Let’s Collaborate!

Just wanted to say how excited I was to be interviewed by Ericka Arthur last week as part of her #WriterCrushWednesday feature. Taking the time to answer her questions was quite the pleasure.

You can read the full interview here: https://authenticiteespeaks.com/2018/05/16/meet-poet-devereaux-frazier-an-aspergians-chemical-romance/

Back in February, I teamed up with the Brianna, daughter of the fabulous Michelle Cook, to write “Running to Who from Where” (https://herwritinghaven.com/2018/02/12/running-to-who-from-where/).

Then in March, I joined forces with Christine Ray, Basilike Pappa, Eric Syrdal, Nicholas Gagnier, Megha Sood, Sarah Dougty, Kindra Austin, Michael Erickson, Steven Fuller, and John Leys in a poem after the Parkland Shooting (https://braveandrecklessblog.com/2018/02/20/we-cannot-look-away-not-another-17-not-another-one/).

They were two of my favorite poems I’ve written this year not only because I felt strongly about my part, but that I got to do my favorite thing with people who enjoy doing the same. Writing can be seen sometimes as lonesome, but that’s only if it make it so. This past year, I’ve been expanding my writing content and trying new things. One of the these is collaborations. I’ve only done a couple, but I’m really purposing to do more. A lot more. I feel like I make stronger statements, and connect better with writers and purposes I care about.

So, this is pretty much me saying “If you want to collab with me, here’s your chance!” I’m open to writing about any sort of topic, and if you choose to collaborate I’ll post it on both of my blogs and all social media.

Don’t everybody reply at once 😂😂😂😂😂

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We Cannot Look Away: Not Another 17, Not Another One

I am grateful to be part of such an incredible collective of writers. They’re not just writers, though, but intellectually vibrant thinkers. Their words move mountains, and hopefully our voices will finally call those responsible to justice. Maybe then we will truly have peace.

This piece is our call to action in light of the Parkland violence…

Just another day
just another town
bullet perforated backpacks
spilling loose-leaf lined paper, textbooks
onto blood stained sidewalks
helicopters hovering
to give us the birds eye view
I tried to avert my eyes
out of respect for the dead
the injured
but I could not look away
Christine Ray

Even though I should
Because I am ashamed
At the bullets that rain
At the bullet point pain
Etched in their faces, rivulets in their eyes
They were just children, stolen from their time
Not forgotten in these lines
But to their parents and loved ones
It’s a void they’ll never fill, and it shouldn’t
Lives shredded and ruined
17 times we’ve gotten the chance to do better
and for the 18th, we blew it
Just like those children who looked at their killer

Their killer is not Nikolas

The Killer is you
Devereaux Frazier

Seventeen blossoms
seventeen blinks of an eye
seventeen bullets in the body of spring
and those left behind
food to flashback phobias
memory outbursts
numbing
Spring won’t be coming
in a town far away
in a country across the sea
right next to me
Basilike Pappa

Running
Running for class president
Running for the Varsity Football Team
Running to get in line for a movie they can’t wait to see
Running to embrace someone they love
Running and laughing with siblings or friends
Running to get to the dance floor before their favorite song ends
Running for exercise
Running for fun
They should never be running from the thunder of a gun
We’re destroying our future for profit and gain
While they run for their lives
And we’re left with questions and pain
Eric Syrdal

Look away, little bird.
The sky has adjourned, rejecting your flight path
well into wrath.
hell hath no fury like the anger turned apathy, semi-automatic rhapsody that plays on
the overhead speaker that once freed us
from maths.

It doesn’t add up, the physics, social studies, introduction to business, life and
death 101.

Nothing could prepare us for the words we don’t have.
Nicholas Gagnier

Lives swung into darkness
and voices numbed
Eyes losing hope
and
Blood on the hands, soul
screams and tears everywhere

Deafening silence of the death
and roaring sound of the violence
life stripped of its happiness
and tears losing the feeling

Yet again, My heart is hopeful
Lips in unison with the prayers
Trying to calm my self down
Thinking It won’t happen again

But deep down inside
I know we all are living in denial.
Megha Sood

Spare me your
thoughts and prayers.
Spare me your
people-kill-people babble.
Seventeen more names
added to a statistic
that will never be used.
So, by all means,
let’s keep sending
millions of dollars a year
to powerful people
in exchange for turning
a blind eye.
Proving over and over again
that dollars mean more
than lives.
Sarah Doughty

Seventeen more reasons we grieve.
Seventeen more reasons we’re
broken as a nation.
Seventeen more reasons we must
rise up
a giant against apathy, and
negligence—
willful ignorance.
Destroy the dissidence.
End the agenda of greed.

Our freedoms are not free—
seventeen more innocent souls sacrificed.
Kindra M. Austin

True horror has unfolded,
We watch on glowing screens of disbelief.
With the voices of innocents ringing in our ears,
Fingers swipe it all away.
As others moved on with their day,
I could not look away.

Grief, pain, disbelief,
All right there, before our eyes.
Yet one headline replaces the next,
That gut wrenching sadness suddenly replaced.
As the topic changes to something else,
I could not look away.

Where is our humanity,
I ask as society moves on from this butchered elephant in the room.
Can’t we just stop and think,
Acknowledge the death, the suffering, the wrongness.
Another day will come and go, setting on our community,
We cannot look away.

Doomed to repeat this dreadful fate,
We need to choose to change.
Insanity is as insanity always does,
As we continue to place ammunition with malignant intent.
What can I do, the individual, the lone soul, this:
I will not look away.
Michael Erickson

We
Only
Have ourselves
To blame for this
Again and again
An unsolved tragedy
We must hold ourselves to task
For every death. Every child
Like spent shells fallen to the ground
Souls adrift to haunt those who do not act –
Who do not act again and again and again
I cannot look away again, again, again
Again
Again
Again
Again
Again, again, again, again, I cannot look away, not again.
Stephen Fuller

I cannot look away
From the train wreck shit show
This country has become,
Where cash in a senator’s pocket
Outweighs the blood of our children,
Where losing your ‘right’ to own an assault rifle
Is more an abomination
Than Children being murdered in school
Than human beings dying at a concert in Vegas
Than parents burying their babies.
The blood on your hands will not wash away.
I’m with you in Parkland!
Where kids call presidents out on their bullshit.
I’m with you in Parkland!
Where they won’t let hypocrites hide.
I’m with you in Parkland!
Where they call BS on the lies.

I’m with you in Parkland!
John W. Leys

Remembering My 2017

Well, it’s almost here. Another day, another year. I accomplished a lot in 2017. Some things were expected, but others were pleasant surprises. Here’s the highlights…

My writing took a big leap this year, ending with Kendall Person naming me the best blog he discovered in 2017. My blog also saw a big jump, and I’m so grateful to all my dedicated readers for their continued love and support.

However, the biggest development in my life was starting my job at Mary’s Gourmet Coffee and Donuts. Starting in March, I’ve been so happy working for two incredible women, Mary Stoltfus and Juana Sweigart.

I wouldn’t be who I am today without them, because this job showed me the value of teamwork, honest communication, friendship, focus, and leadership that every man needs. The work may not be full-time, but the lessons are, and I’ve grown so much. Shout-out to Juana’s son, Mike, as he’s been a fun coworker from the start. Even when I lost a bet during the season and had to wear Steelers attire. I also want to say to Bree, Sadie, Katelyn, Kelcie, Esther, Haley, Ryan, Mandie, Phares, Matthew, Sabrina, Diane, Serena, and Sandra that you’re the best coworkers I could have. Especially during my Bristol visits, I felt welcomed and comfortable and even better because of the people I had around me. I hope we can continue to work together, and here’s to an even better 2018. 

Looking back at the things I did, and people I spent 2017 with, I can say without a doubt it was a fantastic year. There were so many laughs (thanks Rosa!). There was so much I couldn’t put it all here. I’m thankful to everyone who I came across this year, because in one way or another, you made me better. 

Mystery Blogger Award: You’ve Been Nominated!

I’ve been nominated for the Mystery Blogger Award, this time by  Jamie. Her blog, a very colorful and informative page on life with Aspergers (near and dear to my heart), is one of my all-time favorites and is a joy to read.

The award was created by  Okoto Enigma and you would be remiss not to check other work as well!

The rules for this award

* Put the award logo in your blog.
* List the rules
* Thank the person who nominated you and provide a link to their blog.
* Mention the creator of the award and provide a link to their blog too.
* Tell your readers three things about yourself.
* Nominate 10-20 people for the same award.
* Notify the nominees by commenting on their blog.
* Ask your nominees 5 questions of your choice and one weird/funny question.
* Share links to your best posts.

Three things about me:

1. Flirting makes me hungry
2. I just completed the GTA V storyline and its hands down the best game I’ve ever played
3. My two favorite women on Earth

My best posts (in my opinion, because obviously other people might like other ones more)

Chemical Romance

Never Ending Love

Cure For Autism, Part One

Cure For Autism, Part Two

Lake Of Loneliness

My nominees

https://mademoisellewomen.com

https://autistichockeygirl54.wordpress.com

https://keelythecynicalrejectblog.wordpress.com/

https://abrokenbluesky.wordpress.com

https://americanbadassactivists.org

https://justelm.wordpress.com

https://nofacewoman.wordpress.com

https://prettykooldame.com

https://bythemightymumford.wordpress.com

https://annjekins.wordpress.com

Feeling moderately lazy, so I’m not going to hit up everyone’s blog page. If you feel like doing it, great, but if not, just know I really appreciate what you do here on WordPress.

Life on the Gluten free/Casein free diet, Weekend Worries (CHIEFS FOOTBALL IS BACK)

Thursday, September 7th

8:42 am

Since starting the diet on Tuesday, I’ve felt pretty good about myself. Working around donuts, sandwiches, and seemingly all the pastries in the world will not be easy today. Although the bakery across from our stand does have gluten free options, I don’t work for them, so I don’t get them at a discount. Anyhow, the first few hours will feel like torture. I like to nibble on our apple fritter bites in between customers and on my lunch break, so saying no will take considerable fortitude.

Honestly, though, I feel like once work is over, I’ll be okay. The benefit to not being big on eating out is that I won’t be constantly surrounded by foods I can’t eat. Also, I still kinda get my way because chicken is okay. Just not breaded chicken. Or chicken with a lot of sauce.

9:41

Damn it. Made it to work, and I’m reconsidering the ease of this. Gotta stare at donuts until four. Gotta smell sandwiches until four. Gotta watch people eat delicious, gluten laden food until four. Sigh. Hopefully I can make it till my lunch break, and I might grab…some…something.

2:38pm

Whoo. So far, so good. The first forty five minutes or so were utter torture, but after that the desire basically just dissapeared. At least until one my customers came up and started chatting about pretzel dogs. Anyhow, I’m starving. Just a few more hours to go, and I’ll be out of here.

4:27pm

Forget it. I gave in and got myself an eggplant wrap. (I went the whole day without eating one donut, though. So, progress?) It’s so delicious to eat, but I feel kinda bad giving in this early. My head started buzzing right before I left, so that might be what they call withdrawal. Anyhow, I’m going to enjoy this food during tonight’s game. After seven long months, I’m super excited to see my boys in action. Hopefully, unlike the last time I saw them play, we emerge victorious.

Friday, September 8th

8:22am

I didn’t even eat the wrap I got last night. I gained a slightly uncharacteristic urge of strength and decided to keep my streak strong. Working again today, but since we’re far busier on Friday than Thursday, I’ll have an added distraction.

9:22am

THE CHIEFS WON. Beat the living —- out of the Patriots defense, putting up over five hundred yards, including two touchdown passes from Alex Smith of 75 and 78 (to rookie back Kareem Hunt and WR Tyreek Hill, respectively). Vegas had us as nine point underdogs, so it made perfect sense for us to beat the defending champs at their house 42-27. We got three fourth quarter sacks, two of which came on one drive courtesy Justin Houston. We had 14 penalties, so it wasn’t perfect. Eric Berry also might have torn his achilles (crying) so last night wasn’t all cheers. I feel bad for him, because he was playing so well. We’ve got ten days before our next game against Philly, so I’m praying the MRI comes back negative. People are laughing at me on Facebook because I posted “Patriots about to pull away, good game Chiefs” back in the second quarter, when we got down 17-7. Safe to say I didn’t even expect my boys to win.

2:11pm

Still going strong. It’s really, really hard to resist the urge, especially considering its staring me right in the face. Eating some wings on my lunch break.

4:34pm

Today did not provide the rush I anticipated asb distraction, but it didn’t matter. My head is throbbing, and everything hurts more than usual.

Saturday-Today, 5:15

Not eating bread and sugar has been made fairly easy thanks to my homebody personality. If it’s not in the house, there’s little chance I’m going to run across it. Eating pumpkin and flax seeds (recommended diet foods) has really cleared up my head, and my headaches even stopped. If you read my post last night, you’d know how closely linked stomach issues and autism are, and since going on my diet, my lower body feels better than ever! The aches and pains are starting to go away, and constipation is nonexistent. I’m also not as tired as usual, which I was having a problem with over the last couple months (I nearly overslept on my lunch break a couple times). I am craving pizza like hell, but there’s no gluten free pizza places nearby. Listening to “Jet Pack Blues” while I write this…..

 

My Blogging Anniversary: Re-living WordPress Users Who Left Something Special

Today marks one year since Creative Writing of a Teenage Aspergian became part of the world wide web. I’ve discovered my voice with you, and have become a bigger voice in the autism community. It wouldn’t have been possible without your support, so as a way of saying thank you, here are the best bits of inspiration I’ve gotten over the last year.

 

 

Here’s to a great 2017 and beyond!

Dimple Verse Response Post (happy birthday to an amazing poet)

(I know it’s past, but I just want to say happy birthday again to my favorite twitter poetry prompt hostess)

Walk along the shore

she’s holding my hand

every step of the way

the sun’s just barely risen

waves are calmer than usual

and sands part at out feet

the sea is in her eyes

so blue, so vast

and I look into her

and say

you are

my memory garden

things I’ve kept inside for years

bloomed in harmony with you

unedited love

the world saw as weeds

you see dandelions

bitter, but beautiful

because they’re part

of what makes me alive

unseen layers of each other

are broken when we’re together

our loving is never rough

but sweeter every time

my veins burst with excitement

and arteries swell and erupt

when you dance nude to

the song of myself

on the streets of my heart

an eternal yearning

for a sea of joy

is brought to me

every time I look up into your eyes

every night is different

but somehow you’re the same

I’ll tell you more

when you read me tomorrow, again

then stooping by the sea

I pulled a daisy from my ear

she’d always put them there

and I gave my love again

live perpetually, Cassie

live on

 

Two Blogger Awards In One: Mystery and Versatile

Thanks to Just Me (https://silentfall.blog) and  1WiseWoman (https://wisewoman2016.wordpress.com/) for nominating for the Mystery Blogger Award and Versatile Blogger Awards two weeks ago, respectively.  Just Me is already one of my favorite bloggers, thanks to her beautiful (and sometimes amazingly sexy) poetry and wonderful sense of humor, while 1WiseWoman has been a blog devoted to strength, awareness, and support of those with mental illness. As Just Me is also an aspie, I can really relate to each and am grateful for the kind words they leave on my blog. YOU LADIES ROCK.

In addition to Cocoons’ nomination for the Blogger Recognition Award, it’s been an AMAZING week for the blog, and I am too eager to use this time to once again say THANK YOU to ALL my readers. Whether you’ve known me since August, or followed me today, you’ve made this all possible.

Rules For The Mystery Bloggers Award is:

 

1. Post the award logo/image on your blog
2. Thank whoever nominated you and give a link to their blog.
3. Mention the creator of the award and give a link as well.
4. Nominate 10–20 deserving bloggers and notify your nominees by commenting on their blog.
5. Ask your nominees any 5 questions of your choice; including one weird or funny question.

The rules for the Versatile Blogger Award state that you thank the blogger that nominated you, nominate 10 other bloggers (and a link to their blog) and list 7 interesting facts about yourself.

Firstly, lets answer the questions from Just Me

1.  Name one thing that you do that always feels right, no matter what.

In the words of Edgar Allen Poe, “With me poetry has not been a purpose, but a passion”

2.  
Where do you draw the most inspiration for your blog?

Life on the spectrum, depression, Fall Out Boy, and girls
3.  
Who is your favorite anti-hero and why?

Batman without a question. As an aspie, I really relate to his ability to do work from the shadows and be extremely focused and to the point.
4.  What is the inspiration behind the name of your blog?

It’s the summation of what you might call my writing. Nothing fancy here.
5.  And, finally, what is your favorite genre of music?

I really don’t have a favorite genre. I have favorite artists, but my tastes vary too much to like one specific genre. If I had to choose, it would be rock because of FOB. But I also admire Lecrae (rap), Lady Gaga (dance-pop), and Demi Lovato (pop rock).

 

Now, seven interesting facts about me..

1. The longest I’ve had a friend is four months.
2. I’ve drowned two smartphones
3. Live in Baltimore. Never had a crabcake.
4. Took voice lessons when I was eleven
5. Mandy Kay is my favorite model
6. I pulled out two teeth once because it was fun
7. Blonde girls are my type

My five questions for my nominees

1. Favorite country?
2. Stranded on an island and you can only have one thing, what is it?
3. Beyoncé or Rihanna?
4. How do you eat French fries: ketchup on top, or on the side?
5. Name one guilty pleasure

And, for the nominations…(to save time, the nominees are for each award)

https://theconfusedsoulsree.wordpress.com/

https://randomsbyarandom.wordpress.com/

https://chaosxdblog.wordpress.com/

https://missalexiskamille.wordpress.com/

http://www.anxietydepressionandme.com/

https://teaandtales1.wordpress.com/

https://manumausam.wordpress.com/

 

 

 

 

 

My 2016 Blogger Award Nominations

Well, 2016 is almost over, isn’t it?

Yes, sadly it is.

But that doesn’t mean we should forget about the good, right?

2016 was a fun year for me. In spite of my worst self, I had a lot of positives to take from this year. I graduated from High School. I started a blog that brings awareness about Aspergers, depression, and addiction. I’m getting followed on Twitter and WordPress by those going through the things I am, and that encourages me. It tells me that I’m reaching souls, and that is the greatest achievement of any achievement. I’ve drastically improved as a writer since I first took up this calling a year ago, and everyday I feel more and more confident in not only the words I say, but why I say them. 2016 wouldn’t have been made without you, and because of that, I’m giving out awards to some of you. Note, this was made especially hard by the fact that many of my favorite blogs are in fact award-free, but enough of that. Let’s get into it.

Thanks to Elm for hosting the 2016 Blogger Awards https://justelm.wordpress.com/2016/10/15/the-2016-blogger-awards/

1. Blog Of The Year: https://anonymouslyautistic.net/

“Autistic Anna” has been absolutely spectacular. Her posts have been educational, encouraging, and even funny at times. Her knowledge surpasses some “experts”. Finally, her blog reaches me at a personal level, like anyone on the spectrum, and she’s close to my heart because of it.

2. Kindest Blogger: https://sparkleblossomgoodsblog.wordpress.com/

Maureen leaves some incredible words on her blog, but I chose her for this slot because of what she leaves on mine. Every night before I go to bed, I read over my comments, and her words always stand out. She’s been with me nearly since I first joined WP, and I’m grateful for her every word.

3. Most Approachable Blogger: https://femiiesther.wordpress.com/

If you don’t mind having song lyrics being sent to you faster than your phone can receive them, having to explain what NFL is, and being emailed at midnight just to say hi, then Esther is your girl. We started talking a month ago, and she was very upfront and honest in the face of all my suspicions. (I don’t trust people, sorry Essie) I’ve learned a lot about her through WP and Twitter. She’s really sweet, and it doesn’t take much to get her going.

4. Best New Blogger: https://bbgscribbles.wordpress.com/

She’s only been on WP since September? I. Don’t. Care. Her poetry is beautiful, full of emotion, and always interesting to read. I hope she’s on here for a long, long time.

5. Most Positive Blog: https://millieschmidt.wordpress.com/ and https://puttingmyfeetinthedirt.com/

I nominated Millie because she combines writing with the cutest animal on this planet, cats. I happen to live with two, so I relate easily with her posts. I nominated Michelle because her poetry isn’t just tremendous, it’s uplifting. She was also kind enough to introduce me to her daughter, who is an amazing poet in her own right. Cats, writing, and poetry? You can’t get more positive than that!

6. Most Helpful Blogger: https://misslynn1.wordpress.com/

As I’ve grown on my blog, you’ve seen me talk more about my past. I used to be suicidal,  and while I’m grateful to have exercised those demons, I haven’t forgotten. Along with being an amazing host of #BlackDahliaProse, Kendra has been helpful and encouraging me as I fight through bouts of depression and recollections of my haunting childhood.

7. Best Looking Blogger: https://darkpink.wordpress.com/

Leyla’s blog is so simple, yet it’s so beautiful. Her images are unique and extraordinary, and she’s been with me since the beginning.

8. Most Relatable Blog: https://anaprose.wordpress.com/

Another great poet, Ana gets my nod for most relatable because we both write poetry, are introverts, and love taking pictures of the sky. Do her a favor and hit that follow button!

9. Most Creative Blogger:  https://allymomin5.wordpress.com/

Ally is an incredible young poet, and she kindly entered me into the Three Day, Three Quote Challenge a couple months ago. I liked that because it showed a willingness to partner with other writers and collaborate to produce different and creative works.

10. Funniest Blogger: https://tenacitytgoddess.com/

Check my comments to see why I nominated Tina for this award. LOL.

Seriously, though, Tina is great. She’s honest, real to the point of raw, and has been one of the most active people on my blog.

The Wildcard

Neither of these bloggers fit the above categories, but they deserve recognition. Davy (https://davydblog.com/) writes some incredible poetry and is one of my favorite followers. Stevie (https://stgreenie.wordpress.com/) writes very amusing poetry and is constantly on my Twitter timeline with great words of advice.

 

THANK YOU ALL FOR A GREAT 2016 (that isn’t quite over yet) AND GOOD LUCK IN THE FUTURE!

 

 

 

Black Dahlia Prose: Special Words For My One Hundredth Post

I MADE IT.

Oh man, oh man, oh man. One hundred posts? Really? You kidding me? Really?

Yes, really. It’s real.

I’ve been through everything on this blog, from love and tempting teasers to Aspergers and raw pain, grief, and desire for a “normal” life, to my porn addiction and what I’m doing to overcome it (I’m going on nearly a WEEK without it, by the way). I haven’t always had a lot of followers, and I’m SO THANKFUL to the 387 (and counting). You are amazing. Your comments are encouraging, and your peace and kindness encourage me to go on.

But I must confess.

I don’t do it for likes or comments. I do it because people need to here my voice. People need to hear and see that not everyone on the autism spectrum is rude, emotionless, and unable to do anything in society. People need to see that Aspergians…we have a voice. We are NOT all in our own heads. We can see outside ourselves, outside our anxieties, and make an impact. I think I’ve chipped away at that goal, and with one more post, I’ll continue to. My role doesn’t stop, and my job is for life. I will do this until he calls me home, and I’m thankful to you for listening.

YOU make Creative Writing of A Baltimorean possible. YOU make my job easier. And YOU make it possible that others like me can see who they really are. THANK YOU.

For my post tonight, I’m doing something a little special. On Twitter, I’ve been participating in Kendra Lynn’s #BlackDahliaProse prompts , and I’ve written some great poetry in response. I’m going to share them here, and you can follow me on Twitter @marylandpoet and follow her as well, @DVcrusader

(The prompt will be in bold)

12/9/16 Prompt

Red, brown, and yellow

Feelings anything but mellow

Wind whistling pleas

from fluttering copper leaves

Language of trees #BlackDahliaProse

12/6/16 Prompt

Vibrant heart

love branching out

petals of a rose

but you gave in to toil

now you lie among dormant flowers

in frosty soil #BlackDahliaProse

12/2/16 Prompt

Love comes

& love is gone

Wait your turn

be taken along

ride up & down the story of life

happy & mourning

in the dusk

of a grey goose morning #BlackDahliaProse

11/29/16 Prompt

Blood & knives

Tablets of stone taught tribes

Thrones of white marble

enemy ships pillaging harbors

The legend of humanity #BlackDahliaProse

Prompt 11/25/16

A broken bed

and your ripped dress

Moaning and sweet ecstasy

Sweaty palms

and a sticky mess

The morning after #BlackDahliaProse

Prompt 11/22/16

She was pressed

until her core became liquid

and a heart of daisies

became grey ashes

She gave in

Her chemical meltdown #BlackDahliaProse

She threw up poison

and bled carcinogens

She ran to her lover

choking on curses

My chemical romance

Her chemical meltdown #BlackDahliaProse