Legends of Africa

One thing I've noticed during my years attending predominately white schools and having circles of friends that are more diverse, is that the major factor in racism and prejudice is ignorance. There is a lot about black culture that many non-blacks just don't know. Often this lack of awareness rears its head in the form of ignorant assumptions and awkward questions. The Legends of Africa series touches on topics that may be extremely familiar to blacks, but may not be familiar to non-blacks.

Religion & Theology

I've always been interested in Religion & Theology. As I child, I questioned everything. I wanted to know why this denomination was different from that denomination. I wanted to know how Christianity differed from Islam, and how they differed from Buddhism, etc. I found that as I studied with the faith of a believer and the open mind of scientist, the world of religion started to make more sense and I was able to form beliefs that I don't question. April 2015 is dedicated to my journey to those beliefs.

Circus of Words Ringing in the New Year

Sunday, December 28, 2014

Ringing in the New Year

Its time to shed a few pounds--
Shed the weight of
so called friends who
make excuses and pretend...

Its time to heal wounds--
Neglected truths passed over
in favor of fancy words
meant to numb the pain...

How quickly we mean so little
To people who claim we mean a lot
and how quickly people cease to care
just use you as a bridge--

But I'm moving on,
Pouring alcohol on open wounds
breathe in the burning and stinging
of healing flesh.

Its time to start a new year
Brighter and devoid of regret--
wipe away past mistakes,
learn from broken hearts...

Its time to shed that extra weight
Bury dead friendships and
say my last goodbyes,
walk away and never look back.

New Years Resolutions

I don't usually make new years resolutions, but this year, I think I have exactly one resolution: get rid of "friends." We all have those people who claim to have our best interest at heart, but really don't care about us at all. Sometimes it hurts to admit, that the people close to us are really not there for us, but there comes a time when we have to open our eyes and deal with reality.

As I grow older, many of my friends have new responsibilities: children, husbands, and careers. I support them, and am not offended that I see or hear from them less. "Friends" on the other hand can make time to post on Facebook but not to answer a text. "Friends" were all about your "friendship" when they were putting the pieces back together in their life, but now that they're not lonely, your "friendship" barely exists. "Friends" are dead weight. #NoDeadWeightIn2015

Its time to shed a few pounds-- Shed the weight of so called friends who make excuses and pretend... Its time to ...

By: Ree Hughes

Circus of Words The Assignment

Friday, December 26, 2014

Categories: Fantasy , FlyingTrapeze , Ring 2: Prose , Season 1 , Whispers of War

The Assignment

Whispers of War

Season 1

Episode 1

Nita meets the powerful Zuri for the first time and receives her assignment. Will it be fun, dangerous, prestigious, or boring? READ THE EPISODE »

Rough sketch of a Cecaelia woman

Every Cecaelia was given an assignment. Nita had been training for 17 years and today, she would meet Zuri--the one in charge of assignments--and begin her assignment. Nita could feel each of her tentacles shaking--eight legs and not one of them was stable; it was a wonder she didn't sink to the ocean floor. She hoped for a good assignment--something exciting but not too dangerous.

Dressed in her fanciest, Nita swam gingerly toward the scared hall. Today would mark the first time she'd ever entered the grand hall, built from deep red coral and spiraling up from the ocean floor. It was an honor, a privilege, and possibly a nightmare... Nita wasn't sure who she would have to be when she exited, nor did she know what she would have to do. Their creed told them, whatever was necessary; that was her duty. Duty and honor, that was all she was supposed to know. Somehow, she'd also come to know fear.

The older Cecaelia often talked about their assignments--tales of near death experiences and hiding from the watchful eyes of the Payeh. Nita had never seen a Payeh, the creatures that lived on the land, and she had only heard of death, but both topics were the cause of weakness in her legs.

The guards led Nita through the elaborate entrance to a room with an ornate chair, akin to a throne, centered on the back wall. Seated before Nita was the legendary Zuri. She was tall--at least six foot five--and her golden color sparkled like the sun glinting off the water. Each of her eight legs was adorned with brilliant blue rings contrasting with the deep red-brown of her hair which floated around her in delicate braids. Nita couldn't find any evidence of Zuri's rummored age in the flawless image before her, but as the woman rose from the throne, the regality in which she moved became the evidence.

"Nita," Zuri spoke the younger's Cecaelia's name softly. "Come, don't be nervous."

Nita swam forward, but didn't speak; she couldn't find any words to speak.

"I think you will like your assignment, Nita." Zuri continued. "There is a young Payeh boy named Jabir living on the coast. He can't fly yet, and sometimes goes for a swim. I want you to protect him."

Nita's eyes went wide and her heart stopped. She had been given a charge. It was an honor, but it was dangerous too. What if the boy saw her while he was swimming? Even worse, what if she failed and something happened to the boy?

"Remember, the most important things are that you are never seen." Zuri reminded Nita.

Nita nodded, wondering why this little boy was so important. She knew better than to ask questions. She would leave with one of Zuri's guards, make her way to the coast, and watch her charge from afar. She was now a guardian. Sighing with relief, Nita turned to leave--how dangerous could watching a young, flightless Payeh be?

Next Episode »

Whispers of War Season 1 Episode 1 Nita meets the powerful Zuri for the first time and receives her assignment. Will it be fun, d...

By: Ree Hughes

Circus of Words Book Review: The Invention of Wings

Monday, December 22, 2014

Categories: Book Review , Girl Talk , JugglingClowns , Ring 3: Blog

Book Review: The Invention of Wings

The Invetntion of Wings

by Sue Monk Kidd

This book is from the author of The Secret Life of Bees, which although I haven't read yet, I love the movie. Between the back cover synopsis and blind faith from The Secret Life of Bees, I decided to give this book a whirl. It did not disappoint.

Summary

The book is inspired by the life of women's rights activist and abolitionist Sarah Grimke, although it is not a biography (or non-fiction for that matter). The story is told through the eyes of both Sarah and a slave named Handful, each alternately telling their story. Sarah and Handful strike a forbidden and complex friendship when ten-year-old Handful is given to Sarah as an eleventh birthday present. As the two girls grow up together, their worlds change, but both are on a quest to find freedom.

What I Like

The uneasy friendship between Sarah and Handful is quite delightful to watch grow. Handful is delightfully spirited--taking a lot of trouble-making qualities from her mother. She is strong-minded and determined despite her position as a house slave. Initially Sarah is eager to make a difference in the world but less forceful in her attempts to defy the restrictions placed on her as a women. The juxtaposition of the two characters works very nicely and adds likability to both characters. I was worried that the book would be a bit depressing, but the sad and terrible moments are handled well.

Whether the story was focused on Sarah's quest to bring equality to both the races and the sexes or Handful's attempts to get her freedom, I found myself engrossed in the story. While I found Handful's portions of the story to be more captivating, Sarah's story was quite inspiring as well. The story was engaging enough that I stayed up later than intended two nights in a row to finish the book.

What I Didn't Like

There was nothing about this book I didn't like. I definitely recommend it!

The Invetntion of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd This book is from the author of The Secret Life of Bees , which although I haven't ...

By: Ree Hughes

Circus of Words Announcing Whispers of War Season 1

Sunday, December 21, 2014

Categories: FlyingTrapeze , Ring 2: Prose , Season 1 , Whispers of War

Announcing Whispers of War Season 1

There are a few teaser posts for the Whispers of War Series (hopefully they haven't confused you if you've already read them). The official beginning of the story will start this week. I hope to continue the Whispers of War series in the fashion of a TV show: each week a new episode (or installment) will be posted. Season 1 will start this Friday, December 26, 2014. Stay tuned!

There are a few teaser posts for the Whispers of War Series (hopefully they haven't confused you if you've already read them). T...

By: Ree Hughes

Circus of Words 30 Before 30

Categories: Browse By Topic

30 Before 30

A chronicling of 30 things I hope to accomplish before I turn 30.

Archive

September 2017

Broken History | September 26, 2017

May 2014

Thunderous Sky | May 30, 2014

January 2014

Celebration | January 13, 2014
Elements: Fire | January 12, 2014

November 2013

Fire | November 27, 2013

October 2013

Stoic Streams | October 28, 2013
StarFire | October 25, 2013
Enjoy the Moment | October 11, 2013

September 2013

Black Dragon | September 21, 2013

Fire is exciting and fun to write about. When you need some excitement and heat, check out this collection of fire-t...

By: Ree Hughes

Circus of Words Water

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Water

Water is one of the most relaxing and peaceful elements in nature I can think of. From slow and steady drops of rain to rushing waves, water is one of my favorite inspirations! This collection of mostly poems focuses on the beauty and peace of water.

Archive

January 2015

Alone in this World | January 9, 2015

December 2014

From A Barren View | December 7, 2014

October 2014

Drowning in the Waves of War | October 11, 2014

August 2014

This Too Shall Pass | August 18, 2014
As the Rain Falls | August 8, 2014

July 2014

In Mother Nature's Arms | July 19, 2014
Peace Be Still | July 4, 2014

June 2014

Carried Away | June 7, 2014

February 2014

Ebb and Flow of the Tide: | February 11, 2014

December 2013

Tangible Thoughts | December 27, 2013

November 2013

Escape | November 30, 2013
Strange Fate | November 27, 2013
A Piece of Me | November 26, 2013

October 2013

Stoic Streams | October 28, 2013
The Little Mermaid | October 7, 2013

September 2013

Exhaustion | September 24, 2013
Rediscovery | September 18, 2013

Water is one of the most relaxing and peaceful elements in nature I can think of. From slow and steady drops of rai...

By: Ree Hughes

Circus of Words Animals

Categories: Browse By Topic

Animals

Feeling strong and powerful like a lion, free as a bird, or as agile as a squirrel? Certain traits have always been epitomized by a particular animal (the wise owl, for example) and throughout time, many cultures have revered animals. Posts here are dedicated to the non-human members of the animal kingdom.

Archive

July 2014

Squirrels Gone Wild | July 28, 2014
Enchanted Flower | July 18, 2014