| |  In Greek mythology, the Muses are nine archaic goddesses who embody
the right evocation of myth, inspired through remembered and improvised
song and traditional music and dances. They were water nymphs, associated with the springs of Helicon and Pieris. They are sometimes called Pierides from their association with the spring of Pieres. The Olympian system set Apollo as their leader, Apollon Mousagetes.
According to Hesiod's Theogony, they are the daughters of Zeus, king of the gods, and Mnemosyne, goddess of memory. For Alcman and Mimnermus, they were even more primordial, springing from Uranus and Gaia. Pausanias supports that there were two generations of Muses; the first being daughters of Uranus and Gaia, the second from Zeus and Mnemosyne. The nine Muses are:
- Calliope (epic poetry)
- Euterpe (music)
- Clio (history)
- Erato (lyrics/love poetry)
- Melpomene (tragedy)
- Polyhymnia (sacred poetry)
- Terpsichore (dancing)
- Thalia (comedy)
- Urania (astronomy)
The muses are typically invoked at or near the beginning of an epic
poem or classical Greek story. They have served as aids to an author,
or as the true speaker; for which an author is only a mouthpiece.
Originally, the invocation of the Muse was an indication that the
speaker was working inside the poetic tradition, according to the
established formulae. Now, the word muse may be used figuratively, to denote someone who inspires an artist.
(preceding information gathered from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muse)
Why all the Muse speak? I have my Muses. Some for writing, some for poetry, drawing, love, life and just Muses in general. One reached out to me again this week... one of the original Muses for my book. The funny thing is, she inspired by truth, and told me exactly what I needed to hear. Most people would find it rude or mean, but I know what she meant and I take it to heart... just like everything she has said to me.
Here's a bit of what she said...
'I know you are at a standstill with your book and you want it to be perfect... but I think you are stalling. Yes, you've written a novel.. but patting yourself on the back on this fact alone will not get you published. It's like you've given birth, but are resistant to nurturing your child; afraid you'll make mistakes; afraid it won't turn out good.
I hate the Beer Store. To me it's a place that has constantly stolen your creativity, energy and focus... I can't wait for the day when your profits and advances from writing allow you to rid yourself of that albatross once and for all. Life has too much to offer...
Keep at 'er. I can't wait to read the ending in hardcover.
Cheers... Your Muse'
She brought a tear to my eye, a smile to my lips and just the right words to make me know what I need to do. That my friends is a Muse at her best!!!
Thanks.... 
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| | Posted 5/18/2006 1:20 PM - 6 views - 3 comments
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