G.G. Collins's Blog, page 22
February 11, 2013
Yoga: It Does a Body Good
To me, yoga can prevent or heal almost anything. It relaxes me, strengthens my muscles, builds bone, and keeps me flexible. If I’m anxious, the concentration needed to do the poses, helps me forget my troubles, and makes them easier to bear long after class is over.
Yes, of course that is an overstatement. You can also get hurt—as with any new exercise—but I’ve never experienced an injury doing yoga. The key is to compete only with your self. And remember, we call it a practice because we can never become perfect. As with any exercise, run it by your doctor before doing that first Downward Dog.
Yoga for Beginners with Patricia Walden
There are two ways to get started: take a class in person or use a DVD or book. I’ve done both. If you want the in-person experience, ask about the instructor. What kind of training has he had? What type of yoga does she teach? Any certifications? Talk to your friends and see if they can recommend a teacher they like?
There are several yoga DVDs I like. Patricia Walden’s “Yoga for Beginners” is excellent. Walden takes her time and allows you to try on the pose. She doesn’t hurry you. This DVD is one of the best beginner classes I’ve found for those who prefer to learn at home. Once you’ve got the basic postures down, Rod Stryker’s “Longevity” (also called “Peak Performance”) is an excellent overall body yoga workout. It has two sections, the first being somewhat challenging, the second is relaxing with a wonderful meditation. If you’ve never done any meditating, this is a great, and moving, introduction.
Yoga Longevity with Rod Stryker
I’ve had very good luck with Gaiam’s yoga practices. Rodney Yee is another instructor who makes DVDs for Gaiam. He also has created meditation programs. If you’d like to try a Vinyasa (or flow yoga), Shiva Rea is very popular. Vinyasa flows a series of yoga poses which raises the heart rate. You need to be quite familiar with the asanas (postures) before attempting Vinyasa and moderately fit for this type of yoga.
Yoga AM-PM with Jane Fonda
For people who are 50 and up (and Boomers may already be the most fit generation as the first to embrace exercise) or younger people who haven’t done an exercise program in a long time, Jane Fonda’s “AM/PM Yoga for Beginners” is a new find. There are five segments; three for the AM and two for PM. Each practice is about 10 to 15 minutes and can be combined anyway you want or done alone. The morning practices are for Abs, Energy and Strength (she uses hand weights while doing standing yoga postures). The afternoon includes Mobility and Relaxation. Just keep in mind, Fonda is in her early 70s and she’s talking while she exercises. She’s fun and personable.
Yoga Sticky Mat, Block, Chimes & Singing Bowl
copyright G G Collins
While you only need a sticky mat for basic yoga, as you move onward in your practice you may want to add blocks for support and a strap for stretching safely. I also like Tibetan chimes (also called cymbals) which come attached to strap. The chime signals the beginning and end of your practice which can help you move into and out of the exercise. There are other chimes that are rung by a striking mallet. And I love using a singing bowl for meditation. The beautiful sound created by the bowl and its wooden mallet helps one focus when entering a meditative state.
Yoga: Mastering the Basics
There are two books about yoga I find very helpful. Yoga: Mastering the Basics by Sandra Anderson and Rolf Sovik, Psy.D. The book is beautifully illustrated and the yoga postures are photographed in black and white with descriptions. It also talks about breath and demonstrates using a neti pot for cleansing the sinuses.
Living Yoga by model Christy Turlington is about the yogi approach to life. Turlington has traveled extensively and this book is about her fascinating journey. She talks about the origins of yoga, pilgrimages, breath, Ayurveda and compassion to name a few. The photographs are gorgeous and her execution of the postures inspiring. My favorite chapter is about Vastu or Sacred Space and how to create it wherever you are. She says: “The Vedas accept imperfection, so in Vastu, we strive to do our best. We pay attention to the power of our environment and the needs of our dosha. If we just do this, we can create our own personal sacred space.”
Wishing you Ahimsa (no harm).
– G G Collins
Filed under: Books, Uncategorized, Yoga Tagged: beginning yoga, Christy Turlington, G G Collins, Gaiam, Jane Fonda, Living Yoga, Patricia Walden, Psy.D., Reluctant Medium, Rod Stryker, Rolf Sovik, Sandra Anderson, Vinyāsa, Yoga, yoga books, yoga DVDs, Yoga: Mastering the Basics
February 4, 2013
Review: The Camino by Shirley MacLaine
***** The Camino is a book I’ve come back to at least 4 times. MacLaine’s book inspired my own interest in walking “the way” when I first read it in 1999. She made her spiritual journey at 60 (and there are many middle-age women walking the Camino de Santiago every year). While it isn’t a day-by-day log–you can get this in other books–it is a series of vignettes, told only as MacLaine can. You get the essence of the Camino with her impressions and experiences along the way. And as a publicperson, these can sometimes be quite difficult encounters.
English: camino de santiago (Photo credit: Wikipedia)The goal: St. Francis Cathedral
This time I’m re-reading her dreams for her take on Lemuria. The first time I skipped the dreams because I was interested in the Camino. Her book Out On a Limb changed the way I look at a lot of things, and opened up possibilities I hadn’t imagined before. The Camino also showed me a challenge yet to be answered and introduced me to lands unseen. I’d put this in my “absolutely love” book category. Buen Camino!
– G G Collins
Filed under: Books, Reviews, Uncategorized Tagged: Basque country, Camino, Religion and Spirituality, Santiago, Shirley MacLaine, Spain, Way of St James
February 1, 2013
New Review for Reluctant Medium
You may read it here and take a look at Sheilagh’s blog. She reviews books and writes them. Check out her A Penny Saved, A Murder Earned.
http://welllread.blogspot.ca/2013/01/book-review-reluctant-medium.html
My thanks for the kind review. G G Collins
Well Read Logo
Filed under: Uncategorized
Book Review: The Lost Civilization of Lemuria
Frank Joseph’s Book on Lemuria
*****I began reading “The Lost Civilization of Lemuria: The Rise and Fall of the World’s Oldest Culture” for background information on my forthcoming book, “Lemurian Medium.” Obviously I was interested or wouldn’t have chosen the subject to write about, but I didn’t really know much past a few quick internet reads.
Frank Joseph is a scholarly writer (he includes an extensive bibliography, photos and maps). I’ve found “The Lost Civilization of Lemuria” not only helpful research for my writing, but a wealth of history. It proposes a different option on where and who the Americas are descended. And he offers insight to geology and continental drift not yet explained by scientists, but under exploration, such as the ocean floor off the cost of Japan–where parts of Lemuria reportedly existed. (You can see videos of this on YouTube)
English: The Lost Continent of Mu, by James Churchward. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Joseph’s books will continue to find their way to my reading table. He’s written several books on Atlantis, the “Advanced Civilizations of Prehistoric America,” and “The Lost Treasure of King Juba.” Joseph is the editor-in-chief of ”Ancient American” magazine.
If you’re interested in ancient history, the continents or Lemuria, this is a fascinating read.
Published by Bear & Company.
– G G Collins
Copyright G G Collins
Filed under: Books, Reviews, Uncategorized Tagged: Ancient American, Frank Joseph, G G Collins, Lemuria, Lemurian Medium, The Lost Civilization of Lemuria, YouTube
January 9, 2013
Crystal Balls: Not Just for Fortune Tellers
Crystal Ball & Fortune Teller, Public Domain
From snow balls to lawn ornaments to crystal balls, gazing balls have been popular for thousands of years. Gazing or scrying is the reading of a ball, mirror or water to gain perception or self-awareness. A reading doesn’t necessarily foretell the future, but may offer insights to your own subconscious. Crystals are chosen for this because they attract energy and are said to intensify and even transmit this energy.
In the upcoming Lemurian Medium, our Reluctant Medium, Rachel Blackstone will use crystals in several ways. She’ll have two with her while traveling the astral plane and use another when she reaches her destination. This necessitated some research. I also purchased an amethyst crystal—but they are available in many shades—about the size of an orange. Amethyst is said to be easier on the eyes, but I chose it because I like the color and it is protective on other planes. It is fantastic to use in photographs. The ball absorbs the colors and textures it is near and creates a beautiful reflective vision that is magic in a photograph.
My Crystal Ball in Warm Colors
Copyright G G Collins
Cleansing the crystal ball is the first thing you must do. Washing with soap and water is one way, but it can be smudged (see our smudging ceremony the first week of December 2012), buried in sea salt or by using sound. Try wind chimes or bells. This step removes energies from the ball which may be latent after it was touched by another person or absorbed angry or unkind energy from a caustic situation such as an argument or the delivery of sad news.
Once the crystal is cleaned, it must be charged. Some scries prefer to charge it in the light of the full moon, but others feel it needs 24 hours in sunlight and moonlight. But at least one expert warned that sunshine could weaken the crystal, actually removing the magnetism and leaving it useless. I usually charge new stones in the moonlight. Whatever you decide, just avoid a cloudy night.
When you are ready to begin your reading, dim the lights in the room or choose candle light. You may even smudge the room. If you wish, you may add a protection ceremony. Setting the crystal on a dark fabric or surface reserved for a reading is recommended. Relax in a quiet room or one with soft background music. At first, hold the crystal to allow it to absorb your energy and to make a psychic connection with it.
Then set it down and begin to focus your eyes on the ball. It’s helpful if you can clear your mind of all concerns and concentrate. Don’t be disappointed if your first experience is without images. It may take several attempts to achieve a successful read.
Same Crystal Ball in Cool Colors
Copyright G G Collins
Think or speak the question you want to ask. What we want to happen is to see a mist fill the crystal. Contemplate the mist and allow it to clear. At this point, images or symbols may emerge. Usually, realistic visions to not occur, but symbolic reflections may. You can write your impressions after the reading when you have time to consider what they signify. Allow the mist to fill the crystal again and erase the visions.
You may also notice colors in the ball. For instance, red may predict something good or bad in the future. Blue is an optimistic color alluding to romance or friendship or success on the job. Green indicates good health and happiness.
Once you’ve finished your read, thank the crystal and place the ball into a protective bag or box to store it. You have completed your first crystal ball reading. At the very least, you had a pleasant and interesting experience and maybe even received the answers you were looking for.
There is so much more to crystal gazing. Here are a few links to learn more:
“The Art of Crystal Ball Gazing” from Emily Gems. www.crystal-cure.com
“Crystal Gazing” Gale Encyclopedia of Occultism & Parapsychology.
“Scrying, Crystal Gazing” by Peggy Jentoft. www.pjentoft.com
Two books that may be helpful. Both are available at Amazon:
Crystal Ball Gazing
by Uma Silbey
Crystal Ball Reading
by Alexandra Chauran
Filed under: Metaphysical Tagged: Alexandra Chauran, charging crystal, cleansing crystal ball, Crystal ball, Crystal Ball Gazing, Crystal Ball Reading, Crystal gazing, Energy, G G Collins, Reading (process), Reluctant Medium, Scrying, spirituality, symbols, Uma Silbey, visions
December 30, 2012
A Blog of a Different Color
Parallel Universe
Public Domain
Because I am a journalist, sometimes I just have to comment, review or just report on issues that move or intrigue me. And since I want to keep Reluctant Medium at Large about my book, fun—and of course, explore the metaphysical—I decided a second blog was necessary.
Although it’s still under construction, please feel free to check it out at:
https://paralleluniverseatlarge.wordpress.com/
I’ll be covering a variety of subjects as they come up. Thanks for reading.
Filed under: Annoucements Tagged: commentary, editorial, G G Collins, issues, New blog, Parallel Universe, reporting, reviews
December 29, 2012
Candle Lighting: A Spiritual Exercise
Our earliest experience with candles is usually one placed on top of our first birthday cake. Can’t remember? Me either. But candles come to symbolize many things as we make our journeys through life.
Candles at St Francis Cathedral, Santa Fe, NM
Copyright G G Collins
Candles have been used in religious ceremonies for centuries. Catholic Churches frequently have tiers of candles. If I’m traveling and learn that a friend is ill or suffered a tragedy, I will find the nearest church and light one for that person. On acatholiclife.blogspot.com, Matthew posted that Catholics light candles for several reasons, but the original purpose was to remember the words: “I am the Light of the World.” Vigil candles are lit to “wait” with someone who may need us and can be accompanied by prayers.
On Friday evening, 18 minutes before sunset, Jewish women light at least two candles for Shabbat. After lighting the candles—for harmony at home—the woman covers her eyes, moves her hands around the candles several times and says the blessing: “Blessed are You, Lord our Good, Ruler of the Universe, who has sanctified us with commandments, and commanded us to light Shabbat candles.”
Couple Lighting Unity Candle, Wikipedia Commons
But candles are used in many religious ceremonies around the world, from customary services to baptismal and memorial services. At some weddings, family members light two candles for the bride and groom. Once the official vows have been declared, the couple takes the lighted candles and together they bring the flame to the Unity candle, symbolizing the union they have just formed.
For me, I like to light candles for people I know who are going through illness or misfortune or traveling. Whenever possible, I’ll add a sage bundle or a stone to my grouping. The ritual helps me focus on this person and send them good thoughts. And I may meditate for a few minutes watching the flame. I’ve collected a number of photos and drawings of candles which I send to my friends letting them know I’m thinking of them. If I know their favorite color, I’ll send a candle of the same.
Always place candles in a safe location and never leave them burning if you are going to sleep. A friend uses battery operated candles to rule out the possibility of a fire. The bonus, you can drop off to sleep watching it. I’ve also moved on from wax to soy, which burns cleaner.
Candles for Friends
Copyright G G Collins
Lighting candles is a comforting thing to do when there is nothing else you can do. My dear friend Tawna got me started. She said when I was about to leave on a long trip: “I’m going to light a candle for you every day until you return.” That was followed by a big hug. It was so thoughtful and honestly, I kept the picture of her candle in my mind throughout the trip. I’ve followed her lead ever since. Thanks Tawna, you’re a true and loving friend.
If you would like to light a candle, but don’t want to use a real one, here’s a Web site where you can light one virtually:
http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/enter.cfm?l=eng
Happy New Year!
Filed under: Metaphysical Tagged: acatholiclife.blogspot.com, Candles, friendship, gratefulness.org, meditate, metaphysical, Shabbat candles, spiritual, Unity candle, Vigil candle
December 21, 2012
Christmas Eve Farolito Walk on Canyon Road in Santa Fe
Farolitos Line the
Roof of La Fonda
copyright G G Collins
It’s Christmas Eve and you’re in Santa Fe. Sunset is fast approaching and the air is frosty. There’s only one thing to do: wrap up warmly and go to the Farolito Walk.
Forget trying to park, get on my shuttle and I’ll drop you off right where it all begins. Throngs of people are walking along side our bus, on other streets, across yards, all headed for the same place; where Canyon Road meets Paseo de Peralta. And here we are. Everybody out!
Notice the farolitos (brown paper bags with sand and a votive candle) lining the street and sidewalks. Now, in Santa Fe these are called farolitos, but most other places refer to them as luminarias. To further confuse the issue, in Santa Fe we call bonfires luminarias. Okay, don’t sweat the details; just enjoy.
This can be a shoulder-to-shoulder event with up to 30,000 people—and their dogs—descending on Canyon Road. Santa Fe’s art centre lives right here and many of the galleries will be open late; doorways of yellow light inviting you in. I absolutely love this yearly procession. You never know what surprise waits to delight you. Most of these are provided by the parade you are a part of; people and dogs draped in Christmas lights. Canine friends may be outfitted with antlers in addition to the brightly colored lights. They don’t seem to mind. There’s always a new take on costuming for the Farolito Walk.
Farolito Walk in Santa Fe (Photo credit: feverblue) Creative Commons
Impromptu carolers burst into Christmas songs and spirituals. Music erupts as drummers pound their instruments marching the length of Canyon Road. Notes float across the cold air from a harp or flute gently reminding you of the season. The galleries, shops and restaurants along the narrow thread are decked out with festive lights and bright red bows. It’s a sensory experience of light, sound and delicious scents.
But don’t leave out taste. To warm up, stop and get a coffee, hot chocolate or cider. Usually one can find cookies for munching—you’ll need energy to walk uphill. Take a few moments and warm your hands at a nearby bonfire, and keep going.
When the lights fade and the music stops, just turn around and do it all over. And when you reach the end of Canyon Road, savor the experience, because it will be another whole year before it happens again. This is Christmas Eve in Santa Fe.
Links to YouTube videos of the Farolito Walk on Canyon Road:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdVRZ2MGjlM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEJLNPDBRkc
Whatever holiday you celebrate, may it be happy and peaceful.
Filed under: On Location in Santa Fe, Uncategorized Tagged: Canyon Road, Christmas Eve, Farolito Walk, G G Collins, On location, Santa Fe New Mexico 
December 16, 2012
Connecticut Shooting Tragedy
In this time of sacred celebration and happy reunions, malevolence insinuated itself and took the lives of 27 people in Newtown. These massacres have become insanely common and remind us that evil can take anyone of us, anytime.
It’s confoundingly difficult to find even one thing good about this heartbreaking tragedy, but it occurred to me that it was the women teachers and school administrators who stepped up, instinctively protecting their “kids.”
These six women were all in their prime: Victoria Soto, Rachel D’Avino, Lauren Rousseau, Dawn Hochsprung, Anne Marie Murphy and Mary Sherlach. Their ages ranged from 27 to 56. Several of them had barely begun their careers and their adult lives.
What must it have been like when the shooting started? Did any of them take even a moment to consider what to do? I don’t believe so. I believe they reacted instantly, running to answer the screams of their children; running into a hail of gunfire. Others herded their charges into closets, classrooms and whatever small corner offered shelter, shielding the children with their own bodies as they faced inconceivable madness.
Connecticut is where some large city dwellers move to obtain a good education for their kids in a safe community, a community like Newtown. Surely, not a single teacher or student at Sandy Hook ever expected to experience a day like December 14, 2012.
For those who believe women cannot be brave, the women of Sandy Hook Elementary have set the record straight forever. Teachers more accustom to giving tests, took the test of their lives last Friday and they met it with the kind of courage Thoreau wrote about in Sounds, the “three-o’-clock in the morning courage.” It is the rarest kind.
by G. G. Collins
Filed under: Editorial, Uncategorized Tagged: Connecticut Shooting Tragedy, courage, Henry David Thoreau, Newtown Connecticut, Sandy Hook Elementary, women heros
December 4, 2012
Interview With Book Character
as told to G G Collins
Reluctant Medium
copyright G G Collins
What is your author like? My author drives me nuts! By the way, her name is G G Collins and I’m her character, Rachel Blackstone. Yes, (yawn) I’m the Reluctant Medium. But back to G G, it’s not the late night writing that annoys me—I’m a night owl too—but all the outlandish stuff she has me do. You know, she thinks it up, but she doesn’t have to do it. I do. In the first book, I had to break and enter, send my car into an arroyo, tramp around Tent Rocks in the middle of the night, all the while coping with bad men and an evil spirit. Geez, and I still had to make all my deadlines. This time, I swear it’s true, she sending me traveling on the astral plane! You know, there is no map available, no app (but I don’t do cell phones anyway) and the auto club has never heard of it. That leaves me hoofing through the whole thing practically in blinders (ooh, too many equestrian references).
Tell me about the place where you live. Santa Fe, New Mexico is known as the City Different, because of its unique adobe architecture. In reality, it’s the city same, because all the buildings look similar with flat roofs and stucco facade. They’re all painted in one of the approved brown colors, although you occasionally see a white house where obviously an independent type lives. But, the high desert climate attracts artists from all over who come to paint the
The Shed, Welcoming on any Day
Courtesy The Shed
beautiful vistas that are Santa Fe. It is a place where people who don’t fit where they were born, can find acceptance being different. I love to hike and ski in the Sangre de Cristos. But mostly, I enjoy eating the spicy southwest foods with friend Chloe. We’re especially fond of The Shed and its yummy margaritas. Oh yes, the food is good too.
What is your family like? This gets complicated. Both parents are dead. My father was killed recently in a car wreck and I don’t think it was an accident. Now, the brother is the mayor, but he’s, well, shall we say unpopular. He cheats on his wife with all the lovely young clerks at city hall. I’m pretty sure he’s runs low and fast with the law, but have no proof. He thinks I’m “unbalanced” and “flaky.” I’m married, currently, but things aren’t going well. After my father died, I took a powder and split town for a few months. Anthony is a documentary producer and is feeling the pangs of those first wrinkles and what his Hollywood connections might think. He medicates with alcohol. I’m not sure it’s going to work out.
Who is your best friend in the world and what is she like? That would be Chloe, who might as well be family, but sometimes friends are better. She’s a very, make that very, successful real estate mogul in a city full of them. Although she’s been married a couple times (I’m not sure how many), she kept the last name of Valdez in the divorce settlement because it seemed to help with selling houses here in the southwest. We’re not entirely opposites, but she’s high-fashion and heels and I’m comfortable in flat shoes I can run in. You never know when you might need to make a hasty exit. Chloe loves to accompany me on journalistic stakeouts, you know mixing with the rift-raft—but she caters it! I mean before she tagged along the first time, I did just fine with green chile cheese burritos and some instant tea. Chloe changed that forever. Oh yes, and I must tell you, she’s into everything that could possibly be called New Age. I mean it, everything. She really embraced this medium thing. I’m not going there, no way.
What is the thing you are most proud of? Definitely following in my father’s footsteps, the family business: reporting. He was an award-winning journalist in New Mexico at the Albuquerque Journal. I write for a magazine with serious liberal leanings. Writing is in our bloodlines, but the brother must have had a transfusion. Oh well (shakes her head), moving on. I love to interview. The most important thing is how you connect with a person to help them feel comfortable and get the best story. But I find the research side engaging too. It’s a “wow” moment when I find that infinitesimal scrap of information that ties it altogether. Pulling it all into a readable story that informs or helps the reader is the final touch. I love it all, but lately things have been a bit strange. I’m searching for normal, you know, before the spirit thing. It creeps me out!
Hot Tub at 10,000 Waves
copyright G G Collins
If you had a day to do anything you wanted, what would you do? That’s a tough one. I’d sleep late, eat something for breakfast slathered in green chile, call Chloe and go skiing. After an afternoon on the slopes, we stop by 10,000 Waves, get a massage and soak in a hot tub. Then on to dinner and of course, I’ll buy the drinks because Chloe always beats me down the mountain. But this never happens all in one day because there is always another deadline to meet. I’d be real happy if all my interviews were on time and my computer doesn’t lock up.
What is your home like? Anthony and I have a bit of a posh place in the hills north of Santa Fe’s downtown. He makes good money, I don’t. He worries about status and since we have been known to “entertain” Hollywood types, he wanted a certain look. I guess you could call it modern southwest for want of a better term. It has clean lines and we have a lovely woman who comes and cares for it. It’s not my thing however. When I lost my mind one night and fled New Mexico, I found a small house in a once elegant neighborhood. Okay, it’s a bit of a dump, but I like it. I feel another change coming on. If there is one thing I like, it’s a fresh start.
Lamps & Flowers in the Plaza
copyright G G Collins
What is your most prized possession? That would have to be my car. I bought it on impulse the night I fled my life. It’s a big, make that BIG, navy Mercury Marquis. The Merc guzzles gas, but is “Ride Engineered” and it is smooth. But oh my, it does not fit Santa Fe’s narrow streets and tight alleys. And just try to park it! Now Chloe hates it. Doesn’t want to be seen in it, and often offers to have it detailed. I admit it is a bit messy. I don’t mean for it to happen, but somehow it fills up with notebooks, tapes (I’m old fashioned, no digital recorders), the remains of meals and whatever clothes might land in the back seat. So there you have it. It’s my declaration of independence.
How would you describe yourself? Haven’t I been describing myself? Oh, I guess that’s kind of rude. Okay, you already know I’m a reporter, with a bad marriage, and a roué for a brother. What you don’t know is that I’m not child friendly and I swear a lot. I eat an awful diet, despite Chloe’s efforts, and I never gain a pound. Now you hate me, right? I take all kinds of risks, professional and personal. That’s probably why I tried to return my father from the great beyond. Unfortunately, I lost concentration for a moment, and another soul slipped through. He’s undoubtedly evil and seems to be angry with my brother. Despite my sparkling relationship with Santa Fe’s so-so mayor, I don’t want him hurt. The disturbing part is that I’m seeing other spirits too. And there is the lone wolf. I don’t know how he fits in. I tell you, this medium stuff is exhausting. I’m sure it’s just a one-time thing. Don’t you?
[image error]
Cover of Stella Dallas
English: Publicity Still from Barbara Stanwyck’s ‘Stella Dallas’, a 1937 film. The role earned her the nomination for an Academy Award for Best Actress. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Where do you work? I write for High Desert Country. It’s located on a one-way street in an old adobe house. It has a fish pond in the yard that we never have time to enjoy, but Julian (my boss) hides the keys to the office in the pond. Everyone in town knows where they are. Julian hired me shortly after he and Stella Dallas (her mother loved Barbara Stanwyck) launched the magazine. The cast of characters includes Shorty, who of course, isn’t, short that is. He’s our photographer and keeps the ancient photocopier working. He reads motorcycle magazines between assignments. But someone new has been added in my absence. Julian’s conservative nephew has come onboard, a product of nepotism, despite the fact that his uncle can’t stand him either. It’s interesting. Stop by anytime, the nice woman across the street bakes goodies for us on a regular basis. You can always watch TV with Stella. She’ll say “hello” when you walk in. Me? I’ll be pounding out a story two desks back.
“Reluctant Medium” available at Smashwords for $.99 with coupon number until December 10th. Enter the coupon code prior to completing checkout at Smashwords: WW77S
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/248836
Filed under: Reluctant Medium Misc., Uncategorized Tagged: 000 Waves Spa, 10, Barbara Stanwyck, character interview, G G Collins, journalism, Reluctant Medium, reporting, Santa Fe New Mexico, Smashwords, Stella Dallas, The Shed, writing
