A very wee fish in a very large Pond

I have spent the last few days building a website for fellow anglophiles and seekers of information about the UK.  Here's the trouble, my skills are quite rude and there are so many flashy sites out there that attract advertisers and visitors by the thousands.  Just as a screenwriter creates films and TV shows they themselves would enjoy I am trying to create the type of website I would frequent.  Here's to www.damnyanks.net I am proud to be one!

Wibbly Wobbly Walky Walky?

It is high time I get into shape.  I do not want to suffer with the same health problems as my parents, especially as my family tends to live well into their 80s, if not 90s.  Like any insecure writer (a redundant statement I know) I obviously have not to this point believed that I am worth the effort, but to do it for others? That is a powerful motivator.  My plan is to raise 100 pounds (about $180) for FibroNetwork via www.justgiving.com.  How will I raise this money? I am asking for one penny per day I meet or exceed my goal of taking 10,000 steps per day.  Please visit my just giving page, www.justgiving.com/marinda-rule for more details, and tell your friends!

Whatcu Waiting, whatchu waiting, whatchu waiting for?

When one of my musical, style and all-around girl-power icons is Gwen Stefani.  For those too young or old or snobbish to know who she is, she's the front woman for the California based band No Doubt.  When she inevitably took the leap and released a solo project her first single was entitled What You Waiting For.  The lyrics relate her fears of stepping out on her own.  As a burgeoning screenwriter I can definitely indentify, and it's easy to let those fears plus procrastination prevent you from ever succeeding, or even completing a project to be considered.  I've been reading Screenwriting for Dummies (shut up) to learn about the craft.  Today's chapter discussed the importance of discipline and daily writing which I have been struggling with a lot lately.  For a long time I was job-hunting so I had an excuse for not working on my writing.  As a storyteller, there is no way to stop ideas from forming or even being written down but I have not fleshed them out properly.  This is not good, as an essential part of selling a script is acquiring an agent and approaching them usually involves having several ideas in hand.  Now, I have a job which requires little mental energy or time so got to get back to the "real" job.  What am I waiting for? I love to write it's just daunting to start, especially when you are retooling what you thought was a mostly polished screenplay as I am now.  All part of the process.

You Can't Roller Skate in a Buffalo Herd

Most of you have probably not heard this line from the silly old Roger Miller song.  I heard it today while I was sitting on the porch  not working.  After all, it's exactly the type of Southern charm they try to instill at the Cracker Barrel.  My first thoughts when I heard this were of driving around the Smokies with my dad and ol 'Roger  was always a part of our soundtrack, but then I thought about the end of the verse "you can't roller skate in a buffalo herd but you can be happy if you've a mind to/All you gotta do is put your mind to it, then knuckle down buckle down and do it, do it do it"  Whether you call it faking it til you make it or simply having a positive attitude you can be happy if you've a mind to.  Even if you can't go fishing in a watermelon patch.

Hey, you dropped your shoe!

OK quick update about my life. I FINALLY got a job working as a hostess at Cracker Barrel.  It's kinda weird working at a place I've eaten hundreds of times in my life but overall it's a pretty fun job if you make it fun and don't take it too seriously.  The pay is pretty bad right now but they offer pretty frequent pay raises so I'll be making more soon.

Now that that's done with, on to the blog.  I can't help but notice that American network TV is offering us up not one, but two shows this season with the premise that fairy tales are real.  I watched Once Upon A Time last night. Anyway, this is nothing new.  This premise has probably been around almost as long as some of the stories they use in the plot.  I also can't help but notice that sci-fi and fantasy shows and movies are becoming more and more mainstream.  As a card-carrying anglophile I'd like to think the return of Doctor Who and the Harry Potter phenomenon are responsible for this.  Why are we so fascinated by these stories?  I think it's because deep down we want to believe that magic is real.  Well, my friends as a professional day dreamer I can tell you that magic is real!  Again look at Harry Potter.  JK Rowling is definitely a modern day Cinderella.  Speaking of Cindy, I'm sure you've been exposed to enough feminist lit to know that this particular fairy tale takes a lot of flack for screwing up women's expectations about their lives, waiting to be rescued by some fairy godmother or prince charming.  I agree somewhat because if you wait, you'll be waiting a long time.  I have been watching Oprah's Lifeclass (stop laughing, the woman has some real insights and a talent  for recognizing good teachers) and she said if there was one thing people took away from her 25 years on TV it's that we are responsible for our own lives. We make our own destinies.  She is a perfect example of how someone can go from absolute poverty to being one of the richest, well-known and well-loved people on the planet.  Anyone can be a Cinderella, you just have to be your own fairy godmother.  Make a little magic in your life today!

That gnawing feeling

Maybe it was having a few days to myself or maybe it's the working world's sudden interest in me but I'm starting to get that annoying hope feeling again.  Hope is a hard emotion for me because I've had my hopes dashed so many times in the last two years, but I refuse to admit defeat!  I am reveling in the lessons the universe has for me and the very fact that I still feel the slight stirrings of hope makes me hopeful.  If I am full of hope there is no room for despair.

Coloring Books for Adults?

First up today is another free charity website I found- www.goodsearch.com You register your favorite charity and then use this site in place of other search engines and your cause will get 1cent for every search, more if you purchase items.

The next is the importance of coloring in circles.  A mainstay of of Tibetan Buddhism is the mandala, an incredibly intricate sand sculpture, literally tapped out grain by grain. When it is completed it is destroyed in a ritualistic ceremony celebrating the impermanence of all things.  The process of creating mandalas requires extreme concentration and meditation.  When I was in college I worked in the museum and was blessed to have seen a group of monks from the Dalai Lhama's monastery create a white Tara, a healing energy as it was after 9/11.  Most of us don't have the skill or the time to work for months on a mandala, but we can color in paper ones.  I like to use colored pencils or crayola makes crayon sized markers that work great.  Be sure to start from the outside and work your way in, to relax and center yourself.  There are coloring books available but you can also find many cool designs for free online.  Use goodsearch.com to find them!  Destruction is optional.

Find Your Bliss

As much as this phrase has a similar effect to ipecac on me I find it a noble quest.  I have endless admiration for people who do what they love regardless of its prestige or paycheck.  The other day I heard Jerry Seinfeld say this it's so true-If you wan't to make a lot of money do something so fun you don't care about getting paid and you will get paid.  This is a philosophy that's a bit easier for him to follow than most of us.  Still, I thought I'd give it a try.  All this time unemployed going for jobs that are practical and I have less money now than a year ago.  My bliss is most definitely writing.  Unfortunately my job hunt takes too much time for me to do any serious writing but a blog I think I could manage.

Now here's your bliss tip of the day: I turned on my CBS Sunday Morning a little early and I caught the end of a sermon.  The story was about a man who took $500,000 to his church to make a donation.  Very calmly the priest refused him.  "Void this check.  Give it away in dollars and cents." "But that will take my whole life" "That, my son is the point."  Many of us are financially strapped but we can still find a little bliss here and there.  Put your change in donation jars.  Look for donation tags for Children's Hospital or Cancer and add that dollar to your grocery purchase.  If even that is too much to spare visit www.freerice.com and www.thehungersite.com  With the latter you can click once a day on their many causes and corporate donors will provide support.  The former is totally addictive-you simply answer trivia questions and for every correct answer 10 grains of rice are donated.  You can play as long as you want and donate as much as you can earn.  Also remember thrift stores like the Salvation Army.  Everybody has stuff around their house they don't need and they could either be donated to shelters or resold in the shops.

Tomorrow, why coloring in a circle is very grown up...

Flash Fiction challenge for 8/30

prompts armor, sequins and ray  215 words

There are many types of armor. You've got your standard knight in shining variety, your futuristic impermeable armor complete with ray gun (or phases, if that's how you roll) and then there's sequins. Sequins as body protection you ask? Alright maybe for Shera or Gem. She is truly, truly truly outrageous after all. Doria knew logically that her sequins wouldn't stop bullets or even a butter knife, but somehow a little extra shine made her feel invincible, confident and beautiful. It even made her feel a little mysterious. She knew the people around her in the club, restaurant or hell even the gas station wondered why she was so dressed up. Was she off to a party, or perhaps just getting home? In a million years they would never guess the truth-it took her three years to make it past her mailbox after a first date that went very wrong very quickly. For a long time she thought the more she blended in to her surroundings the safer she would be. Then one day she realized it was those that didn't fear to draw attention to themselves that truly intimidated. She rounded the corner to the nearest boutique, grabbed a purple tank with horizontal sequins across the front and never looked back. Shining armor indeed!

Fright Night is almost here!

Soon all of America will know that David Tennant is a sex god and a decent actor. Here's a little taste.
http://fright.nu/0001l35 There are leather pants involved so click, click some more and get your friends to click. You are doing womankind a favor! Feel free to enjoy over and over.

Fashion Advice

Today's prompt "You're not really gonna wear that, are you?"  207 words

Steve examined himself in the hotel room mirror. One last coat of hairspray should do it. The pungent mist swirled around his spiky orange hair, nearly a foot high. He was already sweating in his spandex. Steve couldn't imagine what it was going to be like on the Comic Con floor, squeezed within an inch of his life, getting accidentally punched by some teenage girl trying to get some Twilight swag. He picked up his enormous foam-rubber weapon. He was ready, just had to get his brother. “Tom, let's go!” Tom exited the suite's bedroom sporting khaki shorts and a striped polo shirt. “Dude, you're not really gonna wear that, are you?!” Tom exclaimed upon the sight of his brother's ensemble. Steve said, “I could say the same thing about you-dude. In that costume we'll be the laughing stock of the con.” Steve yanked the closet door open in frustration and pulled a T-Shirt out of his bag. “Here!” Steve shoved the shirt into Tom's hands. Tom held the shirt away from himself to examine it. He pulled off his polo and slipped on the tee. As the brothers were heading out the door Tom asked, “So what is a TARDIS, anyway?”

Survival of the Furriest

Prompts-mountain, honey and water. Word count 129

Two black bears ambled down the mountain trail in search of water and perhaps some honey. They hoped that the traffic of Cades Cove had cleared enough for them to drink undisturbed. The last time they came to close to the tourists they were chased all over by the wildlife “paparazzi.” The bears had almost reached the creek when they heard the roar of engines about to round the curve. The two furry companions gently leaned on a rotting tree trunk until it blocked the road. Frustrated, the two legged visitors awaited the park rangers to unblock their path, honking and slamming their hands on their steering wheels. All the while the fauna the tourists had so eagerly awaited slurped contentedly in peace.  

Writing Therapy

I've been frantically looking for something to cheer me up today so I decided to do a flash fiction blog post. Today's prompts are courtesy of my superwoman track director Caro-  deplorable, string cheese, exuberant. Just a reminder that each story must contain the prompt(s), have at least one character, a setting, conflict and resolution in 300 words or under.  198 words.

Living with a roommate sucks, especially if they have different ideas of what constitutes “clean”. Alex had seen his and his roomie Everett's dorm go from sloppy, to slovenly to downright deplorable. Seriously, if Alex had walked in to find open sewage oozing across the long-buried carpet. Everett always said ''Everyday comes with it's own surprises, “ but in dorm 312 it was more like everyday comes with it's own smells. Today's, for example was a a half-eaten string cheese in Everett's, well if it actually contained any socks would be his sock drawer. Alex couldn't live like this anymore. He was well aware that hygiene was often not on the top of college students' to-do lists but something had to be done. Surely there was a school rule, or a hazmat policy or something. Alex made an appointment to speak to the dean of housing, photos and smelly string cheese in hand. Ten minutes later an exuberant Alex danced down the hall out of the student center. The next day 312 smelled of cleaning products and one happy guy.

Wizard or Pirate?

Prompt-Stop acting like an idiot. Word count-211

“I can't believe you talked me into this.” Paul whispered to his friend a little too loudly. “Shhhh” could be heard around the theater as several heads turned their way. “Stop acting like an idiot, “Sam replied. “Do you know how much a copy of the last Harry Potter movie will be worth, day of release. Now quit drawing attention to us.” “Still feels a little wrong to me. I hate spoilers.” Paul's comment was once again by met by a sea of “Shhhs.” “The only thing you're gonna spoil is that red head you've had your eye on.” Paul was grateful the darkness of the theater hid his blushing cheeks. “I suppose you've got a point there. Would be nice to slip something shiny around her neck while watching our own private viewing of Deathly Hallows.” Suddenly Paul was overcome with that feeling he was being watched. He slowly turned his head only to be met by the beam of light from the usher's flashlight. Busted. Only two options now. Paul quickly leaped over his friend Sam, camera and all and slammed into the usher, knocking his flashlight on the ground. “Expelliarmus!” Paul shouted as he dashed out the door.  

Flash Fiction

I really need to keep up with my blog more. The one piece of advice I hear over and over from writers who have "made it" is to write. A lot and a blog is a good way to get in the habit of putting something down, whether you feel you have something to say or not. One of the writing sites I frequent has a daily flash fiction challenge where there is a daily prompt of three random words and the requirements of setting, conflict, resolution and at least one character in 300 words or less.

Tonight's words are drink, twist and storm. Word count 128.

Annie swirled the remnants of her fifth vodka martini-twist, no olive. She was starting to get the feeling he wasn’t going to make it. She motions to let the bartender know she’ll take another drink. It was a hotel bar after all and Annie wasn’t going anywhere with that storm outside. Bloody monsoon season. She glanced down at her cell hoping a voicemail would magically appear even though it hadn’t buzzed all night. Her boss had been “most insistent” she deliver the package before seven and his firings tended to end with at least one severed appendage. Annie downed martini number six, slipped some of the local currency under her empty glass and headed out to find him. Better rain drops than blood.

Oy with the poodles already!

I am a fan of many things.  I appreciate all of the benefits that fandom can bring and so try to be diplomatic when it comes to the fandom of others, even if it personally makes me ill.  Here comes the but, I am so incredibly and totally over the whining about David Tennant leaving Doctor Who! I too love Mr. Tennant to the point of fangirlish insanity.  I have flown over 3,000 miles twice just to see him, and if I had the time and means I'd do it again for Much Ado About Nothing.  Just the sight of his plaque on the wall of Doctors at the DW expo in Cardiff with an end date under his name made me tear up and when he said he didn't want to go on his last episode-forget about it!  Here's the thing-the concept of change is not new to the Whoniverse.  In fact it's kinda one of the main concepts of the show.  Everything about Who has changed over the years except the TARDIS exterior (mostly) and we all know why that is.  If you feel the need to continually bash the acting of Matt Smith or the writing of the Moff you aren't a fan of DW-you're a fan of DT which is completely and totally fine.  There are, however some of us who are fans of both.  Yes, I will say whole-heartedly that DT is my Doctor and probably always will be but there are things I love about each and every Doctor, and I find it terribly amusing that the same people who went on and on about how great the episodes Moffat wrote under RTD were are forever prattling on about how he is ruining the show just because the current Doctor isn't as attractive as the previous one.  Disappointment or dislike of  various choices made by cast and crew is often a part of fandom.  An example is probably the only show I know as well as DW, Gilmore Girls. No, seriously I freaking love the hell outta that show and it's writer/creator Amy Sherman-Palladino is one of my biggest inspirations as a screenwriter, but Amy left the show before it's final season and disagreements with the stars led to it being cancelled with quite the abrupt and unsatisfying finale at the end of season 7.  There were rumors of a movie for awhile but four years out I'm pretty sure it isn't going to happen and I've moved on, as have the parties involved in making the show.  I don't tweet all day every day about it.  In fact this is probably the first time you've heard me mention it at all.  I guess, to sum up this random musing I'll just say move on, and if you can't don't hate on those who have.  You'll never change their minds as they will never change yours.  Let's just try to get along and worry about the real problems of the world.  After all, isn't that what the Doctor, and David would want?

Meetings and Partings

Even the most out of touch of my blog readers probably know there were two main events last week: the premiere of season 6 of Doctor Who (Yay!) on Saturday and the still shocking loss of Elizabeth Sladen (Sarah Jane) to a battle with cancer that many of us did not know she was courageously and silently fighting.  To be honest I was a bit taken aback at how deeply her parting affected me.  When she was first introduced as the Doctor's companion I hadn't even been born.  I've never met her, although I do know many people who worked with her both on Doctor Who and the Sarah Jane Adventures.  Of course I, like many others discovered her strength, beauty and grace by watching reruns on PBS and later DVDs.  By the time the first series of SJA was announced I was already completely in love.  There have been so many tributes this past week but perhaps the most touching were the messages left on the CBBC website left by 9, 10 and 11 year olds.  I fancy myself a writer and wordsmith but I could never compete with that.  Instead I would just like to encourage all of you to donate to a cancer charity.  I know there has been a justgiving page set up in her memory.  There are also wonderful organizations like AICR and Abolish Cancer that can connect you with various efforts.  Thank the Time Lord we had a spark of light at the end of the week in the form of new Who!

Now to the Impossible Astronaut.  Already every element is being picked apart by fans on forums and twitter.  I would remind them of two things 1) It's just the first frakkin' episode so we don't know what certain elements mean or how they relate to the overall story arch 2) There is such a thing as poetic license, meaning you're just going to have to accept certain things, illogical though they may be so the story can move along.  I love the new monsters, "The Silence," Strange beings that are forgotten as soon as one looks away-very Steven Moffatt.  I can't wait to see where this story will take us, and I'm looking forward to see how Moffatt has matured as a showrunner, now that he's got one series under his belt. 

Where you invest your love, you invest your life

First of all I have put the kibosh on writing on famous quotes, at least for now.  If the point of doing a blog is to keep the writing juices flowing and nobody is actually reading the blog I might as well write whatever the hell I feel like.  I just realized I said that and my title is a quote-a song lyric, actually.  Any of you who follow me on twitter (@tardisgal17, if you're interested) know that I have had a propensity to gush about a particular British band, Mumford & Sons and their 2010 release Sigh No More.  Whether or not you're into the kind of Celtic folk-rock vibe they've got going they have some amazing songwriting and harmonies.  A big part of my attraction to this particular album is that the songs speak so strongly to my experiences during this difficult  time for all the world.  Like many others I have been tirelessly searching for a job.  Today that lyric kept popping into my head.  I've invested lots of time on medical billing, months of courses, dozens of applications and inquiries but have found exactly zero success.  I think it's pretty safe to say I do not love medical billing.  What should be clear from the title of my blog is I do love writing (and a certain former Time Lord who turned 40 today).  Making stuff up-now that's a job I love.  The more I invest in it the more positive feedback I get, just none in the form of money (yet).  Everyday it seems more and more likely that my screenwriting (and persistent fandom) will offer returns in time.  Still, would it kill the universe to hook a girl up with a day job?  If I could stop looking for work I could invest a whole lot more of my life on what I love.   

Long quote but worth the time

"When a person achieves a certain level of consciousness, whatever he or she intends begins to happen.  These are the people who are so connected with the conscious intelligence field that their every intent manifests itself-the whole order of the universe orchestrates around it."~Depac Chopra

I believe you have control over your own destiny, or rather have multiple destinies depending on the choices you make.  Christians call it free will, although the idea is much older than that.  The point is, once you become aware of the power your thoughts and actions have over your experience you can shape that experience into the best possible path for yourself.  Suddenly doors begin to open, people enter your life that help you get one step closer to your destiny.  The trick is maintaining that intent and recognizing those opportunities as they come along.  That's where faith comes into play.  I have faith that if I keep working towards it with good intent I will both find a good "day job" and eventually work as a professional screenwriter and producer.  Be aware of your thoughts, intents, and actions.  Are they moving you towards your destiny?

May it Bring You Peace

Today's quote is short and sweet: "Better than a thousand senseless verses is one that brings the hearer peace."~Buddha  I suppose that's one of the reasons I've decided to use quotes for my blog-the way the right words can touch a person.  That's what I love about writing and what I hope to achieve with my writing, to give the reader, or viewer in my case as I'm a screenwriter that connection.  I also love how the right words can kinda float around in the atmosphere, waiting for the right moment.  You know, like when a line of a song you've heard 100 times suddenly strikes so true it seems as if it was written just for you.  I suppose, in a way it was.  Then, there is of course spiritual texts.  Whatever your views on religion you cannot deny that there are gems of wisdom here and there. Organized religion and I parted ways long ago but there is a version of the prayer of St. Francis sung by Sarah Maclachlan that I absolutely adore.  What "verses" bring you peace?

Let's see if I still remember how to do this...

For those of you just tuning in, I have decided to write blogs based on quotes I dig up here and there. It's, er been awhile since my last post so pardon me while I seek out some WD-40.

"Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death."-Albert Einstein

I picked this quote because it more eloquently states my belief that when you stop learning, you stop living.  Personally, learning is one my favorite activities of all time.  The old adage 'you learn something new everyday' should be the minimum, far below what our goal should be.  Learning is an active, not a passive action.  So what did you learn today?

A man is not old until regrets take the place of dreams.

This little gem is from John Barrymore.  I think it's safe to say very few people with the Barrymore last name have had much in the way of regrets and by regrets I mean missed opportunities.  It is simply a part of human nature to question whether a decision was the right one.  I've spent many of the past few weeks envisioning all the alternate life paths I could be on right now if I had chosen differently.  As difficult as it may seem sometimes we are always exactly where we need to be so regretting a past choice is like saying my life's journey is somehow less valuable.  One of the most frustrating ideas I see perpetuated in this youth obsessed society is that there is somehow an expiration date on our dreams.  Often the line that differentiates friends and family that are truly content from those who aren't is whether they have in effect stopped dreaming.  This brings us back to Mr. Barrymore.  What does it mean to have no regrets? It means never regretting not trying for your dreams, and we may keep trying as long as we draw breath.

Let us make a special effort...

to stop communicating with each other so we can have some conversation.
                      -Mark Twain

Apparently Mr. Clemens knew about FB/Twitter.  It does seem odd that we keep inventing more ways to communicate with each other and say nothing.  When you do actually get together with your friends you don't talk about the cup of tea you had earlier.  Well, maybe if it was a particularly good cup of tea.  I, for one miss being around actual people.  How many of your friends do you talk to on a daily basis, live in the same city and never physically see each other?  I for one am going to have some good conversation this week.  It will be nice to truly know my friends' status.

"When someone is impatient...

and says, 'I haven't got all day,' I always wonder, How can that be?  How can you not have all day?"
-George Carlin

If there is one thing that tries my patience it's impatience.  Anyone who's driven in Atlanta traffic can tell you that if there's one thing that causes accidents it's someone that is seemingly in a hurry.  Usually, they're in a hurry to get to the red light 5 seconds before you do.  My mom often chides me for "being slow."  After all , she was in labor with me for 3 days!  I have to correct her, though-I'm not slow I'm just not in a hurry.  Definitely a Parrot Head from birth. (Google it)  Of course, right now I'm very impatient with employment agencies that promised quick placement-last year! OK, last year was only two weeks ago but this was earlier than that.  Impending bankruptcy will do that do a person.  But we have to remember that waiting happens.  The only thing accomplished by getting worked up is being upset AND waiting.  Bad times!  When those impatience-breeding occasions arrive it is important to remember that, as Mr. Carlin said we all have all day.  We'll get there eventually so be patient!

It does not take a majority to prevail...

but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brushfires of freedom in the minds of men.
                    -Samuel Adams

I don't know why, but somehow this quote seemed a bit relevant right now.  Why is it the couple of bad kids always spoil it for the rest of the class?  Rather it be terrorist cells, tea partiers, so-called militia groups, and yes, even extreme liberals such as the, shall we say overly passionate environmentalists there are always little fringe groups making noise.  They make for better TV and newspaper articles. I get that, and as Mr. Moore so emphatically pointed out in Bowling for Columbine fear is a major driving force of our economy.  So what are the quiet minority to do?  Rant and rave and attack like the "tireless minority?"  Well, yes and no. Yes, because we  have to make a little noise.  The squeaky wheel gets the grease.  That's just the way it is.  What is so important is what kind of noise we're making. 

A couple of weeks ago Stephen Colbert featured a story about two senators from the same state, one Republican one Democrat.  What's so special about them?  They're friends.  What's more they campaigned together for last November's midterm elections.  They demonstrated the need to work together because their state's welfare is more important than personal glory.  They showed that there is a place for healthy debate, no ranting needed.  This, my friends is the kind of noise we need to make.  There are conflicting issues and opinions but when it comes down to it we're all neighbors, friends, citizens.  Don't let the angry drown that out.

I've heard there are troubles of more than one kind.

Some come from ahead, some come from behind. But I've brought a big bat. I'm already you see. Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me! Given the rhyming scheme there is only one person who could have written this quote-Dr. Seuss, of course! The concept of this quote is quite clear but of what is made the bat my troubles fear? Remember, the hard part is finding the bat.

Hatred does not cease through hatred...

Hatred ceases through love. As you might have guessed by the touchy-feely nature of today's quote it is from a religious figure, Buddha. I'm not sure if there is a heaven or hell, but I am sure there are good and evil energies in the universe. It's all about balance. I am also becoming more and  more sure that whichever of these energies we expel into the world is what we receive the most of in return. It's not easy to "love thy enemy." It's so easy to go to that angry, hateful place and goodness knows the media reinforces these sentiments. One of the things that I have valued as I get older is that it seems easier to "love my enemy", to see life from their perspective, and guess what? I have a lot fewer enemies, a lot less hate and a lot more positive energy coming to me. I know this post is a little more hippy-dippy than most of the things I write but the simple fact is that's the way the world works. Be excellent to each other.

Whatever you are, be a good one

These perhaps not so immortal words were spoken by Abraham Lincoln. I keep promising myself and readers(?) to blog often and then I don't. So here's my brilliant idea for 2011-I will select a quote and elaborate upon it. Don't worry, I won't elaborate in public. I thought this was a good quote for the start of a new year because it is that magical time when we can both aspire to be better and not have yet failed at being better. Maybe you want to lose weight. Maybe you want to quit smoking. Maybe you want to find a significant other. Maybe you want to lose weight and quit smoking so you can find a significant other. Here is my new year's resolution for you-be you, whatever it is you bring to the world be that, and be a good one. You weren't given such passions and abilities for nothing.

Why do we give up these passions? One word-money. In this society success is measured in dollar signs and we think if we can't be wildly successful, that is make a lot of money doing this passion we're failures. No point in even trying. I'm here to tell you that your goal should not be a paycheck but writing, acting, teaching dogs to dance, uh -ing well, better than before. Be content in this journey to being a good one and you have succeeded.

Now I am not totally blind to meeting basic needs. Ya gotta eat, ya gotta have shelter, and ya gotta wear clothes. At least when you leave the shelter you do. All these needs are most easily met by accquiring money and you may not be able to earn enough with your passion alone, at least not for the moment. If this weren't the case Starbucks would be criminally understaffed. Take care of your needs, your families both  on two legs and four and take some time to work on your passion. It's the only way you'll get better at it. If you have a real talent for your passion and work to develop it you will begin to see ways to both earn money and follow your bliss. (Yeah, I felt a little nauseous too). Just look at the cast of Jersey Shore. 'Nuff said.