Tivona Beach Resort, Laiya, Batangas, Philippines

Hurry not

do not hurry
achieving things
there is a time
for everything

do not try
to prove your worth
especially when
no one's asking

be careful showing
your deemed intelligence
what you thought was great
to others, might be nonsense

quit the self-righteousness
learn to show humility
remember that stubbornness
will only bring enmity

you cannot argue
with age and experience
your time to shine, it will come
for now, practice subservience

it is not to show defeat
just allow the minds to meet.
but then again why not accept
that in many other things, you are inept.

The High and the Mighty

a mountain created
from out of a molehill;
something unexpected
I am confused, still.

an innocent attempt
to create poetry;
was viewed with contempt
made some people angry.

i didn't delay
i listened to social conscience;
put down the picture
the poem, they say, is the essence

a part of my brain
could never understand;
that part of others' brains
that saw it as illegal, in their parlance

shall I call it arrogance?
protectiveness out of place;
I gave myself solace
if it were me, I'd accept, with grace

was it, on my part,
an act of stupidity?
to use people's online stuff,
to create simple poetry?

I value my work of art
just like anybody;
from now on I will stay away
from the high and the mighty.

A copyright issue...not!

A copyright issue...not

Apr 4, 2010 10:42 am 335 Views

I have been out of the loop in all places that I blog in and on April Fools' Day, I went around SFF (SeniorFriendFinder) and saw an interesting photo that inspired me to write a poem. So I did. Before posting, I left a comment in the owner of the photo's blog that I am borrowing said pic and even tagged it in my blog. (I am posting the pic I composed with the poem here but will take it down after a few days --lest I get into more trouble) Now when I cropped the photo and superimposed the text, the owner's attribution at the lower right corner of the photo was also "cropped" -- which stirred some negativity and obviously irked the owner. Please read through if you have time and maybe you can share with me what you think. I must say they made me feel like I did a criminal thing and I was upset about it. Too many times I have seen people blatantly copying materials and claiming ownership of what is not theirs -- and that is not what I did in this "controversial" post. I am posting the entire blog post here to share with you the exchange: ===================== Oops...I did it again...borrowed another photo On Valentine's Day I borrowed ConeyIsBabe's photo in her blog about Jack, the dog. Today, a day after April Fools' Day, I borrowed another picture from miteehigh's blog Photographic memoriesand wrote a short poem about it that I called, Tunnel. I hope you guys don't mind me going around "borrowing" your pictures....thanks a lot! Comments: miteehigh (the original owner of the photo) I can't speak for how others feel about your appropriation. But if you will notice my photograph has an attribution in the lower right hand corner of the image. That is there not by mistake. The polite thing to do would be to ask those of us that produce original work for permission to use our images for your purposes. That is something that you did not do. This process of asking for permission is in keeping with copyright laws (which I take quite seriously). Your poetry should stand on it's own merits. My reply: I apologize. Yes I did notice the attribution and I am sorry I had it cropped as I superimposed the text. Please know that with my effort to ask permission is a genuine acknowledgment of your original work. It won't happen again. I promise. I will put this down and maybe redo it the proper way. Thank you, Miteehigh. Destiny823: Since what you have done is illegal, might you consider taking down your blog and reposting it showing only your poem. You clearly know what you are doing. Your poetry is lovely, it can stand alone. My reply: Done, Ma'am. I did right away after I read Miteehigh's comment. Thank you. Txlady4u: I agree with miteehigh in that any original item placed in a blog by another person is theirs and permission should be requested and received before you or anyone else uses it in anyway. If their name appears it is theirs be it a picture a poem or other form of expression. Lothringia: I'm very surprised that you are coming under attack for using that photograph when you had already given full credit to its owner. In the past I have exposed two serial plagiarizers here at this site that regularly presented other peoples' writing as their own and accepted full and wholesome praise that the articles evoked. I got viciously attacked by a great many here for doing so. Coincidently, both of those word thieves were compatriots of yours. My reply: Thank you for acknowledging my effort to give credit to the photograph's owner. I feel that I know the plagiarizers that you are talking about because they also blog in the same other place I blog in. Halfjean(that's my SFF handle) I am saddened by this turn of things because as a "writer" of sorts, I also do not condone plagiarism. Since I started writing poetry, I have never posted anything in my blogs and claimed ownership of anything that was not originally written by me. I used to write poems from whatever inspiration that came to me but lately, I find it more personally rewarding for me to write poems based on a photograph I see/saw/have seen. This is one of those photographs. Let me say here that I do not have intentions of claiming ownership of something that is not mine. I saw the photo, I liked it, I was inspired to write a poem about it and thought I'd share, like I did with ConeyIsBabe's Jack photograph. I have already acknowledged my mistake in cropping out the attribution -- I apologize sincerely - I just hope that I would be given credit for calling the attention of the original owner of the photograph in my blog- I should have waited for permission first before I posted the poem but I didn't. I'm sorry. Rest assured I won't "steal" photos again. ruggedandtenderyho: It is a great poem.. And I do see your inspiration following or being inspired by pictures at this point of your writing.. It is so good.. I understand things triggering our minds. You are a wonderful writer.. Thank you for sharing as I enjoy reading... My reply: Thanks, rugged.I appreciate your and the others' acknowledgment of the poem. It was a sudden burst of inspiration that made me write that and disrespect for the original owner of the photograph is farthest from my mind. Just sad that some others saw the act as illegal and worthy of reprimand, when I have, in fact, properly acknowledged the owner. Now I feel my admiration and appreciation for the work of art was misplaced. Bijou624: Hi Halfjean: I think you had good intentions about using these two photos as you probably just wanted to acknowledge to Coney and Mitee that their photos inspired you as a writer. They were both very good photos each in their own way. I think that it is perfectly legal to copy any photo we find on the internet, but I'm not sure. I have to admit though that it would give me an eerie feeling to log in here some day and see one of my photos in someone's blog. Nice poem by the way. My reply: Thank you! I, too, am not sure about the legality/illegality of what I did but my conscience is clear that I did not do it to enrich myself/extract money out of it. It was just a simple poem I wrote after receiving inspiration seeing the photo. ConeyIsBabe: I was very flattered when Halfjean borrowed my photo and wrote a very cute poem about Jack and his Toys. Clearly, Halfjean only used the photo of Jack for the purpose of enhancing her poem and she credited me as the photographer ! my reply: Thanks, ConeyIsBabe! Yours was the first photo I ever found on a blogsite that I used for my poem. I was very glad how you so graciously acknowledged. Most of my stuff I took off google images but many others are from the portfolio of my photographer-nephew. Tranqfull: Funny when I reported to SFF abuse that my picture was being used in a vicious obnoxious blog comment and asked it be removed resulting in the blog owner and commenter who posted my picture being banned I was accused of everything including jealousy and called every name in the book. So its ok for some to copy pictures but not ok for everyone .. oh yeah the old depends on who it is rears its head . Some of you need to examine your conscience ! My reply: I can understand how ugly it would feel finding your picture being used in a "vicious, obnoxious blog comment" because it happened to me too in the past -- with ugly reference to the memory of my deceased mother -- But then...I did not use miteehigh's picture in a "vicious, obnoxious" blog post so I really feel bad that my act is being branded as illegal. I may have cropped the attribution out but I wonder if that unintentional act should merit all this "talk" when no one could ever say I did not acknowledge the owner. Really, it baffles me. lothringia (again) Mountain, molehill, conscience, brain, arrogance, stupidity. Any chance you will be inspired, to write an original poem, by my input on this post ? My reply: a mountain created from out of a molehill; something unexpected I am confused, still. an innocent attempt to create poetry; was viewed with contempt made some people angry. i didn't delay i listened to social conscience; put down the picture the poem, they say, is the essence a part of my brain could never understand; that part of others' brains that saw it as illegal, in their parlance shall I call it arrogance? protectiveness out of place; I gave myself solace if it were me, I'd accept, with grace was it, on my part, an act of stupidity? to use people's online stuff, to create simple poetry? I value my work of art just like anybody; from now on I will stay away from the high and the mighty. Ola2006 I personally feel that as long as recognition is made to the "author" of the material, be it poems, articles, and/or photos, there shouldn't be any big squawk about it. If there was monetary issues involved (royalties), then definitely permission should be granted first. Too many times I have seen blog articles and photos that have been presented as the bloggers original submission when not, and I don't approve of that. I feel you are to be commended for your efforts to make right, what you feel may be a wrong. As far as using stuff here that another SFF'er originated, its probably best in the long run to get their permission first. I think most, as ConeyIsBabe said, would be flattered that something of theirs inspired you. my reply: Thank you for this. You've said what I wanted to say. miteehigh (again) It seems that there is some confusion about use of copyrighted material. It is not enough to appropriate and then give credit to the originator of a work. The appropriation without permission and consideration is illegal in and of itself. A original work does not need identification of the originator affixed thereto in order to be copyrighted. It does not need to be listed with the regulating agency (in this case the US copyright and trademark office)in order to be copyrighted. Any arbitary and unapproved appropriation is illegal. ltw222: (quoting the poem I wrote on lothringia's challenge) Hi Halfjean, Lovely poem and you have certainly shown us your creativity. By the way, it is my belief that the first poem up there about the stairs is ORIGINAL too. Some might be blinded by their prejudice and failed to recognize that. I, too, like poetry and write a wee bit. I hope you are not too put off by this episode and carry on writing and, if you want to borrow another photo, you can get it from photobucket, a photo sharing site. I had borrowed from there and I always acknowledge the owner. I am a member there but I don't think one needs to be a member to borrow. There are other sites that allow you to borrow photos too as well as some that does not allow you to do so. Once again, I like your, shall I say, spunky poem. I blogged here once too but am now on a siesta away from here and I think you already know the reason why. I would be visiting on and off though to read some of my friends' blogs as well as enjoy your poetry. All the best. Lee My reply: HI, thanks for your comment. Actually, yesterday after putting down the image of the "stairs" leaving only the text of the poem, I went to google images and true enough, I found a hell lot of similar pictures that I think would elicit the same interest in me to write the same poem had I seen them before. I wish I had, so this wouldn't have happened. I keep my poetry in some other place (what I post in other places eventually get to one other place I consider my archives. You can search for: Chronicler on the Loose in case I stop posting here Nice meeting you.

silver lining

Last year, i went through a most difficult time mothering my children especially the middle child, who, after all the family members' effort to prod him on to high school graduation, still decided to quit school by mid January 2009 (roughly 2 months to graduation) It broke my heart to pieces (and my wallet to shreds) but I knew I could never give up helping him realize the value of education. So I tried my hardest to convince him to go back to school the following year. It was doubly difficult because he was to be in the same class with his younger bro and wasn't feeling good about it. The hard work paid off, now a year after, he and his younger bro are graduating on Friday.

March 17, 2010, was hubby's first death anniversary. We have all moved on but we are all sad too that he did not live long enough to see his children's achievements this far.


I am happy about the way my middle child's temperament has changed for the better. He has become more cheerful and cooperative and I just know that like their sister, who is a full-pledged RN (RN does not stand for Rich Nurse ) he and his brother will succeed too.

A silver lining ....true....

Lonely Tsinelas

waiting...come home soon

Delilah's Jewels

(Delilah, the Silver Princess, is a work of art - a collage -- featured at the Dogs of Bark City fundraising campaign http://dogtime.com/dogs-of-bark-city.html
Awesome art--obviously created by someone who has a lot of patience working with small trinkets. Imagine the amount of glitter needed to cover Delilah's coat--plus "composing" the collage of bits and pieces all around Delilah's body.
She sold for $12,500. Good job!














>





keys, coins, pieces of brass
pendants, chains, that shine like glass

belt buckle and brooch, a lopsided earring
a thimble it is, not a tiny bell ringing

a Christmas tree beside a symbol of infinity
odd shapes and sizes, trinkets blinking at me.
i see a letter J, and a padlock do you see?
pray tell, where to find the lock's matching key?

flowers and leaves, no they are not green
because they are coated with metallic sheen

a bolt, where's the nut?, an upholstery tack
is that a wagon, maybe there's a grass shack?

hoops and buttons and an artist's brush
i bet the brush would make the hound dog blush

being ill
makes it so easy
to fall
deep into depression


there's always reason
to be angry

there's always reason
to be sad

there's always reason
to frown

there's always reason
to give up

there's always reason
to be depressed

there's always reason
to write an angry poem

there's always reason
to be unhappy

and all these reasons
are UNREASONABLE

Dusk ....Remember December

[B]Yesterday as I looked out the window, I caught a glimpse of the sky at dusk. There was a sudden pang of sadness that flashed --there was a cool breeze blowing....and an inspiration for a poem came through. I wrote two within a few minutes of each other. It's amazing how inspiration comes and goes.....


there's something about dusk
that brings sadness to me
it brings back time in the distant past
of how things used to be

i don't know why it reminds me
of sad Christmases and new years too
the childhood that still haunts me
the vivid faces that make me blue

why is dusk sad unlike dawn
that seems to carry hopes and cheer
at times, this grief that dusk has spawned
brings me closer to the point of tears

i wish i know a time and place
when and where dusk is instead happy
i'll go there once, create my space
draw inspirations for cheerful poetry

.
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Remember December

i smell the scent of Christmas air
in cool and chilly December
it's not as cold as where there is snow
no need for crackling fire or ember

the Christmas air that i know of
is fragrant like fresh flowers
sometimes it smells like freshly baked bread
i crave for coffee, jam and butter

in December is when i hear
the church bells at 3:00 in the morning
from 3:00 am till 4:00 am
Christmas carols,Ray Conniff's playing

these Decembers of my childhood
are gone and fading from my memory
but there are times they flash like lightning
leaving me happy, smiling and dreamy...

Jack and his Toys

I was browsing through blogs sometime last week and saw the picture accompanying the blog, "Jack and his Toys" and I just couldn't resist saving the picture--immediately forming a little poem in my head about it. But I didn't get the chance to write the words right away.
Today, Valentine's Day here in the Philippines, I woke up to a nice morning and felt inspired to pen down that poem.

I hope ms ConeyIsBabe wouldn't mind my borrowing the picture. I hope you'll like my little poem too.

today's a hot and sunny day
a perfect time to go out and play

so off i went to my basket of toys
oh no! they're all gone! 'must be the boys?

round and round i looked and looked
saw the empty basket, am i spooked?

i miss the birdy, the bear, the duckie,
oh where oh where is my favorite bunny?

i walked around and surveyed the place
is that a shadow of a bear's hairy face?

my gaze went up and what a joy!
pinned along a clothesline are all my toys!

now i still walk round and round, my heart's excited
can't wait to touch them when they're dried and dusted

oh great Sun up above continue shining
see you again around, on the next washing and drying.

They Don't (Really) Care About Us

Phenomenal!

Who would have thought that a correctional institution such as the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC, Cebu, Philippines) could rise to fame via youtube? But no, it is not the means that they rose to fame that is phenomenal but the fact that these are inmates dancing to different popular tunes with the choreographic moves of professionals.

Their latest vid -- a tribute to Michael Jackson featuring the MJ song, "They Don't Care About Us". The inmates in this maximum security prison was visited by no less than Michael Jackson's long-time choreographer Travis Payne and dancers Daniel Celebre and Dres Reid to learn performances from THIS IS IT.

This is not their first vid, they have had several other performances before this which have caught worldwide attention when these vids were uploaded to the biggest and most popular video website, youtube.

It all started with an attempt to diffuse a volatile situation with a full-blown prison riot brewing. Extracting the idea from another movie that the warden, Byron F. Garcia, had seen previously, where an inmate walked into the warden's office and spoke via the public address system which created a huge impact bringing about a positive change --but that's scripted because it was in a movie, while the CPDRC case was real-life.

When the jail warden played the song "Another One Bites the Dust" which was stored in his USB flash drive along with two other songs, the volatile situation was calmed and the riot did not happen. It's been three straight years now that this maximum security prison has been riot-free.

It wasn't overnight success either, and the inmates did not right away welcome the choreographers. When they eventually agreed to participate, it took a long while to teach them the moves but everything paid off well. They now have numerous dance performances captured on video and uploaded to the internet.

There are various concerns as to the possible misleading effect of the popularity of these inmates against the concept of correction and rehabilitation but who would argue with the positive effects it gives now? Physically healthy inmates (what with all that physical exercise they get from dancing), mentally healthier inmates that are veered away from boredom inside the institution and a generally happier and more cheerful environment inside the confines of maximum security.

It is absurd to think that one would intentionally commit a serious crime to join the dancing inmates (I personally don't think one would do it intentionally) but for those who are already committed there, it is a relief to know that they are in one of the safest prison environment in the land-- where they dance their time away. Whatta whole new way to DO TIME.

does your lawn need mowing?

i don't like tattoos....but....this is an exception

if

"if a man loves you,
nothing can make him go away...
if he doesn't,
nothing can make him stay..."

while you were sleeping

While you were sleeping,
I made a thoughtful wish
Then, an angel came to tell you
and said "wish is granted, go in peace!"
The angel in her radiant blue glow,
Leaned over, this I saw
She held your hand and before she flew,
left a gentle kiss on your brow..


12:21:22am

the way to love

Richard Bach says:

Argue for your limitations, and sure enough, they're yours.

~~ ~~

You are never given a wish without being given the power to make it true. You may have to work for it, however.

~~ ~~

In order to live free and happily, you must sacrifice boredom. It is not always an easy sacrifice.

~~ ~~

Here is a test to find whether your mission on earth is finished: If you're alive, it isn't.

~~ ~~

It is like walking hand in hand in a sea of people.
If you let go of my hand, i would feel insecure
that I would lose you in the crowd.

~~~~~~~

...don't let love go just because of a barrier you cannot cross

waking up

Well, for me it's waking up beside you
To watch the sunrise on your face
To know that I can say I love you
In any given time or place