Splashing with a Sea-bourne Spirit

A Splash from the sea into these halls brought along a survivor called Rebecka Stock, a.k.a. Seabourne. A wonderful tête-à-tête with this strong, lyrical poetess is an amazing insight into the spirit of what is commonly called the human race. A long battle, a victory in verse. Join me as we celebrate Life with Seabourne, at this wonderful poetry community called SplashHall.

Soft Words:What winds blew you to SplashHall?
Seabourne: I was lucky enough to meet Deb in person, was brave enough to show her my work and it is due to her encouragement that I came and will stay. Even if I despair of ever writing the way Dublin steve does, even if I do tend to write unmetered stuff that rhymes.

Soft Words:What keeps you here?
Seabourne: The people here are just great. I get somewhat protective of my stuff, but the people who post here are so wonderful they can step on my toes anytime.

Soft Words:Your favorite forum(s)?
Seabourne: I really like the Ax. There’s nothing better then unmasked criticism. There’s nothing wrong with unmasked admiration either.

Soft Words:Your favorite Splashers?
Seabourne: Well that would be a flat even draw between Arti and Lady Sunshine.

Soft Words:When did you start writing?
Seabourne: When I retired due to Parkinson’s disease from University of Missouri. I was project leader for direct patient care applications (2000).

Soft Words:How much do you use the Ax? How much has the Ax helped you?
Seabourne: As I said the Ax is remarkable. Sometimes it feels like the people are getting too personal, which bothers me... The whole point of this country was to have the right to disagree. So why does everyone think their way is the only way?
I think only the writing should be critiqued. I have also discovered that I often need a translator. I remember when my sister found out I had taken a job for the university as a programmer. She asked,” Are there any other people who work with you?" I responded, “Yes." She said “Good I'm glad you’ll have someone who can understand what you are saying. As for me, while i recognize your words as English, that’s all the understanding I have."
I know I’m not in the same poetic wave as many of you are, but I have discovered that people like it! Well maybe not in the Ax but then I’m not posting there to feel good, I want to know how it can be Perfect! ( the big problem is there’s different versions of perfect for each person)

Soft Words:What reading would you recommend?
Seabourne: Well, let me tell you a short story about my mother, a librarian-English teacher in an inner city school. One of her students came to her and asked her for the meaning of a word. She said ok, i'll tell you but you have to look it up and tell me if i;'m right. The student agreed and looked at her with admiration when she was correct in the definition.
So the student asked another definition, and the same procedure was repeated a third time. After that the student asked her "Mrs. Snyder, have you read this whole book?" as he pointed to the dictionary.
In other words I don’t think it matters what you read as long as you do.

Soft Words:What do you think are the strongest influences on your writing?
Seabourne: Undoubtedly, my grandfather and grandmother who lived at Triangle Glen. Grandmother was a poet who had no interest in ever being published, and wrote for herself and to save her memories of life for future generations.

Soft Words:What inspires you to write?
Seabourne: It can be anything, the sound of a bird, someone’s nickname, the antic of an animal, and of course emotion (they are not all mine)

Soft Words:What are your other interests, hobbies and passions?
Seabourne: I used to teach hunt seat and beginners to ride. I asked for no money, I just wanted kids to have the horsey experience as I did when I was their age

Soft Words:You once mentioned you were writing a book of poetry. How is it coming along?
Seabourne: They are photo poems, and I have chosen to distribute them to close friends and family

Soft Words:How much does poetry rule your life?
Seabourne: It rules when I "hear” the words I have to stop and write. Since my surgery I've not "heard" anything, so Lightning Bugs and Abuse were my words, not the "heard" ones like Petals in the wind. Also I seem to have my most creative moments at night!

Soft Words:You've sent me a couple of chapters from your novel. I love the autobiographical storyline, as much as I've read of it. When do you think it will be ready for us to buy?
Seabourne: I have to admit I haven’t written but a few stories for it. I really should work more on it. I will let you know if it ever gets published.

Soft Words:Any suggestions you might have for Rg to improve on your Splashing experience?
Seabourne: I would love to see an index by poet, so I can read my favorites (can I get a favorites index too?)

Soft Words:Anything special you'd like to say to everyone here?
Seabourne: Yes there is. You have been such an encouragement to me and that is just how you are! What wonderful qualities ( Witt, Arti, Sunshine, Lucy, Sampo, Cookie, Nixon, Dublin Steve, and Mojave).hugs to ya all