Fran Friel's Blog, page 6

Oh So Succulent

Flowering in California
I've recently moved to California from New England.  It was a big move, but so worth the effort.  Gawd, I love it here.  The weather alone will keep me happy for a good long time, but there's a lot to like here.  The people are lovely and sweet natured here in the Santa Cruz area, and the ocean is glorious.  Also, I love the plants that grow here.  As a transplant gardener from the Northeast, I'm learning all the new flora and fauna.

I've acquired my first succulent plants and they are already rewarding me with blossoms.  I'm a bit of plant freak, so to me, this is very exciting.  I dote on the plants, visiting with them in the back garden every day, so the blossoms are like nature's reward for my adoration.

I know, I'm a bit of a plant nerd, but the rewards are so cool.
The Blossoms
Oddly enough, these little plants and I are having a mutual flowering.  Since I've been here, I feel like I've come alive.  A dear friend of mine told me that would happen, but I couldn't have imagined how quickly.

Miraculously, my writing is flowing with ease.  This long-overdue blog is proof of that, plus I've got stories, people--STORIES.  Woohoo!

My health is also improving.  I had a four hour dental marathon last week, with more to come.  I'm seeing an awesome acupuncturist who is doing miracles for my knee and hip, so I can hike around this beautiful state and enjoy the beach.  And I'm riding my bike and getting to the gym.  Today I went swimming for the first time in over a year.  It was COLD, but man, it was good.  The pool was filled with munchkins learning to swim--they were very entertaining...and loud.  It was wonderful to see so many kids there, active and full of life.

It's Alive!
That's one of the things I love here is that people are so alive.  Folks of all ages are out walking, biking, surfing, and just being outdoors.  The weather makes that more feasible, but it's also a way of life.  It's inspiring, really.

So, I guess what all this yammering is about, is coming alive.  After years of feeling like I was clawing my way out of a deep hole just to keep my head above the edge of the darkness, I now feel buoyed.  And it feels good.  Fingers crossed that this feeling last a LONG time.

Life is succulent.  Flowers are blooming, and I might just get some publishing done this year.

I have plans for self-publishing in the very near future, so I hope you're still interested in some Friel words and madness.  It's been a while, but I'm on the case.

Thanks for reading, gang.  It's so good to be with you.

Wishing you all Happy Blossoming!

Yours,
Fran   

Reinvention or Vamps Again and Again

Reinvention
I spent a little time on Halloween over at the home of the Secrets of the Seven Scribes.  They're a talented and hardworking bunch of writers, and I was honored to spend some time with them chatting about writing.  The topic at hand is reinvention--not fearing an old theme, but finding a new personal spin for a common idea.  I hope you'll stop over for a little visit and have a quick read.  Hellcow and Alice the Vamp Cat are in the house, so how can you resist? :-)

Visit me at Seven Scribes: Happy Halloween, Scriblings!

Vamp, Vamp
Leopold-Bugs, Looney Tunes/WBI just realized a tenuous and mundane connection between writing about vamps and the concept of reinvention.  And when, I ask you, have I ever shied away from the mundane and the tenuous?  Okay, so when I played musicals back in another lifetime, the set changes were accompanied by what they called a vamp--a little interlude of music played again and again until the stage and the cast were ready to go (note the loose reinvention blog connection between vamp and "again and again" that my continuously wandering mind made here--I know, I need help).  The musical director would indicate to us that we should vamp, or repeat the interlude.

Now, if I were playing a show these days, I'd be sure to have a spare set of fangs ready to flash on cue when the director whispered, "Vamp."  After all, it's called the orchestra pit and it's dark down there, so fangs only seem fitting.  Right?  Hmm...I'm detecting an orchestra pit story trying to form at the edge of my brain.  Dang, it's been done--damned, Phantom of the Opera!  But there is always reinvention, isn't there?  Stranger things have happened.

My continuously wandering brain is at it again...and again.

Anyway, gang, I hope you had a Happy Halloween.  And for the folks in the northeast who were slammed with a freak snowstorm, I hope your power is back on post-haste!

Wickedly Yours,
Fran Friel 

Professionalism in Publishing - Interview at MOD

From http://beautybyella.blogspot.comFFYF at Market of Die

The wonderful and talented, Jennifer Fusco, asked me for a little Yada on the subject of professionalism in the publishing industry.  Pop on over to Market Or Die for a quick read.  Let me know what you think!

Fran Friel on the Industry and Professionalism 

Enjoy!

Wickedly Yours,
Fran Friel

Pain Relief Summit (FREE) - Day Two Update [Yada Health]

Head Exploding by Lilian BurglerPain Relief Summit Update
As I mentioned yesterday in the blog post,  "He don't know me very well, do he?," EFT/Emotional Freedom Technique is a great process for pain relief, stress reduction, and so many other physical and emotional conditions.  The first night of the Pain Relief Summit 2011 was quite good, especially for a FREE event.  So I thought I'd just give you a quick update on this evening's topics.  And remember you writers, artists and athletes, tapping can really help to improve your productivity and help you break through the blocks that stand in your way of ease and success, so it's well worth a look.

Click here for free registration and the current Summit recordings:

http://www.painreliefworldsummit.com

From the Summit email:

Tonight in the red room we have Mary Ayers on:


Anger and Physical Pain: The Hidden Connection  

Margaret Lynch in the greenroom on:

The Unfairness of Pain

At 8pm EST (and for 24 hours afterwards) you'll be able to listen in to these life changing presentations.  Remember, the presentation starts whenever you show up, so don't worry about getting there exactly at 8pm EST.

In Mary's call, she'll cover:

-The hidden connection between anger/rage and pain (and if you don't think you have any anger, then this is a MUST listen to!)

-The two different "camps" when it comes to pain in the body.

-Specific tapping to release anger on a variety of topics

And Margaret will cover:

-How to have your energetic "day in court" to right a wrong

-A quick test to determine if you truly and fully let go of your injuries

-Tapping to move from being a victim to being empowered


Migraine pain humor...or not. Available FREE Until 8PM Tonight

The recording for last night's seminars are available for FREE until 8PM EST tonight (Oct. 4):

Gwenn Bonnell - Basic and Advanced EFT Tapping Techniques for Pain Relief

Stacey Vornbrock - Tapping Protocols for Injuries, Accidents, Falls, Surgery and more...

I listened to both talks and they were excellent.  Gwenn Bonnell offered great advice on more advanced techniques to improve the efficacy of tapping, and the best circumstances in which to use them.  Stacey Vronbrock (a sports performance specialist) offered a specific (and VERY thorough) protocol for pre and post-surgery tapping.

So there you have it.  I hope you've found this helpful.  Please do let me know what you think.

Enjoy!

Wickedly Yours,
Fran Friel

PS - I have no connection to the folks leading this summit (ie. not getting paid, etc.).  I'm just sharing this info with you because it's been such a help to me and my family.  Just sayin'... :-)  More fundamental info on EFT can be found at:  http://www.eftuniverse.com/

"He don't know me very well, do he?" [Yada Health]

 http://favoritmovies.blogspot.com
Tweetie and Me
Sylvester always underestimated Tweetie, didn't he?  The little yellow guy seemed small and fragile, but he was so much more than he appeared to be.  Well, there's more to me, as well.  One of the many things you may not know about me is that for nearly two decades, I was in private practice as a holistic therapist.  I'm a graduate and former faculty member of the internationally renown, Barbara Brennan School of Healing.  Um, is that the first sound of readers stampeding for the door?  I understand---you've loved me for my good looks and nasty horror writing, right?  Not this airy-fairy crap.

Well, it's true.  I am a card carrying, tree-hugging, granola eating, holistic therapy practicing, SF/H/F writing wackjob, grasshopper (see I Am Not An Ant), but I hope you'll stick around despite my mad ways.  In fact, part of what has urged me to move into a broader range of blogging, is that I see so many people suffering these days, whether it's health, financial stress, or emotional upset.  The world just seems to be in crazyville overdrive, and I'd like to help whether to entertain and distract you for a few minutes, or provide a helpful resource.

Risky Business
I  know this goes against popular belief in the blogging world of narrowing ones focus/blogging topics, but I know stuff that might help my readers, and I feel like it would be selfish not to share.  Simple as that.  And I want you to share, too.  If you know something awesome, put it in the comments section, or email me if you're shy.

So, as you can see, part of my catalyst for expanding the Yada Feast into more "yada, yada," is to share what I know and what I discover that can help your life and your happiness.  As writers, readers, artists, IT people, or whatever your vocation, feeling better helps us do whatever we do, better. 

Amazing
Well, I've fluffed on enough about me.  What I wanted to share with you is a simple technique I learned about over a decade ago, but have only just begun to practice...and I would add, with amazing results.  The process is a meridian tapping exercise (similar to acupuncture) called EFT, or Emotional Freedom Technique.  It's excellent for reducing or eliminating physical pain and emotional disturbances, such as stress, depression, anger issues and anxiety.  It's been used extensively and very effectively for Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD) for Veterans.

The following video is mind-blowing, showing results of EFT for Vets with severe PTSD:



The process is simple and once you know the basics, you can jump right in.  There are thousands of sites and videos on the subject of EFT, but I'll provide a few of the essentials so you can know where to start.  The founder of the current practice of EFT is Gary Craig, who has recently retired and passed the reigns to his daughter.  Their site is jammed with excellent info:

EFT Home - EFT Universe - http://www.eftuniverse.com/

Excellent Videos - http://www.eftuniverse.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5&Itemid=8

Intro to Tapping (2011 Tapping World Summit) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O80txQ6MLFE

From http://bikerkid.glogster.com/tweety-pie/TONIGHT!
One of reasons I posted this blog today is that tonight (October 3, 2011), a FREE teaching event begins-- The Pain Relief World Summit 2011 .  I've seen the intro and it looks excellent and would probably be a great intro for those just discovering this process.  So do have a look, even if you're a little bit curious.

The event covers four days and is available online FREE for the 24 hours following each day's seminar.  Follow the link for more info and to register (FREE): http://painreliefworldsummit.com/

If you register before 8PM EST tonight, you'll get an email link with a more in depth introduction.  Sorry, I didn't get this info to you sooner, but remember the seminar sessions will be free for 24 hours each day.  If you want access to the recordings after that, you'll have to pay (a reasonable fee) for the CDs or the downloadable version.

Judith Frost
I've been working with a great therapist who uses EFT in her sessions.  Because of my background with the therapeutic process and in the field of holistic medicine, I've seen and done a lot of personal work over the years.  EFT has, by far, been the most effective and lasting process I've ever experienced.  It's been a huge help with my depression--far more effective than anything else I've tried.  And for you writers and creative folk out there, EFT is awesome for writer's block!  I hope to teach a seminar on this subject sometime next year.

If EFT sounds interesting to you, and you happen to be looking for a therapist, give Judith Frost a call.  She's a superb and gifted licensed therapist.  Because of today's technologies, like Skype, she can work with you anywhere in the world.

So there you have it gang.  It's just a tiny bit of info, but hopefully it has whetted your appetite for more.  If you have any questions, just ask.  If I can't answer them, I'll do my best to find a person or a place where you can get them.

Enjoy the journey!

Wickedly Yours,
Fran Friel

I Am Not An Ant [Yada Changes]

 1919 illustration of Aesop's Fables by Milo Winter...Get to work!Happy Sunday, kids!  I hope you've had a great week.  Autumn has FINALLY arrived here in New England, and like the new crispness in the air, change is afoot here at FFYF.
Since I am a woman of diverse interests, I've decided to blog them ALL here...hence the Yada part of the Yada Feast.  I've contemplated separate blogs (health, art, movies, nature, and of course, writing), but heck, let's face it, that's too much work, and despite my rigorous upbringing and work ethic indoctrination by my intense (and wonderful) German-American family, I am not an ant (reference to The Ant and the Grasshopper story, an Aesop's Fable).  I, my friends, am a grasshopper with ant-heavy training.  I am also a Gemini, both factors which cause more than their share of internal conflict.  "I need a break...No, get to work!" "I'm really tired...No, you're just a lazy sack of cheese.  Get to work!" "Wow, what a beautiful day...Quit your lolly-gagging around.  Now, get to work!"  Um, you get the picture...and the sound of the fun voices in my head. 
ANYWAY, in sharing all of my diverse madness, er, interests here at the Yada Feast, I run the risk of scaring some of you away, or even causing offense, but I really hope not.  I love you all, and this crazy little corner of the Internet just wouldn't be the same without you.  But a girl's gotta follow her heart, right?  Besides politics (WAY too divisive these days), pretty much all other topics are on the table--basically whatever happens to tumble out of my head on a given day.  Writing, books and the publishing world will still be my main focus, but there's much more rattling around in my cavernous brain (btw, that does not infer size, rather a rather hollow space)...and there are things you don't know about me. *grins*
The Caveat One way I can help you to decide whether to spend your valuable time reading a particular post at the FFYF, is to add subject caveats, like [Yada Books], [Yada Art], [Yada Nature], [Yada Movies], [Yada Interviews], [Yada Tech], etc.  You get the idea, right?  What do you think?  Let me know.  I'd love to hear your thoughts, suggestions, concerns, compliments [Yada Wink].
So, I'll be starting off the next blog with a topic close to my heart, [Yada Health]!  I do hope you'll stop by next time and discover a "secret" piece of information (well, little known, anyway) about my past, along with a topic that may be of tremendous value to you and those you love.  It has been a huge help for my family and for me!
Well, that's it for now.  I hope I've piqued your curiosity a bit.  I'll look forward to your thoughts and ideas.
Have a great week!
Wickedly Yours,Fran Friel

Market Or DieMarket Or Die, that's the name of wunderkind...

Market Or Die
Market Or Die , that's the name of wunderkind, Jennifer Fusco's, small but mighty book.  Great title and fabulous looking book, isn't it?  
Marketing, or "branding," for writers, artists and independent publishers is becoming ever more vital with the lightening rise of the ebook market.  Jennifer's timely offering and the follow-ups , How to Use the Power of Your Brand, and Integrated Marketing Plans for Writers (due for publication, January 2012) addresses the importance of selling yourself, as well as how to find your way through the mire of social media and marketing madness out in the big bad world.
As a Brand Manager for the international business giant, General Electric, Jennifer knows a thing or two about the complicated business of marketing.  So, be sure to take a look.  I suspect you'll find this book and its lovely sister volumes an important part of your plans for marketing world domination.
Enjoy!

About the Author [from her blog, Market or Die]:  Jennifer Fusco is the Creative and Brand Manager for the General Electric Company, North America and the author of the Amazon.com bestselling series, MARKET OR DIE, marketing books for writers.

A two time winner of the Advertising Excellence Award for 2010, Jennifer has launched successful national print and digital ad campaigns. Currently, she is a member of the (ANA) Association of National Advertisers and believes brand building is a key to professional success. 
Click here to read more about Jennifer!
Wickedly Yours,Fran Friel

Happiness and the Hurricane

Happiness After Irene

Well, gang, it appears that we made it through Irene and the freak east coast quake that preceded it. We got pounded here on the Connecticut shoreline, but I'm pleased to say, our home sustained no damage and our power never failed (thank you, CT United Illuminating!). It was a long night and I'm still catching-up on sleep, but besides getting in a lot of Netflix viewing, I also spent time contemplating the value of simple pleasures in life that were threatened by the storm, such as the miracle of running water that comes to my house every day, and the lights that make it possible for me to read at 4AM when I'm not sleeping, not to mention the giant box in my kitchen that keeps food (and the occasional beer) cold and ready for easy consumption. Wow, it's actually a pretty miraculous life for so many of us. Hence, the subject of happiness is on my mind.

Relativity

Happiness often seems so darn relative, doesn't it? When we're in a job that doesn't thrill us, we complain and often simply hate everything about it. But have the threat of our job being lost, and suddenly that job seems pretty darn good. It pays the bills and allows that big cold box in the kitchen to get filled up regularly. Yup, our perspective certainly changes things. That's not to say that we should stay in sucky jobs, but it does illustrate how relative happiness can be.

I often think about how happy my dog is about simple things. She's thrilled when I open a can of dog food to mix with her kibble. Oh my god, you would think prime rib was being served. Or there's her perpetual joy in greeting me at the door. "I'm so glad you're home, Fran. You're the best, most wonderful thing in all the world...and so is my bone." You just can't beat a dog for happiness training. She's still trying to teach me her Dog Zen ways, but Irene helped give me some perspective.

So, I guess what I'm trying to say is, give happiness a little face time. Give it some attention. Perspective is everything. If something in your life sucks, change it, but in the meantime, give it another look from a different angle. Maybe you'll see something you didn't notice before. Just sayin'.

Smarter people than little ole me are doing good things on this subject (pretty funny, too!):

Happiness Before Success



Okay, now Happy Dance with me. Come on, you can do it. I won't tell!

Wickedly Yours,
Fran

Note: Thanks to The Hub at the Monroe Institute for the TED Talk link!

Book Review: Catching the Big Fish

Hey, gang! I know it's been a while, but I haven't forgotten you, I promise. I've missed you and I've missed blogging, so I was writing a quick book review over at Goodreads and saw that I could share it here. I thought that would be a good way to say Howdy here at the Yada Feast and restart our conversation (again). I hope you've been well and I also hope you enjoy this quirky little book review.

See you soon!

Hugs from CT,
Fran

PS - If you're at Goodreads, let me know--drop me an invite. Let's be nerdy book buddies! ;-)

Catching the Big Fish: Meditation, Consciousness, and Creativity by David Lynch

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


David Lynch shares insights into the creative process, film making and how meditation, specifically Transcendental Meditation, has helped to shape his work and his life. Catching the Big Fish is a little book with tight chapters offered in a Lynch-esque stream of consciousness style. Like tiny tasty bites in a modern gourmet restaurant, he feeds his readers interesting thoughts and insights, leaving us satisfied (perhaps even dazzled) but not quite full. Highly recommended for Lynch fans for fascinating tidbits of info about his films, and also for anyone seeking a deeper path into the creative process and life. Not recommended for folks who consider meditation, etc. "airy-fairy"--the book will likely annoy you. :-) The proceeds of the book go to the DavidLynchFoundation.org for education.



View all my reviews



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Gary Braunbeck All Class

CLASSY CLASSNESS

I just got word on this folks and I'll waste no time in sharing it with you, except to say that if I didn't already have a commitment, I'd be jumping on this opportunity myself. Gary Braunbeck is not only a brilliant author, he is a superb teacher, gifted and dedicated beyond belief (I've experienced this first hand). If you're a serious writer who wants to learn from a master storyteller/teacher, you will contact Michael Knost for the details immediately!

And it's only a hundred bucks!

Don't miss this:

New Online Writing Course with guest teacher Gary A. Braunbeck (week three).

We are accepting ten students for this course...only six slots remain...first come, first serve.

Class One: Choosing the Right Title for Your Story
Tuesday, December 21, 2010 – 9:00 p.m. (Eastern)

Class Two: Motivation
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 – 9:00 p.m. (Eastern)

Class Three: Character & Emotion (guest speaker: Gary Braunbeck)
**Students will turn in a short story (up to 5000 words) for critique.**
Tuesday, January 4, 2011 – 9:00 p.m. (Eastern)

Class Four: Story Critiques
Tuesday, January 11, 2011 – 9:00 p.m. (Eastern)


The cost of the course is $100.00.

To sign up, please send PayPal payment to:

mikecollinsemail@yahoo.com

Remember, when using PayPal, click:

Send money > Personal > Other

Thanks!
Michael Knost


Only SIX slots left, gang. Give yourself THE best holiday gift EVER!

Ho-Ho-Ho...

Wickedly Yours,
Fran Friel





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