Tonight I have a telephone conference which I am looking forward to. I worked hard throughout the night writing articles and reviewing stuff. I also added a translation toolbar as I get a lot of hits from contacts and friends living in Brasil. I came across the first chapter of a memoir by an American black woman, which I went on to review, that was compelling, very funny and well-written and I really look forward to the day it's published. It was interesting to start reviewing (so far, poems, memoirs and short stories) as I have never done so before.
As usual, getting widgets and organizing technical things on the net is slow and often frustrating, however, I am blessed by only having a laptop and not a large home computer, as there is less temptation to hurl something so light out the window. Even getting the translation button on was not that easy: they say just paste the code onto your page. Er, hello! There are about two dozen different sections dealing with the format of the page; which £$%^&* section did you mean? Typical computer nerds; just tell me exactly where! Ok, ok, enough computer rage, calma, calma, as they say in Brazil (Does anyone know a hypnotherapist?)
I am living a very computer-dominated life these days, working for almost all the hours in the day tapping away at the laptop. It is hard to believe some people don't have a computer, so useful has it become these days. I need to pick up my photos next week from the photo shoot and get them uploaded and send them off with a proposal. Lots of work to do. I had another excellent email so the second book is taking shape very pleasingly.
Thursday 31 May 2007
Wednesday 30 May 2007
Day 34: More Tractor Outlines + A Breakthrough
Today I have been writing more tractor outlines, which are summaries of the chapters of my book. I have also had an inspiring inbox and a breakthrough email that sets my second book well on the road to success! I still must whittle down the tractor outlines as they are too long at the moment and there is still a way to go with completing my second book but I am happy with the steady advancement I am making.
Last night it was great to see Ania (I've remembered the pseudonym I created for her!) from choir and we watched a dvd and went for a drink. Soon the pubs will be healthy rather than stinking with cigarette smoke so that's something to look forward to. (Smoking becomes illegal in public places in the UK from July.) She is very much in love with her new boyfriend and it is great that she is so happy. After being a coach potato computer addict the whole day, it was good to get some fresh air when I walked her home. Later, I wrote another article for the internet.
Last night it was great to see Ania (I've remembered the pseudonym I created for her!) from choir and we watched a dvd and went for a drink. Soon the pubs will be healthy rather than stinking with cigarette smoke so that's something to look forward to. (Smoking becomes illegal in public places in the UK from July.) She is very much in love with her new boyfriend and it is great that she is so happy. After being a coach potato computer addict the whole day, it was good to get some fresh air when I walked her home. Later, I wrote another article for the internet.
Tuesday 29 May 2007
Day 33: Started writing articles
Last night I stayed up all night getting carried away with linking in my blog to the wider web community and found a great site that just now I spent forever trying to find you the address for! The internet is great but diversionary in the extreme! Anyway, it was something along the lines of blogging for dummies and had some very useful stuff for bloggers. I wrote an article for an online site and reviewed a bunch of stuff. Again, good to have done it, but it was time-consuming as I found myself reading messageboards and a lot of stuff that was captivating but not essential to read! My plan now is to see if I can get a regular contributor position on a magazine whilst continuing with the online reviewing and article-writing. As a result of all my work researching and writing on the net, my reading plan is delayed, so I hope to read solidly for four or five chapters today or tomorrow (from David Copperfield, Dickens's favourite child, you may remember) . My friend from choir is coming over soon so perhaps we'll watch a dvd or something. We had a day off last night so it will be good to catch up with her and gossip. I think I need a blog manager to do all the boring widget things for me and to fire this blog to the outer reaches of the known and unknown universe. However, just as writers don't usually relish having to do interviews and create a business-like media platform, when all they want to do is write, needs must! The sun has come out in London just now, after endless rain. Fabulous!
Monday 28 May 2007
Day 32: The Swish
This is something I used today to help someone stop smoking. It is useful for anything but it is best to not use it for trauma. It is called The Swish and is a common NLP technique.
Start by having a picture or experience with you associated/looking out of your own eyes, that represents something you want to change - a habit or a feeling. For example, a smoker might see their hands in front of them and others smoking opposite them. Next, shrink that image down and have a full screen picture in your mind of yourself dissociated; ie you seeing yourself in a photo/picture with your desired outcome, ie relaxed and happy being with others who smoke and not wanting a cigarette. Make the image powerful by changing the details, ie light and dark, close and far, until it is the most positive it can be. Then, shrink this image down to the right corner and bring back the problem image. Then, repeating this seven times, SWISH the positive picture from the bottom right corner to take over the screen or what you see. The swish must be done very fast and take only a second or two each time you swish. When you've finished, be positive and trust. Many smokers can stop purely from doing this! Others may need more in-depth processes such as Time Line Therapy - one of the most powerful techniques to change quickly and easily.
Start by having a picture or experience with you associated/looking out of your own eyes, that represents something you want to change - a habit or a feeling. For example, a smoker might see their hands in front of them and others smoking opposite them. Next, shrink that image down and have a full screen picture in your mind of yourself dissociated; ie you seeing yourself in a photo/picture with your desired outcome, ie relaxed and happy being with others who smoke and not wanting a cigarette. Make the image powerful by changing the details, ie light and dark, close and far, until it is the most positive it can be. Then, shrink this image down to the right corner and bring back the problem image. Then, repeating this seven times, SWISH the positive picture from the bottom right corner to take over the screen or what you see. The swish must be done very fast and take only a second or two each time you swish. When you've finished, be positive and trust. Many smokers can stop purely from doing this! Others may need more in-depth processes such as Time Line Therapy - one of the most powerful techniques to change quickly and easily.
Sunday 27 May 2007
Day 31: Housesitting and web designing + telekinesis!
Yesterday, I began a week of housesitting for friends who have a wonderful, quiet house. The great thing about housesitting is sampling little things in the fridge and cupboards - stuff you never buy yet enjoy. I always imagine I will get so much more done with my work, yet in reality it is quite distracting when I am here as I am torn between wanting to take a holiday and watch TV all day, snacking on chocolate, or get on with all I must do. In the end I did both and stayed up all night further designing my website. Today, I'm determined to actually cook a meal and stop grazing!
Today, I came across an article by a man who, after a serious accident, found he had the skill of telekinesis and could move objects by the power of his mind. Psychic Uri Geller uses the power of telekinesis to bend his spoons and stop watches. (I once followed a challenge Geller set in a national newspaper, where he thought of an image and asked people to draw what he was thinking. I correctly drew a six-pointed star!)
Martin Smith, 41, from Carlisle, says: "I can make objects move, roll, and sometimes heat up by using the energy produced through telekinesis. My hands become charged, like they're full of static electricity and my body warms up. I've been able to move cups, glasses and small pieces of tin foil using telekinesis. [...] If I'm feeling refreshed and in good health, I find the telekinesis works better than when I'm tired." The article continues with the following:
"Martin's tips for developing telekinesis
* Believe you can do it. Telekinesis is an ability everyone has the potential to harness - but if you don't accept that, your mind will work against you.
* Sense the aura around objects so that you can interact with them.
Tap into your own aura's power by putting your hands close together, palms facing each other, until you can feel the energy between them. It'll feel like static electricity or a soft blanket between your hands.
Now try to move your palms further apart until you can no longer feel the energy. With practise, you'll find that you can sense the energy from further away and as you move your hands closer the energy becomes more powerful.
* Once you've developed this sensitivity, try it with a small object such as a small piece of kitchen foil and place your hands near the foil until you can sense the edge of its energy.
Once you can feel this, try to imagine the energy flowing from your hands into the foil and imagine it moving with the energy. Be patient, as it takes time to build and to release the energy in the right way for the object to respond. Practise for a few minutes daily.
* If you keep practising, the object will move or twitch - you did that with telekinesis. Keep practising until you can shift different types of objects in more controlled movements."
You can reach Martin at:
www.telekinesis.co.uk
where you can watch video footage of his telekinetic ability.
Let me know when you can move things, should you be moved to try! (Terrible joke, I know!) You could be the next Uri Geller...
Today, I came across an article by a man who, after a serious accident, found he had the skill of telekinesis and could move objects by the power of his mind. Psychic Uri Geller uses the power of telekinesis to bend his spoons and stop watches. (I once followed a challenge Geller set in a national newspaper, where he thought of an image and asked people to draw what he was thinking. I correctly drew a six-pointed star!)
Martin Smith, 41, from Carlisle, says: "I can make objects move, roll, and sometimes heat up by using the energy produced through telekinesis. My hands become charged, like they're full of static electricity and my body warms up. I've been able to move cups, glasses and small pieces of tin foil using telekinesis. [...] If I'm feeling refreshed and in good health, I find the telekinesis works better than when I'm tired." The article continues with the following:
"Martin's tips for developing telekinesis
* Believe you can do it. Telekinesis is an ability everyone has the potential to harness - but if you don't accept that, your mind will work against you.
* Sense the aura around objects so that you can interact with them.
Tap into your own aura's power by putting your hands close together, palms facing each other, until you can feel the energy between them. It'll feel like static electricity or a soft blanket between your hands.
Now try to move your palms further apart until you can no longer feel the energy. With practise, you'll find that you can sense the energy from further away and as you move your hands closer the energy becomes more powerful.
* Once you've developed this sensitivity, try it with a small object such as a small piece of kitchen foil and place your hands near the foil until you can sense the edge of its energy.
Once you can feel this, try to imagine the energy flowing from your hands into the foil and imagine it moving with the energy. Be patient, as it takes time to build and to release the energy in the right way for the object to respond. Practise for a few minutes daily.
* If you keep practising, the object will move or twitch - you did that with telekinesis. Keep practising until you can shift different types of objects in more controlled movements."
You can reach Martin at:
www.telekinesis.co.uk
where you can watch video footage of his telekinetic ability.
Let me know when you can move things, should you be moved to try! (Terrible joke, I know!) You could be the next Uri Geller...
Saturday 26 May 2007
Day 30: Think and Grow Rich
Napoleon Hill in Think and Grow Rich says: "Our brains become magnetized with the dominating thoughts which we hold in our minds, and, by means with which no man is familiar, these "magnets" attract to us the forces, the people, the circumstances of life which harmonize with the nature of our dominating thoughts."
In other words, you literally become a magnet for the things you want. If you truly want money, money literally can't say no.
Sometimes, applying this principle helps with money or other issues:
"The best solution to a problem is almost always the simplest solution."
This principle is known as Occam's razor, after William of Occam - a fourteenth-century English scientist and is very much in line with the material in What The Bleep and The Secret.
In other words, you literally become a magnet for the things you want. If you truly want money, money literally can't say no.
Sometimes, applying this principle helps with money or other issues:
"The best solution to a problem is almost always the simplest solution."
This principle is known as Occam's razor, after William of Occam - a fourteenth-century English scientist and is very much in line with the material in What The Bleep and The Secret.
Friday 25 May 2007
Day 29: Spiritual Belief Systems
Another extract from the Kryon book, Book 8:
"Belief systems all over the planet will tear apart with change. Oh, they will remain, but there can be no more fence-sitting in regard to the old ways that no longer work. Those who talk about the love of God but do not practice it are sitting on a fence, are they not? Those who are trying desperately to follow the laws of GOd, but instead are following the laws of men and women, are on a fence, are they not? In addition, the world is beginning to hold them accountable for what they teach. As the entire population of Earth is able to observe [due to communications revelations such as the Internet], some systems will be shown to be unbalanced, and those who were never spiritual will become the first critics of doctrines that profess one thing and do another. The result will be that there will be fewer and fewer young people in their ranks, and many of the organizations will wither from lack of respect.
What has to happen next is a search for the divinity within core doctrinal belief - a return to the principles of love. You will see it first in the belief systems of the planet, and if you are astute in world events, you are seeing it now. The greatest spiritual leaders you have who search for the divine on your planet are coming to a reckoning even as you sit here. This is an end to the fence-sitting. This is a return to a quest for integrity - the morality of the search for the love of God and the core issue of family.
In this new energy, you are going to have a tough time professing one thing and doing another. If you do, you are on the fence...[and] are going to be very uncomfortable. You will see this "spiritual rage" more and more - those who are so angry - perhaps they are angry with God, perhaps they are angry with themselves - they don't know. They just know that they're being pulled off that very comfortable place where they used to be. No more fence sitting.
The spiritual belief systems of your planet are about to have a house-cleaning. Most will survive, and in the process will become closer to the intent of those who created them - to celebrate the love of God in a way that honours humanity, and does not tear it down."
I thought that was interesting, especially for those who know John of God and The Casa de Dom Inacio in Brazil. But also very relevant to events in all religions and to all who follow a spiritual path.
Last night I was writing tractor outlines for many hours! The things a writer must do, above and beyond the writing itself! Half way with it, though. Now I am off for a family re-union. Have a great day/evening!
"Belief systems all over the planet will tear apart with change. Oh, they will remain, but there can be no more fence-sitting in regard to the old ways that no longer work. Those who talk about the love of God but do not practice it are sitting on a fence, are they not? Those who are trying desperately to follow the laws of GOd, but instead are following the laws of men and women, are on a fence, are they not? In addition, the world is beginning to hold them accountable for what they teach. As the entire population of Earth is able to observe [due to communications revelations such as the Internet], some systems will be shown to be unbalanced, and those who were never spiritual will become the first critics of doctrines that profess one thing and do another. The result will be that there will be fewer and fewer young people in their ranks, and many of the organizations will wither from lack of respect.
What has to happen next is a search for the divinity within core doctrinal belief - a return to the principles of love. You will see it first in the belief systems of the planet, and if you are astute in world events, you are seeing it now. The greatest spiritual leaders you have who search for the divine on your planet are coming to a reckoning even as you sit here. This is an end to the fence-sitting. This is a return to a quest for integrity - the morality of the search for the love of God and the core issue of family.
In this new energy, you are going to have a tough time professing one thing and doing another. If you do, you are on the fence...[and] are going to be very uncomfortable. You will see this "spiritual rage" more and more - those who are so angry - perhaps they are angry with God, perhaps they are angry with themselves - they don't know. They just know that they're being pulled off that very comfortable place where they used to be. No more fence sitting.
The spiritual belief systems of your planet are about to have a house-cleaning. Most will survive, and in the process will become closer to the intent of those who created them - to celebrate the love of God in a way that honours humanity, and does not tear it down."
I thought that was interesting, especially for those who know John of God and The Casa de Dom Inacio in Brazil. But also very relevant to events in all religions and to all who follow a spiritual path.
Last night I was writing tractor outlines for many hours! The things a writer must do, above and beyond the writing itself! Half way with it, though. Now I am off for a family re-union. Have a great day/evening!
Thursday 24 May 2007
Day 27: Visualize Your Competitors Winning Too!
Business - even the business of blogging, it seems, from having had a cursory look around - often suffers from the belief in scarcity; that there's not enough for everyone. However, Nature is abundant and there truly is enough money and enough success for all of us, even our competitors. Thus visualizing our competitors succeeding and winning abundantly can become proof to ourselves that we trust and a great way to further and deepen our own connection of trust to the infinite source of wealth and goodness that is on offer to us all. Bless your competitors just like Jesus who said Love Thy Enemy, because really, there are no competitors and there are no enemies!
I was linked into another site recently due to my discussion of the Dead Sea Scrolls and thus will allow future mentions to go through too. I also registered with Google, who now list the blog. Unfortunately blogger does not give even the most basic of advice on how to get wider exposure for blogs so it is a slow task linking it in to mass audiences. However, there have been at least a hundred hits or so so far, which at this stage is great encouragement.
Technorati Profile
I was linked into another site recently due to my discussion of the Dead Sea Scrolls and thus will allow future mentions to go through too. I also registered with Google, who now list the blog. Unfortunately blogger does not give even the most basic of advice on how to get wider exposure for blogs so it is a slow task linking it in to mass audiences. However, there have been at least a hundred hits or so so far, which at this stage is great encouragement.
Technorati Profile
Wednesday 23 May 2007
Smart Goals and Prosperity Beliefs
Write down what you want. This is a powerful way to help you achieve your goals – after all, without a target, it is very difficult to hit it! Try making them SMART GOALS:
S specific
simple
M measurable
meaningful
A all areas of life
as if now
R realistic
responsible
T timed
toward what you want
For example, it’s best not to say, ‘I want more money’; rather, it’s more effective to say ’It is now the 30th of June and I have a thousand pounds in my bank account…or more’ – setting an exact time and amount, even if it is a million pounds!
It is very important, when goal-setting, to be specific. Also, if giving up smoking, saying ‘I am now a non-smoker’ is ok although ‘I am healthy’ is perhaps more powerful. Ex-smokers soon think of themselves not as non-smokers but just as normal or healthy.
Now, for Prosperity Beliefs:
1. The Universe is Abundant
2. The universe wants me to prosper
3. All prosperity begins with an idea and the universe responds.
4. Money is an abstraction (of work)
5. Money has no intelligence of its own (so money responds to my instructions to it)
6. Money demands attention on money.
“All prosperity is first produced by the human mind. All business endeavours are built on ideas. Before the business opened its doors, before there was ANY money flowing into the business there was an idea. Any endeavour begins in the mind. So, all prosperity begins in the mind. If that is the case, then working harder will not produce more money, nor will working more hours produce more money. Increasing prosperity requires changing your thought processes so that they focus on prosperous thoughts. Money, and its flow into a person’s life, are a direct result of the nature of the thoughts in a person’s mind.” Tad James, M.S. Ph.D., extracted from The Secret Of Creating Your Future published by Advanced Neuro Dynamics
S specific
simple
M measurable
meaningful
A all areas of life
as if now
R realistic
responsible
T timed
toward what you want
For example, it’s best not to say, ‘I want more money’; rather, it’s more effective to say ’It is now the 30th of June and I have a thousand pounds in my bank account…or more’ – setting an exact time and amount, even if it is a million pounds!
It is very important, when goal-setting, to be specific. Also, if giving up smoking, saying ‘I am now a non-smoker’ is ok although ‘I am healthy’ is perhaps more powerful. Ex-smokers soon think of themselves not as non-smokers but just as normal or healthy.
Now, for Prosperity Beliefs:
1. The Universe is Abundant
2. The universe wants me to prosper
3. All prosperity begins with an idea and the universe responds.
4. Money is an abstraction (of work)
5. Money has no intelligence of its own (so money responds to my instructions to it)
6. Money demands attention on money.
“All prosperity is first produced by the human mind. All business endeavours are built on ideas. Before the business opened its doors, before there was ANY money flowing into the business there was an idea. Any endeavour begins in the mind. So, all prosperity begins in the mind. If that is the case, then working harder will not produce more money, nor will working more hours produce more money. Increasing prosperity requires changing your thought processes so that they focus on prosperous thoughts. Money, and its flow into a person’s life, are a direct result of the nature of the thoughts in a person’s mind.” Tad James, M.S. Ph.D., extracted from The Secret Of Creating Your Future published by Advanced Neuro Dynamics
Tuesday 22 May 2007
Day 26: Just a Word
Too little time to blog! Just to let you know the road leads on and the journey may begin slowly but the destination is assured by steady application. Go well!
Monday 21 May 2007
Day 25: Double Edition Today: Performance Feedback
Our choir performance went very well - here is feedback I just found that the local member of parliament posted on her blog:
Lynne's Parliament and Haringey diary Lynne Featherstone is Member of Parliament for Hornsey and Wood Green welcome Comments about Lynne:
I have great admiration for what Lynne Featherstone and the LibDems are doing in Haringey. GS, Muswell Hill
Add to your siteSunday, May 13 Hearing the Highgate Choral Society
On Saturday evening it was off to a concert by the Highgate Choral Society at St Joseph's Church (Highgate Hill). Apart from some Christmas choral concerts at St John's in Smith Square, choral music hasn't been my musical place - despite having such wonderful local groups as this one and the Crouch End Festival Chorus.
But - I was invited to become a patron of the Highgate Choral Society, so it was off to attend the concert to see and support them. And it was absolutely wonderful. The first piece was Haydn's Nelson Mass - which was soaring and uplifting. The second piece (which everyone warned me was 'challenging' and not at all 'traditional') I really liked. It was 'modern' by choral standards - and the composer, Paul Patterson (who is a Highgate resident) was actually there. In eight parts, it veered from discordant to melodic and dramatic.
The choir itself must have numbered eighty or so people – plus there was the New London Orchestra, four soloists and Ronald Corp conducting. All in all, a great local evening and the church was absolutely packed out with hundreds of people.
Lynne's Parliament and Haringey diary Lynne Featherstone is Member of Parliament for Hornsey and Wood Green welcome Comments about Lynne:
I have great admiration for what Lynne Featherstone and the LibDems are doing in Haringey. GS, Muswell Hill
Add to your siteSunday, May 13 Hearing the Highgate Choral Society
On Saturday evening it was off to a concert by the Highgate Choral Society at St Joseph's Church (Highgate Hill). Apart from some Christmas choral concerts at St John's in Smith Square, choral music hasn't been my musical place - despite having such wonderful local groups as this one and the Crouch End Festival Chorus.
But - I was invited to become a patron of the Highgate Choral Society, so it was off to attend the concert to see and support them. And it was absolutely wonderful. The first piece was Haydn's Nelson Mass - which was soaring and uplifting. The second piece (which everyone warned me was 'challenging' and not at all 'traditional') I really liked. It was 'modern' by choral standards - and the composer, Paul Patterson (who is a Highgate resident) was actually there. In eight parts, it veered from discordant to melodic and dramatic.
The choir itself must have numbered eighty or so people – plus there was the New London Orchestra, four soloists and Ronald Corp conducting. All in all, a great local evening and the church was absolutely packed out with hundreds of people.
Day 25: Paulo Coelho's message
I decided last night to open a book called The Manual of the Warrior of Light by Paulo Coelho, with my eyes closed whilst thinking of people reading this blog, in order to find a relevant passage. This is the result:
Warriors of light never accept what is unacceptable.
‘“Hitler may have lost the war on the battlefield, but he ended up winning something too,” says Marek Halter, “because man in the twentieth century created the concentration camp and revived torture and taught his fellow men that it is possible to close their eyes to the misfortunes of others.”
Perhaps he is right: there are abandoned children, massacred civilians, innocent people imprisoned, lonely old people, drunks in the gutter, madmen in power.
But perhaps he isn’t right at all, for there are also warriors of light.
And warriors of light never accept what is unacceptable.’
Warriors of light never accept what is unacceptable.
‘“Hitler may have lost the war on the battlefield, but he ended up winning something too,” says Marek Halter, “because man in the twentieth century created the concentration camp and revived torture and taught his fellow men that it is possible to close their eyes to the misfortunes of others.”
Perhaps he is right: there are abandoned children, massacred civilians, innocent people imprisoned, lonely old people, drunks in the gutter, madmen in power.
But perhaps he isn’t right at all, for there are also warriors of light.
And warriors of light never accept what is unacceptable.’
Sunday 20 May 2007
Day 24: A Bit of Culture
I was unsure what I wanted to present to you in my blog today until I came across this, to provide a cultural interlude:
from The Song of Solomon
Chapter 2
I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.
As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters.
As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste.
He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.
Stay me with flagons, comfort me with apples: for I am sick of love.
His left hand is under my head, and his right hand doth embrace me.
I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please.
The voice of my beloved! behold, he cometh leaping upon the mountains, skipping upon the hills.
My beloved is like a roe or a young hart: behold, he standeth behind our wall, he looketh forth at the windows, shewing himself through the lattice.
My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.
For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone;
The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land;
The fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.
O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely.
Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.
My beloved is mine, and I am his: he feedeth among the lilies.
Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, turn, my beloved, and be thou like a roe or a young hart upon the mountains of Bether.
Chapter 3
By night on my bed I sought him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not.
I will rise now, and go about the city in the streets, and in the broad ways I will seek him whom my soul loveth; I sought him, but I found him not.
The watchmen that go about the city found me: to whom I said, Saw ye him whom my soul loveth?
It was but a little that I passed from them, but I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go, until I had brought him into my mother's house, and into the chamber of her that conceived me.
I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please.
Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant?
Behold his bed, which is Solomon's; threescore valiant men are about it, of the valiant of Israel.
They all hold swords, being expert in war: every man hath his sword upon his thigh because of fear in the night.
King Solomon made himself a chariot of the wood of Lebanon.
He made the pillars thereof of silver, the bottom thereof of gold, the covering of it of purple, the midst thereof being paved with love, for the daughters of Jerusalem.
Go forth, O ye daughters of Zion, and behold King Solomon with the crown wherewith his mother crowned him in the day of his espousals, and in the day of the gladness of his heart.
Chapter 5
I am come into my garden, my sister, my spouse: I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk: eat, O friends; drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved.
I sleep, but my heart waketh: it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, saying, Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled: for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night.
I have put off my coat; how shall I put it on? I have washed my feet; how shall I defile them?
My beloved put in his hand by the hole of the door, and my bowels were moved for him.
I rose up to open to my beloved; and my hands dropped with myrrh, upon the handles of the lock.
I opened to my beloved; but my beloved had withdrawn himself, and was gone: my soul failed when he spake: I sought him, but I could not find him; I called him, but he gave me no answer.
The watchmen that went about the city found me, they smote me, they wounded me; the keepers of the walls took away my veil from me.
I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, if ye find my beloved, that ye tell him, that I am sick of love.
What is thy beloved more than another beloved, O thou fairest among women? what is thy beloved more than another beloved, that thou dost so charge us?
My beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand.
His head is as the most fine gold, his locks are bushy, and black as a raven.
His eyes are as the eyes of doves by the rivers of waters, washed with milk, and fitly set.
His cheeks are as a bed of spices, as sweet flowers: his lips like lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh.
His hands are as gold rings set with the beryl: his belly is as bright ivory overlaid with sapphires.
His legs are as pillars of marble, set upon sockets of fine gold: his countenance is as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars.
His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.
from The Song of Solomon
Chapter 2
I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.
As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters.
As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste.
He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.
Stay me with flagons, comfort me with apples: for I am sick of love.
His left hand is under my head, and his right hand doth embrace me.
I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please.
The voice of my beloved! behold, he cometh leaping upon the mountains, skipping upon the hills.
My beloved is like a roe or a young hart: behold, he standeth behind our wall, he looketh forth at the windows, shewing himself through the lattice.
My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.
For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone;
The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land;
The fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.
O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely.
Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.
My beloved is mine, and I am his: he feedeth among the lilies.
Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, turn, my beloved, and be thou like a roe or a young hart upon the mountains of Bether.
Chapter 3
By night on my bed I sought him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not.
I will rise now, and go about the city in the streets, and in the broad ways I will seek him whom my soul loveth; I sought him, but I found him not.
The watchmen that go about the city found me: to whom I said, Saw ye him whom my soul loveth?
It was but a little that I passed from them, but I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go, until I had brought him into my mother's house, and into the chamber of her that conceived me.
I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please.
Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant?
Behold his bed, which is Solomon's; threescore valiant men are about it, of the valiant of Israel.
They all hold swords, being expert in war: every man hath his sword upon his thigh because of fear in the night.
King Solomon made himself a chariot of the wood of Lebanon.
He made the pillars thereof of silver, the bottom thereof of gold, the covering of it of purple, the midst thereof being paved with love, for the daughters of Jerusalem.
Go forth, O ye daughters of Zion, and behold King Solomon with the crown wherewith his mother crowned him in the day of his espousals, and in the day of the gladness of his heart.
Chapter 5
I am come into my garden, my sister, my spouse: I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk: eat, O friends; drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved.
I sleep, but my heart waketh: it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, saying, Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled: for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night.
I have put off my coat; how shall I put it on? I have washed my feet; how shall I defile them?
My beloved put in his hand by the hole of the door, and my bowels were moved for him.
I rose up to open to my beloved; and my hands dropped with myrrh, upon the handles of the lock.
I opened to my beloved; but my beloved had withdrawn himself, and was gone: my soul failed when he spake: I sought him, but I could not find him; I called him, but he gave me no answer.
The watchmen that went about the city found me, they smote me, they wounded me; the keepers of the walls took away my veil from me.
I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, if ye find my beloved, that ye tell him, that I am sick of love.
What is thy beloved more than another beloved, O thou fairest among women? what is thy beloved more than another beloved, that thou dost so charge us?
My beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand.
His head is as the most fine gold, his locks are bushy, and black as a raven.
His eyes are as the eyes of doves by the rivers of waters, washed with milk, and fitly set.
His cheeks are as a bed of spices, as sweet flowers: his lips like lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh.
His hands are as gold rings set with the beryl: his belly is as bright ivory overlaid with sapphires.
His legs are as pillars of marble, set upon sockets of fine gold: his countenance is as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars.
His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.
Saturday 19 May 2007
Day 22 & 23: Friends and Family then a Photo Shoot
Yesterday, I went to Sussex and went to another choir briefly with my mum, which was far more exposing as it is very small; however, it was also enjoyable and they were friendly and their music beautiful. Afterwards, we went to the end of a storytelling evening at the college where my mum works, given by a class she taught. It is highly entertaining, with one woman speaking parts of both a Rose and a Snail with courage and great humour - the Snail didn't care for the world and was very self-contained whereas the Rose was pretty and bright and unsettled by the Snail's talk. I heard about three stories and enjoyed them a lot, the room packed with lively (grown-up) students. Later, I worked on my book - so much minor work like perfecting font size and page numbering size, that was slow and really not designed to be done by humans! Where are the next generation of human computer programmers who will make page numbering a doddle? Anyway, I made some progress and also read a chapter of Dickens. I saw an old friend and had a valuable time with them but later could not sleep as it gave rise to many work-related issues that we discussed.
Today, I learned that my brother's wife is due two twin girls by caesarian on the 28th of June. I will be a double uncle overnight! My mum always wanted a girl to balance out the three boys she received and now she has two - as her granddaughters: much the easier task to be a granny than than a mother! I spoke to my older brother, too, who is coming down from Scotland on Friday for a family reunion so I am very happy about this. Then, after arriving back in London, I went to my photo shoot. The session was free but I pay £25 for one photo from it (normally a lot more) and can buy 3 for about £45 or £30 each if I want more. It was a bit of a rush to get back and iron the shirts for the session (they told me to bring several outfits) and I am not genetically designed to iron shirts but I did it and got there on time.
I will return to view the photos next week and select those I want to purchase. You might see one of them here soon! I am very optimistic about the future and today; there is just always so much to do! Hopefully, I will have the time to blog tomorrow.
Today, I learned that my brother's wife is due two twin girls by caesarian on the 28th of June. I will be a double uncle overnight! My mum always wanted a girl to balance out the three boys she received and now she has two - as her granddaughters: much the easier task to be a granny than than a mother! I spoke to my older brother, too, who is coming down from Scotland on Friday for a family reunion so I am very happy about this. Then, after arriving back in London, I went to my photo shoot. The session was free but I pay £25 for one photo from it (normally a lot more) and can buy 3 for about £45 or £30 each if I want more. It was a bit of a rush to get back and iron the shirts for the session (they told me to bring several outfits) and I am not genetically designed to iron shirts but I did it and got there on time.
I will return to view the photos next week and select those I want to purchase. You might see one of them here soon! I am very optimistic about the future and today; there is just always so much to do! Hopefully, I will have the time to blog tomorrow.
Thursday 17 May 2007
Day 21: Lost in Translation & Hope from the Hopis
Gregg Braden shows in The Isaiah Effect, how the most powerful way to get what you want in life was originally in the Dead Sea Scrolls but was translated and thus the meaning distorted. Compare the following texts:
"Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full." Modern, condensed twelth century version.
The original, retranslated Aramaic version:
"All things that you ask straightly, directly...from inside my name, you will be given. So far you have not done this. Ask without hidden motive and be surrounded by your answer. Be enveloped by what you desire, that your gladness be full..."
Thus prayer, rather than asking that our creations come to pass, becomes giving thanks for what we create from having the feelings of our creation already fulfilled.
To further quote from the excellent The Isaiah Effect:
"As the hearts and minds of mankind become so separate that they forget one another, the earth acts to bring the memory of our greatest attributes back into focus. 'When earthquakes, floods, hailstorms, drought and famine will be the life of every day, the time will have then come for the return to the true path.' So said the peace-loving Hopis. In addition to offering the signs of such a time, the Hopi traditions go even further, recommending a course of action to bring the hearts and minds of man into alignment with the earth once again.
Deceptively simple, the prophecy reminds us that 'when prayer and meditation are used rather than relying on new inventions to create more imbalance, then they [humanity] will also find the true path.' The words of the Hopi serve as simple reminders of the quantum principle which states that to change the outcome of events already in motion, we are invited to shift our beliefs regarding the outcome itself. In doing so, we attract the possibility that matches our new belief, and we release the present conditions, even those already under way."
Gregg Braden details many impressive research projects from around the world that have established a direct link between prayer and reduced war and crime activity, with only a small percentage of a city's population needed to pray and effect the change.
So, experience what you want: see, feel, hear it completely. Then, you have it!
"Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full." Modern, condensed twelth century version.
The original, retranslated Aramaic version:
"All things that you ask straightly, directly...from inside my name, you will be given. So far you have not done this. Ask without hidden motive and be surrounded by your answer. Be enveloped by what you desire, that your gladness be full..."
Thus prayer, rather than asking that our creations come to pass, becomes giving thanks for what we create from having the feelings of our creation already fulfilled.
To further quote from the excellent The Isaiah Effect:
"As the hearts and minds of mankind become so separate that they forget one another, the earth acts to bring the memory of our greatest attributes back into focus. 'When earthquakes, floods, hailstorms, drought and famine will be the life of every day, the time will have then come for the return to the true path.' So said the peace-loving Hopis. In addition to offering the signs of such a time, the Hopi traditions go even further, recommending a course of action to bring the hearts and minds of man into alignment with the earth once again.
Deceptively simple, the prophecy reminds us that 'when prayer and meditation are used rather than relying on new inventions to create more imbalance, then they [humanity] will also find the true path.' The words of the Hopi serve as simple reminders of the quantum principle which states that to change the outcome of events already in motion, we are invited to shift our beliefs regarding the outcome itself. In doing so, we attract the possibility that matches our new belief, and we release the present conditions, even those already under way."
Gregg Braden details many impressive research projects from around the world that have established a direct link between prayer and reduced war and crime activity, with only a small percentage of a city's population needed to pray and effect the change.
So, experience what you want: see, feel, hear it completely. Then, you have it!
Wednesday 16 May 2007
Day 20: The Road Continues-or is that The Read
Today, I am feeling the strain of using my eyes so much and working on the computer. However, it is good to get on with things and there is a lot to do - always! I began David Copperfield last night and it's good to return to Dickens, very much in the same way we return to the house of an old friend - everything is more or less the same and comfortingly welcoming. It was his 'favourite child' he said, although he loved all his 'children'. The BBC Big Read that I am still attempting to get through contains a lot of children's books but there is a lot to be gained from reading classics and it was a joy to re-read Swallows and Amazons - made me want to take up sailing! Interestingly, a man in my choir also said he got into boats (he has two) after reading all the Arthur Ransome books as a child.
The power of books is a strong and positive force for good and will always be so, no matter what new inventions come about. A childhood spent reading a lot is a rich one and thank God that writers like JK Rowling and Phillip Pullman continue to enthrall readers - young and old alike - just as CS Lewis did with the Narnia books when I was a boy. I hope to take a break from London for a day or two tomorrow so may be off duty. Happy days to you!
The power of books is a strong and positive force for good and will always be so, no matter what new inventions come about. A childhood spent reading a lot is a rich one and thank God that writers like JK Rowling and Phillip Pullman continue to enthrall readers - young and old alike - just as CS Lewis did with the Narnia books when I was a boy. I hope to take a break from London for a day or two tomorrow so may be off duty. Happy days to you!
Tuesday 15 May 2007
Day 19: Too Little Time, Too Little Time!
Too little time and so much to do! I got a haircut and thought I was getting a free photo shoot with it as free but this was due to talking at cross-purposes and I must come back later for the photo shoot which may be reduced from £90 to £25 or £30. Most confusing, as they had an ad saying the photo shoot was free! Still, some things must be done and I need the photo for professional purposes now - for the website, which I must still get to grips with! I have a completed author profile - now I must do all the other things too. Need a holiday! Saw my friend at choir yesterday which was good and read another friends short story today which was touching. That reminds me, I want to start doing some newspaper reviews and magazine reviews of books - may even do so on the net. However, may go down to Sussex for some fresh air and a brief break. Finally finished the book I've been reading from the BBC Big Read Top 100 Best Books of All Time: Swallows and Amazons. Now I will begin David Copperfield by Charles Dickens. I think I already read it when I was a kid but may have given up half way as it a long one! Only about fifty books left to read and I will have read the whole list.
Monday 14 May 2007
Day 18: Three Necessary Keys to Get What You Want
There are three necessary keys, as identified by Shakti Gawain in her excellent book Creative Visualization, to make creative visualization work. They are:
1. Desire. You must have a true desire to have or manifest that which you have chosen to visualize. By desire I don't mean addictive, grasping desire, but a clear, strong feeling of purpose. Ask yourself "Do I truly, in my heart, desire this goal to be realized?"
2. Belief. The more you believe in your chosen goal and the possibility of attaining it, the more certain you will be to do so. Ask yourself "Do I believe that this is possible for me to manifest or get it?
3. Acceptance. You must be willing to accept and have that which you are seeking. Sometimes we pursue goals without actually wanting to get them; we are more comfortable with the process of pursuing. Ask yourself "Am I willing to have this completely?"
Part of the process of me getting my book published is really about using all those three keys. The Isaiah Effect - Decoding the Lost Science of Prayer and Prophecy by Gregg Braden is another excellent book that can help to appreciate the power that we have in creating our futures through seeing them first. It ends with a story I read elsewhere too about a Down's Syndrome boy competing alongside eight others, who had become friends, in the Special Olympics but, seeing one friend had fallen at the start of the race, he turned back to help him up. Each of the others seeing this turned back too and all nine of them walked the race, arm-in-arm to the finish.
Achieving things in our lives can be done with respect and love for one another and what a beautiful story to illustrate that. The other point made here is when we are inspired and have positive emotions, then dreams, actions or resolutions made from those feelings are strong and transformational.
Gregg Braden ends his book after that story by saying 'above all other reasons, we have come to this world to love.'
1. Desire. You must have a true desire to have or manifest that which you have chosen to visualize. By desire I don't mean addictive, grasping desire, but a clear, strong feeling of purpose. Ask yourself "Do I truly, in my heart, desire this goal to be realized?"
2. Belief. The more you believe in your chosen goal and the possibility of attaining it, the more certain you will be to do so. Ask yourself "Do I believe that this is possible for me to manifest or get it?
3. Acceptance. You must be willing to accept and have that which you are seeking. Sometimes we pursue goals without actually wanting to get them; we are more comfortable with the process of pursuing. Ask yourself "Am I willing to have this completely?"
Part of the process of me getting my book published is really about using all those three keys. The Isaiah Effect - Decoding the Lost Science of Prayer and Prophecy by Gregg Braden is another excellent book that can help to appreciate the power that we have in creating our futures through seeing them first. It ends with a story I read elsewhere too about a Down's Syndrome boy competing alongside eight others, who had become friends, in the Special Olympics but, seeing one friend had fallen at the start of the race, he turned back to help him up. Each of the others seeing this turned back too and all nine of them walked the race, arm-in-arm to the finish.
Achieving things in our lives can be done with respect and love for one another and what a beautiful story to illustrate that. The other point made here is when we are inspired and have positive emotions, then dreams, actions or resolutions made from those feelings are strong and transformational.
Gregg Braden ends his book after that story by saying 'above all other reasons, we have come to this world to love.'
Sunday 13 May 2007
Day 16 & 17: Fame, Glory & Solutions for the Planet!
Ok, got your attention with that headline! Firstly, about Solutions for the Planet. I am reading a book from the Kryon series (Book 8) that makes some very interesting points about how we can survive on this planet with ever-decreasing energy sources. I shall quote from the book and you can learn more at www.kryon.com
"World Energy
Some have asked, 'Kryon, what about the world environment? What are we supposed to do for energy in the future that won't deplete our resources, or spoil our delicate environmental balance?
We are going to reiterate something we've said before, for there is a potential at hand for you to use energy resources that we have asked you to investigate many times before in the past ten years. You have not done so yet, for the wisdom marker was not yet passed, and there didn't seem to be an emergency. Now you will begin to understand the wisdom in these words.
There are two sources that we will give you again, and they represent the answers to creating much of the energy production on Earth. Both of the sources are abundant. Both of them are free, and neither of them will deplete any resource anywhere on the globe. They have been with you from the beginning and have been given to you for your discovery. Yet they have not been developed and used even though they are both obvious and are with you all the time.
The first and grandest one is the gift of your moon, and what it does to your oceans. Most of the population of the earth lives near coastlines on the various continents. The majority of the population is grouped in cities around the coastlines. Right where you need the greatest creation of electrical power, there happens to be tons and tons of push/pull energy that comes and goes on a schedule that is well understood and is consistent. This vast energy pushes and pulls and begs you to use it to create the hydroelectric conversion for clean production of electricity. Compared to the technology you have elected to use for nuclear power, this one is technically easy.
Physically, you've had the mechanical inventions for this conversion for a very long time. Basic physics can be applied to take the push and pull of the wave actions and tides and turn the wheels for the generators. The biggest wheels you can conceive of can be turned with the tons of pressure available to you at the shoreline. And you can count on that push-pull action to the end of time! What a resource, yet development is in its infancy. It's free and never becomes exhausted. It does not deplete a natural resource, and it's been placed where you need it most. Many think that the moon was given for Humans to gaze at by those in love. [Laughter] Listen! You needed it to create the tides for a moment like this! That was the intent all along. Let the inventions begin that will harness it.
Here's another one: Think of the time and expense on your planet that has been spent on creating heat for steam - steam that spins electric generators. We speak about your work with nuclear energy. Think of the resources it has taken, the risk, and the problems you now have as a result of what you've done. Think of the time expended to create just one of these energy-producing facilities. Think of the short time it can be in service, and then compare it to the disappointment that you can never again use that land for anything! What does one of those facilities actually do? It creates heat for steam. That's all it does.
We have given you the answer to heat generation before. If you want to create steam - lots of it- there is an engine that will be around long after humanity is gone. It's an engine that is producing heat for this planet, and all you have to do is dig! Dig far enough down and you'll find it. For the promise is this: No matter where you dig on Earth, if you dig far enough, you will find heat! Why not take some of the resources that it took to buid the atomic engines and instead research solutions to the difficulties extracting heat from the depths of the ground and converting it to steam? How long is the heat going to last? Forever! And it's been there as long as Earth has, and will remain there as long as Earth does, and it's for you. Use the heat engine that we gave you!
We give you these two examples and again invite you to develop them. This is the answer to energy for the planet! It will not deplete any part of nature, will not change the temperature of the earth, nor put anything into the air. It's free, clean, and it's from your partner, the planet Earth. You wonder about your partnership with the planet? Take a good look. It sits there waiting for you to discover and develop it."
Now, Fame & Glory! I bet you thought it was mine. Not quite yet. It was in fact the fame and glory of The Highgate Choral Society, of which I am a member, and that of Paul Patterson, composer of Stabat Mater, who attended a sell-out performance last night of his piece and Haydn's Nelson Mass that was attended by local MP Lynne Featherstone and many others. I look forward to reading the review in the Independent as the media were also present. See you soon!
"World Energy
Some have asked, 'Kryon, what about the world environment? What are we supposed to do for energy in the future that won't deplete our resources, or spoil our delicate environmental balance?
We are going to reiterate something we've said before, for there is a potential at hand for you to use energy resources that we have asked you to investigate many times before in the past ten years. You have not done so yet, for the wisdom marker was not yet passed, and there didn't seem to be an emergency. Now you will begin to understand the wisdom in these words.
There are two sources that we will give you again, and they represent the answers to creating much of the energy production on Earth. Both of the sources are abundant. Both of them are free, and neither of them will deplete any resource anywhere on the globe. They have been with you from the beginning and have been given to you for your discovery. Yet they have not been developed and used even though they are both obvious and are with you all the time.
The first and grandest one is the gift of your moon, and what it does to your oceans. Most of the population of the earth lives near coastlines on the various continents. The majority of the population is grouped in cities around the coastlines. Right where you need the greatest creation of electrical power, there happens to be tons and tons of push/pull energy that comes and goes on a schedule that is well understood and is consistent. This vast energy pushes and pulls and begs you to use it to create the hydroelectric conversion for clean production of electricity. Compared to the technology you have elected to use for nuclear power, this one is technically easy.
Physically, you've had the mechanical inventions for this conversion for a very long time. Basic physics can be applied to take the push and pull of the wave actions and tides and turn the wheels for the generators. The biggest wheels you can conceive of can be turned with the tons of pressure available to you at the shoreline. And you can count on that push-pull action to the end of time! What a resource, yet development is in its infancy. It's free and never becomes exhausted. It does not deplete a natural resource, and it's been placed where you need it most. Many think that the moon was given for Humans to gaze at by those in love. [Laughter] Listen! You needed it to create the tides for a moment like this! That was the intent all along. Let the inventions begin that will harness it.
Here's another one: Think of the time and expense on your planet that has been spent on creating heat for steam - steam that spins electric generators. We speak about your work with nuclear energy. Think of the resources it has taken, the risk, and the problems you now have as a result of what you've done. Think of the time expended to create just one of these energy-producing facilities. Think of the short time it can be in service, and then compare it to the disappointment that you can never again use that land for anything! What does one of those facilities actually do? It creates heat for steam. That's all it does.
We have given you the answer to heat generation before. If you want to create steam - lots of it- there is an engine that will be around long after humanity is gone. It's an engine that is producing heat for this planet, and all you have to do is dig! Dig far enough down and you'll find it. For the promise is this: No matter where you dig on Earth, if you dig far enough, you will find heat! Why not take some of the resources that it took to buid the atomic engines and instead research solutions to the difficulties extracting heat from the depths of the ground and converting it to steam? How long is the heat going to last? Forever! And it's been there as long as Earth has, and will remain there as long as Earth does, and it's for you. Use the heat engine that we gave you!
We give you these two examples and again invite you to develop them. This is the answer to energy for the planet! It will not deplete any part of nature, will not change the temperature of the earth, nor put anything into the air. It's free, clean, and it's from your partner, the planet Earth. You wonder about your partnership with the planet? Take a good look. It sits there waiting for you to discover and develop it."
Now, Fame & Glory! I bet you thought it was mine. Not quite yet. It was in fact the fame and glory of The Highgate Choral Society, of which I am a member, and that of Paul Patterson, composer of Stabat Mater, who attended a sell-out performance last night of his piece and Haydn's Nelson Mass that was attended by local MP Lynne Featherstone and many others. I look forward to reading the review in the Independent as the media were also present. See you soon!
Friday 11 May 2007
Day 15: Visualise What You Want!
Today, I have been taking time to visualise what I want by creating a Treasure Map - an actual, physical picture of my desired reality for my life when my book is published. I cut out photos and created images of me happy and enjoying being on a sandy beach and holding my published book. I also did a mock-up of my title at number 1 position in The Sunday Times Bestsellers List! A great, fun and very powerful technique that is worth taking time out to do. You can make it any size that's convenient for you and even carry it around in your wallet. Mine is big and on card so I can put it on the wall and see it when I work. Visualise, visualise, visualise! It is not just about work, it's about creating and visualising what you want, too. Now, though, I will get on with more writing - today completing my Author Profile. Have a great day/evening!
Thursday 10 May 2007
Day 14: Preparing for Publishers
Preparing for publishers is taking a lot of my time...too little sleep, too many things to do! However, if anyone needs help - either now or in the future - with getting a book published, I strongly recommend Julia McCutchen who has a website at www.juliamccutchen.com. She worked in publishing for many years and brings expertise and professionalism to what is a long and frequently challenging process.
Mentoring is something that most successful people will tell you was a part of their ascendency and features as a strong part of Chicken Soup for the Soul author Jack Canfield's success strategies too. He features in The Secret and recommends mentoring as a key path in his book One Minute Millionnnaire and although mentoring by an expert is frequently expensive, it is actually the short route to success.
Today I must press on with a lot of tinkering.
Mentoring is something that most successful people will tell you was a part of their ascendency and features as a strong part of Chicken Soup for the Soul author Jack Canfield's success strategies too. He features in The Secret and recommends mentoring as a key path in his book One Minute Millionnnaire and although mentoring by an expert is frequently expensive, it is actually the short route to success.
Today I must press on with a lot of tinkering.
Wednesday 9 May 2007
Day 13: Big Inbox - Day of Action
I have a big inbox today and one from my writer 'step-father' (ex partner of my mum) seems well worth sharing:
Subject: Don't let them ignore it Date: Thu, 03 May 2007 09:36:39 -0700
Dear Avaaz member,
This Friday, the official body of the world's top climate scientists will release a historic report. Their findings: humankind has the power to stop climate catastrophe. But to do it, politicians need to act--and fast.
The science is now crystal clear that it's not enough for individuals and corporations to go green. Government action is required. Our political leaders will be responding to this report over the next few days. But politicians have shown time and again that they won't listen to science unless their bosses--we, the people--tell them to. Click below to send a personalized message directly to your national leader:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/climate_action_leaders/?cl=8612301
Years from now, once we've won this fight, our victory will seem like it was inevitable. But at this moment, it is your work--joining with others around the world to turn scientific facts into political action--that makes it possible. We're glad to stand with you. Ben, Iain, Ricken, Graziela, Paul and the Avaaz Team
PS - Here are some links on the Climate Scientists' report: The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Homepage: http://www.france24.com/france24Public/en/administration/afp-news.html?id=070502152617.u19nj8p4&cat=null
Sydney Morning Herald: http://www.smh.com.au/news/environment/top-global-scientists-gather-on-climate-change/2007/04/30/1177788024609.html
OPENTRACK Do not hit reply to this email to unsubscribe.
https://secure.avaaz.org/act/?r=unsub&cl=8612301&b=100&lang=en _________________________________________________________________>
Subject: Don't let them ignore it Date: Thu, 03 May 2007 09:36:39 -0700
Dear Avaaz member,
This Friday, the official body of the world's top climate scientists will release a historic report. Their findings: humankind has the power to stop climate catastrophe. But to do it, politicians need to act--and fast.
The science is now crystal clear that it's not enough for individuals and corporations to go green. Government action is required. Our political leaders will be responding to this report over the next few days. But politicians have shown time and again that they won't listen to science unless their bosses--we, the people--tell them to. Click below to send a personalized message directly to your national leader:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/climate_action_leaders/?cl=8612301
Years from now, once we've won this fight, our victory will seem like it was inevitable. But at this moment, it is your work--joining with others around the world to turn scientific facts into political action--that makes it possible. We're glad to stand with you. Ben, Iain, Ricken, Graziela, Paul and the Avaaz Team
PS - Here are some links on the Climate Scientists' report: The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Homepage: http://www.france24.com/france24Public/en/administration/afp-news.html?id=070502152617.u19nj8p4&cat=null
Sydney Morning Herald: http://www.smh.com.au/news/environment/top-global-scientists-gather-on-climate-change/2007/04/30/1177788024609.html
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Tuesday 8 May 2007
Day 10, 11 & 12: Friends & Moving Forwards
On Saturday, I also picked up a free sample from a stall selling natural cleaning products, although I only opened it on Sunday. Inside were five soapnut shells with the following words on a leaflet:
Do you want your laundry clean, soft and fresh naturally?
Use soapnuts!
Environmentally friendly, sustainably produced, bio-degradable and compostable!
Have you ever worried about how your chemical detergents are affecting the environment, but never found the alternatives satisfactory?
Soapnuts are the answer!
They are economical (from only 3 pence a wash compared to 25 pence for a standard non-bio)
They leave your laundry fresh, clean and soft eliminating the need for softeners.
Because they are natural and chemical free they are gentle on your skin and clothes.
Suitable for sensitive skin, allergy and eczema sufferers.
Soft enough for your whole family.
Soapnuts grow on trees in India and Nepal; the shells contain "Saponin" a natural soap, the nuts inside are used in the pharmaceutical industry. We have been assured by our supplier in India that everyone involved in the production of these soapnut shells is paid fairly and no child labour is involved.
To use soapnuts in your laundry:
Just put this sample of 6-8 (ish) half shell pieces into a knotted sock, place in your washing machine drum with the laundry and wash on your usual cycle
Your washing will come out fresh, clean and soft
You can do 4-6 consecutive loads from one lot of soapnuts!
When the soapnuts are exhausted they will appear softer and thinner.
Throw them on your compost and put some more into the sock for your next wash.
I tell mum, who has returned from performing (she is a dancer, specifically, a eurhythmist), that I can use the sock I ruined for the purpose and we laugh. However, I give them to her and tell her to let me know the result for my eager blog-watchers.
On the back of the leaflet are Frequently asked questions and I read some of them to my mum:
What happens to the soapnut shells in the rinse cycle?
That's just one of life's imponderables; they just don't seem to leave any residue. Don't ask me why!
What else can I do with soapnuts?
Loads of things! Boil a large handful of crushed soapnut shells in 500ml of waters, simmer for 5-10 mins then strain and you have great cleaning liquid, wash your car, cooker or cat!
Can I eat them?
No, don't even try! They may be great for washing but they are not edible, nutritious or good for you.
And one last question. What do I get for my money?
A beautiful unbleached cotton bag full of lovely soapnuts, a smaller cotton drawstring bag to put them in when you wash your laundry and a crystal clean, clear conscience.
In A Soapnut Shell www.inasoapnutshell.com
I was intrigued by this and thought I would do my bit for the environment by sharing this information publicly. Let me know how you get on if you try the soapnuts. I also took a leaflet called Making a Change! Reduce Chemicals In Your Home that I'll save for another day. We remove a clump of bamboo-type grass that has taken over the back garden and my mother's ex-partner (of many years ago) joins us and we sit in the summerhouse and discuss writing. He has written one and a half novels but when I say publishers prefer writers to have a media profile, with a blog or a website, he says 'Then I'll never be published!' But he often jokes and his eyes twinkle as he speaks. In the evening, mum and I watch TV and I fetch her some oatcakes with sliced apple and a pot of tea. I work on my book at the same time, trying to end it at an earlier point so that I'm not too long and although prior to starting the process, I thought it impossible, seeing The Secret the other night helped me stay optimistic and I found a way to do it! This really felt like a minor miracle so even though my mother's ex was not impressed by an article on it in the Independent and had no plans to see it, it still can motivate.
On Monday, I worked on my mission statement for this blog and this is my first draft: 'I keep readers informed about the days leading to the publication of Off The Rails, with exclusive extracts from the book.' I head back to London and get a lot of reading done, catching up with my goal of a chapter a day. Then I meet my friend from choir, who has suggested a name when I asked her if she wanted to choose a pseudonym, but I have forgotten it today, and we went for a mineral water before choir in the old church, now a pub in my part of London. It is good to have the pre-choir chat we have as often as I am in the choir and we meet again afterwards for a drink before she gets the bus home. On Saturday we perform. I move forwards with my book by further completing an Author Profile for Publishers today. There is more to do later tonight on the format etc. and I am looking forward to having it done!
Do you want your laundry clean, soft and fresh naturally?
Use soapnuts!
Environmentally friendly, sustainably produced, bio-degradable and compostable!
Have you ever worried about how your chemical detergents are affecting the environment, but never found the alternatives satisfactory?
Soapnuts are the answer!
They are economical (from only 3 pence a wash compared to 25 pence for a standard non-bio)
They leave your laundry fresh, clean and soft eliminating the need for softeners.
Because they are natural and chemical free they are gentle on your skin and clothes.
Suitable for sensitive skin, allergy and eczema sufferers.
Soft enough for your whole family.
Soapnuts grow on trees in India and Nepal; the shells contain "Saponin" a natural soap, the nuts inside are used in the pharmaceutical industry. We have been assured by our supplier in India that everyone involved in the production of these soapnut shells is paid fairly and no child labour is involved.
To use soapnuts in your laundry:
Just put this sample of 6-8 (ish) half shell pieces into a knotted sock, place in your washing machine drum with the laundry and wash on your usual cycle
Your washing will come out fresh, clean and soft
You can do 4-6 consecutive loads from one lot of soapnuts!
When the soapnuts are exhausted they will appear softer and thinner.
Throw them on your compost and put some more into the sock for your next wash.
I tell mum, who has returned from performing (she is a dancer, specifically, a eurhythmist), that I can use the sock I ruined for the purpose and we laugh. However, I give them to her and tell her to let me know the result for my eager blog-watchers.
On the back of the leaflet are Frequently asked questions and I read some of them to my mum:
What happens to the soapnut shells in the rinse cycle?
That's just one of life's imponderables; they just don't seem to leave any residue. Don't ask me why!
What else can I do with soapnuts?
Loads of things! Boil a large handful of crushed soapnut shells in 500ml of waters, simmer for 5-10 mins then strain and you have great cleaning liquid, wash your car, cooker or cat!
Can I eat them?
No, don't even try! They may be great for washing but they are not edible, nutritious or good for you.
And one last question. What do I get for my money?
A beautiful unbleached cotton bag full of lovely soapnuts, a smaller cotton drawstring bag to put them in when you wash your laundry and a crystal clean, clear conscience.
In A Soapnut Shell www.inasoapnutshell.com
I was intrigued by this and thought I would do my bit for the environment by sharing this information publicly. Let me know how you get on if you try the soapnuts. I also took a leaflet called Making a Change! Reduce Chemicals In Your Home that I'll save for another day. We remove a clump of bamboo-type grass that has taken over the back garden and my mother's ex-partner (of many years ago) joins us and we sit in the summerhouse and discuss writing. He has written one and a half novels but when I say publishers prefer writers to have a media profile, with a blog or a website, he says 'Then I'll never be published!' But he often jokes and his eyes twinkle as he speaks. In the evening, mum and I watch TV and I fetch her some oatcakes with sliced apple and a pot of tea. I work on my book at the same time, trying to end it at an earlier point so that I'm not too long and although prior to starting the process, I thought it impossible, seeing The Secret the other night helped me stay optimistic and I found a way to do it! This really felt like a minor miracle so even though my mother's ex was not impressed by an article on it in the Independent and had no plans to see it, it still can motivate.
On Monday, I worked on my mission statement for this blog and this is my first draft: 'I keep readers informed about the days leading to the publication of Off The Rails, with exclusive extracts from the book.' I head back to London and get a lot of reading done, catching up with my goal of a chapter a day. Then I meet my friend from choir, who has suggested a name when I asked her if she wanted to choose a pseudonym, but I have forgotten it today, and we went for a mineral water before choir in the old church, now a pub in my part of London. It is good to have the pre-choir chat we have as often as I am in the choir and we meet again afterwards for a drink before she gets the bus home. On Saturday we perform. I move forwards with my book by further completing an Author Profile for Publishers today. There is more to do later tonight on the format etc. and I am looking forward to having it done!
Saturday 5 May 2007
Day 9: Herding the Cows
Today I looked after a friend's son who has Down Syndrome while his mother went off for an hour and I helped him with his number one passion - herding and milking cows. We helped the farmer drive the slow mellow herd up from the fields and Tim told me that it is the first spring with no rain he has known; that the short grass is usually waist high. However, he said it probably hits big farms worse, which he says is good (as he is a small organic one). Also, he enjoys the sun, like we all do. We get some of the cows into the milking area but others buck around and are restless. I enjoy listening to the words they use to herd, the boy saying 'Hey up! Ogleogleogleogleogle!' before wielding the little stick I got him and shouting at the cows to speed them up. The sun, after being clouded earlier, is now glorious and hot. Earlier, I saw old friends and had an organic beef burger at a Green Day fair at the college my mother works at. I saw my mother's ex-partner who plans to visit tomorrow. Last night my mother's lodger leant me The Secret and I enjoyed the motivational element of it. Now I must get on with major book revisions that, in line with The Secret, I predict will be at least possible if not easy!
Friday 4 May 2007
Day 8: Rest and Relaxation
Today I enjoy the warmth and calm beauty of my mother's garden with wisteria making its brief and fragrant flowering over the porch and an array of colours and scents providing a welcome respite from London. Birds hop close to me and feed from the generous amounts of seeds mum has spread for them and, later on the forest, I even see a rabbit that stays a few feet from me, relaxed in the balmy weather; robins and squirrels - even a fluffy gray cat - come close to me too.
Yesterday, my mother pointed out her Solomon's seal plants and showed me the back garden where the frogs are back in the pond. It is yet to turn into the dance of pinks and whites and colours that summer will hasten but is a calming range of greens. We must re-plant one fern that is taking over, however!
Last night I talked to a friend who is helping me with my book and am highly optimistic after being given several leads to pursue. There is still much to do but I am clear on the way ahead - clarity being such a boon.
Yesterday, my mother pointed out her Solomon's seal plants and showed me the back garden where the frogs are back in the pond. It is yet to turn into the dance of pinks and whites and colours that summer will hasten but is a calming range of greens. We must re-plant one fern that is taking over, however!
Last night I talked to a friend who is helping me with my book and am highly optimistic after being given several leads to pursue. There is still much to do but I am clear on the way ahead - clarity being such a boon.
Thursday 3 May 2007
Day 7: Turning Setbacks into Success
These are tips that have helped me and continue to help me to turn setbacks into success.
1. Recognise the setback as feedback
1: What is the feedback here?
2: What is the lesson to learn?
3: What do you need to do differently?
4: What has changed?
2. Manage your state
Get enough sleep, exercise and rest. Many underestimate the power of making a physiology change. Create anchors or triggers to help manage your state: I press a certain exact place on the base of my thumb every time I need to feel energised or happy and that acts as an anchor by re-triggering many many positive experiences that I had when I pressed the anchor point at that time. This is an NLP technique and one of the keys to successful anchoring is to press the skin to the bone but to select a place that is easy to use in a normal gesture like clasping your hands so you can do it anytime and anywhere. Another key is to anchor just before or at the peak of the experience (a music concert, a birthday party, just feeling happy, etc) and hold the anchor for ten seconds then later reproduce it by the exact same touch.
3. Aim not to be comfortable but to be resourceful
Have a higher tolerance for ambiguity and create and use anchors for resourceful states of mind.
4. Be flexible
Be flexible a: mentally b: physically c: emotionally
Ask yourself what is needed for flexibility for each.
5. Change your perspective
In NLP this is often called second position: think what the other person feels, hears or sees.
6. Be active, keep going, don't give up
I am off to the country so may leave you with this for a few days unless I manage to track down a Wifi Hotspot. Thanks to those who gave me email feedback and feel free to leave comments here at any time.
1. Recognise the setback as feedback
1: What is the feedback here?
2: What is the lesson to learn?
3: What do you need to do differently?
4: What has changed?
2. Manage your state
Get enough sleep, exercise and rest. Many underestimate the power of making a physiology change. Create anchors or triggers to help manage your state: I press a certain exact place on the base of my thumb every time I need to feel energised or happy and that acts as an anchor by re-triggering many many positive experiences that I had when I pressed the anchor point at that time. This is an NLP technique and one of the keys to successful anchoring is to press the skin to the bone but to select a place that is easy to use in a normal gesture like clasping your hands so you can do it anytime and anywhere. Another key is to anchor just before or at the peak of the experience (a music concert, a birthday party, just feeling happy, etc) and hold the anchor for ten seconds then later reproduce it by the exact same touch.
3. Aim not to be comfortable but to be resourceful
Have a higher tolerance for ambiguity and create and use anchors for resourceful states of mind.
4. Be flexible
Be flexible a: mentally b: physically c: emotionally
Ask yourself what is needed for flexibility for each.
5. Change your perspective
In NLP this is often called second position: think what the other person feels, hears or sees.
6. Be active, keep going, don't give up
I am off to the country so may leave you with this for a few days unless I manage to track down a Wifi Hotspot. Thanks to those who gave me email feedback and feel free to leave comments here at any time.
Wednesday 2 May 2007
Day 6: Welcome, World!
Maximum Overdrive! Major publicity drive today has helped to alert the world to my blog and I will have a line of silence to compose myself and breathe now I have an audience:
That's better! Silence and space are underestimated necessities in this hi-tech world. Talking of which, I will have to delay the photo of me and the renowned composer Patterson (in which I am blinking at the flash!) as yes, yet again, simple steps are designed for techies not humans! I have spent time researching other people's websites today, which was a bit overwhelming but instructive. www.therawfoodcoach.com was interesting as it was given by a publishing friend as a worthwhile example of a full-scale, serious website. Funnily enough, I have another friend who follows the raw food diet too. It's something I know very little about so will check it out again though I can't see myself dispensing with what already works for me: the 'Eat Right for Your Blood Type' diet. More info on the latter can be found at www.dadamo.com
I saw another website that made me laugh as it is by the author of "Help! My Teenager is an Alien" and is www.sarahnewton.com I know at least one person who may relate to this! Those writing books may find www.advice4writers.com of interest. Just Write seems to be the most useful advice a writer can be given, of course, and regular writing, ideally with daily targets, so you can measure your progress weekly, monthly and six-monthly, is an idea. I will not have time after the demands of Publicity today to further develop my website but look forward to it soon! You will be the first to get the website address! I will try and write a mission statement for this blog over the next few days as a mission statement for any project is a great way to focus in on goals and objectives. To go with the time of year here in England where the skies are blue and the sun is warm, I will end with another poem from Off The Rails (there is one at the beginning of each chapter):
Spirit of Flight
Swooping eagle-calm
in skies of cool colour
clear as crystal
bright as sun.
Spreading my wings
soaring over rivers
soaring over mountains.
Melding with atoms
of a higher birth
teaching younger children
what it is, this mirth
to fly so free
as energy
pure and true
the essence of me.
That's better! Silence and space are underestimated necessities in this hi-tech world. Talking of which, I will have to delay the photo of me and the renowned composer Patterson (in which I am blinking at the flash!) as yes, yet again, simple steps are designed for techies not humans! I have spent time researching other people's websites today, which was a bit overwhelming but instructive. www.therawfoodcoach.com was interesting as it was given by a publishing friend as a worthwhile example of a full-scale, serious website. Funnily enough, I have another friend who follows the raw food diet too. It's something I know very little about so will check it out again though I can't see myself dispensing with what already works for me: the 'Eat Right for Your Blood Type' diet. More info on the latter can be found at www.dadamo.com
I saw another website that made me laugh as it is by the author of "Help! My Teenager is an Alien" and is www.sarahnewton.com I know at least one person who may relate to this! Those writing books may find www.advice4writers.com of interest. Just Write seems to be the most useful advice a writer can be given, of course, and regular writing, ideally with daily targets, so you can measure your progress weekly, monthly and six-monthly, is an idea. I will not have time after the demands of Publicity today to further develop my website but look forward to it soon! You will be the first to get the website address! I will try and write a mission statement for this blog over the next few days as a mission statement for any project is a great way to focus in on goals and objectives. To go with the time of year here in England where the skies are blue and the sun is warm, I will end with another poem from Off The Rails (there is one at the beginning of each chapter):
Spirit of Flight
Swooping eagle-calm
in skies of cool colour
clear as crystal
bright as sun.
Spreading my wings
soaring over rivers
soaring over mountains.
Melding with atoms
of a higher birth
teaching younger children
what it is, this mirth
to fly so free
as energy
pure and true
the essence of me.
Tuesday 1 May 2007
Day 5: Publicity
Oh the joys of publicity! Too little time and a vast number of people to notify but it's all good. Must rush off to see one of my best friends and her husband and son tonight so will leave you knowing that this writer is enjoying the journey which is getting busier and busier yet closer and closer to the goal. Last night, my choir's rehearsal was graced by the presence of the composer of the piece we're singing - Paul Patterson - and I got a photo of me and him to download to this site (with a lot of luck!) tomorrow. London is sunny today. To anyone joining this blog from Brazil, ola e bem vindo. I wish the blogs provided translation buttons, it would make life much easier for my international fanbase. Until tomorrow! After that I will be out of London for several days in Sussex which will be a welcome break. May manage a little blogging but no WiFi generally there. Fica com Deus, os Brasileiros!
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