Sound, Ft. Thomas
C.A. MacConnell
9/29/2016
9/25/2016
Photo: Hats. 'Iron Jawed Angels' and CWC
Hats
The screening was held on the historic Showboat Majestic, a National Historic Landmark, the last and oldest American floating theater (she was born in 1923). The experience was quite unique, because while I was watching the film, I could feel the boat move here and there, which startled me each time.
Thanks to Cincinnati World Cinema, the event organizers, a group of steadfast volunteers who continue to bring wonderful films to the area. In addition, they were the impetus for the new local organization Women in Film (WIF). I'm an avid supporter of CWC. I minored in Film in college, and I've always been a film lover/supporter. At the CWC events, I've never been disappointed. If you enjoy cinematic art, check out their site for future events.
Recently, this region has been quite popular for the film industry. It's refreshing to see the creativity roll in, and it's lovely to hear about the way that national artists are embracing the world around me, right in my "back yard," so to speak.
I hope one day to have a small back yard. Fenced in for the dog, probably a big, kind mutt. <3
C.A. MacConnell
9/22/2016
Photo: Sky Tells.
Sky Tells
Today's Truth: I wish the news (including my own brain's news) would always focus on every day miracles. When I see the beauty of the moment, there is no fear.
C.A. MacConnell
Photo: Our Time
Our Time
Seems like a simple image at first...gentle and bright, but I was taken by the light, and the shape, as well as the shadow. It's the little things...
Hope your day is rad. I wonder what's in store for my life next? :) God's time is a little slower than my time, ha, but I have more than a shred of hope.
Love! Love. Love? Love; that is, love. (It's National Punctuation Day)
C.A. MacConnell
9/19/2016
Current Writing News & Photo: Bee
Bee
Actually, there was a wasp on here too, but he was hidden. So I was looking at this bee, mulling things over, like I do. My goal is to get book 3 published (my young adult novel), and then go back and get book 2 published. Maybe all of this is out of order, but that's the plan in my head. We shall see. They're both slick, though, ready to go. But I'm still considering routes...not clear on it all yet. Three books! Rockin.
Hey, people are loving my book #1, GRIFFIN FARM, which was published in late 2013. The feedback has been outstanding! It's funny, though. Sometimes, people come up to me and say things like, "Oh, I'm so sorry about...." and then they mention something from the book, like they assume that every single detail of my character Mary's life is the same as mine. I just laugh and shrug, but it makes me happy to know that my characters come alive like that. :) Perfect.
Yo, if you read it, put a comment and rating on Amazon! That would be truly awesome. Any help with promotion is appreciated -- Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, tell your mom and all your friends, make an "I love C.A.'s book" T-shirt, get a huge back tattoo of my book cover, etc. Just suggestions.
Wish me luck as I continue on my artistic journey. Luck, magic, or any kind of strange "good vibes" ritual would be appreciated. A rain dance, something of the sort. And good luck to you on your journey, whatever you wish to do, whatever makes your heart sing, whatever makes you feel absolutely rad.
Hey, much love. I don't know about you, but if I start eating candy corn, it's a disaster, and now they have peanut butter candy corn, which is the devil reincarnated. Also in the news -- I finally got a new coffee pot, which is amazing. The burner on my old one was so charred that it was red instead of the proper black color, and the possessed machine made weird sounds and sparks. Other than that, I'm just grateful to feel well today and grateful to be alive, which...in my book...is big-time.
Hooray, I am big-time. My ears are popping. Does that mean someone's thinking of me? Or does that just mean that I can hear better?
C.A. MacConnell
Hey, people are loving my book #1, GRIFFIN FARM, which was published in late 2013. The feedback has been outstanding! It's funny, though. Sometimes, people come up to me and say things like, "Oh, I'm so sorry about...." and then they mention something from the book, like they assume that every single detail of my character Mary's life is the same as mine. I just laugh and shrug, but it makes me happy to know that my characters come alive like that. :) Perfect.
Yo, if you read it, put a comment and rating on Amazon! That would be truly awesome. Any help with promotion is appreciated -- Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, tell your mom and all your friends, make an "I love C.A.'s book" T-shirt, get a huge back tattoo of my book cover, etc. Just suggestions.
Wish me luck as I continue on my artistic journey. Luck, magic, or any kind of strange "good vibes" ritual would be appreciated. A rain dance, something of the sort. And good luck to you on your journey, whatever you wish to do, whatever makes your heart sing, whatever makes you feel absolutely rad.
Hey, much love. I don't know about you, but if I start eating candy corn, it's a disaster, and now they have peanut butter candy corn, which is the devil reincarnated. Also in the news -- I finally got a new coffee pot, which is amazing. The burner on my old one was so charred that it was red instead of the proper black color, and the possessed machine made weird sounds and sparks. Other than that, I'm just grateful to feel well today and grateful to be alive, which...in my book...is big-time.
Hooray, I am big-time. My ears are popping. Does that mean someone's thinking of me? Or does that just mean that I can hear better?
C.A. MacConnell
9/16/2016
Photo.
Today's Truth:
From the Oxford Dictionary:
ac·cept·ance [əkˈseptəns] NOUN
-- the action of consenting to receive or undertake something offered
-- the action or process of being received as adequate or suitable, typically to be admitted into a group
-- agreement with or belief in an idea, opinion, or explanation
“Understanding is the first step to acceptance, and only with acceptance can there be recovery.” -- J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
C.A. MacConnell
From the Oxford Dictionary:
ac·cept·ance [əkˈseptəns] NOUN
-- the action of consenting to receive or undertake something offered
-- the action or process of being received as adequate or suitable, typically to be admitted into a group
-- agreement with or belief in an idea, opinion, or explanation
“Understanding is the first step to acceptance, and only with acceptance can there be recovery.” -- J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
C.A. MacConnell
9/15/2016
Photos: Fall to Touch
Fall to Touch
Fall to Touch 2
Good morning. Fall's comin. I'm continually amazed by the little things. I hope that you are well and happy, whatever you're doing. I'm gonna keep trooping along, regardless of unanswered questions. I wonder what the universe has in store for me today? :) Hopefully, magic. It's weird. I've had two dreams about alligators -- in one, I was swimming with them. In the other, I had a pet alligator. I wasn't scared of either dream. In fact, I was tellling people not to hurt my alligator. Hey, yesterday I saved a daddy long leg.
Love to you,
C.A. MacConnell
9/14/2016
Photo: Rush Hour
Rush Hour
Photo: Nineties, Short Vine, and a Poem.
Nineties, Short Vine
I have a fascination, and a deep heart-tug that lingers, when it comes to the nineties, which is probably why I still dress like it's that time period, ha. Also still love the music of the era. During that time, I followed Pearl Jam, and I saw a number of their shows -- Louisville, Cincinnati, Seattle, Charleston, to name a few. Louisville was my favorite show. I rarely had a ticket; I just always got in for some reason. I also saw every other music act you can imagine. Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ani Difranco, Tool, Pantera, Phil Collins, Elton John, Ice Cube, Seal, Def Leppard, Tori Amos, Fiona Apple, and Nine Inch Nails are a few that stand out, right off the top of my noggin. There were so many. I haven't seen a show in a while. In recent years, the last shows I saw that were great were The Black Keys, Ray Lamontagne, Fiona Apple, and Heartless Bastards. <3 The Black Keys. Hope you like the poem. Kinda gritty. C.A.
Nineties
Deep, low, and rumbling, through thick lips,
your voice poured out like the lonely cave
echo. After rolling, star years on the rising
road, some days your sound slid into a sleepy
whisper, a gravelly grumble, a drowsy drawl.
Bad nights melted into sick mornings, but you
were alive, young, and the songs were clear.
Each show, you fought the mean crowd's
undertow, and how the wild, slippery fingers
grabbed at your long, dark hair, tearing out
pieces. Skin and nails were lost and found,
becoming souvenirs, and after a while,
when you were beaten by the relentless war
of touch, you didn't feel it; you were all
so skinny and numb. All around, wide-eyed
officers brushed knuckles against cuffs,
slapping palms against sticks, caressing
tasers and guns. When all crowd mouths
opened, when all heads tilted, when all eyes
looked up, watching you climb into the rafters,
creating a massive yawn, a gaping world,
the unexpected tour of all tours, everyone,
even the largest men, reached for you.
C.A. MacConnellyour voice poured out like the lonely cave
echo. After rolling, star years on the rising
road, some days your sound slid into a sleepy
whisper, a gravelly grumble, a drowsy drawl.
Bad nights melted into sick mornings, but you
were alive, young, and the songs were clear.
Each show, you fought the mean crowd's
undertow, and how the wild, slippery fingers
grabbed at your long, dark hair, tearing out
pieces. Skin and nails were lost and found,
becoming souvenirs, and after a while,
when you were beaten by the relentless war
of touch, you didn't feel it; you were all
so skinny and numb. All around, wide-eyed
officers brushed knuckles against cuffs,
slapping palms against sticks, caressing
tasers and guns. When all crowd mouths
opened, when all heads tilted, when all eyes
looked up, watching you climb into the rafters,
creating a massive yawn, a gaping world,
the unexpected tour of all tours, everyone,
even the largest men, reached for you.
9/11/2016
Photo: Break
Break
Today's truth: God gives me a break every day I wake up. I've had some close calls, and I've tested this earth, and the earth has tested me; this morning is a gift, and it's a true miracle that I am alive. I hope your day is full of joy, laughter, love, and light. Look at the trees reach for one another, without a second thought, without judgment. It is pure community, pure love. A wise man once said, Nature is our teacher.
Thoughts with anyone affected by 9/11, and thoughts with all those suffering from the long-term aftermath that comes with any past trauma, whatever the source and cause. Amen.
C.A. MacConnell
9/10/2016
Photo: Her, Waiting
Her, Waiting
“Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So... get on your way.” -- Dr. Seuss
And not to mention, a lot can be learned from Go Dog Go. That one has always been my favorite.
:)
C.A. MacConnell
C.A. MacConnell
9/09/2016
It's All Right
Today at the quickie mart counter, a four-year-old girl and her father stood next to each other. Picture mini-her next to giant-him. The image alone was adorable.
The girl was tall for her age and spindly, as if she hadn't grown into her arms and legs yet. Dressed in a pink/black striped sundress and glass slippers (plastic), with her hair in messy, black braids, she was a beauty with almond-shaped, brown eyes. Eagerly, she grabbed for chips, candy, and whatever was close enough for her to touch.
Each time she reached out with her tiny fingers, her father's giant hand swooped in, gently pressing her back.
Dancing around, still trying to steal some treats, she laughed.
Smiling all teeth, her father took her hand and said, "Now, if you keep trying for all that other stuff, we won't buy the gum, see?"
Wide-eyed, she thought it over, then stared at him and nodded, folding her arms, leaning her small weight from foot to foot, rethinking it again, as if she were pondering world politics or the origins of God.
"Do you still want the gum?" her father asked, setting two packs of gum and two drinks on the counter.
Then all at once, she decided, and her face grew serious. She shouted, "Yes! I want the gum!"
"All right then, none of that other stuff, okay?" he said, still grinning.
"Okay!" she agreed, biting her lip, awaiting her prized gum.
As they walked out of the store, she grabbed his leg and gripped at his pants.
Feeling her there, he slowed his walk so that she could hold on.
Oftentimes, people write or tell stories about sad, difficult, or downright scary parenting, but what I saw today was hopeful and priceless. In this small interaction, a loving father taught his daughter about moderation, honesty, choices, responsibility, how to make decisions, and the importance of using others for direction and support. Making sure she made the right choice for her, she suddenly became special and unique to him, to herself, and to the world. And in the end, outside, by letting her hold on, he let her know that she could count on him; he even changed his stride to make it work for her as well.
It was one of the most beautiful father/daughter interactions I've seen in a while. In the parking lot, right behind them, I said to the girl, "How old are you? Twenty?"
Big-eyed, still holding on to her father's pants, the four-year-old beamed, looking up at him, clearly checking in with him before responding to me.
He glanced at me, then nodded at her, encouraging her to speak. "It's all right," he said softly.
C.A. MacConnell
The girl was tall for her age and spindly, as if she hadn't grown into her arms and legs yet. Dressed in a pink/black striped sundress and glass slippers (plastic), with her hair in messy, black braids, she was a beauty with almond-shaped, brown eyes. Eagerly, she grabbed for chips, candy, and whatever was close enough for her to touch.
Each time she reached out with her tiny fingers, her father's giant hand swooped in, gently pressing her back.
Dancing around, still trying to steal some treats, she laughed.
Smiling all teeth, her father took her hand and said, "Now, if you keep trying for all that other stuff, we won't buy the gum, see?"
Wide-eyed, she thought it over, then stared at him and nodded, folding her arms, leaning her small weight from foot to foot, rethinking it again, as if she were pondering world politics or the origins of God.
"Do you still want the gum?" her father asked, setting two packs of gum and two drinks on the counter.
Then all at once, she decided, and her face grew serious. She shouted, "Yes! I want the gum!"
"All right then, none of that other stuff, okay?" he said, still grinning.
"Okay!" she agreed, biting her lip, awaiting her prized gum.
As they walked out of the store, she grabbed his leg and gripped at his pants.
Feeling her there, he slowed his walk so that she could hold on.
Oftentimes, people write or tell stories about sad, difficult, or downright scary parenting, but what I saw today was hopeful and priceless. In this small interaction, a loving father taught his daughter about moderation, honesty, choices, responsibility, how to make decisions, and the importance of using others for direction and support. Making sure she made the right choice for her, she suddenly became special and unique to him, to herself, and to the world. And in the end, outside, by letting her hold on, he let her know that she could count on him; he even changed his stride to make it work for her as well.
It was one of the most beautiful father/daughter interactions I've seen in a while. In the parking lot, right behind them, I said to the girl, "How old are you? Twenty?"
Big-eyed, still holding on to her father's pants, the four-year-old beamed, looking up at him, clearly checking in with him before responding to me.
He glanced at me, then nodded at her, encouraging her to speak. "It's all right," he said softly.
C.A. MacConnell
9/08/2016
Photo: Flaws Make Us
Flaws Make Us
Today's truth: Tall or short, young or old, surrounded or alone, we all have flaws, and they make us the unique people we are. Human, in its essence, is magically diverse and incomplete. But that's where others come in. <3
Have a beautiful day. I hope you grab on to a family member, friend, lover, or stranger, and feel a soulful connection today, because you are special.
Love! Love! And black licorice,
C.A. MacConnell
9/07/2016
Photo: Relentless
Relentless
35mm Nikon, Ilford HP5 400x b/w film...that was my favorite when I had a nice camera. Oh, man, I loved that camera. I reminisce about it like some people dream about past lovers, I suppose.
Last night, I woke with a start, bolting upright. There was no mistake. I heard the clear sound of scratching. Terrified, I searched the place for all kinds of dreamt-up creatures, but I found nothing, until I discovered that the cat was trapped in the closet. Aw. Guess he scampered in there when I got my sweatshirt out, and I didn't see him when I shut the door.
Today's truth: Worry about what may be or worry about what others think of me or even worry about how someone may hurt me...among many other things, most future or past related, all of these mind trips are fruitless endeavors. Easy to know, hard to practice. Trust. Strength. We're all here for a reason. Each day, when I pay attention to the moment, I learn a little more about the real nature of true love.
C.A. MacConnell
9/04/2016
Photo: I See Mountains
I See Mountains
Howdy. The sky has been so beautiful lately. Majestic. Hope you like my world's view of the moment, in wide screen. Something that I saw on a church sign today: To God, Everybody is Somebody. <3 Love this. Also saw this: God hears everything. Right on. Deep down, I already know these truths, but I need numerous reminders and pep talks at times.
Coming back to the present. Believing. Paying attention. Hope your evening is hilarious. Love always,
C.A. MacConnell
Photo: No Fishing
No Fishing
Hi. Good morning. It's four a.m. I have the weirdest hours sometimes. Took this one yesterday...I posted it because I like the little hints of light, and the shadows. Kinda makes me feel like I'm going somewhere. I don't feel so hot.
Back to bed,
C.A. MacConnell
Back to bed,
C.A. MacConnell
9/03/2016
Magazines
Magazines
Everyone's Looking.
Magazines. I'm Over Here --
Deep Down Clearance Aisle.
C.A. MacConnell
Everyone's Looking.
Magazines. I'm Over Here --
Deep Down Clearance Aisle.
C.A. MacConnell
Photo: Two Miles In.
Two Miles In
Yesterday at the grocery, a man in his late sixties (I'm guessing) was talking on his cell, and he said, "Yeah, me and Arlene went on a date. Met up at Don Pablo's. She's older than me, but she's well preserved. We'll see what happens."
Today's truth: Make sure to be a non-perishable item.
C.A. MacConnell
9/02/2016
Photo: Perfect Fit.
Perfect Fit
Thought I'd give you a little color. Feeling a lot of joy and love in my heart today. <3
C.A. MacConnell
C.A. MacConnell
9/01/2016
Holding
Happy September! Time to job hunt. Personally, I think I should write lyrics for people. Or I could edit lyrics. I'd dig that. I mean I write tons of poems/songs all the time, just for kicks. That'd suit me. I'm a world class editor, really. Or maybe I could act or something. I've never done that, but I LOVE public speaking. It's really my favorite thing to do. Weird, I know. I may be a little late in the game for acting, I realize, ha, just musing. And hey, I'm a tough writer, and I keep working at it...sent some pages out on my latest finished book, sweet. Dear god, let this one be a hit, a zinger, the big shebang, hells yeah. It's good enough, just sayin. I know when it's right on.
But in the meantime, I'm going to be moving boxes around or pressing register buttons, I think, if I can score something, that's if they don't Google my name when I apply. Alas, something will come in. But on the side, no worries, I will secretively continue to think big and wear horsey nightgowns to the movies. Yes, I did that last night when I saw Sausage Party. Holy shit, that was brilliant, as well as hilarious.
Indeed, many people think I am ridiculous. Do not care.
Here's a poem for you. It's a love poem, for sure. It's weird, I feel a lot of love for a ghost, probably more love than some humans feel for their actual partners. Some. Others really seem to glow. I want to glow like they do, yeah. I want to glow with someone. Meet me and let's glow. <3 Here's the poem; hope you like it. -- C.A. MacConnell
Holding
In loving, some say I travel
off-road,
but maybe it's my job to leave
the Earth.
Holding.
Maybe I'm a violet guest
living
in a starched-white diner made
for the others,
unattached,
but dear God
where is my Roman Café.
I could make
more muscles,
or slim down for the shot,
dying by light.
Big.
In loving, some say I travel
off-road.
In loving, I say I'm someone big
like you.
C.A. MacConnell
But in the meantime, I'm going to be moving boxes around or pressing register buttons, I think, if I can score something, that's if they don't Google my name when I apply. Alas, something will come in. But on the side, no worries, I will secretively continue to think big and wear horsey nightgowns to the movies. Yes, I did that last night when I saw Sausage Party. Holy shit, that was brilliant, as well as hilarious.
Indeed, many people think I am ridiculous. Do not care.
Here's a poem for you. It's a love poem, for sure. It's weird, I feel a lot of love for a ghost, probably more love than some humans feel for their actual partners. Some. Others really seem to glow. I want to glow like they do, yeah. I want to glow with someone. Meet me and let's glow. <3 Here's the poem; hope you like it. -- C.A. MacConnell
Holding
In loving, some say I travel
off-road,
but maybe it's my job to leave
the Earth.
Holding.
Maybe I'm a violet guest
living
in a starched-white diner made
for the others,
unattached,
but dear God
where is my Roman Café.
I could make
more muscles,
or slim down for the shot,
dying by light.
Big.
In loving, some say I travel
off-road.
In loving, I say I'm someone big
like you.
C.A. MacConnell