Cheryl Lynn
Bio
I am a blogger and freelance journalist, specializing in music reviews, band interviews, and other entertainment related articles. I have also published poetry, fiction, and creative writing. http://undeadgoathead.com/links/portfolio/
Stories (12/0)
A Very Non-Traditional Thanksgiving
The Before-Times What is your schema of schemata? Many years ago, I was reading a book on psychology, learning about phenomena such as cognitive dissonance, Freudian archetypes, and schemata. The book defined Schema as one's thoughts, feelings, and assumptions regarding a particular subject. For example, most people's schema of Thanksgiving involves turkey, mashed potatoes, and gravy. Maybe it conjures images of family gatherings. But are these holidays warm, wholesome celebrations, or are they stressful and toxic? Even these subjective feelings are part of someone's schema of Thanksgiving. And we all have our own schema of culture, society, life, and the world at large.
By Cheryl Lynn3 years ago in Feast
The Black Moon Of Lilith
Thunder rumbled in the distance, as huge raindrops pelted the muddy ground. Alex stuffed his hands in his jean pockets to keep warm. It was only 5:00 pm, but the overcast winter sky was almost as dark as night. Shivering as he paced down the sidewalk, he scanned the street for any kind of awning or overhang. He craved a cigarette, but smoking was impossible in this weather.
By Cheryl Lynn3 years ago in Horror
The Anchor, The Octopus, The Moon, and the Star
I was 20 years old in the year 2011. I was a sophomore at St. John’s College, one of the most prestigious schools in my home state of New Mexico. Born and raised in Santa Fe, I was too chola for my classmates, but I was also too nerdy for my fellow locals. Some people called me a “townie”, others called me “pretentious.” Although I still lived at home, I would usually crash with my college friends instead, preferring their company over my dysfunctional family in an overcrowded house in the downtown barrio.
By Cheryl Lynn4 years ago in Humans
8 Mysterious Paintings that Break the Fourth Wall
In European art and literature, everything has a structure. A story has grammar, syntax, plot, characters, and setting. Paintings have colors, shapes, textures, techniques, and symbols. Part of this logical schema of the arts, is the concept of art coexisting with real life. Does life inspire art, or vice versa, or both, or neither?
By Cheryl Lynn5 years ago in Geeks
Book Review: Jason De Boer—Annihilation Songs
Stalking Horse Press is an independent publishing house based in Santa Fe, NM. Unlike mainstream publishers, their books are more radical and subversive. They publish authors who take risks and experiment with their literature. Jason De Boer is such a writer, with his ambitious renditions of three classics by William Shakespeare (Hamlet, The Tempest, and The Two Gentlemen of Verona).
By Cheryl Lynn5 years ago in Geeks
Is It My Body?
I am an introvert, keeping to myself and avoiding confrontation. Yet, no matter how hard I try to blend in with the crowd or fade into the background, others always have something to say about my appearance or personality. Men and women both objectify me. Perfect strangers are just as guilty as long time friends and close family members. The comments range from painfully obvious observations ("Hahaha, you're so short, LOL") to erroneous assumptions (Wow congratulations, how many months 'til you're due?). I'm judged for every aspect of my being, from my petite stature to my voluptuous curves, from my ethnicity to my bisexual identity, from my physical appearance to the way I spell my name. I try not to dwell on other people's opinions, especially when they don't even know the real me. However, the human brain has evolved over centuries to be social, to care about our reputations, to crave acceptance and unity.
By Cheryl Lynn5 years ago in Viva
10 Awesome Beauty Brands That I Use Every Day
I have always rocked my own unique style. Instead of following trends, I would rather start a trend of my own, or even stand out. My wardrobe reflects my personality. I want my beauty to be deeper than just skin deep. Before I buy anything new, I ask myself: Can I afford this? Will it fit my personal taste? What ingredients do they use? Is it comfortable to wear? These are some of my favorite brands that made the cut!
By Cheryl Lynn6 years ago in Blush
Book Review: Emily Corwin - 'Tenderling'
Like the faeries and sirens of traditional lore, Corwin's poetry is as dangerous as it is beautiful. Her writing has the rhythm of a folktale and the surreal logic of a dream, with intertwining themes and repeated symbols. She holds up a magic mirror in which we can see royalty reflected as monsters, virtue as vice, and fiction as truth. Like Alice Through the Looking Glass, we find ourselves in a distorted wonderland, at once whimsical and yet frightening. Corwin's skill is making the fantastic seem familiar, and the mundane seem magical. There is a deep pathos to her poetry: She explores fear, desire, and even humor with subtle wordplay, double entendres, innuendos, and hidden meanings. Consider the following verse:
By Cheryl Lynn6 years ago in Poets
10 Enchanting Wildflowers Native to New Mexico
Anything that lives in the desert has to be tough to survive. Although they look dainty and delicate, these blossoms are actually hardy and strong. Sometimes the rarest and most beautiful discoveries are literally under our noses or in our own backyards. Next time you hike through one of our local trails, maybe you'll notice some of these treasures:
By Cheryl Lynn6 years ago in Wander
The Mystique of Diablo Canyon
As a lifelong resident of Santa Fe, New Mexico, I have always been drawn to the enigmatic Diablo Canyon. This unique landmark lies just outside our city border, between Santa Fe and Los Alamos. As part of the Caja Del Rio plateau formation, the mystique of this beautiful desert gorge includes prehistoric petroglyphs, desert wildlife, indigenous plants, and the flowing freshwater of the Rio Grande. The area is remote enough to immerse oneself in nature, but accessible enough to bring camping equipment or even plan a family day trip. Hikers of all ages and skill levels come here. Some admire the beauty from a distance, others walk through the winding path, and others take extreme challenges in rock climbing. Everyone is welcome at this national park.
By Cheryl Lynn6 years ago in Wander
5 Valentine's Day Classics and Their Contemporary Counterparts
Valentine's Day is a time to celebrate love. There are symbols we will always associate with this fun holiday: bubbly pink hearts, bouquets of red roses, and candy all wrapped up with silk ribbons and lace. These are some common offerings that we have come to expect. These familiar traditions are charming and lovable. They have become synonymous with this passionate and emotional holiday. However, there are also some contemporary gift options that might be a welcome change and genuine surprise for your loved ones.
By Cheryl Lynn6 years ago in Humans