Heather Hummel Gallagher's Blog, page 7

Signs from the Universe are Everywhere - Even in Your Rear-View Mirror!

"I can do all things through Christ,
who strengthens me."
Philippians 4:13 True Story:
Two years ago today I left Charlottesville, VA for California. It had recently snowed two feet and the weather forecast was for another two feet that weekend. My Subaru was filled with my dogs and other essentials, and a small UHaul trailer was hitched to the back, packed with my worldly possessions.
I was leaving a place that had been home for 11 years, but heading to the place that was always home in my  heart. Needless to say, I had a lot of mixed emotions.
Only a few days before my departure, I was driving back from running a pre-move errand and was thinking about the move - the weather - what lay ahead. Naturally some worries and fears come up with a big change such as a 3,000 mile move in the middle of winter.
As I was driving, I noticed a little piece of gold sticking out of my rear-view mirror. Curious, as I had never noticed it before, I put the window down, and pulled it out from where it was wedged in the mirror. The picture you see here is the coin that was "stuck" in my rear-view mirror.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
Those who know me (or who have read my book GO BIKE & Other signs from the Universe ), know I'm more spiritual than religious. But, they also know that I receive signs like this  on a daily basis, guiding me in the right direction. Since my move, I never looked back, this is true, but when people say not to look in the rear-view mirror, I have to disagree.

Keep the faith!

"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

True Story:
Two years ago today I left Charlottesville, VA for California. It had recently snowed two feet and the weather forecast was for another two feet that weekend. My Subaru was filled with my dogs and other essentials, and a small UHaul trailer was hitched to the back, packed with my worldly possessions.
I was leaving a place that had been home for 11 years, but heading to the place that was always home in my  heart. Needless to say, I had a lot of mixed emotions.
Only a few days before my departure, I was driving back from running a pre-move errand and was thinking about the move - the weather - what lay ahead. Naturally some worries and fears come up with a big change such as a 3,000 mile move in the middle of winter.
As I was driving, I noticed a little piece of gold sticking out of my rear-view mirror. Curious, as I had never noticed it before, I put the window down, and pulled it out from where it was wedged in the mirror. The picture you see here is the coin that was "stuck" in my rear-view mirror.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
Those who know me (or who have read my book GO BIKE & Other signs from the Universe ), know I'm more spiritual than religious. But, they also know that I receive signs like this  on a daily basis, guiding me in the right direction. Since my move, I never looked back, this is true, but when people say not to look in the rear-view mirror, I have to disagree.

Keep the faith!

Journals from the Heart: Book Trailers

WHISPERS FROM THE HEART, New York Book Festival Award Winner and the first in the Journals from the Heart series just launched its book trailer on YouTube :

"'Go read this book' doesn't do it the justice it deserves. Heather Hummel has written such a heartfelt and touching book. Madison Ragnar is such an intriguing character. One of those that makes you want to hug her and tell her it is going to be okay."
- Just Jump Book Reviews


"I recommend this book to anyone wanting to read a beautifully-written chick lit novel that will keep you turning pages eagerly."
 - Lost In Literature Book Reviews



"I really enjoyed this book. It was fun, fast, and heart-warming."
- Chick Lit Plus 

Buy on Amazon

Heather Hummel is a "photonovelist" who blends her love for photography with her award-winning career as an author. Her published works include:
Journals from the Heart Series:
Whispers from the Heart (2011)
Write from the Heart (2011)
Nonfiction
GO BIKE & Other Signs from the Universe (2011)
Gracefully: Looking and Being Your Best at Any Age (McGraw-Hill, 2008),
Essays:
Messages of Hope and Healing ( Sunpiper Media, 2006)
Blue Ridge Anthology (Cedar Creek, 2007) with David Baldacci and Rita Mae Brown
Awards:
2009 Mature Media Awards, Merit Award
2009 New York Book Festival, Honorable Mention

Heather's books have appeared in newspapers such as: Publishers Weekly, USA Today and the Washington Post; and in magazines that include: Health, Body & Soul, First, and Spry Living, a combined circulation of nearly 15 million. A graduate with High Distinction from the University of Virginia, Heather holds a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree with concentrations in English and Secondary Education. She is currently earning a Ph.D. in Metaphysical Sciences. Visit Heather's website at http://www.heatherhummel.net/
Follow Heather on Twitter @HeatherHummel:
http://twitter.com/#!/HeatherHummel

Back Roads from Bixby Bridge to Big Sur - Old Coast Road

The Pacific Coast Highway (also known as Highway 1) is famous for its breathtaking coastal views. The segment in the Central Coast that runs from Carmel to Big Sur is, in my experience and opinion, the most scenic stretch. What most tourist and travelers don't know is that if you take a left (when heading south, of course!) at the Bixby Bridge onto the Old Coast Road, the views on that road provide an entirely different perspective.

I hadn't driven this back road route in quite some time, and in my two hour journey today, I captured 95 images...below are the top dozen to show a bit of what this alternate route looks like. As you'll see, I was in my Subaru Outback...AWD or 4 WD is highly recommended. (Don't say I didn't warn you!)
The captions under the images tell the story...
Bixby Bridge from the Old Coast Road Bixby Bridge - Lovely in Black and White
You can see the road/entrance on the right.
The Little Sur River I set out with my dogs and Canon the day after our first
big storm of 2012. As you can see, trees were down,
but you can't stop a Subaru with a few sticks in the road.


After clearing the road, I came upon this
scenic view of Redwood trees about
a tenth of a mile later. Definitely
worth picking up a few sticks for. Right about midway, at the peak, the clearing
provides stunning panoramic views, and this
"Rock Pasture" in the midst. More of the "Rock Pasture" (my name for it!) Though it's definitely not the Bixby Bridge, it was
certainly worth stopping and capturing, especially
in black and white!
Also at the peak, I can rarely resist image capturing a fence.

While photographing the fence and other views,
I looked down to see where we were heading...Seriously?
Glad to be in my Subaru! As the road starts to come down the other
side into Big Sur, the views of the Pacific Ocean
and Highway 1 open up again. One last peak before descent.If you're already in Big Sur, you can take Old Coast Road north and just go up a few miles and see these last few views shown. From the Bixby Bridge end, it's quite a drive - about 10 miles of rough roads - through the redwoods and mountains. The experience is very unique compared to what most visitors do, but be sure you have the right kind of car and be ready to be jostled. The stunning views and poetic beauty is worth the trip.

© Heather Hummel
Copyright statement -All photographs are the copyright ownership of Heather Hummel. Any use beyond viewing them on this blog - that includes printing, distributing, selling, or any other use - is prohibited without written consent from Heather Hummel.

Got Peace? PRACTICING THE PRESENCE OF PEACE is FREE on Kindle for 2 days

"A 300 Year Old Spiritual Classic Gives  Birth to a Contemporary Masterpiece!"
"This gem of a book leaves you thinking  differently about how you look  at and live life. No matter one's faith  or ideology, there is something  for everybody in this book."
On Sunday 1/22 and Monday 1/23 
Bear Jack Gebhart's 
Practicing the Presence of Peace 
is FREE on Kindle. 
Can we experience the presence of peace every day, all day, while washing the dishes, feeding the cat, or riding the bus on the way to work? Can we experience this presence when the kids are fighting, the boss is frustrated and the stock market is in tatters? Bear Jack Gebhardt's book,  Practicing the Presence of Peace , says absolutely yes, and shows us how!

In the late 1600's a small book appeared, The Practice of the Presence of God, describing the daily spiritual practices of a humble monk named Brother Lawrence. That book, never out of print, evolved into a beloved classic and textbook for "contemplative spirituality." Now Practicing the Presence of Peace updates that beloved classic and shows how the simple practice of peace inevitably leads to:

Better health and physical healing
Happier family relationships
Profitable vocational advancement
The end of the agonizing search for "more."

Help Spread PEACE: Download your copy to Kindle on 1/22 or 1/23 and experience a whole new level of peace.

Know a smoker who has tried and tried to quit? Did they, or you, make a New Year's Resolution to quit and already it didn't work? Download Bear Jack Gebhardts' book How to Help Your Smoker Quit for free, too! Your Smoker (Secretly) Wants Your Help! This book teaches a simple, radically peaceful and non-threatening approach to helping your smoker quit. This book shows you what kind of help your smoker wants from you and, more importantly, what you need for yourself in order to better love your smoker better and inspire and support your smoker's quit attempts! Is this book a magic bullet or miracle cure for smoking? Sorry, no. (Nobody yet has such a cure.) But does this gentle approach actually work to help your smoker quit, much, much better than nagging, complaining, threatening or ignoring? Absolutely yes!
Gently bringing this same peace and freedom to your smoker, Bear Jack Gebhardt is known for his great success with helping people succeed in the "stop smoking game"! He is the author of four books, including the international classic, "The Enlightened Smokers Guide to Quitting" and most recently, "Practicing the Presence of Peace." He presented his cutting edge research at both the World Conference and the National Conference on Tobacco or Health.
"Bear is funny and bright and absolutely spot on. THIS BOOK COULD SAVE NOT ONLY YOUR SMOKER'S LIFE, BUT YOURS AND OTHERS! IF YOUR SMOKER SMOKED TODAY, BUY THIS BOOK TODAY!"

Jen Tucker Keeps You on the Seat of Your Panties: Review

REVIEW:
The Day I Wore My Panties Inside Out by Jen Tucker

Ride alongside Jen Tucker in her car. Pull up to her kitchen table for a chocolate chip cookie. Get ringside seats to her dogs' escapades. Experience her labor pains - emotional and physical. No matter the chapter, Jen Tucker delivers (no pun intended) a two day dose of reality as a mom, wife and career woman in this memoir of moments. Her use of humor and great sense of humility makes her an engaging author.

Even if you're not married or not a parent, Tucker's story will keep you reading and hoping her husband comes home from his trip overseas...and SOON! I look forward to reading anything Jen Tucker writes...for now I'll settle for her Tweets until her next book comes out.






Heather Hummel
Author, Write from the Heart and Whispers from the Heart

Valentine's Day Contest: Soul Mates and a $50 Amazon Gift Card

Valentine's Day means
Romance is in the air!
How would you spend $50 at Amazon?
Flowers? Chocolates? Romance Novels?
Share your soul mate story for
your chance to win!  Tell us about The One you can't live without, and YOU could win a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a "Kate and Leopold" DVD (Meg Ryan and Hugh Jackman)!
Want a second chance entry? Tell us about romance! Share where you and your honey went on your honeymoon or your most romantic trip.
This contest is presented by 
best selling authors
Heather Hummel & Van Heerling.
Happy Valentine's Day! 
  Post your comment(s) here (Heather Hummel's blog) before midnight February 13th and on Valentine's Day a random winner will be picked to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a "Kate and Leopold" DVD starring Meg Ryan and Hugh Jackman! Be sure to include your e-mail address in your comment.

Still want extra chances to win?
Like Heather's Facebook Fan Page www.Facebook.com/HeatherHummelFanPage
Like Van's Facebook Fan Page: www.facebook.com/VanHeerling
Follow us on Twitter @HeatherHummel @VanHeerling

ReTweet this post for additional entries and include @HeatherHummel or @VanHeerling (please abide by Twitters anti-spam rules and regulations).

Heather Hummel is the award winning, best selling author of the Journals from the Heart series, Whispers from the Heart and Write from the Heart as well as her nonfiction best seller GO BIKE & Other Signs from the Universe .

Van Heerling is the author of the best selling Malaika .

Visit Heather's website: www.HeatherHummel.net
Visit Van's website: www.VanHeerlingBooks.com


Must be 18 or older to win. No purchase necessary.  Void where prohibited.  Chances of winning may vary based on the number of entries received.  Winner must respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be chosen.  All rules and regulations are subject to change at any time without reason or notification. Entering this contest is an agreement to abide by all rules and regulations. Prizes are as stated. No substitutions or exchanges. All entrant information is strictly confidential and will not be sold or shared.  The contest ends at midnight on February 13th, 2012 PST, and the winner will be chosen by a random drawing on February 14th. Winner will be notified at that time.One Winner will receive a $50 USD Amazon GiftCard and a Kate and Leopold DVD. Mailing of the DVD is to US addresses only. Amazon Gift Card is in USD.

The Elusive Green Ray: A Magical Beginning to 2012

2012 is intended by many to be a magical year. So, it may be no coincidence that this image was captured on New Year's Day as it represents a number of themes, including endings, new beginnings, true love, and most of all, magical moments

When I saw the results of my capture, it instantly became my all-time favorite. What I didn't know, however, was about the elusive Green Ray seen in the sunset. Apparently what I have inadvertently captured with my Canon T3i is a rare phenomenon that many have set out to experience. I had no idea of this rare experience until people began responding to my photograph, staring this morning with a Flickr friend who posted this comment:

Atmospheric, romantic shot. You have captured the Green Ray! According to [author] Jules Verne, when one sees Le Rayon Vert at sunset - our own thoughts and those of others are revealed as if by magic.

Then another friend responded with:

The quote mentioning Jules Verne caught my attention. He wrote a book called "the Green Ray" which was actually a sappy romantic novel, but he was making an analogy between the rarity of true love and  what we call the green flash.  It is my favorite atmospheric phenomenon.



The Green Ray novel's summary:

The heroes are trying to observe the green ray in Scotland. After numerous unsuccessful tries caused by clouds or distant boat sails hiding the sun, the phenomenon is eventually visible, but the heroes, finding love in each other's eyes, don't pay attention to the horizon.

Response and an Artist's Impression:

The response to this photo has been overwhelming. I'm amazed at the number of people who have heard of the Green Ray (also known as Green Flash). I had a few people comment on the leaning horizon, saying that it should be flat. However, when I showed the picture to my cousin, world renowned artist Dick Crispo, he said:

1. The Green Ray is incredibly rare - he has painted it before, but has come up against many naysayers who claim it doesn't exist. He couldn't believe I happened to catch it in an image.

2. I asked him why all of my photos' horizons tend to lean left. He laughed and told me how he tells all of his students that the horizon leans left...go with it. (They often paint the ocean in his art classes here in Carmel.)

This magical image has made the beginning of 2012 a most remarkable one for me, and it's my New Years wish to everyone that 2012 is the most magical year yet! 

Ultimate Irony
The ultimate irony of this image, is that I was only able to capture one more after this one before the battery on my Canon died.

To view the image on Flickr click here.

***** 

Besides immersing herself in photography, Heather Hummel is a celebrity ghostwriter and an award-winning, best-selling author. Her published works include:
Journals from the Heart Series:
Whispers from the Heart (2011)
Write from the Heart (2011)
Nonfiction:
GO BIKE & Other Signs from the Universe (2011)
Gracefully: Looking and Being Your Best at Any Age (McGraw-Hill, 2008),
Essays:
Messages of Hope and Healing ( Sunpiper Media, 2006)
Blue Ridge Anthology (Cedar Creek, 2007) with David Baldacci and Rita Mae Brown
Awards:
2009 Mature Media Awards, Merit Award
2009 New York Book Festival, Honorable Mention  

What a Difference a Decade Makes: 10 Years Later in Publishing

There are times when the analytical side of this writer comes out, and tonight was one of them. In researching statistics on current publishing trends, I found a lot of data from 2002 - an entire decade ago. Some of the numbers are eye-opening, yet not surprising to those of us who have been following along.

Nowadays books are being written on iPads and uploaded to Amazon, making them for sale in a matter of moments. Yet, these statistics remind us where we were 10 years ago and of the amazing difference a decade can make in one industry:


2002: Online bookstores sold 10% of the books.
-- The Wall Street Journal, June 18, 2003

2002 gross sales:
Barnes &; Noble: $3.7 billion
Borders Group: $3.4 billion
Amazon: $2.0 billion
--Publishers weekly, April 7, 2003.

eBook sales increased 1,442% in January 2003 over January 2002.
--Publishers weekly, March 24, 2003.

Borders returns rates: 26.55% in 2002
-- Foner Books

2002: Borders opened 41 super stores for a total of 404.
Closed 53 Waldenbook stores and opened 4, leaving a total of 778.
8 new stores were opened overseas for a total of 30 super stores and 37 Books, Etc.
--Publishers weekly, March 17, 2003.


2002: $450 million was spent on general-interest books at big-box stores such as Wal-Mart. That figure is up 7.4% from 2000. Costco and other price clubs are taking market share from the bookstores.
--Ipsos Book Trends, reported in The Wall Street Journal, June 18, 2003

2002: Of the $23.7 billion spent on books, only $10.7 billion is spent in bookstores. The non-traditional outlets sell more books.
--Tami DePalma, Marketability.

These are the highlights, but you can read more statistics at Para Publishing

*****
Besides immersing herself in photography, Heather Hummel is a celebrity ghostwriter and an award-winning, best-selling author. Her published works include:
Journals from the Heart Series:
Whispers from the Heart (2011)
Write from the Heart (2011)
Nonfiction:
GO BIKE & Other Signs from the Universe (2011)
Gracefully: Looking and Being Your Best at Any Age (McGraw-Hill, 2008),
Essays:
Messages of Hope and Healing ( Sunpiper Media, 2006)
Blue Ridge Anthology (Cedar Creek, 2007) with David Baldacci and Rita Mae Brown
Awards:
2009 Mature Media Awards, Merit Award
2009 New York Book Festival, Honorable Mention

WRITE FROM THE HEART is FREE on Kindle New Years Weekend!

"WRITE FROM THE HEART takes readers on a powerful and captivating journey." #Review

New Years Weekend Special WRITE FROM THE HEART is FREE on Kindle Sat 12/31 and Sun 1/1! Happy New Year!
 Journals are a woman's best friend...
When Samantha Sounder quits her office manager job the day after yet another boyfriend breaks up with her, the emotional havoc of these two events launches the beginning of her new life.
Samantha dives into therapy with Ragnar Axel, a traditional therapist who explores her failed relationships and sends her on a wild goose chase through her old journals to rediscover herself.
Despite the unsettling reactions of her best friend, Amanda, and Ragnar, Samantha decides to walk away from the corporate world and follow her dream as a novelist. She sets out to craft her first novel, Winter's Truth. Hesitantly, she accepts the unexpected guidance from Craig, an unlikely man she meets at the coffee shop.
Along her journey, Samantha picks up a new journal and titles it her "Positive Journal," declaring to only write positive thoughts in it. Samantha's life transforms from one of despair and loss to hope and faith as she navigates through new territory and explores the possibility of finding love over lattes.

 Amazon Kindle