Thursday, July 29, 2004
Request for Your Input
As I prepare to launch my new website in a few weeks, I'm putting together articles, Q &A features, and all manner of goodies. I can't wait to share them with you.
It came to me as I was going through past articles and features that I've written that I'd love to receive more input from YOU, my loyal readers, about what areas of holistic health, spirituality, and psychic phenomena interest you the most. Lipstickmystic.com is a site designed to give YOU user-friendly and fun insights about how to better access the intuitive and mystical aspects of your life. I'm sort of the Dear Abby of the New Age, and, while I've already collected lots of comments and questions from people, I'd love to receive more questions from YOU about what's on your mind TODAY regarding these topics.
So I invite you to submit questions to me, and I may post responses to your emails at the site. You're welcome to just use your initials and your location (a lot of readers, say, don't mind being identified as A. R, Boston, Massachusetts, but they don't want their entire name and contact info posted.) I can assure you that if you want your personal info kept private, it will be.
I will be out of town and out of computer range until next Tuesday, but in the meantime, you are welcome to send me your comments, suggestions, and questions for my new site.
What do YOU most want to see talked about at the site?
Are there any features you'd be most enthusiastic about seeing - such as astrology updates, discussion forum, "How-to" articles on a specific subject?
Is there anything you are sick and tired of in the "New Age/alternative" community, stuff that you'd like the site to steer clear of? (I can tell you now that this will not function as a paranoid conspiracy website and that it won't promote any cult ideology or negative stuff. However, it will empower you to have more "street smarts" as you navigate the world of the New Age.)
Do you have any personal experiences that involve intuition, the paranormal, or holistic healing that you'd like to briefly share in a letter to the editor? If so, I may respond with comments and post to the site.
Thanks very much in advance for contributing your suggestions and ideas. My website designer is working hard to put together a site that will be THE hottest place for mystical fun and intuitive insight on the Net! I can't wait for you to see it.
More soon,
Jennifer
newagetalk@comcast.net
As I prepare to launch my new website in a few weeks, I'm putting together articles, Q &A features, and all manner of goodies. I can't wait to share them with you.
It came to me as I was going through past articles and features that I've written that I'd love to receive more input from YOU, my loyal readers, about what areas of holistic health, spirituality, and psychic phenomena interest you the most. Lipstickmystic.com is a site designed to give YOU user-friendly and fun insights about how to better access the intuitive and mystical aspects of your life. I'm sort of the Dear Abby of the New Age, and, while I've already collected lots of comments and questions from people, I'd love to receive more questions from YOU about what's on your mind TODAY regarding these topics.
So I invite you to submit questions to me, and I may post responses to your emails at the site. You're welcome to just use your initials and your location (a lot of readers, say, don't mind being identified as A. R, Boston, Massachusetts, but they don't want their entire name and contact info posted.) I can assure you that if you want your personal info kept private, it will be.
I will be out of town and out of computer range until next Tuesday, but in the meantime, you are welcome to send me your comments, suggestions, and questions for my new site.
What do YOU most want to see talked about at the site?
Are there any features you'd be most enthusiastic about seeing - such as astrology updates, discussion forum, "How-to" articles on a specific subject?
Is there anything you are sick and tired of in the "New Age/alternative" community, stuff that you'd like the site to steer clear of? (I can tell you now that this will not function as a paranoid conspiracy website and that it won't promote any cult ideology or negative stuff. However, it will empower you to have more "street smarts" as you navigate the world of the New Age.)
Do you have any personal experiences that involve intuition, the paranormal, or holistic healing that you'd like to briefly share in a letter to the editor? If so, I may respond with comments and post to the site.
Thanks very much in advance for contributing your suggestions and ideas. My website designer is working hard to put together a site that will be THE hottest place for mystical fun and intuitive insight on the Net! I can't wait for you to see it.
More soon,
Jennifer
newagetalk@comcast.net
Tuesday, July 27, 2004
The Perils of Publishing
Yikes! The more I delve into this self-publishing business, the more insidious and chilling things I learn about traditional publishing. For instance, did you know that:
1) When an author works with a traditional publishing house, they are lucky to earn $1.00 per book for each book sold? And these earnings trickle in roughly two and a half years after the book has been completed?
2) When an author works with a traditional publishing house, there is an extremely narrow time frame for a book to "succeed." Authors are given about a three month window after their book is published to turn their book into a big seller. Then, if the books aren't selling well, the book may no longer be shipped to stores. Space is a big consideration, and there just isn't room for all bookstores to stock every book that is newly in print.
3) If an author's book doesn't sell well within that time window and it is no longer actively being supplied to stores, it goes into a weird book purgatory where the title is still listed as being in print, yet it's not physically in stores. Authors who want to move to a self-publishing model for that book are screwed because the printing rights don't revert back to them until it has been removed from the listing in catalogues (which happens, basically, never.)
4) Even if an author self-publishes, getting into bookstores may not be a very smart move for them. Distributors and wholesalers (the middle men who are actually the ones who get your book into bookstores with their sales reps pushing titles) take such huge discounts on your book that you are lucky to BREAK EVEN on each book you sell through a distributor or wholesaler and through a bookstore.
Publishing is a business. I think you have to run it like one. Businesses are supposed to turn a profit, right? Authors really need to keep this in mind instead of getting all caught up in the artist's dream of seeing their book in print. They need to take more control of the reins so that their rights will be actively protected. I don't know about you, but I don't think it makes any sense for a professional writer not to earn money from their writing, does it? You don't, say, go into hairdressing just for the privilege of seeing your hairdos on people's heads. You do get paid for your time and energy. And you don't perform brain surgery just to feel good about helping people (although the better doctors do still care about their patients.) You expect to be paid something for your expertise, your blood, sweat, and tears.
I think the problem is that the publishing industry has become way out of whack. Publishers are afraid to invest in an untested author even when they love the author's writing because they are in fear of their distributors and wholesalers. For instance, about half of the editors at major publishing houses who liked my book proposal and sample chapters earlier this year said they'd love to publish me but didn't think that I had a wide enough reach across the U.S. to sell books. (I think this verbiage was straight out of their marketing/salespeople's mouths.) I found that strange, as I have over 2 million readers and have a background in radio and can make a phone call TOMORROW and get on dozens of radio stations (because morning show producers LOVE having an astrologer or psychic on who will do readings over the air. They are dying to find polished, funny psychics, especially ones with a performing background, like I have.) So my plan has always been to move into a routine where I'm on at least a dozen shows per month for the life of my book, in addition to maintaining a fun, active website and writing for tons of publications. You'd think that this would be a winning strategy, don't you? But some of the editors actually said, "It's not like she has a TV show or anything." As if, to be a professionally published book author, you have to have a TV show first!
Absolutely insane. Breathtakingly so.
This dialogue was happening even though a well-known TV producer has been pitching my unpublished life story for development as a sitcom. I'm certainly closer to "having a TV show" than a lot of other writers. But I don't think that should even figure into the equation. Quality writing, a winning marketing strategy, and solid credits SHOULD be able to get you a book contract, ideally speaking.
I walked away from the whole process of submitting to major publishers some months back. Their reality was far too dysfunctional. You know how the media in general seems to bent on making people feel too fat, too ugly, too poor, too whatever? And how these picture perfect celebritites are thrown in our faces? Well, it turns out that publishing conducts itself like a Hollywood business. No matter how good you think you are, the traditional publishing industry will quickly tell you that you've got it wrong - you're no good at all.
I approach it now like I would any personal relationship. You wouldn't maintain a romantic relationship with someone who was always telling you you were no good. Neither should you build a financial future with a business that is bent on making you feel like dirt and filling your head with senseless distractions that have nothing to do with writing, reaching people, inspiring and entertaining readers, or spreading mystical and spiritual information across the land.
That's what it's all about for me, and it's great to return to some semblance of sanity and to get back to basics.
So - the plan is to market my books directly off my website and through a 1-800 number which will take you to the handy fulfillment center I'm contracting with to handle all of my orders. That frees me up to write cool articles, quizzes, and features for YOU, my loyal readers, plus connect with you via the radio, and allows me to do what I feel highly motivated to do - namely, empower you with information and ideas that will add to your quality of life and lift your spirits.
That's what it's always been about.
newagetalk@comcast.net
Yikes! The more I delve into this self-publishing business, the more insidious and chilling things I learn about traditional publishing. For instance, did you know that:
1) When an author works with a traditional publishing house, they are lucky to earn $1.00 per book for each book sold? And these earnings trickle in roughly two and a half years after the book has been completed?
2) When an author works with a traditional publishing house, there is an extremely narrow time frame for a book to "succeed." Authors are given about a three month window after their book is published to turn their book into a big seller. Then, if the books aren't selling well, the book may no longer be shipped to stores. Space is a big consideration, and there just isn't room for all bookstores to stock every book that is newly in print.
3) If an author's book doesn't sell well within that time window and it is no longer actively being supplied to stores, it goes into a weird book purgatory where the title is still listed as being in print, yet it's not physically in stores. Authors who want to move to a self-publishing model for that book are screwed because the printing rights don't revert back to them until it has been removed from the listing in catalogues (which happens, basically, never.)
4) Even if an author self-publishes, getting into bookstores may not be a very smart move for them. Distributors and wholesalers (the middle men who are actually the ones who get your book into bookstores with their sales reps pushing titles) take such huge discounts on your book that you are lucky to BREAK EVEN on each book you sell through a distributor or wholesaler and through a bookstore.
Publishing is a business. I think you have to run it like one. Businesses are supposed to turn a profit, right? Authors really need to keep this in mind instead of getting all caught up in the artist's dream of seeing their book in print. They need to take more control of the reins so that their rights will be actively protected. I don't know about you, but I don't think it makes any sense for a professional writer not to earn money from their writing, does it? You don't, say, go into hairdressing just for the privilege of seeing your hairdos on people's heads. You do get paid for your time and energy. And you don't perform brain surgery just to feel good about helping people (although the better doctors do still care about their patients.) You expect to be paid something for your expertise, your blood, sweat, and tears.
I think the problem is that the publishing industry has become way out of whack. Publishers are afraid to invest in an untested author even when they love the author's writing because they are in fear of their distributors and wholesalers. For instance, about half of the editors at major publishing houses who liked my book proposal and sample chapters earlier this year said they'd love to publish me but didn't think that I had a wide enough reach across the U.S. to sell books. (I think this verbiage was straight out of their marketing/salespeople's mouths.) I found that strange, as I have over 2 million readers and have a background in radio and can make a phone call TOMORROW and get on dozens of radio stations (because morning show producers LOVE having an astrologer or psychic on who will do readings over the air. They are dying to find polished, funny psychics, especially ones with a performing background, like I have.) So my plan has always been to move into a routine where I'm on at least a dozen shows per month for the life of my book, in addition to maintaining a fun, active website and writing for tons of publications. You'd think that this would be a winning strategy, don't you? But some of the editors actually said, "It's not like she has a TV show or anything." As if, to be a professionally published book author, you have to have a TV show first!
Absolutely insane. Breathtakingly so.
This dialogue was happening even though a well-known TV producer has been pitching my unpublished life story for development as a sitcom. I'm certainly closer to "having a TV show" than a lot of other writers. But I don't think that should even figure into the equation. Quality writing, a winning marketing strategy, and solid credits SHOULD be able to get you a book contract, ideally speaking.
I walked away from the whole process of submitting to major publishers some months back. Their reality was far too dysfunctional. You know how the media in general seems to bent on making people feel too fat, too ugly, too poor, too whatever? And how these picture perfect celebritites are thrown in our faces? Well, it turns out that publishing conducts itself like a Hollywood business. No matter how good you think you are, the traditional publishing industry will quickly tell you that you've got it wrong - you're no good at all.
I approach it now like I would any personal relationship. You wouldn't maintain a romantic relationship with someone who was always telling you you were no good. Neither should you build a financial future with a business that is bent on making you feel like dirt and filling your head with senseless distractions that have nothing to do with writing, reaching people, inspiring and entertaining readers, or spreading mystical and spiritual information across the land.
That's what it's all about for me, and it's great to return to some semblance of sanity and to get back to basics.
So - the plan is to market my books directly off my website and through a 1-800 number which will take you to the handy fulfillment center I'm contracting with to handle all of my orders. That frees me up to write cool articles, quizzes, and features for YOU, my loyal readers, plus connect with you via the radio, and allows me to do what I feel highly motivated to do - namely, empower you with information and ideas that will add to your quality of life and lift your spirits.
That's what it's always been about.
newagetalk@comcast.net
Saturday, July 24, 2004
Mysterious Creature Lurks in Baltimore County!
Well, really, he's just a little hairy cuss, kind of cute, rather wombat or dingo-ish looking. But a man photographed an anomalous creature recently in his backyard, and scientists haven't been able to identify it as any known species.
You can read about the critter and check out the photos here:
http://www.thewbalchannel.com/news/3545312/detail.html
There have been a lot of reports lately about animals that appear to have fallen through the cracks from another dimension. Not all of these accounts can be fake. There are simply too many stories with accompanying video or photos. Most of these creatures don't appear to be harmful. They're not man-eaters. They are simply strange beings who don't clearly belong to any one species, and they have animal experts baffled.
Mystics, Native American seers, New Agers, and many others have long been saying that we're in the process of shifting dimensions, and there's an alteration of how we experience life here in this reality. Some people say this is an external thing - that the very Earth herself is shifting into a new type of energy, carrying us along with her. And others talk about humanity experiencing a shift in consciousness, which will affect how we perceive life on Earth. I don't know about you, but in the relatively short (35 years) I've been on this planet, I feel that the way I process information, sense energy, and experience time have all shifted. Things don't seem to proceed in a straight line for me anymore. It's hard to describe, but it really does feel like the fabric of time is changing.
Also, my psychic senses have increased quite a lot since my initial awakening at 16. I don't know that this makes me "special" in any way. In fact, I don't think it does. It's more like the way our brains and nervous systems respond to our environment is shifting, and for some people, these changes are more noticeable than others. For me, I live a quiet life and make room in my schedule for lots of meditation time. (Sometimes known as contemplating the interior of my eyelids - aka a nap!) So I seem to take heed of things that are odd, intriguing, or synchronistic in my life, and I always have part of my attention focused on mystical matters. Many people don't do this, and I think that's why they may not be noticing changes as much. One thing that EVERYBODY seems to be experiencing, though, is an apparent collapse of time. Time is shorter, and it seems sped up and a bit funky. I think this has to do with the energy shifts that are happening here.
Along the way, as these shifts happen, holes or rips in the fabric of space/time can open up. I believe this might account for animals suddenly appearing who have never been seen before on this planet. Maybe they are part of a NEW planet that is right here in front of us. Or perhaps they're slipping in through portals from other worlds.
I wouldn't put too much stock in the whole weird animal sighting thing if I hadn't experienced this myself. I'm fortunate enough to live on a lovely farm in the country which is built on sacred ground. Rose quartz appears naturally here in the rock bed, and the farm's name is Crystal Springs Farm because there are several natural springs here. The energy here is very special, and mystical energies seem to gather here. We're sitting right on some powerful vortices, ley lines of Earth energy, and we regularly do shamanic healing work to clear out the area as best we can.
On several occasions, my honey and I have seen a strange animal on the property who doesn't fit any known species. He's a little guy, a bit like the critter you'll see in the above-referenced article about the animal who appeared i n that Baltimore area backyard. He kind of looks like a cross between a coyote, a fox, and a wild dog, but he also has the long tail of a wildcat. But he's not a cat. Dark-colored. About the size of a medium-sized dog.
I've seen coyotes in the wild before, and it's not a coyote. We also have several foxes who live nearby. (In fact, I had the pleasure of watching an adorable red fox the other evening frolicking in a field outside, trying to catch butterflies.) This unusual or "anomalous" creature definitely isn't a fox. And I know my wildcats pretty well, and this isn't in the feline family.
Others in the area have described seeing this same creature on their property, so we know we're not delusional.
So, we figure he's just a visitor, perhaps a messenger to let us know that there are these occasional "bleed-throughs" from other realities and dimensions as we undergo these planetary shifts. I think this is all a good thing.
Have YOU seen anything unusual lately? And what are your thoughts on the creature I described? Is it time for me to call Scully and Mulder, do you think? :)
lipstickmystic@comcast.net
Well, really, he's just a little hairy cuss, kind of cute, rather wombat or dingo-ish looking. But a man photographed an anomalous creature recently in his backyard, and scientists haven't been able to identify it as any known species.
You can read about the critter and check out the photos here:
http://www.thewbalchannel.com/news/3545312/detail.html
There have been a lot of reports lately about animals that appear to have fallen through the cracks from another dimension. Not all of these accounts can be fake. There are simply too many stories with accompanying video or photos. Most of these creatures don't appear to be harmful. They're not man-eaters. They are simply strange beings who don't clearly belong to any one species, and they have animal experts baffled.
Mystics, Native American seers, New Agers, and many others have long been saying that we're in the process of shifting dimensions, and there's an alteration of how we experience life here in this reality. Some people say this is an external thing - that the very Earth herself is shifting into a new type of energy, carrying us along with her. And others talk about humanity experiencing a shift in consciousness, which will affect how we perceive life on Earth. I don't know about you, but in the relatively short (35 years) I've been on this planet, I feel that the way I process information, sense energy, and experience time have all shifted. Things don't seem to proceed in a straight line for me anymore. It's hard to describe, but it really does feel like the fabric of time is changing.
Also, my psychic senses have increased quite a lot since my initial awakening at 16. I don't know that this makes me "special" in any way. In fact, I don't think it does. It's more like the way our brains and nervous systems respond to our environment is shifting, and for some people, these changes are more noticeable than others. For me, I live a quiet life and make room in my schedule for lots of meditation time. (Sometimes known as contemplating the interior of my eyelids - aka a nap!) So I seem to take heed of things that are odd, intriguing, or synchronistic in my life, and I always have part of my attention focused on mystical matters. Many people don't do this, and I think that's why they may not be noticing changes as much. One thing that EVERYBODY seems to be experiencing, though, is an apparent collapse of time. Time is shorter, and it seems sped up and a bit funky. I think this has to do with the energy shifts that are happening here.
Along the way, as these shifts happen, holes or rips in the fabric of space/time can open up. I believe this might account for animals suddenly appearing who have never been seen before on this planet. Maybe they are part of a NEW planet that is right here in front of us. Or perhaps they're slipping in through portals from other worlds.
I wouldn't put too much stock in the whole weird animal sighting thing if I hadn't experienced this myself. I'm fortunate enough to live on a lovely farm in the country which is built on sacred ground. Rose quartz appears naturally here in the rock bed, and the farm's name is Crystal Springs Farm because there are several natural springs here. The energy here is very special, and mystical energies seem to gather here. We're sitting right on some powerful vortices, ley lines of Earth energy, and we regularly do shamanic healing work to clear out the area as best we can.
On several occasions, my honey and I have seen a strange animal on the property who doesn't fit any known species. He's a little guy, a bit like the critter you'll see in the above-referenced article about the animal who appeared i n that Baltimore area backyard. He kind of looks like a cross between a coyote, a fox, and a wild dog, but he also has the long tail of a wildcat. But he's not a cat. Dark-colored. About the size of a medium-sized dog.
I've seen coyotes in the wild before, and it's not a coyote. We also have several foxes who live nearby. (In fact, I had the pleasure of watching an adorable red fox the other evening frolicking in a field outside, trying to catch butterflies.) This unusual or "anomalous" creature definitely isn't a fox. And I know my wildcats pretty well, and this isn't in the feline family.
Others in the area have described seeing this same creature on their property, so we know we're not delusional.
So, we figure he's just a visitor, perhaps a messenger to let us know that there are these occasional "bleed-throughs" from other realities and dimensions as we undergo these planetary shifts. I think this is all a good thing.
Have YOU seen anything unusual lately? And what are your thoughts on the creature I described? Is it time for me to call Scully and Mulder, do you think? :)
lipstickmystic@comcast.net
Monday, July 19, 2004
Are You Successful Yet?
Today I spent an hour at my favorite coffeehouse, scribbling away on my latest horoscope column, hoping that the caffeine in my pot of Earl Gray tea would jump-start my brain and inspire the 40 or so jokes I have to work into each weekly Cosmic Butt Kick. Let me tell you, some weeks, it ain't easy. I feel like I'm doing a fresh comedy routine each week, only that would be easier. First I have to research all the astrological information on what the planets are doing. Then I have to spend hours looking up recent news events and getting my facts straight. Then I throw it all together and create a unique cosmic gumbo that, hopefully, will be tasty to readers and put a smile on their face. Writing this column is the big hurdle of the week, the thing that takes up all of my thoughts and energy. Any other work I'm trying to do comes after and around that.
While I appreciate having the opportunity to reach readers through my syndicated column, I also appreciate being paid. And, sometimes, clients just "forget" to pay me. The arts weeklies who are kind enough to publish me are all struggling, and some months, that advertising revenue doesn't come in as quickly as the accounting department might like, and my invoices get "misplaced." Still, my column is published each week, along with my byline, so I can at least have the satisfaction? pride? misplaced sense of hubris? that I can still call myself a professional writer. Even if you're paid pennies, or, as has been the case lately, a dribble of pennies every other month or so, you're still a professional.
Besides writing the column, I'm constantly submitting proposals and "spec" material to other publications - magazines, websites, newspapers - you name it. And, oh, yes, I've been involved with a ludicrous and exhausting "chase for fame" over the past two years. I've written four book proposals, which is like writing your dissertation four times - not a pleasant process. With all the marketing research, outlines, PR material, and sample chapters I had to include, all available brain cells were taken up with creating that stuff. The chase for fame is winding down now, thank goodness. Life is returning to some semblance of sanity.
Some.
At the coffeehouse today I bumped into my buddy Rudy, a friendly, sharp and creative fellow whom I chat with a couple of times each month. We've had some lovely discussions over the past two years that I've known him, rambling on about everything from child-rearing to psychology to religion. Along the way, I've kept him updated about the latest blow-by-blow of my publishing misadventures. He's my cheerleader, always egging me on, encouraging my efforts.
Today he was excited to see me. I would have enjoyed chatting with him for a while, but, alas, I was on another deadline and my brains were fried. No circuits were free for random chit-chat, and he sensed that. He sweetly wiped a table clean of crumbs for me so I could spread out all of my notebooks and messy papers (the detritus of the writer.) He asked me, "So tell me, are you successful yet? I'm rooting for you! I want to see your name up in lights."
Am I successful yet?
Well, I woke up healthy, well-fed, housed in a nice home, next to my honey and surrounded by adoring cats. That's successful.
I woke up without depleted uranium polluting my environment and ruining my neighborhood's health for the next century or so (unlike some people in Iraq and Afghanistan.)
I woke up knowing that, much as the power of censorship is alive and well, I could express myself openly and fully, in written or spoken form, without fear of arrest (at least for the moment.)
I do feel very blessed and abundant in all of the things that really count, and I truly give thanks for these things every day.
And I know that Rudy, bless his heart, was just eager for the latest update about my TV and book publishing adventures.
But it's funny - all I could think was - what creates success? Is it something we define for ourselves, or is it something we allow others to define for us? Is it an inner state or an outer one? Is it ours, or does it belong to somebody else? Is it an experience we are having or an experience others are having about us?
Am I unsuccessful because I don't have a TV show in development based on my unpublished memoir, even though a producer pitched it last year and might pitch it again sometime in 2004?
Am I unsuccessful because I haven't won the lottery lately? (Or ever, for that matter.) Does my lack of millions mean that I'm a failure? I haven't been able to loll about naked, fondling oodles of cash in recent months. Does that mean I'm a complete loser?
What about the approbation of people in the New York publishing world? As my proposals made the round last year, a good percentage of the editors who saw my stuff said I was a great writer and they'd love to publish me, but when they took my material to their sales director, marketing staff, and PR people, those folks said that they didn't think I had a big enough readership to guarantee that my book could "break out" in its category.
That one was a head scratcher. I have over 2 million readers. I am the author of over 3000 professionally published columns, articles, essays, and humor pieces. I've appeared on dozens of radio stations and will be on many more in the years to come.
What do you need, exactly, to land a book contract with a major publisher? Is it even possible anymore for people whose last name doesn't happen to be Clinton to receive a book contract, with even the customary average advance of $10,000 (15% of which goes to your literary agent?)
Am I not successful because of other people's lack of vision, commitment, passion, or "enthusiasm? " (That's the stock response of editors when they don't like your stuff. "Thanks for the opportunity to read this, but I'm afraid it didn't generate sufficient enthusiasm to justify a contract at this time.")
Just how does a book proposal generate "enthusiasm?" Does it need to come equipped with a little cheerleader inside who will jump up and down while waving her pom-poms? If so, I wasn't informed about it. Guess I missed the boat on that one.
It was a very heady and exhausting two years, expecting a publishing or TV contract any moment and ending up with, well, the experience of having been, by turns, hopeful, exhausted, and then resigned. This January an editor was dangling a potential six figure deal in front of me and made noises about doing a series with me.
What teases they all are. How happy I am to have my life back, quiet though it is. My immediate sphere of influence is currently devoid of managers, agents, and publicists, and I have to say that I like it very much.
Self-publishing is now more affordable, available, and practical than it has ever been. And when you have a 30 book series like I do that you're working on, and nobody else is willing to pony up any cash to help you birth your babies, you just gotta do it yourself.
Loyal readers, please be patient. My website should be up by the end of August or early September at the latest. Meanwhile, books and articles and lots of fun stuff are on their way.
I've just had to do a lot of adapting as various other pathways to publication have dried up.
Oh, I could have kept submitting my material through the nice agent I was working with at the end. Many smaller, quirky publishers would have probably loved my stuff. They would have paid me $2000-$10,000 and it would have taken two years before the book came out. I'd still be expected to do all of the marketing myself, and there would be no guarantee that my book would ever make it to bookstores, much less be sitting on the shelves for more than three months. (The average release doesn't stay in a store long. If the books aren't flying off the shelves into the hands of eager customers, they tend to get remaindered and shipped back to the warehouse.)
I've realized that my level of commitment about getting these works into print is very high. I'm not willing to barter with my soul or my creative energy, allowing others to control the sales, marketing, and distribution process. (Especially when there's zero money in it if I do it their way, anyway.)
Sigh.
So I didn't really know what to tell Rudy when he asked "Are you succesful yet?" meaning "Have others trumpeted your talents and desireability to the world?"
I think success has a different definition.
Success is being a sovereign being whom nobody else owns, controls, harms, or limits. Success is taking your message to the people directly and letting them decide if they like it.
I've made a lot of adjustments to my attitude over the past six months. I'm no longer waiting for Hollywood to call. Well, I shouldn't say that. I did just email my producer friend to see if she is still interested in pitching my material for the 2005 season. She has a new sitcom on the fall lineup for 2004, which is great, but I don't know if that means there's no room to do my project or if it just means she'd like to pitch it as a season replacement or alternative project.
Or maybe my Hollywood karma is all dried up. That's okay, too. I was never too certain of it, anyway.
There are many ways to reach people. There are many ways to spread love, laughter, and ideas.
I'll get there, one way or another.
And, if my soul remains intact, I'll consider myself a success. That's what it's all about - honoring your spirit's yearnings and the inspiration of the heart, and not letting anybody steal them away from you.
lipstickmystic@comcast.net
Today I spent an hour at my favorite coffeehouse, scribbling away on my latest horoscope column, hoping that the caffeine in my pot of Earl Gray tea would jump-start my brain and inspire the 40 or so jokes I have to work into each weekly Cosmic Butt Kick. Let me tell you, some weeks, it ain't easy. I feel like I'm doing a fresh comedy routine each week, only that would be easier. First I have to research all the astrological information on what the planets are doing. Then I have to spend hours looking up recent news events and getting my facts straight. Then I throw it all together and create a unique cosmic gumbo that, hopefully, will be tasty to readers and put a smile on their face. Writing this column is the big hurdle of the week, the thing that takes up all of my thoughts and energy. Any other work I'm trying to do comes after and around that.
While I appreciate having the opportunity to reach readers through my syndicated column, I also appreciate being paid. And, sometimes, clients just "forget" to pay me. The arts weeklies who are kind enough to publish me are all struggling, and some months, that advertising revenue doesn't come in as quickly as the accounting department might like, and my invoices get "misplaced." Still, my column is published each week, along with my byline, so I can at least have the satisfaction? pride? misplaced sense of hubris? that I can still call myself a professional writer. Even if you're paid pennies, or, as has been the case lately, a dribble of pennies every other month or so, you're still a professional.
Besides writing the column, I'm constantly submitting proposals and "spec" material to other publications - magazines, websites, newspapers - you name it. And, oh, yes, I've been involved with a ludicrous and exhausting "chase for fame" over the past two years. I've written four book proposals, which is like writing your dissertation four times - not a pleasant process. With all the marketing research, outlines, PR material, and sample chapters I had to include, all available brain cells were taken up with creating that stuff. The chase for fame is winding down now, thank goodness. Life is returning to some semblance of sanity.
Some.
At the coffeehouse today I bumped into my buddy Rudy, a friendly, sharp and creative fellow whom I chat with a couple of times each month. We've had some lovely discussions over the past two years that I've known him, rambling on about everything from child-rearing to psychology to religion. Along the way, I've kept him updated about the latest blow-by-blow of my publishing misadventures. He's my cheerleader, always egging me on, encouraging my efforts.
Today he was excited to see me. I would have enjoyed chatting with him for a while, but, alas, I was on another deadline and my brains were fried. No circuits were free for random chit-chat, and he sensed that. He sweetly wiped a table clean of crumbs for me so I could spread out all of my notebooks and messy papers (the detritus of the writer.) He asked me, "So tell me, are you successful yet? I'm rooting for you! I want to see your name up in lights."
Am I successful yet?
Well, I woke up healthy, well-fed, housed in a nice home, next to my honey and surrounded by adoring cats. That's successful.
I woke up without depleted uranium polluting my environment and ruining my neighborhood's health for the next century or so (unlike some people in Iraq and Afghanistan.)
I woke up knowing that, much as the power of censorship is alive and well, I could express myself openly and fully, in written or spoken form, without fear of arrest (at least for the moment.)
I do feel very blessed and abundant in all of the things that really count, and I truly give thanks for these things every day.
And I know that Rudy, bless his heart, was just eager for the latest update about my TV and book publishing adventures.
But it's funny - all I could think was - what creates success? Is it something we define for ourselves, or is it something we allow others to define for us? Is it an inner state or an outer one? Is it ours, or does it belong to somebody else? Is it an experience we are having or an experience others are having about us?
Am I unsuccessful because I don't have a TV show in development based on my unpublished memoir, even though a producer pitched it last year and might pitch it again sometime in 2004?
Am I unsuccessful because I haven't won the lottery lately? (Or ever, for that matter.) Does my lack of millions mean that I'm a failure? I haven't been able to loll about naked, fondling oodles of cash in recent months. Does that mean I'm a complete loser?
What about the approbation of people in the New York publishing world? As my proposals made the round last year, a good percentage of the editors who saw my stuff said I was a great writer and they'd love to publish me, but when they took my material to their sales director, marketing staff, and PR people, those folks said that they didn't think I had a big enough readership to guarantee that my book could "break out" in its category.
That one was a head scratcher. I have over 2 million readers. I am the author of over 3000 professionally published columns, articles, essays, and humor pieces. I've appeared on dozens of radio stations and will be on many more in the years to come.
What do you need, exactly, to land a book contract with a major publisher? Is it even possible anymore for people whose last name doesn't happen to be Clinton to receive a book contract, with even the customary average advance of $10,000 (15% of which goes to your literary agent?)
Am I not successful because of other people's lack of vision, commitment, passion, or "enthusiasm? " (That's the stock response of editors when they don't like your stuff. "Thanks for the opportunity to read this, but I'm afraid it didn't generate sufficient enthusiasm to justify a contract at this time.")
Just how does a book proposal generate "enthusiasm?" Does it need to come equipped with a little cheerleader inside who will jump up and down while waving her pom-poms? If so, I wasn't informed about it. Guess I missed the boat on that one.
It was a very heady and exhausting two years, expecting a publishing or TV contract any moment and ending up with, well, the experience of having been, by turns, hopeful, exhausted, and then resigned. This January an editor was dangling a potential six figure deal in front of me and made noises about doing a series with me.
What teases they all are. How happy I am to have my life back, quiet though it is. My immediate sphere of influence is currently devoid of managers, agents, and publicists, and I have to say that I like it very much.
Self-publishing is now more affordable, available, and practical than it has ever been. And when you have a 30 book series like I do that you're working on, and nobody else is willing to pony up any cash to help you birth your babies, you just gotta do it yourself.
Loyal readers, please be patient. My website should be up by the end of August or early September at the latest. Meanwhile, books and articles and lots of fun stuff are on their way.
I've just had to do a lot of adapting as various other pathways to publication have dried up.
Oh, I could have kept submitting my material through the nice agent I was working with at the end. Many smaller, quirky publishers would have probably loved my stuff. They would have paid me $2000-$10,000 and it would have taken two years before the book came out. I'd still be expected to do all of the marketing myself, and there would be no guarantee that my book would ever make it to bookstores, much less be sitting on the shelves for more than three months. (The average release doesn't stay in a store long. If the books aren't flying off the shelves into the hands of eager customers, they tend to get remaindered and shipped back to the warehouse.)
I've realized that my level of commitment about getting these works into print is very high. I'm not willing to barter with my soul or my creative energy, allowing others to control the sales, marketing, and distribution process. (Especially when there's zero money in it if I do it their way, anyway.)
Sigh.
So I didn't really know what to tell Rudy when he asked "Are you succesful yet?" meaning "Have others trumpeted your talents and desireability to the world?"
I think success has a different definition.
Success is being a sovereign being whom nobody else owns, controls, harms, or limits. Success is taking your message to the people directly and letting them decide if they like it.
I've made a lot of adjustments to my attitude over the past six months. I'm no longer waiting for Hollywood to call. Well, I shouldn't say that. I did just email my producer friend to see if she is still interested in pitching my material for the 2005 season. She has a new sitcom on the fall lineup for 2004, which is great, but I don't know if that means there's no room to do my project or if it just means she'd like to pitch it as a season replacement or alternative project.
Or maybe my Hollywood karma is all dried up. That's okay, too. I was never too certain of it, anyway.
There are many ways to reach people. There are many ways to spread love, laughter, and ideas.
I'll get there, one way or another.
And, if my soul remains intact, I'll consider myself a success. That's what it's all about - honoring your spirit's yearnings and the inspiration of the heart, and not letting anybody steal them away from you.
lipstickmystic@comcast.net
Thursday, July 15, 2004
What Kind of Tree are You?
This is a neat personality guide that is pretty much in line with Celtic mythology, which has a long tradition of honoring the energy and intelligence of trees. According to this guide, I'm a weeping willow, which I think fits my personality well. Check below to see what kind of tree YOU are.
*Note - I was unable to find the original source or writer of this material. If someone knows the author, I will be happy to provide attribution in a follow-up post. Thanks! -- Jennifer
Dec 23 to Dec 31 - Apple Tree
Jan 01 to Jan 11 - Fir Tree
Jan 12 to Jan 24 - Elm Tree
Jan 25 to Feb 03 - Cypress Tree
Feb 04 to Feb 08 - Poplar Tree
Feb 09 to Feb 18 - Cedar Tree
Feb 19 to Feb 28 - Pine Tree
Mar 01 to Mar 10 - Weeping Willow Tree
Mar 11 to Mar 20 - Lime Tree
Mar 21 - Oak Tree
Mar 22 to Mar 31 - Hazelnut Tree
Apr 01 to Apr 10 - Rowan Tree
Apr 11 to Apr 20 - Maple Tree
April 21 to April 30 - Walnut
May 01 to May 14 - Poplar Tree
May 15 to May 24 - Chestnut Tree
May 25 to Jun 03 - Ash Tree
Jun 04 to Jun 13 - Hornbeam Tree
Jun 14 to Jun 23 - Fig Tree
Jun 24 - Birch Tree
Jun 25 to Jul 04 - Apple Tree
Jul 05 to Jul 14 - Fir Tree
Jul 15 to Jul 25 - Elm Tree
Jul 26 to Aug 04 - Cypress Tree
Aug 05 to Aug 13 - Poplar Tree
Aug 14 to Aug 23 - Cedar Tree
Aug 24 to Sep 02 - Pine Tree
Sep 03 to Sep 12 - Weeping Willow Tree
Sep 13 to Sep 22 - Lime Tree
Sep 23 - Olive Tree
Sep 24 to Oct 03 - Hazelnut Tree
Oct 04 to Oct 13 - Rowan Tree
Oct 14 to Oct 23 - Maple Tree
Oct 24 to Nov 11 - Walnut Tree
Nov 12 to Nov 21 - Chestnut Tree
Nov 22 to Dec 01 - Ash Tree
Dec 02 to Dec 11 - Hornbeam Tree
Dec 12 to Dec 21 - Fig Tree
Dec 22 - Beech Tree
APPLE TREE(the Love) - of slight build, lots of charm, appeal, and
attraction, pleasant aura, flirtatious, adventurous, sensitive, always in love, wants to love and be loved, faithful and tender partner,very generous, scientific talents, lives for today, a carefree philosopher with imagination.
ASH TREE(the Ambition) - uncommonly attractive, vivacious, impulsive, demanding, does not care for criticism, ambitious, intelligent,talented, likes to play with fate, can be egotistic, very reliable and trustworthy, faithful and prudent lover, sometimes brains rule over the heart, but takes partnership very seriously.
BEECH TREE(the Creative) - has good taste, concerned about its looks, materialistic, good organization of life and career, economical, good leader, takes no unnecessary risks, reasonable, splendid lifetime companion, keen on keeping fit (diets, sports, etc.)
BIRCH TREE(the inspiration) - vivacious, attractive, elegant,friendly, unpretentious, modest, does not like anything in excess, abhors the vulgar,loves life in nature and in calm, not very passionate, full of imagination,little ambition, creates a calm and content atmosphere.
CEDAR TREE(the Confidence) - of rare beauty, knows how to adapt,likes luxury, of good health, not in the least shy, tends to look down on others, self-confident, determined, impatient, likes to impress others, many talents, industrious, healthy optimism, waiting for the one true love, able to make quick decisions.
CHESTNUT TREE(the Honesty) - of unusual beauty,does not want to impress,well-developed sense of justice, vivacious, interested, a born diplomat, but irritates easily and sensitive in company, often due to a lack of self confidence, acts sometimes superior, feels not understood loves only once, has difficulties in finding a partner.
CYPRESS TREE(the Faithfulness) - strong, muscular, adaptable, takes
what life has to give, content, optimistic, craves money and acknowledgment, hates loneliness, passionate lover which cannot be satisfied, faithful,quick-tempered, unruly, pedantic, and careless.
ELM TREE(the Noble-mindedness) - pleasant shape,tasteful clothes,
modest demands, tends not to forgive mistakes, cheerful, likes to lead but not to obey, honest and faithful partner, likes making decisions for others, noble-minded, generous, good sense of humor, practical.
FIG TREE(the Sensibility) - very strong, a bit self-willed,independent, does not allow contradiction or arguments, loves life, its family, children and animals, a bit of a social butterfly, good sense of humor, likes idleness and laziness, of practical talent and intelligence.
FIR TREE(the Mysterious) - extraordinary taste, dignity,sophisticated, loves anything beautiful, moody, stubborn, tends to egoism but cares for those close to them, rather modest, very ambitious, talented, industrious,uncontented lover, many friends, many foes, very reliable
HAZELNUT TREE(the Extraordinary) - charming, undemanding, very
understanding, knows how to make an impression, active fighter for
social cause, popular, moody, and capricious lover, honest, and tolerant partner, precise sense of judgment.
HORNBEAM TREE(the Good Taste) - of cool beauty, cares for its looks
and condition, good taste, is not egoistic, makes life as comfortable as possible, leads a reasonable and disciplined life, looks for kindness and acknowledgement in an emotional partner, dreams of unusual lovers, is seldom happy with its feelings, mistrusts most people, is never sure of its decisions, very conscientious.
LIME TREE(the Doubt) - accepts what life dishes out in a composed
way, hates fighting, stress, and labor, dislikes laziness and idleness, soft and relenting, makes sacrifices for friends, many talents but not tenacious enough to make them blossom, often wailing and complaining, very jealous but loyal.
MAPLE TREE(Independence of Mind) - no ordinary person, full of
imagination and originality, shy and reserved, ambitious, proud,
self-confident, hungers for new experiences, sometimes nervous, has
many complexities, good memory, learns easily, complicated love life, wants to impress.
OAK TREE(the Brave) - robust nature, courageous, strong,
unrelenting, independent, sensible, does not like change, keeps its feet on the ground, person of action.
OLIVE TREE(the Wisdom) - loves sun, warmth and kind feelings,
reasonable, balanced, avoids aggression and violence, tolerant, cheerful,calm, well-developed sense of justice, sensitive,
empathetic, free of jealousy, loves to read and the company of sophisticated people.
PINE TREE(the Particular) - loves agreeable company, very robust,knows how to make life comfortable, very active, natural, good companion, but seldom friendly, falls easily in love but its passion burns out quickly, gives up easily, everything disappointments until it finds its ideal, trustworthy, practical.
POPLAR TREE(the Uncertainty) - looks very decorative, not very
self-confident, only courageous if necessary, needs goodwill and
pleasant surroundings, very choosy, often lonely, great animosity,
artistic nature, good organizer, tends to lean toward philosophy,
reliable in any situation, takes partnership seriously.
ROWAN TREE(the Sensitivity) - full of charm, cheerful, gifted
without egoism, likes to draw attention, loves life, motion, unrest, and even complications, is both dependent and independent, good taste, artistic, passionate, emotional, good company, does not forgive.
WALNUT TREE(the Passion) - unrelenting, strange and full of
contrasts, often egotistic, aggressive, noble, broad horizon, unexpected reactions, spontaneous, unlimited ambition, no flexibility, difficult and uncommon partner, not always liked but often admired, ingenious strategist,very jealous and passionate, no compromise.
WEEPING WILLOW(the Melancholy) - beautiful but full of melancholy,
attractive, very empathetic, loves anything beautiful and tasteful,
loves to travel, dreamer, restless, capricious, honest, can be
influenced but is not easy to live with, demanding, good intuition,
suffers in love but finds sometimes an anchoring partner.
lipstickmystic@comcast.net
This is a neat personality guide that is pretty much in line with Celtic mythology, which has a long tradition of honoring the energy and intelligence of trees. According to this guide, I'm a weeping willow, which I think fits my personality well. Check below to see what kind of tree YOU are.
*Note - I was unable to find the original source or writer of this material. If someone knows the author, I will be happy to provide attribution in a follow-up post. Thanks! -- Jennifer
Dec 23 to Dec 31 - Apple Tree
Jan 01 to Jan 11 - Fir Tree
Jan 12 to Jan 24 - Elm Tree
Jan 25 to Feb 03 - Cypress Tree
Feb 04 to Feb 08 - Poplar Tree
Feb 09 to Feb 18 - Cedar Tree
Feb 19 to Feb 28 - Pine Tree
Mar 01 to Mar 10 - Weeping Willow Tree
Mar 11 to Mar 20 - Lime Tree
Mar 21 - Oak Tree
Mar 22 to Mar 31 - Hazelnut Tree
Apr 01 to Apr 10 - Rowan Tree
Apr 11 to Apr 20 - Maple Tree
April 21 to April 30 - Walnut
May 01 to May 14 - Poplar Tree
May 15 to May 24 - Chestnut Tree
May 25 to Jun 03 - Ash Tree
Jun 04 to Jun 13 - Hornbeam Tree
Jun 14 to Jun 23 - Fig Tree
Jun 24 - Birch Tree
Jun 25 to Jul 04 - Apple Tree
Jul 05 to Jul 14 - Fir Tree
Jul 15 to Jul 25 - Elm Tree
Jul 26 to Aug 04 - Cypress Tree
Aug 05 to Aug 13 - Poplar Tree
Aug 14 to Aug 23 - Cedar Tree
Aug 24 to Sep 02 - Pine Tree
Sep 03 to Sep 12 - Weeping Willow Tree
Sep 13 to Sep 22 - Lime Tree
Sep 23 - Olive Tree
Sep 24 to Oct 03 - Hazelnut Tree
Oct 04 to Oct 13 - Rowan Tree
Oct 14 to Oct 23 - Maple Tree
Oct 24 to Nov 11 - Walnut Tree
Nov 12 to Nov 21 - Chestnut Tree
Nov 22 to Dec 01 - Ash Tree
Dec 02 to Dec 11 - Hornbeam Tree
Dec 12 to Dec 21 - Fig Tree
Dec 22 - Beech Tree
APPLE TREE(the Love) - of slight build, lots of charm, appeal, and
attraction, pleasant aura, flirtatious, adventurous, sensitive, always in love, wants to love and be loved, faithful and tender partner,very generous, scientific talents, lives for today, a carefree philosopher with imagination.
ASH TREE(the Ambition) - uncommonly attractive, vivacious, impulsive, demanding, does not care for criticism, ambitious, intelligent,talented, likes to play with fate, can be egotistic, very reliable and trustworthy, faithful and prudent lover, sometimes brains rule over the heart, but takes partnership very seriously.
BEECH TREE(the Creative) - has good taste, concerned about its looks, materialistic, good organization of life and career, economical, good leader, takes no unnecessary risks, reasonable, splendid lifetime companion, keen on keeping fit (diets, sports, etc.)
BIRCH TREE(the inspiration) - vivacious, attractive, elegant,friendly, unpretentious, modest, does not like anything in excess, abhors the vulgar,loves life in nature and in calm, not very passionate, full of imagination,little ambition, creates a calm and content atmosphere.
CEDAR TREE(the Confidence) - of rare beauty, knows how to adapt,likes luxury, of good health, not in the least shy, tends to look down on others, self-confident, determined, impatient, likes to impress others, many talents, industrious, healthy optimism, waiting for the one true love, able to make quick decisions.
CHESTNUT TREE(the Honesty) - of unusual beauty,does not want to impress,well-developed sense of justice, vivacious, interested, a born diplomat, but irritates easily and sensitive in company, often due to a lack of self confidence, acts sometimes superior, feels not understood loves only once, has difficulties in finding a partner.
CYPRESS TREE(the Faithfulness) - strong, muscular, adaptable, takes
what life has to give, content, optimistic, craves money and acknowledgment, hates loneliness, passionate lover which cannot be satisfied, faithful,quick-tempered, unruly, pedantic, and careless.
ELM TREE(the Noble-mindedness) - pleasant shape,tasteful clothes,
modest demands, tends not to forgive mistakes, cheerful, likes to lead but not to obey, honest and faithful partner, likes making decisions for others, noble-minded, generous, good sense of humor, practical.
FIG TREE(the Sensibility) - very strong, a bit self-willed,independent, does not allow contradiction or arguments, loves life, its family, children and animals, a bit of a social butterfly, good sense of humor, likes idleness and laziness, of practical talent and intelligence.
FIR TREE(the Mysterious) - extraordinary taste, dignity,sophisticated, loves anything beautiful, moody, stubborn, tends to egoism but cares for those close to them, rather modest, very ambitious, talented, industrious,uncontented lover, many friends, many foes, very reliable
HAZELNUT TREE(the Extraordinary) - charming, undemanding, very
understanding, knows how to make an impression, active fighter for
social cause, popular, moody, and capricious lover, honest, and tolerant partner, precise sense of judgment.
HORNBEAM TREE(the Good Taste) - of cool beauty, cares for its looks
and condition, good taste, is not egoistic, makes life as comfortable as possible, leads a reasonable and disciplined life, looks for kindness and acknowledgement in an emotional partner, dreams of unusual lovers, is seldom happy with its feelings, mistrusts most people, is never sure of its decisions, very conscientious.
LIME TREE(the Doubt) - accepts what life dishes out in a composed
way, hates fighting, stress, and labor, dislikes laziness and idleness, soft and relenting, makes sacrifices for friends, many talents but not tenacious enough to make them blossom, often wailing and complaining, very jealous but loyal.
MAPLE TREE(Independence of Mind) - no ordinary person, full of
imagination and originality, shy and reserved, ambitious, proud,
self-confident, hungers for new experiences, sometimes nervous, has
many complexities, good memory, learns easily, complicated love life, wants to impress.
OAK TREE(the Brave) - robust nature, courageous, strong,
unrelenting, independent, sensible, does not like change, keeps its feet on the ground, person of action.
OLIVE TREE(the Wisdom) - loves sun, warmth and kind feelings,
reasonable, balanced, avoids aggression and violence, tolerant, cheerful,calm, well-developed sense of justice, sensitive,
empathetic, free of jealousy, loves to read and the company of sophisticated people.
PINE TREE(the Particular) - loves agreeable company, very robust,knows how to make life comfortable, very active, natural, good companion, but seldom friendly, falls easily in love but its passion burns out quickly, gives up easily, everything disappointments until it finds its ideal, trustworthy, practical.
POPLAR TREE(the Uncertainty) - looks very decorative, not very
self-confident, only courageous if necessary, needs goodwill and
pleasant surroundings, very choosy, often lonely, great animosity,
artistic nature, good organizer, tends to lean toward philosophy,
reliable in any situation, takes partnership seriously.
ROWAN TREE(the Sensitivity) - full of charm, cheerful, gifted
without egoism, likes to draw attention, loves life, motion, unrest, and even complications, is both dependent and independent, good taste, artistic, passionate, emotional, good company, does not forgive.
WALNUT TREE(the Passion) - unrelenting, strange and full of
contrasts, often egotistic, aggressive, noble, broad horizon, unexpected reactions, spontaneous, unlimited ambition, no flexibility, difficult and uncommon partner, not always liked but often admired, ingenious strategist,very jealous and passionate, no compromise.
WEEPING WILLOW(the Melancholy) - beautiful but full of melancholy,
attractive, very empathetic, loves anything beautiful and tasteful,
loves to travel, dreamer, restless, capricious, honest, can be
influenced but is not easy to live with, demanding, good intuition,
suffers in love but finds sometimes an anchoring partner.
lipstickmystic@comcast.net
Wednesday, July 07, 2004
Sometimes, Technology Sucks!
Okay, I consider myself to be a grown-up. I always thought I was street-smart, to a certain extent, at least when it came to cruising the Internet. I knew that there were bad guys out there, that emails might be contaminated with viruses even when friends send them to you, and that viewing pop-up ads and doing instant messaging are all to be considered dangerous activities, computer-wise - akin to kissing someone right after you've been introduced, before you know where he's been.
But what's a girl to do when she has virus software in place, scans her computer regularly for unwanted stuff, and STILL ends up with a NEW COMPUTER crashing in less than four months after she starts using it?
Well, suffice it to say that a certain amount of crying, cursing, and gnashing of teeth has been involved. Plus deep, dark, and moody stares at Kirby, my desk cat, who is of course in no way to blame, innocent fuzzball that she is.
And also suffice it to say that, with a computer seizing up every five minutes and refusing to even restart (I guess it's just tired of me by now,) that this hasn't exactly been my most fruitful week, writing-wise. ARRGH.
This is all a roundabout way of saying mea culpa, I don't have a significantly inspiring or cheerful blog entry to write for you today.
However - my wonderful website designer is simply outdoing herself with all of the cool features she's putting together for my new website, and I'm totally psyched about getting it up and running. I still have material to put together for it, but I'm trying to keep it relatively simple. It should be up before too long and, when it is, you loyal blog readers will be the first to know about it!
So - please just say some prayers to the technology gods on my behalf. I know that this computer crisis will pass, that it's not the end of the world, and that yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. Or a big lottery win. Or expanded credit. Or something. Or maybe that six figure book advance I was supposed to get this January but didn't because the editor was a goofball will suddenly drop through a probability wormhole and end up in my post office box through some cosmic mistake.
You never know.
Here's hoping you won't catch technology cooties from me,
Jennifer
Okay, I consider myself to be a grown-up. I always thought I was street-smart, to a certain extent, at least when it came to cruising the Internet. I knew that there were bad guys out there, that emails might be contaminated with viruses even when friends send them to you, and that viewing pop-up ads and doing instant messaging are all to be considered dangerous activities, computer-wise - akin to kissing someone right after you've been introduced, before you know where he's been.
But what's a girl to do when she has virus software in place, scans her computer regularly for unwanted stuff, and STILL ends up with a NEW COMPUTER crashing in less than four months after she starts using it?
Well, suffice it to say that a certain amount of crying, cursing, and gnashing of teeth has been involved. Plus deep, dark, and moody stares at Kirby, my desk cat, who is of course in no way to blame, innocent fuzzball that she is.
And also suffice it to say that, with a computer seizing up every five minutes and refusing to even restart (I guess it's just tired of me by now,) that this hasn't exactly been my most fruitful week, writing-wise. ARRGH.
This is all a roundabout way of saying mea culpa, I don't have a significantly inspiring or cheerful blog entry to write for you today.
However - my wonderful website designer is simply outdoing herself with all of the cool features she's putting together for my new website, and I'm totally psyched about getting it up and running. I still have material to put together for it, but I'm trying to keep it relatively simple. It should be up before too long and, when it is, you loyal blog readers will be the first to know about it!
So - please just say some prayers to the technology gods on my behalf. I know that this computer crisis will pass, that it's not the end of the world, and that yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. Or a big lottery win. Or expanded credit. Or something. Or maybe that six figure book advance I was supposed to get this January but didn't because the editor was a goofball will suddenly drop through a probability wormhole and end up in my post office box through some cosmic mistake.
You never know.
Here's hoping you won't catch technology cooties from me,
Jennifer
Thursday, July 01, 2004
Full Moon Stirs up Stuff
I just wanted to give everyone a heads up about Friday's full moon. It occurs at 7:09 am EST (on July 2nd.) Why is this significant? Well, many people find that their dreams appear to be most vivid during the three days leading up to the full moon and coming out of the full moon. So these next few days could potentially be a great time to harvest dreams for your dream journal, if you enjoy keeping one.
Myself, I try to write in my dream journal a minimum of four or five times per month. Writing down my dreams helps me to "decode" some of the things that I'm absorbing from my environment, the people around me, and global issues. It's amazing how much our subconscious minds can take in! Dreams tend to bring all of this stuff that your brain is processing to the forefront. You can learn a lot about your energy system by examining your dreaming life.
Of course, sometimes, you can just get a little freaked out. I'm still trying to wrap my head around a recent dream I had in which I was fighting aliens with a big staple gun. This weapon seemed totally appropriate in the dream, and the nasty aliens were very grumpy as I lobbed these huge metal staples at them. I felt very Xena the Warrior Princess in the dream, kicking alien butt. It was only after I woke up that I went, "Staple gun???"
I spoke to my mom today, and she mentioned how her dreams have been unusually vivid for a day or two. Then I remembered that the full moon was coming up. Even when a person rarely retains memory of their dreams, the full moon period will usually prompt more retention of images, emotions, and events that happen in your dreaming life. So you'll tend to remember a lot more of your dreams during the full moon.
Why is this, you might ask?
Well, some of it may be purely chemical. Since our bodies are made up of 3/4ths water and the moon is proven to generate the ocean's tides, it stands to reason that the moon might exert some sort of pull on the water in our own bodies. Many people contend that the water in our body is affected by the moon, and this seems to be borne out by all of those studies you hear about ER visits increasing during a full moon, crimes and chaotic events being more frequent during that time, etc.
The Native Americans and many other indigenous peoples talk about the full moon being a time of purging, in which any toxic emotions or unresolved issues that have been stewing over the past month (or "moonth," and months were originally called) will come to a head. So if you're feeling cranky or out of sorts, try to take some time to connect with what is going on inside of you. There may be old emotions, thoughtforms, or incidents that you need to release. One remedy I love is the sea salt tub. Take some sea salt and baking soda and soak yourself in a nice warm tub for about 20 - 30 minutes. This not only relieves muscle aches, but it seems to clear out that psychic "goo" that we too often carry around, giving us a fresh start and a more positive outlook.
Okay, these are Jennifer's "spa" tips for the day! I invite your input about what you experience and feel during this full moon time.
By the way, since this full moon occurs in the practical sign of Capricorn, there could be a decidedly businesslike feel to Friday and the weekend. Even if you're going away on vacation, you may well be in a serious mood, planning your schedule for the rest of the summer, making "to do" lists, and just generally focusing on how to improve your daily life. People with their sun, moon, or rising sign in Capricorn will feel especialy grounded and clear.
Here are the dates for the next full moons:
Saturday, July 31st, 2:05 pm EST Full moon in Aquarius
Sunday, August 29, 10:22 p.m. EST Full moon in Pisces
Tuesday, September 28, 9:09 am EST Full moon in Aries
Enjoy!
newagetalk@comcast.net
I just wanted to give everyone a heads up about Friday's full moon. It occurs at 7:09 am EST (on July 2nd.) Why is this significant? Well, many people find that their dreams appear to be most vivid during the three days leading up to the full moon and coming out of the full moon. So these next few days could potentially be a great time to harvest dreams for your dream journal, if you enjoy keeping one.
Myself, I try to write in my dream journal a minimum of four or five times per month. Writing down my dreams helps me to "decode" some of the things that I'm absorbing from my environment, the people around me, and global issues. It's amazing how much our subconscious minds can take in! Dreams tend to bring all of this stuff that your brain is processing to the forefront. You can learn a lot about your energy system by examining your dreaming life.
Of course, sometimes, you can just get a little freaked out. I'm still trying to wrap my head around a recent dream I had in which I was fighting aliens with a big staple gun. This weapon seemed totally appropriate in the dream, and the nasty aliens were very grumpy as I lobbed these huge metal staples at them. I felt very Xena the Warrior Princess in the dream, kicking alien butt. It was only after I woke up that I went, "Staple gun???"
I spoke to my mom today, and she mentioned how her dreams have been unusually vivid for a day or two. Then I remembered that the full moon was coming up. Even when a person rarely retains memory of their dreams, the full moon period will usually prompt more retention of images, emotions, and events that happen in your dreaming life. So you'll tend to remember a lot more of your dreams during the full moon.
Why is this, you might ask?
Well, some of it may be purely chemical. Since our bodies are made up of 3/4ths water and the moon is proven to generate the ocean's tides, it stands to reason that the moon might exert some sort of pull on the water in our own bodies. Many people contend that the water in our body is affected by the moon, and this seems to be borne out by all of those studies you hear about ER visits increasing during a full moon, crimes and chaotic events being more frequent during that time, etc.
The Native Americans and many other indigenous peoples talk about the full moon being a time of purging, in which any toxic emotions or unresolved issues that have been stewing over the past month (or "moonth," and months were originally called) will come to a head. So if you're feeling cranky or out of sorts, try to take some time to connect with what is going on inside of you. There may be old emotions, thoughtforms, or incidents that you need to release. One remedy I love is the sea salt tub. Take some sea salt and baking soda and soak yourself in a nice warm tub for about 20 - 30 minutes. This not only relieves muscle aches, but it seems to clear out that psychic "goo" that we too often carry around, giving us a fresh start and a more positive outlook.
Okay, these are Jennifer's "spa" tips for the day! I invite your input about what you experience and feel during this full moon time.
By the way, since this full moon occurs in the practical sign of Capricorn, there could be a decidedly businesslike feel to Friday and the weekend. Even if you're going away on vacation, you may well be in a serious mood, planning your schedule for the rest of the summer, making "to do" lists, and just generally focusing on how to improve your daily life. People with their sun, moon, or rising sign in Capricorn will feel especialy grounded and clear.
Here are the dates for the next full moons:
Saturday, July 31st, 2:05 pm EST Full moon in Aquarius
Sunday, August 29, 10:22 p.m. EST Full moon in Pisces
Tuesday, September 28, 9:09 am EST Full moon in Aries
Enjoy!
newagetalk@comcast.net
