Find the Missing Pieces

Wow, so I slacked on this K’nex experience/project more than I thought I would. I think it slowed me down learning I wouldn’t actually get to go and check out the plant operations. Turns out all I really needed to do way play. And WOW was that ever the main idea of my piece…that helping the American economy and creating more American jobs really could be as simple as a child’s play!

I liked the idea of playing with a K’nex rollercoaster set and turning a bit of that into a metaphor for what the K’nex Company itself has done for Montgomery County, for Pennsylvania and for the United States. The Rodon Plastics family really does offer a broad line of children’s’ toys. And seeing as the world is so overpopulated, so many of those being children, why shouldn’t we entertain and educate our children with products made in our country, helping our own economy and workforce?

K’nex really are pretty cool toys. It was unfortunate that in the few places I checked, that they didn’t offer more variety of products—especially considering the proximity of the Lehigh Valley to where K’nex are made in Montco. I like the Thrill Rides line I don’t recall Legos ever having anything that actually moved or worked on batteries… then again, it has been quite some time since I really, really played with any type of blocks or motor-skill toys.

We haven’t actually finished our rollercoaster yet. I told my Zoe that we would work on it tonight. It will be a bit slower with her, as the kit is recommended for 7+ age children. She’s smart though, and when I am able to guide her, she enjoys it. We both do. Again, coming back to one of the metaphors used in my piece…building a strong, successful American company can be virtually child’s play. With a little time and patience, with strong leadership and teamwork, love and support, likening a company to a family of individuals who will support each other and push on through good and bad. (Was that a run-on? I really do need to pick up “Sin and Syntax”! I usually speak in run-ons as well….ask my boyfriend…)

I submitted the piece entitled “Find the Missing Pieces” the other night. I had found a magazine (?) during the going-out-of-business sale at Borders (BOOOO). I sort of question it being a magazine as it is pretty thick and it only comes out quarterly. Ah, but my Essence only comes out once per year so… Anyway, this publication is pretty cool and a non-profit out of New York: “A Public Space”. This issue I picked up has literary op-eds, fiction, non-fiction, and poetry…plus a TON of ads for conferences and speakers. (Want to start feeling and acting more like a writer? Come to one of these conferences with me! Seriously.) The magazine has a bit of a creative, but edgy vibe to it that led me to turning my piece into one huge jumble of metaphors. It was fun. I’m not sure if my piece is as long as they would like; they don’t really mention length requirements in the submission guidelines. I just tried to judge based on the non-fiction pieces in this issue… They warn you it will take time to hear back, but you can log in on their website and read editorial comments, if any are made. I’m excited. I hope my work is accepted. Hell, I wouldn’t mind interning with them, either :-)