Linda Armstrong's Blog, page 2
December 2, 2021
Why do you Read?
I once talked with a woman who read lots of books. I saw her regularly with her favorite genre of fiction, and one day I told her that she might want to think of writing her own book.
“Oh, no!” she exclaimed. “I couldn’t do that!”
And why not, I wondered. She knew what she liked, she had read at least a thousand books, could tell you how the plot progressed, who the bad guys were, who the good guys were, what hooked her into the book.
Why is it so difficult to write that book? It really isn’t. That is to say, it’s not difficult, it is just TERRIFYING! To tell someone that you’ve written a book is to open yourself up to the congratulations of the person you’re talking with. Followed by, “I want to read it!”
And if that person actually reads what you’ve read, you remain in terror all the while they read. You scrutinize their looks, their demeanor, and what does it mean when they start avoiding you? What does it mean when they tell you, “That’s interesting.”
No, writing isn’t difficult. Opening yourself up to the vulnerability could be called an extreme social experiment. No one wants to do that. It is like revealing your inner self to someone, and what happens when they look into that beautiful mess that we each are?
I admire people who write books and put them out there. There have been books that I have loved, some that I have not loved as much, but I have been grateful to be able to read from multiple points of view. Each one of them enhances my own.
May you be open to your vulnerabilities. They might give you strength.
“Oh, no!” she exclaimed. “I couldn’t do that!”
And why not, I wondered. She knew what she liked, she had read at least a thousand books, could tell you how the plot progressed, who the bad guys were, who the good guys were, what hooked her into the book.
Why is it so difficult to write that book? It really isn’t. That is to say, it’s not difficult, it is just TERRIFYING! To tell someone that you’ve written a book is to open yourself up to the congratulations of the person you’re talking with. Followed by, “I want to read it!”
And if that person actually reads what you’ve read, you remain in terror all the while they read. You scrutinize their looks, their demeanor, and what does it mean when they start avoiding you? What does it mean when they tell you, “That’s interesting.”
No, writing isn’t difficult. Opening yourself up to the vulnerability could be called an extreme social experiment. No one wants to do that. It is like revealing your inner self to someone, and what happens when they look into that beautiful mess that we each are?
I admire people who write books and put them out there. There have been books that I have loved, some that I have not loved as much, but I have been grateful to be able to read from multiple points of view. Each one of them enhances my own.
May you be open to your vulnerabilities. They might give you strength.
September 19, 2021
Life Upgraded
If I gave you a high-end laptop computer with all the latest tech to help improve your life, would you use it as a doorstop?
I don’t think so. But if you did, it would probably be because you didn’t know what it was capable of.
We are like that. We are surrounded every day with items that are capable of being programmed to help improve our lives. Yet we use them as doorstops and paperweights.
Take a few seconds to program that shirt you are going to wear today. Have it hold the frequency of confidence, success, harmony, peace, love and justice. Whatever you think would be best for the day. You can check the efficacy of this procedure with a pendulum or some muscle testing if you like. It works.
Program your dishes, your favorite chair, your desk. Program your pillow to give you the sweetest dreams and help you to remember them. Program your car keys to unlock the secrets of adventures everywhere you go. Program your car to keep you and others safe.
It might take a while to get used to doing this. Think if it as a habit. Most habits are ingrained processes after 21 days, so make yourself a challenge to program the things you interact with the most during that time.
For me included, it’s time to pick up that paperweight and put it to better use.
I don’t think so. But if you did, it would probably be because you didn’t know what it was capable of.
We are like that. We are surrounded every day with items that are capable of being programmed to help improve our lives. Yet we use them as doorstops and paperweights.
Take a few seconds to program that shirt you are going to wear today. Have it hold the frequency of confidence, success, harmony, peace, love and justice. Whatever you think would be best for the day. You can check the efficacy of this procedure with a pendulum or some muscle testing if you like. It works.
Program your dishes, your favorite chair, your desk. Program your pillow to give you the sweetest dreams and help you to remember them. Program your car keys to unlock the secrets of adventures everywhere you go. Program your car to keep you and others safe.
It might take a while to get used to doing this. Think if it as a habit. Most habits are ingrained processes after 21 days, so make yourself a challenge to program the things you interact with the most during that time.
For me included, it’s time to pick up that paperweight and put it to better use.
September 13, 2021
What IF I Became a Thief…
I have thought about it. Giving up all my values and rules for life and becoming a thief. Imagine it, me, out there among the people. I corner someone and at the point of my water pistol and the looming threat of becoming moist, I shout:
“GIVE ME ALL YOUR DISEASES!”
That’s right. I’d demand all cancers, heart problems, arthritis, syndromes, disorders, and especially manmade viruses. I’d especially corner those people who wear those facial de-indiviualization units.
If I take all that people hold dear like that, all that they cling to for dear life (ironic, isn’t it?), what would happen? What would people do if they were left with only their bare-naked health?
Believe me, I've thought about it more than a few times.
“GIVE ME ALL YOUR DISEASES!”
That’s right. I’d demand all cancers, heart problems, arthritis, syndromes, disorders, and especially manmade viruses. I’d especially corner those people who wear those facial de-indiviualization units.
If I take all that people hold dear like that, all that they cling to for dear life (ironic, isn’t it?), what would happen? What would people do if they were left with only their bare-naked health?
Believe me, I've thought about it more than a few times.
December 2, 2020
Word Crafting
Have you ever wondered about the order we put words into while communicating? What makes one descriptive word come before another one? For example, the big red house is what most people would say if they are discussing a mansion that is red. If you were to say the red big house, you might be speaking about the prison that is red.
Some people say it is just something that one learns while learning the language. It definitely isn't something that is taught in school. You might diagram sentences or conjugate verbs, but no one ever talks about the proper order of adjectives in a sentence.
This is just a topic that I came across a while back. I didn't even realize that I had been doing this my whole life, but now that I'm aware of it, I often ponder about how we ever decided which one of these descriptors come first. I would dare say that it grew over time and as the culture shaped itself around the words it uses.
I don't think it is something that one needs to worry about, however. In fact, it probably isn't even a hairy, big, fat deal.
Some people say it is just something that one learns while learning the language. It definitely isn't something that is taught in school. You might diagram sentences or conjugate verbs, but no one ever talks about the proper order of adjectives in a sentence.
This is just a topic that I came across a while back. I didn't even realize that I had been doing this my whole life, but now that I'm aware of it, I often ponder about how we ever decided which one of these descriptors come first. I would dare say that it grew over time and as the culture shaped itself around the words it uses.
I don't think it is something that one needs to worry about, however. In fact, it probably isn't even a hairy, big, fat deal.
November 6, 2020
Non-Fiction Fiction
I love the reviews (and the reviewers!) I find for my books. They are somewhat whacky, and loveable!
When someone makes a comment that something in my stories is 'not believable' I wonder. Did that person miss the fact that the book is in the fiction category?
I know we all do that, expect fiction to conform to real life. At least, I know my husband does it. When we watch a movie, he's always quick to tell me how wrong they got the details on the guns, the bullets, the cars, trucks, trains and planes!
A little blurring of categories is not a bad thing. I might every once in a while throw in an actually true fact into my fiction!
If you happen to be one of those people who have reviewed my books, Thank You! regardless of the outcome, Thank you! I appreciate it!
When someone makes a comment that something in my stories is 'not believable' I wonder. Did that person miss the fact that the book is in the fiction category?
I know we all do that, expect fiction to conform to real life. At least, I know my husband does it. When we watch a movie, he's always quick to tell me how wrong they got the details on the guns, the bullets, the cars, trucks, trains and planes!
A little blurring of categories is not a bad thing. I might every once in a while throw in an actually true fact into my fiction!
If you happen to be one of those people who have reviewed my books, Thank You! regardless of the outcome, Thank you! I appreciate it!
October 19, 2020
How to Meditate
Some people say that meditating is all about emptying your mind, having no thoughts in the moment.
I've found that sometimes the best way to do that is to sit in front of a writing instrument, computer, paper, etc., and try to write the great American novel.
It instantly empties your mind of ALL thought! How miraculous is that?
I jest, of course. There are writers who write constantly, and there are those who only write sometimes. But there is nothing quite like having someone expect you to write something profound and you've just come out of a grocery store and you're full of all the gossip journals that stare you in the face as you wait in line. Ok, so maybe there is something profound to be found in all the mess that's out there.
There are many ways of writing as there are many ways of meditating. Any of them can be extremely useful in a quest for a fulfilled life of meaning and wonder. Enjoy your day!
I've found that sometimes the best way to do that is to sit in front of a writing instrument, computer, paper, etc., and try to write the great American novel.
It instantly empties your mind of ALL thought! How miraculous is that?
I jest, of course. There are writers who write constantly, and there are those who only write sometimes. But there is nothing quite like having someone expect you to write something profound and you've just come out of a grocery store and you're full of all the gossip journals that stare you in the face as you wait in line. Ok, so maybe there is something profound to be found in all the mess that's out there.
There are many ways of writing as there are many ways of meditating. Any of them can be extremely useful in a quest for a fulfilled life of meaning and wonder. Enjoy your day!
October 1, 2020
Trees, Part Two
Trees are wonderful conversationalists. They have stood for years in scorching sun, blasting winds, storms, lightenings, and drinking in the energy of the sun, the moon and the stars. They are the epitome of endurance.
They have patience, understanding and deep wisdom. They convey volumes of information without being overbearing, a trait that is sometimes not easily obtained by mortals, softened as they are by cushy beds, regulated atmospheres and egocentric habits.
Talking to trees is highly therapeutic. When was the last time you said that about another person? And trees are always readily available for questions or comments. They are always ready to listen, lend an ear or share some amazing energy with you.
I highly recommend talking with trees!
They have patience, understanding and deep wisdom. They convey volumes of information without being overbearing, a trait that is sometimes not easily obtained by mortals, softened as they are by cushy beds, regulated atmospheres and egocentric habits.
Talking to trees is highly therapeutic. When was the last time you said that about another person? And trees are always readily available for questions or comments. They are always ready to listen, lend an ear or share some amazing energy with you.
I highly recommend talking with trees!
September 14, 2020
The Trees that Talk
One day I went out walking and a tree told me his name. I'm quite sure that it was only a human equivalent of a more difficult to pronounce tree-language name. But that is how it got started. I have quite a few new friends now, because more and more trees began to tell me their names.
Then they started talking about other things. Life, friends, what it's like to have thick skin...that kind of thing. It was amazing when that started happening. And I definitely started listening more. Trees are known in the healing kingdom as the masters of healing. I can see why. They span the expanse between heaven and earth with their 'feet' in the ground and their arms raised gracefully skyward. Even in winter, when some of them are naked, they feel the dance of the seasons and rejoice.
When I was a teenager, I heard a quote that I have remembered ever since. 'We are surrounded by marvels that only ask to be discovered.'
When I started to give the trees around me more attention, they reciprocated. They impart their humor, wisdom and loving energy to me. That's there for anyone who chooses to discover also, the wonders surrounding us.
Tired of people? Don't have a dog? Find a tree!!! You can't ever say you don't have a friend, or many, for that matter, when you are able to talk to the trees. Just don't tell anyone. They might think you're nuts.
Then they started talking about other things. Life, friends, what it's like to have thick skin...that kind of thing. It was amazing when that started happening. And I definitely started listening more. Trees are known in the healing kingdom as the masters of healing. I can see why. They span the expanse between heaven and earth with their 'feet' in the ground and their arms raised gracefully skyward. Even in winter, when some of them are naked, they feel the dance of the seasons and rejoice.
When I was a teenager, I heard a quote that I have remembered ever since. 'We are surrounded by marvels that only ask to be discovered.'
When I started to give the trees around me more attention, they reciprocated. They impart their humor, wisdom and loving energy to me. That's there for anyone who chooses to discover also, the wonders surrounding us.
Tired of people? Don't have a dog? Find a tree!!! You can't ever say you don't have a friend, or many, for that matter, when you are able to talk to the trees. Just don't tell anyone. They might think you're nuts.
August 29, 2020
The Villain, Good Guy or Bad Guy?
Most people don't have such arch-enemies as are found in thriller/mystery stories, thank goodness! Can you imagine what your worldview would be like if you had seen as many murders as Hercule Poirot, Jessica Fletcher from Murder She Wrote, or any of the other detective stories that seem like people are dying every day right in your own backyard?
I almost think that it might be dangerous to even know someone like that, you would have a high rate of probability of being a victim yourself!What purpose does the villain serve? And better question, what are your thoughts about the villain? Does he have to die in the fiery confrontation? Or does he get to live out his days trying to think of ways to escape prison? Or is he able to just vanish from the area to continue serving the purpose of the villain?
These questions were brought to my attention by a reader. I was told in no uncertain terms that the villain HAD TO DIE! And that I, as the author, had a duty to make sure that happened.
Ah, to suppose that just because I am the author that I have control of the outcome like that. The characters themselves tell me their story, I am merely the scribe. I'm not going to tell you if the villain dies or not, that would be a spoiler alert. But I did want to bring the questions to you so you could think about them.
Does it serve justice to have the villain die? And what about that theory that nature abhors a vacuum. If we get rid of the villain, won't another one just come along? And who is to say if we like that villain any better? Maybe this next villain is worse? How was the first villain in holding the space that held off the other villain from manifesting his evil deed?
The questions this reader ignited in me. In the end, it all comes down to a personal judgement call. And maybe a personal preference. If nature abhors a vacuum so much, why wouldn't it also abhor a villain? And take care of the villain itself? The questions could come like this for a long time.
Villains are necessary in life, and just because you take one away doesn't mean that they are all gone.
Although I hope that all of my readers have petty villains they deal with, instead of those that we wish the worst kind of literary ending.
We live in a dualistic world. Villain, good guy, they are opposite sides of the same coin. You can't get rid of one without getting rid of the other. At least that is my opinion! Let me know your opinion in the comments below! Be well!
I almost think that it might be dangerous to even know someone like that, you would have a high rate of probability of being a victim yourself!What purpose does the villain serve? And better question, what are your thoughts about the villain? Does he have to die in the fiery confrontation? Or does he get to live out his days trying to think of ways to escape prison? Or is he able to just vanish from the area to continue serving the purpose of the villain?
These questions were brought to my attention by a reader. I was told in no uncertain terms that the villain HAD TO DIE! And that I, as the author, had a duty to make sure that happened.
Ah, to suppose that just because I am the author that I have control of the outcome like that. The characters themselves tell me their story, I am merely the scribe. I'm not going to tell you if the villain dies or not, that would be a spoiler alert. But I did want to bring the questions to you so you could think about them.
Does it serve justice to have the villain die? And what about that theory that nature abhors a vacuum. If we get rid of the villain, won't another one just come along? And who is to say if we like that villain any better? Maybe this next villain is worse? How was the first villain in holding the space that held off the other villain from manifesting his evil deed?
The questions this reader ignited in me. In the end, it all comes down to a personal judgement call. And maybe a personal preference. If nature abhors a vacuum so much, why wouldn't it also abhor a villain? And take care of the villain itself? The questions could come like this for a long time.
Villains are necessary in life, and just because you take one away doesn't mean that they are all gone.
Although I hope that all of my readers have petty villains they deal with, instead of those that we wish the worst kind of literary ending.
We live in a dualistic world. Villain, good guy, they are opposite sides of the same coin. You can't get rid of one without getting rid of the other. At least that is my opinion! Let me know your opinion in the comments below! Be well!
August 24, 2020
Everyday Magic You Can Do in 15 Seconds!
The books I like to read are the ones that give me something. Sometimes it is a good feeling, sometimes it is a thought I hadn't come up with before, sometimes it is a piece of information that can change my life.
I like to hope that all my books do that in one form or another, and hopefully my blog posts do too. In that spirit, I'm offering the information of that ages-old Tibetan hand position that will change (or charge) liquids for you.
The best thing to use is a glass of regular tap water to begin with. Drink a small sample so you can tell if there is any difference after you position your hands around it. I find that a large percentage of people can tell the difference and get excited at the possibilities they see from that point on.
Next, place your hands around this glass in the following way: the right hand with knuckles to the table, middle, ring and pinky fingers curled up with the thumb on top of them, the pointer finger stretched out, pointing in front of you.
The left hand has all five fingers together, thumb extended at a 90 degree angle. The hand is placed karate-chop style on the table on the other side of the glass. (Later on, you can rotate hands depending on where the water, juice, etc. is located, this is for learning purposes to get you started.)
Now, with hands on either side of the glass, hold that hand position for about 15 seconds. Then taste the water. Is it different? What has changed? If you don't notice anything different, you can try it again or get another glass of tap water that you haven't charged to continue to taste the difference.
You can use this for most things that are liquid. I use it on my favorite smoothie, banana and grapefruit. Sometimes the grapefruit is just a bit too ... edgey? Bitter? I don't know, but I don't like it, so I hold the hand position for about 15 seconds and it turns into something much more palatable. Sometimes I do it a couple or three times, because it changes, for me at least, each time and I just keep going until I get it to where I like it.
Feel free to experiment with this. For those of you who drink wine, go ahead and see if you can change an inexpensive bottle into something that your friends don't recognize. Use it for tea, coffee, soup, etc. I haven't tried it on solid foods, but maybe now I will.
This hand position conjure up images of witches and spells, and it is something that I find totally fascinating that it has immediate results. For most people, that is. If someone tells me they can't tell the difference, it makes me wonder if they just aren't used to comparisons like that, because what you are doing is passing your own energy through the liquid, and whether or not you can tell the difference, something has, indeed, happened.
Let me know in the comments how this worked for you! I'd love to get some more independent research results for this!
I like to hope that all my books do that in one form or another, and hopefully my blog posts do too. In that spirit, I'm offering the information of that ages-old Tibetan hand position that will change (or charge) liquids for you.
The best thing to use is a glass of regular tap water to begin with. Drink a small sample so you can tell if there is any difference after you position your hands around it. I find that a large percentage of people can tell the difference and get excited at the possibilities they see from that point on.
Next, place your hands around this glass in the following way: the right hand with knuckles to the table, middle, ring and pinky fingers curled up with the thumb on top of them, the pointer finger stretched out, pointing in front of you.
The left hand has all five fingers together, thumb extended at a 90 degree angle. The hand is placed karate-chop style on the table on the other side of the glass. (Later on, you can rotate hands depending on where the water, juice, etc. is located, this is for learning purposes to get you started.)
Now, with hands on either side of the glass, hold that hand position for about 15 seconds. Then taste the water. Is it different? What has changed? If you don't notice anything different, you can try it again or get another glass of tap water that you haven't charged to continue to taste the difference.
You can use this for most things that are liquid. I use it on my favorite smoothie, banana and grapefruit. Sometimes the grapefruit is just a bit too ... edgey? Bitter? I don't know, but I don't like it, so I hold the hand position for about 15 seconds and it turns into something much more palatable. Sometimes I do it a couple or three times, because it changes, for me at least, each time and I just keep going until I get it to where I like it.
Feel free to experiment with this. For those of you who drink wine, go ahead and see if you can change an inexpensive bottle into something that your friends don't recognize. Use it for tea, coffee, soup, etc. I haven't tried it on solid foods, but maybe now I will.
This hand position conjure up images of witches and spells, and it is something that I find totally fascinating that it has immediate results. For most people, that is. If someone tells me they can't tell the difference, it makes me wonder if they just aren't used to comparisons like that, because what you are doing is passing your own energy through the liquid, and whether or not you can tell the difference, something has, indeed, happened.
Let me know in the comments how this worked for you! I'd love to get some more independent research results for this!
