Memorial Day Without Borders

Memorial Day is a day where we all pause and remember those who have fought for their country. It’s the moment where regardless of where we stand in our opinions of war, gratitude and reverence are paid to those who gave up their lives when called to serve.

While Memorial Day is filled with American flags in my corner of the world, I can’t help but extend my gratitude beyond the borders of my country.  Throughout my travels I’ve come across memorials to people who fought for what they believed was right and were more than willing to lay down their lives for those beliefs.  When the world was at war or governments oppressed their citizens, these brave soldiers and civilians stood up to protect the sacred right of freedom. As my thoughts are with American soldiers who fought gallantly (like my grandfather), I am also remembering brave souls worldwide.  My sincere thanks goes to all who fought with so much courage.

The photographs below come from places that have touched me deeply as they are moving tributes to those who gave up everything in the hope that others could be free.

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Women all over the world lent a helping hand to the war effort and they deserve a huge thank you for stepping up and standing strong.  In London, a large monument along Whitehall commemorates the service of women in World War II.

The Women of WWII Monument on Whitehall, London. Photo by: c.b.w.

As Czechoslovakia became a battleground between democracy and communism, young citizens gathered in droves to defend their freedom.  And they did so knowing full well they may never return home.

This plaque appears on the enclosure wall of Prague Castle. Photo by: c.b.w.

I’ll never forget my walk through Wenceslas Square in Prague.  As the main site of the Prague Spring protests, thousands of people filled this square and risked their lives in the process.  Oppressed by an invasion and subsequently brutal communist regime, basic freedoms were denied and human rights repeatedly violated.  These strong individuals stood together even as the tanks rolled in and armed soldiers took aim.

Memorials commemorating those who died in protest of the oppressive occupation of Czechoslovakia by the Soviet Union. Photo by: c.b.w.

Sometimes memorials are unintentional, as is the case of Tiananmen Square in Beijing, China.  No monuments exist for those who so bravely filled the square in protest of corruption of the Communist government and cried for their voices to be heard.  The protests of 1989 are remembered by those who watched them unfold, but forcibly forgotten by a government that opened fire on innocent people. The photograph below is the People’s Heroes Monument meant to commemorate those who fought in China’s civil war on the communist side, but after 1989 it has inadvertently come to represent something quite different.  The monument is roped off so people can’t get close enough to see the bullet holes still lodged in the stone.  For those who know where to look, the ropes can’t hide the damage.

People’s Heroes Monument, Tiananmen Square, China. Photo by: c.b.w.

May we never forget those who gave up everything in the name of freedom and the preservation of basic human rights.

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c.b. 2012

Gather Resilience

Break the hush
hear my cry
Cut the chains
sing me free
Fight the fear
call me bold
Take the past
give me now

Hyde Park, London, June 2011, c.b.w.

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c.b. 2012

Gratitude for Sacrifice

People sacrifice their time, put their freedom, and even their lives at risk just to cross or eliminate borders they know are absurd . . . if it weren’t for those in their battle against borders (who) risked everything, the borders would not disappear, but would become a net and all of us trapped insects inside.

- Ivan Klíma

“Spici” (Asleep) by Toyen

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c.b. 2012

Wreck This Journal: Free

Today is the last day of school.  My students are long gone, finals are graded, the gradebook is done, and my classroom is locked up for the summer.  When the door closes behind me it feels a bit like this:

Summer Break feels a lot like bright, wild scribbles!

Every year, just before I leave, I set aside a moment for reflection. I stand in the middle of my classroom and marvel at how fast the year has gone.  I close my eyes and hold the memories close. This is how I say goodbye each year.  My classroom is full of so many trials and triumphs.  It’s been a difficult year full of change (many of which have me questioning where public education is headed), but it’s also been a year of eyes lighting up and creative minds finding their voice.  While the atmosphere outside of my classroom leaves me demoralized in many regards, my students are the reason why I can still say I love my job.

For the next two months I’m free to “scribble” with reckless abandon. Well, more so than usual!  I’ll be writing, creating, and listening to my muse with zero distraction.  The feeling of total inspiration is a lot like making those vibrant scribbles in my Wreck This Journal.  There are no rules and the release is exhilarating!  I’ve repeated this exercise a couple of times because it is so cathartic.  I highly recommend it for anyone with a stressful job or those who enjoy making a mess of color!

Happy Summer!

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Try it!  Make a page of scribbles and post the picture on your blog.  Put the link in my comments section so we can all share in the joy of wild scribbles!

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c.b. 2012

Lucky Seven Strikes Again!

The Lucky Seven Meme has landed on my doorstep once again, thanks to Nick Wilford of  Scattergun Scribblings.  Nick is a fantastic writer and his blog is worth a visit.  He writes with so much honesty and humor about the craft of writing and sometimes even treats his readers to wonderful bits of fiction.

Here’s how the Lucky Seven works:

1. Go to page 77 of your current MS
2. Go to line 7
3. Copy down the next 7 lines as they’re written– no cheating!
4. Tag 7 other writers
5. Let them know!

For this round of the Lucky Seven, I’m delving into my manuscript for my first novel.  I’ve never posted an excerpt of any kind, so I hope you enjoy the sneak peek!

He expected the day to be full of tedious in-office tasks broken up by a field trip to various stores to hunt down DVDs.  It was Tuesday – new release day – and Tessa was sure to have a list filled with titles that would take an entire afternoon to find.  Quinn wasn’t on the agenda, but Noah found himself wishing otherwise.  Sure those green eyes stabbed deep and the old man’s words packed a wallop, but Noah was ready for another round.  Quinn had secrets he wanted to know, even if it meant taking another blow to the bullseye.    

 Justine was working three different lines on the phone, while two people stood waiting at her desk.  She snapped her fingers and held up a sticky note when she saw him.  

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The last time I played Lucky Seven, I played by the rules and tagged seven people.  However, we all know I sometimes like to break the rules on awards and tag games.  Yup, I’m still a rebel.  Instead of tagging, I’ll leave it open to anyone who wants to participate.  I highly recommend giving it a shot, as it’s a great way to get over that initial fear of making your work public.  Every writer has that manuscript or piece they guard carefully because they worry about how it will be perceived.  Let the Lucky Seven remind you to be be bold and be brave.

If you choose to take on the Lucky Seven Meme, please leave a link in the comments, so we can all check out your contribution!

Stay inspired!

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c.b. 2012