I’ve been writing poetry for quite some time. I care about the art and how the art effects people.

I want to talk some about how poetry is seen in my opinion and how narrow the view of some can be when it comes to poetry and the worth and value it holds in society. I’ve heard many times by reviewers and critics and even booksellers that poetry books are hard to sell and that little interest is taken in the art of poetry by the general public but I beg to differ on these views held by so many in the literary world.

I feel poetry is such a unique and expressive art that has stood the test of time and as we look back on poets like Wordsworth and Dickinson and all the wonderful poets of a time gone by we can all agree that nobody can discount or dismiss the contributions these people have made to the literary world.

The Wordsworth’s and Lord Byron’s are still out there today working hard to bring back into the mainstream the powerful emotions and feelings that once struck a chord so long ago. These people are putting their heart and soul into their words and putting forth messages that they want to share with readers from all origins and backgrounds.

We should not put limitations on them by telling them their art is dead or that their art is not much of a selling point in society because it is and if it wasn’t we would not have so many poetry forums and websites accross the infinite space of the internet from nation to nation. One website I visited has over five million poets in their database alone so obviously their is an interest in poetry and it’s growing bigger with every passing day. Multitudes of people from accross the globe enjoy this art we call poetry and this is a fact that should not be ignored.

There is also a problem in my view with some people who take the role of critic and these people judge the work of others and seek to influence how an individual chooses to express themselves through poetry. I feel that each person and expression is unique and I have never been much of a fan of the critic as Teddy Roosevelt reminded us in ” The Battle of Life ” it’s not the critic that counts and I agree.

Individualism and uniqueness spawns genius in my opinion in every facet of life or work and it’s also certainly true when it comes to poetry. I want to read new and freshly presented material from someone original. I don’t want to see someone trying to copy another artist or his or her ways. I want to see someone expressing their own ways that I will not judge because I feel I have no rightful place in doing so.

We must remember that it’s not my opinion or the opinion of a critic that counts when it comes to you and your work and the feelings you wish to present. These things are yours and yours alone that nobody should touch or try to fine tune in any fashion. If Shakespeare had allowed his work to be sorted out and played with by the masses then he would not have been the Shakespeare we know today and your work will not be yours if you allow it to be changed to fit the views of others.

Let your vision and your work live and die on it’s own and let it live independantly and develop into what you wish it to be not what someone else wants it to be so it never ceases to be your very own.

Publishamerica poet.

Today, Tucson, Arizona is the home to 800,000 residents and is an attractive destination to visitors. However, its warm, inviting weather and busy event calendar belie its colorful past. Tucson’s history dates back to the time of Christ’s birth, and it is among the oldest continually inhabited areas in the United States. According to the Tucson Convention & Visitors Bureau, in 1884 there were 25 saloons in the city. Still on the books is an old law forbidding women to wear pants. John Dillinger was arrested in Tucson, while Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday made a stop at the train depot before going on to Tombstone.

Although its Wild West days may be behind it, Tucson, Arizona, still holds its residents and visitors captive. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy Saguaro National Park, home to the giant cactus, as well as hiking in the Sonoran Desert. Baseball aficionados show up to watch three major league teams – the Arizona Razorbacks, the Colorado Rockies, and the Chicago White Sox – during spring training each year. Duffers enjoy world-class golf courses while cyclists ride to their heart’s content throughout the area. Amateur ornithologists are delighted by the area’s large number of hummingbird species.

Tucson also attracts many events and conventions. Foremost on the event calendar is the gem show, officially known as the Tucson Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Showcase. Drawing everyone from mineralogists to buyers of fine jewelry, the January and February shows represent the largest gathering of gem show exhibitors in the world. For those whose interests lie in the heavens rather than the earth, Tucson offers unparalleled opportunities for amateur astronomers to stargaze.

Tucson, Arizona’s rich heritage of Spanish, Mexican, and Native American influences is evident in both the area’s cuisine and entertainment. Its event calendar is filled with such gatherings as La Fiesta de los Vaqueros and the Annual Waila Festival.

Those who appreciate art can find a variety of venues in which to enjoy creativity. A street fair will draw local artists and artisans, while art museums – such as Ansel Adams’ Center for Creative Photography and the University of Arizona Museum of Art – abound.

Whatever activity residents and visitors choose to engage in, it’s almost certain that the sun will be out. According to the Tucson Convention & Visitors Bureau, Tucson enjoys 300 sunny days each year, with summer temperatures averaging in the high 90s and winter temperatures averaging about 70 degrees.

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web.
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Des Moines, Iowa is the town that everyone knows about and remembers because it not only hosts the Iowa State Fair but it’s the state capital as well. We’ve all learnt the name in grade school. The fair is an eleven day event held every year in the fall. Some of its more common popular attractions include the Butter Cow, a Double Ferris Wheel and the Fairgrounds Grandstand which is host to popular singers and musicians on a nightly basis during the fair.

The Corn Dog Kickoff is a lively auction event held each year where visitors can do some light food grazing while bidding on silent and live auction packages. The proceeds of the auction all go to helping restore the fairgrounds so visitors can eat, bid and relax knowing that their helping the fair.

The State Fair is very popular so you may at times find yourself trapped in crowds like a sardine in a tin can. Remember to stay calm and keep a sharp eye out for concession stands or edge areas where you can slip out of the crowds. If you prefer to stay out of the crowds as much as possible and like and eagle’s eye view, check out the Skyliner Rides that carry visitors comfortably over the midway.

Those who’ve gotten tired out from all the walking involved at the fair can head to Legacy Terrace to sit on the Restoration style benches and enjoy the arching fountains. In the evening three foot tall pathway lights flicker on and guide visitors on their way.

Visitors can catch the park ‘n’ ride shuttles to and from the fair for a minimal price per person. It’s even possible to stay on the fairgrounds as they have lots of camping spots available for RV’s and for tent camping. It’s possible to reserve a spot at the fair in advance but you must arrive on the first day of the fair and plan on staying for the entire fourteen days of the fair, otherwise it’s a first come first serve basis.

Gail Leino is known throughout the internet world as Mrs. Party. She has become the internet’s leading authority on selecting the best possible party supplies with clever themes. Her simple party planning approach demostrates how to use proper manners while teaching etiquette with organizational skills. She shares lots of interesting fun facts. See travel vacations for more tips and holiday spot destinations.