At the beginning of this year I began a bold and adventurous walk. It all started with a web based poetry group, and then evolved into a sister circle called Circle of Floetic Synergy. From there, we branched  off into a radio show called 'Neo-Lystically Speaking' .  When we first began we felt that this alliance had a great deal of promise, and we freely welcomed the mystery of it all. We allowed ourselves to hope and dream for the future. Even still, the future was indeed not what I or any of us expected.

I had such a wonderful time being with these outstanding women. The experiences we shared together were, without a doubt, the highlights of my year. I learned so much from them and I can honestly say I'm a better woman for it. I was amazed at the amount of spunk that we had, how creative and just down-right awesome we were. As quickly as we began, it was alarming to see that we ended in the same way. Somewhere and somehow it seemed that our collective aspirations and overall vision just, shifted. Thus taking us to a place where our seemingly strong sister circle, was no more.   
 
On the one hand, Mo'Kha and I have certainly had our share of  thunderstorms keeping what was once a collective dream, alive.  We're hanging in there though, we've even begun hosting the internet radio show again.  Starting over has not been an easy road, it's actually been very difficult, but we are persevering and refuse to let it end unfinished.
 
We have essentially dusted ourselves off and embraced the fact that our journey now begins again, just in fewer numbers. As we chart this new course we realize that what we have, is clearly worth fighting for and undoubtedly, a walk to remember.

Everyday we gain confidence in our success, especially when we stop and look the previous year. We remember that we've been at the bottom, we know what it feels like to fail, and we see how we have no choice, but to succeed. Nothing is going to stop us, because we've already proven that nothing but "us", can stop us. And baby, you can rest assure this time, we absolutely refuse to give up the fight.

Yours in Pen-n’Pad,
MonieJimneye

 
  Almost a year ago, I came across a website that would allow you to host your ownradio show over the internet.  At the time I was a member of a circle of female poets who met on a web based poetry community. There were a few of us who were in the process of publishing books, working on collections of poetry and recording CDs.  I thought having a show on blogtalkraido.com would be a good marketing vehicle for the members of our circle as well as connecting us to and promoting other creative individuals. To my delight it was so much more.  Since the airing of our first broadcast we've met a vast array of artistic purveyors of creative expression.  We've discussed issues that have allowed us to grow as individuals as well as artists and we had a fantastic time connecting with one another as well as other poets and lovers of poetry.  It seemed to me we where just getting into our flow when we hit a brick wall.
It was devastating to say the least and I was disappointed that in all my efforts, I had no fruits to show for my labor.
 For a long time, I couldn't even bring myself to listen to some of my favorite BTR shows let alone our archived shows.   I wish I could convey to you the contributing factor to the demise of the show, but I can't.   All I can say is that things happen the way they are intended to and all you can do is keep moving.  I'm not sure if I would have returned to the venue if it weren't for my baby cousin Monie J.  One of the things I admire most about her is the "never die" spirit she has.  She is most definitely tenacious.
At the urging of Monie J, (and she can be quite annoying.) I sat down and made my pro's and con's list.  Upon realizing that my con's list consisted of excuses and pure laziness, I decided to give it another go.  We put our heads together to come up with some new ideas and how to revitalize the old staples of the show.   I'm still a little nervous about how we will be received and the more challenging task of getting the guests for the show, but I am up to completing the test.
I will certainly miss the presence of the other three ladies, but I feel confident that the second time around will not only fulfill my initial vision, it will exceed it.
Joy abound,
JL-Mo'Kha