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Haiku is a form of poetry that evolved from ancient forms of Japanese poetry and song that was religious in nature. It consists of three short lines. Some people in the west love it; others just think it’s weird. It probably depends on the quality of the individual poem whether it’s good or not, which is probably true of all poetry, really. But haiku seems to be the very smallest literary form with the greatest number of confusing rules.

A teacher named Reginald Horace Blythe (1898-1964) is often credited with stimulating the writing of haiku in English though he never founded a school or verse. He did write about the topic after spending time in Japanese-occupied Korea in the 1940s.

Is haiku for you? In the West haiku is a little more freeform than the strict ancient Japanese hokku from which it evolved. Some people even consider any short poem to be haiku. Most people have a more restrictive view. Here are some guidelines people use for writing and defining haiku:

Three or fewer lines of no more than 17 total syllables;
Three lines written in 5-7-5 syllables;
Three lines of 2, 3, and 2 metrical feet, with a pause aftrer the second or fifth;
The “one deep breath” rule where the reader should be able to read the haiku aloud without taking a second breath.

Form aside, it’s difficult to determine what makes a good haiku in terms of meaning or substance. It’s nice when they give the reader some inspiration, convey an insight the author had (an “aha” moment) or stir the imagination in a way. One way to approach this is to compare, contrast or juxtapose elements in different ways.

Many famous writers have worked with this form including beat writers Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg. Here are a couple written by an ancient Japanese poet named Issa.

My native village
on approach and to the touch
a bramble rose

From the lake
springing up into the sky
the clouded peaks.

A good way to start writing haiku is to read and imitate. Here’s an imitation of the first poem above:

My hometown
in the mind and in the heart
a burning blade

Whether your imitations are good or not, doesn’t matter. It only matters to start and then keep going. In the library and on the internet are many sources of haiku to read. The variety and inspiration available is endless. Soon you’ll knowif haiku is for you.

Originally posted 2008-03-09 17:05:01. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Trying to stay stylish without ending up in the poor house is a struggle for many women. They want to wear the latest fashions, have the most up to date accessories, but with other more important bills to pay including a mortgage and a car payment, it can be almost impossible. There are ways to cut corners without cutting style points and one of those is with discounted designer handbags. These treasures save you a lot of money without compromising on looks.

One choice when it comes to purchasing a bag that made an appearance on the catwalk this season is to buy one that looks like a designer’s creation but is much lower quality. These “rip-off” or “fake” bags are usually made to look real, but they aren’t a good choice. The reason you don’t want to go this route when looking for discounted designer handbags is that the designer is being cheated. Their design is being taken advantage of and they receive no compensation for it.

Many of the popular online auction sites have areas devoted to women’s fashions. There you can find shoes, clothing and discounted designer handbags. Some of the items that are available on these sites are actually being offered in the form of an auction so you need to keep a close watch on them and bid accordingly so you can win the item. Others are available by purchasing them on the spot. There are many discounted designer handbags that fall into this category and if you see one you like, it’s a good idea to pick it up immediately. They go fast as so many women are all looking for a great deal.

Waiting a few months after the item was first offered to the public is another way to save money. Many designers bring out a new line of clothing and accessories each season. If you wait until the next season begins you can generally find some discounted designer handbags that are only a few months old. Trying to keep up with the fashion gurus by purchasing a new bag each season should be reserved for the wealthy. For the everyday working woman discounted designer handbags from last season are a great find.

Probably the least expensive way to enjoy one of these attractive accessories is through a borrowing program. There are now companies that recognize the demand for discounted designer handbags at very reasonable prices. For a few dollars a month they make available a selection of popular and trendy bags that women can take on a loan. It’s much like borrowing books from the library. Once you’ve paid your fee, you choose a bag, it’s sent to you and you use it for as long as you like. All that is required is that you take care of the bag and pay your dues each month. For the budget conscious, yet fashionable woman, this approach to discounted designer handbags may be the best.

Originally posted 2007-01-25 17:17:04. Republished by Old Post Promoter

It is my trusty little sleeping partner. And it never fails to wake me up in the morning. Sometimes it sure is irritating, with its incessant whining and continuous noise, but I would much rather have it do that than to keep silent. Cause if it did, it would be useless to me. In case you haven’t guessed what I am talking about, it is my trusty little alarm watch!

Yes it is true. I sleep with my alarm watch so that I can be ready to spring out of bed in the mornings. I still remember the time when I was a kid and we had this huge, blaring, metallic alarm clock that used to give me a heart attack each time it woke me up. Sure it was effective, but each time I was jolted out of bed to switch it off, I was scared that I would have a heart attack.

Things however got better after I got my first alarm watch. It was a nifty little gadget as far as I was concerned. At that time, alarm watches made in Japan were all the rage and I got my hands on a Casio alarm watch. While it took me a good couple of days poring over the manual to determine how to set the alarm as well as the hundreds of other features, once I had mastered the art, it was a constant source of happiness.

For one thing, I no longer needed to depend on the clanging monstrosity to wake me up each morning. My smaller, more melodic alarm watch was just as effective. Admittedly it was initially the novelty factor of the alarm clock that woke me up with startling regularity, but soon, I got rather used to the efficient beeping of my alarm watch.

Things got to such a point that my wife began suspecting that it was all not just due to the alarm watch. I mean I had tried other alarm watches before, but the episodes of my youth with the clanging monstrosity had left me so scarred that I was loathe to even hear other alarm watches. But my nifty little alarm watch changed all that - for the better. I no longer got scared each time I woke up, although I sometimes still woke up with a little start! And best of all, I was always on time for any appointment. I always used my trusty alarm watch for all appointments all through the day!

Originally posted 2007-07-30 10:33:30. Republished by Old Post Promoter

There are few dishes that can compare to casserole recipes when it comes to classic comfort food. These mealtime favorites have been around for generations and many people commonly associate the casserole with memorable family get-togethers. Casserole recipes come in many different forms and you have lots and lots of choices available to you.

An interesting this about recipes casserole dishes have inspired over time each typically have some kind of cream sauce in their base. This may be one of the reasons that these dishes are so very tasty and satisfying. Whether it’s cream of mushroom soup or heavy whipping cream, these elements are a popular part of casserole recipes.

Ironically, the dishes are named after the actual container that is used to prepare them. The casserole is actually a large cooking container that is used to bake the concoctions. The recipes casserole containers inspired have gradually overshadowed the true meaning of the word.

Some people suggest that a person can have casseroles several times a week without getting bored. There is little wonder why considering the vast variety of these wonderful kitchen concoctions. Following are some standards that many of us have grown to know and love over the years.

One of the most popular casserole recipes around is the green bean casserole. This is a standard for many holiday occasions. While many of these stew-like dishes are eaten as the main course, others are simply side dishes. The green bean casseroles are the kind of vegetable sides that offer a lot of flavor and character.

The tuna casserole is a modern classic that never goes out of style. This inexpensive dish typically consists of a cream base, with tuna, of course. Some like to add rice to the mix while others prefer the traditional pasta version. Either way, these casserole recipes are winners each and every time.

The meat-and-potatoes person might prefer something meatier. Shepherd’s pie is among the most popular casserole recipes. It may be surprising to discover that this dish was traditionally made with lamb to those who have had the beef Shepherd’s pie recipe that has been so very popular in homes across the globe.

There are few meals that have stood the test of time. Casserole recipes are certain to make a splash at your next family get-together. These meals are the epitome of comfort foods and they are ideal for holidays and special occasions. They are so easy to make that they are also suitable for every day meals as well.

Originally posted 2005-11-15 08:03:18. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Divorce papers

Receiving divorce papers is something that most married couples hope to never experience. However, with the divorce rate constantly increasing, more and more people are holding those papers in their hands. I’ve seen coworkers be served with divorce papers at the workplace and know how much it can destroy someone. Even if you know that they will be arriving, it still strikes some emotion inside of you that makes it a tearful event. Those divorce papers symbolize the end of something that should have been wonderful. Perhaps some people long to hold those divorce papers in their hand so that they would finally be free from their misery.

More divorce lawyers are setting up shop all around the world. Why? Because there is a demand for them since more marriages are not working out. It saddens me to see people filing for divorce when they may not have tried any other options. I personally didn’t get married to get divorced, so if my marriage is on shaky grounds, I’ll do whatever I can to restore it. However, if something drastic happens or things really are impossible, then I’d be willing to let go. Divorce sometimes seems too easy and almost as if you’re giving up without even trying. When you say “I do”, make sure you go as far as you can before having those divorce papers served to your spouse.

I’ve seen divorce papers destroy lives as well. The coworker who received hers at work, headed for a downward spiral after that. Until that moment, she’d been hopeful about her marriage working out, and he shocked her by having them delivered to her. She had a nervous breakdown and has never fully recovered. After receiving divorce papers, you have the fun task of dividing up property, assets and finances. Perhaps you need to work out alimony or child support and custody. There are so many things involved. One of both of the partners could have their credit ruined from a divorce. You’ll also discover how much more arguing can take place after filing for divorce. Suddenly, items that you never thought your spouse cared about are being fought over. Pets may become a topic of discussion.

Your divorce papers will always play a role in your life. They should be kept in a safe place in case they’d ever be needed for legal purposes. Don’t ever throw them away. You’ll need them if and when you do ever get remarried. You may need them to prove a legal divorce someday if your spouse ends up getting in financial trouble.

Originally posted 2007-08-10 10:11:20. Republished by Old Post Promoter