Eve Gaal's Blog, page 27

My Opinion: 5 Blogging Rules

Every once in awhile, I’ll read some article about how to blog or how to never blog or things you should blog about and things you should never blog about and all this nebulous stuff which drives me crazy. Then I notice they have a big gold medal stuck on their blog as if they were the queen or king of bloggers from blog heaven and they know more about blogging than any normal human on the face of the planet, simply because they've been blogging since Lincoln was the President of the United States. Lincoln--An advocate of freedom and thus
blogging from the heart!
Here’s My Take on Their Rules:5 Cardinal Rules of Blogging OneIf you want something published someday then don’t put it on your blog because then it has been published and your future publisher won’t think it’s unique and he might also think you’re stupid for breaking this cardinal rule. Duh. Who is their reading audience-let me guess—idiots? Every writer knows that once it’s posted on a blog, it’s published. That’s one of the reasons we blog to provide the world with ORIGINAL content. None of my friends are senseless enough not to know this but it keeps coming up in the blogosphere.TwoDon’t bad mouth agents on your blog. NO KIDDING!! Agents? How about ‘don’t bad mouth’ ANYONE in the universe? Sheesh. While I realize agents are special and deserve special treatment they are humans who need to be regular too. Yes, many of them probably take Metamucil too.Three    Offer a reason for others to visit your blog. This is good advice! Hopefully my blog’s merit stands on its delicate entertainment value because I can’t offer much more. When I offer writing advice, you should always take it with a grain of salt because there are much better writers in the world with advanced degrees in subordinate and insubordinate clauses. That being said, my creative overuse of adverbs and other verboten stuff is all from the heart.FourBuild a platform. Oh, here’s one that I have truly screwed up. BIG TIME!! First of all, you’re supposed to reply to all the comments which I enjoy doing through email but not everyone has the same system so I should reply after each comment. Whoops. Then after building that platform one scaffold at a time by entering blog runs, hops and gaining popularity with readers clamoring for more of my silly poems, photos and retro perspectives on nature, God and book reviews, I committed the worse sin of all by changing the name of my blog.(My blog used to be called The Desert Rocks dot blogspot.com) 10,000 views a month shriveled like an impotent prune. Not to worry, because with your help my dear patient followers, I’m determined to regain that standard and more!Five
Lastly, don’t have more than one blog because it’s very confusing and time consuming for your followers. Help your followers find you. If they can’t figure it out or are lost in a quagmire of posts from strangers, they might give up and go somewhere else. Yikes . Don’t worry, I'm happy to have strangers visit anytime. Anyway, according to the blog-gods, I did this correctly. I have one blog and it’s http://evegaal.blogspot.com. Sure, it’s titled Intangible Hearts because my blog is filled with my sensitivity handed to you in intangible chunks. 

Join Me At My New Blog!

Happy New Year Friends!

My new blog is called Intangible Hearts and all you have to do is click here: Intangible Hearts
Still fun, sometimes funny: poems, puppies, stories, recipes and life straight from the heart!

A Poem and Goodbye for Now

Changing Perspectives

The perfect view changes Minute by minute due to positions of the sun—There will be prettier views,Nicer days,Better pictures,Perhaps even a more attractive spouse? Never say never? 
Cuter dogs...you can’t imagine.Adorable cats-fluffier-friendlier?
Well?I liked his profile when he grinned---His nose—I mean come on, you have to admit it’s a remarkable nose.And you?Bumped into her last week but she changed her hair.Almost didn't recognize her with the pinkish hairBut it actually looks nice.Used to have blonde streaks.
Lovelier features...a tighter embrace...a deeper kiss.Impossible?But back to the view.......and the greener grass....Is it? Can it be? One day in the future...Though we don’t stop searching,We might stop climbing.Instead of exhausting ourselves--Perusing,Massively clicking, tagging, marking, snipping and saving.One breezy day,Out of the blue....When the bird’s nest is gone and you wonder why contentment is so hard.The divine will come to you. All three of these photos are of the same Santa Rosa mountains, during different seasons.

by Eve Gaal
The Desert Rocks will be renamed and a new blog will begin in the New Year. Sorry, but I don't know the name of it yet. (Don't worry, I'm happily married and love my handsome husband.)Until next time, I wish you comfort, joy and the type of love that can feel beyond daily misunderstandings, pain or mood swings. Your heart knows....Listen. Forgive. Repeat. 
                                                     Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays

Patience Required

For Sale?Small, sneaky dog responds to nothing. Acts spoiled and lazy and won’t go outside. Eats and lounges all day when not causing trouble. Owner needs to re-grout floor and throw out all rugs. Other owner has hands off attitude and is in peacekeeping talks with neighbors. Her name is Fiona and she can hear perfectly but doesn't want anyone to know it. Applications for ownership being sought but must be very, very patient. A saint or a sucker will work fine but soccer moms will not be considered.

JUST KIDDING!!
We love our naughty little girl!

A Holiday Recipe!

One of my favorite holiday side dishes and MUCH, MUCHtastier than green bean casserole is this recipe for Asparagus Casserole. I usually prepare it in a loaf pan and it’s always a smashing success because it’s easy to make and delicious too. 
3 cans of asparagus-tips or spears. Fresh wouldn’t work for this unless you boil all the nutrients out and make the asparagus extremely soft. 1 can of low-sodium mushroom soup½ cup sliced almonds1 cup grated cheddar or your favorite cheese.
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Drain the asparagus and put it in your baking dish. Add the soup and almonds and blend it together. Sprinkle the cheese on top and bake for 30 minutes. Seriously gooey and yummy--if I had a photo it would win a prize for getting pinned all over the place.

So now that I've saved you some time--go make some happy, holiday memories.

Alien Fashion Clues Point to Southern Europe

New on the Catwalk 
While flipping through some pricey holiday catalogs, I came across a typical space suit cleverly marketed as a sleep-aid. Under the slyly written ad-copy, it also said the product is from Spain. This made my mind connect the not-so-obvious-points, spelling out a fashion conspiracy originating in the land of the Pyrenees. Perhaps the aliens landed in Spain—think about it-- why would Queen Isabella send an Italian to do the dirty work? Way before Gucci, Armani and even Versace, there were plenty of snazzy Spanish explorers searching for American style.
Example of a very stylish explorer. For those who can’t tell Oscar de la Renta from Oscar de la Hoya I've made some logical connections showing how integrated aliens picked up marketing tactics through the internet and are making a fortune selling the—whatever it  is--off their own backs!
Columbus is only the first clue but what about the running of those blood-starved bulls in Pamplona? Everyone wears cute red kerchiefs around their neck while in awe of the toreador. Now there’s a suspicious fashion statement: tight, pastel satin pants and a matching jacket embellished with gold cords and a cape. The cheering crowd goes wild... Does this mean centuries of interplanetary test marketing on a country full of kind, friendly, perhaps naive people?

 Need more evidence of unearthly activity? Spain is the same country that invented the highly unusual Farthingale. Do you realize women wore the farthingale so that the fabric could drape over their derriere but there are no actual paintings or diagrams showing the actual object so we don’t really know what they had under there....In other words, there’s something sneaky going on and it may have to do with extraterrestrials taking over the land of Nadal, Sherry wine and my favorite Manchego cheese. Obviously designed by a guy with a swelled head, this contraption looks like it would cause claustrophobic nightmares and scare the dickens out of onlookers. Isn't it hot in that part of Europe? Ack. Running from the bulls is great practice however, because once the beings return you can blend in and for a mere hundred, even dress like them. The Power-Nap Head Pillow
What do you think? Has Spanish style been conquered by outer space? Are we next? 

An Interview

                               This is the same posting I had earlier without the time-related information.        
        




Earlier this year someone wrote me an email and asked for an interview about my book, Penniless Hearts. Thought this would be a great time to share those answers.

Where do you call home and what do you love most about that place? I live in the California desert. The warm breezes can be intoxicating and I love swimming!
What or who inspired you to write your first title?My dad always encouraged me to write and I've been writing since I was a young girl. My novel was inspired by my honeymoon and wedding in Hawaii.
What books have most influenced your life?Sounds funny but I've always loved books that take the main character on a journey. It can be a physical journey or just a journey of the heart. Honestly, the books with the greatest influence were probably fairy tales.

Can you give us an idea of what your “writing space” is like? Cluttered and creative are two words that immediately come to mind. I have two actual writing spaces—the first one is a large desk next to a window where I access the internet. My actual writing desk and office is a walk in closet I call ‘The Desert Rocks Creative Department.’ 
What inspired you to write Penniless Hearts?Penniless Hearts is the novel I had to write because of my experience in the newspaper business. It’s a journey of love and a catharsis for my characters. They have to figure out why things happen and why pain can lead to joy. In fact, I’ve also been inspired by the Biblical conversion of Paul and the The Prophet by Khalil Gibran. I’ve always loved stories that take someone on a journey of introspection. Alice through the Looking Glass, for example, Dorothy on her way to Oz or the shepherd boy in The Alchemist .  Famous poets and writers have left imprints on my heart and make me want to share the insight I grasp in their words. Plus, I love beautiful beaches like the ones in Penniless Hearts.
Where did the idea come from?I worked for thirty years in the newspaper business and mistakenly believed it was the business of communication—but—the same lack of corporate communication which made me laugh at first—later made me scream. The only option was to step away and write about it.
Who is your favorite character in your latest publication and why?Penny is my favorite character. She’s the sensitive, loving and imaginative, brave woman I wish I could be. I also like The Fist because I can almost envision Joe Pesci.
If your publication was made into a movie, what actors would you like to see playing your characters? I see Jason Lee as John for some reason and Matthew  McConaughey as the pilot. Penny has to be tough and cute at the same time. Maybe Amy Adams or Zooey Deschanel.
Which of your characters is most like you (if any)?
Yikes, I was afraid of this question. I’d have to say Tina but I’m working on being more like Penny.

Join Me: Clear Water Event in Palm Desert

            Relax, read a book, save the ocean and look beautiful too!










Protecting Oceans, Waves and Beaches since 1984

www.surfrider.org

























An afternoon at  El Paseo Aveda Experience Center benefiting Surfrider Foundation. Complimentary treats and rituals of relaxation. Mini facials, hair touch ups, makeup applications and raffles. All proceeds going straight to Surfrider Foundation to help protect oceans, waves and beaches.

Local author Eve Gaal will be doing readings from her book, Penniless Hearts. 

Gifts with all book and product purchases.

Call to reserve your mini appointment, or just stop by between 2-5.













Earlier this year someone wrote me an email and asked for an interview about my book, Penniless Hearts. Thought this would be a great time to share those answers.







Where do you call home and what do you love
most about that place?

I live in the
California desert. The warm breezes can be intoxicating and I love swimming!




What or who inspired you to write your first
title?

My dad always
encouraged me to write and I've been writing since I was a young girl. My novel
was inspired by my honeymoon and wedding in Hawaii.




What books have most
influenced your life?

Sounds
funny but I've always loved books that take the main character on a journey. It
can be a physical journey or just a journey of the heart. Honestly, the books
with the greatest influence were probably fairy tales.







Can you give us an idea of
what your “writing space” is like?

Cluttered
and creative are two words that immediately come to mind. I have two actual
writing spaces—the first one is a large desk next to a window where I access
the internet. My actual writing desk and office is a walk in closet I call ‘The Desert Rocks
Creative Department.’ 




What inspired you to write Penniless Hearts?

Penniless Hearts is
the novel I had to write because of my experience in the newspaper business.
It’s a journey of love and a catharsis for my characters. They have to figure
out why things happen and why pain can lead to joy. In fact, I’ve also been
inspired by the Biblical conversion of Paul and the The Prophet by
Khalil Gibran. I’ve always loved stories that take someone on a journey of
introspection. Alice through the Looking Glass, for example, Dorothy on her way
to Oz or the shepherd boy in The Alchemist .  

Famous poets and
writers have left imprints on my heart and make me want to share the insight I grasp in their words. Plus, I love beautiful beaches like the ones in Penniless Hearts.




Where did the idea come from?

I worked for thirty
years in the newspaper business and mistakenly believed it was the business of
communication—but—the same lack of corporate communication which made me laugh
at first—later made me scream. The only option was to step away and write about
it.




Who is your favorite character in your latest
publication and why?

Penny is my favorite
character. She’s the sensitive, loving and imaginative, brave woman I wish I
could be. I also like The Fist because I can almost envision Joe Pesci.




If your publication was made
into a movie, what actors would you like to see

playing your
characters? 

I see
Jason Lee as John for some reason and Matthew 
McConaughey as the pilot. Penny has to be tough and cute at the same
time. Maybe Amy Adams or Zooey Deschanel.




Which of your characters is
most like you (if any)?



Yikes,
I was afraid of this question. I’d have to say Tina but I’m working on being
more like Penny.







Want more??? How about coming to The Aveda Experience Center on El Paseo in Palm Desert, Saturday November 16th where I'll be signing books and reading passages from Penniless Hearts. Sounds like a fabulous way to start on holiday gifts too!

Featuring Heart Lands Makeup in honor of Penniless Hearts

There will be music, snacks and gifts with purchases. PLUS I will be donating one dollar from every purchase to The Surfrider Foundation.

Hope to see you there!

How Do You Read?

Couldn't resist sharing this short film I found on YouTube....

Jay's Cover Reveal

Let us put our hands together and give a round of applause for my blogging friend Jay Noel and his debut novel Dragonfly Warrior. Take a peak at the blurb and the amazingly creative cover because this looks like a book we will all want to read!




The Mechanica Wars: Savage Machines Are Afoot...




At the age of twenty, Kanze Zenjiro's bloody footprints mark the bodies of those who stood in his way to protect the throne of Nihon. Now, the tyrannical Iberian Empire is bent on destroying his kingdom, and they send their steam-powered giants and iron spiders against him.
Zen embarks on a quest that takes him on the most dangerous journey of his life. To succeed, Zen must live up to his nickname, the  Dragonfly Warrior , and kill all his enemies with only a sword and a pair of six-guns. He is called upon to somehow survive a test of faith and loyalty in a world so cruel and merciless, it borders on madness.






Book Information: Dragonfly Warrior is a steampunk adventure like no other. It's a dynamic mix of Asian and European mythology, the Wild West, martial arts, traditional fantasy, and high powered steam action that will keep you turning the pages.

Dragonfly Warrior is the first book of The Mechanica Wars, and will debut on January 6, 2014.




Author Bio:

After doing some freelance writing and editing for more than a dozen years, Jay decided to stop procrastinating and pursue his dream of being a novelist. He's been blogging for over eight years, and even had a comedy podcast syndicated all over the internet. All of that was fun, but all the steampunk-inspired stories in his head just wouldn't leave him alone. Jay spends his days working in medical sales, but he can be found toiling over his laptop late at night when all is quiet.

He draws inspiration from all over: H.G. Wells, Jules Verne, Shakespeare, Ray Bradbury, Douglas Adams, and Isaac Asimov.



And Jay loves cookies.




Jay Noel's website: www.jaynoel.com

Facebook

Twitter