into an enormous inferno in our society. This is pure, unfiltered evil occurring and is being normalized like drinking a glass of water. These acts were premeditated. It’s astonishing how many of these perpetrators legally purchased their weapons and decided to play God. When I saw over the weekend that an SUV driver plowed into a crowd at a bus stop in Brownsville, Texas, in front of a shelter for migrants and homeless people I wanted to throw up. Various reports alleged that the driver also had weapons in their car. Thus, quite possibly, had the SUV not overturned, those weapons would have been used, causing more unimaginable fatalities taking innocent lives. A few reports from bystanders said that there were individuals who drove by them shouting that this incident was their fault, and that’s why this happened. Really? The scope of homegrown “hate crimes” and “terrorist attacks” has accelerated and extended beyond anything I have ever seen in my lifetime.

Yet still, as I mentioned in my post from last week, in spite of how crazy things look right now, I can’t lose hope because I believe humanity is much better than this. Evil is drawing a lot of attention. That’s just what evil does. I believe humanity has better, more optimistic, ethical, compassionate, equitable, and encouraging things to offer. The better and best of humanity has to shout louder and stronger to prove the greater good, truth, and empathy of the heart are evident by squashing out and counteracting the sounds of hate with the showmanship of love. I’m a realist and not a blind Pollyanna.

I think about the people I love and care about who could have been one of these victims, for simply being in school, or shopping for groceries, enjoying a concert, or watching a parade. I’m not breathing life into these catastrophic events by mentioning them, but I am beyond disgusted, exhausted, and horrified than before. As much as this may look like the new normal, I pray we quickly show that we won’t settle for this type of insensitivity by rising above and overpowering the wiles of evil.

We Are Poetry, the Chiasmus

Here, I’ve taken the title of my poem “We are Poetry” and turned it into a chiasmus poem.

We are poetry

Poetry are we

Are we poetry

Poetry we are.

© Kym Gordon Moore

Chiasmus is a type of language that is seen when two or more parts of a sentence are reversed. It is used to add an artistic flair to what is being said, and can also be used to compare two similar statements by contrasting them. This sentence brings two ideas together, which have a similar meaning, and contrasts them within the same statement.