Splendor

On By Editor Karolyn HIn Editing Projects, Projects 2018Leave a comment

splendor

Project quote:

“The Gran Teatre del Liceu was a splendid structure displaying rich textures and brilliant colors designed to attract and compliment the crisp linens and shimmering satins worn by its audience … Gilded walls were covered by delicate ornate carvings that framed the horseshoe curve of the room with a striking, shimmering texture.”   (G.A. Dazio, The Ornaments of Love, 2nd ed., 2018)

My  thoughts:

My two favorite scenes in this book took place at the opera and a ball. I’m not a huge opera fan, per se, although I do love Andrea Bocelli; attending one of his concerts is on my bucket list. I am a great fan of classical music, choral singing and many genres of dance. Along with Bocelli or a symphony, I’d also love to attend a Diavolo dance production.

The scene at the opera conjures up images of attending a concert at a majestic theater, wearing exquisite attire and listening to heavenly classical music performed by a live orchestra, accompanied by an angelic choir.

The scene at the ball transports me to a fanciful ballroom, where I find myself gliding effortlessly around to a waltz, in the arms of a debonair, masterful dancer. The décor is fabulous and twinkly, and the ladies’ gowns are voluminous and dreamy. The musicians are flawless, and the sonatas and concertos surround us. Time is suspended, and cares float away.

In school, I sang in choir, and played the violin. I played the piano for years, from the time I was four years old. I’m not terribly talented when it comes to dance. I have great rhythm, but I’m not the quickest on my feet and learning steps is a slower process for me. Music generally persuades me to sway and move around to the beat and the mood and sing or hum along.

Composers are truly gifted. For all the poetry and song lyrics that I’ve written, I have yet to manage to compose a single melody. And not for lack of trying in my younger years! How is it that I can appreciate music, music theory, art, math, and literature, but I can’t piece together a few original notes? I suppose we all have our talents and I am grateful for my share. And grateful for everyone else’s!

Editing projects for weeks ending March 25, 2018:
Fiction book, Fitness website video transcript, Book reviews, ICO Whitepaper 
Client countries:  US, Israel, China, Canada 

 

 

Values

On By Editor Karolyn HIn Editing Projects, Projects 2018Leave a comment

values

Project quote:

“When did you start smoking and how did you start? … Were your friends trying cigarettes? … Did you want to look glamourous or just older? Were you trying to lose weight?”  (P. Stanford, Quit Smoking in 72 Hours: Without Weight Gain or Withdrawal, 2018)

My thoughts:

The topic of smoking does not interest me in the slightest. I’ve never smoked. I’ve never been interested in trying it out. I don’t really care too much whether other people smoke as long as it doesn’t happen in a place I’m unable to leave when they light up, like a vehicle, or restroom, or restaurant…etc.  So why am I writing about it?

What does interest me is understanding what makes people do things that they know will likely harm them. I certainly can’t exclude myself from this group, either.

I feel it’s important to examine motivations and fears, to discover what drives us to do anything risky or physically damaging. If we can admit to ourselves what we really want, no matter how petty, or ridiculous or worthwhile, then it’s a step towards figuring out what our values are.

If our values become clear, then it’s easier to weigh our actions against these values. Look for alternatives.

I’m having a difficult time coming up with examples because I fear that readers will think I’m judging them or picking things that I disapprove of. Maybe you all could help a lady out? Drop a comment below and tell me about something you do or have done that could be considered risky or harmful and then tell me what made you do it. Not an excuse, or a long explanation. But your true motivation or fear that pushed you.

Ok, here’s my confession. Often, I edit all night, and neglect to get enough sleep because I love receiving praise for my work. Seriously, I live for it sometimes. Feeling appreciated motivates me to provide the best quality of work that I possibly can, sleep deprivation be damned. The problem with that should be obvious, as it disrupts my schedule, and can affect my health.

There are so many things that people can lie to themselves about. But why? Fear of change? Fear of responsibility? Fear of pain in one form or another? Fear of loss? The list is endless.

But what do you value MORE than avoiding whatever your personal fear is?
What do you really want?
Security? Admiration? Love? Relief? Truth? Control? Acceptance?

… for me to stop asking questions?

Editing projects for weeks ending March 11, 2018:
Book publishing website, Nonfiction book, Technology website, Academic research article, Nonfiction investment book, Fiction book
Client countries:  US, Lithuania, China, Thailand

 

 

Glorious

On By Editor Karolyn HIn W.W. poetry, Wednesday's WafersLeave a comment

Wednesday’s Wafers: weekly series in which I share some of my own recent writing

Glorious
by Karolyn H

glorious

As each day passes
and time rolls merrily along
I understand more and more
why the greatest fulfillment in life
comes not from having the best of everything
or enjoying support and praise from admirers
or even from unlimited knowledge and opportunities.

It comes from the struggle
against your own fears
against the negativity of the world
against the obstacles that you might not even understand
against your past and recent failures
against bad habits and safe choices.

Our human condition is often scary
and painful, and hopeless.
But it is also beautiful
and silly and joyful.

The struggle validates the victory.
Tenacious persistence conquers doubt.
Failures teach humility and patience.

Reaching the goal, finding the treasure, discovering love;
there is nothing that compares to the satisfaction of
knowing that you made the hard choices that led you to this moment.
Knowing that the difficult, or traumatic circumstances you endured
were gloriously worth it.

Designing your life and crafting your character —
what an ambitious endeavor!
Who do you want to be?
How do you want to be?
Who are YOU?

and when I say “you”,

I’m really asking myself…

Strategic Recklessness

On By Editor Karolyn HIn Editing Projects, Projects 2018Leave a comment

recklessness

Project quote:

“Obviously, being the good girl, the girl who did everything that was expected of her got her nowhere in life. It was only the people who were willing to take chances who ever got anywhere in life.” (B. Noles, title TBA, 2018)

My thoughts:

This type of thinking can veer off in two different directions, can’t it? On the one hand, I agree. Doing what is expected of you all the time means you live solely to please other people, even when it goes against your own desires or best interests. You have no real control over your own life. Not a recipe for happiness if you’re not getting something out of it as well. I also believe that taking chances is vital for success. How many stories of missed opportunities have we heard about or lived? The “what ifs”? If we always wait for the perfect time to make a change in our life, or meet someone, or travel, etc., that time may never arrive, and we’ll have yet another regret.

On the other hand!

I also believe in preparation, and calculated risk. I’m not a gambler, when it comes to money. I have learned to plan and research any major change or business decision. Online purchases as well, no matter how small. When it comes to personal relationships, through trial and error learning experiences, I have settled on a balance between trust and spontaneity, and cautious skepticism. The advice to listen to what people’s actions tell you is very accurate. Promises are easy. Following through with action requires effort and intention. Lies are easy. Most are eventually discovered.

Moral of the story?

Take risks, follow an opportunity, listen to your heart
—yet at the same time— 
listen to reason, don’t be a fool, educate yourself.

What do you think about this dilemma?

Editing projects for week ending February 25, 2017:
Fiction book, Inspirational Essay, Academic Research Article, Therapist Certification Statement
Client countries:  US, China